Transition in Action, Totnes 2030, an Energy Descent Action Plan

2009

Students at KEVICCs Art Foundation Course find future visioning “an astonishing experience.”
Avoiding a possible future of drugs and the dole, Joe Bean has chosen a different life. During a chance visit to his local youth centre he discovered a programme called “Sound it Out” and started working for them as a volunteer project worker, running DJ/MC workshops for some of the younger kids who were on the verge of dropping out of school. “I’m now a full-time volunteer, paid for 10 hours a week and giving another 10 hours for free. I helped apply for a grant for some new music equipment and now I’m teaching local teenagers some basic music production skills. A couple of the kids I’ve been training might now have a record contract.”

Groundwork’s new programme ‘Future Footprints project’ is launched, aimed at helping young people to become advocates for personal action on climate change. Currently studying for her ‘A’ levels, Shona plans to build her career within the environmental field, and feels her volunteer work has helped put her on the right path.
Totnes Strategy Group representatives press for increased youth facilities in town. Tom Maughan says The Pulse is excellent but not enough, we need more capacity.
The Territorial Army allows its Totnes premises to be used for a new weekly youth group.

The review of play facilities informs a plan for an increase in the quantity and quality of play areas and facilities. Schools, youth leaders and parents groups are to be consulted about their views and ideas.
Ministers announce a £146 million funding package to deliver immediate steps to help achieve the goal of community service for all. A new programme for 16 to 19 year olds starting this September will see 20,000 school leavers a year undertake full time community service alongside training, as part of an Entry to Employment course. This will help develop young people’s skills and employability, help them into work, and improve their role in their local community by giving them a voice, sense of personal responsibility and independence.
‘The New Opportunities’ White Paper sets out the Government’s agenda for capturing the jobs of the future and investing in families, communities and citizens throughout their lives to help them get on and ahead. The Prime Minister said “this sets out plans for building fair chances for everyone to succeed in the new economy.”