Athan 31 Project

Athan 31 helps young people work with youth workers in their local youth club to come up with ideas, which they then present to the wider community to convince them that they can make a difference.

The programme has been developed by London Youth with support from the Jack Petchey Foundation, The J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, and the Jimmy Dixon Charitable Trust.

Athan 31 is named after a group of young people in London who came together in 1931 to create their own youth club so that there were positive opportunities for them and their friends. The programme is a legacy of this creative thinking which lives on to this day.

Jack Petchey CBE, Founder Patron of the Jack Petchey Foundation said: “We know that young people have so much to offer and it is wonderful to see them engaged in their communities and contributing ideas on what will make a difference – I am very proud that we have been able to support this activity”.

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 £250 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.