Athan 31

London Youth believes in the power of Youth Action – young people coming together in groups to lead and learn from projects that they have created themselves. Athan 31 provides young people with the framework and resources to have a say in which activities should be run in their local communities and to deliver these activities themselves alongside the support of a youth worker.

You can find some examples of current Athan 31 projects here.

The story of Athan 31

In 1931 a group of pupils asked their school teacher to create a youth club. He said he'd help but expected them to organise and run it themselves. The club that they set up was named Athan 31. Everyone attending was expected to put something in, as well as take it out. Young people took on leadership roles and made key decisions on how the youth club was run. The young people at the club were supported by a youth worker who believed that young people should be empowered to consider their options, make their own informed decisions and then work together as a team to achieve their target. 80 years on, these beliefs and principles are at the core of our programme.

The Athan 31 stages

Youth workers have access to three youth action training days (one for each stage) that gives them the tools, tips and techniques to support young people to run their own projects and take on leadership roles. They then work with groups of young people to plan and run activities, progressing through four stages:

1. My team – a group of young people work together to run an activity that enables them to learn about team work, what sort of a team member they are and what skills are needed to work together. They will be able to apply for up to £80 to run their project and will be supported throughout by a trained Athan 31 youth worker.

2. My club – a group of young people work together to understand the needs of other young people in their youth club. They then have to put on a project that meets their needs and involves their peers. As with My Team they will be able to apply for up to £500 to run their project and will be supported throughout by a trained Athan 31 youth worker.

3. My community – a group of young people build a relationship with another organisation, key member or group within their community. The two groups run an activity or event together with mutual objectives. The groups can apply for up to £500 to run their project and will be supported throughout by a trained Athan 31 youth worker.

4. My leadership – young people attend leadership training and then have to support of group through their My Team project to complete their leadership challenge.

How can my club get involved?

This programme is open to members of London Youth who have either gained or are in the process of gaining their London Youth Quality Mark. We are looking for clubs to join the programme in September. If you are interested, or would like more details, please contact Natasha.De-Freitas@londonyouth.org.uk.

This programme is possible due to the generous support of the Jack Petchey Foundation, Jimmy Dixon Trust and the J. P. Getty Jnr Charitable Trust