YMCA Manifesto 2015 Accommodation Family Work Health and Wellbeing Training and Education Youth and Democracy
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YMCA Manifesto 2015 Accommodation Family Work Health and Wellbeing Training and Education Youth and Democracy
Foreword
YMCA is over 170 years old yet our mission society – not through top down direction
today is as relevant as it was in 1844. From but by responding at a grass roots level; by
humble beginnings in the shadow of St. listening to the young people and families
Paul’s Cathedral, YMCA has grown to be the we support.
largest and oldest youth charity in the
world whilst still remaining true to the In order to be true to the nature of our
principles of why Sir George Williams foundations, this manifesto is rooted in the
founded the charity – the desire to love, views and experiences of those YMCAs seek
support and develop those around us. to serve. As such this has been the most
engaging manifesto consultation in our
The world may be a different place to history, focussing on those who breathe the
what it was all those years ago but the day-to-day life into YMCAs – its staff, chief
aspirations of the young people that executives, trustees, service users and most
YMCA works with are no different – to be importantly young people.
educated, to work, to have a purpose, to
have a place to call home and to be loved. From the outset YMCA England wanted to
Contents However, the world we live in is one where present a manifesto which truly reflected
access to employment remains a challenge the feelings of our Federation. Contained
Foreword 3 for some, the services our communities within this manifesto are messages of
depend on have been reduced and the change to government; not always ones
Introduction 4 economic realities in which YMCAs must which are easily achievable but ones which
Accommodation 6 operate are increasingly challenging. are necessary if we want to live in a society
which truly supports and develops young
Training and Education 12
YMCA understands that governing means people in our communities. One message
Health and Wellbeing 18 difficult decisions and requires tough that is absolutely clear is that YMCA today –
choices to be made. However we want like every other day for the past 170 years –
Family Work 26
to ensure that young people, who are stands ready, willing and able to deliver
Democracy and Youth Engagement 30 often the forgotten voices in society, this change for government, society and
are not disproportionately affected by young people.
those decisions.
YMCAs have had the privilege of being
around for so long because they have
constantly adapted to the needs of the
communities in which they serve.
Denise Hatton
This approach is one which enables
YMCA to truly reflect the needs of our Chief Executive, YMCA England
Cover: Romario, 18
3
Introduction
YMCA is the largest and oldest charity YMCA cannot solve the problems of
working with young people in the world. poverty alone. What we can do is work
Across England there are 114 YMCAs. Each with government and key policy makers
one a thriving and active community – a to put in place the necessary measures to
community that seeks to change the lives tackle the causes of poverty; whilst also
of young people and their families. every day working to mitigate the impact
that poverty has upon young people.
YMCA enables people to develop their
full potential in mind, body and spirit. All of the recommendations made within
Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian this manifesto will help many young
values, YMCA creates supportive, inclusive people to play active and fulfilling roles
and energising communities, where young within their communities; offering
people can truly belong, contribute and key opportunities to them and lifting
thrive. YMCA works with all young people them out of poverty.
regardless of their background, gender
or faith. However, central to our work is YMCA hopes our elected
supporting those most vulnerable and in representatives in the next
communities with the greatest needs. Parliament will share our vision.
It is these needs that this manifesto Our young people are great –
seeks to address. let’s celebrate their
achievements and support
Within the UK there are 3.5 million them to achieve their
children living in poverty1 and this full potential.
impacts on every area of a young
person’s development. From their
long-term health, attainment at school,
access to employment – poverty is the
single biggest factor in determining the
future prospects of a child.
Josh, 18
4 5
We provide just
under 10,000
Accommodation beds every night.
We believe that every young person
should have a safe place to stay
Not having access to quality housing housing to solve the current housing crisis Housing benefit has become a vital However there are two clear issues at
can have a huge impact on the life of a in this country. YMCAs, recognising this component in allowing young people to present within the system:
young person. Poor housing increases as an issue, have already developed their access the private rented sector; acting as a
the risk of a young person suffering from own alternative models such as Y:Cube.3 safety net for those most in need of support • There is little consistency in how
ill health, lower educational attainment, by supplementing affordability. However sanctions are being applied across the
unemployment and poverty. The introduction of a ‘Help to Rent’ low pay and increasing rent has meant that country. As a result young people have
scheme nationally would give people who Housing Benefit is now also supplementing little confidence in Jobcentre Plus, who
It is recognised that not enough new are not in a position to be able to save the those in work to be able to sustain a home. to them, seem to sanction on the basis
homes have been built over the past initial deposit an important helping hand There has already been public debate about of needing to deliver financial savings,
generation and this has contributed in moving into the private rented sector. the prospect of removing automatic Housing rather than a thorough evaluation of
to a lack of low cost housing available There are excellent examples of these Benefit entitlement for young people and the facts in each case. This is perhaps
for young people and first time buyers. already being run by local authorities, YMCA believes strongly that such a move underlined by the fact that in nearly half
As such there are now over 7.6 million housing associations and charities, but would have a catastrophic impact upon of cases reconsidered, the decision was
households in England living in rented we urge the next government to be at young people. not to apply the sanction.6
accommodation.2 Such is the demand the forefront of introducing a national
for housing that it is critical that the scheme, similar to the concept of the YMCA has significant concerns that recent • The level of sanctions are too severe and
next Government takes what will be bold ‘Help to Buy’ scheme. welfare reforms seem to be having a needs to be more graduated. Even for
decisions to address the supply of housing. disproportionate impact upon young what is deemed a low level offence such
For YMCA we are particularly concerned In addition to the large deposit young people. For example 26% of welfare as missing an appointment, benefits can
about the supply of housing for young people identified high charges by claimants are under the age of 25, yet be stopped for at least a month. This is
people; their experiences within the rental letting agents as a significant barrier 41% of sanctions that are being applied having an immense impact on young
market, and with soaring house prices to individuals being able to access the are against young people.4 people and YMCA argues that this needs
how young people will ultimately be able private rented sector. The recent upsurge to be changed.
to get on the housing ladder. in the private rental market seems to YMCA is not necessarily opposed to a form
have exacerbated the situation and of sanctions. Indeed research undertaken
The next Government needs to invest in YMCA believes that this whole area by YMCA England has consistently shown
the development of alternative models of needs to be regulated. that young people are in favour of a
sanctions regime.5
6 7
ACCOMMODATION
Recommendations
u romotion of further investment
P u he current benefit sanction
T
in building low-cost homes regime should be reformed. New
specifically targeted at single guidelines should be introduced
young people. to ensure a consistent approach
is taken throughout Jobcentre
u I ntroduce a national ‘help to Plus in the application of
rent’ scheme. sanctions; together with changes
to the length of sanction periods
u I ntroduce a rental cap to reduce to make them less draconian for
the amount landlords can first and less serious offences.
increase rents annually.
u F unding to be made available
u educe the upfront costs to
R to enable significant research
tenants by regulating the fees and development in alternative
letting agents can charge them. models of accommodation.
u oung people moving into
Y u tilise previously occupied
U
the private rented sector from business spaces and redevelop
supported accommodation them into suitable low-cost
are assisted through a more accommodation.
graduated tail off in the
benefit system.
u ousing Benefit entitlement
H
remains unchanged for
young people.
Destiny, 20
8 9
ACCOMMODATION
Y:Cube – YMCA London South West
Recognising that young people were
increasingly struggling to afford
the cost of private rent YMCA London
South West, in partnership with Roger Stirk
Harbour + Partners, developed Y:Cube.
Y:Cube provides self-contained and
affordable starter accommodation for
young people who are unable to either
gain a first step on the housing ladder or
Y:Cube uses a pre-constructed ‘plug
pay the high costs of private rent.
and play’ modular system which enable
The unique off-site construction and the streamlined units to stack easily on
design system provides high quality top or alongside each other, making it
accommodation which can be built completely adaptable to the size and
quicker, and crucially cheaper, than using space available and therefore perfect for
traditional methods of construction. tight urban sites.
Construction of the first Y:Cube Housing
scheme in the UK started in November
2014, providing 36 homes for local people
in need of housing. The scheme will be
built on a brownfield site in the London
Borough of Merton.
Dylan, 15
10 11
Training and Education
We believe that every young person
should be able to fulfil their full potential
Often the young people who access YMCA
services will have few qualifications and
to suggest it is not being treated as a
specialist service and is being delivered by
We help 43,000 people
little or no experience of the workplace.
As a result job opportunities can be limited
teachers rather than IAG professionals.7
engage in training and
education every year.
and a young person can quickly find As such young people are not being made
themselves in a succession of short-term, aware of the different pathways available
part time, zero-hour contract based jobs and especially those alternatives to
with periods in and out of benefits. There mainstream educational pathways such
are many contributing factors as to why as vocational training and apprenticeships.
a young person reaches a YMCA in this The inclusion of employers and businesses
position and there is much the Government in the classroom and introducing work
could be doing to address this. experience as a compulsory element of
secondary school education would also
Leaving secondary education without the aid the widening of a young person’s level
necessary qualifications can potentially of understanding prior to making decisions
damage a young person’s prospects. As on their future.
such, additional funding should be made
available to schools to target those young The Government’s focus and drive for
people less likely to succeed, raising their apprenticeships as an alternative option to better themselves. However despite Furthermore, one of the most consistent
attainment levels and allowing them to for young people is welcomed. However, having the opportunities in front of them, complaints from young people is the
have an equal chance of success. the application of this in practice has not for some young people the traditional regulations around the 16-hour rule and
been as successful. There still remains journey through the education system the impact it has on their ability to gain
Regardless of ability, it is difficult to make a difficulty in availability for particular can be disrupted by having to deal with adequate training whilst on benefits.10
the right educational and career choices age groups in accessing apprenticeships8 difficult personal circumstances that Due to the limited number of part-time
without being fully informed of the raft and being able to maintain participation prohibits them from progressing the first courses available, the 16-hour rule stops
of options available and the quality of on one is challenging when in receipt of time around. It is for these young people a substantial amount of training being
careers information, advice and guidance Housing Benefit or a low wage. that accessing training and education at a undertaken and hinders the development of
(IAG) has traditionally been patchy at best. later stage is vital. However, a barrier to this young people whilst in receipt of benefits.
Whilst the duty being placed on schools to At the heart of YMCA’s beliefs is that young is the removal of entitlement to full-time
deliver this is welcomed, there is evidence people should always have the opportunity education for those over 19 years old.9
12 13
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Recommendations
u he Government should extend
T u orkplace experience should
W u oung people in the first instance
Y
the upper age limit for funding of become a compulsory element should be able to source their
education and training from 19 to for schools to provide to students own training schemes and have
21 years old. in years ten and eleven. the opportunity to make the case
to their job centre work coaches
u A review of the current u n inquiry should be set up into
A as to why it will improve their
apprenticeships policy should be the effectiveness of Jobcentre employment prospects.
undertaken with a particular Plus in getting young people into
focus on what additional employment. u oung people should have
Y
incentives would help encourage travel costs for agreed training
more companies to take on u mend the regulations which
A funded upfront and held against
apprentices – particularly prevent young people from their benefits if receipts are
those aged 16 to 24. participating on courses or not returned.
training for over 16 hours
u Free or heavily discounted travel per week whilst still claiming u hose who are in receipt of
T
should be provided to those Jobseeker’s Allowance or Housing Benefit should be
studying an apprenticeship Universal Credit. entitled to continue receiving the
when travelling to and from higher rate when participating on
their training. u J obcentre Plus should expand its an apprenticeship.
list of preferred training providers
u The provision of information, to include voluntary sector u efocus funding available
R
advice and guidance in schools organisation within the local to schools to provide early
and colleges should be delivered community. intervention and targeted
by professional careers specialists. support for those young
u J obcentre Plus advisors should people not meeting national
u Engage employers and businesses be trained and supported to attainment levels.
from the local community into better understand the difficulties
schools to give an insight into and barriers that young people
work and alternative pathways to commonly face to enable them
higher and further education. to provide more tailored support.
14 15
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Teesdale YMCA Training Centre
Teesdale YMCA Training Centre was set cross-curriculum learning: Research – IT,
up as a direct result of listening to the Materials – Maths/Science, Drawing out
needs of young people in the area who and Scaling – Design and Technology,
were struggling within a traditional school Narrative – English, Product Presentation –
environment and in need of accessing Enterprise. These core learning objectives
education delivered in a different way. are matched to the student’s individual
learning styles with fantastic results.
The aim of the project is to allow young
people to learn in an environment that Teesdale YMCA tackles issues around
suits their own style of learning. A more behaviour, attainment, respect and issues
practical way of learning rather than outside of school to engage students in
classroom based. a flexible way tailored to the individual
based on the learning style and support
Teesdale YMCA offers English, Maths and required; adapting to both their emotional
Science at GCSE standard and is also an and educational needs.
accredited centre for NCFE, a vocational
equivalent to GSCE. These courses are The results have been remarkable,
designed to help students problem solve alongside a real shift in the students’
and learn through ‘designing and making’. mindset towards education; where before
it was a struggle and to some, not seen as
The project is supported by three tutors; a relevant or important: it is now something
science teacher, a design and technology they enjoy and aspire to progress in.
teacher specialising in textiles and a
carpentry/joinery teacher. The training Teesdale YMCA had an Ofsted Inspection
centre has contracts with three local in December 2014 and was graded
secondary schools delivering sessions outstanding.
one-to-one or in small groups.
Teesdale YMCA puts the ‘product making’
at the centre of the learning experience
and uses an innovative approach to Bryce, 15
16 17Health and Wellbeing
We believe that everyone should be able Alcohol has a major impact on the health
and wellbeing of young people. Although
UK population suffers from body image
anxiety, a leading cause of depression,
to enjoy the benefits of physical exercise, there has been a recent decline in the
amount of time young people drink during
low self-esteem, poor participation at
school and lack of progression at work.
from improved health to better education the week they are now more prone to
heavy episodic or binge drinking when
It particularly affects young people, with
children as young as five now worrying
and life chances they do.13 Accordingly this has resulted
in an upward trend in admissions to
about how they look, and appearance the
largest single concern for a third of girls
hospitals in England.14 and a fifth of boys by the age of ten.15
YMCA has a unique approach to health and and only 18% of 15 year olds achieve the From speaking to young people we know This is why YMCA is playing a major role
wellbeing. We recognise the relationships Chief Medical Officers recommendation for that limiting access to drugs and alcohol in the Be Real Campaign,16 a national
that exist between the three pillars of physical activity.12 The awareness of these is the most effective way to stop usage. movement made up of individuals, schools,
health; physical, psychological and social guidelines outside of the sector is poor and Accessing alcohol from shops is still businesses, charities and public bodies.
wellbeing, and take an approach that aims the guidelines themselves are difficult to too easy and there should be stricter YMCA believes that government has an
to treat health holistically. Through our own understand and communicate to people. punishments for selling alcohol to young important role to play in regulating the use
research, we also believe that a service- Poverty is also a significant indicator people. Likewise those who attempt to buy of negative body imagery in advertising
user led approach adds significant value to in the likelihood of suffering health alcohol on behalf of young people should and encouraging health and body diversity.
a traditional health and wellbeing delivery inequalities and it is clear that the toughest also face stricter punishment. Alongside this the education received
model. Certainly when working with communities require the most support. by young people at school should also
When accessing alcohol, price is also reflect concerns around body image and
disengaged young people we know that
The reduction in youth provision budgets a factor maintaining its widespread the introduction of Personal Social Health
they are more likely to take health advice
has also created a lack of activities for availability. At the lower end of the market Education (PSHE) as a mandatory subject
from a peer than from an adult or person
young people to engage with and this has alcohol is far too cheap and for very little on the national curriculum and body
in authority.
contributed to more young people staying expense young people can become easily confidence to be taught at primary and
Staying healthy is about the lifestyle within their homes and engaging in non- intoxicated. Alongside this the rise of secondary level would support this.
choices we make and cost is seen by physically based activities. The impact a shops which sell ‘legal highs’ to young
many as one of the biggest issues to being family has on a young person’s engagement people is a worrying trend; currently
healthy and active. Where previously cost in physical activity is vital for long-term there is little action which can be taken
would not be a factor when accessing engagement; physically active young to protect young people from accessing
facilities the reduction in community people are far more likely to go on to be these highs and more powers should be
spaces in which young people can play physically active adults and parents who given to the police to combat this.
sports has resulted in the only options will then pass on their lifestyle behaviours to
We know that what it means to be healthy
available being the ones which have a their own children. With physical inactivity
is of importance to young people and the
financial cost associated with them. Nearly contributing to more deaths than smoking it
way their body and image is perceived
half of 16-25 year olds fail to play sport is vital we build a culture and communities
matters immensely. More than half the
once a week for 30 minutes or more11 that promote active lifestyles.
18 19HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Recommendations
u ommitment to protect
C uA coordinated awareness u tronger punishments on
S u he Government should put
T
and enhance investment in campaign to be launched which shops that supply alcohol to pressure on media, businesses
community sport initiatives which tackles the dangers of using underage customers and those and advertisers to act responsibly
engage young people in physical alcohol and drugs irresponsibly. who try to buy alcohol illegally. and actively promote different
activity, particularly in areas This should be delivered in body shapes, sizes, ages and
of high deprivation and where schools and youth clubs through u SHE to be made mandatory
P ethnicities.
traditionally communities have innovative and interactive on the national curriculum and
been most hard to reach. methods which use strong and body confidence to be taught at u he Government has an
T
shocking examples and imagery. primary and secondary level. important role to play in
u Consider simplifying the Chief regulating the use of negative
Medical Officer guidelines on u The Government’s ‘Talk to FRANK’ u he Department of Health
T body imagery in advertising
physical activity (or at least have campaign was highlighted as policies should focus on and encouraging health and
simpler public facing guidelines being outdated and ineffective. promoting healthy living and body diversity.
supported by the existing This should be reformed and wellbeing before weight loss
quantifiable guidelines). Whilst updated. and appearance.
these guidelines may often be
communicated to the public by u Introduce a minimum unit
712,000 children
professionals they should be aimed price of alcohol.
and understood by everyone.
and adults get
u More powers introduced to
u As deliverers of commissioned support local police in combatting
active with us
health and wellbeing projects, the use of ‘legal highs’ by children
including interventions to reduce and young people.
every year.
inactivity, YMCA feels that there
should be better understanding u Expansion of early intervention
and training across health programmes to support parents
professionals of the importance who have drug and alcohol
of physical activity. problems to help break the cycle
of these problems being passed
down to their children.
20 21HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Rise in poor mental health
amongst young people
Poor mental health can have a dramatic
impact on the prospects of a young
access the job centre found that staff were
not aware of the complexities of their
Recommendations
person’s life and more than half of all needs and unresponsive when informed.19
adults with mental health problems Training on how to support young people u campaign should be introduced
A u he age limit for Child and
T
were diagnosed during their childhood.17 accessing both Child and Adolescent which raises awareness of mental Adolescent Mental Health
Although it was diagnosed in childhood Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and health issues and the available Services responsibility to provide
less than half of these were not treated Jobcentre Plus would be welcomed.
appropriately at the time and there
support targeted specifically at care should be increased to 21
are still worrying trends that negative For both young people and YMCA staff young people. years old and where possible
consequences, such as self-harming there is a complete lack of trust or a single key worker should be
amongst young people, are increasing.18 confidence in the National Health Service u ental health should be given
M assigned to each young person to
(NHS) to support them with poor mental
Awareness is still a significant issue health. CAMHS are seen as ineffective,
the same priority as physical ensure that continuity and trust
with young people suggesting that unhelpful and poorly operated. The waiting health with NHS budgets. can be developed.
there is inadequate information in the lists for an appointment are too long and
media, at school and on the internet YMCAs have seen some instances where u he waiting times for Child
T u rofessionals working or
P
around what mental health is and the wait for an appointment can be in frequently interacting with
and Adolescent Mental Health
how support can be accessed. excess of six months.
Services need to be cut with young people should be trained
The importance of delivering mental YMCA believes that the CAMHS age access to a first appointment in mental health issues.
health guidance in settings familiar with range needs to be reviewed. A number available within one week.
young people is paramount. Nurses and of cases have been identified where a
practitioners should come into schools young person transferring from CAMHS
and work with young people to talk about into adult mental health services has not
the issues. Additionally, more information been adequate and they have effectively
should be available to those who interact become lost in the system. Those who
with young people frequently. Teachers have accessed CAMHS described the child
and youth workers would be ideally placed element of the service to be good but the
to support young people at an early stage services for adolescents to be extremely
but would need training to enable a poor. It was felt that extending the age
greater understanding of mental health. range for which CAMHS are responsible
for to 21 would increase continuity and
Another area which could benefit from renew focus on the 16-21 years where
more training on mental health issues young people often have the highest
would be Jobcentre Plus. Our research support needs.
has shown that those young people who
22 23HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Young Health Champions –
YMCA Worcestershire
The Young Health Champions project was The idea was to get young people talking
a YMCA signature pilot programme that about their own experiences, dispel some
was funded by the Department of Health. of the myths that surround mental health
The ethos of the programme was to recruit as well as signpost young people to the
and train young people as peer educators appropriate services. The finished film
who can deliver across five key health was used by the YHCs when delivering
topic areas. mental health awareness sessions in
youth clubs and schools around the
The projects aim was to reduce health local area.
inequalities among young people living
in areas of disadvantage by using young After three successful years of the
volunteers as peer leaders. The Young YHCs project YMCA Worcestershire
Health Champions (YHCs) provided decided to focus the next stage on
support and leadership to hard-to-reach raising awareness of mental health
young people so that they engaged more issues in the Redditch area. This branch
effectively with local health and social of the project has been funded by
care services. The YHCs took the lead in Early Help and the CYP mental
working on session ideas and came up wellbeing task group and is called
with the idea to make a mental health the Mental Health Champions.
film with young people in Worcester.
Shannon, 17
24 25Family Work
55,000 children
and young people
We believe every family should have the domestic violence, overcoming breakups,
an understanding of respect, the different
attended our out of
support they need to develop and lead types of relationships and the signs of
a good and bad relationship. Whilst school and holiday
more fulfilling lives an important element of relationship
education should be around how to clubs last year.
act within one there should also be an
understanding that young people do not
The right start in life is crucial for the long- authorities have had to operate under
have to be in a relationship to be happy.
term development of a young person. It is reduced budgets and there is consistent
for this reason that YMCA work with young evidence which shows that youth services
people from birth through to adulthood – have been an easy and frequent target
maintaining the support for them both as when looking to make savings.20 Whilst a
individuals but also within a family unit. statutory youth service would be ideally
placed to be a third pillar in supporting the
One way of addressing poverty within
families is to engage more parents into the
development of young people it must be Recommendations
done within the context of the economic
job market. Currently the Government’s climate. As such in order to be sustainable
policy of free childcare for three and four the youth service must adapt its model to
u he 15 hours of free childcare
T u n appropriate framework
A
year old children for 15 hours per week deliver for young people in different ways. available to the most should be introduced to inspect
and for the 40% most disadvantaged two disadvantaged should be the scope, quality and impact of
year olds goes some way to achieving this. There is significant scope for areas of extended to all two year olds. a local youth work offer.
However, this does not go far enough or non-formal learning and pastoral care,
reach all families. As such there needs to which are often part of a youth service,
be parity across the age ranges and the 15 to be delivered within schools by qualified u national strategy on childcare
A u he relationship element of
T
hours should be extended to all two year youth workers – supplementing the should be implemented to Sex and Relationships Education
olds and not just the most disadvantaged. reduction in funding from local authorities address the failure of the should be more explicitly set out
to be driven back into positive activities within the statutory guidance
The development of a young person is not current system to meet
for young people.
just confined to schools and parents as parental requirements. placed upon secondary schools.
there are many other influencing actors Although there has been a statutory
in their lives and the youth service is duty to provide Sex and Relationships u he Government should reclassify
T
an example of one which often plays a Education in secondary schools since
youth services as a statutory
positive role. 2010 there is still a significant lack of
the relationship education element service. Local authorities should
Over the past five years this role being taught. Relationships education be required to have in a place a
has diminished significantly as local should include exploring issues such as youth services strategy.
26 27FAMILY WORK
Nursery Provision – YMCA Bath
YMCA Bath has six nurseries with the first of children with additional needs and
established in the City of Bath in 1988 English as an additional language. Using
and the remainder of the group in nearby innovative new techniques the staff help
Wiltshire. Four of the nurseries are in areas children to accept closeness and affection
of deprivation and three of these share the where this has been missing in their lives.
site with local primary schools and children YMCA helps them learn to express and
centres. show their feelings and this can begin to
repair their emotional damage.
The successes of the nurseries have
been based on their immersion into the Alongside the emotional and educational
communities and the development of needs of children, the development of
relationships with parents. Given the areas their health is paramount to their chances
in which the nurseries are placed, debt is a in life. As such an initiative has been put
common community issue and the policy in place by Bath YMCA where parents are
is to tackle this as it arises and work with encouraged to engage with the nursery
families to manage their fees without cook. This ranges from providing
compounding their financial problems. parents with copies of recipes to
This enables them to stay in work and speaking individually with those
contribute to the economy. interested or those who are less
confident on how to prepare
One of the high performing locations nutritious meals.
is next to the YMCA hostel in Bath and
serves a number of deprived families
including those in poverty and those
abusing substances. It has a high number
Dj, 5 and Sarah, 27
28 29Notes
Democracy and Youth Engagement
1. Households Below Average Income, An analysis 11. Sport England, Active People Survey 7 Q2, June 2013
of the income distribution 1994/95 – 2011/12, http://archive.sportengland.org/research/active_
We believe that all young people should Tables 4.1tr and 4.3tr. Department for Work and
Pensions, 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/
people_survey/idoc.ashx?docid=2d357307-df00-
49e7-bc5c-9a8883342b1e&version=2
have a voice within society and be engaged
uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/206778/full_hbai13.pdf 12. Association for Young People’s Health, Key Data
on Adolescence 2013, 2013
fully in local and national democracy 2. DCLG, English Housing Survey, July 2014
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/
www.ayph.org.uk/publications/480_
KeyData2013_WebVersion.pdf
uploads/attachment_data/file/335751/EHS_
Households_Report_2012-13.pdf 13. ONS, Drinking, in ‘General Lifestyle Survey, 2011’,
March 2013
YMCA is committed to young people’s access and participation in democratic life 3. YMCA London South West website www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ghs/general-lifestyle-
and civil society. www.ymcalsw.org/ycube/ survey/2011/rpt-chapter-2.html
4. Department for Work and Pensions, Sanctions 14. Institute of Alcohol Studies, Young People and
The young people that interact with our services or receive intensive support from statistics, June 2014 Alcohol factsheet, 2013
us are passionate, articulate and active within their communities. As such YMCA https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ www.ias.org.uk/uploads/pdf/Factsheets/
remains a long standing partner in the Votes at 16 Coalition and continues to advocate Young%20people%20and%20alcohol%20FS%20
5. YMCA England, Feeling the Benefits?: Signed on May%202013.pdf
for young people both voting in elections from this age and standing as candidates. and Sanctioned, 2014
www.ymca.org.uk/research/feeling-the-benefits 15. All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image,
Reflections on Body Image, 2012
6. Department for Work and Pensions,
Recommendations
www.berealcampaign.co.uk/help-and-
Sanctions statistics, June 2014 resources/2014/12/15/reflections-on-body-
https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ image/
7. Milburn, Unleashing Aspiration: The Final Report
u he Government legislates that the
T of the Panel on Fair Access to the Professions,
16. Be Real Campaign website
www.berealcampaign.co.uk/home/
voting and candidate age for all July 2009
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/ 17. Kim-Cohen, J., Caspi, A., Moffitt, TE., et al (2003):
elections is lowered to 16. http:/www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/227102/ Prior juvenile diagnoses in adults with mental
fair-access.pdf disorder. Archives of general psychiatry, Vol 60,
pp.709-717.
8. Skills Funding Agency and Department for
Business Innovation and Skills, Breakdown by 18. House of Commons, 28 November 2011, cols
age, gender and level: starts 2002/03 to 2012/13, 782-786W
March 2014 www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/
www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ cmhansrd/cm111128/text/111128w0005.
fe-data-library-apprenticeships htm#1111297001597
9. Wolf, Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf 19. YMCA England, Feeling The Benefits?: Processed
Report, 2011 and Punished, 2014
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ www.ymca.org.uk/research/feeling-the-benefits
uploads/attachment_data/file/180504/DFE-
00031-2011.pdf 20. UNISON, The Damage, August 2014
www.unison.org.uk/upload/sharepoint/On%20
10. DWP, Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations, 2013 line%20Catalogue/22532.pdf
Sabrina, 19 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/378/contents/
made
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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind,
body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values,
we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities,
where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
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