Community Matters (the national umbrella body for community associations) has recently published a toolkit to support multi-purpose community organisations to help young people take on a bigger role in local projects and groups. It does this in eight simple steps which are:

• Assessing your organisation
• Mapping and researching
• Planning and consultation
• Organised and safe
• Mutually beneficial
• Inclusive and diverse
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Empowering

The toolkit comes with a series of tools that enable organisations to take practical steps towards real youth participation.  Community Matters report on their website that, as at 4^th November 2009, 800 organisations have ordered this publication and if you would like a hard copy version please refer to the following link for details of how to order (NB charge to non members) http://www.communitymatters.org.uk/Projects/children_and_young_people/Contact.htm

Alternatively click here to view the PDF document