Petty vandalism was on the rise in our village, Bradley in Yorkshire. Teenagers hanging out on the street by our one village shop were becoming an increasing concern. Milk bottles were smashed and letterboxes were rattled. Bikes played 'I dare you to hit me' with cars.
I'd thought of talking to some of the kids, but I was afraid of ridicule or taunting. And, besides, what could a single mother on Income Support like me hope to achieve anyway? It was never quite the right time.
Then a friend and I attended a consultation, all about facilitating dialogue between people, organized by the IC programme, 'Hope in the Cities'. There I heard many inspiring stories and met a wide spectrum of people interested in doing something to bring about positive change.
This was the kick which booted me into stopping to talk to some of the teenagers. They told me there was nothing to do in the village: they were right.
I'd noticed in the paper that the annual open meeting of the parish council was taking place the next week. So I asked them if they wanted to bring this issue up with the council, offering to accompany them and introduce them if they wished. To my amazement, four of them turned up at my door the night before the meeting. At the meeting, a group of 10 trooped in, causing concerned looks and dropped jaws amongst the councillors.
My friend and I were worried that any provision of facilities for young people in the village would be done without including them. Our purpose in going to the council meeting was to stress that the kids should be involved in any discussions and planning that might follow.
A year on, the Bradley Youth Group (BYG) is still going strong. Its committee is predominantly made up of teenagers, and its constitution was written by them. It's had its share of problems, but it has raised over GBP3,000, has founded a youth club with over 70 members and is working on getting a skateboard park and shelter where young people can hang out.
Vandalism has reduced significantly, and the kids have even done two voluntary litter picks around the village. They feel some sense of ownership and pride in the facilities being provided. Links have been made with the rest of the community, and the fear and negative view of teenagers is changing.
As for me, I found myself elected Secretary to the BYG and now run the youth club along with a handful of dedicated adult volunteers. I know most of the kids and wonder why I was ever scared of talking to them!
By Fiona Johnson
English
