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.
Tag Archives: rural
Cycling to school safely
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.
Building trust through honest conversations leads to local area improvements
Following complaints from local residents the Youth Inclusion Project 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.
Cornwall youth gain improved facilities after concerted action
There was nowhere for young people to go at weekends in St Blazey, Cornwall. Young people wanted a youth cafe. A youth cafe has now been created and is open on Saturdays. It provides healthy, low cost meals to users and the opportunity for those who wish to learn to cook to create dishes. As it is based within the Fourways youth centre users have access to a range of other activities such as the pool table, sports hall and the Wii and advice and support.
Young Gypsy and Traveller women get improved facilities 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 Youth Opportunities Fund 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.
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.
Traveller young people go fishing
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.
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.
Successful campaign for cheaper fares on the island
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.
Young people in Camborne create thriving dance initiative
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.