Full Report

Summary of Research Findings

Underpinned by concerns regarding the out-migration of young people, the purpose of this research was to explore the employment and economic opportunities for young people in the Northern Fells of Cumbria. Commissioned by the Northern Fells Group*, this research was directed by Dr. Katy Bennett, from the University of Leicester, with the assistance of Joyce Woodcock (local enabler) and Keira May Harvey (research assistant.) 47 local young people were involved. The following gives a brief summary of the research findings and the steps we are taking to address some of the issues raised.

Belonging

Many of the young people interviewed showed considerable attachment to the area and a sense of belonging to the community. This was particularly apparent amongst those who had spent their childhood in the area:

“I loved my childhood here. There’s loads of friends, loads of fun and no worries about going out at night and stuff”

The Oddfellows featured a number of times as a good place to catch up with the “crack” and to find a part time job. Swineside, a natural swimming pool, was also mentioned as a good place to meet up in the summer months and knowledge of it helped individuals to feel part of the place.

Taking part in activities also helped young people to feel a sense of community. The Caldbeck Young Farmers Club was particularly important and the “Caldbeck Social” is an event that few young people miss. The success of the Young Farmers Club was due to its ability to cater for the needs of a variety of young people. The children of farmers valued the club’s success in the “more agricultural” activities whilst others preferred the trips organised by the club to places like LazerQuest. The club also organised events for women such as a “Body Shop” evening. This was one of the few clubs that adequately catered for the social lives of young women. Some young women with no interest in football, cricket, darts or pool felt that there were insufficient activities provided for them.

Moving On: The Northern Fells Group has already begun to develop activities through the Youth Initiative such as baby-sitting courses, mountain biking, a music group and multi-sports days. We aim to increase awareness of these through the Northern Fells Group website, texting and email. We are exploring opportunities to develop further activities including practical life-skills, arts and culture such as cookery classes, drama groups, and film-making.

Education, Training and Jobs

Most of the young people interviewed were going through education or training and had a job in 2004. Of those at school 77% had jobs. They worked part time in pubs, restaurants, shops and on farms. The growth in tourist-orientated businesses meant that it was relatively easy for young people to find casual or part time work. Whilst such jobs were great for students, they were less suitable for those looking for full time jobs or a career in the Northern Fells. One young woman who had recently completed her degree said:

“I think I’ve been back now 3- 4 months and I’m still working part time as a waitress. I haven’t found any other jobs really so yeah, I’ll have to move away to find a job. It’s a shame but it has to be done.”

Even when job opportunities for graduates were available in the Northern Fells, competition for them was immense. One graduate applying for a job in the Northern Fells noted:

“It was very competitive. The first job that I got, there had been 72 people that had applied for it.”

Young people felt that both they and schools were under pressure to focus on pathways to University. Those not set for Higher Education felt they had much less support when considering future career and training options. There was a tendency to find work and apprenticeship opportunities through known contacts and not formal help. Those who did not know the right people faced difficulties finding appropriate work and apprenticeship opportunities.

Moving on. There will be online access to jobs, training opportunities& apprenticeships via the Northern Fells Group website. We aim to set up a local work experience network and to work with partners to develop more careers/training advice and support. We are exploring ways of harnessing the expertise of those living and working locally through mentoring and shadowing schemes and by holding careers days. This could provide young people with the opportunity to see the range and depth of careers that are possible in the Northern Fells and nearby and could encourage entrepreneurship and small business start-up.

Housing

Affordable accommodation for young people in the Northern Fells becomes an issue in their mid twenties. This research identified six young people who worked in the Northern Fells and wished to move out of their parents’ home but were stuck where they were because of a lack of affordable accommodation. A seventh interviewee had only been able to afford a house in a nearby town but commuted back into the Northern Fells for her job. There was common interest amongst young people in schemes that lead to some form of ownership and almost no interest in renting properties. As one woman said:

“The way you can stay here is rent. So it’s fine if you want to pay somebody else’s mortgage but we didn’t”

Many young people were resentful of the rise in the number of local dwellings that were second residence/holiday accommodation and had contributed to big increases in local house prices.

Moving on: In order to influence policy makers we need to demonstrate the need for affordable housing, develop community support and work with councils and housing associations to explore options and initiatives.

Transport

Once young people can drive their feelings about living in the area improved and they were much happier. Much of the discontent in the 14 -17 age group was rooted in their inability to drive. As one participant stated:

“Once you can drive I think everything’s done and sorted really. You can go anywhere you want, whenever you want.”

Public transport networks were deemed insufficient and inappropriate to young people’s needs. To fill the gaps of public provision young people were innovative. Although many relied solely on their parents for lifts, a significant number compromised by getting lifts to midway points such as Wigton and Dalston (where they caught a bus or train) or organising shared lifts.

Most young people were aware of the community bus service. Whilst those who had used it found it very helpful, many associated it with old people, which deterred them from using the service. One research participant commented:

“I didn’t realise it was actually for young people. I thought it was for old people. Not in a nasty way. I just did.”

Moving On: Raise awareness of minibus and voluntary car scheme. Lobby for reduced fares and better public transport services. Promote Wheels2Work scheme now operating in this area.