Our Services for Partners

Positive Activities for Young People - PAYP

PAYP is a targeted programme working with the most at risk young people to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. The project provides high quality activities to support their move into education or training .

The main objectives are to:

Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour both in the short term and long term
Support young people at risk by assisting them back into education or training and help them stay there
Ensure that young people are supported as they move from primary to secondary school
Provide access to quality arts, sports and cultural activities, and allow those with an interest and/or talent in any area to continue after the programme has ended
Bring together young people from different geographical and ethnic communities to help break down prejudice and misunderstanding
Give young people opportunities for personal development including the development of self-discipline, self-respect and self-confidence enabling them to communicate more effectively with a range of people and work effectively in a team
Encourage young people to contribute to their communities through volunteering and active citizenship.

There is a mix of activities that directly tackle improving behaviour and crime awareness (i.e. shop theft causes, victim support, anger management, drug awareness). There are also indirect diversionary activities, (i.e. volunteering, citizenship, sports, arts and social and personal development).

Of the total 240 places per year, one third are for targeted young people referred by:

Student Support Services (working with excluded pupils)
Behaviour support teams
BIPs (for City)
Social Services
Education Welfare
Youth Offending teams and Probation Services

Four Connexions key workers support the targeted young people. 1.3 FTE key workers support around 27 referred young people in the county and 2.7 FTE key workers support around 53 young people in the city. This support is ongoing throughout the year. The role includes support to young people to ensure they continue in education or training and move into employment.

During 2004/05 PAYP supported 1865 young people through activities and one to one support.