Our Local Influencing Learning Programme has been created to help Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services develop the skills they need to make a bigger impact in the communities they serve.
Exclusively open to full Youth Access members, the programme will bring together professionals from across the country to take an action learning approach to developing influencing skills.
Places are available for up to two people from a limited number of organisations, so apply today to secure your place - find out how at the bottom of this page.
Deadline for applications is Tuesday 5 September.
Who is the programme for?
The Local Influencing Learning Programme is aimed at Youth Access members working with partners on change projects aiming to improve life for young people in their area.
You’ll be part of a supportive group of Youth Access members working across the country. Alongside regular check-ins and one-to-one support from our facilitator, every two weeks there will be an action learning session with the whole group to help with problem solving and to provide peer support.
Examples of projects you might be working on include:
- Building a group of youth activists
- Developing a consortium bid to deliver a new service
- Working with a new group of trustees
- Taking a seat on your local Integrated Care Board
- Delivering some local research for your council
- …or any other influencing project for the benefit of young people
Whatever it is you’re planning, programme facilitators and participants will be here to help you along the way.
What's in it for me and my organisation?
Influencing local change and navigating the complexities of working with multiple local stakeholders can be challenging and time consuming.
We already know that members do so much to influence their local decision makers and to secure investment, services and support for young people.
Whether you already do a significant amount of local influencing, or if you're just starting out, this programme is for you.
By participating in the project you’ll get:
- Access to a supportive community helping you to solve problems and find new approaches
- Help and guidance to objectively assess your approach and measure outcomes
- The opportunity to build lasting connections with other members of the national YIACS community
What’s ‘Action Learning’?
Action Learning is a process that involves a small group working on real problems and learning as individuals, as a team, and as an organisation.
The process involves taking action and reflecting on the results in order to learn and improve.
The Action Learning methodology helps organisations to develop creative, flexible and successful strategies to solving problems.
What does the programme involve?
The timeline for the programme is outlined below.
We will host two online information sessions before the application deadline to answer any questions about the programme.
Participants must ensure they are able to attend the introductory session on Monday 18 September, the five hour-long Action Learning Sessions in October and November, and the participant review session on Monday 11 December.
- Wednesday 19 July: Expressions of interest open
- Wednesday 2 August 0930-1030: Information session for potential applicants.
Click to Register - Wednesday 23 August 1600-1700: Information session for potential applicants.
Click to Register - Tuesday 5 September: Deadline for applications
- Thursday 7 September: Successful applicants informed
The programme consists of seven online group sessions - please check you can attend every session before applying.
- Tuesday 26 September 1000-1200: Group Introductory Session
- Wednesday 4 October 1400-1500: Action Learning Session One
- Wednesday 18 October 1100-1200: Action Learning Session Two
- Wednesday 1 November 1200-1300: Action Learning Session Three
- Wednesday 15 November 1000-1100: Action Learning Session Four
- Wednesday 29 November 1300-1400: Action Learning Session Five
- Thursday 7 December 1100-1300: Participant Review Session
Why is Youth Access running this programme?
We have spent a significant amount of time this year talking to our members and finding out more about their local influencing work, the challenges they face and what we can do to help.
Our members told us that they would value more opportunities to learn together and collaborate on projects.
The Local Influencing Learning Programme is our response to your feedback.
Next steps
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete a short application form DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM
- Get a senior manager or your Chief Executive to sign the application (if you are not the Chief Executive)
- Email it to r.b.crellin@gmail.com by Monday 4 September
Want to know more? If you have questions about the programme, email r.b.crellin@gmail.com or attend one of our information sessions listed above.