Teenage-focused activities proved popular with young people with no serious violence recorded in Southampton
Southampton’s teenagers enjoyed a summer of positive activities, new experiences and family time thanks to a completely refreshed, targeted programme delivered as part of the city’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Developed with young people, the bespoke programme offered enriching activities designed to build confidence, resilience and have fun in a safe, trusted environment. The programme played a key role in supporting young people who would normally experience social isolation or may even be at risk of criminal exploitation and serious youth violence.
The programme proved hugely popular, with 265 spaces offered and 473 bookings made, representing 181% uptake against available places. In total, 69 young people accessed the programme, attending 210 sessions with an overall attendance rate of over 79%. Importantly, the summer period also saw no serious youth violence incidents recorded in Southampton, providing further encouragement that investment in prevention, engagement and diversionary activities continues to play an important role in supporting young people and keeping communities safe.
Across the summer, young people benefitted from 17 days of activities, including a wide range of adventurous, educational and enriching experiences. Activities included horse riding, fishing, boxing, beach trips, outdoor education, boating experiences, visits to Longleat, and a range of team-building opportunities delivered with local partners.
One of the highlights of the programme was a three-day PGL residential which gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new friendships and create lasting memories. Other popular trips included Thorpe Park and the New Forest Water Park.
Young people living within the St Mary’s and Thornhill areas also enjoyed a go-karting experience delivered in partnership with Testlands. With much focus on Building a Brighter Future and helping protect young people from exploitation and crime, positive events like this play a key part in keeping young people safe and help them to access opportunities that some families may have found difficult to afford.
The programme was delivered through strong partnership working, with support from organisations including Battens Boxing Gym, Wetwheels, Different Angle, Gleneagles Riding School and The Outdoor Education School, all of whom played a key role in making the summer a success.
Tim Nelson, Head of Family Help Central and Young People’s Service at Southampton City Council, said:
"This programme is about much more than providing activities during the school holidays. It is about creating opportunities for young people to experience success and develop positive connections within their communities.
We know that young people who are engaged in positive activities and supported by trusted adults are less vulnerable to exploitation, criminality and violence. The engagement levels we have seen this summer are fantastic and reflect the dedication of our staff and partners who have worked together to create something truly bespoke.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to all of our delivery partners who helped make these experiences possible."
The bespoke element of the HAF programme forms part of Southampton's wider commitment to preventing child criminal exploitation and serious youth violence through early intervention, positive activities and strong community partnerships.
Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said:
“Every young person in Southampton deserves to feel safe and valued, and this programme is a wonderful example of what can happen when we listen to them and shape support around what they tell us they need.
It is especially encouraging to see such strong engagement from young people at risk of exploitation and to know that no serious youth violence incidents were recorded in Southampton during this period. That is something we should all welcome and be proud of. It shows just how important early support, positive activities and strong community partnerships are in helping our young people stay safe, feel connected, with trusted adults to turn to and opportunities to make happy memories over the summer.”
As Southampton continues its Building a Brighter Future programme, Southampton City Council and its partners remain committed to providing young people with positive opportunities, helping them realise their potential and ensuring that every child can enjoy a safe, healthy, and fulfilling future.
Helping Southampton's young people stay safe, stay connected and make positive memories throughout the summer.
