COMMISSIONER WANTS ‘THE ANSWER’ FROM YOUNG PEOPLE

NICCY
30 June 2009 - 3:41pm
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• Children and families

The Answer and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley

LOCAL rock heroes The Answer helped launch a campaign encouraging young people to show the Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, about what is good and bad about things to do in their area yesterday.

At an exclusive under-18 gig at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, local acts Shotgun, Dead Vito and Escape Fails performed for the young crowd while The Answer, who is fresh from touring with AC/DC, made an impromptu guest appearance. 

The 'Here we are... Nowhere' campaign is part of NICCY's 'Play, Leisure and Things to do' priority and includes a photo and video clip competition where the two best entries can win an 8GB iPod Touch.

"Over the last three years children and young people told me that play, leisure and things to do should be one of my top priorities," said Ms Lewsley. 

"'Here we are... Nowhere' gives young people the opportunity to show me what is good and bad about leisure activities where they live and why areas are safe or unsafe to spend time in. 

"I want to know what it is that stops them from having fun, whether lack of amenities, broken equipment, or facilities that aren't appropriate.  One of the issues young people have raised with me is that they cannot see live music as many venues are strictly over 18.  This gig is giving them the opportunity to do just that in a safe environment.

"I am asking young people to use their mobile phone, camcorder or camera to take pictures of activities they do, where they live.  The images will then appear on www.niccy.org and be presented to Government officials later this year.

"The information gathered over the next three months will help influence government's play and leisure strategy and ultimately improve play and leisure for children and young people across Northern Ireland."

To enter, email your images and video clips along with your name, age, address and contact number to herewearenowhere@niccy.org or upload them to www.niccy.org/herewearenowhere.  The competition, and this part of the campaign, closes on September 30 2009.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:  For more information please contact Sharon Whittaker, Media & PR officer, on 028 9031 1616 or Sharon@niccy.org