Participate

Participate is our new modular programme that combines the knowledge and expertise that we have learnt from running our earlier programmes for young people - Fulfilling their Potential and HeadSpace. We've joined up all the good things we have learnt from those programme into Participate.

What libraries could, and should, be doing for young people is described in national Library Offer for Young People. Any library that delivers the complete Library Offer will be improving the outcomes for young people in their area, and meeting the government requirements set out in Aiming High. There are new funding streams from the DCSF to support Aiming High and Participate can help you to access this funding.

We are running a small number of full Participate programmes on a first come first served basis.

To find out more download the further infomration fromResources. There's information for public library authorities and for authorities that are already running HeadSpaces. Or contact Claire Styles, project manager.

Other support for young people

Participate is part of a package of programmes and products that we are offering to support work with young people.

Anyone working with young people (you don't have to be a librarian) can subscribe to our innovative new social reading website groupthing.org. groupthing.org is available to libraries, schools, youth centres and anyone else working with young people.

Libraries that are refurbishing their spaces or building new libraries can get young people involved through HeadSpace. HeadSpace offers exciting opportunities for young people to get involved in designing library spaces and services to create an environment where they can read, listen, surf and chill.

Benefits

From our earlier projects we know how valuable it is for young people to get involved with the great creative reading opportunities that libraries provide and to have a say in the services that libraries run. Our evaluation shows that it improves their self confidence and esteem, and that it particularly benefits young people who are socially excluded.

For libraries, it supports them to meet their obligations under the national Library Offer for Young People. It also helps them to met targets set through Local Area Agreements and National Indicators.

If you are interested in finding out more then email Claire Styles, project manager.