Article from St Basils annual review 2009. 'Believe in us'
'Believe in us and support us to achieve'
Our Theme this year was inspired by young people’s feedback on what makes an effective service.
The Government's aim is for every child and young person, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to: be healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. For this to become a reality, we need to involve young people in identifying what works for them. We also need to create integrated responses underpinned by safe, affordable accommodation which fuels aspiration and capability.
The national youth reference group (NYRG) has paid a lot of attention to this particular question as Local Authorities and service providers around the country are keen to understand and to practice what works, as far as young people are concerned. This represents a huge turnaround in who the sector regards as critical influences. Thanks to the National Youth Homelessness Scheme, young people’s voices have been amplified and throughout 2008 have started to influence service design and delivery in every region.
The ‘Places of Change’ programme recognises the importance of inspirational spaces in supporting young people to transform their lives. Now that this programme has been absorbed within the Homes and Communities Agency remit, we hope they maintain the commitment to investment in transformational spaces as well as new homes. This means higher levels of investment for learning, therapeutic and work space. It requires different evaluation and financial models as short term transformational accommodation cannot be evaluated in the same way as longer term family homes.
`Inspirational spaces provide the context for creative work and that requires us to have developmental skills and positive attitiudes to engage and support young people to achieve their aspirations. Young people identify this as a combination of professional skills and caring attitudes. Going the extra mile becomes the norm.
NYRG identified as critical to an excellent service:
• Staff who push young people to do education and training so you can reach your potential
• Staff who can really listen and take the time
• Staff who believe in you
If we want young people to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve, we need to model that behaviour. We need to believe in possibilities, believe in capability and most importantly believe in young people. We need to step up to the mark collectively so they can believe in us.
As one young woman summarised what makes an effective service: ‘Believe in us and support us to achieve!’
Oliver Nyumbu – Retiring Chair
Jean Templeton - Chief Executive
Article from St Basils annual review 2009. 'Believe in us'
