the Help Files....

WORK IN PROGRESS

Youth Matters

“Evidence highlights the importance to young people and their parents of safe
spaces where they can hang out and socialise, as well as taking part in
activities. Many local areas are exploring alternatives to the traditional youth
club approach, for example by investing in mobile facilities or youth shelters.
However, these sorts of facilities remain underdeveloped, and their provision
is not always in line with what young people actually want.”

“We want young people to have more direct involvement in all stages of
service design, development, delivery and evaluation. By involving them, we
can help to ensure that they will share ownership of decisions and use
facilities and services responsibly, and that the investment of public, private or
charitable funds is directed to meet their real needs.”

Taking part in sports, constructive activities in clubs, groups or classes and volunteering during the teenage years has a positive impact on outcomes in later life: increasing educational attainment; reducing offending and smoking; and reducing the likelihood of depression. There is also evidence that involvement in positive activities helps prevent teenagers from being drawn into anti-social behaviour and crime. Wider activities can also help to broaden young people’s horizons, developing their understanding of other cultures and religions and key issues such as sustainable development.

Other experiences include less structured activity that nonetheless contributes to a rich and varied life outside school or work, such as somewhere safe to hang out with friends,

two of the four 'key challenges'

• Our first challenge is to put young people themselves in control of the things to do and places to go in their area.
• The second challenge is how to encourage more young people to volunteer and become involved in their communities.

4 of the 6 'principles'

• making services more responsive to what young people and parents want;
• balancing greater opportunities and support with promoting young people’s responsibilities;
• improving outcomes for all young people, while narrowing the gap between those who do well and those who do not;
• involving a wide range of organisations from the voluntary, community and private sectors in order to increase choice and secure the best outcomes;

Young people who do not participate are more likely to come from disadvantaged groups.
Secondly, the right kind of involvement can make a significant contribution to improving outcomes and life chances, particularly helping with personal and social development.
Thirdly, and crucially for the wider community, there is evidence that being involved in positive activities helps prevent teenagers from being drawn into anti-social behaviour and crime.

Vision, empowerment and citizenship

5 outcomes, involvement of young people, need for inclusive provision

Today’s system does not take full account of the ways in which young people want to access services. services are often not available at convenient times or in convenient places. Nor do they always take account of how strong the influence of other young people can be or of the need young people sometimes have for services that are confidential. Young people also have strong expectations of being able to access services using the latest technologies.

Services too need to develop new ways of challenging teenagers who are engaged in anti-social behaviour.

Manchester Children & Young People's Plan

We want all our children, whatever their circumstances, to feel safe from all forms of harm including bullying, accidental injury and death, abuse and neglect of any kind and from crime and anti social behaviour.

Children and young people also need access to a wide range of play, leisure and recreational opportunities to meet their individual needs. The city places firm emphasis on enjoyment alongside achievement, and so provides a wealth of play services that are located within easy reach for young families to be able to access.

Children were clear that they wanted to play outside in parks and open spaces, they wanted us to make this happen for them.

we want all of our children and young people to feel proud of their city, and motivated to participate positively towards its continued renewal and regeneration.

Children and young people also need access to a wide range of play, leisure and recreational opportunities to meet their individual needs. These will enhance and develop their independence and enjoyment of life in order to prepare them for employment and future roles as adults in the community.

Manchester Crime and Disorder reduction Strategy

Manchester Alcohol Strategy

Local Respect Action Plan

Manchester Children and Young People's engagement Strategy