09 September 2021

Young people urged to 'reclaim' their parks

Young people urged to reclaim their parks image

Young people often feel unwelcome in parks and other green spaces, a charity has warned.

Groundwork argues that young people are often to blame for vandalism or fear of crime, so feel excluded from these spaces. It also said that parks don’t always have the facilities young people want, and they are rarely consulted on to find solutions.

Working in partnership with Fields in Trust and the National Youth Agency, the campaign urges young people to ‘reclaim’ their parks and write to their MP calling on the Government to invest in these spaces in the Autumn spending review.

Graham Duxbury, chief executive of Groundwork, said: ‘Parks play a hugely important role in society and should be for everyone. We know young people are interested and passionate about nature and open spaces, but their voices are not always heard by people who make the decisions.

‘Unless we change the conversation, too many will continue to feel excluded. As young people get their lives back on track after the pandemic there is a huge opportunity to do this in a way which helps connect them with nature and connect them with their community. This is an opportunity that mustn’t be missed.’

A report published earlier this year by Groundwork highlighted major inequalities in people’s ability to access parks and other open spaces. It found girls and young women often feel unsafe in public spaces, some disabled people feel uncomfortable in parks and young people from minority ethnic backgrounds have fewer opportunities to connect with green spaces.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner