Young Peoples' research and reports

Stakeholders and supporters of The Hub @ The Third Place have many reasons to be confident of the initiative’s role in contributing to fulfilling the needs of Young People in the Halesowen area.

In addition to the key partners strategic aims, a range of surveys and documentary research has been undertaken to ensure that key users and potential users have a major influence in its development.  In the course of regular activities by Phase Trust and Zion Christian Centre, a range of opinion has been gathered from public sector professionals in the community and parents of young people.

Surveys

Over the last 15 months, 380 young people have contributed to shaping plans for the new Hub facilities:

• 64% are existing users aged 11-16, 36% are non-users
• From different backgrounds: White British, Black, Mixed and Asian/Indian/Yemeni 

Existing users

The first building consultation included 6 young people aged 13-19. They generated a wish-list for refurbishing the youth space (March 2008). Key components given to the architect:

• Gigging venue for live music events
• Café to serve meals
• Revamping the sports hall
• Having rooms “with windows"
• Independent entrance with disabled access 

Three feedback sessions involving 230 teenagers attending Hub club activities run by the Phase Trust / Zion partnership (Feb / June 2009) have added design features, ideas for décor, furniture, equipment and activities:

• Sofas you can sink into
• Internet café
• Skate ramps
• Girls-only football
• Centre open everyday
• More themed nights

The architect's visuals were shown to spark imaginations. Plans were posted up alongside comment sheets.

Potential users

To research the need / understand why many young people disengage from organised youth activities, Phase Trust conducted face-to-face interviews with 140 non-users on the streets and in school (November-December 2008):

• 54% (76) involved in/on fringes of street gangs / attracted to street culture (rapping / hip hop / graffiti art)
• 40% non-White British
• 70% wanted somewhere to “spit” / play / record their own music
• Highlighted need for safe places to go, concerns about gang activity infiltrating from Birmingham: “If there was stuff like this to do, maybe I wouldn't have been mugged”.

Other consultations

• Borough-wide youth research study Dudley `Tell us' Survey and Children's Play report about safety concerns
• Police report Halesowen as a growing hotspot and magnet for teenagers from across and outside the Borough
• Our contacts with disaffected teenagers via sexual health support, NEET prevention, mentoring, and outreach activities in partnership with the Police and Youth Service
• Consulting with Dudley Youth Council on the shortage of youth facilities
• Consulting with parents 

Ongoing consultation with young people

Now the Hub NextGen group (20-25 members aged 13-19) are championing the new Hub scheme, reporting to the Project Steering Group. They are involved via:

• Youth Forum bi-monthly meetings to discuss youth issues/needs in Halesowen
• Peer group volunteers team helping to run the Hub, reporting feedback from club users
• Reading and commenting on developments at each stage