Group work

In addition to working with young people on an individual basis, the service also:

  • runs groups and drop ins (such as young parents groups, groups for black youngsters, activities and self development groups) all aimed at bringing young people together in more informal settings, allowing them to see there are others in a similar position and all the time building confidence and self esteem
  • organises trips abroad such as an international exchange to Germany, and a trip to New York called the Chance of a Lifetime Group
  • produces films, videos, booklets and TV programmes with young people aimed at showing other young people what lessons can be learned or what to look out for and expect
  • encourages young people to influence decision makers such as politicians, civil servants (especially when the Children Leaving Care Act was being formulated), and runs the YIPPEE group who as a group of care leavers contributed to the training of many professionals such as teachers, social workers and police regarding “care” issues
  • makes use of volunteer befrienders to supplement the individual work and help get young people involved in leisure activities
  • develops various “deals” and provision in the area of accommodation to increase the choice of move on accommodation for young people as they leave care
  • develops strong links with other agencies, for example the Connexions Service, in trying to improve young care leavers access to education/training/employment opportunities.We have established a dedicated and separate “Employability “Service specifically for care leavers called Making It Work
  • has an on-site counselling service so that young people who need such a service can easily be referred and access this a service from a familiar and informal base