FUTURES Project

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Futures will result in BMET, S360 & NIHE combining collective strengths to create a highly transformative programme for 800 marginalised young people in Greater Belfast & Craigavon areas. It will improve the individual life chances of all participants while contributing to creation of a more cohesive society. Partnership: The Project Partnership has been developed to capitalise on the following expertise and experience: High levels of recruitment and retention of marginalised young people facing multiple barriers to participation (S360); Experience individual capacity building and transformation of young people through the (youth work based) provision of a key worker to provide on-going encourage and support otherwise absent in their lives (S360); Experience of providing marginalised young people with bespoke qualifications & progression opportunities which will improve their life circumstances (BMET); Access to unique community participation opportunities, which will help young people recognise how they can contribute to their communities & empower them to become active citizens contributing to the creation of a more cohesive society (NIHE). Objectives: In Phase 1 (2017 -218) of the Project will result in 140 marginalised and disadvantaged young people aged 16-24 years developing their capacity and an increased respect for diversity; In Phase 2 (2019 – 21) this number will be 660. Each cohort will be recruited to ensure a 4:4:2 ratio of PUL, CRN and BME. This will result in 320 (PUL); 320 (CRN); and 160 (BME) participants overall. Project Design: Futures comprises 3 individual components, which span a 7 month period as follows: 1: RECRUITMENT & INDUCTION (1.5 Months): Liaison with multi-stakeholder agencies& networks ­to identify prospect participants within the target areas: Greater Belfast; & Craigavon. Will include process of initial engagement with young person followed by 2 week induction course using adventurous & creative activities as initial personal development tools & comprising 2 day residential (BMET). Barriers to participation will be identified and addressed. Following provision of an assigned KYW the young person will develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) centred on Futures Project 3 Key Outcome Areas: Personal Development; Good Relations; and Citizenship (S360). 2: FOLLOW ON (3.5 Months): Will involve delivery of courses designed to incorporate courses related to the Programme Key Outcome Areas (S360 & BMET) and aligned with individual PDPs. Bespoke citizenship opportunities will be identified & delivered (NIHE & BMET). All young people will receive regular intensive support from individual Key Worker & a fortnightly review of their PDP. 3: MOVING ON (2 Months): Each young person will be provided with 1-to-1 support to identify appropriate Individual Pathway Plan (IPT) beyond the life of the Programme. This will include further study, apprenticeship opportunities & ways in to maintain an active role in their communities. (BMet) & or apprenticeship opportunities (NIHE). Weekly transition support will be provided to every young person (S360). Programme Features and Principles: All activities will incorporate a youth work approach delivered by skilled professionals. A (Key Youth Worker) KYW will be assigned to every young person to ensure requisite retention rates. Activity will be undertaken on a cross community basis with young people having opportunity to develop strong relationships with their peers. Programme activity during the delivery phase will span 3-4 days a week; with participants required to complete a minimum of 80% of their individualised Personal Development Plan. Strategic Policy & Context: The Futures Project has been designed to provide maximum alignment with key regional policies and strategies including T:BUC; Programme for Government 2017-21; and the Draft Children & Young People’s Strategy 2017-27 in Northern Ireland; & National Youth Strategy 2015; & Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014-20 in Ireland. Need & Demand: According to a report issued by the NI Youth Council in 201[1] approximately 2,250 young people face “an identifiable barrier, which prevents them from engaging in education, training or employment”. In October 2016, the claimant count rates by Council areas for young people aged 16 – 24 years within the Belfast City Council area was 2,050; and 675 within the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area. Options Appraisal: The partners considered a number of options including less 1:1 contact time with the KYW and the inclusion of a cross border dimension; & removal of citizenship officer position. The preferred option demonstrates best alignment with Peace IV and core strengths of the partner. Financials: The Futures Project will cost €3,782,599 to deliver over a 52-month period and result in an average cost €4,728, per participant. Risk Management: The Partners have identified a number of Project related risks including insufficient participant recruitment and retention. Related mitigation strategies have been included within the Project risk register, to be reviewed monthly. Horizontal Principles: Futures has been designed to align with regional, national and EU Sustainable Development and Equality legislation and principles. Management & Governance: Futures will be led by BMET and overseen by a Project Board comprising representatives from all partner organisations. The governance model will also comprise a Youth Sector and Participant focused advisory boards. Sustainability: Project learning will inform future partnership working. It is anticipated that Futures will contribute to the incorporation of a permanent youth work delivery model for marginalised students within BMET and the initiation of an NIHE apprenticeship programme for young people from the target areas.

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