Access } Participation Unit The Access & Participation Unit is part of Blackpool Council's Integrated Youth Service, based at the Connexions centre on Market Street. The Aim of the unit is to ensure that children and young people have their voices, opinions and ideas heard when decisions are being made tat affect them The staff of the unit support 11 different groups of children and young people from the age of 5 to 19, up to 24 for young people with learning needs. The groups are peer led which means they are run for young people by young people. Wanna know more? More information about all of the groups that the unit runs can be found on the A&P website which is www.rubothered.co.uk. On the site you can find out all the latest news and events being organised by the unit. Check out R U Bothered today to get alll the latest info! Young People shine bright for Operation Summer Night Lancashire Constabulary's Operation Summer Nights campaign held its annual award ceremony at Preston FC to celebrate the achievement of children and young people and once again young people from Blackpool did us very proud. The awards aim to raise awareness of excellent and inspirational work being carried out by young people and recognising young people in a positive light. Three young people who are involved in groups and projects from the A&P unit were shortlisted for award categories: Nicole Burke who is chair of Blackpool Young peoples Council (BYPC) was runner up in the category of ‘exceptional commitment and dedication to a cause’ for her work on reducing transport costs for young people in Blackpool via the wave card. Matthew Smith who is secretary for BYPC was a runner up in the category of 'young people's champion’ for his work with the police as a member of the Police Independent Advisory Group James Watson who is a member of ok2be was a runner up in the category of 'young people's champion’ for his work with young people around the issues of homelessness. Photography Competition Young people in Care in Blackpool have made their voices heard through a photography competition run jointly by Blackpool Access & Participation Unit and Social Care. The theme of the competition was ‘issues that effect young people in care in Blackpool and will go on to be a touring exhibition. Participations, including two of the three winning entries, carers and representatives from different services attended a presentation event at the City Learning Centre on Thursday the 28th of August. Actress Lisa Coleman, who plays Cam in the BBC children’s television series Tracy Beaker, presented all the young people with a certificate and a copy of their entry printed onto canvas. The winners received prizes of a ‘camera, or a voucher for professional camera training or an iPod. The winner of the competition was 19 year old Gregg Thurlow who took a picture of sunset over Bispham Beach. For more information about the work we do with children and young people in care or care leavers contact Jamie on 01253 754841 or email jamie.murphy@blackpool.gov.uk. ® Access & Participation ‘Unit