Life is hopefully not just about 'surviving'. You may be going through problems at the moment that take up all your time and thought. But at some point many people start wondering about just what they are doing with their life.
in this section
A change of direction
Volunteering, travel
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Youth Support Services
Get involved / get heard
Take up something new
The Prince's Trust
One last thing...
For Contact Details see A-Z
A change of direction
If you've been stuck in a rut for too long and need to make some changes, it can be hard knowing what to do to get out of it. Talking it through with someone can really help to see things differently and find the motivation to change or the direction you need. Call in to Castlegate and talk things through with a worker in confidence.
For inspiration, or the confidence to kick-start your ideas, check out the library or bookshops for 'self-help' guides. Available on anything from giving up smoking to giving up a damaging relationship.
Check out your local library for ideas. The new Explore York Library Learning Centre offers free books, free internet and wi-fi, and a cafe with newspapers and magazines. There are also resources, courses and advice to support your studies and learn new skills. All libraries in York also offer free internet, learning tasters, advice and information. Acomb Explore also has a cafe and free wi-fi. More information at york.gov.uk/libraries. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way of doing something worthwhile, which is greatly appreciated by the people or organisation you are giving your time to. Volunteering can help increase your confidence, build your c.v. and help you gain experience and skills for when you're applying for jobs or courses. You can find out more from York Volunteer Centre or from the do-it website:
Whether you want to be an artist's assistant, football coach, catering volunteer, community gardener or ebay assistant, there are hundreds of local volunteering opportunities advertised on do-it.org.uk. Apply online or contact York Volunteer Centre for more information. For Contact Details see our A-Z..
To find out more about the range of local voluntary organisations, to ask about setting up your own or to find funding for a bright idea contact York CVS.
There are also adverts for lots of volunteering opportunities in the weekly Big Issue magazine – £2 from sellers around the city.
Want to volunteer abroad? Fully funded placements are available for 16–30 year olds worldwide, through the European Voluntary Service Youth in Action Programme. More information at everythingspossible.org. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
Youth Support Services
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See the world
Work abroad. For example, 'Camp America' and similar schemes offer the chance to work with kids in holiday camps in the USA in return for your keep and time at the end to travel around.
'InterRail' gives you unlimited train travel in Europe for one month and is a great way to see our continent. Details from any main train station or travel centre. Join the International Youth Hostel Association before you go at York Youth Hostel.
You can get cheap rail or bus deals in the UK too - why not spend a fortnight seeing Scotland?
Get involved / Get heard
The Voice and Influence Project supports young people in getting heard and changing things for the better in York, through groups like York Youth Council. Get involved in consultations about young people's issues, inspecting services for young people, or campaigning to change something you care about. For example they have helped young people campaign for a city centre cafe, the Festival of Youth and showing York's young people in a positive light. For more information about getting involved locally look at the YorSay section of yor-ok.org.uk
Vote - it may only be every few years, but everyone over 18 still has a right to elect leaders both of our Local Council and our Government. If you are not registered to vote, ring the City of York Council and ask for the Guildhall, or register online at aboutmyvote.co.uk. You can join the electoral register at any time, even if you are homeless.
Take up something new
'Evening' classes are available in all sorts of subjects, whether just for fun or to gain a qualification. Lip reading, Italian, tap dancing, bricklaying, photography... at various times and places. see here.
Want to try a new sport, learn a new hobby or meet people who like what you do? Explore York Library and yortime.org.uk have information about what's on in York. Yortime is a guide to local clubs and organisations. If you're looking for something to do, use the events calendar and groups directory to make the most of your time.
yor-ok.org.uk can also tell you what's on offer for young people (activities, sports, youth groups etc) and how to get involved in decision making.
The Prince's Trust
... works with young people 14-25 who need some help to overcome problems and get their lives working. They run a number of different schemes for free, offering the chance to develop your skills and confidence and reach your potential. These include:
• Development Awards of £50 to £500 to help you get into education, training, employment or volunteering. See here for more information.
• Community Cash Awards - of up to £3000 for young people to design and set up projects as volunteers that will benefit local communities. For example through arts or music project.
For more information call the Princes Trust Leeds office or look online at princes-trust.org.uk. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
One last thing...
Save someone's life by giving blood. Search online at blood.co.uk for the next session in your area, or for more information about blood doning. You can give blood from 17.
Practice 'random acts of kindness' on total strangers as well as those you know. Say hello and smile at people. Start up conversations in shops and at the bus stop.