Guide to getting involved
Thursday 1 January 2004
Getting involved in a youth group can be great. It can widen your social circle beyond the people you see everyday at school or college and allows you to explore new interests.
You can make friends
Joining a youth club gives you the chance to make friends with new people. If you become part of a specialised group, it may be your your first chance to become friends with others that who share your passions and interests.
It also very healthy to meet with mates who aren't going to talk about what happened at school all day. The people you meet may often surprise you and help you discover more about different ways of life.
Get involved in sport
Sporting clubs are great fun. Whatever your favourite sport - football, hockey, ice hockey, rugby, ten pin bowling, rock climbing - it's a great chance to channel all your energy into performing to the very best of your abilities.
If nothing else competing at a sport takes is way to escape from other things on your mind and focusing on your goal.
Sports clubs also provide a great team spirit. You're part of a group of people with the same goal
New hobbies
It's a great idea to take up new hobbies. Do you have skills and talents you wish you could explore further?
Check your local paper and internet sites to find out what you can do in your area.
There are loads of things you can do: music lessons, amateur dramatics, astronomy courses, fiction writing classes. What about dance classes? There's ballroom, hip hop, break dance , contemporary and ballet. There should be loads of opportunities to improve on your natural talents and interests.
Your community
Do you think you can do something to help your community?
Youth groups can really make a difference to the lives of people in your area. Your local council and community centre will have details of the different projects in your area that you can join.
Getting involved doesn't just mean helping clear up the youth club once everyone's left. Many councils are looking for young people to get in the decision making. For example, you could help your council plan the best place for a new park or help design leisure centre. Some councils even give young people the chance to advise local police forces on how to get on better with young people in the area.
Why not take a look at schemes like the Millennium Volunteers, which encourages 16 to 24 year olds to volunteer their time for the benefit of others. There's also groups like the UK Youth Parliament, which gives people between 11 and 18 years old the chance to have their voices heard by local councils, Governments and other organisations.
The possibilities are endless. Youth groups can really make a difference to your life and the lives of other people in your area.
How do I get involved in youth groups and clubs?
Your local council and community centre will have details of the different projects in your area that you can join.
The web has tonnes of links - check out your local council's web site and see if it has a youth section dedicated to young people. These will list details of local projects and clubs in your area.
There should also be listings in your local newspaper or you can contact a community centre in your area for information about the youth groups and clubs you can join.
For more information on finding in clubs and groups in your area, click on our list of recommended links.
