4 Youth

4 Youth's goal is to leave indelible imprints on the lives of local young people through having fun. The 4 Youth project aims to support young people in the local community by allowing them to take part in the development of their own juice bar and youth centre.

Currently, a newly purchased 6,500 sq ft building is being made into the juice bar. The bar will serve healthy drinks such as fresh juices and smoothies, as well as healthy alternatives to junk food, and lunches and dinners at a reduced rate. There will also be a satellite feed to show a variety of football games, internet access, homework support, pool tables and arcades. A group of 35 young volunteers have worked seven days a week for the whole summer, performing the necessary renovations to the building, including laying floors and painting.

Clitheroe has a high level of anti-social behaviour problems from young people, mainly because the area is very rural: there is nothing for them to do. Although the area seems to be affluent, some areas of poverty exist, worsening the problems these youths face on a daily basis. Ultimately, the juice bar will provide a fun place for young people to go to instead of causing trouble.

The biggest challenge is keeping the young people central to the cause. Keeping them interested in the work for a sustained period of time has been trying; however, they are now to seeing the fruits of their labour, giving them a sense of pride that has been sorely lacking. The young people were given full authority on the layout and design of the Juice Bar, giving them responsibility as well as a goal to work for.

On completion, the volunteers' as well as the staff's vision will be realised. For the time being, five of the 35 summer volunteers have gone on to college who were not originally planning on doing so. The group helped them complete their applications.

The group aims to have the building completed and open sometime in the new year with a big opening day celebration. However this may take some time as the young people are raising the money and designing the layout and kit.

Quotes

“The facility that 4 Youth are providing for local young people is unique and innovative. This is a fantastic example of a centre designed and managed by young people for young people. An amazing group run by amazing people.” — Nicole Dickins