SPARK @ GIPSIL

Spark is a service which advises, signposts and supports young people in work, education or training. It was developed from the findings of a needs assessment of tenants that indicated a desire to pursue a vocational option, but also provided evidence that these choices could not be obtained without additional support.

A combination of lack of support and inflexible learning pathways means that many young people have had negative experiences of education, often leading to similar expectations of training and work. Periods of unemployment lead to loss of confidence and feelings of frustration and apathy. Despite these negative experiences however, many young people still express positive desires for vocational opportunities.

We know that many young people can adequately manage a tenancy or cope with a job or college place - but the combination of the two can prove to be overwhelming without additional support. We also know local family or friendship support that is sympathetic towards achievements is often crucial. No or negative support in this area often pushes people sideways and inhibits progress.

'Spark' provides an opportunity for young people to access a wide range of support that enables them to enter and maintain education, work and training opportunities. This is taken in conjunction with the current social and financial environment of the young person to gain an awareness of what pathways need to be taken.

We have looked at the way and we work and we know that it is crucial to make time and space available to allow young people to talk and express their fears, their worries, their hopes and their dreams. As relationships develop, opportunities arise to challenge negative and self-defeating attitudes and behaviour in a manner that is non-threatening and safe. Criticisms are seen as constructive, enabling and an opportunity to move forwards, rather than destructive and condemning.

The point is reached where young people are able to make choices, rather than be given an option about what they want to do. The availability training and college places has enabled young people to turn their choices into a reality.

Peter Khoo

Education Support Worker

The Education Support Worker can provide a wide range of services that include:

Interviews to assess and plan career pathways.	Access to specialised Careers Guidance staff	Access to Opex Plus
Links with Second Chance School, other colleges & training schemes	Interview technique training	Support for people on New Deal
Help with Key Skills development	Help in Creating CV's	Help with job searches

Tenants who volunteer to join Spark can get involved in a range of activities which focus on personal development. As well as providing additional support for tenants who are engaged in education or training, the group provides work-based experience for tenants to develop skills and confidence.

The group has been involved in a number of activities, these include:

Producing a critically acclaimed for Leeds International Film Festival	Managing weekly meetings to organise and plan activities and share a communally cooked meal	Successfully completed courses on Fundraising and managing meetings
Met their local councillors, local MP and MEP	Spoken to a House of Commons Committee on issues of Youth Homelessness	Participated in Key Skills and Teamwork training
Caving in the Yorkshire Dales	Climbing at the Leeds Wall

Contact Information
Telephone: 0113 248 1301 - 293 5551 FAX: 0113 293 552
Postal Address: 27/33 Brander Street Leeds LS9 6QH
gipsingle@gipsil.org.uk


GIPSIL would like to thank & acknowledge the web hosting services provided by Voluntary Action-Leeds' capacITy Project
www.val.org.uk

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This Website was created for GIPSIL as part of Glenise Buckley's studies at Leeds Metropolitan University 24/03/00.
The contents of this site are intended for information only, and are not intended as advice upon which reliance should be placed. No liability is accepted in respect of loss or damage suffered as a result of relying on information contained in this site.