Our programmes
Whether young people are participating in our programmes or visiting our outdoor activity centre Avon Tyrrell, we want to ensure they are developing skills that will change their lives.
To ensure there’s something for every young person, we deliver our programmes in five key interest areas.
- Citizenship – Politics, Geography, Philosophy, History, Travel & Environment
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Arts – Music, Media, Art, Design, Drama & Dance
- Wellbeing – Sport, Nutrition, Physical & Mental Health
- Enterprise – Finance, Management, Business, Employability & Entrepreneur
Spotlight on
Reach Up engages 16 to 25 year olds who are either not in education, employment or training (NEET), at risk of becoming NEET or underemployed and empowers them with the confidence, skills and experience needed to feel ready for the work place. The programme, in partnership with Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), addresses the key issues young people face surrounding employment through a range of activities; skills workshops, practicing networking, and work shadowing.
In 2019, Reach Up engaged with 124 young people.
71% and 85% of young people came from the 30% most deprived areas in England and Scotland respectively.
Of these
75%
improved their knowledge of how to find a job
71%
increased their knowledge of what training they would need for the job they wanted
67%
increased their knowledge about the work/ job they would want to do after the programme
64%
improved knowledge of the qualifications they would need to pursue their chosen work
Overall
93% of participants experienced an increase in at least one UK Youth Emotional and Social Capability (ESCs) measure (confidence, resilience, responsibility, motivation, communication, receptiveness), skills which are well documented for securing and retaining a job
Luke’s story
Before participating in Reach Up Luke was in a transitional stage of his life, he had just finished education and was not yet in full-time employment. He wanted to be spending his time wisely and improving his confidence. He described the Reach Up programme as “a unique opportunity, too good to miss”.
Whilst participating in Reach Up, Coca-Cola were hugely impressed, and Luke was offered 1 week’s work experience with Coca-Cola European Partners in the Field Sales team. Luke got to the opportunity to experience a range of different roles and find out which ones he enjoyed most.
Since completing his work experience Luke is now employed full time in hospitality, with more confidence and direction in his life. Luke thinks that a programme like Reach Up is important because it could be life-changing – “It encouraged me to invest time looking at what I to do in the future…it gives people a chance to understand different roles and gives them valuable insight into the business world. A great chance to learn what they are good at!”
Spotlight on
EmpowHER inspires young women and girls to lead change in their community. The programme, delivered in partnership with the British Red Cross and Young Women’s Trust with funding from Spirit of 2012 and the #iwill Fund aims to address low levels of wellbeing amongst young women and girls in the UK by empowering them to have a voice, be heard and give back to their local community.
683
Last year, 683 young women and girls between the ages of 10-20 engaged in EmpowHER
More than half of participants came from England’s most deprived areas, and almost three out of four had at least one personal barrier
About two-thirds felt that their social action efforts had benefitted their community
“I wanted to do these social actions because I find it hard to make friends. I also needed more confidence. This project really helped me and I am really happy I took the opportunity to do it.”
“To show people that it is ok to be different and to make the world a better place. Also to show that it is ok to not be ok.”
“I’ve been in a lot of trouble recently with the police and I wanted to be able to give something”
Positive Youth Foundation
One young woman from Cohort One loved the EmpowHER programme so much she really wanted to know how she could help bring change in the next cohort and act as a mentor. Positive Youth Foundation was able to integrate the young woman into their Metamorphosisters group as an active peer mentor.
She attended the sessions, helping to rally the group, inspire the other girls and stay on top of the management of the programme. The main social action the group took part in was coordinating a panel discussion evening of inspiring female figures. Organising a show of this ambitious nature took a lot of administration and patience.
She supported the group in this aspect of the process, working independently outside of sessions. Furthermore, she kept a positive and hopeful attitude with the group when things got hard and the motivation to keep going became more and more difficult. Ian, a youth worker at Positive Youth Foundation reflected that her role as a peer mentor demonstrated how being part of EmpowHER increased her confidence, independence and productivity, things which she had found very difficult before.
“With very low self-esteem and social anxiety it was amazing to see the transformation she has undergone! We are all whole heartedly proud of her!”
-Ian, Youth Worker, Positive Youth Foundation, Coventry