This Thursday the 2nd Chance Project begin their Progression to Foundation Learning Programme for young men in Ashfield YOI. 3 groups of 12 young offenders will commence their journey in Ashfield with the 2ndChance Project and who will hopefully continue to work with many of them once released. The aim is to raise literacy and numeracy standards by working with young men who are already part of the PE department, linking with their exisiting qualifications such as Sport Leader UK's CSLA and other level 1 coaching qualifications. Tony Ricketts, who is running the scheme explained: "This gives 2nd Chance the opportunity to engage with young people in Ashfield using sport so that when they are released we can continue that engagement in the community through other schemes like the Life Programme as well as volunteering opportunities. All the literacy and numeracy we teach is sport themed which helps keep them focussed."
Once released there are various schemes available to young people including sports based apprenticeships. The staff at 2nd Chance mentor learners to help them identify their future path be it in sport, creative media, music or whatever.
 
Despite being the New Year, 2010 is still set to prove economically challenging and it is vital that agencies and organisations link up and play their part in giving young people the support they need. As recently revealed in an article by The Prince’s Trust YouGov Youth Index: "Those out of work are significantly less happy with their health, friendships and family life than those in work. One in ten young people (11 per cent) claim that unemployment drove them to drugs or alcohol."

Raising literacy and numeracy standards in any young person is crucial to ensure their future success. For those leaving prison it is even more vital considering the additional obstacles that life on the outside presents. If young people have the confidence, skills and support they need they are more likely to gain employment and not reoffend.

Posted: 05.01.10 16:30