Woodson Barrow PYA

With the seemingly weekly occurrences of violence on the streets of London, the calls for more visible positive role models is getting louder and louder.

To stem this tide of violence and disorder it is not simply a case of providing more youth centre activities; it is a case of creating more activities that centre on the present and future needs of young people, providing them with a sense of hope and a positive outlook for their future. A greater feeling of hope can provide young people with an immune system to crime and negative behaviour.

A top down approach strategy, where we attempt to slam a lid on this growing tide of violence, will only result in it boiling over and spilling out onto the streets of our cities even more. Poor educational attainment, social deprivation and a distinct lack of hope for the future permeate the minds of too many young people, filling their world with thoughts of instant success and a get-rich now or die trying attitude.

The programmes and activities of the Woodson Barrow Positive Youth Activities (PYA) aims to sever the umbilical cord that feeds this culture of crime and low aspirations from a bottom up approach. The Woodson Barrow positive youth activities will enrich young people’s self-awareness, building a positive self-image and motivating them to take responsibility for their own future.

The government 2007 REACH report from the Department for Communities and Local Government stated that “Black boys and young Black men face serious challenges in every sector of society. They are less likely to do well at school, more likely to be unemployed and much more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system than their peers.”

The recommendation stemming from that report was that a structured national role model programme should be introduced. The Woodson Barrow PYA delivers on that key recommendation of the REACH report.

As well as an inspiring Role Model Luncheon, The  Woodson Barrow PYA will encompass an uplifting careers day, an engaging life skills day, a challenging debate, motivational speakers, a fabulous three course meal and outstanding entertainment.

The activities of the Woodson Barrow PYA have a strong focus on positive role models for the young people. Role models are important, not only to inspire young people but also to counteract the constant proliferation of negative images that are abound in today’s media. More and more research suggests that when young people are without positive role models, they will seek them from the world of fantasy and the media.

We believe that ‘What Young People See... They will Aspire To Be’.

These truly moving series of events will leave all participants who attend, inspired and motivated to achieve their full potential in life.

As adults, we should always strive to become effective mirrors so that our children can see strong and positive reflections, of who they can and ought to be. We are all role models to our youth and must always be conscious of the ’footprints we leave in the sands of time’ for the next generation to follow.

Click here for more information on the Woodson Barrow Positive Youth Activities.