The National Youth Agency: My Place

PENNYWELL YOUTH PROJECT, SUNDERLAND

Key principle: Young people's active participation - empowering young people and putting them in the lead to drive decisions about the design, use and ongoing running of places for them to go.

Pennywell Youth Project is based in a modern building on the Pennywell Estate, a large post-war social housing scheme in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. A strategic need for new youth provision was highlighted and, following a feasibility study and consultation with young people, funding for the building was secured. Young people opened the centre at the opening ceremony in 2003. Involving young people is key at Pennywell. They were consulted in the initial planning of the building to ascertain what kind of provision they wanted. They are involved with planning activities, the building's decor and resourcing furniture and equipment. On site, activities such as the community interest company allow young people to get involved and gain valuable employment experience. Introduction to youth work training is also offered to young people actively involved in sessions. The project's ethos is one of positive activities. "Enjoying yourself" is one of the ground rules established by the young users at the project.