European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
Confidence builds a better future for Young Gloucestershire
Boosting confidence and raising self esteem are keys to unlocking the potential of many unemployed young people according to Young Gloucestershire (YG), a voluntary youth work organisation.
The Cirencester based group runs the Achieve project which is funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) through the European Social Fund (ESF), for unemployed young people between 16 and 19 years old. It is a six week intensive programme run in a fun, active, hands on way to engage young people, re-kindle their aspirations and support them through a National Open College Network (NOCN) qualification in written information.
One essential aspect of Achieve is the opportunity for participants to go on a residential trip in the Forest of Dean. They also manage an event to raise money for charity, improve their literacy skills, produce a professional CV, make friends and explore their own potential and opportunities.
Hayley Stokes was in the same position as many programme recruits when she was persuaded to join a YG programme. She freely admits that the course turned her life around. Now working as an Achieve Team Leader, she is highly successful at passing on her enthusiasm and focus to new recruits and genuinely understands the challenges they face.
Hayley said: “Our motto is “Everything is Possible” and we really believe this is true. Our aim is to engage, support, and work to develop young people to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.
“We particularly focus on developing specific key life skills including confidence, tolerance, communication, motivation, leadership, problem solving, team work, caring for others and taking responsibility.
“Achieve is brilliant. Even if it just gets a young person out of bed and into a routine again it’s worth it, although for the majority it’s the beginning of a whole new life.”