Making a Positive Contribution

Below you will find contributions from organisations under the ECM outcome Making a Positive Contribution - being involved with the community and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour.

All What's Changed contributions by definition come under the ECM Making a Positive Contribution heading.

The organisations are listed alphabetically below:

Avon and Somerset - Youthwatch
Reducing the theft of mobile phones

Young people told their police liaison at school that they wanted to get involved in working with the police. In response Youthwatch was developed that would run along similar lines as neighbourhood watch within the school. Young people identified the theft of their mobile phones as being a big issue for them. Youthwatch were trained to mark mobile phones and other goods by the police. Youthwatch held lunch time sessions to mark pupils' phones and raise awareness. Incidents of mobile phone theft were reduced by 50% within the town and local feeder towns for the school. The young people received a Wavemakers Award in recognition of their achievements and initiative.

Ayrshire, Scotland - Loudon Academy Secondary School
Practical solutions to unfair trade

Following a global trade day at school, young people decided they wanted to do something practical to support Fairtrade. The school supported the groups Fairtrade fundraising activities and used Fairtrade products in the staff room. The young people went on to form Fairtradelicious which now supplies Fairtrade products to the local area and has a turnover of several thousand pounds.

Barnsley - Parklife
Creating things to do for young people - Developing a Skate Park

Young people identified, during a consultation that there was nowhere for young people in Darton to hang out. A group, Parklife was formed with young people to look at ways in which parks in the area could be improved. Parklife organised a number of events, one of which was a trial skate park. The skate park was a great success and after applying for and receiving funding a permanent skate park is about to be built.

Barnsley - Kendry Youth Play Project
Developments to outdoor provision

Kendry Youth Play Project held a series of events in 2002 to find out what young people thought were priorities for the area. Young people wanted a place for activities such as football and skateboarding. The eighteen month project has contributed to the regeneration of the area and young people now benefit from a skate park, zip line, rock climbing facilities and a music room.

Bedfordshire - Caddington Young People's Forum Hear By Right contributions
Lack of facilities for young people in the local area

Caddington Young People’s Forum (CYPF) was set up to give young people the opportunity to get their voices heard. The Forum identified that there were few facilities for young people in the village except for a run down youth club. Using money collected from fund raising, a grant and negotiating on price a youth shelter has been bought and constructed. Flood lighting has been installed for an existing MUGA allowing all year round use. After persistent lobbying the local authority has repaired and re-opened the local youth club. Young people have attended a team building adventure weekend and more trips are planned for the future.

Belfast - St Colm's High School
Improving the school image

Young people wanted to improve the school image especially the unsightly run down greenhouse. They approached their principle with the idea of renovating the greenhouse in order to run a business growing plants as part of their business enterprise course. The young people's original idea has expanded to include the planting of a colourful flower bed, growing vegetables as part of home economics and clearing a picnic area for the school to eat lunch outside.

Birmingham - The Maypole Centre Hear By Right contributions
Improving leisure facilities for young people

A group of young people ran a consultation, via questionnaires with other young people on their estate. They found that respondents wanted more facilities for young people, inlcuding a multi purpose sports area, a skate park, seating and shelters. They presented their findings to a group of local decision makers. a multi use game area enabling young people to play basketball and football has been built. A new shelter and bench area has also been created.

Birmingham, Kingstanding - YIP (Youth Inclusion Programme), PAYP    Hear By Right contributions
Young people wanted somewhere to go and to be treated as part of the community

Following complaints from local residents YIP facilitated a young people led consultation with local stakeholders. Young people felt that they had nowhere to go to meet and hang out with their friends, that they were being bullied by the police and the community and that they did not feel safe. It was agreed that a local area, Conka Island could be used by young people as a safe meeting place. Litter bins and benches have been provided and football takes place three times a week during the summer.

Blackburn - Adventure Learning Club, Indoor Cave
The need for an indoor cave facility

The Adventure Learning Club is aimed at young people aged 13-18 who are interested in doing new and different activities. Young people suggested caving at a programme planning meeting. Potential problematic issues were discussed such as the weather and the extra cost for external instructors. The building of an indoor cave was suggested as a solution and young people set about raising funds through YOF and also the construction of the cave. A three story indoor cave has been built for many youth groups to use, and includes trap doors for easy exits if needed!

Bolton - Bolton Cash Panel (YOF/YCF)
Changes resulting from the distribution of YOF/YCF funding

The Youth Opportunity Fund and the Youth Capital Fund are designed to involve young people in decision making by giving them control over funding and more choice and influence over youth provision and facilities in their area. Bolton’s YOF and YCF funds were distributed through the Cash Panel made up of young people who considered applications and decided where to direct funds. Young people within the borough applied to the panel for money to fund various projects. Three projects that have benefited from the funding have seen young people with disabilities attend a music scheme, a project further promote its work engaging a broad section of young people and a school for young people with disabilities engage safely in water-based activities.

Bolton - Connexions Wellfield Project
Cultural boundaries

Young people identified racism as an issue within this multi-cultural area and wanted to improve relationships within their community. The project identified a suitable training course for the young people who met regularly and invited other members of the community to join their project. The young people organised and helped run a fun day to bring all members of the community together. The young people feel that they have improved relationships between different cultures in the area.

Bolton - Just 4 Girls (J4G), Girls' Forum
The opportunity to take part in non-traditional sporting activities

The Just 4 Girls (J4G) group provides a female environment that allows young women to overcome cultural barriers than can prohibit them from attending other leisure activities. Members of the group formed a Girls' Forum in order to develop the range of activities on offer; in particular they wanted the opportunity to go climbing. They applied for a 'Here to HELP' award and this has helped with employing female only climbing instructors. As a result the J4G group are now able to take part in non-traditional sporting activities and continue to steer the delivery of the sessions.

Brighton and Hove - Young Carers Project
Support tailored to individual young carers

The Young Carers Project has been providing support for young carers since 1997. Recently the service was reviewed by young people. Young people said that whilst they valued existing elements of the service, they wanted more support during transition years and also on an individual basis. As a result the service now has a system of individual reviews, which allows individual needs to be assessed ongoing and has also introduced a support group for older young carers.

Buckinghamshire - Aylesbury Vale Youth for Christ
To find affordable and safe places to hang out

Aylesbury Vale Youth for Christ (AVYFC) discovered, through consultation with the local community that young people needed affordable and safe places to hang out. Working with a steering group of young people they have developed a number of Youth Cafes offering a range of creative activities. Attendance has grown and a number of young people volunteer at the cafés.

Cheshire County Council Hear By Right contributions
Improving the Connexions Centre

Young people wanted more convenient opening hours and a more relaxed atmosphere with greater access to IT at their Connexions centre. Young people's views have been incorporated into the design of a number of new centres. The opening hours have been changed and usage has increased.

Cheshire County Council Hear By Right contributions
To improve services for teenage parents

Young people who attended the clinic did not like one of the radiographers, they also identified problems with transport to the clinic. The radiographer has been replaced with a more approachable member of staff and some services have been developed to be taken out to the young people.

Cheshire County Council Hear By Right contributions
Making the Clinic user friendly for young people

Following constant anti social behaviour by young people at a sexual health clinic, staff and the PCT decided to engage young people and discover their views about the Clinic. Young people felt that the Clinic was not user friendly for young people. Changes made include staff training, availability of a detached youth work team, changes to clinic times and the implementation of a fast track system. The Clinic has remained open.

Cheshire County Council Hear By Right contributions
Improving leisure facilities for young people

Blacon Youth Association consulted with young people to find out what leisure improvements they wanted in their local area. Young people wanted a multi purpose site with a 5 a side pitch, a youth shelter and a skate park/BMX provision. The development has been completed and further expansion is planned for 2007.

Cheshire County Council Hear By Right contributions
To prevent the closure of a residential facility for young disabled people

Children and young people and their parents were consulted about proposals to close a residential facility at their school. Young people said that they did not want it to close and that it offered valuable opportunities to socialise and share activities with their friends. A DVD was produced capturing both the young people's and the parent's views and shown to decision makers. The proposed closure was overturned.

Cornwall TR14ers Community Dance Team Hear By Right contributions
There was nothing for young people to do

Young people in Camborne did not have enough to do. A meeting between a local police sergeant and a professional choreographer led to the idea of setting up a dance club. A local business man offered the free use of one of his nightclubs and financial gifts and donations from various sources enabled the creation of the TR14ers Community Dance Team. The group holds two-day workshops every school holidays and has regular practice sessions. It has a membership of over 400 young people.

Cornwall - EEFO Programme, CIOSPCT Hear By Right contributions
Improving access to local sexual health services

The EEFO programme seeks to address barriers which prohibit young people from accessing the services that they need. Young people trained to become young assessors i.e. mystery shoppers and went on to evaluate a sample of services offering sexual health provision. Feedback/recommendations from the young assessors have been incorporated into the new quality standards and these will improve access to and improve the service provided by sexual health services for young people.

County Durham - 2D
Wanted the removal of a mosquito device

A young person affected by the installation of a mosquito device in his local town centre decided that he wanted it removed for both his benefit and that of other young people. Supported by a young people’s participation worker he contacted the local press, reported it to the police and registered a complaint to the council. The council, who had installed the device, removed it the next day.

Darlington Borough Council
Somewhere to go, something to do/reducing anti-social behaviour

Some members of the community were concerned about young people just 'hanging about'. The council consulted with everyone and found that young people wanted a safe warm space to meet friends. In response the Westside initiative was started, held at the local comprehensive school, every Friday for young people. Over 200 young people regularly attend, anti-social behaviour in the area has been reduced and partnership working has increased.

Devon - Indigos Go Wild   Hear By Right contributions
A space for young people, community regeneration

Originally an after school club, Indigos recognised the need for an outdoor area for children and young people to play. Young people were saying that they were getting into trouble playing on the local streets. A local school offered Indigos a disused plot of land that was overgrown and used as a dumping ground. The children, young people and local residents cleared the land and have developed a space for adventure play, with many facilities. Agreed ground rules keep the children and young people safe and offer a space for children and young people to 'go wild', they lead the project and evaluate it themselves. The project has won two government awards because of the positive impact on the local community.

Doncaster - Rossington Youth Centre
Safe and accessible facilities for young people

Doncaster Youth Council identified a need for safe accessible facilities through consultation with young people and decided to use its Youth Capital Fund allocation to develop suitable facilities. An existing youth facility was identified as a suitable base. A steering group of young people worked with a wide range of professionals including architects, builders etc in order to ensure that young peoples’ needs were taken into account.

The refurbished area is now open. Facilities include computer equipment, a healthy eating programme allowing young people to cook and sell healthy food and a basketball court. Use of the facility has increased from 70 young people in the first month to 360 young people.

Dorchester - Dorchester Youth Extra
Nowhere to go and nothing to do

Dorchester Youth Extra (DYE), the local youth council, was concerned that there was nothing for young people to do in the area. The local youth club was not even adequately serviced by public transport and so many young people could not attend. Dorchester Youth Extra made a DVD to highlight the issue on behalf of local young people. As a result of the DVD DYE is often invited to contribute to the planning of services, and so is able to effect changes that have a positive impact for young people. Recent changes include; the development of youth parish councils, youth shelters are being built in local villages and in Dorchester itself, the Contraceptive Clinic now has a more discrete entrance, SNAP nights being held at the local nightclub and the development of rural youth hubs in three local villages to provide a place to meet, confidential information services and creative activities. DYE has also joined forces with other youth forums to form the West Dorset YouthBank.

Durham - Investing in Children, University Hospital Hear By Right contributions
Developments at the Children's Ward

Staff on a new hospital ward invited parents and young people to discuss arrangements thereby allowing young people to have a say and directly affect change. Changes have been made in the choice of food and drinks, the information available and the introduction of an appropriate complaints system. Young people have continued to meet and agreed that the ward merited an 'Investment in Children' Award.

Ealing Council - Corporate Parent Committee (CPC)
Improvements to a drop-in centre

A drop-in centre was established in 2000 in order to provide educational support for looked after and leaving care young people. Young people asked for improvements to this service, in particular they wanted computers, purpose built spaces and continued support. The centre has been expanded and developed, guided by young people and now forms the recently refurbished, award winning Horizon centre. It provides educational and training support and includes an educational psychologist, Connexions PA and teachers.

Ealing Council - Corporate Parent Committee (CPC)
Need for a decent leaving care grant

Ealing Council formed the Corporate Parent Committee (CPC) in order to enable looked after and leaving care young people to participate in issues that affect them. Young people identified the need for a decent leaving care grant. Young people undertook research into the minimum amount needed to furnish a home and the level of grant offered by other boroughs and presented their findings to councillors. The leaving care grant was doubled to £1000.

Ealing Council - Corporate Parent Committee (CPC) - Semi independence team
Need for support during transition to independent living

Young people raised the issue of support during the transition from supported to independent living. In addition to practical help young people identified loneliness as a key factor as they found themselves alone in their new home. The issue was taken to the CPC and a semi-independent outreach team was established. A team of 5 workers now assist care leavers in areas such as budgeting, housing, lifeskills and emotional well being.

Edinburgh - Sighthill Library
Library renovation scheme/reducing anti-social behaviour

Following incidents of anti-social behaviour library staff decided to involve the young people who used to congregate outside with the renovation plans for the library. Young people said that they wanted comfy seats, a listening post and DVD's. In addition to the changes that have been made in terms of facilities, relationships between the young people and library staff have vastly improved, demonstrated by an increase in library usage of 12% over the year.

Essex County Council/Young Essex Assembly and UK Youth Parliament
Proof of age and identity when accessing services

Young people raised the issue of proof of age to access services such as reduced bus fares. Young people worked together with the council and local bus companies to discuss and debate the issues. As a result the Essex BITE card was introduced, a proof of age card which doubles as a library card. Young people can now take advantage of reduced bus fares and can gain access to age appropriate films.

Gloucestershire County Council/Members of Youth Parliament Hear By Right contributions
Lack of information around employment rights for young people

Gloucestershire Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) discovered that there was a general lack of awareness amongst young people about their employment rights. They decided to produce an employment card outlining important employment rights and providing details where young people could obtain advice find out more information. The card has been endorsed by Gloucestershire County Council Human Resources and is circulated throughout the county and within the Southwest UKYP network.

Gloucestershire - Burysed Community Youth Project Hear By Right contributions
Young people needed somewhere to go

Following incidents of anti social behaviour young people and local residents decided to create somewhere for young people to go. Young people and other members of the community applied for funding and the Burysed Community Youth project has been established. The centre now has a formal Board of Trustees and is ran by volunteers from the local community.

Hampshire - Care Action Team (CAT), Passport To Success, Appropriate Accomodation
Appropriate accommodation for young people in or leaving care

The Care Action Team (CAT) is a group of young people in and leaving care who work alongside Hampshire County Council (HCC) to develop services for children & families. Together they have developed the 'passport to success', which addresses the responsibility of Hampshire County Council towards looked after young people as a corporate parent. One of the issues raised was the need for appropriate accommodation. As a result HCC has developed supported lodging schemes and foster placements are maintained till the age of 21 for those in further/ higher education. The young people received a Wavemakers award in recognition of their achievements.

Hampshire - Care Action Team, Passport to Success, Driving Lessons
Driving lessons for young people in or leaving care

The Care Action Team (CAT) is a group of young people in and leaving care who work alongside Hampshire County Council (HCC) to develop services for children & families. Together they have developed the 'passport to success' which addresses the responsibility of Hampshire County Council towards looked after young people as a corporate parent. One of the issues raised was the need for access to driving lessons. As a result a bursary scheme has been developed which covers the cost of 20 driving lessons, a theory test and a practical test. The young people received a Wavemakers award in recognition of their achievements.

Hampshire - Care Action Team (CAT), Passport to Success, Higher Education
Support for young people in or leaving care within higher education

The Care Action Team (CAT) is a group of young people in and leaving care who work alongside Hampshire County Council (HCC) to develop services for children & families. Together they have developed the 'passport to success' which addresses the responsibility of Hampshire County Council towards looked after young people as a corporate parent. One of the issues raised was the need for more support for young people in higher education. As a result HCC now encourages looked after children and care leavers to attend university by promoting the support available and working with universities to attend to the particular needs of looked after children and care leavers. The young people received a Wavemakers award in recognition of their achievements.

Hampshire - The Fing
The need for a local dance night

Eastleigh Borough Youth Council (EBYC) decided that it wanted to do something visible to prove that young people can make changes. EBYC wanted to start a dance night that would be a success from young peoples' point of view. Research, petitions, media campaigns and the 'must have' black out screens, all contributed to the development of the 'Fing', a monthly dance night. As well as music, there is a graffiti wall, karaoke and a chill out room. The venue is used to provide information for young people, and young people from deprived areas are helped with the cost of attending. The night has become so successful that it is now completely self funding. EBYC won a Wavemakers Award for its work developing the night.

London Borough of Haringey Council and Youth Act
Creating a safer place to live and improving access to facilities

Young people wanted to clean up their estate and improve the youth facilities available. They attended youth residents meetings organised by a youth development officer and formed the Stonebridge Youth Group. The group raised many issues including safety, the need for facilities and the general level of cleanliness in the area. Some of the changes that have happened include a renovated football cage and the clearing of disused play areas. Young people feel that Stonebridge is a safer and better place to live since the changes.

Huntingdonshire District Council - New Ramp Group
Skate park renovation

Young people formed the New Ramp Group (NRG) and campaigned to have the skate park renovated. After three years of fundraising the young people have raised enough to begin construction. The district council have supported the young people's campaign and liaised with them in relation to the design of the park.

Isle of Wight - Isle of Wight Council/Youth Council
Creating things for young people to do – Developing a MUGA

Young people were elected to the Isle of Wight Youth Council on a manifesto of developing things for young people to do in the local area. After persuading local county and parish councillors of the need for youth provision, they worked with councillors, surveyors and builders on a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). The MUGA has been completed and is open to young people. It is a well used and safe area for young people.

Isle of Wight Youth Council - Wight 2B Heard
Access on the Island, the cost of transport

Young people on the Isle of Wight had to pay adult fare on the buses at the age of 14. As a result travelling around the island to accessing services or facilities was often very expensive. Young people campaigned for many years about this issue and have successfully secured a flat rate bus/ train fee of 50p for young people in full time education or training. Young people are now able to travel to school and college for less and explore the island cheaply.

Kent - Demelza House, the Inclusion Zone (TIZ) Hear By Right contributions
A space for young people

Young people and staff at Demelza House (a hospice supporting young people and children with life limiting medical conditions) felt that there needed to be a place for young people to relax that would particularly cater to their needs separate from younger children. Young people formed a working group and held monthly meetings to discuss and design the space. The completed TIZ room provides a space away from others for young people to relax. The young people won a Philip Lawrence Award in 2005 in recognition of their achievements.

Lancashire - Clitheroe Skate Park Group
The need for a skate park

Back in 1997 young people from Clitheroe had successfully campaigned for a skate park. Over the years, with little maintenance, the park was subject to wear and tear and issues were raised in relation to health and safety. In 2003 the council ripped out the skate park resulting in young people skating in the local bus stops and town centre, which created problems for other residents. A new generation of the skate park group was formed and campaigned for a new park to be built. Young people secured funding and through charitable trusts, gained planning permission from the council and worked in a multi-agency team to address issues in relation to vandalism and maintenance. The new park was opened in 2006 and now attracts young people from all over the UK.

Leeds - Youth on Health Hear By Right contributions
Healthy eating in schools

YoH (Youth on Health) groups were established within the PCT to enable young people to have a say on health issues that mattered to them. Young people conducted research within local schools and came up with a number of proposals to improve the nutritional value of food. They also addressed issues of how lunch times were organised. Changes made include abolishing separate dinning for pupils with packed lunches so friends can sit together, healthy vending machines and the introduction of salad bars and water fountains.

Leeds - Youth on Health Hear By Right contributions
Emotional well being

The YoH (Youth on Health) group raised emotional wellbeing and anti-bullying as issues that they would like to research in their schools. Young people have made a number of proposals in order to increase emotional wellbeing and reduce bullying within schools. Changes made include, worry boxes in classrooms, 'bubble time' (space to talk things over), playground friend schemes and friendship stops to avoid isolation at break times.

Leeds - Youth on Health Hear By Right contributions
Improving the school environment

The YoH (Youth on Health) group said they would like to improve the environment within schools. Young people carried out research on environmental issues and came up with proposals to take back into the schools. Changes made include increases in school recycling, composting bins for the kitchens, litter pickers in schools and themed recycling bins in the playground.

London - Young Minds
Mental Health ward provision appropriate for children and young people

Children and young people who had experience of being sectioned were invited to present evidence of their experiences to MP’s and key decision makers in relation to the Mental Health Bill. They argued against young people being held on adult mental health wards. The law has been changed and hospital managers must now make sure that people under the age of 18 are placed in an environment that is suitable for their needs i.e. if an adult ward is not suitable then they cannot be admitted there. Young people have been central to this change in the law.

Medway, Kent - Medway Mediation
Lack of a private space in order to provide a mediation service

Peer mediators raised concerns about the lack of a private space for them to carry out mediation. The young mediators identified a suitable space and designed and delivered a presentation to inform and persuade potential funders. Working with teaching staff and a builder they now have a purpose built mediation room where they can keep all of their resources, case records etc and provide a confidential, comfortable environment for mediation.

Milton Keynes - Street Dreams
Reducing racial and violent incidents

Street Dreams worked with young people in the Betchley area to investigate the issues relating to local racist attacks. Young people identified the key themes of parental influence, territorialism and the development of youth facilities. In response to this young people now have the opportunity to use the football facilities once a week at a local school as long as they form a racially mixed team. Violent racist attacks have significantly reduced a month after the project started.

London Borough of Newham Operation Sweep Clean
Cleaning up the local area

Young people identified that their local area was dirty and needed to be improved. A series of Operation Sweep Clean events were organised where young people were supported to clear their local area and park of litter and improve the appearance of the general surroundings. There has been a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the local area and the park. People are more attracted to the park, streets are clear of litter and anti-social behaviour has reduced.

London Borough of Newham - E13 Mix and Newmartin Community Youth Trust
Integrated Youth Provision

Young people who attended a popular club night run by Racial Equality Newham wanted a more permanent place to go. Funding was secured from the Neighbourhood renewal scheme as well as the Jack Petchey Foundation and YOF to develop a purpose built centre. Young people were involved in the design and development of the new centre which opened March 2007. As well as providing many needed facilities identified by the young people it also provides a space for young people with shared interest to meet crossing racial divides.

London Borough of Newham - Library Services
Homework support

Children had indicated in a survey that they wanted more support and help with their homework, however they were not bringing their homework to the libraries. In partnership with NewCeys the library service funded staff to establish homework clubs in all Newham libraries. Young people fedback to the staff and this enabled the service to develop to the needs of the young people. An evaluation of the service indicated that children who attended the clubs did better at maths and science.

London Borough of Newham - Discover
Safe places to play

Discover worked with the Children's Discovery Forum to create a garden for children in East London. The children aged four to eleven were involved in the design and planting of the garden. The Discovery Story Garden has been open since August 2002 and provides an interesting space in the heart of Stratford for local children to play in.

Richmond Yorkshire White Lands
Preventing the destruction of a free play space

Children and young people wanted to stop a planning application for an access road that would have destroyed a long standing play area. They formed an action group made up of local residents, organised a petition, wrote formal letters of opposition and attended planning meetings. The decision has been deferred whilst an alternative access point is found.

Nottingham - Ainsley Teenage Action Group Hear By Right contributions
In trouble with police, nowhere to go, not listened to

Ainsley Teenage Action Group (ATAG) ran from 1979-1984. Young people were encouraged to think about what their concerns were, why these existed and to take action. During the five years the young people were visited by and liaised with local councillors and the police. They campaigned for their own youth club and got a porta-cabin placed on the estate. They visited other youth clubs to learn about running youth facilities and successfully ran the youth club on the estate for themselves and younger people.

Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Evening Post, Nottingham City Youth Council Hear By Right contributions
Negative media portrayal

Nottingham Youth Council raised the issue of the negative portrayal of young people in the media. Nottingham Evening Post staff were invited to meet with the youth council to discuss their concerns. As a result the Evening Post agreed to create a youth column in the paper, to seek the opinion of young people and to cover youth events in the future.

Northamptonshire - Nassington Eco-youth Shelter Hear By Right contributions
A place to hang out

Young people in the village had been using a bus stop as an informal youth shelter. This had generated tensions with some residents living nearby. As a result of the tensions the parish council invited young people and local residents to a round table meeting. This established the need for young people to have a meeting place of their own. Connexions and Young Farmers worked with the young people in developing their plans whilst the council sought a suitable place to locate a youth shelter. The council supported the young people throughout the lengthy process and the young people now have a straw bale construction that they can call their own.

Northumberland - Doxford Youth Project
Lack of provision for young people in the community

Young people told their detached youth workers that they wanted a youth club. They decided to make a video to highlight the lack of facilities for them and also gain community support. Following the screening of their film they gained a lot of community support, nine local residents volunteered to help run the youth club and the Miners Welfare hall was offered for six months rent free. In addition a successful bid was made to the Local Borough Council Community Assembly providing the funds to build a multi-use games area.

Plymouth City Council - Wheels on the Water
Access to sailing for young people with a disability

Young people with a range of disabilities expressed an interest in sailing. A number of meetings consisting of young people and their parents, the Watersports Development Officer and a Children's Services worker were held to look at a range of issues including funding and prices. All of the decisions were made by the young people. The group was successful in a YOF bid and this has given the young people, supported by their parents the opportunity to go sailing. They are also following the RYA Youth Dinghy Award Level 1 training.

Borough of Poole - Carter SHOKK gym
A gym designed specifically for children and young people

Young people wanted a fully equipped gym especially designed for children and young people. Using a questionnaire the young people consulted their peers about gym usage and healthy activities. Following a successful bid to the Youth Capital Fund (YCF) the gym has been built.

Rutland - St Nicholas Primary School Hear By Right contributions
A cycle lane for school children

Children at the school did not agree with Rutland councils plans to build a cycle lane from the town, to a hamlet and then onto a village. Only one child from the school lived in the hamlet whilst over 20 lived in the village. They felt that it would have meant a significant delay for the much greater number of children living in the village. The children mounted a campaign writing letters to the council. The council changed their plans and rerouted the cycle way to the village.

Rugby Borough Council Housing Services - Young Tenants Forum
Complicated charters/tenancy agreement

The Young Tenants Forum was invited to comment on the multi-storey charter that was in operation for new tenants. Young people said that the document was hard to understand and was often received after tenancy had begun rather than prior to moving in. The council has now changed the document so that it is easier to understand with the help of the forum and it is given out with the offer of a flat so that young people are aware of the expected agreement in advance.

Rugby Borough Council Housing Services - Young Tenants Forum
Hard to access interview room

The Young Tenants Forum raised the issue of accessibility with the council in relation to the housing services interview rooms. Young people provided a practical demonstration of the issues using a pushchair and made recommendations for change. The council has now rearranged the furniture and fittings for greater ease of access for both pushchair and wheelchair users.

Sailsbury fishing project - Wiltshire Youth Service project
Access to legal fishing and equipment

Young people from the traveller community had been telling their detached workers on the local estate that that they were getting into trouble for fishing illegally. The Youth Opportunity Fund in Wiltshire (WYPOF) offered a way to legalise the activities that people were already engaged in. Young people applied for YOF funding to secure 10 licences, fishing and camping equipment.

Salisbury - Shine and Da Gypsy Crew
The need for educational support and access to information

Shine is a project that takes a renovated library bus to visit local Gypsy and Traveller sites. The facilities are generally used by young children. Young women from one site requested support separate from the younger children and said that they needed access to the internet. The young women were supported in making a successful YOF bid, and were awarded money to purchase laptops with wireless internet connections and a printer. Online access means that anything that the young women wish to research is now possible, including career guidance and driving test theory support.

Sheffield - Norfolk Park Greenspaces Project, Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Contributing to local regeneration

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund young people were invited to take part in a project that was to compliment the regeneration that was occurring within the Norfolk Park estate. Young people researched the concept of 'change' with local residents in order to use these ideas as the basis for a mural that was designed with input from local artists. The council installed new lighting within a local subway where young people situated their artwork. The subway is now a safer and more pleasant route for people to use within the local community.

Shropshire - Whitchurch Youth Group Hear By Right contributions
Developments at the Youth Centre

Young people said that they wanted to develop the local youth centre. A local councillor and a youth worker supported the young people in meeting with the Market Town Initiative. Following these meetings and based on the suggestions from young people lighting has been installed at the ball court, walls and fences painted and a new youth shelter has been built.

Shropshire - St Thomas & St Anne CE Primary School Hear By Right contributions
School litter

The school youth council raised school litter as an issue. This coincided with the school's introduction of the National Fruit Scheme. As crisp packets had been particularly identified as a litter problem it was agreed that children would eat fruit at break times and compost bins were provided for a trial period. The scheme was successful and has continued resulting in the reduction of litter and the promotion of healthier eating. The school generates compost now as well!

Solihull - The Children's Society (Ask Us)
Disabled access to play areas

As part of the national 'Ask Us' project Solihull Council Parks Department trained young disabled people to act as researchers and be involved in the design of local play areas. The young researchers gave presentations to council officers and their representatives. Funding through the children's fund was granted to make local parks accessible. Three local parks were redeveloped on the recommendations of the young people to make them inclusive and accessible.

Southampton - Chamberlayne Park School
Support for young carers at school

Young carers at the school meet regularly within the school timetable to share concerns with the school and seek support from each other. As a group the young carers now have permission to use mobile phones at school (unlike other pupils) in order to contact home when needed. They have requested and received extra cookery lessons. They also receive support from the school to deal with issues such as attendance and homework on an individual basis.

Southampton - Freemantle Lake Park
Things to do, places to go

Young people in Freemantle spoke to a youth worker about wanting a youth shelter. A youth forum was set up and young people worked hard campaigning and designing the young shelter with a local artist. After winning the support of local people the council granted planning permission. The youth shelter pavilion was built resulting in a warm place for young people to spend time together, an increase in the use of the park and a reduction in vandalism. Southampton City Council is committed to the cleaning and maintenance of the pavilion.

Staffordshire - Youth Café - The Den Hear By Right contributions
Creating things for young people to do – Developing a youth cafe

There was little for young people to do in their local area. Young people identified, during a consultation that they would like a live music venue. The Den, a youth café with live music facilities is now open and provides a trendy and safe place for young people to go. Young people staff the café and healthy living is promoted through the healthy menu options.

Sunderland - The Box Youth Project
A lack of youth service provision

Five years ago there was no youth provision for Sunderland south. Local young people attended a public meeting and formed a youth forum with the aim of developing a local youth centre. Young people were supported by detached youth workers, but the project was led by the young people right from the start. Recently a disused community building was renovated by the young people with the funding of a 'Here to Help' award. The young people opened their Box Youth Project in November 2006. This provides a place for young people to meet friends but also get help and guidance if they need it. The Box Youth Project now holds the main contract for Sunderland south youth provision and has also gained local extended schools contracts.

Swindon Libraries - Partners for Change
Support for young mums reading to their babies

Young mums as part of the 'U-Too' programme were asked what discouraged them from reading to their babies. Young people said that they didn't know what to read and so library staff developed a programme around story sacks. The young mums now are members of the library and have set up a young parents group to support each other at the library.

Swindon Libraries - Partners for Change
Developing Swindon Library Services

As part of the Partners for Change programme Swindon Library Service has been involving young parents and looked after young people in the development of its services. Young people wanted more space for the proposed young people’s section of the library and young parents felt that the library offered nothing for them. The children’s section of the library has been redesigned. Young parents from two local housing associations are able to use the library as a neutral base for their Getting Connected courses. A young people’s section of the library has been developed, and the youth forum continues to strengthen its links with the library service.

Tyne and Wear - Prudential 4 Youth, Washington youth group
The need for a youth centre

In autumn 2003 shoppers at the Galleries Shopping centre began to express concerns about disruptive groups of young people. These young people were approached and a meting held to discover what they felt needed to be done. It was found that there was little for young people to do in the area and that a youth centre was needed. The Washington Youth Group was formed and premises identified. The project was then outsourced to Oxclose and District Young people’s Project. The Galleries shopping centre has reported a 70% decrease in nuisance behaviour from young people. Some of the young people who attended the group are now training to be youth workers.

Walsall MAD (Make a Difference) Youth Steering Group
Responding Positively to the Boxing Day Tsunami

Following concerns raised by young people the youth service held a meeting at the town hall to explore their response to the Tsunami. Young people decided that they wanted to raise money for young people in Sri Lanka and develop an exchange programme. A steering group of young people was formed, called MAD (Make A Difference), to lead the youth response. MAD secured the facilities, interest and volunteer time to host three talent events in the local area. In addition YOF funds were secured and MAD is an Action Speaks Louder competition winner. To date £3,000 has been raised for people in Sri Lanka affected by the Tsunami. MAD members will visit a community project, identified by Action Overseas, to support local people with the financing and building of a new community centre. The work of MAD and the development of an exchange project continues.

Western-super-Mare Town Council - Barcode Youth Cafe
Somewhere to go - Youth Cafe

Young people said that they wanted somewhere safe to meet in the evenings. The youth council proposed a youth café which was agreed by the town council. The café called Barcode was opened in October 2005. Barcode has been a great success and regularly hosts music nights and a range of entertainment for young people in the local area.

Wigan Youth Service - Mesnes Park Youth in Action
Facilities and safety in the local park

Young people who used Mesnes Park complained to detached youth workers that the park was unsafe and had few facilities for them. The detached team challenged young people to do something about this; in response young people formed a youth action group. The action group raised the issue with the council and worked to gain the opinions and support of other young people. As a result the regeneration of the park has become a prominent community issue. Temporary lighting and a skate ramp has been put in place for the short term, and the action group is involved in the planning for the longer term regeneration. The experience of the youth action group has reinvigorated the youth council. The process has highlighted the importance of young people's participation and the council and other organisations are increasingly seeking to involve the young people in their work.

Wiltshire - Aldbourne Youth Council
A need for facilities - BMX jumps

Young people unofficially built dirt jumps to ride their bikes on a piece of disused land at the edge of the village. As the parish owned the land insurance was raised as an issue. The insurance company wouldn't cover the jumps and they were pulled down in January 2006. Young people researched existing tracks and insurance situations to put forward a case to the parish council. They invited an experienced track builder to talk to the council and tackled the issue of fundraising. The council agreed the plans and loaned the cost of the build whilst fundraising continued. As a result of their success in securing their track the young people have formed a youth council and continue to make changes in their village.

Wirral- The Herd and Pioneer People
Mobile Youth Provision

The Herd is a group of young people who wish to make changes for young people in their local community. Supported by their church group Pioneer People, the Herd have previously provided a mobile skate ramp until a permanent build was secured from the council. The Herd wished to continue with the mobile aspect of their work, as they wanted to bring youth facilities to where young people are gathering. The Herd with the support of Pioneer people applied for the Youth Opportunity Fund and were able to fund and refit a double decker bus. The Herd are providing sports competitions, art projects, environmental projects computer games and film nights from the bus for other local young people.

Worcestershire - Welland Youth Group
A place to be

Young people originally wanted to revamp a bus stop that they regularly used as an unofficial youth shelter. This proposal was rejected because of concerns about noise and litter. At the same time the church council felt that the church buildings were underused and offered the undercroft building as an alternative venue for young people to meet. Local Network Funding helped to ensure the site was fit for purpose and equipped with facilities. The Welland Youth Group have agreed a contract with the development group of the church and have enjoyed the use of the undercroft for a number of years.

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