How we work

Youth participation should be more than a token gesture, its about young people actively particpating in decisions which matter. We work with statutory and voluntary organisations in the UK and Internationally who provide services to young people and want to develop youth participation in their work.Our methods are fun and friendly and are sensitive to the different needs of organisations and the young people they work with.

The methods….

Participatory Arts for Development (PAD) is a variety of drama and video techniques focussing on youth participation and social engagement. PAD gives young people the skills to have a voice and participate in decisions made which affect them.

Through PAD young people develop confidence, skills in decision making, develop new creative and engaging methods to discuss issues and learn how to become advocates for their peers.

Through the use of participatory drama young people can discuss hard to talk about issues in a non-confrontational safe environment. They develop an understanding of their rights, how they are being compromised and how to communicate their needs in order for social change. The project is tailor made to the organisation and young people and can cover specific issues such as such as bullying, substance abuse, refugee and asylum and child exploitation.

Through the use of participatory video the young people gain skills in video making, interviewing techniques, storytelling and editing. Young people learn to express themselves and use the power of media to promote youth participation and ask question of the society they live in. They have complete ownership of the films made and use them to become actively involved in society and reaching the people who make decisions about them.

Please look to our previous projects and commissions sections for examples of our work

See how Play-a-Part can help you!