Reaching Out, Milton Keynes
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Reaching Out is a 10-week programme run by Connexions Milton Keynes and the Milton Keynes Youth Service.
It offers young people not in employment, education or training (Neets) a chance to develop personal and social skills to prepare for returning to work or learning.
What does it offer? Participants take part in workshops and discussion groups and are taught interview skills, CV building, teamwork, first aid and stress management techniques. All activities focus on building self-esteem and confidence. The young people also take part in a five-day sailing trip on a tall ship from Portsmouth to Alderney, a small island in the Channel Islands. Everyone on board the ship is expected to sail the ship, do shifts as watchman and hoist sails.
Who does it work with? Reaching Out works with Milton Keynes Adult and Community Education team, sexual health charity Brook and drug and alcohol advice service Compass.
Where can I find out more? The Department for Children, Schools and Families selected the Reaching Out programme as an example of best practice, details of which can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk. You can also email Sharon Atkinson on sharon.atkinson@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
