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.