Frequently asked questions

Q:  How can you be sure that what your membership does is worthwhile?

A:   We are very confident in the history and tradition of youth work (did you know that Youth Work originated in the voluntary sector and that the ‘educational’ force comes out of the social and recreational association?) and the fact that the majority of all youth work is still undertaken by voluntary and community groups and organisations. Local people meeting local, specific needs by freely contributing their time and skills is the essence of the work. In addition to offering information, support and building capacity, Young Suffolk is working with some of its members on Quality Standards that will demonstrate the ‘added value’ of their work to funders and partners. Eight groups already have this ‘kite mark’ and it will be available to all. If you would like to know more about Quality Standards, and the areas of work that it covers, contact Jacqui Wilkinson, Quality Standards Worker.

Q:  What are your plans for the future?

We realise that Young Suffolk needs to develop in order play our important part in the future of integrated Youth Services and work is under way to ensure that we have the capacity to do this by April 2007.  To see Young Suffolk's vision for the future please click here

Q:  Who does what in your organisation?

A:   Details of our permanent and project staff and their roles are in the All About Us section.

Q:  How do you work with the new Youth & Connexions Service Management Team (orYCxMT for short!)?

A:  We are heavily involved in the planning and interim stages of the new Service and will contribute the distinct role, knowledge, experience and expertise of the voluntary youth sector to the new Service, and to the delivery of Youth Matters and the Youth Offer. Our Chief Executive attends meetings of the YCxMT and has a key role to play. And importantly, the secondment of a member of the County Council Youth Service staff to Young Suffolk at this time demonstrates the commitment of the new Service to Young Suffolk by strengthening our staff capacity, sharing resources and promoting partnerships.

Q:  What are Community ‘clusters’ and how are they relevant to me?

A:  Clusters are the localities/communities around a group (usually 2, maybe 3) of High School pyramids, eg West Ipswich Cluster is made up of the catchment areas of Claydon, Thurleston and Westbourne High Schools. There are 18 of these clusters in Suffolk and they are the areas in which the operational planning and delivery of Childrens and Young People’s services will happen. Multi-agency teams of workers in each cluster will work together to ensure that local needs are met and the cluster work plan delivered. From a Young Suffolk membership perspective it will mean that you work with a cluster youth team/group that includes a Youth Worker, a Connexions worker, Youth Support worker etc. The VCS member of the team will liase with all local voluntary groups and be informed enough to represent them on the cluster multi-agency youth group. For more information on ‘clusters’ and Young Suffolk involvement and representation in the future please contact Jacki Buckle , our Liaison and Development Officer, on 01473 744957.

Q:  How can I keep up with current legislation and all the changes happening at local and national level?

A:   As an individual group it would be very difficult but as a member of Young Suffolk you can rely on its ability to act as a conduit of all available information and to filter and communicate relevant information to you. We do this by regular Newsletter - Network (4 times a year), an electronic bulletin - Stop Press (every 2 weeks), and by FLASHeMAILS when urgent information is received. The more we know about your organisation (improved membership application this year) the more we can forward to you as relevant information. Of course, the opposite applies and we are always pleased to receive and communicate your views and information, and ensure that these are passed on.

Q:  What is your relationship with SCYP?

A:   Suffolk Clubs for Young People is a county-wide infrastructure organisation for small voluntary youth clubs (mostly in rural areas). The paid officer of SCYP is a Trustee of Young Suffolk and we work in a complementary way. Negotiations are currently underway to integrate SCYP with Young Suffolk. If successful the resulting single organisation could mean stronger representation for the voice of more young people in Suffolk and improved support and information services for local voluntary and community youth organisations

Q:  Can you help with funding?

A:  As an infrastructure organisation we are aware of current funding streams and possible sources of funding and can filter the appropriate information to you. We do this by our newsletter - Network, electronic Bulletins - Stop Press, and FLASHeMAILS. Funding events and training are also offered periodically and if we know of your specific requirements we can direct you to the funding specialists of partner organisations. For more information please contact us.

Q:  How can my group obtain charitable status?

A:  You need to have a management committee and constitution before you can form a voluntary organisation. The object of the organisation should not be profit making and you need to apply to the Charities Commissioner 0870 3330123 www.Charity-commision.uk. 

Q:  Can members hire rooms at Castle Hill?    

A:  Yes!  We have great facilities here at Castle Hill.  Please call the main reception at Castle Hill on 01473 747053 for more information.

Q:  We want to display our marketing material but haven't got a stand - can you help? 

A:  Yes! Please contact us for more information

Q:  Do you provide training? 

A:  We are currently working on reforming our training programmes to dove-tail with the training opportunities currently offered through the new Suffolk Youth and Connexions Service. These opportunities are free at the point of delivery and brilliant for networking with statutory sector partners and workers who are receiving the same training at the same time. We have similar arrangements with other Suffolk VSC Infrastructure organisations (eg SAVO, Suffolk ACRE) .  For more information on training please check out our Stop Press Bulletins and visit our website for all the latest news.