“A recent interim report from the national evaluation of the Positive Activities for Young People programme shows that providing young people with places to go and things to do really does have a positive effect. 71 percent of young people say they had learnt new things and 70 percent say they got on better with adults, since being part of the programme. The report also highlights that many local authorities and others have said that creating things for young people to do has significantly helped to reduce crime and create community cohesion.

“Supporting parents through intervention, not punishment has also proven to be highly effective in reducing crime. In the US, several states have used federal funds to provide intensive family therapy, resulting in a reduction of re-arrest rates by as much as 70 percent. The programme saves money with a return of $29 dollars in reduced crime, prison and victim costs for every $1 invested.

“It is essential we place serious investment into support for young people. Projects such as 4Children’s Make Space campaign, the national campaign to provide a network of contemporary style youth clubs throughout the UK can help foster the respect for young people as well as from young people themselves. The Make Space model works because young people are involved the making decisions about the clubs, thus building mutual trust and respect”.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Media@4Children.org.uk
 
( 1) Nestlé Family Monitor 2002
(2) Caught in the cross fire – arresting Long Island gang violence by investing in kids 2004 – Fight Crime, Invest in Kids New York.  

Notes to Editor:
 
· Make Space is a £3 million national campaign, supported by the Nestlé Trust in partnership with 4Children, working to ensure a positive future for teenagers. It aims to create a network of 3,000 clubs for young people aged 11 – 16, designed as they would like them, providing a place to go, things to do and opening doors to new opportunities. For more information on Make Space visit www.makespace.org.uk or call the helpline on 0207 522 6960 or email information@makespace.org.uk
 
· The core Make Space criteria
-          A dynamic and contemporary out of school hours facility for 11-16 year olds.
-          A safe and accessible environment appropriate to young people.
-          A chill-out space where young people can relax, meet their friends and enjoy their leisure time in comfortable surroundings.
-          A quiet space where young people can access computers and the Internet, study, or read in peace.
-          An activity space, or access to local facilities, providing young people with a range of sporting, arts and other opportunities.
-          Consultation mechanisms to involve the young people in all aspects of their club.
 
§         Make Space Additional Criteria
-          Open regularly after school from 3.45pm until 9.00pm for young people aged 11-16.
-          Advice for young people on personal relationships, social and health issues.
-          Membership scheme to access the club.
-          A fee structure to support the sustainability of the club. 
  
 
·         Why are the clubs needed?
 
The need for the clubs was highlighted by two research studies conducted by MORI and BMRB with teenagers and parents in 2002. The research findings are published separately in the Nestlé Family Monitor and are available from Make Space.
 
Key findings from the research studies include:
 
-          60% of teenagers and 80% of parents think there is not enough for young people to do in the area within which they live
-          25% of young people hang around with nothing to do when they are not in school – a time which they are found to be most likely to get into trouble
-          80% of teenagers are bored at some time or another providing more of an opportunity for getting into trouble
-          At some point in time, 50% of parents do not know exactly where their teenagers are, who they are with or what they are doing when they are not in school
-          Around 70% of parents and young people think that young people commit crimes because there is not enough for them to do
-          Over 30% of teenagers go home to an empty house and may be more likely to get into trouble as a consequence
-          There is a high level of interest in Make Space Clubs – 80% of teenagers are interested in the concept
 
· 4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children. 4Children aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. 4Children provides an information line for parents and childcare professionals with advice and support on all aspects of childcare, including details of out of school clubs in your area. Information line 020 7522 6960 or visit our website at www.4Children.org.uk
 
· Nestlé is one of the leading food manufacturers in the UK, employing 10,500 people across 26 locations. The company is a member of the Per Cent club donating 1% of pre-tax profits to charity and has supported 4Children since 1996 
  

 

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