Examples of targeted youth work

Baby to Briefcase programme

We identified four vulnerable communities in the county which we felt would benefit the most from short courses for young parents aged 16 to 19. They were in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester and the Forest of Dean.

Most of the young people on these courses had been NEET - not in education, employment or training – for some time. The programmes ran for eight weeks for one afternoon per week and had an average of six to eight young people attending.

The content varied depending on what activities interested the group. There was photography, cookery, children’s first aid. Each young person was also supported to develop an individual plan for the future, including gaining further qualifications.

More than 60% of young people moved into education or training following the programme. Others were not yet ready to leave their babies but were more confident about the options available to them in future. All the young people moved on to other courses run at the children centres.  

The young people grew in confidence and motivation and the courses reduced their sense of isolation and gave them an opportunity to make new friends, meet other people in similar situations and share experiences.

The courses were run by the Soulutions service and funded by the county council. Children’s centre staff were involved with the courses, which helped with their development. The young people were helped with travel costs and creche facilities were provided for their children.
 
 Ready Steady Work

This was a six to eight-week programme for 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET). It ran at various locations throughout the county. The aim is to move young people from NEET into long-term, sustainable education, employment and training opportunities.

The initial target was to support 120 young people, but by the end of the programme, 219 young people had enrolled throughout Gloucestershire. They worked through an ASDAN entry level three award in employability and were able to access personal development money to help them seek out opportunities, including provisional driving licences, bus passes and interview clothes.

Nearly 55% of the young people moved into education, employment and training following the programme.

Look In, Look Out programme
 
This was a 10-week programme for young people aged 11 to 16 at the Russell House Pupil Referral Unit. They worked through sessions, mainly using drama, on managing behaviour, problem solving, identity and relationships. There were 10 group sessions and six individual mentoring sessions.

Parents were also encouraged to participate and were supported to access group parenting courses.

All 16 of the young people who took part re-entered full-time education. Only one of the 16 young people has re-offended and their relationships with their parents improved. One young person who became homeless moved back in with his mum.

These young people gained a better understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and choices and were better able to manage and take responsibility for their behaviour. They gained in self-esteem and confidence.

The county council’s education and youth crime prevention teams worked alongside the police to deliver this programme.

Youth Crime Prevention Team – early intervention

The Youth Crime Prevention Team work closely with the police, youth support services and other partners to support young people at risk of offending and who are committing anti-social behaviour in their communities. The aim is to prevent them entering the criminal justice system.

A pilot was set up in Whaddon, Cheltenham, to work with two young men who had received COPS (Community Orientated Policing) resolutions and their peer group. All were aged 14 to 18.

Working with the local school, Safer Community Team, youth centre and community projects, youth workers identified the group and determined that they were the most likely to enter the criminal justice system if no early intervention was put in place. They were involved in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and instances of theft. They also had difficult personal lives.

Over six months, the youth workers worked informally with the group, helping them deal with their problems and setting them achievable targets for improvement. A solution to each of their needs was found, including enrolment at local colleges and access to training and employment advice. There were rewards for attendance and positive changes made.

As a result, anti-social behaviour for the group has decreased. All the young men enrolled and attended college or work. One young man who was homeless now lives in secure accommodation with a family member.
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