Historically Manor Farm has suffered from a chronic under-provision of activities and facilities for young people. There has NEVER been proper provision for the young people of this community.
The lack of any engagement or area-based activities from Bristol City Council was appalling. Having previously set up a youth-group for the area, it was heart-breaking that young people seemed neglected. Working with them on the design of the skate-park showed their level of interest commitment. Now we have to make sure that the council learns a lesson from the dedication of these young people and matches it with a bit of its own.
It was outrageous. People came to see young people as a source of anti-social behaviour. Finally we’re making progress and getting new services into the area.
These are just some of the successes we’ve had since Pete and I have been elected:
Last summer, youth workers were out working Manor Farm, supporting our children, and finding out their needs and reporting back to Bristol City Council.
A city-wide review of ALL Youth & Play services and provision was carried out and we had a lot to say ! Horfield has many needs and affordable, available and quality access to youth activities is a priority recognised by many but not available across the whole ward.
Until now -
A project at Horfield C of E led to the introduction of local woodsman Steve England to the area. An initial project was funded after my bid for youth funding was delayed by problems within Bristol City Council. I pushed for the money to stay in Manor Farm and got agreement to use it to provide confidence-building wood-art, woodworking and forestry skills for years 5 and 6.
The response was tremendous. If you know a child from the school ask them what they thought! Steve encouraged and shared a really positive attitude with our children which can’t help but spill out into the wider community.
A second project with Steve working with young adults Not all our children thrive in Manor Farm, one particular group were identified and agreed to work with Steve. Expanding on basic carpentry skills, they chose to design and craft three notice-boards for the area.
I was privileged when the lads invited me to join them on a couple of occasions. I met them at craft workshops in the woods. The atmosphere was amazing. Everyone working together, motivated, positive. Their hard work shows how important it is to make sure everyone gets the chance to use every bit of their potential.
Steve said “They get so much more out of this than the basic skills. It’s about letting them learn how to do disciplined work on their own terms, and getting something out of it that they can use for the rest of their lives. It teaches them creativity and appreciation for their environment, but also how to make life choices, how to understand the impact of their actions, and safety.”
As a result of the project, the kids had gained sponsorship from Carillion PLC and worked to produce community noticeboards for the area. Having struggled in formal education, the skills motivation and confidence they gained meant they all kept out of trouble.
The tragedy is that Youth Services still has gaps here that leave the risk of bad habits returning. We need more support and we need it now !
I am now meeting regularly with Childrens’ Youth and Play Services managers identifying the gaps, adding to a Summer Holiday programme of events and working with local schools to explore opportunities and increase youth voices in the area.