Information and Advice
Information for young people and parents on joining in with activities. Details of awards and accreditation schemes.
Advice for young people
Joining a new group or trying out a new activity for the first time can be difficult. But studies have shown that taking part in just two hours of positive leisure activity a week can have real positive benefits for young people. If you want to start something new, but aren't sure where to start, there are people who can help:
Also, look out for open days, taster days, activity fairs and stands in your local town centres. Keep an eye out for posters, leaflets and programmes of events. There are lots of places to find out what's going on.
Safety first!
Remember before you go to any activity for the first time:
- Tell your parents or carer where you're going and when you'll be back
- Plan your travel and check you have mobile credit
- Check ahead to make sure the activity is still happening
You can find more information about free time, activities, going out, staying safe and even staying in by checking out TheYoung People's Survival Guide for Oxfordshire.
More advice
Staying safe
Information for young people on being safe using public transport, mobile phones and out & about.
Advice and chat on health, money, travel and many other topics
National website for young people by YouthNet UK. The site provides online support, factsheets and articles on key issues facing young people including: sex and relationships; drinking and drugs; work and study; housing, legal and finances; and health and wellbeing
Careers, learning, housing, health, young people’s rights
Wide range of advice from Connexions.
Advice for parents
This website includes activities provided by council services, voluntary groups, community groups and other groups. All organisations who are providing positive activities for young people aged 13-19 may list their activity on this website. Although we make checks on organisations before they are included on the website, we cannot make any guarantees about activities or information supplied by other organisations. For more information, see this website's Terms and Conditions.
We recommend that you check all activity providers before allowing your children to take part in activities.
General information for parents
Useful links to information for parents in Oxfordshire.
Connexions guide for parents 2007/08
Introduction to the Connexions service and advice for parents and carers of year 11 students.
Award schemes
Princes Trust is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25. Find out more and get details of award schemes in the area.
Other awards such as Coaching badges, AQA certificates, Volunteering Awards or Oxfordshire Young People's Awards may be available as part of positive activities on offer. Please ask the provider of the activity about these.
Accreditation for clubs and societies
Sport England club mark
Clubmark is the Sport England cross sport quality accreditation for clubs with junior sections.
Aiming Higher : 4Children
Aiming Higher is 4Children’s quality assurance framework for all childcare settings and integrated centres for young people within the 0-19 age range.
NSPCC - Staying safe commitment scheme
The NSPCC's Staying Safe Commitment Scheme offers recognition and support to organisations that have taken the first steps to introduce measures to protect children and young people from harm or abuse.
Criminal Records Bureau
Guidance on obtaining a CRB check.
