I had another look today at the 2008-9 "Place" survey of Swindon residents (thanks to Karen in Broad Green for sending this).

The single issue that residents felt needed the most improvement was activities for teenagers. I suspect that this is something that young people around the country can relate to. In Swindon, I’m told that spending on youth services has reduced dramatically (by up to 50% in real terms) over the last decade. Although there’s been a massive investment in The Platform (can’t wait to see it when it opens), budgets will continue to be under pressure in the immediate future.

But let’s look at this from a different perspective for a moment. Our local council isn’t the only provider of youth services – there are some great youth centres run by them, and there are other things young people can get involved in, if they choose to? Sports, Martial Arts, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Scouts, and voluntary groups offer further choices. Maybe some of these aren’t seen as "cool", but don’t knock them until you’ve tried them.

If there really isn’t enough for young people to do, should we always look to "government" for solutions, or can we take personal responsibility?

If you have an interest or hobby that you’d like to spend more time on, there are probably other people who share it. What if you started up a club? A venue to meet shouldn’t cost very much (especially if you have a school locally who are involved in Extended Schools activities, or a youth club with space for you). If you need new facilities, the cost can be high, but several grant schemes (especially Lottery funded) are willing to consider funding for new projects. It takes effort and time, and you’ll face obstacles and challenges on the way.

But if you could create something new and exciting for young people, how would you feel about such a great achievement? How many new skills (and friends) would you develop in the process? How would that achievement look on your CV?

If you are aged 14-19 and considering such a venture, let us know. Inner Flame won’t be able to support you financially, but we may have some ideas that will help and our course "Fire Me Up!" may give you the motivation and focus you need to succeed.

I’ll welcome feedback on this. Post a comment or email me at david@innerflame.org.uk.

David

p.s. here were a few other interesting facts from the Place survey:

• How well do people from different backgrounds get on together? On the whole, our local area rates well – but, worryingly, it’s young people who disagree most strongly. That’s one of the reasons that we mix people from every background on our course, because we can all learn from each other and our different perspectives on life).
• I was really encouraged that Swindon is an aea where people feel they treat each other with respect and consideration (at least, more than in the UK as a whole).
• On the whole, people don’t feel that parents take enough responsibility for their children’s behaviour. (Of course, this is only a problem if the young people themselves don’t take responsibility for how they choose to act. We’re touching on some deep issues here!)