Ilford Youth Participation Residential - ALOVE – Salvation Army

The Ilford Youth Participation Residential project supported by ALOVE (the Salvation Army) took a group of 12 young people aged 13-22 years from the urban context of Ilford in East London to Woodrow High House in Amersham for a weekend residential in October 2008. All the young people in this group were from low income households, and predominantly had English as a second language.

The focus of the residential was to provide the young people with an opportunity to have an ‘out-of-London experience’, to experience an alternative space, to help challenge some of their common assumptions and to try new things such as different foods, pastimes and activities. The residential provided the young people with a conducive learning environment where they could freely explore the theme of ‘Gangs, Guns and Knives’ and participate in the discussions about a key area of work which affects young people’s lives today.

The indoor group sessions were discussion-based and interactive, giving the participants a chance to express their thoughts, emotions and ideas through speech as well as drawings and writing. The sessions were recorded and made into a short film. As well as participating in this debate, the young people took part in outdoor activities that they had not experienced previously such as archery, swimming, low ropes and more, which helped them to develop new skills and confidence.

For more information contact:

Sandjea-Marie Clarke, Strategic Development Officer at ALOVE, Salvation Army
E: sandjea.clarke@salvationarmy.org.uk
W: www.lgtu.org.uk