2022 ESF case study - Include Youth, Give and Take Start – delivery partner, Bangor Alternatives 2
Give and Take Start is led by Include Youth with delivery partners including Bangor Alternatives. The programme aims to improve the employability skills and self-esteem of young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), who face complex barriers to engagement, and who come from communities of greatest disadvantage. This programme assists young people in progressing into education, employment and/or training.
The project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Participant's story
In this case study, Give and Take Start tells the story of a young person referred to Bangor Alternatives by the PSNI, as he was engaging in anti-social behavior and criminal activity, and who then progressed to participate on the Give and Take Start programme.
The PSNI had referred the young person to enable him to restoratively work on his behaviour and reflect on its impact on the local community, instead of going down the traditional justice route. He engaged well and was then referred to Give and Take Start, delivered by Bangor Alternatives.
Employability skills and future planning
Give and Take Start initiated the first conversation this young person had about his employability skills and future planning. He hadn’t really engaged with school since early in his secondary education and his attendance was poor due to medical issues. This then impacted on other areas of his life, affecting his confidence, self-esteem, and behaviour.
The participant was quite nervous when he first joined Give and Take Start, but soon began to feel relaxed and comfortable, and started forming relationships with other young people and workers. When Covid-19 lockdowns were introduced, he maintained his engagement and dedication in relation to achieving qualifications and increasing his confidence.
Gaining qualifications
Having participated on Give and Take Start for 12 weeks, the participant achieved Maths and English Essential Skills, Open College Network (OCN) qualifications and also completed an online vocational course.
He then successfully moved on to further education, with the transitional support of the Give and Take Start worker. He is delighted with how things have gone and puts a lot of this success down to his involvement with Give and Take Start.