Index

1. "In your area can you easily obtain information on:"

Careers/Employment	71% said they could
Sexual Health/Contraception	61% said they could
Drugs/Alcohol Use/Misuse	58% said they could

We think you will agree there is much room for improvement on these figures, especially in the BRIDESTOWE/LYDFORD/NORTHLEW areas, where our appraisal showed there to be NO easy access to information on ANY of the above.

There is an obvious need to find ways of providing easily obtained accurate and relevant information on the above issues throughout THE WHOLE DISTRICT. These personal and social issues are important to ALL young people in today’s society.

THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GO AWAY

The impact, both good and not so good, that can surround these issues reflects on ALL our communities. We need to work towards making appropriate information easily available to 100% of young people in ALL areas.

Recommendations:

• Community organisations, Parish Councils, Voluntary and Statutory services work together to promote ways of delivering appropriate information to and for young people in their local areas.
• Invite specialist services to raise public awareness and discuss how needs can be best met.
• Encourage all adults working with children/young people to have a sound basic knowledge of these issues and to know where expert help can be found.



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2. "Do you think there is enough affordable accommodation/housing available for young people in your area?"

53% of people said there was NOT enough.

41% said they did not know.

6% believe there to be enough

Homelessness tends to be more ‘hidden’ in rural areas. Young people become adept at moving from one friend’s floor to another.

Recommendations:

• Housing Associations and West Devon Council could perhaps carry out more in-depth research around this issue.
• Agencies could work together to find ways of developing a "Young Persons Supported Accommodation Project" in Okehampton.

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3. "In your area are the places you can get information and advice on the previous two questions suitable for young people?"

78% Considered places to be "Sometimes suitable"

17% felt they had "Nowhere suitable"

5% Answered "Very suitable"

Recommendations:

• Existing services could look at finding ways of becoming more "Young people user friendly"
• Communities to accept that ALL age groups have differing needs and as such some specialist services are required to meet these needs.



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4. "In your area do you think the views and opinions of young people are considered?"

62% of young people believe their views to be considered sometimes.

Unfortunately the rest felt their views were NEVER considered.

Potentially this situation is the easiest to improve.

Recommendations:

• Include, Involve and Empower young people in ALL aspects of your communities/services.
• Value their VIEWS and OPINIONS.

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5. "Do any future plans you may have include moving away from the area?"



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6. "Please give the reason if you are planning to or considering leaving the area"

62% gave EMPLOYMENT/CAREER/COLLEGE and UNIVERSITY as their reason to leave.

ACCOMMODATION/HOUSING/SOCIAL and RECREATIONAL were the other reasons young people gave for moving from the area.

These are worrying figures. We know some young people will return to the area after their time at college/university but employment and careers are serious issues for them and without improved opportunities will they then choose to stay in the area?

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Page Created: July 2000
This Information was provided by Corporate Information Services
Send any comments, enquiries, etc. to DRIS@devon.gov.uk


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