European Social Fund in England

Reaching out for a new direction 2

For most young school-leavers finding a career direction can be difficult and for some there seem to be fewer opportunities. Support in making career choices can be hard to find.

Becoming an outreach programme leader has enabled one Staffordshire-based community worker to ensure that support is always available to school-leavers aged 16 - 18 years in the area.

'Geordie', as he is commonly known by the young people he works with, has been running the TORCH project in Cannock for almost four years, providing a programme of day and residential activities for young people who are in need of a helping hand. The project is run by the training provider 5Cs Training and is funded by the Staffordshire Learning & Skills Council through its regional European Social Fund (ESF) co-financing programme.

One unique feature of the project is its collaboration with Rodbaston College of Agriculture who provide support in the more rural areas of the district whilst 'Geordie' and 5Cs concentrate on the urban area's town centres and housing estates. This helps provide a broader range of opportunities to young people and a valuable resource in terms of some of the personal development activities they undertake.

'Geordie' whose full name is David Lumsden, comments:

"The project provides support specifically for school leavers who are not in education, employment or training or those who are dropping out of a course.

"We offer structured 'taster' experiences which allow young people to grow in confidence, develop social skills and explore their individual interests. The activities we organise include everything from tractor-driving to sailing, rock-climbing, caving and caring for animals and they can choose to get involved with as much or as little as they want."

Importantly, the outreach programme also has close links with other support programmes like the Prince's Trust's Volunteers programme and the Millennium Volunteers Development programme, which means that young people can be referred to join other programmes where appropriate.

Hilary Hitchings, the LSC's contract manager in Staffordshire, comments:

"The TORCH project provides a valuable service for young people in Cannock and it is great that through the first regional ESF co-financing programme the LSC can make sure these projects continue to benefit year on year. Between January 2005 and December 2007, the project will receive £180,000."

Since the programme began in 2002, more than 280 young people have received support and many who have benefited from the project stay in touch with 'Geordie' to share their progress. He explains:

"One young man came to us after leaving school in the summer and immediately got involved in the summer youth project. He had been working washing dishes for a local catering firm. After taking part in various activities, he decided that he wanted to join the Royal Navy. We supported him through the application process and even helped him with his fitness training for the medical. He has since signed up and is doing well.

"When young people find us they are usually just scraping by and they need support to see the big picture. They start out thinking they have no choices and we aim to show them that they do."

With his roots in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 'Geordie' believes he has much in common with the young people he meets in Cannock and the local community.

"Being from a former mining area, I know quite a lot about how the impact of pit closures can affect communities and I think this helps to open doors with people here. When I was growing up I was lucky enough to receive support which has led me to a career which is very fulfilling and motivating, I would recommend the project to anyone," adds Geordie.

For further information, please contact Christine Smart, Louise Holt or Steve Maybury on 0121 456 3199 or email christine.smart@citigatesmarts.co.uk.