Who are we?
We are young people who live or study in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Each year we ask young people in Great Yarmouth about the issues that matter to them.
We then take action through campaigning, lobbying, advocacy, hosting events and commissioning services.
We work with adult professionals in our community to ensure that young people have a say in decisions that affect them.
Get involved!
Want your voice heard?
Want to make a difference?
The YAB is open to all young people aged 11-19 (up to 25 with a disability) who live or study in Great Yarmouth.
Send us an email at GYYAB@map.uk.net or get in touch with lead youth worker Karla at KarlaGeorge@map.uk.net / 07795 265195 to find out more about how you can get involved.
Young Commissioners
Members of the YAB are called Young Commissioners.
We meet regularly, and work together to make a positive difference in our communities.
Young Commissioners can take part in training, attend residentials, and have the opportunity to meet other young people and make new friends. There is never any cost, and food and transport is provided.
Covid-19
Until further notice, no face to face YAB groups & events will be taking place. We believe this is the best decision to keep everyone safe.
We ran a #CookForYourMind campaign to promote healthy eating and improved mental health during lockdown, and we now have a weekly schedule of activities including a youth action group, a social meeting, and a yoga session designed by and for young people. Get in touch if you’d like to join!
Our Priorities
- Youth Voice
- Mental Health
- Bullying and kindness
- Anti-Social Behaviour & Drugs and Alcohol
- Transport
Level Up! Gaming Event
Young people in Great Yarmouth said that loneliness can have a serious effect on their mental health.
Last November, Young Commissioners organised Level Up!, a gaming festival to bring young people together and raise awareness of youth loneliness and the importance of looking after your mental health.
Many young people who came to the gaming event wanted to attend again – so the Young Commissioners have decided to make Level Up! an annual event.
Bullying and Kindness Campaign
The YAB has been working on a campaign to investigate how schools in the borough tackle bullying and learn more about kindness-based approaches other schools have used to deal with the core of the issue.
We are continuing to advocate for kindness and empathy for young people and between young people in Great Yarmouth.
Mental Health First Aid
Many young people in Great Yarmouth told us that they are struggling with their mental health, but don’t know who to approach for help.
The YAB commissioned YMCA to deliver free, accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid courses to professionals who work with young people from schools and other organisations.
Empowering Young People Through Youth Work
We know how important youth work is to young people in Great Yarmouth – it gives young people more to do, and provides safe spaces to learn and make friends.
So we commissioned YMCA Norfolk to set up Peacemakers, a detached youth work project, and the Bike Hub, where young people can learn how to fix and maintain their bikes while learning about safe bike practice and hanging out.
The YAB has also supported The Chill Spot, an open-access youth club for young people aged 10-15.
Check out the Norfolk Youth Advisory Boards Newsletter to find out more about our work.