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.
Category Archives: things to do places to go
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.
Somewhere to go – Youth Cafe for young people in Weston Super Mare
Young people said that they wanted somewhere safe to meet in the evenings. The youth council proposed a youth cafe which was agreed by the town council. The cafe 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.
Disabled young people take on new challenges and gain new skills
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 Youth Opportunities Fund 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.
Local young activists keep play area open
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.
Young people take action to gain a new cafe and music venue
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 cafe with live music facilities is now open and provides a trendy and safe place for young people to go. Young people staff the cafe and healthy living is promoted through the healthy menu options.
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.
A gym designed specifically with and 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.
Action in Aylesbury to find affordable and safe places to hang out
A steering group of young people worked over a period of time to identify key concerns and the best ways to respond. They developed a number of Youth Cafes offering a range of creative activities. Attendance has grown and a number of young people volunteer at the cafes.
Island’s Youth Council gains improved facilities
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.