THE AUDIT COMMISSION has analysed the records of 24,000 young people in 10 areas of England and warns that NEETS (Not in Employment, Education or Training) are at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, poor health – and even a life of crime.
The watchdog’s chairman, Michael O'Higgins, said: ‘Young people should be the future, but tens of thousands are at risk.
’After age 18 they could drift into unemployed, unqualified and untrained adulthood.
’This core group of young people, out of work and education for six months or more, is often overlooked.
’While there is £8.67 billion set aside for 16-19 learning and support, most of it rarely reaches these more disadvantaged teens who need more intensive support.’
He added: ‘Being out of school and work is often linked with other social issues such as being in care, teenage parenthood, homelessness or ill-health. The combined effect can sap young people's self-confidence, aspirations and expectations. The stark truth is, without better targeted help, there is a huge price to be paid by these individuals, by their children, and by society.’
The report’s findings will come as little comfort to islanders, whom, on a regular basis, are confronted with stories of youth vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the local press. The reports may exaggerate the extent of the problem; but they are also the reason behind 24-year-old Lee Sayer (runner-up in Castle Point’s Community Achievement Awards) setting-up CPYAG, the Castle Point Youth Action Group, in response to what he feels was his dismissal by island councillors at the last East Canvey Neighbourhood Meeting.
Lee says: ‘I do often feel that the problem out on the street is largely down to young people feeling alienated and ignored by the Council(s). The same can be said about the Government though. Where there was once hope and opportunity, for example the Future Jobs Fund, money has been withdrawn due to the recent budget cuts. Hopes were raised, and then dashed again! Something which happens far too often unfortunately.
’Castle Point is a long way behind when it comes to supporting young people. You only need to look at other local areas to realise this.
’In a recent statement, Basildon District Council said: “The Overview and Scrutiny Commission agreed to review the issues facing 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and how these can be overcome. There are 550 people across the District that fall into this bracket, more than other areas in Essex.”
‘In response to this, I am calling for Castle Point Borough Council to follow the positive example that Basildon has set. I urge Castle Point Borough Council to liaise with the members of the Local Strategic Partnership, and the Business Forum in order to offer practical solutions to the so-called youth problem in the area. Additionally I would like to invite all members of the LSP and the Business Forum to become working partners of my new support project, the Castle Point Youth Action Group (CPYAG).
‘Together we can help young people by sign-posting to local opportunities, creating greater understanding of voluntary options (including the 2012 games), ensuring stronger awareness of progression routes, and offering practical impartial specialist advice on an relaxed and informal basis. We don’t just want to offload young people though, we want to work closely with them and support them throughout their progress and journey to success. We would also actively encourage local businesses to offer advice through mentoring.’
CPYAG has its own Facebook page at: http://www.cpyag.org.uk/.
... (17/07/2010) - Another Disappearing Act
The watchdog’s chairman, Michael O'Higgins, said: ‘Young people should be the future, but tens of thousands are at risk.
’After age 18 they could drift into unemployed, unqualified and untrained adulthood.
’This core group of young people, out of work and education for six months or more, is often overlooked.
’While there is £8.67 billion set aside for 16-19 learning and support, most of it rarely reaches these more disadvantaged teens who need more intensive support.’
He added: ‘Being out of school and work is often linked with other social issues such as being in care, teenage parenthood, homelessness or ill-health. The combined effect can sap young people's self-confidence, aspirations and expectations. The stark truth is, without better targeted help, there is a huge price to be paid by these individuals, by their children, and by society.’
The report’s findings will come as little comfort to islanders, whom, on a regular basis, are confronted with stories of youth vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the local press. The reports may exaggerate the extent of the problem; but they are also the reason behind 24-year-old Lee Sayer (runner-up in Castle Point’s Community Achievement Awards) setting-up CPYAG, the Castle Point Youth Action Group, in response to what he feels was his dismissal by island councillors at the last East Canvey Neighbourhood Meeting.
Lee says: ‘I do often feel that the problem out on the street is largely down to young people feeling alienated and ignored by the Council(s). The same can be said about the Government though. Where there was once hope and opportunity, for example the Future Jobs Fund, money has been withdrawn due to the recent budget cuts. Hopes were raised, and then dashed again! Something which happens far too often unfortunately.
’Castle Point is a long way behind when it comes to supporting young people. You only need to look at other local areas to realise this.
’In a recent statement, Basildon District Council said: “The Overview and Scrutiny Commission agreed to review the issues facing 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and how these can be overcome. There are 550 people across the District that fall into this bracket, more than other areas in Essex.”
‘In response to this, I am calling for Castle Point Borough Council to follow the positive example that Basildon has set. I urge Castle Point Borough Council to liaise with the members of the Local Strategic Partnership, and the Business Forum in order to offer practical solutions to the so-called youth problem in the area. Additionally I would like to invite all members of the LSP and the Business Forum to become working partners of my new support project, the Castle Point Youth Action Group (CPYAG).
‘Together we can help young people by sign-posting to local opportunities, creating greater understanding of voluntary options (including the 2012 games), ensuring stronger awareness of progression routes, and offering practical impartial specialist advice on an relaxed and informal basis. We don’t just want to offload young people though, we want to work closely with them and support them throughout their progress and journey to success. We would also actively encourage local businesses to offer advice through mentoring.’
CPYAG has its own Facebook page at: http://www.cpyag.org.uk/.
... (17/07/2010) - Another Disappearing Act
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