As part of Hertfordshire County
Council’s Aiming High initiative, Radar associates Yvonne Field and Lesley
Derry designed and facilitated a Personal Development Programme for disabled
young people, working in particular with youngsters on the autistic spectrum,
with learning difficulties and/or with mental health conditions.
Six local organisations and 46 young
people aged 14-21 years participated in the Radar programme which ran from February
to April 2011.
The programme offered a range of creative
and stretching sessions designed to meet individual needs whilst building
confidence, independence and social skills. Activities provided young people
with opportunities to:
·
build
relationships with each other and with adults
·
increase self
awareness and independence
·
develop peer
support networks
·
try out new
activities
·
express
individual creativity
·
get to know
about, and start to use, local services and leisure facilities
·
explore likes,
dislikes and hopes for the future
·
have fun together
Sessions included going out and about
in the local community; sports activities; motorbike maintenance; music
workshops and general youth club activities.
The programme highlight was an
overnight residential at an adventure centre in Buckinghamshire, where young
people participated in outdoor pursuits, individual challenges and team
building activities. It was a new experience for most of the young people and
preparation sessions helped to create a safe and supportive environment.
Young people, their parents/guardians
and staff from local organisations say that the programme has made a lasting
difference to those involved. Young people who were otherwise socially isolated
were able to take part in positive learning activities.
StopGap presented the Radar
team with an award for their “significant contribution to the young people’s
development” at their young people’s graduation ceremony on 15 July 2011.
To find out more contact
Marietta Harrow, Project Manager marietta.harrow@radar.org.uk
