1. Participation Taster Session

2. In this session you will have an understanding of: 1.What participation is 2.Why participation is important to young people and Mencap 3.Where to find more information on participation Aims for the session

3. Here are some quotes from young people we have worked with. What is Participation “Giving young people a voice” “Include everyone when you work together to improve organisations” “Being listen to and change what’s happening” “Getting to have your say and being part of the decision, it’s not about just being there it has to be more”

4. Example of good and bad practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- wVn36QEUnw The Power of Participation

5. An example of the difficulties young people with a learning disability face everyday. Activity – The Mirror Game The Mirror Game

6. The benefits of having a participation Group Benefits

7. Quotes from young people Benefits “Having a voice feels like my voice matters” “So they get to have their say and get to make things better” “So you can have your input on the situation or if you agree/disagree with something. But if you don’t say anything how are people meant to help and improve.”

8. Quotes from organisations Benefits “The more their views are heard, shared and supported the more they can make informed choices that will be to their benefit.” “We would not exist without them – how can we possibly understand their needs if we we’re not in constant dialogue.” “We have a work environment that involves young people and gives them a real feeling of worth, as such, our work together is more focussed.”

9. Please take the time to fill in the evaluation form. For more information on participation follow the link and click on resources https://www.mencap.org.uk/raisingy ourgame https://www.mencap.org.uk/raisingy ourgame Thank you for your time and interest. Evaluation and Further Information