Our award from the National Youth Agency! High Peak Community Arts has achieved a national award in recognition of our commitment to listen to and act on the views of young people and involve them in our decision making processes.

The National Youth Agency Hear by Right Award was launched in 2010 to provide organisations that put young people’s voices at the heart of service delivery and development with the opportunity to gain national recognition for their achievements.

The Award is evaluated at three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and we have achieved recognition at Silver level, one of only four organisations across the country to hold this level.

Our chair of trustees, Dawn Bryan commented “We are delighted that our work with young has received national recognition.  It is vital that we listen to and act upon their ideas, so that they are empowered in all walks of life.”

We’ve challenged ourselves to find roles for young people in all areas of the organisation, from working in the office on Work Experience placements, to evening meetings where they decide on the direction of projects, and even active fund raising to keep projects going.  It’s important for a young person to be able to take part in whatever way works for them – whether it’s a one off experience at a community event, weekly participation on a project or even developing leadership skills and helping their peers.

Billy Lancaster, a member of our Shout Action team, said “It is interesting to see how decisions are made, and sometimes it’s good to get your views across on things that you think are working or not working.  It’s good.”

Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, says:  “Embedding youth participation into the development of services is not only best practice, but vital to ensuring provision is relevant to local needs.

“Many congratulations on achieving our Silver Hear by Right Award, which really demonstrates your commitment to young people’s active involvement within your organisation.”