Getting involved

Do you hold any events for young people?

We have a regular calendar of events and activities for our young people to be involved in. Our annual events include:

• Go Ape (May) for young people who are new to our team.
• Summer Beach Day at Bridlington Beach
• Christmas Dinner.
• We also plan and organise Come & Cook sessions, D.I.Y. Groups, football tournaments and craft sessions throughout the year.

Do you hold anygroup meetings, for young people?

The Pathway Team has a Focus Group which aims to meet monthly. This is a group of young people who are either in care, or leaving care. The group meets to discuss ideas, suggestions and to take part in helping to develop the service.

You are all very welcome to come along (we fund your travel) and try it out or become a Member! We are also happy to ask the group to take your views on your behalf, which can be done through your worker. Alternatively we can arrange for a representative of the group to visit you to gather your views.

If you are interested please call our Apprentice on (01482) 396666.

In addition to our Focus Groups we also have an Apprentice based with the Team 2 days a week. They spend most of their time with us concentrating on consultation work with young people (leading the Focus Group), keeping you informed of updates and service developments and organising our activities and events. You may receive newsletters, consultation questionnaires or meet them at one of our Focus Groups or events.

Can you help me with finding a job?

The Pathway Team works with the National FromCare2Work scheme, and our local partner agencies to offer you the following to help you on your way to full time work:

• Work experience/volunteering (within the council and with other agencies).
• Apprenticeships
• Help with looking for work, completing applications and negotiating with the Job Centre
• Mentoring (one to one with our graduate trainees)
• Interview Practice
• We hold regular ‘How to Get a Job and Keep it’ events and will let you know when these events are coming up and will support your travel costs to get there. We work with a range of employers and agencies who will provide advice, guidance and details of their own experiences of their progression into employment
• Every Wednesday afternoon there is also a ‘one-stop’ shop held at the Pathway Team office, where workers are available to help you with any aspect of employment, training and education. Travel costs will be paid to you if you wish to come along.

How do you measure the achievements/successes of young care leavers?

Each month workers within the Team nominate young people for our Care Leaver of the Month award. This recognises achievements, progress or something you may have done to stand out.

Towards the end of each year we invite all winners to an Annual Care Leaver Awards Event to recognise your achievements in front of our Managers and the important people in your life.

Our Education service also holds an annual GCSE Awards Ceremony at the Bridlington Spa (usually around October). This event includes performances by young people to showcase their talents, entertainment, awards for GCSE and SAT results and a buffet!