It’s been all go in our Dorset Young People’s Services.  You’ve probably already read about the exciting work we’re doing with the Art Project in Weymouth (thanks, Co-Op!) but there have been a number of other things happening as well …

In a very exciting team-up with the National Open College Network (NOCN), we’ve been working to sign up our residents when they move in.  This means they can go through a series of modules and gain nationally recognised accreditation.  Not only will this make them more employable and better placed to get accommodation but it will also show that they know how to budget, do basic DIY and understand tenancies.  Of course, this also fits in with YOU’s values, the QAF, the 5 outcomes of every child matters and the new government initiative for keeping 16/17 year olds in education. 

Our aim is to make sure that all our client leave us with, at the very least, credits towards a national qualification. We’re still fine tuning the detail of how it will work but we plan to use West Rivers as a pilot then roll it out to the other services and possibly wider.  We are working in partnership with West Dorset District Council who are part-funding the first year.

As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve just heard that we’ve secured funding from Magna Housing Group’s community fund (around £5000) to install a recording studio at Pottery Lane.  This will be for the use of Clients across West Dorset.
Most Young People relate to music and, with the technology available at the moment, it’s very affordable to put in a music/ recording studio and allow our clients to compose and record their own music.

There is an enormous wealth of talent which often goes missed because of lack of opportunity. This will allow clients space and time to express their feelings through poetry and song  while proving that they can achieve something, which in turn boosts confidence and self esteem. The knock on effects of this can be so far reaching.