Policy & Practice: Soapbox - Stop moaning about teens and startlistening to them

People are continuously complaining that teenagers are "hanging around" the streets and causing trouble, but who actually listens to these young people and gives them what they want? Youth organisations tend to be the main outlet for teenagers looking for something to do, but what makes a good youth club?

Clubs need workers who engage with the young to make them feel safe and welcome. They also need to have decent facilities, even though activities are not the main reason why most young people attend. For many teenagers, a youth club is a place where they can be with friends and socialise and not worry about receiving complaints from local residents. A club is a place where young people can express themselves through activities they might not have access to anywhere else, such as music production or singing.