Environmental charity Groundswork is to hold an event on the 24th April in Birmingham to mark the end of its three year Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods Programme (YPFN).
The programme was funded by the Big Lottery to empower young people to make improvements to their local communities through assessing and making environmental and social improvements. The young people worked in partnership with organisations like the Police, local authorities and housing associations.
The programme has helped 1500 young people assess areas of concern in their local communities and make improvements to them. The programme also aimed to improve the skills and confidence of the young people who took part and increase young peoples desire to use community spaces.
Caleb, one of the young people took part in the programme commented: “Working with adults as part of the project, organisations like Groundwork or Nottingham City Council was fine. I didn’t feel looked down on – they talked to me on a level as a responsible person. Being involved helps me remember that I do care about my community and I can and will give my time to help in any way I can.
Jane Marsden, 16, who was part of the Rossendale YPFN team, added: "Now that we have shown we can make a difference in our community, and that we aren't just a bunch of kids hanging around with nothing to do, people listen to us more and actually take our views and opinions into consideration."
Mon, 20/04/2009 - 11:31
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A new package to develop local staff to support and train young people to conduct objective assessments of local services and support recommendations for service improvements.
