On the 26th April 2012 Corey Vigne decided to set up a group via Facebook to help in his fight to make a change. (You can join the group here).
Him and fellow admin of the group Joe Allenden have had some powerful ideas about helping this generation. Be it through more funding being made available to help those that didn't do so well in school, to getting the bigger companies around the UK to look at taking on younger people instead of looking at the older ones going from one job to another. They feel that by doing so this would have a ripple affect on the economy as more people would be paying tax and National Insurance.
Most of us have opinions that we regularly voice about the government, but it takes a lot for someone to actually then use that voice to encourage others to unite together to make a change.
I spoke with Joe yesterday and he had this to say-
"I myself dropped out of school when I was 15 so most of what I've learnt has been through NVQ training with employers. Police forces up and down the country have trouble with anti-social behaviour, but they seem to forget that the problems weren't as bad before the government started closing parks and youth projects. I`m not saying there weren't problems but before it was manageable, more and more teenagers have been turning to drugs, whether that be in dealing them or taking them, as it's the only way they think they can make money. People need to stop blaming the younger generation for the problems that are happening when it was the government that have made things the way they are. It`s not just down to people like me and you to try and put things right".
He later added that himself and Corey had been contacted by a local MP wanting to discuss what they have to offer.
This is obviously a great start as it means someone they need to listen and take notice, has.
It's not enough though, the boys need more people to stand up for this cause.. In fact it's more than just a cause it's a movement and they are urging anyone under 25 that feel they have been let down by our own government to join the Facebook group.
"Feel free to comment.. One small voice will never be heard, but a big group will !! so let's speak up and do something about it instead of just complaining. WE WANT CHANGE" !!
Comments on the group have already been flooding in. A couple of which, are suggestions that young people start up there own business. This of course is a great idea, but it's not always possible for everyone as some young adults feel they don't have the help and support. Here is a helpful article that Editor-in-Chief of FLIC Wiltshire posted into the group.
In response to such suggestions, Corey had this to say-
"Not everyone is bright enough or even has the confidence to do what you (Daniel Webb of FLIC Wiltshire) have done. By the way, fair play to you.
In January and February I applied for over 250 jobs and only heard back from 30. I was meant to start a forklift course on May 10th but have been let down again! I've lost my confidence because of the amount of effort I've put into finding a job. My girlfriend has moved in with me who works in a nursing home and makes nothing and we are told she earns enough which is not the case as we are falling more and more into debt. I've been promised jobs by recruitment agencies which didn't end up happening even after I signed up to start. its things like this that needs to be assessed and sorted out. I appreciate people have a different opinion about this subject but there still is not enough to help".
Corey and Joe, always thank people for voicing their opinions on the group, even when it doesn't match their own. This is because they want people to speak out. There is no right or wrong in what people have to say. It's about giving people a platform on which their opinions and thoughts can be heard and used to make a positive change.
The Youth Life Project are definitely here to support the two in their efforts, and anyone else that wants to make a stand. Like us Joe is thinking further afield to the future of the next generation of youths.
"I`m 20 and I can see where this country is heading, I also have sisters aged 9 and 11 and i`d like to think when they finish their education that they`ll be able to find work and not just join what will be a massive dole line". said Joe.
To highlight the seriousness of the situation, Joe posted this article which was a very sickening and powerful story that really makes you think.
Thank you for taking time to read this post. I hope you will now head over to Facebook and join the group
The event taking place on Monday 7th May will be held at The Running Horse Pub located on Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon. Aiming to raise money and awareness for The Youth Life Project, the charity is urging the local community to come down on the day and enjoy the festivities.