Three Rivers Housing have now given the opportunity to young people living in and around our estates by forming a Youth Area Panel. The Young people who applied from our advert in the Bridge Magazine are from Brandon, Bowburn, Sherburn Road, Gateshead and Gilesgate. We aim to involve as many young people in our areas in the decisions that Three Rivers makes. It aims to provide a regular way for these young people to make their voices heard. We also had support from Brandon Youth Club Youth Worker Julie O’connor and Pelaw View Community Association volunteers Lisa Bentham and Kelly Jones.

Three Rivers wishes "to ensure views of younger people are actively sought and used to inform the planning and delivery of relevant services". In establishing a method of participation the views of young people will be easier to access and we can ensure we carry out meaningful consultation with young stakeholders. In turn the delivery of our services will improve and be more effective and more relevant to young people.
"It's important for young people to have their voices heard as we have our own views on how things are and our opinions will shape the future. Young people are human beings like everyone else and deserve an opinion. To add to this with all the negative press and issues surrounding young people in these times, something needs to be done about it and the idea behind the youth advisory panel is definitely a step in the right direction. I look forward to the challenges ahead."
On talking to the young people after the first meeting had finished, comments were positive and people felt it was a very good initiative and all will benefit.