HeadsUp

HeadsUp was launched in June 2003 as a resource to promote political awareness and participation amongst young people under the age of 18. The site assists teachers in covering the political literacy strand of citizenship education and MPs can use it to consult with their younger constituents. The site is co-funded for the 2006 – 07 academic year by the Ministry of Justice (former DCA) and the House of Commons.

The main feature of HeadsUp, is a moderated online forum, where students deliberate on topical issues that relate to work in Parliament amongst themselves and with parliamentarians. The forum is supported by relevant background information and reference material – for both young people and educators. There are now two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

• Young People – If you are under 18 and want to get involved you need to email us at info@headsup.org.uk. We will then email you back with your unique username and password. Once you’re registered you can take part wherever and whenever you want.
• Teachers – can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our online registration form

All HeadsUp forums are open to all to view and follow the debate. This will benefit many young people, teachers and parliamentarians as they will now be able to ‘try before they buy’ and observe the dynamic of the debates without being registered. Participants will still need to register or login to post comments.
The site is proving particularly useful in delivering the Citizenship curriculum and our recent forums have seen comment from several Secretaries of State and their Shadow counterparts. Submissions from young people have been quoted in House of Commons debates and used to inform government policy.

For more information or to register, contact Barry Griffiths on 0207 438 1214.

HeadsUp Feedback
“I’ve wanted to talk about some issues that are very important to me for quite a long time but I’ve had no one but my parents to talk to about it. This site has given me a chance to talk to others. When I am older I have carefully considered having my own political party, so you never know! You might see me in Parliament some day!!!” HeadsUp participant

“The importance and effects of interaction with MPs are vividly demonstrated by the society’s highly successful series of HeadsUp debates involving young people…” Sunday Times

“I think that HeadsUp is a unique opportunity for teenagers at the moment. There is very little debating or work on current affairs in schools…Many less confident teenagers can take part, whereas they may be afraid to participate in a real-life debate. It’s also the first time most people will have a chance to talk with politicians, and their presence on the forums is quite exciting.” HeadsUp participant

“Thank you for your excellent website.” Teacher who participated in HeadsUp

“I’d like to congratulate and thank all those who took part for contributing to a reasoned discussion of a very important topic. I would also like to thank the HeadsUp team for giving both students and politicians the opportunity to contribute to this forum.” Stephen Williams MP (participated in the job prospects debate)

“HeadsUp has been great in arranging this valuable exchange of views. It has certainly brought to my attention some issues that I now see demand more action by politicians” David Kidney MP (participated in the public transport debate)

“I found the HeadsUp Forum to be an extremely useful tool for discussing and debating European politics with my young constituents. This forum provided an easy and fun way for students and young people to tackle a whole range of European issues with their elected representatives that otherwise would not have occurred.” Robert Evans MEP (participated in the EU debate)

“The HeadsUp forum provided a very useful platform that allowed me to consult with young people from a range of backgrounds throughout the UK. For them, it was a chance not only to build an awareness of the issue but to have a direct influence on the decision-making process.” Hilton Dawson (former MP)

“HeadsUp is a very worthwhile project, and I wish it all the best in the future.” Andrew Mitchell MP (Shadow Secretary of State for International Development)