Gateshead Student Assembly (GSA) was established in the summer of 1998. The initial format of the GSA came from a local councillor who had just been on a visit to Ireland and had saw how young people from schools were being engaged.

GSA was launched with a reception for link teachers and nominated students from secondary schools in the borough. Those young people, who attended became the GSA development group.

After a few meetings the young people quickly decided that they were not only representing students, but all young people living in Gateshead and so they changed their name to Gateshead Youth Assembly (GYA).

The development group were also responsible for creating GYA’s first constitution and for setting up many of systems that are still in place today, such as the democratic way in which young people are elected to represent their organisation.

After a year the development group were happy with the organisation that they had helped to create. In September 1999 the first GYA elections were held by members.

Over the years GYA has continued to grow and develop to suit the needs of young people.