Derbyshire Youth Network

The Derbyshire Youth Network (DYN) links together student voice groups from schools and colleges and young people from community youth groups, to develop a wide network to hear the views of young people from across the county.

The network provides support and opportunities for young people to engage with senior managers, our decision makers, and other local, regional and national agencies. The DYN is also a platform for young people to be involved in influencing future priorities and service planning.

Initially this was a virtual model. From consultation responses, we discovered that young people would like some face-to-face contact, so post COVID-19, we have increased our in-person engagement.

Surveys

The DYN network has published 3 surveys:

• impact of COVID-19
• jobs, careers and other opportunities
• climate change and sustainability

Our most recent survey received responses from 1,481 young people across the county, highlighting their interest in climate action and the issues, responsibilities, and preferred ways for young people to receive information, advice and guidance on this topic.

The DYN has facilitated countywide events at County Hall, Matlock, bringing together groups from across Derbyshire to feed into the 'Your Council, Your Voice' annual consultations, along with a live online event to contribute to the East Midlands devolution proposals.

Young people from the network are supported to work with colleagues to review and contribute towards our projects. An example of this is the Derbyshire 'My Life, My View' (MLMV) survey, where groups of young people are reviewing current survey questions and offering their lived experience of the significance of these.

We also work closely with national and regional agencies such as the Children's Commissioner, Council for Disabled Children, Derbyshire police and Crime Commissioner and Active Derbyshire, to support their work and share their consultations via the DYN, providing quantitative and in-depth qualitative data, allowing opportunities for young people to have their say on issues which affect them and their communities.

We ensure young people receive feedback via their educational settings and community groups on the projects they have taken part in and the impact of their participation.

If you're a young person, or you know a young person, who has a topic we should be asking other young people across Derbyshire about, complete our short form and let us know how you think we should focus our next survey.