Conclusion

Although, many may have different views on youth regeneration, it is clear that it all involves providing opportunities for young people which can potentially benefit them in the future and deter them from crimes. The Cabinet Office gives a detailed definition on youth regeneration, and this  fits in with what Blackburn Youth Zone provides for the community, especially at a time when anti social behavior is common. If the youth centre is run effectively and efficiently it can result in community cohesion and a decrease in crime rates.

Bibliography

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Available at: http://www.blackburnyz.org/?s=dynamic
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Graham, Z., 2013. Help brighten up new athletics facility. [Online]
Available at: http://www.blackburnyz.org/help-brighten-up-new-athletics-facility/
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Graham, Z., 2013. Transition Residential. [Online]
Available at: http://www.blackburnyz.org/transition-residential/
[Accessed 20 April 2013].

HM Government , 2008. Recovery Plan , s.l.: HM Government.

Nauert, R., 2010. Youth Clubs Help Kids’ Self-Image, Ohio: Ohio State University.

Quiroz-Martinez, J., Wu, D. P. & Zimmerman, K., 2005. ReGeneration: Young People Shaping Enviromnetal Justice , Oakland : Movement Stratergy Center.

Tony, J. & Mark K., S., 1999. Youth and Policy 62. In: The problem of "youth" for youth work. s.l.:s.n., pp. 45-66.

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Available at: http://www.ukcrimestats.com/Constituency/65981
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United Kingdom Youth Work Alliance, 1996. 'Agenda for a Generation' - building effective youth work, Edinburgh: Scottish Community Education Council .

Introducing new people and dynamism to an area

In recent times Blackburn crime rates have increased, with more than 50% of the crime reported linked to anti-social behavior in March 2012 to February 2013. (UK Crime Stats , 2012) . This issue has been picked up by the council who are looking into generating the area. (Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council , 2012)

Blackburn Youth Zone is within the area that the council is looking to revitalise. Engaging with the youth it also has an impact on the rest of the community, as it will promote community cohesion, building ties with others of different age, gender and nationality. According to BYZ it will

 “create a shift in dynamic between its young people and the town’s greater populace.” (Blackburn Youth Zone , 2013)

Area that is soon to be revatilised - 

Raising Aspirations and Improving Skills

Volunteer helping out the young people at Blackburn Youth Zone 

BYZ (Blackburn Youth Zone) helps to raise aspirations and skills by channelling the youths energy towards positivity, example of this is boxing and gym where they are taught discipline.

Providing the youth with activities in a safe and secure environment gives them a chance to socialise and develop on their skills. Offering sport programmes such as football, basketball, boosts their confidence and skills needed to work successfully as a team. Having a diverse range of art programmes including music and crafts it enables the youth to be creative with their ideas.

BYZ helps to raise aspirations by developing and helping the youths learn new skills. Mentoring also takes place, giving the youth’s stability and one-to-one support. Providing all this not just helps the youths but has a positive impact on the volunteers and employees that work there and can then result in confidence and high aspirations within the community. 

Economic

Due to the current economic climate, funding is difficult due to cuts being made. This holds back regenerating youths into society, in some cases youth clubs and services closed down due to lack of funding. Leading to a decline in jobs. Although Blackburn Youth Zone don’t provide solution to the economic and youth difficulties, they help to present efficient  youth work , displaying good leadership skills and being role models for the younger generation.

A manifesto from the Youth Work Alliance fits in with the work that Blackburn Youth Zone offer:

“For some young people the paths to adulthood may be blocked, for example, the absence of jobs or by their own lack of social skills; some are tempted into crime. Effective youth work, statutory and voluntary, intervenes to help young people to deal with such roadblocks, to develop their potential as valued individuals and to become responsible citizens.” (United Kingdom Youth Work Alliance, 1996)

Blackburn Youth Zone tackles funding cut issues by fundraising. They hold a variety of fundraising events, for example fire walking to raise the money.  The money goes towards resources for the youth organisation. Additionally, getting the community involved to make stronger ties.

Blackburn Youth  Zone as the nominated charity by The Mall Blackburn  - raised £2,348

Sponsored Firewalk - raised over £6,000 

Social

Due to recent events, for example London Riots, the media have portrayed the youth in a negative way.  Majority of the young people are seen as thugs vandalising, users taking drugs and victims receiving poor education or part of a dysfunctional family. Many see this as “Youth as a problem” and links in with social exclusion. (Tony & Mark K., 1999)

The informal education that Blackburn Youth Zone provides gives the youth the opportunity to mix with other cultures and widen their horizons. Getting involved with activities that they have a passion for. An example is visiting an outdoor education programme as part of a transition programme. Their aim was to 

“to encourage junior members to interact with senior members prior to them moving up to senior club, taking away any fears they may have about moving on.”  (Graham, 2013).

They did this by working as a team to promote bonding and to build relationships with others of a different age. The programmed proved to be successful as new friendships were formed and the younger members felt more confident. Helping them to build on their social skills.

Physical

Using sport as a way to interact with others, Blackburn Youth Zone uses it to their advantage to provide opportunities that were not available before. One example is having football session for girls. One female member of the group stated that

 “What a wicked day! I love our kits and playing football. I use to think football was only for boys but I have found out girls are actually better than boys”  

Whilst another participant said :

“I started playing football only a few weeks ago. The coaches has really helped me improve my confidence. I also made lots of friends and definitely going  keep coming to practice.”

These statements fits in with the Home Office definition of Youth Regeneration. Keeping the younger generation active and healthy and keeping them off the streets were they may resort to crime in answer to boredom. The Youth Zone used the sports facility for other to get involved. 

One of their initiatives is an athletics facility. The youth have to come up with drawings associated with the word athletic. The winning design will then be created by graphic designers. This brings healthy competition between the youths and helps them to get creative and involved. 

With new sport equipment and area proposed to be built there are high hopes that it will result in a facility that will be available for everyone in the borough. With one Councillor hoping that this will help regenerate the youth physically and  

"which hopefully will create the next Olympians." 

Visual and Psychological

Members of BYZ with Mascot

Blackburn Youth Zone helps young people by providing opportunities for them. This aids the youth to then develop an enthusiasm for something. It can help them as the opportunities are in front of them and can help them psychologically to positively change their attitude and views on society. It gives the younger generation the chance to feel involved and heard, as well as taking part in activities they enjoy. A study shows that young people who attend youth clubs “gain a stronger sense of who they are and have a high self-esteem” (Nauert, 2010)

Blackburn Youth Zone has a wide range of activities available, not singling out anything in particular. Activities include crime awareness programmes, sport, poetry writing and art. Having  a wide range of activities decreases the chance of differentiating between others, promoting social integration by finding a common interest. 

Music Programme at BYZ