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Final Report
Supported by
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Acknowledgements
The Sherborne Douzelage team who conceived of, prepared and managed this Study Visit, wish
to thank the President of International Douzelage, Mr Ed Weber, for his support and
encouragement; Mr Tom Corban and his team in Dorset County Council's Youth Services,
particularly Sherborne Area Youth and Community Centre (known as Tinneys) for their
partnership and enthusiasm in preparing and presenting their work; the British Council for having
confidence in our project and agreeing Youth In Action funding; the leadership at The
RendezVous Centre for their presentation and, last but by no means least, the participants who
travelled to Sherborne from all corners of Europe to join in an open, constructive and wide
ranging exchange of ideas and debate.
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Contents:
Page No
1.0 Executive Summary 5
1.1 Next Steps and Further Information 6
2.0 Background 7
2.1 About Douzelage 7
2.2 Project Development 8
2.3 Funding Partners 8
3.0 Aims and Objectives 9
4.0 The Study Visit 10
4.1 The Delegates 11
4.2 The Programme 12
5.0 Experience and Findings 14
5.1 Youth Provision and Funding Support 15
5.2 Healthy Lifestyles 17
5.3 Retention of Young People 19
5.4 Youth Justice 21
5.5 Young Peoples' Voices 22
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1.0 Executive Summary The study visit
This report concludes the project 'Young Euro Citzens: The highlighted the
Future for Douzelage Member Towns', organised and hosted difference in
by Sherborne Douzelage Committee during October 2008 provision across
and supported by European Youth in Action funding, Action 4 - towns; in the
Youth Support Systems: Training and Networking. facilities, services
and guidance
The Study Visit brought together 28 delegates from 14 available to young
European countries to explore youth work policies and people, as well as the
practice in the Douzelage member towns. UK policy and local political and financial
delivery models in Sherborne were presented as the basis for support provided to
comparison. By means of presentations, workshops and local youth workers
plenary sessions, delegates explored the varying approaches to develop such
to: Youth provision and funding support, healthy lifestyles, provision.
retention of ‘Young People’, youth justice and young peoples’ The importance of building positive local partnerships across
voices in each town, in particular the ability of young people to key public, private and voluntary sector organisations was
influence the political decisions that affect them most. recognised, while investing in and empowering young people
to take control of their futures and influence those
It was widely accepted that, in the five areas explored, the organisations designed to meet their needs, ensures that the
approaches adopted in Sherborne, Dorset and the UK to delivery vehicles and outcomes are both effective and
provide for and involve young people were examples of good sustainable. The study visit sparked enthusiasm and a
practice, much of which could be replicated across Douzelage determination to work together to support the development of
towns to ensure a consistent level of provision for our young these effective, sustainable structures and activities across
people. our Douzelage towns.
The key challenges, recommendations and outcomes of the
study visit can be found in Section 8.0 Conclusions and
Recommendations.
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1.1 Next Steps and Further Information
The aspiration is for future study visits to be held in other • Copy of attendee list (S)
Douzelage towns in order to further share learning, • Programme (S)
promote best practice and lobby for improvements in those • Presentations from Tom Corban, etc (S)
areas that contribute to the sustainable development of • Completed Town questionnaires (?)
Douzelage towns and enhance the basic level of services • Newsletters (D)
and facilities available to young people throughout Europe. • Application to British Council (S)
• Feedback table (S)
The following documents, relating to Sherborne's Youth *To browse documents on Scribd, enter the Username: Douzelage
Study Visit and referenced throughout this report, can be and Password: since1991
viewed at www.douzelage.org (D) or www.scribd.com *(S):
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2.0 Background
2.1 About Douzelage
Douzelage is a name created by combining the French
words douze for twelve – the number of EU states when
formed – and jumelage for twinning.
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2.2 Project development Committee to take forward the organisation of this first
International Douzelage has, in recent years, been event and liaised closely with Dorset County Youth
increasing its focus on the active participation of young Services and local providers to develop and deliver a
people in its organisation and membership, rather than varied and informative programme. The Committee were:
being solely the participants and recipients of organised Janet Parsons, Michael Morrell, Michael Peart, Moira
activities. Douzelage recognises and values their Western and Natalie House.
contribution to the organisation, the sustainability of which
depends upon it. The Organising Committee produced regular newsletters
outlining the project proposal and inviting Douzelage
Having worked on behalf of young people since its towns to participate in the three day study visit (Copies of
inception, International Douzelage seeks to raise these are available at www.douzelage.org).
awareness of the opportunities that Europe presents as
well as encourage the involvement of young people in The Committee also circulated a summary paper; outlining
local democracy, influencing the priorities and civic the key local, regional and national youth policies that
processes within Partner Towns. provide the framework for youth work in the UK and invited
towns to complete a questionnaire prior to the visit,
Koszeg was the first Douzelage town to invite young providing details of the policies and voluntary
people to attend its meeting of International Douzelage, organisations delivering in their countries. A copy of this
followed by Sherborne in 2006, where young peoples' summary paper can be found at www.douzelage.org.
workshops were held in parallel to the Annual Business
Meeting of International Douzelage. At this meeting it was
resolved to implement a Youth Project involving young 2.3 Funding Partners
people who would identify the key challenges and With a firm commitment from partners, the Organising
problems they face in their societies. It was agreed that a Committee made a successful bid to the British Council;
series of study visits would support this aim, exploring the UK funding agency for the EU Youth in Action
innovative approaches and best practice across partner Programme. The study visit was made possible with a
towns and producing a report that would help wider generous grant of €14,769 under Action 4 - Youth Support
dissemination of learning. Systems: Training and Networking. Invaluable in-kind
Sherborne Douzelage established an organising
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support (staff-time) was offered by Dorset County Council. • To draw attention to the key challenges facing young
people in the 5 theme areas
• To encourage delegates from partner towns to exchange
3.0 Aims and Objectives knowledge and information and to share models of good
The overall aim of the study visit was to bring together practice in youth provision in their communities
young people and 'experts' from Douzelage towns to • To ensure that equal opportunities are given to the youth
discuss youth policies and identify best practice; following delegates and experts to make a contribution
the proposal launched at the Sherborne Douzelage • To develop conclusions, which represent ideas and
Conference in October 2006 for Douzelage to host a possible solutions to ensure the participation of young
series of youth-focused conference. people in developing policies and services in their towns
• To identify and secure agreement of two or three
Further aims were: delegates from partner towns to contribute towards the
production if the final report
• To organise and host a Study Visit that was within
budget while being challenging, informative and The intention is that other Douzelage towns will host
enjoyable for all participants similar study visits in the coming years; focusing on some
• To stretch the capacity of Douzelage to produce work of the themes and issues arising from discussions prior to
that adds substantial value to the present benefits of and during the initial study visit. For example:
membership of the organisation and to demonstrate to • Youth and employment,
local authorities and the EU the growing value of the • Affordable housing
organisation • Transport and communication
• To give visiting delegations a broad and enjoyable
social experience It is hoped that UK experts and young people from
• To raise the profile of Sherborne Douzelage within the Sherborne will have an opportunity to visit other European
town and in Dorset Towns, to compare approaches and consider ways in
which UK or local policies and activities can be adapted
Objectives: and improved, based upon the good practice examples
showcased during future study visits.
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4.0 The Study Visit The topics were addressed using a combination of
presentations, theme stations, plenary sessions and
The study visit took place over three days between 16 and
information stands, held in a variety of related venues.
19 October 2008. Delegates explored the issues faced by
Delegates were provided with cultural and practical
young people and the authorities and institutions catering
opportunities to learn more about Sherborne and Dorset
for young people in Douzelage Towns. The particular
as a location and the benefits and challenges of living in
areas of youth work examined during the Study Visit were
this particular rural community.
as follows:
• Youth provision and funding support
• Healthy lifestyles 4.1 The Delegates
• Retention of Young People in our Towns Sherborne Douzelage defined the qualities required in
• Youth Justice delegates in it's first Newsletter to potential partner towns:
• Young Peoples’ Voices
'The first person should be a Youth Worker who knows
about the youth issues in their town and is aware of local
and national government policies concerning youth issues.
We intend the Study Visit to be an exchange of
experiences and ideas. As well as showing you what we
are doing here, we want to hear about your youth issues. '
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In total 28 delegates from 14 towns of International
Douzelage participated in the study visit. The towns
represented were:
Bad Kotzting – Germany, Bundoran – Ireland, Chojna -
Poland, Houffalize – Belgium, Koszeg – Hungary,
Meerssen – Netherlands, Niederanven – Luxembourg,
Oxelosund – Sweden, Prienai – Lithuania, Sherborne –
UK, Sigulda – Latvia, Susice - Czech Republic, Turi -
Estonia and Zvolen – Slovakia.
In each case one 'expert' and one ' young person'
attended and contributed actively to all aspects of the busy
programme. A full list of delegates is available at
www.scribd.com (see Executive Summary for access
information).
The Sherborne Douzelage Committee made arrangements
for all delegates to stay in local Bed and Breakfast
accommodation or host families and meals and visits were
included as part of the programme; providing ample time
to develop friendships, exchange experiences and best
practice in a more informal setting.
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4.2 The Programme Simon Fraiz-Brown, Democracy and Participation
A summary of the study visit's main activities is provided Worker, explained how young people are encouraged to
here. A copy of the programme provided to delegates, as engage with democratic processes and are actively
well as a number of presentations, are included at involved in awarding funds through the Youth
www.scribd.com. Opportunities Fund and finally;
Delegates arrived in Sherborne on Wednesday 15 October Clive Hawkins, Head of the Dorset Youth Offending
in readiness for the three day study visit. Team and Will Burnett, Dorset Constabulary (Police),
outlined how approaches such as restorative justice and
Day 1: Delegates travelled to Dorchester to visit a local partnership working can limit the number of young people
youth and community centre, managed by Dorset County entering the criminal justice system.
Council. Paul Carling, Chair of Douzelage's Education
Committee welcomed delegates and introduced the key The focus for the afternoon was on delegate participation.
speakers for the day; An exchange of experiences and ideas was enabled
through facilitated theme stations, covering each of the
Tom Corban, Head of Youth and Community Service, five themes of the conference.
Dorset County Council, delivered an informative
presentation outlining the overarching Government Delegates contributed actively at each of the theme
policies “Every Child Matters” and “Youth Matters”, with the stations, the findings of which were reported back to the
motto “Something to do, somewhere to go, someone to group during the plenary session. A summary of these
talk to” and how these are applied locally; contributions are presented in the Experience and
Findings section of this report.
Hilary Cox, Deputy Leader of Dorset County Council,
provided the strategic overview, presenting the long term
challenges for Dorset and how this relates to youth;
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Day 2: Day 2 focused on local delivery of Government After lunch and some free time to explore Sherborne,
Policies and delegates were welcomed to Sherborne Area delegates were received in the Council Chamber where
Youth Centre, Sherborne Town Council Offices and the the opportunities presented to young people by the
Rendez-Vous (a charitable organisation offering a drop-in European Lifelong Learning Programme, in particular the
and advisory service for young people). Leonardo Programme for students pursuing vocational
training, were discussed.
Rachel Fraiz-Brown, Sherborne Area Youth Worker
gave practical examples of the youth work she delivers “on The Rendez-Vous Centre's Chairman John Crossman
the ground” in Sherborne before introducing key local and Manager Ingrid Trill, explained how youth services in
delivery partners and providing delegates with the the UK can also be driven by a more local agenda,
opportunity to deliver short presentations about provision working outside of Government policies and targets to
in their own towns. deliver informal and flexible services to young people with
the help of charitable donations and fundraising to meet
Simon Fraiz-Brown introduced two local projects that had specific identified needs. A tour of the facilities, including a
benefited from Youth Opportunities Fund money to cafe area, sound recording study, health clinic and
develop or improve activities for young people in the area computer suite, was given.
and this was followed by a presentation on how young
people can become involved in local youth forums and the
national youth parliament. Day 3: The final day was the lightest of the three day
programme. Delegates travelled to Woodroffe School to
listen to a talk on the Duke of Edinburgh's International
Award Scheme in Europe by Mary Harper, Duke of
Edinburgh Award Officer for Dorset.
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5.0 Experience and Findings The following section summarises the key issues and
recommendations that were agreed under each of the
themes, as well as providing a higher level overview of the
challenges and opportunities for Douzelage towns in
providing for their young people.
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5.1 Youth provision and funding support fundraising and financial input. Government funded youth
initiatives and youth workers are not always trusted
Key differences and challenges: however and can be perceived to be delivering their own
agendas, ignoring real needs.
The definition of a 'young person' varies between
countries and interventions ranged from 7-30 years of In busy tourist towns, many activities are seasonal and
age. It was considered that while some countries provide expensive, geared towards satisfying visitors rather than
too little too late, youth services in others do not provide locals.
adequate support beyond 18 and consequently are less
able to recruit to peer mentoring programmes or provide Recommendations:
sufficient guidance to young people seeking local
employment, for example. It was agreed that young people should be involved in
the design and planning of buildings and activities
Due to the size of some member towns, not all have a
local youth centre, although schools and other community Activities should be organised and services delivered
buildings are often made available to youth groups. when and where young people need them most
Conversely, some towns have no dedicated venue for
young people to meet and many young people are forced Activities and services for groups should be balanced with
to travel to neighbouring towns for entertainment, which targeted outreach work for vulnerable individuals.
can be costly and impractical where there is limited
transport infrastructure. Public transport should service existing provision and new
activities organised when public transport can get people
While most towns benefit from a mixture of government to and from the venue. Alternatively dedicated transport
led, school-based and voluntary sector activities, including services should be provided.
church/faith-based, in some towns these lack
coordination. Libraries and other community buildings should be
made available to young people in the evening, perhaps
For many youth workers, funding is predominantly offering some form of late-night café.
received from the state, supported by limited local
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Young people should be supported to find 'acceptable'
locations for their meetings/activities and start-up
funding provided for new groups established by young
people.
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5.2 Healthy Lifestyles Physical Activity
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schools, while the Church plays an important role in lifestyles advice and sex education should be more widely
delivering sex education in other towns. appreciated and incorporated/integrated into mainstream
provision.
A 'medical' approach is often taken, which can too often
focus on the biology of 'not getting pregnant', rather than
on the immediate and long-term implications of sexually Case Studies
transmitted infections. Sigulda – Sigulda benefits from the existence of specialist
sports schools and local olympic athletes who motivate and
Mental Health encourage participation in physical activity. The local Council
subsidises 45% of sporting activities so that even the most
The provision of services for young people with mental exclusive centres are fully inclusive.
health issues ranges from no facilities, to drop-in centres,
family centres and helplines. Schools often have links
to psychologists and counselling services and act as Oxelosund – The key agencies in the local area work to the
referral agents. same set of shared aims and goals, communicating effectively
with young people and enabling successful cross-referral to
key sexual and mental health services. Support is provided
Recommendations: from birth into adult life through coordinated family centres.
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5.3 Retention of Young People friends go abroad for work.
Key differences and challenges: The value of jobs and the attitude towards certain types
of employment influences young peoples aspirations and
A lack of skilled, varied and well paid jobs in Douzelage the likelihood of them remaining in the local labour market.
towns limits opportunities to remain living locally and
reduces aspirations to do so.
Recommendations:
Many young people leave towns to access Secondary
and Higher Education, where higher education does The provision of affordable housing should be a
exist, the course options can be limited. priority in Douzelage towns and local housing trusts could
be explored.
Young people are priced out of the local housing
market and in many Douzelage towns this is fuelled by Investment in facilities for young people, which limit the
low wages, yet housing developments are often still need for travel should be made, contributing to the
designated for over 55s, never for the under 25s! sustainable communities agenda.
Quiet, 'idyllic' Douzelage towns do not provide sufficient Douzelage towns should lobby for greater Government
entertainment for young people and are marketed by support to provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs
and for the older generation. and local business start-ups.
Poor transport links can limit ability to access jobs and All jobs should have equal value and apprenticeships
entertainment within towns or neighbouring towns. into key service sectors should be encouraged as much as
pursuing a university education.
A lack of mobility within the workforce reduces the
opportunities and openings for young people to enter the The adoption and use of technology for flexible and
labour market within Douzelage towns. home working, should be promoted and enabled.
Communities such as Chojna are divided as families and Young people should be encouraged to engage more
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with local politics to influence the policy, priorities and
promotion of their town to better meet their needs.
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5.4 Youth Justice Recommendations:
Key differences and challenges: Intergenerational projects and positive Press, provide
the best opportunities to dispel misconceptions about
Delegates recognised that many of the youngsters who young people and can promote social cohesion. Young
participate in criminal activity or are disengaged from people are not always 'the problem' and can often be the
society, originate from families with a history of victims.
criminality or social exclusion and wider family support
is often key to successful re-integration. Restorative justice is considered a more favourable
approach to dealing with minor criminal offences and
In many Douzelage towns, young peoples' relationship provides an educational experience as well as being a
with the Police can be strained. Heavy-handed policing more effective means of reducing re-offending.
fuels mis-trust and can demonstrate a lack of
understanding of the challenges facing young people in Cooperation between the Police and local youth/social
Douzelage communities. workers ensures that the underlying causes of anti-
social behaviour and minor criminal offences are
The negative perception of young people is one of the appreciated and dealt with in a sensitive and constructive
greatest challenges to overcome. The disengaged way.
minority appear to influence communities' responses to
young people as a whole. Diversionary activities, supported by quality provision,
serves to reduce the number of young people participating
In a number of towns the lack of facilities and not having in less favourable past-times.
enough to do is often cited as a principle reason for
young people being attracted to criminal activities. Delegates consider some of the smaller Douzelage towns
to be excellent examples of neighbourhood policing,
A small number of young people resort to drug and where closer community networks of family and friends
alcohol use in most Douzelage towns, but it was not felt instil greater respect and discourage anti-social behaviour.
to be a significant problem.
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5.5 Young Voices
While the majority of schools have some form of Council, Opportunities to become involved in school, regional and
to which individuals can be elected, overall there is a lack national youth councils should be provided, supported and
of financial and practical support available from Town encouraged in all Douzelage towns.
Councils and external agencies to develop, service and
engage with youth forums in a formal and meaningful way. Citizenship courses in schools should provide practical
information and advice on how to become involved in
Limited funding reduces the ability of youth councils to local politics and influence the decisions that affect young
implement change. people.
Many young people feel disenchanted with local politics Local town Councils should seek to provide small grants
and do not feel that they can actively influence local and support to young people in order that they can
decision-making. develop their own projects, to establish new activities and/
or improve facilities for example.
Young people feel that consultation processes are a
'box-ticking' exercise, rather than a genuine attempt to Town Councillors should make an effort to communicate
gain their views and input. directly with young people in order to represent their
views most effectively.
The minority of disengaged young people, fuelling
negative perceptions of the majority, have the loudest
voice and the most significant impact on relationships
between communities and their younger citizens.
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6.0 Best Practice -Sherborne & UK
Youth Opportunities Fund (to follow)
In England the policy on the provision of support for children and
young people rests with Central Government, the Department
for Children, Schools and Families The key policies driving this are: Rendez-Vous (to follow)
1. Every Child Matters
2. Youth Matters: Something to do, somewhere to go, Tinneys (to follow)
someone to talk to
Under Every Child Matters the Government's aim is for every child,
whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support
they need to:
• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being
Organisations involved in providing services to children - from
hospitals and schools, to police and voluntary groups - work together,
sharing information, to protect children and young people from harm
and help them achieve. The aim is for children and young people to
have far more say about issues that affect them as individuals and
collectively. For further information see: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
Under Youth Matters the aim is to give all young people the chance of
a positive future by helping them to learn in ways that motivate and
stretch them and enable them to achieve; engage in positive
developmental activities; make informed choices about their lives and
benefit from high-quality, targeted support before problems escalate.
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7.0 Feedback objectives of the study visit had been met.
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A complete table of positive and negative feedback
“Thank you for making this meeting received is available at www.scribd.com . The Organising
possible. We will keep the great time we Committee have taken on board the various points made
and would be happy to share their own learning and
spent here in our minds!” experience with other Douzelage towns wishing to host
such an event.
“So many thoughts and experiences, it
is impossible to
voice our gratitude
to the Sherborne
Douzelage staff.
Thank you.”
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8.0 Conclusions & Recommendations beyond Douzelage towns.
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of activities.
• Youth provision and education services are • It is accepted that many young people will leave
delivered through a variety of means and to Douzelage Towns to access higher education,
varying degrees, e.g. advice on sexual health. In employment and other opportunities. However,
some towns Schools have limited involvement in insufficient attention is paid to those who
service delivery, while others have no secondary remain and attracting back those leaving for
school at all. education.
• The degree of general and financial support • Policies and representations of Douzelage Towns
provided by Town Councils and other tiers of Local still reflect the expectations, preferences and
Government varies considerably between towns. needs of older residents.
• There are limited funding options available to • The focus on young people overlooks the
support youth activities co-ordinated independently significant influence of parents and the
of Local Governments. Existing application environment on the ability of young people to
processes are very bureaucratic and erratic participate in society and to access the activities
funding streams limits long-term sustainability and services designed for them.
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8.3 Positive solutions projects that promote social cohesion.
The workshop and plenary sessions identified the following
positive actions as necessary for delivering quality and • School Councils, Youth Parliaments and other similar
mainstream and targeted improvements for young people in activities, including mock elections, promote
Douzelage towns: democratic involvement of young people and
understanding of local decision-making.
• Improved partnership working between key
agencies is essential for young peoples’ needs to be • Support for home-working, young entrepreneurs
identified and appropriately addressed. Clear, simple and promotion of local skills should be a priority
and shared aims should be established for agencies and will attract new businesses and varied
to deliver services. employment opportunities for school-leavers and
returning graduates.
• Young people should be involved in the design,
planning and delivery of facilities and activities,
increasing their sense of ownership, respect for
property and engagement in other areas of local
decision-making.
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