Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) is a national
programme for young people who are at risk of social exclusion
and committing crime and provides a range of positive activities
during school holidays and out of school activities.
PAYP started in October 2004 and runs in Corby, based at the
Lodge Park Sports Centre. It is aimed at young people aged
12 to 16 years, who are at risk of negative outcomes such
as anti-social behaviour, truancy and crime. It provides a
range of arts, sports, cultural and educational activities
after school and during school holidays.
Connexions is the lead management agency to deliver Positive
Programmes in Northamptonshire and is funded through local
government. The programmes are accessed by self-referral or
through referral from partner agencies such as Social Services,
Schools and the Police.
PAYP provides activities during every school holiday and ‘Positive
Futures’, provides after school activities during term
time, both of these are available in Corby. A countywide summer
programme is also organised for Year 11 students who are most
at risk of becoming disengaged in learning and likely to become
NEET (not in education, employment and training).
Activities range from sports to art, music and cultural issues
such as workshops in drugs, bullying, sexual health, and alcohol
misuse. Young people have full involvement in the design of
the programmes and by using local partnerships it offers the
sharing of skills, resources and expertise. Young people also
have the opportunity to gain accreditation such as the Community
Sports Leadership Award, first aid, basic food hygiene and
others.
Julian Elkington, Project Manager, said: “ Every young
person that joins the programme sets 3 goals, for example
improve behaviour, reduce drink and improve attendance. Young
people progress through 6 stages from initial referral and
assessment, an induction stage, participation in a range of
activities, a review of progression and goals, qualifications
and certificates, and lastly the final stage of progression
on to employment, education, training, and personal development.
A key worker also provides intensive support to young people
that need further assistance. “
Since October 2004 134 young people have participated in
the project, 94% are in education, employment or training.
(81 have engaged in education, 26 in Further Education, 11
in E2E and 8 in full time employment).
Julian said: “ We have seen really positive results
in Corby and across the county in the summer programme. These
young people are for various reasons on the wrong path to
a positive life and the programme gives them the opportunity
to get involved in activities and make positive use of their
leisure time. It helps with things like self-discipline, self-respect
and confidence and enables them to build up their skills so
they can find good places in education, employment and training”.
During the February school holiday 20 young people took part
in the programme. Here’s what they said:
“I really enjoyed the basketball. Since coming here
I haven’t been arrested in just over 2 years.”
B, age 16
“I’ve enjoyed the trips, everyone becomes a team
and doesn’t argue. My swearing has reduced and I’m
not so angry.” M, age 14
“I’ve enjoyed the trips the most, it’s
fun and we have a laugh. I join in more and my confidence
has increased. I have also joined the cadets.” K, age
13
“The best thing has been coming here, doing various
sports and trips, and getting to know people. I’ve improved
my anger, I’m able to talk to people and my behaviour
has improved in school.”
M, age 15
“I’ve enjoyed all the activities. Julian has
especially helped me through hard times. My behaviour and
attitude has improved.” B, age 14
“I’ve enjoyed the activities, everything really!
Behaviour at school has improved, I’m healthier as I
don’t drink as much and I don’t get so angry.”
J, age 15
Case study
The young person wishes to remain anonymous so for the purpose
of this case study we will call him Paul.
Police referred Paul in May 2005 to the PAYP project because
of anti-social behaviour and truancy from school. He was also
banned from the town centre and was arrested on a regular
basis.
There were serious issues at home and in school, and the
family were receiving support from social services due to
substance misuse and domestic violence.
Julian Elkington, said: “ Paul’s journey has
been challenging, but he is now an active positive member,
he has improved his life skills, developed additional skills
and has a good rapport with staff. In summer 2006 he won the
most improved internal PAYP award. “
Paul started a vocational course at his local college (linked
to school) and won a further award for best attendance and
attitude. He has not been arrested since his referral over
18 months ago and his attendance at school is 98%.
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