Organisation: Mesnes Park Youth In Action
Issue: Facilities and safety in the local park
The situation Young people who used Mesnes Park told their detached youth workers that they thought the park was unsafe and had few facilities aimed at young people. With the detached workers' support, the young people formed an action group to raise these issues at the Wigan Township forum. Through the work of the youth action group the regeneration of the park has become a prominent community issue and the participation of young people in community decision-making has greatly increased.
WHAT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SAID
"We met our youth workers about 18 months ago. We felt there was nothing for us to do so they suggested we form an action group to be a voice for young people in the area"... "There are fewer problems in our park now so it's great to know our work has made an impact"... "We now feel that we are an important part of the community."
What's changed: The council have responded to young people's immediate concerns by installing a skate ramp and temporary lighting. Longer-term regeneration of the park is under way and young people are involved.
Every Child Matters outcomes: Making a positive contribution; enjoying and achieving; staying safe; economic wellbeing
Please send your examples to activeinvolve ment@nya.org.uk. A blank template is available from www.nya.org.uk/whatschanged.
