North Tyneside Council is inviting people from across the borough to have their say on a range of issues as part of it’s revamped resident engagement project.
Named Our North Tyneside Voice, it gives those living in the borough the opportunity to be consulted on council proposal and provide their feedback.
From major highways projects to changes to Council policies, there’s loads of chances to get involved and share your thoughts and opinions on a range of topics that impact communities.
There are no big commitments involved and residents are invited to take part in consultations that interest them and in a way that’s convenient to them.
Whether it’s through online and telephone surveys to joining smaller focus groups or attending large-scale events, it’s designed to suit anyone who wants to be involved.
Our North Tyneside Voice is an exciting revamp of the Council’s existing resident engagement panel that’s looking to encourage more residents of all demographics to have their voices heard.
Having taken part in the residents panel for a number of years, Irene Gilbert has praised the scheme for helping her to feel more confident in herself. She said: “I talked to someone who had been to a few meetings and thought it was something I would like to do, and after one meeting I was hooked.
“I’ve completed surveys, focus groups, been for trips to other areas like York to speak with their councils, joined the state of the area and much more. It makes me informed about what the Council can and can’t do, I’ve met loads of people I would class as friends and I’m now more confident, especially talking in front of others.”
16-year-old Beth Hargreaves is helping to shape the community too through her involvement in the Youth Council and consultations.
Recommending the scheme to other young people in North Tyneside she said: “I liked the idea of being involved in committees, where you can specifically focus on an area you’re personally interested in and work closely with others on it. The Youth Council gives me opportunities to not only make changes, but on a personal level I’ve increased my confidence and maturity.
“In my time in the Youth Council I’ve already seen changes. I’ve watched the environment in our schools change as a result of our projects, like the introduction of boxes full of sanitary products in our toilets or more political education PSHE lessons taking place because of our involvement.”
“What we do as a group is important, we have a mature structure, and we debate topical issues. It’s great.”
Norman Reed, a 77-year-old from Monkseaton is involved too. He said ““Before starting I wondered if the views, I shared at meetings would have an impact or be given consideration and I’ve seen, since my first visit, a growing confidence among residents that their views are given consideration and that their views are appreciated.
“I’ve joined annual budget consultations, meetings for North Shields redevelopment, proposed cycle routes, issues in schools, the environmental emergency and more. They’re all attended by senior officers and elected members, and they listen to the views we express as residents.”
45-year-old Koli Begum from Whitley Bay is sharing her experiences of being involved, she said: “I’m a council tenant and wanted to know how the system works and how I can make a difference. I’ve been in loads of projects since joining and I like that I can express what’s working and what needs changing.
“It’s a great way to boost your confidence and gain skills to put on your CV. You get an understanding of how your council works and it’s a great opportunity to meet other people and hear their views.”
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council, said: “North Tyneside is a fantastic borough, and our residents are at the heart of what makes it such as great place to live, work and visit.
“It’s extremely important to us at our residents’ voices are at the centre of everything we do, whether that’s introducing new policies or major regeneration work, and Our North Tyneside Voice plays a vital role in making this possible.
“Those involved in the panel have the opportunity to influence the services we run and changes we make in the borough to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our residents at all times.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible, from all demographics, backgrounds, and characteristics, to help us to give a voice to anyone who wants one.
“It’s a really exciting time to get involved, and hearing from those who already engage with us shows just how beneficial being involved can be. I’d like to encourage anyone who’d like to use their voice to give us feedback, to get in touch with our team and start sharing their voice today.”
You can sign up to join Our North Tyneside Voice here: https://bit.ly/3pnd9sk
To join or for more information call North Tyneside Council’s Engagement Team on (0191) 643 2828 or email engagement@northtyneside.gov.uk
