HeadsUp

HeadsUp is an online forum for under 18's to debate political issues with their peers up and down the country, and with influential decision-makers. It is a safe, student-oriented space where young people become more informed about political issues, improve their discussion skills and let adults with political influence know what they think. Debate topics are chosen by the young people and have included a range of subjects, such as; immigration, crime, the NHS, climate change and international aid.

EDUCATING - The forum supports education professionals in delivering the citizenship curriculum and provides accessible information for young people. Teachers and supporting youth workers can register on the site and take part in forums to help their students make the most of the debates. To make it even easier, registered teachers can create accounts for whole classes, year groups or even schools (with full technical support). Visit www.headsup.org.uk to find out more.....

DEBATING - The forums last for 3 weeks and are open to view without registration - participants still need to register to post comments. The forum is pre-moderated to keep the debates high-quality and to avoid any bad language or abusive behaviour. Moderators are well trained in supporting forum participants and are completely non-partisan in their approach to the issues discussed.

INFORMING - The site is not just a talking shop. Recent forums have seen comment from Secretaries of State and their Shadow counterparts and young people's views have been highlighted in the Houses of Parliament and national newspapers. Interaction with MPs, Peers and other policy-makers, informs government policy, builds young people's confidence and ability to effect change, as well as improving their knowledge of the political process. Feedback from decision-makers and the wide dissemination of young people's views after every forum, is a key and unique element of the HeadsUp project.

For more information or to register, contact Beccy Allen on 0207 438 1214.