Get Set Youth was a youth outreach project based at a local skate park on Canvey Island. It was set up by Yellow Door, an independent charity and included after-school and summer holiday activities.
Who
A Youth Bus at a local skate park, for young people from the area. It was set up by Yellow Door, an independent charity working with young people aged 11 to 25.
What
A safe space for young people to socialise and learn.
Where
Canvey Island, Essex
When
2017-2019
Yellow Door, who provide information, advice, support and advocacy services to young people, identified a need to support young people’s social networks and wellbeing and to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour. One issue for young people in Canvey was the lack of affordable after-school and holiday activities. Knife crime and drugs were also issues locally.
They set up the free Youth Bus at Waterside Skate Park as a safe space for young people to socialise, have fun, learn and increase their wellbeing. After-school and summer holiday activities were centred on physical activities and sports, such as dodgeball and table tennis, but young people were also able to get involved in community activities such as events on Pancake Day and Halloween.
Alongside these social activities the outreach work covered issues around drugs, sexual health and mental health, and provided emotional support. The club was also an entry point to other Yellow Door services, including counselling and a food bank.
As well as becoming more fit and active, young people have grown their social connections, support networks and confidence. Some have gone on to become Young Volunteers. An offshoot of this project is a noticeable decrease in anti-social behaviour, improving life for the whole community.
All kids need something different, and they all get the support that they need, whether it is something quite small, or something quite large.
Volunteer
