What's the Answer?

We know what the problem is. Communities up and down the country typically in de-industrialised areas that are suffering second and third generation structural unemployment as a result. Not surprisingly this has led to significant social problems such as drug and alcohol dependency, low academic achievement, anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Recent government reports confirm that a childs future is decided even before they set foot in a school, thus identifying that resources should be targetted at each child from a disadvantaged background as early as possible. However, in a period of financial constraint it remains to be seen if the coalition governments aspirations in this regard will be translated into effective delivery or not. I'm sure it's right, but not the whole answer and it will take time of course and will do nothing for the current 'lost' generation. It sort of reminds me of the idealism behind the introduction of the National Health Service and Welfare State post Second World War. We would now say it was naive to believe that 'free' medical care for everyone as part of the drive against the 'five great evils' would lead to a healthier nation and as a consequence lessening demands on the NHS. 

Funnily enough I think the answer might be connected to that much discussed, misunderstood and maligned Cameronian notion 'The Big Society.' Seeing as nobody seems to know what it means I might as well take a stab at an explanation. I think the answer we seek in doing something about our failing communities is as much about broadening peoples horizons as anything. Of course a degree of financial and physical security is important as indeed is basic numeracy and literacy, but I think what's really missing is exposure to a variety of positive experiences and opportunities that will stimulate a young person, broaden their horizons and help tease out their latent qualities. 

But hang on a minute, this is what schools are supposed to do isn't it? The trouble is they seem utterly fettered by the National Curriculum and other such bureaucratic nonsense that only serves to stifle innovation and flair. As a result the kids I'm talking about just give up at about age 13 and cause enough trouble to get permanently excluded. Of course there's no longer the escape route offered by scholarships to Grammar School for bright kids. What happened to the dynamic and innovative Detached Youth Service specifically designed to engage with disengaged kids? Went the same way as the buildings I suspect. In my town two centres built in the 1950's and 60's with donations from the public have been squandered by a disinterested Local Authority. There used to be boxing clubs, but of course they went as a result of political correctness as much as anything and good old fashioned church-based Scouting seems to have become the preserve of the middle classes only.

All these facilities and services and many more too numerous to mention used to provide avenues and opportunities for young people to learn and develop - to be inspired. Just two classic films spring to mind that serve to illustrate how positive experiences change lives, 'Kes' and 'Billy Elliot'. There are others like 'Brassed Off' or 'The Full Monty'' that demonstrate that in many ways it doesn't matter what the vehicle is, or for what age group - there just has to be something - an external stimulus that inspires and broadens horizons. But there has to be a structure and there has to be a catalyst, almost certainly a motivated individual or group. The trouble is for all sorts of reasons these people are few and far between and sadly getting less in my experience. Isn't the 'Big Society' about this sort of stuff? - (but due to bureaucratised as 'Community Champions' - yuck!)

Anyone who has watched any of the 'Secret Millionaire' programmes on channel 4 will know what I'm talking about. I find this to be genuinely gripping, potentially risky documentary-style tv at its best. Despite the gloomy picture I've painted, I'm always uplifted by the gems of voluntary groups and inspirational people that get discovered in each episode, doing fantastic work in disadvantaged communities, typically on a shoe-string. Just imagine what a bit of secure funding could achieve if harnessed to the whole 'Big Society' idea. 

I've just realised I haven't mentioned the probation service once. We used to be part of everything I've mentioned above because we used to be part of communities and used to be innovative. But now we just try and prevent re-offending from edge of town mega factories. It's a shame the 'Big Society' got invented too late for us.