Make Space Youth Review

Throughout 2007 Make Space led a coalition of young people, teachers, parents and youth workers calling for urgent investment by Government in facilities for young people in communities. The Youth Review undertook a consultation with 16,000 young people, carried out via a roadshow visiting every region of the county – ensuring that the campaign truly represented the voice of young people.

The final report, launched by youth icon Lily Allen and campaigner Oona King on 11 July 2007 in London, was presented by young people to Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street. It marked the culmination of a year of lobbying and campaigning aimed at Ministers and officials to shape and develop the new deal for young people.

Click here to download the report.

Click here to download the summary of finding and recommendations.

The report cited escalating costs in policing, health support and benefits associated with under-supported young people, and urged that Government invest in modern, attractive youth facilities and spaces that can nurture, inspire and support teenagers.

Findings from the Youth Review were fed into the Government policy making process over the last year and, marking the extent of Make Space’s influence, the Government invited the Make Space Youth Cabinet to take part in the official launch of the 10 year strategy for youth, Aiming High for Young People.

Key recommendations from the Youth Review include:

• A Youth Centre in every community providing dedicated spaces for young people to meet, as well as access to music, creative arts, sports, classes and specialist intervention and support for teenagers in difficulty. Inspirational and gifted young people’s workers would lead these centres and coordinate activity for young people in the area.
• Support for parents of teenagers including right to request flexible work and intensive involvement and support for parents of troubled teenagers.
• Mobile Intervention Teams to work in areas of high deprivation and unrest – offering teenagers specialist and positive support.
• Action on bullying and a new Victim Support scheme for young people who have been the victims of crime.
• Young Mayors elected in every area to give teenagers representation and a say in their community.
• Free public transport and leisure for all young people under 18 to ensure access for all.

Read about how this Make Space campaign won an International Public Affairs award and was shortlisted for a Public Relations Excellence award.