How to choose a youth club or youth group for your child

Focus on your child's interests

Does your child want to pursue a particular interest or hobby? Do they want to learn a new skill, or do you just want to find somewhere where they can socialise safely? Deciding on what you both want will help you find the right youth club or youth group for your child.

Find out what's going on in your area

To find out what youth clubs and youth groups there are near to where you live, take a look at your local authority's website.

Most of these sites keep lists of youth clubs and youth groups in their areas, some of which are run by local councils. The lists should include contact numbers and addresses.

Personal recommendations are a great way of finding a good youth club—ask other parents what activities their kids do and what they think of the clubs that run them.

Take a look at established youth organisations

The Scout Association, which includes Guides, has been providing activities for young people for over a century and is now a vibrant worldwide association. Check out its website for details of a group near you.

Other nationwide youth group organisations include the Woodcraft Folk, while the YMCA runs youth clubs and projects nationally. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is available through schools and youth clubs throughout the country.

If your child wants to get involved in campaigning issues, the UK Youth Parliament holds events nationally.

Check out the sports scene

Local authorities usually keep a list of sports facilities in your area. You can use the club finder on the Sports England website to find sports clubs for young people too.

Keep them busy in the holidays

Even if your child doesn't want to go to a youth club on a regular basis, they might enjoy socialising or learning a new skill during the holidays. Lots of local authorities run holiday playschemes for children, similar to youth clubs. Take a look at your local authority's website for details.

Visit the youth club

Once you have found a youth club or youth group you think your child would like to attend, pay a visit and check it out.

Research shows that children can benefit from youth clubs that offer structured, constructive activities, rather than just being places to hang out. Go along on a typical night, talk to a staff member and get a flavour of what the youth group does.

Try a taster session

If your child wants to join a youth group or youth club based around a hobby or learning a new skill, ask if they can try a taster session before paying for a full course.