Initiative provides opportunity for young people to shape local youth services

The Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods project – co-ordinated by Groundwork UK in partnership with Sanctuary Housing, FPM and Youth Access – will run in 20 areas across England for 11- to 19-year-olds.

Between now and March 2013, it aims to help up to 1,700 young people design and deliver tailored activities that respond to the needs and priorities of their community. 

It is running in 20 housing estates across England where youth nuisance and antisocial behaviour have been identified as significant problems.

Building on local partnerships with housing providers, residents, local authorities and other community partners, young people will help run and partly own local youth services, including youth-led mutuals.  

Groundwork chief executive Sir Tony Hawkhead, said: "Our young people have certainly got talent, but far too often tend to either be ignored or simply seen as trouble by adults. Rather than viewing them with fear and suspicion, more needs to be done to recognise what a powerful force for good they are in our society.

"Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods starts with recognising and celebrating strong communities that work across generations and value the contribution of the young, as partners and part of the solution rather than the problem." 

As part of the initiative, young people with particularly complex needs will also be provided with targeted advice and counselling on issues such as teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol misuse. 

Simon Clark, group director of housing and communities at Sanctuary Housing, said: "Young people are our future. It’s that simple. We need to ensure they recognise they are part of their communities and inspire them to reach their potential.

"Young People Friendly Neighbourhoods provides the perfect opportunity to put them in the driving seat."