An online survey compiled by the Youth Service for young people aged 11 and over reveals that 79% of respondents were aware of youth clubs and projects, with most knowing the location of their nearest club.

71% had attended a club or project, and 47% were members at the time of the survey. Of these, 96% rated the provision as excellent or good.

Youth and Community Adviser Mike Clague said ‘This is obviously good news, but we would like all young people to be aware of the opportunities our clubs and projects can offer them.

'Our clubs are managed by the members, with support from trained youth workers. Because of this the provision is a reflection of what the young people ask for, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they are on the whole happy with the facilities and activities.’

He continued ‘Young people told us the two most important things about the clubs and projects were chances to have fun and the support and friendliness of the youth workers.

'The chance to be taken seriously was also high on the list. This was great news, as Youth Service slogan is “taking fun seriously”.

'We have 160 youth workers, and the survey findings are a tribute to their dedication and interest in supporting young people during their leisure time.

'Young people come to us voluntarily and will only continue to come if they feel welcome and enjoy what’s on offer at each session.’

The two main reasons for never attending a club or project were not knowing about it (38%) and not having the time (35%). Those who left clubs mainly did so because they no longer had the time.

Mr Clague commented ‘Most young people today lead very busy lives, taking part in all sorts of activities.

'We frequently hear young people saying they are bored, but others tell us they are so busy with activities and school work that they don’t have the time to do anything else!

'Possibly this is because some young people and their families aren’t aware of what’s available to them locally, or that access to activities is limited due to transport issues.’

The survey included a number of questions for other agencies, including the Careers Guidance Service and the Homelessness Project, and responses are being used by them to improve their provision.

Those who completed the survey received prizes at the Sure Shop in Douglas yesterday (Wednesday 22nd July).

The main prize, a 16GB iPodTouch, was presented to 15-year-old Catherine Heidstrom, from Douglas.

Erin Dimelow, 15, from Greeba, won a mobile phone from Sure, who sponsored the survey.

Other winners were Dale Corrin, 12, and Baillie Watterson, 17, who both received iPod Shuffles, and Amy Jones, 18, who was presented with an iPod Nano.

Julie Heselton, Sure’s Marketing Manager, commented ‘The only way the Youth Service can shape service provision on the Island is by actually receiving feedback and suggestions from young people themselves.

'The Youth Service does a fantastic job supporting young people in the Isle of Man and the fact that so many took part in the online survey demonstrates how valuable it really is. The team at Sure are very pleased to sponsor such a worthwhile initiative.’

Full details of the survey results will be published on the Youth Service website iomyouth.com