St Pauls Young People in 2011

and opportunity (Dunkwu, 2002; Lightbody et al., 1997). Lack of achievement is not always the result of poor attitude or making bad decisions, but is often due to the reality of the available opportunities and constraints which prevent or enable fulfilment (Brannen and Nilsen, 2002).

2.8 Community Aspirations: Young people’s aspirations include, not only their hopes for themselves, but also the wider world. The manifesto of the UK Youth Parliament, widely respected for its work in engaging young people in local communities across the country, gives us an indication of these hopes. They cover a broad range of issues from: reducing the negative stereotyping of young people in the media; to taking care of the environment; to educating young people about the dangers of knife and gun crime (UKYP, 2008) (see Appendix 3 for a more extensive summary). Similarly, a recent UK report found that the issues most important to young people were reducing crime (29%); employment opportunities (25%), local community (22%) and the environment (12%) (JPF, 2010). These evidently moral and altruistic aspirations of young people are echoed in a recent report revealing that, contrary to popular stereotyping, YP are engaged in politics; have a strong sense of social responsibility; and are motivated by care for others.

Almost half (42%) said a stable, loving family is their number one priority and 75% said they regularly volunteer or help other people (JPF, 2010). Locally, the election platforms of the Bristol UKYP representatives indicate a similar range of aspirations and concerns, including: protection of the environment; equality and rights; and safer communities and schools (BCC, 2011) (see Appendix 3 for a full list). The aspirations of Bristol’s young people are also evident in the new draft ‘Children and Young People's Plan 2011-2014’, developed with the input of local YP. Priority areas are to address bullying, youth homelessness, domestic violence and poverty; as well as to encourage youth participation (BCYPT, 2011). These values are also evident in St. Pauls, where most YP in a local survey thought the area had got better in the last two years, citing less anti-social behaviour, drug-dealing and crime and improved appearance of the area as the main improvements (SPU, 2009).

Local Service Providers and Services Offered The findings summarised in this report highlight the need for the following provision and services: emotional support for young people; well-paid employment opportunities; appropriate support to find work; good careers guidance; networking/mentoring services to build social capital; financial support for YP whilst in training/learning; free language support for speakers of other languages; services which challenge and combat the effects 9