Embedded Files
Highlights of the year
The External Authentication Report for 2021/2022 states that QQI Modules delivered under Youth Vocation are of a very high standard. The Internal Verification process was recognised as a very effective process.
Post Covid Staff conference - focus was on staff wellbeing
Good Collaboration between programmes
10 week Managing Anxiety Programme delivered by Creative Therapies Cork open to all young people.
Awarded a fund for Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage toward improving workspace environments and access to technology for students.
Spirituality Day for staff and students in Drimoleague West Cork.
NYCI project Awarded to STEP Cobh for the development of STEAM projects - Cobh Staff member continuously upskilling and attending training to deliver successful STEAM projects
Open Day held in Cobh and Fundraiser in Cork City
Hosted a group of leaders and students from Iceland in Cuskinny Cobh as part of Erasmus plus international student exchange. A group of staff and students from YMCA Cork City and Cobh visited Iceland in August on the second phase of the F:IRE and ICE student exchange.
Previous STEP student completing his Level 9 Masters
A new assistant coordinator allocated to ELEVATE
Visit to Maritime College
Live and recorded interviews with ELEVATE on a number of radio stations
Group activities are encouraging young people on ELEVATE to come out of substance isolation and socially integrate with those beyond their catchment area.
Fixed Term funding for RISE (Targeted Youth Employability) Project set up in March 2022 targeting NEET groups aged between 16-25 in the catchment areas of Ballincollig, Bishopstown and Blarney.
Rapid Youth Work Response by the YMCA to support the Ukrainian refugees from July 2022 - funding secured until December 2022
Challenges
Access to services post Covid
The referral systems throughout the City have functional issues as a result STEP and in particular ELEVATE need to set up their own referral systems by networking with 100’s of contacts.
Young people are not engaging in any community services and are not attending school and staying at home making access to potential students hard to reach.
The age catchment post COVID are demonstrating severe levels of social anxiety that have been normalised due to lockdown and young people are “more than likely in their bedrooms”
Recruitment for STEP and ELEVATE delayed.
Delays in a signed Service Level Agreement for STEP
Increasing overhead costs.
Some difficulties in accessing literacy supports and educational psychologist assessments.
The CETB has confirmed that funding for the RISE project will not continue and plans are being put in place to secure alternative funding to support the excellent work of this project.
Geographical locations of Students attending programmes
Ballinhassig
Ballincollig
Cobh
Cork City Centre
Cork City North
Cobh
Carrigtwohill
Glanmire
Grange
Mahon
Mayfield
Midleton
Passage West
Togher
Agencies involved with the STEP young people throughout the year
Probation Services,Gardai, Court Services,Counselling Services, ASD Unit Midleton, TUSLA Aftercare, Arbour House, Midleton Psychiatric Services,
Educational Psychology, Employability, Edel House Aftercare, Community Drugs Programmes, INTREO.
Agencies involved with the ELEVATE young people throughout the year
Drugs Task Force, Arbour House, Matt Talbot Services, HSE (Case Mgt Team), Probation Services, Foroige, Vincent De Paul, Focus Ireland, South Lee Mental Health Team, CoisCeim, Department of Social Welfare, Mayfield Youth Project, Abbeycourt House, Coolmine.
Measure of the Need and impact
On entering STEP/ELEVATE many of the young people reported reduced self confidence, lack of self belief, no vision for the future, increased anxiety and anxiety in social situations. Anxiety and poor mental health are the most reported issues facing the young people of this academic year. All young people that completed the programme reported that they grew in confidence both with regards to social skills but also with regards to career development and dealing in general with life. They also reported a reduction in anxiety through the consistent support from the whole youth and vocation team and the YMCA community. 71% of the ELEVATE participants reported an increase in mental health problems due to isolation, fear, boredom, the inability to access services and the difficulties their living situations posed during lockdown, with 42% reporting an escalation in drug and alcohol use (21% reporting heavy usage). Youth Vocation training programmes have given the young people the needed space to re-evaluate their future path in life.
User Perspective
Quotes based on end of year evaluation
The programme has given me a qualification and confidence, I made new friends and the staff were very helpful.
The programme has taught me life skills and I have made friends.
It gave me structure to my day and had me interacting with people my own age. I got a full award and an opportunity to go to college as well as life skills.
I have gotten more education and can move on with my life.
The programme gave me a sense of purpose, something positive to do, allowed me to interact and gain qualifications.
I love how the programme helps, I would rate this course high and I got more confidence.
The staff members were very motivating and helpful. If you needed help with anything they were glad to help. The programme gave me the motivation I needed to do better. I rate this course high as I am happy with my results and I enjoyed my time on the programme and the year I have had.
Underlying Value Statement or Philosophy
Young people are encouraged to implement positive changes in their lives through support, advocacy, training and collaboration. The delivery style of training and Vocation compliments the young person as it is based on their pace, level of need and ability. There is a break away from traditional learning styles with more accountability and responsibility giving learners control over their own outcomes.
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