CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE Finding creative ...

CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE
Finding creative ways to engage young people is important and
maintaining engagement is essential for the project.
This case study takes a look at one section of Arsenal’s Positive Futures
initiative; an estates programme funded by Homes for Islington. The
organisation has embraced the partnership and as a result of this and
wider work with young people in the borough, was recognised with a
national UK Housing award for their contributions to the Every Child
Matters agenda.
The Every Child Matters framework is something that the project has
always been comfortable around. This stems from the work Arsenal in the
Community has undertaken for nearly a quarter of a century and in 2004
when the five ECM strands were rolled out we quickly realised that our
programmes were already making contributions to all five areas.
ACTIVITIES WITHIN ISLINGTON

PREPARING FOR MOUNTAIN BOARDING ON A RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIALS TRIPS & OTHER ACTIVITIES
We value the place of residential trips as they offer an ideal environment
where young people can relax with trusting adults that don’t judge them.
On the back of this we are able to engage in conversations that connect
to some of the difficult ECM contributions like sexual health, substance
misuse and the consequences of carrying weapons and we have found
these messages are often best delivered away from the environment
where the issues may present.
“We don’t claim to have any solution to the issues faced by young
people growing up in inner city areas like Islington but we
genuinely believe we are well placed to make a valuable
contribution.” Arsenal Positive Futures Manager.
In order to maintain engagement we offer a range of provision so that
young people can experience a variety of activities.
A trip to Greece was part funded by Homes for Islington. It was an ideal
opportunity for those taking part in the estates programme to visit
another country, take part in an international football tournament and
experience a different culture. The visit to the ruins of an old Castle
(Palamidi Castle of Nafplion) was a great experience. Young people from
Andover, Finsbury and Harvist Estates took part in the trip.

TRIP TO ATHENS
It was nice to give these young people a chance to go on a trip
like this. Most had never been to another country and some don't
go outside London or even Islington. For us it was a chance to get
to know them better and when we went back home, their links
with us were stronger. Tony David, Arsenal Positive Futures
The project is the best thing on our estate it gives the kids
somewhere to go instead of hanging around on the streets. I
feel you all have a positive influence on the kids on the Andover.
Tracy, Mother of Participant
DRIVING AN ARGO CAT ON HARD TERRIANS

Residential courses help move on our relationships with the kids.
They give us the chance to talk about issues that matter to them
and also raise issues like knives, safety and their school work.
Talking to them on the estates about these things is hard. The
trips can also be a real laugh.
Dean Miller, Arsenal Positive Futures
AN EARLY MORNING RUN ON A RESIDENTIAL
Getting up that early was hard especially as I thought it was a
holiday but I felt great afterwards. Participant
CANOEING
We are delighted that young people on the project are able to take part in
activities that they would not ordinarily be able to access. They often
involve trips outside London and for some this is a completely new
experience. The surroundings and atmospheres that can be created can
often be conducive for discussions around social issues.

Getting feedback from young people is important and for some it’s
straight forward through questionnaires but for others we need to grab
opportunities when they arise.
COMPLETING FEEDBACK FORMS ON ANDOVER ESTATE
As part of an Arts project funded by our partners Homes for Islington we
worked with a local Arts charity called All Change. There were a range of
initiatives culminating in a presentation event held at the Emirates
Stadium. Over two hundred and fifty people turned up to watch. Below is
a photo of one of the drama performances at the event.
YOUNG PEOPLE PERFORMING AT THE EMIRATES

"Following a successful poetry and film project for young
people we worked together on in summer 2007, All Change has
been pleased to continue and develop the partnership with
Arsenal Positive Futures through 2008 and 09, offering arts
activities for young people across Islington."
Suzzanne, All Change
A photography project was part of the work.
ENJOYING NEW EXPERIENCES
Homes for Islington continue to support Arsenal Positive Futures on the
estates programme. There are currently ten estates benefitting from twice
weekly activities with six of these receiving homework clubs through the
Arsenal Double Club programme.