Spring is a time of new beginnings, and it has somehow become clear that the approach of spring and a restless spirit bring more and more young people to the youth center. Compared to the rest of the year's dark and cold period, the end of winter and beginning of spring have seen one and a half to two times more young people in the Lille youth room. However, our walls are not made of rubber, and we can only admire with a touch of envy the spacious rooms of the Anne youth center and the Lillekese children's room. As the weather warms, the sunshine and the smell of warm soil naturally draw young people to spend their free time outdoors on the lawn, but until then, we are doing our best to endure as smoothly as possible until the birdsong in the existing conditions.
We also asked young people if and how temporary overcrowding has affected their youth centre experience. All respondents, similar to youth workers, felt that on some evenings there tends to be insufficient space (and air) and it's impossible to find a quiet spot. How much this bothered them was very individual: while some young people thought they even liked a larger crowd, most still felt greater nervousness and personal disturbance due to the high noise level on crowded evenings. In more difficult moments, they tend to look for a quieter corner or conversation; some immerse themselves in calming music using personal headphones. Some young people consciously use the meditative effect of breathing, some recommend going for a walk outside or, for a change, trying some physically active activity in the youth centre hall. For example, a quick half-hour throwing snowballs outside already provided a noticeable clarifying effect. While the opportunity to play billiards is highlighted as one way to calm nerves (focusing on the activity), on the other hand, the clatter of billiard balls creates additional noise. It's a double-edged sword.
Young people desire more exciting activities and events to add anticipation to their daily routines. This prompts a discussion about which events are exciting for whom, and whether they will be enthusiastically attended. Similarly, the weekly activity schedule requires young people's interest, space, and breathing room, which is often challenging to achieve on crowded evenings.
It is pleasing that many young people share their joy about visiting the youth center, because they find like-minded peers and confidants here with whom to discuss life's ups and downs. Among other things, the contribution of youth workers is also noteworthy, as young people feel good and cared for at the youth center. Hopefully, their efforts in keeping noise and drama levels under control will also be noticed.
Clearly, a physically and emotionally intense evening creates many misunderstandings – arguments and harsh words occur more often on evenings when there is no longer enough free seating. All surveyed young people also hint that they like it when the youth center has many "their own" people – friends they have been accustomed to for a long time. This perceptual distinction is, of course, inevitable for a youth center located in the city center, as so-called regular visitors change and new people always pass through our premises. Our city's vibrant youth scene would probably deserve another (or even several) centers that would share this valuable sense of community and co-creation with young people. Until then, we will foster the ability in young people to respect their own and others' boundaries, and we await the melting of the snow and the greening of Lille hill.
Article: Riin Palumets
