Young people voice concerns

Ongoing discontent from young people about youth provision has prompted us to ask funding agencies and local youth providers, what is going on for these young people.

A lot going on

New Deal told us that they have funded a lot of activities for young people, festive fun parties, DJ and dance workshops, film making, music productions and sporting activities, and the upcoming Easter Activity Extravaganza.

Sheffield Futures told us, “We deliver a range of services for young people aged 13–19, either directly or in partnership with other organisations.” They listed activities at centres like All Saints, Verdon Recreation Centre, Earl Marshal, as well as outreach to Scott Road and Abbeyfield Park. “Connexions also provides personal advisers, helping young people with advice on employment and training.”

It seems there are plenty of activities and one-off events, especially for under 15s with the steady support of school and parents. But is any of this enough to engage over 16 year olds, to prevent them coming into conflict with other residents, risking ASBOs and criminality?

Hanging about looking cool

Lorraine Blake, senior worker at the New Deal-funded Ellesmere Youth Project, runs detached youth work sessions around the tough Carwood and All Saints areas. “Those that have reached sixteen don’t want to join in anymore,” explains Lorraine. “They seem to prefer just hanging about and looking cool.” I also spoke to Michael Dennis, a family support officer funded by New Deal to work with families in Burngreave.

“There is a lot of provision,but is it the right kind of activity or is it just what we think they want? 15–18 year olds mature a lot quicker these days, we were happy with a youth club,Rob,but things have changed. We have to make sure young people aren’t left behind,they need up-to-date facilities and activities.”

Lorraine also recognizes the need for positive role models that encourage and show these children the right ways to live. “Nowadays kids watch drug dealers making fast money. We need alternatives reflecting a proper way of living in society.”

Broken promises

Back in October 2004 the behaviour of young people in and around Abbeyfield Park was intimidating some park users and the police were increasingly involved. The problems provoked a meeting of local residents and park tenants, bringing together Sheffield Futures, New Deal, Green City Action and other community youth providers. They set out to find a solution to the lack of provision for over 16s and the youth made the most of efforts to ensure their voices were heard.

They wanted and were promised a multiple games area for the Park’s empty tennis courts. They also requested a youth shelter, a warm dry place where they could hang out and socialise. The stables building was a main suggestion, but a temporary shelter was promised.

With over six months since all those promises, nothing has happened. The temporary youth shelter and the multi games area have run into planning permission problems and the stables development stopped when the Council declared its intention, after many years of neglect, to now take full control of the regeneration of Abbeyfield Park.

What about the youth? What about keeping promises? What does that teach them? What do they learn? To be patient? Not to listen is more likely.

“We need youth clubs with provisions that suit us,” said Shokit, age 19, speaking out on behalf of others. “A gym, Rob and some weekend leisure activities.”

Faisal spoke of the need to modernise youth activities and their approach. Others spoke up about their wish to have a clubhouse that contained a widescreen TV, organised trips away, football and sports activities. “Places where we can chill out and feel is our own.”

“Since New Deal came into our area we have been promised activities and not seen anything!” said Shokit. “Before they fund us they fund others. Have they got their priorities right, or are they still ignoring us?”

“The Vestry Hall or the chapel in the cemetery would be great, but like the stables, they’re going to be some sort of art centre. What about us Rob? They forget about us until we’re trouble.” adds Shokit.

The youth also have concerns about the way local police have been handling their behaviour. “We feel targeted by police rolling round in a white transit van,” continued Shokit. “One officer said ‘If you don’t want us rolling on you, then go and see your community leaders and get a youth centre and activities going.’”

by Rob Smith