Young people taking part in ‘Dragons' Den’ type panels to fund youth projects have seen their confidence and social skills soar, their behaviour improve and their standing in the community increased, according to a report issued today by Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes.
The report comes as new figures show that over 1.5 million young people have benefited from over 25,000 projects across country, funded by the £115 million Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds.
The report found that:
• 100% of LA staff agreed that panel members had benefited socially
• 99% of LA staff agreed that panel members team working and decision making skills had improved
• 98% of LA staff said that the young people involved in the decision-making panel had done a good job
Speaking on a visit to the Hub, a multi agency Connexions service in Crewe, Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes said: “It is excellent news that so many young people have taken part and made such a positive contribution through the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds. This shows that when young people are given a chance they can rise to the occasion and gain respect from their wider community.
“It’s particularly promising to see that the funds have helped LAs to reach disadvantaged and hard to reach young people, who are so often rejected by their communities. I congratulate all the young people involved for doing so well and the local authorities for making good use of the funds.
“Young people are faced with increasingly diverse choices, so it is essential that we have excellent information, advice and guidance in place to help them, such as here at the Hub in Crewe. This centre, and the research issued today shows just how much this country’s young people can achieve, when given a chance.”
The report also found that the young Dragons showed feelings of empowerment, increased participation in other activities and improved attitude towards learning.
There were also some indications of improved attitudes towards young people among the wider community arising from projects which engaged directly with the community, and respect among adults for bringing resources into their community.
Steve Hoy, Chief Executive of Connexions Cheshire and Warrington Limited, said: “The building and facilities at this new centre – the Hub of youth activity in the area – are second to none. The involvement of local young people in every stage of the planning and design of the centre has been critically important to ensure that together we are providing exactly what young people themselves really want and that we constantly review the provision.
“Connexions' aim is to widen access to a whole range of activities, information and support for all young people when and where they need it. The Hub will provide that here in Crewe and we will continue to listen to young people as well as giving them the help and support they want.”
Additional funding for YOF for three years from April 2008 has given a significant increase to the 50 most deprived local authority areas (for list see below). These areas will experience a 50% increase in 2008-09 and a 100% increase in the years 2010 -11 as compared to 2007-08.
In response to a number of recommendations in the report, the Department also published a Good Practice Guide which provides a range of good ideas from different LAs on how to operate the Funds and engage young people most effectively.
The Guide will cover how best to support young people through the panel process with ideas for gaining recognition for the positive work the young people do.
Ashley Evans from Cheshire who successfully applied for YOF funds to help arrange an exchange visit for local young people to Poland said: “The very fact that I was able to make my idea happen through YOF gives me a great sense of achievement.”
Beverley Hughes today also visited Operation Cougar in Greater Manchester, which is one of ten target police force areas that the Government has asked for concerted action to tackle knife crime through preventative and diversionary activities for young people.
It brings together the police and children’s services who work together to prevent gang activity and reduce violence among young people, including reducing knife crime. It reinforces the Youth Crime Action Plan’s triple track approach through tough enforcement where behaviour is unacceptable, non negotiable support and challenge where it is most needed and better and earlier prevention. Through the Action Plan preventative work will be available in every target area.
The police forces participating in the Tackling Knives Action Programme have stepped up activity engaging young people and are committed to providing specific educational packages for schools and events informing young people of the dangers of carrying knives. They are working closely with hospitals to share data on knife injuries and will be carrying out home visits and sending letters to parents of young people where intelligence suggests they are carrying knives.
