Positive Futures

Positive Futures is the national youth crime prevention programme, funded by the Home Office and delivered locally by 91 projects in deprived communities across England and Wales. Each project has a strong local focus that delivers services which are tailored to the needs of young people from the toughest backgrounds within their communities.

The programme targets and supports 10 to 19-year-olds to avoid them becoming drawn into crime, drug and alcohol misuse and helps them in moving forward with their lives. Young people are given the chance to develop the skills needed to get on to a positive career path and take on roles to become active and responsible citizens, such as through volunteering and mentoring.

Positive Futures engages young people using a range of innovative activities that respond to young people’s interests and are delivered at times when young people most need them. Activities range from street football to yoga, kayaking to fishing, poetry to film making and circus skills.
 

Our evidence

• In 2010/11 over 57,000 young people participated in the programme, involving nearly one and a half million contact hours.
• In 2010/11 young people participating in the programme were recorded as achieving over 38,667 positive outcomes, an increase of over 30% compared to 2009/10.
• Positive outcomes included nearly 10,000 qualifications, improved behaviour, self confidence and self esteem to gaining employment.
  
   

The difference we make

'Positive Futures takes you on a journey and raises your aspirations. It put me in the right place at the right time, and gave me the skills to make the most of these opportunities.'
Young person.

'Positive Futures is a vital national programme in helping us achieve our vision for children and young people. By creating the right opportunities in the arts and providing the right support young people are able to develop interpersonal skills, build links with their community and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.'
Laura Gander-Howe, Director of Learning and Skills, Arts Council England.

'It is clear Positive Futures can and is tackling the serious issue of binge drinking among young people. It is important that the programme works with young people for the long term, giving them a purpose and meaning to life so they are less likely to want to get involved in binge drinking.'
Professor Ian Gilmore elected President of the Royal College of Physician, and leading spokesperson on alcohol-related issues.

Find out more about Positive Futures

To find out more
email positive.futures@catch-22.org.uk
visit  Positive Futures website
find Positive Futures on Facebook