Yesterday afternoon we were delighted to launch the new website for Curious Project 6 at the ACE centre in Nelson. The project is exploring how young people can become practically engaged in regeneration and renewal projects in their own communities, and yesterday about fifty or so people turned up to learn about progress. Katy McCormick, from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire introduced proceedings and Peter Little, Petra Wilson and Lynne Mitchell shared case studies of their work with young people in Blackburn, Colne and Bradley.
As a result of our project manager, Paul Hartley’s drive and determination to make this a success, much has been achieved. Primarily this new website which sits within the main Curious Minds website, is now available as a resource for anyone involved in renewal and regeneration. It contains guidance on setting up projects, a directory of creative practitioners who are experienced in developing this kind of work and some useful case studies to demonstrate how young people are currently involved in regeneration projects across Pennine Lancashire. Have a look at the website at http://www.curiousminds.org.uk/curiousproject6/
Crucial to the website’s success will be the extent to which a ‘community of practice’ feeds it. There is a forum space for people to share ideas or pose questions and challenges and we are also inviting people to contribute their own case studies. If you use it, it will grow, and we’ll do our best to nurture that process.
All this has been possible due to great support from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire – thanks to them for helping us get this far.
It’s clear that involving young people in projects of this nature generates a huge range of benefits. The projects featured on the website show that enabling young people’s engagement develops skills and attitudes that can really help them in other aspects of their lives. Projects have been demonstrated to reduce antisocial behaviour, increase volunteering and help bridge the gap that exists between generations. If we fail to engage young people in the regeneration of their own communities we’re really missing a trick. The energy, ideas and enthusiasm young people bring to any partnership are always inspirational – and we need to remember that the homes, facilities and spaces that are being designed, will be theirs in the long term – not ours.
Chris May