Positive changes for Swalwell’s young people are now underway following the launch of the largest survey ever carried out in their area.

A 50-page report on views of young people has been well-received by Gateshead councillors, child agencies and policy organisations. Teenagers in part of Gateshead called for better youth club facilities and the chance to travel around the region.

The report organiser, Ultimate Youth activity group, has now been approached by Gateshead Council to help shape a new youth club due to open at Swalwell Community Centre in September 2005.

Survey organiser Julie Nicholson said: “The young people have been very responsible in their suggestions and we are delighted that adults have begun to listen carefully to their proposals. We hope this is the beginning of many changes and a successful working partnership to build on the other proposals made.”

Chris Nevis, Head of Service (Children and Young People) at Gateshead Council said:

“Gateshead Council Youth and Community service has used this excellent piece of young people’s research undertaken by Ultimate Youth to inform our planning for youth provision in the Swalwell area. Two new workers have been appointed with youth work qualifications and digital photography and film skills so this piece of engagement work can be developed with the support of the new youth workers and the support of volunteers from Swalwell Community Centre. I hope we can work closely together in the future.”

Since the report was launched in spring, the young people’s website has had more than 12,000 page impressions. Their views and pictures are carried on the website www.ultimateyouth.co.uk . A special picture gallery was also created on the BBC Tyne website www.bbc.co.uk/tyne where over 40 photographs taken by young peoples as part of the year-long project can be seen.

“One positive result of the work done by over 40 young people from the Swalwell area has been that so many more local teenagers have really taken advantage of the Ultimate Youth website.” (Jacqui Thompson , Epower Coordinator at Gateshead Council.)

The report makes 14 other recommendations which include: • Organise trips – popular suggestions by the young people include theme parks, the coast and camping. • Provide all-weather surfaces for football and other sports • Improve the local parks