Islington brought together young people and adults in March to present the findings of a research project entitled
'Changing the image of Young People'.
The research will inform the future direction of the council's key priorities with young people, whether it's improving access to play and leisure facilities, encouraging good health, or promoting their safety. It will also tie in to key Council projects such as the A1 Borough and One Islington that bring people of all generations together.
The council's One Islington vision describes the borough's aspiration to build a socially cohesive borough where everyone is encouraged to make a positive contribution to their community - regardless of their age or circumstances.
The 'Changing the Image of Young People' project comes at the same time as news of the huge investment currently transforming young people's infrastructure in Islington - including rebuilding and refurbishing all our secondary schools and two brand new Academies. The change programme will also address the perception of the young people who use council services while helping the council understand their needs as members of the community.
The Council is committed to adopting the recommendations from last year's Childrens Commission Report especially those that focus on improving young people's experiences in the borough.
Paul Curran, Director of Childrens Services said:
"Children and young people will be placed at the heart of the council's work so we are adopting a child-friendly perspective. This project is an example of how we will be taking their views into account and involving them actively in the decision making process. Our research on changing the image of young people has sparked a debate among the key players - but that's just the start.
Now we want all the agencies and community organisations who have a say in the wellbeing and safety of our young people, to get on board, too."
Opinion Leader Research were commissioned to undertake the research and hold three workshops with youth and adult participants in February. The research asked what perception the two groups had of each other, what impact these attitudes have on people's behaviour and how we can we improve relations between the two groups.
Rachel Lopata, Research Director, Opinion Leader Research said:
"Opinion Leader Research was delighted to continue its long standing relationship with the London Borough of Islington working on another innovative and exciting project. The research approach allowed us to move far beyond the usual reactionary responses bringing together young and old in a challenging debate. The research demonstrated that young people and adults can overcome negative stereotypes by listening to each other and working together."
Paul Curran continued:
"Children's Services have always been keen to promote the views of young people and involving them actively in the decision making process, for example with our 'Listen Up' project and Pupil Parliament.
Young people tell us they are often unfairly portrayed in a negative light - but if we are to promote change, these stereotypes have to be challenged.
What struck me about the research was how many of the issues expressed by the adult and junior participants were shared concerns - like crime, respect and communication. Actually, young and old have more in common than they think."
Focusing on the contribution of young people and the positive things they do too while acknowledging that adults are also capable of anti-social behaviour, is key to changing perceptions.
The research showed a range of issues caused by a lack of contact between the generations - for example, adults can be afraid to communicate with young people they don't know and in so doing develop negative perceptions. Yet despite negative stereotypes, young people are just as likely to be the 'victims of crime' as 'perpetrators'.
Key findings were that:
- Young people are as concerned with safety as adults
- More opportunities to communicate between the two groups can promote understanding
- Young people's sense of community is founded on location whereas adults' is based on interests
- Each group would like the respect of the other
Ricky Baker, 14 said:
"I've enjoyed doing this because I've got to put my point across and get my opinions out in the open. I feel really positive about what we've done."
Adult participant Ardena Williams said:
"I found it interesting to voice my opinion, I hope we've managed to give people some good ideas so that they can go away and make something happen."
ENDS
Notes to editor:
The Children's Commission Report (November 2005) was charged with improving the outcomes and experiences of all children and families in Islington.
Islington is traditionally well-served with play infrastructure, an abundance of cultural and sporting venues, high quality creative arts venues affordable out-of-hours activities and inspiration of the 2012 Olympics.
A key assumption of the government's 'Every Child Matters' agenda is that the needs of children and families will be placed at the heart of the work of childrens services authorities. This requires councils to adopt a child friendly perspective - taking their views into account and involving them actively in the decision making process.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008