Our previous work

We have worked on the following projects in the last couple of years:

101 ways to feel good

This was an idea from a teenager to provide tips to young people who are feeling anxious or down, or had a friend who was struggling. YEA Members held a conference to ask more young people what things would help them to feel good and these were turned into posters to display in schools and community centres. You can read the full list online.

Mental Health

The Mental Health project group’s aims were to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health in Essex, by developing resources for schools and youth groups. A Wellbeing Music Festival was organised working in partnership with Essex Music Services which took place in June last year.

Discrimination

The discrimination project group’s aim was to make more people in Essex aware of the consequences of discrimination, offering solutions to tackle the problem such as campaigns, posters, videos and presentations.

Post 16

The project group's aims were to improve the transition stage from GCSE to further education such as A-levels and apprenticeships by signposting to good advice and guidance.

Sexual Health

This group felt that more could be done to inform young people about sexual health and relationships and aimed to create good resources for schools and youth groups.

Transport

The transport project group wanted to make transport more affordable and accessible for young people in Essex. In November 2018 a Transport Consultation was held at one of YEA Sittings and the Members met with the main Essex Transport providers. One of our members as a result of the consultation helped negotiate the opening of a new bus route that would benefit young people in Colchester.

Youth Music Festival

The YEA worked with Essex Music Services and held a festival on the 30th June 2018 in Central Park, Chelmsford. The aim during the festival was to raise awareness of mental health.

As well as music being played all day on the main stage, there was a wide range of activities which were enjoyed and promoted good emotional wellbeing. The activities that took place included photo booth, mind, youth service, volunteering opportunities, NCS, healthy living, smoothie bikes, craft and wellbeing activities, climbing wall, bouncy castle, graffiti wall and circus skills. The YEA members and the Youth Voice Champions helped to make this an exciting, successful event.