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Preventing Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm
Laying the Foundations: Identifying Practice Examples
Project Report
5. Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Edinburgh
Target Group
The Youth Agency works with young people aged 8 - 25 year olds on the west side of Edinburgh. The Agency runs a variety of different projects.
Issues
The different projects within the agency work with issues such as self-esteem, confidence building, how to deal with difficult situations, and developing communication skills.
Services/approach
Adventure play
The adventure play project works with nine local primary schools on the west side of Edinburgh. The project trains playground supervisors in how to play various different games with children. The games are focused on co-operative play that is non-competitive and non-bullying. The project also trains Primary Seven pupils to work with younger pupils in a 'buddying' system. Workers from the project also visit the schools and take part in games.
Adventure play is also undertaken in the evenings with children aged eight to fourteen. Group work is undertaken in small groups with a maximum of 13 pupils. The high ratio of staff (3 workers) enables relationships to be developed with the young people in the group. The adventure play is undertaken within blocks of four weeks, each with a different theme. Subject areas may include health, outdoors, water, winter, etc. The self-confidence of the young people is boosted by undertaking activities that are challenging and fun, and which they wouldn't usually have an opportunity to take part in.
Environmental work
A wildlife club is run for 8-11 year olds. They look at wildlife in the local environment, such as around the local canal. The group also made a wildlife garden, visited the City Farm at Gorgie and have organised pet shows.
For 11-16 year olds there are two evening groups that help young people obtain two John Muir Trust Awards which are around improving rather that just observing the local environment. The young people play survival games, such as building shelters, sensory games and treasure games. They also undertake projects on the local canal.
For 16-25 year olds, the Wester Hailes Environment Action Training (WHEAT) project is provided. The project is for those leaving school, or who have just left. The aim is to help people with training to employment through work placements with conservation agencies. The WHEAT project offers both structured work and a drop-in service. Some young people are involved with WHEAT for a while. Others just use the service for a few weeks. The aim is to help build self-confidence, and give people the support they need to reach their potential.
Educational work
The target group for educational work is 15-25 year olds. However, most of the people that they have contact with are aged between 14 and 18 years.
The project operates a detached service. Workers go out in pairs and work with young people wherever they are - eg in the streets, in parks, by local shops. The young people may sometimes be excluded from other services. The support offered is sometimes immediate. Alternatively, the young person can come in to the project the next day. They can work either with groups or with individuals.
The project works with any issues - relationships, housing, employment, benefits, drug use, sex education and so on. A lot of work is also undertaken around territorial issues such as gangs and violence. The workers can also act as a 'go-between' between young people and the local police.
School Leavers Programme
Transitional work is undertaken at four local secondary schools with young people who are having problems and who have been seen as 'low achievers'. The project also takes people after they have left school until the young person feels OK. The programme offers help with finding work, training, or further education.
Work with-in schools
The project also works with ad-hoc groups in schools. The work involved will depend on the particular school. The project workers will speak to the young people at the request of the school, and find out what the young people need. Group work is often undertaken around confidence building and working in teams.
Evening clubs
The project also offers a drop-in service for young people aged S3, and S4 upwards. The drop-in provides access to workers, advice and information, access to the internet, an opportunity to play pool, chat and drink coffee.
Learning Centre
Young people can use the learning centre to help them tackle any issue that they would like help with. People who don't have enough confidence to access college courses can also use the centre. Several computers are available with links to Stevenson College, and tutorial support and careers advice are also available, as well as advice on other issues such as welfare benefits and housing.
Young people around 17-18 years old are being trained as peer educators to work with others at the centre who may need help with, for example, literacy and numeracy.
Key features
Mix of formal, structured and informal ad hoc work
Building communication skills and confidence
Helping with choices and transitions
For further information, contact:
Valerie Innes, Senior Youth Worker
Wester Hailes Youth Agency
12 Drumbryden Road
Wester Hailes, Edinburgh
Tel 0131 442 4015
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