Youth Report - Short Version

The Youth Report is Available in both Short version and the Full Version

Short Report Follows

Commissioned by the Northern Fells Group in conjunction with The Prince’s Trust and Business in the Community, this research was Directed by Dr. Katy Bennett ( University of Leicester) with the assistance of Joyce Woodcock (local enabler) and Keira May Harvey (research assistant).

47 local young people were involved. The following gives a brief summary of the research findings and the steps we are taking to address some of the issues raised.

Belonging

Many of the young people interviewed showed considerable attachment to the area anda sense of belonging to the community. This was particularly apparent among those whohad spent their childhood in the area; "I loved my childhood here. There's loads of friends, loads of fun and no worries about going out at night and stuff" The Oddfellows at Caldbeck featured a number of times as a good place to catch up with the "crack" and to find a part time job. Swineside, a natural swimming pool, was also mentioned as a good place to meet up in the summer months.

Taking part in activities also helped young people to feel a sense of community. The Caldbeck Young Farmers was particularly important. The "Caldbeck Social" is an event that few young people miss. The success of this organisation seemed due to its ability to cater for the needs of a variety of young people. The children of farmers valued the club's success in the "more agricultural" activities whilst others preferred the trips organized by the club to places like LaserQuest. The club also organises events for women such as a "Body Shop" evening. However some young women felt that there were insufficient activities provided for them and that trips to nearby towns could be difficult to organise if their parents were busy.

Moving On

The Northern Fells Group has already begun to develop activities through the Youth Initiative such as baby-sitting courses, mountain biking, a music group and multisportsdays. We aim to increase awareness of these through the Northern Fells Group website,texting and email. We are exploring opportunities to develop further activitiesincluding practical life-skills, arts and culture such as cookery classes, drama groups,and film-making.

Education, Training and Jobs

Most of the young people interviewed were going through education or training and hada job in 2004. Of those at school 77% had jobs, working part time in pubs, restaurants,shops and on farms. 30% of those interviewed were in some form of vocational training.Young people felt that both they and schools were under pressure to focus on HigherEducation, with much less support for other career and training options.

There was a tendency to find work and apprenticeship opportunities through known contacts and not formal help. Those who did not know the right people faced difficulties finding appropriate work and apprenticeship opportunities. Many were training to be

Farmers or for associated professions such as agricultural engineering. Decline in farmincomes and changes to the CAP mean that the industry has an uncertain future in theNorthern Fells as young people themselves noted: "You couldn't farm if you didn't havelike a farm or anything. You couldn't just set up a farm like that. You couldn't afford to."

Crises and changes in farming have affected associated trades. The demand for tourist orientated businesses means that it is easy for young people to get casual or part time work. However, whilst these jobs are convenient for students they are not suitable for those looking for full time jobs or to develop a career in the Northern Fells. One young woman who had recently completed her degree said "I think I've been back now 3- 4 months and I'm still working part time as a waitress. I haven't found any other jobs really so yeah, I'll have to move away to find a job. It's a shame but it has to be done." Even when job opportunities for graduates are available locally competition is immense. One graduate applying for a job in the Northern Fells noted "It was very competitive.The first job that I got, there had been 72 people that had applied for it.”

In general business owners' experiences of employing young people were positive. They considered the work ethic of young people in the Northern Fells to be particularly good (especially when compared to other areas where they had been in business.) One pub owner said: "I find that young people around here have a strong work ethic. They're reliable; they're hard workers because they generally come from farming stock so they're used to work. They're honest. Very, very honest." Young people were perceived as having fresh ideas, Innovative and vital to a business

Moving On

There will be online access to jobs, training opportunities and apprenticeships via the Northern Fells Group website. We are setting up a local work experience networkand aim to work with partners to develop more careers/training advice and support. We hope to harness the expertise of those living and working locally through mentoring andshadowing schemes and by holding careers days. This could provide young people withthe opportunity to see the range and depth of careers that are possible in the Northern Fells and nearby and could encourage entrepreneurship and small business startup.

Transport

Once young people can drive their feelings about living in the area improve and they aremuch happier. Much of the discontent in the 14 -17 age group was rooted in their inability to drive. As one participant stated; "Once you can drive I think everything's done and sorted really. You can go anywhere you want, whenever you want."

Public transport networks were deemed insufficient and inappropriate to young people's needs. To fill the gaps of public provision young adults were innovative. Although many relied solely on their parents for lifts, a significant number compromised by getting lifts to midway points such as Wigton and Dalston or organising shared lifts.

Most young people were aware of the community minibus service. Whilst those who had used it found it very helpful, many associated it with old people which deterred them from using the service. One research participant commented: "I didn't realise it was actually for young people. I thought it was for old people. Not in a nasty way. I just did."

Moving On

We will raise young people’s awareness of the minibus and voluntary car schemes. We will lobby for better public transport services with reduced fares, and promote the Wheels2Work scheme.

Housing

Affordable accommodation for young people in the Northern Fells becomes an issue in their mid twenties. This research identified six young people who worked in the Northern Fells and wished to move out of their parents' homes but were stuck because of the lack of affordable accommodation. One interviewee had only been able to afford a house in a nearby town. Many young people were resentful of the increase in second residence/ holiday accommodation in the Northern Fells which has contributed to local house price increases

Moving On

In order to influence policy makers we need to demonstrate the need for affordable housing, develop community support and work with councils and housing associations to explore options and initiatives.