This theme is about helping young people discover their talents, shape ambitions and realise their full potential.

Surveys consistently point to gaps in preparing young people for an active role in society. There is general satisfaction, but no complacency, with the way the academic curriculum is taught in schools and with the examination results achieved. The gaps appear mainly in the extra-curricular environments which actually form the largest part of a young person’s life.

The main challenge is to encourage all young people towards activities which can extend their personal skills and social awareness; there is no single formula here and any actions must be the result of an effective dialogue between young people and society. What is clear, however, is that the range of available opportunities needs to be broadened and the vital role of adult leaders needs to be properly recognised.

Organised out-of-school clubs and activities will always be important, but there is also a need for places where young people can socialise safely on their own. Tavistock has been particularly lacking in this respect since its Youth Centre closed in the 1970s.

Beyond school-leaving age, acquiring and maintaining the skills needed for a successful career needs constant care. Tavistock is fortunate to be close to Plymouth with its College of Further Education but there are other routes to learning which need to be developed locally and made accessible.

Against this background, the Tavistock and Villages Initiative will work to:

Strategic aims	Supporting projects	Health Check references
Support organised out-of-school activities	Crowndale Recreational Site	Proportion of the population under 16 Numbers of local people involved in community activities Need to travel to take part in certain sports
Develop places where young people can socialise	Tavistock youth café Taviskate	Proportion of the population under 16 Social opportunities for young people Focal points
Improve the range and quality of skills training	Music rehearsal space	Unemployment rates School leaver qualifications
Ensure transport provision takes account of young peoples’ needs	Bus shelters Tavistock Hoppa bus service	Proportion of the population under 16 Social opportunities for young people Last evening bus services