What Do Teens Need in Glossopdale? It's Time We Started Asking

Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of working with lots of people across Glossopdale through fitness, wellbeing initiatives, community projects and coaching. I've seen first-hand the difference that movement, connection and support can make to someone's life.

But increasingly, I've found myself asking a simple question:

Are we doing enough for our young people?

Glossopdale is full of incredible opportunities. We have sports clubs, schools, community groups and passionate individuals who care deeply about the future of our town. Yet many young people still tell us they feel bored, disconnected, anxious, isolated or simply don't know where they fit.

As adults, it's easy to make assumptions about what teenagers need. We often think we know the answers. More sport. Less screen time. More discipline. More opportunities.

But what if we started by listening?

The Importance of Being Heard

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through coaching is that people thrive when they feel seen, valued and listened to.

The same applies to young people.

Before we create programmes, clubs or initiatives, we need to understand what life is actually like for teenagers growing up in Glossopdale today.

What challenges are they facing?

What opportunities are they missing?

What would make them feel more connected to their community?

What support do they wish existed?

These conversations matter because the answers might surprise us.

More Than Just Sport

As someone passionate about fitness and wellbeing, I firmly believe physical activity has a huge role to play in improving confidence, mental health and resilience.

But youth development is about much more than exercise.

Young people need places where they can:

• Build confidence without fear of judgement.
• Meet positive role models.
• Learn new skills.
• Make friends outside of school.
• Talk openly about their mental wellbeing.
• Feel safe and accepted.
• Explore who they are and what they're capable of becoming.

For some, that might be a gym session.

For others, it could be outdoor activities, volunteering opportunities, creative projects, mentoring, social spaces or simply somewhere to belong.

Why This Matters

We often talk about investing in the future, but our future is already here.

The teenagers of today will become the community leaders, parents, volunteers, coaches and business owners of tomorrow.

If we want a stronger, healthier and more connected Glossopdale in ten years' time, we need to invest in young people now.

Not when problems emerge.

Not when opportunities have already been missed.

Now.

What Could This Look Like?

Through Rxbuild, I'm beginning to explore what future youth fitness and wellbeing programmes could look like across Glossopdale.

That might include:

• Teen fitness sessions focused on confidence and wellbeing rather than appearance.
• Outdoor adventure and wellbeing programmes.
• Youth clubs that combine social connection with life skills.
• Mentoring opportunities.
• Mental wellbeing workshops.
• Community projects led by young people themselves.
• Volunteering pathways and leadership development.

But these ideas should not be created in isolation.

They should be shaped by the people who will use them.

A Conversation, Not a Consultation

This isn't about ticking a box or collecting opinions.

It's about starting a genuine conversation with young people, parents, schools, local organisations and the wider community.

What is working well already?

What is missing?

What support do young people actually want?

What barriers stop them from getting involved?

The answers to these questions will help shape whatever comes next.

Have Your Say

If you're a young person, parent, teacher, youth worker, coach or community member, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

What do teenagers in Glossopdale need right now?

What opportunities would make a real difference?

Together, we have an opportunity to create something meaningful. Something that helps young people become healthier, happier, more confident and more connected to the community around them.

The first step is simple.

Let's start listening.