Background
In 1999 a small group of youth workers and health workers, working in Lawrence Weston, came together to look at partnership working across two key areas; the health of local young people and the of participation of local young people. At the time young people had experienced a large volume of consultation, though community consultations such as 'Planning for Real'. Local young people were feeling frustrated due to lack of follow-up action. At this time Dr Toni Hovey conducted research into how and where young people get health support and information.
In 2000 the Government announced plans for SRB4 - Youth Owning Urban Regeneration. This proved to be a perfect opportunity to secure funds, linking these partnerships. A two-year bid was accepted and a project called Lawrence Weston Youth Involvement Project was launched. The project was run by Bristol City Council and was based in Lawrence Weston School, mainly run at lunch times. The project proved to be successful with the production of a young people's newspaper, various focus groups, a youth forum and anti-bullying groups.
In 2002 the Project Manager resigned. With only a few months of the grant remaining BREAD took on the management of the project and was successful in securing funds for a further 3 years. As the school was closing new premises were sought after. A derelict shop unit on Ridingleaze was transformed into a young people's venue with a focus on health. 'Juicy Blitz' was formed.
The project ran successfully from 2002 to March 2006, attracting core groups of young people who responded well to the structured group work.
2007 saw Juicy re-launched after the partnership between BREAD and professionals within Lawrence Weston successfully secured 5 year funding from The National Lottery.