We have been visiting local areas and holding youth focus groups to find out what's really important to younger people and how they feel about living on their estates.
The Durand Focus Group held at the Riverside Centre in March was an opportunity for young residents to talk about issues that mattered to them. One young resident offered to help set up the group and was able to invite and promote younger people living on the estate. This work helped to ensure that over 10 teenagers aged between 11-17yrs attended the group.
Members of SHP's Customer Involvement team used an innovative "graffiti wall" for kids to express what they loved and hated about living on the estate.
Pizza and refreshments were provided and the group then had some fun competing on a Nintendo Wii that was taken along.
Diana Weise-Forbes, Domestic Violence Coordinator at SHP had an informal chat with the group about domestic violence and showed the group a video on the subject to raise awareness of this issue. It was an excellent opportunity for the group to learn more about dealing with domestic violence and the support available.
Here's what some of the children at the youth drop-in told us:
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LOVE IT
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HATE IT
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Community Spirit
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Cars driving and parking on the grass
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Football
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Smashed windows and empty properties
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Lots of people to talk to
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Dangerous drivers
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Lots of kids to play with
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Dogs on the loose/fouling on the estate
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People drinking on the estate
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Not enough for youths to do on the estate
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What has happened as a result of the focus group?
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Letters were sent out to all residents regarding car problems, alcohol consumption and dog fouling - these problems have been greatly reduced.
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Neighbourhood Manager Christine Wytiahlowsky has worked with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team to reinforce the no drinking zone rules at Durand Close and we have received feedback that this team are now actively confiscating alcohol if it is being drunk openly on the estate.
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All windows were fitted with metal security panels (sitex), to prevent people smashing them and gaining access to empty properties.
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To improve community spirit and promote the residents association a fun day was planned for the estate! Click here to see pictures of the fun day.
Thank you to all the young people that attended the focus group and everyone involved, you have made a difference on the estate already and feedback has been that the focus group was a great success!