Involve young people in design of social action opportunities, say charities

By having young people involved in the design of social action programmes, commissioners and funders can better ensure they provide engaging opportunities, London Youth’s Getting Beyond the Usual Suspects report concludes.

It also says more flexibility should also be built into the design of programmes so that young people can still take part even if they are unable to attend for the full amount of time.

The report contains summary views from 21 charities and organisations, including BBC Children in Need, The Big Lottery Fund and Step Up To Serve, that aim to engage young people unable to take advantage of social action projects and opportunities.

In addition, it recommends that more inclusive language and branding should be used to attract more young people into social action programmes, so they do not think, “this isn’t for me”.

Opportunities for young people should also be offered in the places and communities where they are, with a lack of transport often preventing young people from taking part.

Phil Kerry, London Youth’s programmes director, said: “If delivered well social action opportunities can and do help build confidence, resilience and strengthen emotional capabilities in young people, which should lead to better outcomes later in life and involving young people in social action in disadvantaged areas can really strengthen communities for everyone.”

The report builds on work carried out for the Youth Social Action Journey Fund, the Cabinet Office initiative that has funded London Youth and other organisations to develop more opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

Kerry added that more needs to be done to help build social action opportunities for young people.