Inspire’s new Engage programme is already boosting the confidence of young people, and it’s only part-way through.
Aimed at young people aged 19–25 who are not currently in education, employment or training, the programme spans several weeks and offers a mix of personal development, teamwork, and employability training.
“We start by focusing on wellbeing and self-understanding,” explains Ian, the course leader. “We talk about emotions, communication, and stress management, helping young people understand themselves before moving on to team work and progression.”
The turning point for many comes during the residential trip. The group headed to Hallow Tree, a scout activity site in the woods. “By the time we go away, they’ve already built a strong foundation,” Ian said. “The residential is where they learn to bond as a team.”
Two Engage groups, from Bury and Ipswich, came together for the first time. They spend time bonding as a team, doing everything from putting their tents up together, to cooking and washing up.
The groups also had to complete a number of activities including Bushtrails, where they designed and followed nature-based trails using symbols made from twigs and stones, and a team challenge to build a structure capable of raising a flag.
“We’re constantly applying the learning,” Ian said. “Team work skills are transferable to anything, any work setting.”
The feedback from the young people has already showed the impact the residential had on them.
“It was an amazing experience,” Willow said. “I learned and did things I’ve never done before. It was challenging and a bit overwhelming sometimes but we did lots team building and I made some friends.”
PJ added: “I really enjoyed my experience, it was a fun but challenging experience, especially with the heat. But I thought it was good team building experience and got to make some new friends.”
“I hadn’t been camping in 18 years so I was nervous at first but I really enjoyed it,” added Jed.
The next part of the programme focuses on everyone coming together to create a community project, something that benefits their local area.
After this, they’ll move on to the employability section which includes a work experience placement, working on digital skills, CV writing and taking part in mock interviews.
“The idea is to give them the foundation and skills to get in to employment,” Ian said.
