LOOKED AFTER YOUNG PEOPLE PROJECT

(young asylum seekers)

BACKGROUND

This ground breaking partnership project involving Surrey Youth Development Service and Surrey Social Services evolved from youth workers being asked to deliver a series of sexual health workshops to young asylum seekers. No problem we can do that..............workshops would need to be delivered via interpreters, not done this before but we can do that...........young people are placed all over the South of England........Ah problem not sure we can do that!

Well hang on maybe we can if we get all the young people together for a residential weekend.

RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND

11th -13th February 2005 saw over 60 (yes over 60!) young people from different nationalities including Iraqi, Afghani, Iranian, Kuwati, Kosovan, Eritean, Albanian, Ugandan, Vietnamese, Sudanese, Columbian, Nigerian, Tongolese and Ethopia descend on Avon Tyrrell Activity and Residential Centre in the New Forest for what was to be a fantastic cultural experience for EVERYONE involved.

Over the weekend the young people participated in workshops on Safer Sex & STI's, Sex Culture & Choices, Alcohol & Drugs, UK Law and Dance and Drumming.

Outdoor activities included Raft Building, High Ropes, Low Ropes, Archery and Climbing.

EVALUATION

Initial feedback from young people and staff involved has been very positive and appears to have been a fantastic experience for the young people. We are currently compiling the full evaluation report so further info to follow....watch this space.

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED WHO HAD THE VISION TO MAKE THIS COMPLEX PROJECT WORK!

special thanks to: Surrey Youth Development Service staff, Surrey Social Services staff, Avon Tyrrell staff and most importantly the young people.