Positive activities for young people

Over a thousand teenagers enjoy school holiday and outside school hour activities provided by the Positive activities for young people (PAYP) network. Many of these young people have been identified as 'at risk' of causing anti social behaviour and/or crime.

The programme provides around 40,000 hours of activities, including drama, car maintenance workshops, self esteem courses, radio broadcasting, camping, football tournaments, street dance, music projects, residential opportunities and trips abroad.

We are the lead agency for the PAYP programme. Its success is due to hard work of the Youth Service and partners including: Action4Youth, the District Councils, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service, Wycombe Race Equality Council, Wycombe Youth Action, Connexions , Skidz (Wycombe), the Aylesbury Motor Company and Nexus.

The programme is complemented by a keyworker service. Over 150 teenagers, identified by services for young people, who are facing difficulties in their lives, benefit from one to one support. Regular participation in activities to develop skills, community awareness and making better use of unsupervised time is encouraged. The programme provides six keyworkers.

A celebration of young people’s achievement was held in March The 2008/9 at the Beacon Centre in Beaconsfield. Young people performed a drama sketch, gave testimonials and presentations on the projects they have been involved in. Certificates were presented to the young people by Councillor Margaret Dewar.

Each year the programme grows from strength to strength as the network matures, young people’s attendance increases and their positive contribution to the community is enhanced.

For more information call 01296 382583 or email youth@buckscc.gov.uk

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