Discover Your Future Programme

Discover your Future programme has been supporting young people in the Chichester District, aged 15-25 years, not in employment, education or training, lacking in confidence or unsure of what they want to do in life to help them make positive changes.

The young people have received one to one mentoring and support by working with them to identify their next steps whether it is employment advice, finding work experience placements, CV/application support or engaging young people in workshops.

Next set of workshops will be starting 10th November with a music workshop where young people get a chance to play various instruments.  There will also be a cooking, IT, production and chocolate making workshop.  Further details of dates and venues will be advertised very soon.

If you know someone who could benefit, please contact Emma Hart at emmah@wptest.chichestercdt.org.uk or on tel: 07591 207893.

During the programme I work once a week at The Find It Out Centre on a Monday 12.30-2.30pm where young people can drop in to discuss options. I also use this opportunity to let them know about future workshops.

Marketing the programme – Leaflets have been passed to Hyde housing officers to pass onto residents.  A leaflet drop about the Discover Your Future programme to Hyde Housing residents.  Information is also sent to an extensive list of youth organisations in Chichester District.  Main referrals are from youth workers, find it out centre and the job centre.

Case studies

A young person attended the chocolate making workshop which she thoroughly enjoyed. During my work with a young person I organised a meeting for her to meet a photographer as she has a passion for photography and wanted to pursue this in the future.  I also assisted her with her CV and advised to CV drop round Chichester and to apply on Indeed for jobs.  Through meetings and assistance she has managed to improve her confidence and now has a part-time role working at a fish and chip shop.

A young person has been attending music workshops to help improve her confidence and meet likeminded people, through support she has also worked in a charity shop.

A young person has attended the street dancing, music and chocolate making workshops, he is looking to increase his confidence, meet new people and learn new skills.  He has suffered from anxiety but since working with me has managed to get involved in various areas of youth work and has recently taken up yoga and horse riding.  I have seen a big change in this young person’s confidence since I started working with him.

Youth Ambassadors

Board in the City visit:

5 Youth ambassadors attended Games Master training with Board in the City in Southampton, where they were trained to set up board games sessions at the venue for the general public.  The YA’s were also presented with certificates and have been provided with T-shirts and are now qualified to deliver board games as ‘Games Masters’.

We have received £200 worth of board games which we aim to use to set up a games club at the Lodge, Graylingwell Park to encourage residents of all ages to interactive and enjoy the various board games on offer.  This club we aim to run fortnightly 4-8.30pm as a drop in session where there will be tables set up for residents to come in and play.  There will also be refreshments available.

The YA’s would also like to run board game sessions at a local care home once a month on a Saturday.  I will be making the contact to arrange the best day and time to start.

Testimonials:

Kai: I enjoyed myself so much! The atmosphere was calming and I found it entertaining playing board games and then sharing my knowledge with others who needed help! The food was great and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Benedict:  I enjoyed it. The people were encouraging and helped me go up to people and talk to them about the games.  I was at a disadvantage from not going to the intro day but still knew some of the games.  It was a nice place just to be.  I will probably go back as a customer.

 

Cathedral Event

Express Yourself Event – Saturday 25^th November 2-5pm CDT working in partnership with Chichester Cathedral.   This event will take place in Vicar’s Hall at Chichester Cathedral and will target young people from 11 years +.

Interactive activities available on the day will include:

• Print making workshop offered by Social Fabric Make Your Mark – enjoy painting your own T shirt or postcard with Social Fabric.
• Music workshop run by The Music Academy
• Graffiti wall

These activities allow young people to express themselves and in certain areas allow them to voice their concerns whilst gently exploring themes related to peace and reconciliation.

Youth Forum

Run by Chichester District Council and supported by Chichester Community Development Trust and Coastal West Sussex Mind.

The aim of the forum is to build effective partnership working to support young people in the Chichester District (main age group 15-25 years old).

Objectives:

• Help young people progress to employment, apprenticeships, training, further education, work placements and workshops
• Support all their needs – mental health, family, relationships
• Establish good practice for engaging with Pre-NEETs and NEET young people
• NEET Lists
• Identifying gaps in the young people services and any duplications
• Filling the gaps and avoiding duplications
• Produce and update a Young People Services Directory to help with referral processes and ensure young people are supported appropriately
• Identify youth services and training options in the Chichester District to add to directory
• Establish companies in Chichester District who are able to offer support with placements, training, apprenticeships
• Develop knowledge of young people services in Chichester District
• Encourage information sharing, best practice and learning among organisations to support young people
• To engage a range of organisations including college, training providers, information resources, counselling services etc..
• Possibilities for joint funding

• AIM:

• To organise forums every 3 months to discuss various current topics affecting youth.
• Next forum – Health services – organisations will have stands and there will be presentations on various topics affecting youth in the health services in Chichester.
• Further forums – transport, work placements, benefits and hosing
• Any relevant information and actions will be shared with relevant organisations