Join Jonathan!

Article by Rossie Ashton

BBC Newcastle's Jonathan Miles has had 3 Keyfund groups in recently and has so enjoyed hearing about the great projects young people do with Keyfund he has pledged to become a Community Panel Member, sittting on panels to hear more good news first hand. Do you want to join him?

Following a huge increase in interest and support from the Royal Wedding Gift Fund, Keyfund is looking for members of the public to become ‘Community Panel Members’, listening to young people demonstrate what they’ve learned in planning a project of their choice. If the 11-25 year olds taking part can show they’ve developed skills they can secure the money to make their project happen (just think of it like a less scary “Dragons Den!”). Staff at Keyfund think it is really important that young people have the opportunity to meet members of the community and be challenged by their questions. They need positive role models to help them build their aspirations for their own futures.

Keyfund provides disadvantaged young people in the region with personal and social development opportunities by providing support and resources for them to design, develop and carry out a series of projects. This enables them to reach their potential, raise their aspirations and make positive contributions to their communities. All too often we hear negative stories about young people. We ask you to challenge these perceptions and see what positivity there is in our region. Do something to make you feel proud!

All it takes is attending a one-off short evening training session and then to sit on your first panel. There are training sessions and panel days throughout the summer in Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead and Darlington. Panels have an electric atmosphere and seeing young people celebrate success and really achieve something they have worked hard for is a truly memorable experience.

It doesn’t end there. There are further opportunities to take part as a more regular panel member in future. Each panel takes about an hour and happens wherever the young people chose. You could choose to sit on panels near to where you work or live – there is no minimum or maximum time commitment.

We have training and dates at the following times & locations:

• Gateshead and Newcastle Training 11th July 5.30-8.30pm & Gateshead Panels 18th July 3.00-7.00pm at Gateshead Youth Council and Newcastle Panels 18th July 3.00-7.00pm at Excelsior Academy
• Darlington Training 27th July 5.30-8.30pm & Darlington Panels 29th 3-7pm

If you’d like to get involved in this unique, rewarding and fun experience please contact Keyfund on 0191 261 4029 or theteam@keyfund.org.uk. Or you can download our application form below, complete it and return to Keyfund. We look forward to meeting you there!