Plings – What is it?

Tags: youth activity

No, we haven't made this up, Plings is a real thing. In fact, it's lots of things. And places. It's places and things - Plings!

Plings is like a 21^st century Yellow Pages for young people, using modern media to promote positive activities for young people and let those aged 13-19 know what is going on in their area.

The information is organised into live feeds, which can then be accessed through media outlets such as social networking sites, digital TV and mobile phones.

There are all sorts of events and activities posted on the site, including football, dance, wheelchair sports, council drop-in sessions, and loads more.

It is a £1m project funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and is based on an idea originally run by Manchester and Stockport councils.

Using Plings couldn't be simpler. Just enter in your area or postcode and up pops a list of all up-to-date activities available. It's also dead easy to publish information about activities you're holding, making it accessible to a much wider audience.

One person who has got behind Plings is Arsenal and England football ace Theo Walcott.

He said: "Plings is brilliant because it lets young people know what's going on in their area. I was playing in local clubs for a long time before I got signed; I developed my talent there, made friends and met some inspirational people who have really helped my football and who always made me feel I was part of something. I would recommend using Plings to find a local club to anyone, whatever sport they're into."

And it seems to have had an impact on young people too.

Andy, 16, from Solihull, said: "Plings is great, it has really helped me find out what's going on in my area and means I get involved in a lot more different things. I really enjoy all the events I have been to and have made loads of new friends."

Likewise, Gemma, 17, from Sheffield, now uses Plings as a regular part of her social life. She said: "I check Plings all the time for new events. Me and my friends like anything to do with dancing but we have also tried lots of other things we wouldn't normally have done."

Plings is run by a consortium made up of Channel 4, Digi TV, the national Council for Voluntary Youth Services, consultancy firm WCL and YouthNet, and is led by research organisation Substance.

Visit the Plings website to find what's going on in your area.

You can also become a fan of Plings on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.