‘The percentage of children living in rural settlements with ‘reasonable’ access by cycling to a secondary school was 28%, compared with 56% in all urban settlements.’ (Statistical Digest of Rural England, 2014)
A Community based, open access youth club in a small location.
In a nutshell:
There are hundreds of villages in Wiltshire and transport links for young people have been raised as one of their biggest barriers to engagement. Having a club in a village or neighbourhood location means young people don’t need to travel and can maintain links with their community. Clubs can be resourced through community volunteers as well as raising funding for a sessional youth work co-ordinator to help to maintain the club.
What makes this project special:
Young people often attend village primary schools and then scatter to various neighbouring secondary schools, often with bad transport links to their school and new friends. Their home community links can be easily lost and the benefits of living in a small community can be diminished. There are many different village youth clubs around Wiltshire, many have been running for years. Almost every community area will be able to point to a working example near you.
Village youth clubs connect young people with the community, they often get more involved in village events and local democracy. Each group will have a different feel to it based on what the young people want to do, some will have the same set up every week with the activities young people want to do in a safe environment, some will be more project based and plan specific activities so it is different every week.
How you can replicate this project where you live:
- Talk with the town and parish council about possible help setting up, funding and use of facilities
- Talk with local people, including young people about what there is to do for young people in your area and what they might like to do
- Form a small group of young people and adults who can be an initial committee to start a community group
- Get advice on safeguarding policies and practice
What young people have said:
“Always a friendly familiar face”
”Amazing, fun, a safe environment to talk in and be emotional, Nutella and cheap sweets and drinks”
Find out more:
Support from your local community area manager:
You can access documents, templates and funding advice from your local community area manager. Click here to access the free support we can offer.
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