ACTION
Peer Power Youth's Peer to Professional programme equips young people who have experienced trauma to confidently enter the professional world, bridging the gap for those who have limited opportunities.
The programme focuses on personal development and leadership to support young people to go from being a peer to a professional. It supports young people toward “achieving their dreams and living their best lives”.
The national charity supporting young people aged 13-25, who have dealt with traumatic childhood experiences including abuse, exclusion or violence impacting their communities. Some have experience in youth justice and care services.
Around 12% of the young people that first join the Peer to Professional Programme are in education, employment, or training (Neet), but after six months of working with them this has risen to 92%.
Peer Power Youth works with participants to develop their soft skills such as communication, public speaking and networking and increase their knowledge on areas such as financial literacy, interview preparation, job applications and CV writing.
Funded by fundraising and the National Lottery Community Fund, the programme works with external mentors and guest facilitators to deliver the professional development support needed.
Young people usually get in touch directly, through their networks, and through a range of public and community organisations. When joining the programme, they undergo induction trainings on leadership, mental health and empathy. Understanding the power of empathy is vital as it enables them to acknowledge the power in telling their story and to lead sessions with other peers.
A core part of the programme is Chill ‘n’ Skill, where young people participate in sessions to come together for fun, informal learning, personal development, team building and a hot meal in a warm space. These sessions promote young people to discover their interests such as music, art and culture and develop life skills such as cooking and budgeting financially. Through learning these skills, they have opportunities to gain Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) qualifications – it holds examinations in various subjects at GCSE, AS and A-Level and offers vocational qualifications.
Chill ‘n’ Skill sessions are developed by young people for young people to address their own needs and development. Guest speakers may be invited and there is also a space for young people to deliver to their peers, sharing their own expertise. These sessions are delivered over a 12-week period and have included topics on poetry, song writing and expression, identity and campaigning activities.
As everyone's journey as a young person is different, Peer Power Youth offers one-to-one sessions, workshops and opportunities to work with professionals in the health, justice and social care sectors. For other young people, they transition into peer leader roles where they gain more leadership skills, speak at events and mentor their peers. Peer leaders can also participate in different departments within the charity to further their learning.
IMPACT
The Peer to Professional programme has delivered impressive outcomes for young people since its launch in 2016 (see box). It has also resulted in outstanding individual success stories. For example, Rico, a peer leader, says: “Peer Power Youth built a connection for me to host a radio station at Bloomsbury Institute London. This opportunity led to me being fortunate enough to get a law scholarship at Bloomsbury Institute and an unconditional offer to Buckingham University. After having conversations with my peers, I accepted, and it's been really good.”
Lucia, a young partner, says of her experience with the programme: “Peer Power Youth has equipped me with skills, such as workshop facilitation, which I currently use in my full-time role as a mental health support worker. I have been constantly reminded of my talents and strengths and this has grown my confidence immensely.”
KEY OUTCOMES
- 80% reported improvement in “feeling optimistic about the future”
- 80% reported that others had seen a positive difference in them from participating
- 100% reported improved confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing
- 92% are in education, training or employment six months after starting
- 160 have achieved AQA qualifications
