Traditionally reliant on mining and agriculture, Teesdale now suffers from multiple deprivation including high unemployment, social exclusion, poor health and poor housing. Evidence from a range of sources indicated a need to tackle issues which affect young people in areas like Teesdale.

Issues identified include problems of isolation, difficulties accessing job and training opportunities and the negative views which many adults hold about youngsters. Local partner agencies recognised the need to include work with young people as part of any strategy aimed at tackling these issues.

Managed by Goundwork West Durham, Teesdale Environmental Youth Project is targeted at marginalised young people aged 14-25 within Teesdale. The project provides a range of activities and a programme of support designed to facilitate their personal and social development via community-based environmental regeneration projects.

An independent interim evaluation of the project concluded that it has consistently met its aims and objectives and that it provides good value for money. Highly regarded by participating youngsters, the project is proving to be successful in engaging them in regeneration projects and helping them to develop new skills, obtain qualifications and improve their confidence.

The project provides a programme of group work, training, support and personal development opportunities which are designed to facilitate young people’s personal and social development and actively engage them in local regeneration projects and decision making forums.

The majority of activities take place in a community setting and much of the project’s focus is on creating facilities specifically for the youngsters themselves.

The project’s philosophy is one of helping the youngsters to help themselves. It recognises that a ‘one size fits all’ approach will not be appropriate in every case - staff tailor activities according to needs and aspirations.

An interim evaluation concluded that the project is consistently meeting its aims and objectives and provided good value for money. Participants reported that they have gained greater confidence, improved team work and communication skills as a result of their involvement with the project.

Lessons from the project are being used to inform models of good practice in working with young people in areas like Teesdale.

Young people in the Teesdale area as well as Teesdale more generally.

Funding is from the Single Regeneration Budget, European Social Fund, Teesdale District Council and other sources. Project running costs are estimated at £50,000 per annum. The project is staffed by a youth team manager, a senior environmental youth worker, a team of youth and sessional workers and volunteers.

Importantly, the manager is accountable to the young people involved as well as senior staff within Groundwork. The project builds on earlier successful initiatives which developed youth projects in the area. The success of these, together with the well-established nature of Groundwork locally are considered to be important success factors.

Part of the funding for the project was received from the European Social Fund.

Groundwork West Durham
feedback@renewal.net

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case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Young people