Research into young people’s transition into adulthood shows that unstructured provision is worse than no provision. Centres that only provide somewhere for kids to hang out have a levelling down effect on ability and social skills.

• We want to discourage the concept of participation through passive consumption of services. Helping young people to plan additional activities and fundraise for them will provide the experience of groupwork and having some control over their destiny.
• Our young people are more brand aware than even their US counterparts. They have become dependant on possessions for a sense of identity and self worth and children from poorer backgrounds lacking other means of achievement become the most dependent of all.
• Between 1958 and 1970 the importance of socialisation in obtaining work increased by 35 times. It is no longer possible to go from basic education to a reasonably paid job in manufacturing and consequently social mobility for some groups in society has stopped. There is a chasm of social ability between groups in society.
• All centres need the opportunity for physical activity which helps to reduce adrenalin and allow participation in social activities.
• The number one requirement requested by young people is a safe environment where there are clear non violent rules and enforcement so young people can relax.