YEUK Midlands Event

I decided to hold a follow-up event, to the Youth Friendly MP Campaign, in Worcester on the 10^th October, at the University of Worcester. The aim of the event was to bring together organisations, and young people together, to discuss 'issues' in Worcestershire. The event was varied and contained lots of different elements. I did this, so that the young people had lots of different options. There was something for everyone!

 

The event started with a presentation, by myself, about YEUK. This was followed by a presentation from HSBC UK about their graduate programmes. This was targeted at the graduates, in the room. A panel element followed, so that young people could ask a variety of panellists questions. The panel included: Robin Walker MP, Alex Quang from O2 Think Big, Craig Bateman from Worcestershire Youth Council, Matt....from Worcestershire Hub, Tom...from the YMCA, Andreea...a linguistic consultant, and Alex from HSBC UK. I tried to make the panel as varied as possible, so the young people could ask a variety of questions on issues such as: volunteering, project funding, politics, minimum wage etc. The young people were a little reluctant to ask questions, but I had a few prepared! A team building exercise followed. The aim of this activity was to promote teamwork and to develop presentation skills. The young people had five minutes to make an animal out of materials and to come up with a one minute pitch. They then pitched to the panel, to decide on prize winners. The evening ended with free-networking, free food and drink and music.

 

With the help of Sylvia, I applied to O2 Think Big funding of £300. If you think creatively, then this is more than enough money. I got the venue for free (as it is my university). I spent £80 on prizes and materials for the team building exercise. I also spent £65 on food and £65 on advertising materials. I am not very good at creating advertising materials, so this is why I paid for materials, but I would like to develop this skill for future events. I would also advise on ordering less food than people that sign up for the event. 65 people signed up, 45 attended, and I ordered food for 35 people.

 

I thought the event went really well. I was nervous about attendance, but it was good! I got positive feedback, from the panellists, and some pointers that I could work on. Some of these included: explaining the relevance of each event element better and possibly making the networking more structured.

 

In the future, I would like to be able to apply for the next tier of O2 Think Big funding. With this, I would like to set up CV workshops.

 

My advice would be to just go for it! Try to partner with student societies and ask if you can have things for free in return for doing something. Make your event varied and free food will always get young people there!!