About DAFBY

DAFBY (Democratic Action For Bath & North Somerset Youth), which is supported by Bath and North East Somerset Council, is open to young people in the area aged 13 to 19. DAFBY aims to enable young people to develop skills, confidence, knowledge and awareness so that they can challenge injustice and take part in decision making.

DAFBY members are young people from across the region and have real responsibilities within B& NES council, the Connexions service and the UK youth parliament. The young people decide which issues they want to focus on, including everything from education, transport and reducing youth crime, to equality and democracy.

DAFBY is an active citizenship project that is underpinned by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that young people have the right to have their voices heard in decisions that affect them directly and indirectly.

The project promotes young people's rights and the participation of young people in democratic decision-making in the development of services throughout B&NES council and its major partner service providers. Young people are involved in local and strategic decision-making, including regular meetings with B&NES Executive Members, Councillors, Officers and the Chief Executive. They are also leading on the participation of young people in the development of Children's Trust arrangements in B&NES.

DAFBY is responsible for facilitating the UK Youth Parliament elections for B&NES Member of Youth Parliament and deputy and provides support for them throughout their term of office.

The project is open to all young people, has an inclusive ethos where young people are a co-operative and everyone's involvement is valued, and works to youth work principles by empowering young people to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding to make informed choices and by providing a supported environment where young people are able to take risks, make mistakes and have fun.

Transport is provided whenever the group meets, to support the inclusive ethos.