Youth Club

[AL]

I read the article in todays Courier about a mother wishing to set up a Youth Club for the local teenagers.

I think its a great idea and I'd be happy to help out in anyway I could. I realise there would be a scary amount of hoops to jump through and red tape to cut before such a club could open and I'd be happy to put the work into this.

What do others think of the idea?

[£3.73]

Isn't it terrible to think there's a possiblity of so much red tape these days ... even in setting up a youth club.

Buerocrats only exist because no-one complains or questions why we need buerocracy.
(I wonder how many workers you could employ for the price of one jobsworth deskjockey ???)

Between that, and politically correct non-entitys that would have, among other things, games & sports where there are no winners (everyone's a winner because they take part) ... it's a wonder that anyone can be bothered frankly.

However, all the best in your endevour ... I think it's a great idea ...

[Kintyre Forum News]

For information this relates to the following article in yesterday's Campbeltown Courier. Taken from the Courier's website at http://www.campbeltowncourier.co.uk/new ... to_us.html

It’s up to us
Mum says parents should start a youth club, join in the debate on The Courier’s online forum
Published: 06 February, 2009

A KINTYRE mum wants other parents to join in and help provide a youth club for Campbeltown.

Rather than calling for the council to do all the work Susan Sanders of Bellochantuy thinks it’s about time ‘we got our finger out and did something’.

‘Our kids spend the weekends walking the streets being baby sat by our local police who stop them buying alcohol, moving them on, taking them to hospital and stopping them fighting,’ said Susan.

‘It’s about time we as parents and extended families did something to defeat the problems. I know I, as a parent, have said I wished they had somewhere to go and something to do instead of standing on street corners; it’s up to us.’

Structured

While there are plenty of structured activities such as football, sports, the brass and pipe bands for kids, there is nowhere for teenagers of grammar school age to simply ‘hang out’ with their friends.

‘I’m not grumbling about them; there are a lot worse kids out there than in Campbeltown; look at all the hard work they did raising thousands for Children in Need. Most of them are well-behaved, polite and pleasant,’ she said.

‘I am sure we could get parents and families to volunteer to run it. I’d happily give up, say Friday or Saturday to begin with. So I am asking for people’s opinions, whether they’d like to join a committee to get something going.’

Councillor Donald Kelly said he was happy to support the idea and hoped that parents would join in and get something started.

‘They need to strike the right balance and give the youngsters ownership of it rather than standing over them watching their every move,’ he said.

[kintyre 84]

I think this is a great idea and have voiced opinioins before regarding Youth Cafes etc.

The red tape will be horrendous but does it need to be? An open meeting would be the first thing to organise and find out what the kids want. There would be no point in doing the wrong thing in their eyes. What would they participate in, what should be included.

I hope this does get a start. I would be very willing to help out on a rota basis, but I am unable to get too involved in the organisational stage due to current commitments but I am delighted to hear that mums like Susan are standing up and letting their feelings be heard. It is our problem, its not alway got to be left to other people. There are the same people on all the different organisations and committees in the town. These same people are hard working, busy individuals and do not get the credit they deserve. People who run badminton groups/dance groups/musicial groups etc etc.

Its time the ordinary mums and dads get involved in providing entertainment for their kids. I don't know how many times I have heard parents complain about the lack of facilities and can't understand why their kids want to hang about on the street in the cold. Complain about the trouble they get into and blaming all and sundry. The kids want to hang about together ( naturally ) and the street is the only place they can do this. If something was made available to them that they were all equal and welcome, then I think they would go for it!.

I hope someone can get the ball rolling.

[Ship called Dignity]

Isn't it terrible to think there's a possiblity of so much red tape these days ... even in setting up a youth club.

£3.73 - I agree it is terrible that all these procedures are in place because we shouldn't have to worry about these things however, it is all there for the right reason. Maybe a separate thread in Speakers Corner (???) but all these checks are fundamental to a Youth Club getting started, getting grants etc. The laws are there to protect the adults too and if I were getting involved I would want this all in place.

I think this is a great idea and have voiced opinioins before regarding Youth Cafes etc.

The red tape will be horrendous but does it need to be? An open meeting would be the first thing to organise and find out what the kids want. There would be no point in doing the wrong thing in their eyes. What would they participate in, what should be included.

I hope this does get a start. I would be very willing to help out on a rota basis, but I am unable to get too involved in the organisational stage due to current commitments but I am delighted to hear that mums like Susan are standing up and letting their feelings be heard. It is our problem, its not alway got to be left to other people. There are the same people on all the different organisations and committees in the town. These same people are hard working, busy individuals and do not get the credit they deserve. People who run badminton groups/dance groups/musicial groups etc etc.

Its time the ordinary mums and dads get involved in providing entertainment for their kids. I don't know how many times I have heard parents complain about the lack of facilities and can't understand why their kids want to hang about on the street in the cold. Complain about the trouble they get into and blaming all and sundry. The kids want to hang about together ( naturally ) and the street is the only place they can do this. If something was made available to them that they were all equal and welcome, then I think they would go for it!.

Well said Kintyre 84 - excellent post. A "Youth Club" would give the kids an option. I went to the Youth Club most Friday nights and I believe it lasted for a good few years after. I recall the late Christine Anderson, amongst others, putting in a great deal of time and effort into the whole Youth Club and at the time you never think about how much they are doing for you. Its not until you grow up, look back and realise what these people did for you. It is the same now but the adults need to appreciate what others are doing and if anything help out.

PS - I'll help out in 10 years.

[NelsonL1995]

I can't see it happening anytime soon to be honest.
I will believe it when I see it.

[Ship called Dignity]

I can't see it happening anytime soon to be honest.
I will believe it when I see it.

At least the article in the Courier and some of the subsequent posts are a start. Even if it takes 6 months or 12 months it is sooner that it will happen if it is just left in limbo.

You seem to be an intelligent, level headed young man, perhaps you could get involved.

[AL]

I can't see it happening anytime soon to be honest.
I will believe it when I see it.

It might take a while but if there is enough adult support it could happen.

If only we were able to start a youth club tomorrow but unfortuately it not as easy as that. However, watch this space

[NelsonL1995]

As a teenager myself, I know that this Youth club would have to be pretty good to keep us of the streets and from smoking and drinking ( not that I do ).

Where would this Youth club be and who would Fund it?

Not trying to be Negitive or anything

[mrn]

As a teenager myself, I know that this Youth club would have to be pretty good to keep us of the streets and from smoking and drinking ( not that I do ).

At least it may be an alternative NelsonL1995 or an option as mentioned above. I have never really got my head round the "drinking" scenario. I mean where do they get alcohol from if licencing laws are supposed to be tighter, larger police presence, CCTV etc and finally do parents just ignore their kids smelling of alcohol and acting funny?

Where would this Youth club be and who would Fund it?

I don't see funding as a major issue wouldn't it be self funded to keep it going? Surely local funding could be made available initially to purchase whatever you need? (except Alcohol and Cigarettes of course! ). The Community Centre is already there as are some of the Church Halls???

[NelsonL1995]

[quote="mrn"

At least it may be an alternative NelsonL1995 or an option as mentioned above. I have never really got my head round the "drinking" scenario. I mean where do they get alcohol from if licencing laws are supposed to be tighter, larger police presence, CCTV etc and finally do parents just ignore their kids smelling of alcohol and acting funny?

[/quote]

Actually, Yes, Most parents Know their kids drink and don't do anything about it.
Also, The police pulled up beside up when we were out tonight and ask us if we had drink of Fags. We said no and they drove off when actually, One of the people that were with us were 'steaming' and they didn't even check our botles.
Don't think they can be bothered to be honest.

[mrn]

At least it may be an alternative NelsonL1995 or an option as mentioned above. I have never really got my head round the "drinking" scenario. I mean where do they get alcohol from if licencing laws are supposed to be tighter, larger police presence, CCTV etc and finally do parents just ignore their kids smelling of alcohol and acting funny?

Actually, Yes, Most parents Know their kids drink and don't do anything about it.
Also, The police pulled up beside up when we were out tonight and ask us if we had drink of Fags. We said no and they drove off when actually, One of the people that were with us were 'steaming' and they didn't even check our botles.
Don't think they can be bothered to be honest.

Thanks for your honest answer. Seems to be a trait with parents nowadays. "Well he isn't the only one who is doing it, so it must be fine" !

At first when I read your reply I had the idea of the police speeding off in the huff as you didn't have any fags or booze for them. However it is rather sad that the police observation is so poor.

Back to the thread, what would you like to see in a Youth Club in Campbeltown if there was one?

[NelsonL1995]

Well, a wee list for you

- Someplace to sit
- Game machine(s)
- food/drink machines
- Well maintained

Thats about it I think.

However, I am going to stick with what I said at the very begining of this Thread - Nobody will use it.
Infact, People will use it, for a while. Then, It will get boring. People will want to go back to the street to get drunk and smoke. A youth club won't change these things. Its just another thing for people to waste money on.

Thats my opinion anyway.

[AL]

All respect to you Neslon for being so honest!

However, you are one voice. What about your peers, the ones who don't want to stand on the street each evening or get bladdered because there is nothing better to do?

Remember this is the idea of ONE parent at the moment and I fully support her and hope this project gets further than just being talked about. Accomodation and funding are things that will need to be researched and a lot of funding would be required for the type of youth club I have in my head. I don't want it to be boring! Although I won't be the only one making the decisions ideally I would like to see it offering a range of fascilities that would appeal to all of Grammar age, but obviously that feedback would need to come from people like you. No use us adults setting something up that is no use to its users!!

As I said watch this space, it will take a while though as this idea is still just that - an idea. It may or may not happen but if it gets to the planning stage the organisers will no doubt be looking for the opinions of the local young folk (that makes me sound old and I'm not THAT old lol) as to what such a venture would need to offer.

[NelsonL1995]

Ok, At school tomorrow then I will ask my friends and anyone I happen to be talking to about it and see what they say.
I will post anything they say ( Ideas ect ) here about 4 tomorrow.

NelsonL