Re:Generation Next
Hundreds of years ago when I was a teenager I styled myself on Coupland’s Generation Xer’s and planned to become a slacker rock star. Not once did it cross my mind that a) I would not be a rock star or b) I would be sipping my cocoa worrying how Generation Next would be able make important decisions during my dotage. So I decided it was time to kick off my slippers and find out what young people have been up to and what housing has been doing to support them.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover, not only are young people getting involved but they are giving back. Generation Next are helping to build the sustainable communities of their future. Out of the hundreds of great examples I found this is just a small taster of what Re:Generation Next is up to.
Hoodies to Goodies
Newport City Homes has been working with young people and the fashion design department at The University of Wales Newport college design and produce hooded tops with a peaceful theme or as they like to call it Hoodies to Goodies. This project culminated with a fashion show for older people and playing games such as Charades. Bridging the gap between the young and the old is essential for cohesive communities.
And the fashion theme does not stop there, NCH also plan to develop a social enterprise created and run by young people. They will design, create and sell Newport branded T- Shirts in time for the Ryder Cup, giving young people the skills needed to start and grow a new business. This micro business will help keep the tourist £ in Wales and contribute to a growing Newport economy.
Disaster Street
Blah, Health and Safety, blah is what I hear when provided important health and safety information. This is not the case for the residents of Bron Afon who are soon to be presented with ‘Disaster Street’, a Health and Safety movie based around a fictional street. The film has been written, acted and produced by local young people. It has provided important skills to those working on the project from public speaking to video production, all of which looks great on a CV. The benefits however do not stop there, it is a funny and informative video that is much more likely to be watched by residents since their children, grandchildren and neighbours are starring in it.
GreenFutures
From Silver Screen to GreenFutures, a project aimed at making the best use of Bron Afon’s open spaces. GreenFutures events have been created to include both young and old to promote cross generational links and covers topics such as parking, growing food and play. Each session is a learning environment and once the 10 sessions are completed participants may end up with an OCN accredited qualification. Ideas from each session will feed into a green spaces strategy. The 25 young people involved will end up better qualified and have made a significant contribution to policy development in Bron Afon.
You’re Hired!
Construction Youth Trust in partnership with RCT homes and NCH and too many other partners to mention have given forty young people the opportunity to win an apprenticeship through the ‘The Real Apprentice’ funded by Big Lottery. Lord Sugar (yes the real Lord Sugar) wishes every success to the forty young people who started this competition. These enthusiastic starters were whittled down to six who took part in the regeneration of the Pen Rhys flats to WHQS standards. This was a formidable task as these flats had been empty for over two years and was desperately in need of some TLC. In the race to produce the best flats the boys learned skills in plastering, carpentry, plumbing and interior design to name but a few plus training in employability skills to help with future job hunting. All six were winners leaving the project with new found skills and confidence but there was only one apprenticeship with Connaught. All that is left to say is well done Daniel The Real Apprentice winner of 2010.
I have been utterly inspired by these success stories and I now know that young people are taking practical steps to ensure success in their future and success for the communities in which they live. It’s got me thinking maybe there is still time for me to be a rock star…
For further information on any of the projects please contact emma.howells@cih.org