GET SET is part financed through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Bullied at school
This participant is a young man who joined GET SET after dropping out of school where he had been severely bullied. He described his life as unstable, feeling lost and in a dark place. He joined GET SET after meeting our youth worker who was doing outreach work in the local area. The participant knew that he needed a focus and support to get back on track with his life and his education.
Building confidence
On GET SET he first took part in a personal development programme to help build up his confidence. He was also encouraged to get involved in volunteering in his local community. This gave him a focus and a sense of purpose, as well as build his skills in team work, leadership and communication.
He said:
“GET SET built my confidence, my independence and my character, helping to make me who I am today.”
He was also able to complete a Level 1 qualification in Youth Work. On completion of this he was able to progress to a Level 2 course in Youth Work which helped him gain employment.
He said:
“GET SET gave me a sense of direction and to really go for something I wanted to do. The guidance and support from my GET SET youth worker enabled me to fast-track towards a career in youth work and without my youth worker’s knowledge I am not sure if I would have understood where to start!”
Further study
As well as getting a job in youth work, the participant is now also studying for a university accredited Level 4 qualification in youth work and plans to go on to study for a degree at university.
Asked what he would tell a young person about the GET SET for Work project, the participant said,
“Just go for it, the youth work approach will make a difference to your learning and development, it is a great alternative to formal education and you will be supported by people who care.”