Art, recreation and sporting services and programs fulfil an important role in the community. They support the health and wellbeing of the community and enrich the lives of young Canberrans. Young people’s skills, talents and abilities can be developed through participation in the huge number of art, recreation and sports programs in the ACT community. In 2002 young people aged 18–24 years had higher levels of participation in social activities outside the home than other adults with a rate of 96 percent.[1]
Sporting activities also play a key role in the wellbeing of young people. Physical recreation can reduce obesity, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes as well as protecting against some forms of cancer and strengthening the musculoskeletal system and improving mental wellbeing through reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.[2] Young people in the ACT aged 18-25 years have higher levels of engagement in sport than every other older age bracket with around 80% of young people engaged in sporting activities.[3]
There remain many barriers to participation for young people. In particular, those who may not be engaged in mainstream activities requiring transport, cost and awareness. Workers need to be mindful of these barriers when attempting to reengage young people. Providing effective referrals to art, recreation and sporting services for young people is a way of addressing these barriers. The services in this section create opportunities and facilitate active involvement so young people can benefit from participating in arts and recreation programs.
Events can be hard work and there is a lot to think about when organising an event with young people. The following list can be photocopied to assist planning an event with a group of young people.
Art, recreation and sporting services and programs fulfil an important role in the community. They support the health and wellbeing of the community and enrich the lives of young Canberrans. Young people’s skills, talents and abilities can be developed through participation in the huge number of art, recreation and sports programs in the ACT community. In 2002 young people aged 18–24 years had higher levels of participation in social activities outside the home than other adults with a rate of 96 percent.[1]
Sporting activities also play a key role in the wellbeing of young people. Physical recreation can reduce obesity, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes as well as protecting against some forms of cancer and strengthening the musculoskeletal system and improving mental wellbeing through reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.[2] Young people in the ACT aged 18-25 years have higher levels of engagement in sport than every other older age bracket with around 80% of young people engaged in sporting activities.[3]
There remain many barriers to participation for young people. In particular, those who may not be engaged in mainstream activities requiring transport, cost and awareness. Workers need to be mindful of these barriers when attempting to reengage young people. Providing effective referrals to art, recreation and sporting services for young people is a way of addressing these barriers. The services in this section create opportunities and facilitate active involvement so young people can benefit from participating in arts and recreation programs.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (November 2007) Australian Social Trends 2006: Social Activities Outside the Home
[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2006) Australia’s Health 2006 p162
[3] ACT Government (2002), Youth in the ACT: A Social and Demographic Profile, p115
Events can be hard work and there is a lot to think about when organising an event with young people. The following list can be photocopied to assist planning an event with a group of young people.
A young person’s guide to the gig galaxy: How to organise successful youth entertainment events in NSW
Youth Action & Policy Association NSW and Indent NSW Youth Entertainment Network
Contains heaps of info on how to organise events in your area. The guide is useful for young people who want to organise a range of youth events, including band nights, dance parties, and youth festivals. Published 2003.
Web: www.indent.net.au/user_files/File/PDF/Young%20Person’s%20Gig%20Guide.pdf
Child Protection in Sport
Australian Sports Commission
Has developed a range of measures to assist the sports industry in addressing child protection.
Factsheets: Culturally Inclusive Planning for Sports and Recreation
Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
Produces a number of resources to assist in including young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in sport.
Web: www.cmy.net.au/SportandRecResources?searchTerms[]=Sports
FRANK magazine
Focused on young women and run by volunteers, this magazine is a socially responsible company who helps schools, universities, colleges, councils, corporations and organisations to inspire and develop young people and adults.
Web: www.frankteam.com.au
Lip magazine
A Canberra based magazine providing young women with fun, informative, and truthful articles and fiction relating to their lives and aspirations. Aimed at 14 – 24 year old young women, offering a range of articles about issues affecting and inspiring this age group. Available for $5.50 from the ACT Writers Centre, various newsagencies around town, and at ANU and the University of Canberra. Check out the lip website to see where else you can find it and how you can contribute.
Web: www.lipmag.com
Vibewire
A youth-led non-profit media and arts organisation, creating expression opportunities for young Australians aged 15 – 30.
Web: www.vibewire.net
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