Leisure & Community

Wherever you live, there are things you can enjoy in your spare time, activities you can take part in and things you can do to make other people's lives more enjoyable.

Local papers and libraries have details of clubs and events in your area. Also local radio, Tourist Information Centres, town halls, sports centres, and shop windows are useful points of information. If you don't find anything you fancy there, ring your local youth organisations and community centre to see what they have to offer. Their numbers are in the Thomson Local Directory.

Concessionary Leisure Cards

It's not always finding things to do that's the problem - it's affording them. Depending on your age or situation you may be able to take advantage of concessionary leisure offers eg. your Local Authority Leisure Services. Theatres and cinemas also offer cheap tickets to students, or if you go as a member of a group, or sometimes on a particular night. Remember, before you pay any entrance fees or fares, ask whether there are discounts for young people, students, unemployed people or groups.

Youth Centres

Why don't you get in touch with your local Youth Service or Youth Association? The Youth Service offers many opportunities to meet friends, become involved in activities, to have fun, to get support and guidance if you need it from youth workers, to take responsibility, be involved in planning events, and be challenged by new situations. There are many organisations which cater specifically for young people, from the uniformed organisations to sports activity clubs, from open youth clubs to church clubs or clubs which cater for minority groups or interests. (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Libraries (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Your local library has a wide range of services which are available to everyone. Membership is free, but you don't need to join to use the library.

As well as books you can borrow cassettes, CDs, videos, talking books and foreign language courses, all for a small charge. Libraries provide free space and facilities for homework, study and research, and most public libraries offer access to the Internet.

Many libraries have newspapers and magazines to read; leaflets, posters and details of local clubs, groups and activities. Some libraries have 'Job Club' notice boards and council job vacancies, most offer work experience placements for young people. You can also find details of local, national and open learning courses. Some library authorities have designated youth librarians and specific youth libraries and facilities. Many libraries are available for meetings and activities, and offer opportunities to develop creative writing for young people (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Challenge

Duke of Edinburgh's Award (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

There are three awards, Bronze for those over 14, Silver for those over 15 and Gold for those over 16. For each award you have to complete four different sections as follows:

• Service - You choose one form of service such as First Aid, Fire Service, Care for Animals or Environmental work.
• Expeditions - As part of a group you plan and complete a journey in the countryside or on water.
• Skills - You develop a personal skill or interest and choose from some 200 activities.
• Physical Recreation - You take part in some form of organised physical recreation or sport and achieve individual progress.

For the Gold Award you also have to do a Residential Project The Award is not competitive. It is a challenge to the individual to do more, to try harder and to reach out to new horizons. The Award offers such a wide choice of activities that most disabled young people as well as able bodied find it possible to qualify for the Awards with little or no variation in the conditions. The regional office for Yorkshire and the North East is:

Outward Bound

Concerned with personal development, the courses are designed to develop personal and team work skills. They allow people to find out what they can do in totally different situations. Most of the activities are outdoors and include a selection from canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering, sailing and caving.

Access Team

These courses provide a different sort of challenge. They are based in inner cities. They typically involve a placement in a hospital followed by a project with disabled people. Each evening there is a seminar where course members share their experiences and discuss the issues involved. For further information on both opportunities - contact:

Raleigh International

The ultimate challenge! It involves young people in valuable projects overseas for about three months at a time. There is a tough selection process but you might be one of the lucky ones. You also have to raise a large proportion of the costs if you are selected.

Contact:

Involvement in the Arts

Be creative and have some fun! Express yourself and communicate your feelings and ideas through the many different arts opportunities which exist.

If there is a Youth Arts Forum in your area contact them first, because they can give you local information and the opportunity to link with other young people, youth workers and arts workers to develop ideas and projects.

Also contact your local Youth Service or Leisure Services (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Music

You can get more music for less money by joining a record library.

If you want to learn to play an instrument, find out about evening classes in your area. If you've got a band or you would like to get a band together and you are short of practice space, contact your local Youth or Community Centre. You could also try recording a demo tape and sending it to a DJ who plays your kind of music.

Drama, Theatre and Films

You can go to theatres cheaper as a group or by buying last minute, standby tickets.

Join a local amateur dramatics group or consider forming your own group. You may be able to get help from your local Youth Centre.

If you or your group fancies joining the National Association of Youth Theatres, you will be able to get free advice and access to their script library. For more details contact:

If you are interested in making a film or video, again contact your local Youth Centre or Leisure Services who may be able to help you or contact:

Dance

There are many different forms of dance activities available which take place in a number of Community, Youth and Leisure Centres or through Adult and Further Education. You can also contact your local dance school (Look in Yellow Pages).

Community / Local / Hospital Radio

Many community/local/hospital radio stations offer opportunities for young people to be trained as D.J's/Presenters or to act as volunteers. You should not expect to have instant access to the airwaves but you may gain valuable experience from being in a broadcasting environment

Do It Yourself

If there is nothing going on in your area which interests you, why not start something yourself? Talk to your friends and see if any of them are interested in helping you. You are likely to need access to resources, information, funding and premises.

Use your local Information Services, Youth Service or Leisure Services for help and advice. If you are unemployed or have difficulty in taking the next step because of a lack of money, contact the Prince's Trust for help (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

Sport & Activities

Exercise (See also health)

Exercise can be fun! A little exercise on a regular basis is better than killing yourself once a year by taking part in an annual fun run or whatever.

Sports Centres & Swimming Pools (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

It's worth paying a visit to your local Sports Centre or Swimming Pool to find out what activities are on offer. There are often special sessions for different categories of user and a wide range of activities from the most competitive to those which are purely for fun. It is also an opportunity to try something new and there are usually classes or help for beginners. Contact

local Leisure Services or Sports Development Services for details. (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

If you are disabled, your local voluntary organisation for disabled people, Council for Voluntary Service, Volunteer Bureau (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page) or Disablement Information Advice Line (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page) will have details of access and groups which are specifically for disabled young people.

For specialist coaching contact:

Travel

Discount Travel Cards

If you make the same journey regularly on public transport, find out if return tickets, season tickets, or other types of travel cards could save you money.

Trains

They can also offer information about;

• Young person's railcard 1/3 off leisure fares - Cost :£18 for one year for under 26 year olds and over 26 if in full time education.
• Disabled person's railcard - 1/3 off all other tickets and offers.
• Apex Low priced off peak fares - must be booked at least seven days before you want to go and you need to state the time of the trains you will take

Youth Hostel Association

Anyone can join the YHA. Your membership card entitles you to stay in Youth Hostels all over Britain and in many other countries. Membership costs £6.75 a year, if you are under 18 and £13.00, if you are over.

The standard charges for a bed can vary from £5.00 to £20.00 for an under 18 and as an adult from £8.00 to £25.00 depending on status and Youth Hostel rating.

Meal prices are as follows:

• breakfast £3.40
• packed lunch £3.90
• evening meal £5.00

There are certain discounts for students, those on low income and for families or groups. Check them out.

Over twenty hostels have been specially designed for use by people with disabilities and others have good access. Many hostels also have facilities for self catering and camping.

Full details are given in the handbook, which is free to members of the YHA. For further information ring 08708 708 808, or write to:

Travel Abroad (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)
Student travel officers are expert in dealing with cheap travel for young people and they can be found at many colleges and universities. They are not just for students but for all young people. For up-to-date information contact the Students Union Office at your nearest college or university.

Getting on the Road (See also driving & your rights)

You need to know the law before you drive any motor vehicle. Driving is about getting round more easily - not about having fun. Inappropriate driving behaviour can be lethal for you and others.

Motorcycles - Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) (See also driving & your rights)

All mopeds learners (i.e. those who did not obtain a full car licence before 1.2.01) and all motorcycle learners must complete CBT before riding on the roads. CBT can only be given by approved training bodies.

Details & lists of DSA approved training bodies are available from your local Council Road Safety Officers (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page) or from

CBT will have to be re-taken if both theory/practical tests are not passed within the 2 year Certificate life. You do not have to take CBT, again, if you hold a full motorcycle licence and wish to obtain a licence for another category of motorcycle.

Once you have successfully completed CBT and have your Certificate (DL 196), you can carry on to take additional training to pass your tests and qualify for a full motorcycle or moped licence.

Before you apply for your full test, you are advised to practice further at your training centre. A Theory Test for Mopeds and Motorcycles has been introduced. The Test pass certificate is valid for 2 years. The practical test must be passed within this period otherwise the test will have to be taken again. At all times you need to be seen, wear appropriate protective clothing, (you must wear a motorcycle helmet - the only exception is for Sikhs who wear a turban) and keep your motorcycle in good working condition. You cannot carry a passenger until you have passed the driving tests mentioned above and you hold a full licence.

Cars

To drive a car you must be aged 17, have a provisional licence and be accompanied by a driver over 21, with at least 3 years experience of driving on a full car licence, supervising you.

You must display 'L' plates and wear seat belts. As regards insurance, if you are driving your parent's car you need to make sure they have notified their insurance company and paid any supplement necessary. If you are using an approved driving instructor (you can recognise them by the green octagonal licence on the windscreen) you are covered by their insurance during your lessons.

A Theory Test for cars forms part of the overall test. The test pass certificate is valid for 2 years.

It is worth buying a copy of the Highway Code and absorbing all the information in it. Remember any drug, including alcohol, can affect your ability to drive. As a rule, most young people don't drink and drive - don't be the exception.

• At 16 you can ride a moped, under 50cc as a learner, (a moped does not have an engine over 50cc and maximum design speed not exceeding 50kph/31mph) after passing your CBT. If you are disabled and receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance you can drive a car.
• At 17 you can ride a motor cycle as a learner up to 125 cc after passing your CBT and drive a car.
• At 18 you can drive a light goods vehicle (up to 7.5 tonnes)
• At 21 you can drive a large goods or passenger vehicle.

Youth Exchanges

These are a great way for groups of young people to get to know one another's country and find out about the lifestyle of the young people who live there. You can stay either with one person in a family home or at a hostel.

There are grants available for exchanges with groups abroad. You can get more information on these and on exchanges generally by contacting your local Youth Office. If you are a group seeking advice on youth exchanges contact:

European Grants (See money)

Personal Safety

It is worth pausing to think about personal safety before you put yourself at risk by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The following points may help:

Walkers

• On country roads walk on the right, close to the edge of the road
• Be especially careful near bends
• Wear white or bright colours to help drivers see you
• Don't go alone on hills and mountains
• Tell someone where you are going
• Let them know when you get back
• Always have strong shoes or boots, warm waterproof clothing, a map, compass and food.
• For further information on safety in outdoor pursuits, contact your local Youth Office and do some appropriate training.

Hitch Hiking

Remember if you hitch hike that you have to take the driver and any other people who may be in the vehicle on trust (as they have to take you). You put yourself at risk of attack and you may be in an uninsured vehicle with no compensation in the event of an accident. Is it worth the risk?

If you decide to take the chance:

• go with a friend
• keep on busy roads
• have some spare money for fares, meals and accommodation, in case you are out of luck with lifts
• If you are planning to hitch hike abroad make sure it is not illegal.

Outdoor Pursuits

Before you undertake any potentially dangerous outdoor pursuits make sure you have had the appropriate training yourself or that you are in the hands of competent and qualified instructors.

Travel Abroad

If you are embarking on an extended period abroad and you are not following recognised tourist routes, it is helpful to learn as much about the country as you can.

Good booksellers have a range of 'Rough Guides' to living in various countries which are a good source of information. It is also helpful to pick up some words in the appropriate language so you can ask for what you need and understand the answers!

In Towns and Cities

• Don't wander around places on your own if you are on unfamiliar territory
• It is also worth keeping sufficient money back for emergencies
• Get a taxi home if you are out late on your own.
• Be streetwise!

Community & Volunteering (see also voluntary work)

There are many opportunities for volunteering at home or abroad. As well as helping other people, you can gain skills and experience which can improve your own job prospects.

Contact your local Council for Voluntary Service or Volunteer Bureau (see 'leisure' local addresses drop down menu at the top of this page)

For service overseas contact:

Millennium Volunteers

The Millennium Volunteers is a government funded scheme which enables young people, aged 16-24, to access funding and accreditation for volunteering. You choose the activity to which you volunteer, M.V. find you a placement, or you can find your own. you get expenses and a nationally recognised certificate for completing 100 hours of volunteering and an award for excellence for completing 200 hours. You will also gain experience and confidence, skills and meet new people as well as an accreditation which looks good on your c.v. or UCAS form. Further details from:

Voting and Politics

Young people can influence how the country is run, for example 2.5 million young people under the age of 25 failed to vote in the 1992 general election and 2,400 votes could have changed the result! You can let things happen to you or you can help shape the way things develop by becoming involved.

To be able to vote, you must be 18 or over on the day of the election and have your name on the Electoral Register. Check at your local Council Offices that you are registered.

To have your name included on the Electoral Register, it must be entered on the form that is delivered to households each year in July/August. The form asks for the names of all those aged 17 and others living in the household. (17 because young people might turn 18 by the time the Register is published)

Attend the local 'Surgeries' held by MPs, M.Y.P's (Member of Youth Parliament) and local Councillors and put your views forward. Join one of the political parties and attend the local ward meetings where issues are discussed and campaigns organised. For addresses, look under 'Political Parties' in the Thomson Directory or Yellow Pages. For further information contact:

Action Groups

You can make your views known in other ways by joining one of the existing pressure groups who work together for a cause they believe in. These cover different topics such as the environment, animal rights, political prisoners. Ask at your local library for details. Two books that could help you start your own groups are:

For contacts, use your local reference library information point. Examples of groups:

Euro<26 Card

The Euro<26 Card is the most popular discount card for young people in Europe. Already over 4 million young people under the age of 26 carry the card and 100,000 places in 38 countries welcome the card.

Euro<26 is the key to adventure whether its skydiving in Slovakia, eating Pizza in Rome, or taking a boat trip up the Danube! All young people under the age of 26 can benefit from becoming a part of the Euro<26 community.

The Euro<26 logo ensures that discounts are automatically accessible to all cardholders throughout Europe. there are more than 100,000 advantages including:

• Culture: theatres, cinemas, concerts, museums, events.
• Transport: buses, trains, ferries, air travel.
• Travel: accommodation, holiday-trips, language courses.
• Shops: fashion, CDs, books and a variety of goods.

More than 2,000 places across the UK already accept the Euro<26 card - offering you great discounts wherever you go.

You can also check out the discounts in England, Scotland and Wales by visiting:

Youth Forums

Youth Forums consist of groups of young people who meet together on a regular basis for a particular purpose. This might include any of the following:

• to make decisions about how things are run within a group or organisation. for example: Youth Club members committee
• to represent other young people in an area or within an organisation. for example: School Councils & Neighbourhood Councils
• to let decision makers know the views of young people on particular issues for example: Councillors/Council Departments & Planners
• to apply for funding for projects to be run by, and for, young people for example: Single activity groups & environmental projects

Check out the Youth Forums in your area or start your own. Advice and information can be obtained from:

Youth workers

can also give advice on setting up groups and some will be able to offer training on things like committee skills and getting organised. U.K. Youth Parliament Elections are held each year to select MYP's (Member of Youth Parliament) to represent the views of young people in your area.

The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust helps young people to succeed. It focuses its support on 14-30 year olds who lack the opportunity or means to make the most of their lives. The Trust runs programmes of the highest quality, meeting needs which are not met by others. It provides training, business start up assistance, mentoring, support in and out of school, loans and development awards.

Development Award Grants

Provide 14-25 year olds with the personal and sometimes financial support they need to access training and move onto work and independence. The Trust can help a wide range of projects, however priority is given to those ideas which assist the most disadvantaged young people or enable young people to help others.

Wherever possible, advice is given on alternative sources of support. An assessor will contact and usually arrange to meet anyone who makes an application for a Development Award. Each application is considered on its own merits and a final decision is made by the local area committee.

Sound Live

The Prince's Trust runs a residential training course for unemployed 18-25 year olds, using music as a tool to learn new skills. 70% of those who attend go on to find work or return to education within 6 months of attending.

Go and See Grants

These grants (£500 maximum) are given to fund travel, accommodation and preparation, where a young person wants to develop a project or business idea with counterparts in Europe. Grants are not available for capital costs and are only awarded where money cannot otherwise be raised.

Business Start Up

This part of the Prince's Trust provides finance, business advice and marketing opportunities for 18 to 30 year olds who are setting up, or running their own business. The programme aims particularly to help those who are disadvantaged and who are unable to get all the support they need from elsewhere. In all cases, Business Start Up provides last resort funding. Ongoing advice for successful applicants is given by a volunteer adviser and is a prerequisite of support from The Trust.

For further information please contact:

Volunteers

• Is a unique personal development programme for all young people aged between 16 and 25.
• It provides the opportunity for young people from widely differing backgrounds to come together in a team (either full or part time) to work on a wide range of projects in the local community.