Improving Young People's Lives

Nationwide

A new report published by the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) in the UK highlights how young people can improve their health, behaviour and sense of personal responsibility through environmental activities and volunteering, with direct relevance to reducing youth offending. It finds that by expanding its emphasis on environmental activity and green skills for young people, the Government would enable them to take advantage of opportunities in a growth area. Research confirms that contact with the natural environment also improves young people's mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The report recommends that the Government should run a green thread through young people policy and expand green activity through social investment. It also recommends that commissioners and providers of services for young people should: empower the workforce and young people; focus on prevention; and, draw on the expertise of voluntary and community organisations.