@DRCYouthProject

We are a busy busy project and we've recognised that we're often so focused on doing our jobs that we sometimes forget to promote just how much positive work we do. This is why we have finally decided to set up a 'DRC Youth Project' Twitter account! Twitter is the perfect online platform for the DRC to showcase the strength of support we are providing the hardest to reach young people in the communities of Yoker, Scotstoun and Whiteinch. It's also a great way for us to promote the positive contributions young people are making within each community. We will be using Twitter on a daily basis to keep  people in the loop with the giant strides we are making in youth employability throughout the NW with our partners Workingrite and we will also utilise the platform to keep everyone up to date with session times, upcoming events and all the latest DRC info.  

Here's our page: https://twitter.com/DRCYouthProject. Please follow us!

@DRCYouthProject

5k Fun Run - Family Fundraising Day in Scotstoun.

Massive respect to 7 of our members from the Scotstoun Club (aged 12-19 years). The 7 boys took part in a fundraising initiative at the 'Heart of Scotstoun' Community Centre (HOS). The boys ran 5km and managed to raise £150 for the centre! Outstanding stuff. We're proud of the effort they put in and we wish HOS all the best with the rest of their fundraising. The community has really rallied together to support the centre and we are delighted to see DRC members and young people from the local area contributing their time and effort to help maintain this valuable community asset. 

SURF Awards

Last night the DRC staff attended the annual SURF awards at Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel. The DRC was one of three projects shortlisted in the 'Youth Employment: Overcoming Barriers' category.  

Each of the projects shortlisted "...delivered meaningful physical, social and economic outcomes in places facing major poverty, depopulation and disconnection challenges". Unfortunately we did not win on this occasion but we will be back next year to showcase the DRC and the positive work we carry out together with young people in the NW of the city. 

PS. Congratulaitons to 'Link Living Step On'! Another fantastic project doing supporting young people in Scotland. 

Accreditation via the DRC

Congratulations to Lewis and Sanjay on passing IOSH training at the GTG Training Facility on South Street. It is a requirement for all workers within the construction industry to complete IOSH training to ensure they are up to date with all health and safety regulations. Having already completed 'Health, Safety and Environment for Operatives' training with the DRC, the guys are now able to apply for the Green CSCS Labourer Card. This card enables a labourer to work onsite over a 5 year period. Following the purchase of their CSCS cards the DRC will continue to offer ongoing employability support to ensure both Lewis and Sanjay find work within the construction industry. 

Employability Update.

Following a bit of much needed 'Spring' cleaning the DRC office now has two new learning spaces where young people can access the internet, job search, continue developing their CV's or use one of our many training resources. Pictured here are two long term members of the project. One young person is studying for his driving theory test while another young person concentrates on progressing with CSCS 'Health, Safety and Awareness' training. The computers have been updated with the latest software and have been extremely useful as a means of engagement. Young people know our office is a safe and welcoming environment where they can concentrate and focus on the task in hand. As workers, this set up is highly productive. We can set objectives with each individual, keep a close eye on their progress and provide ongoing feedback.

Here's another positive example of the progress being made by young people participating in the Pathfinder programme. Michael has been a valued member of the DRC Youth Project for many years. We are very proud of the progress he has made over the years and wish him all the best in his new full time role as a General Maintenance Worker with PNM Handyman Services. Here's a quote from Michael on the positive impact Pathfinder has had on his life "I have learnt a lot through the programme, I have grown in confidence and now have the ability to use my initiative and work independently". Brilliant stuff. Well done Michael!

Promoting 'Pathfinder' in the NW of Glasgow

Today was the perfect opportunity to continue spreading the word about our highly successful work training programme 'Pathfinder'. Our development worker Jordan visited community centres and youth providers throughout the North West to share information on the programme. Pathfinder is aimed at 16-24 year olds in the North West of Glasgow. Together with our partner 'Workingrite', we (DRC Youth Project) aim to offer ongoing support to young people who are ready to make the next step in their lives. Through meaningful engagement, we will work together with each young person to find a positive pathway into employment no matter what situation they find themselves in.

Young people who participate in the programme will gain a 3 month placement with a suitable organisation. Each participant will receive £90 p/w and will gain accreditation during their time on the programme. There are opportunities to be kept on for apprenticeships and full time employment. 

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us. Our office number is 0141-951-8669 or email us at gerard.drc@hotmail.com

Pathfinder - Group Work

Here are some of our more recent Pathfinder trainees actively participating in a group exercise designed to develop their communication skills. In this session the group had to work together to untangle the knot without letting go of their hands. The trainees have all progressed to work placements now, with 2 of them gaining employment already.

Pathfinder Update

Well done to Chelsea (pictured middle), one of our Pathfinder trainees. Chelsea never believed she would be able to enter the care profession without experience or qualifications but now after 10 weeks on placement at David Cargill House she is on target to gain a Modern Apprenticeship. Carla (left) was a trainee with Workingrite 3 years ago and she gained a Modern Apprenticeship with David Cargill House. The difference this has made for her is unbelievable. Amanda (right) was on the Pathfinder programme last November. She was unemployed for a long time and couldn't believe it when after only 2 weeks she was employed straight away by David Cargill House and is now a Senior. 

Ultra White Collar Boxing - Sunday 13th September

Members of staff from the DRC attended a charity boxing event on Sunday evening in the Normandy Hotel in Paisley. We were there to see a long term member of the youth project, Ryan McMillan, box in his first fight. Ryan has been training for 8 weeks with his fellow fighters and professional boxing coaches at a UWCB affiliated gym in Maryhill. We've been so impressed with the dedication Ryan has shown throughout his training and the bravery shown to fight in front of a capacity crowd. 

DRC/ AFFIT 'Fun Day'

On Saturday the 'DRC Youth Project' and 'AFFIT' held a 'Fun Day' in Yoker. We were blessed with great weather and a brilliant turn out from the local community who had a great time. We would like to thank Brian and AFFIT 'North West Recovery Communities', Cope Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue's Knightswood Station, the DRC Environment Trust, NHS Smoking Cessation, Yoker Community Campus and all the young people for volunteering to help make the event such a great success. 

Throughout the day we arranged some old school sports activities to keep everyone on their toes! As well as 'beat the goalie' we held a few rounds of the sack race and the egg 'n' spoon race. These races were very competitive! We had a few dodgy tactics being used to get over the finishing line but all done in good spirit. Well done to everyone who took part.

We would like to thank the fire fighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue's Knightswood Station for visiting our Fun Day. After showing everyone around the fire engine they soaked anyone who needed cooling down. A great way to end the day. 

We were joined by some very talented people during the Fun Day. We'd like to thank our face painter Michelle Lynch for the fantastic artwork she created. The queues for Michelle's stall were continuously busy and quite rightly so. The face paint looked magic and the young people loved the designs. 

There were plenty of opportunities to get creative and take part in activities throughout the day. In the crèche area young people took part in arts and crafts activities while in the main hall everyone was welcome to test their fitness on the DRC Environment Trust's 'Pedal Power'. Pedal Power uses pedal powered electricity generators to power a smoothy machine. Using sheer will and determination, 67 people took a place on one of the bikes and powered the smoothy machine to make their very own smoothy. The hard work paid off for everyone in the end!

Employability - Positive Outcomes

Massive congratulations from everyone at the DRC and Workingrite to Tony, another Pathfinder trainee, who has been taken on full time by his employer Mac-Mas Construction Limited. Tony is a long term member of the DRC and has made great progress throughout his years with the project.  Here are some pictures of two jobs he’s been working on. Well done Tony!

2nd Scotstoun Session with Paul Brannigan.

We had a great turn out for our final session in Scotstoun with Paul Brannigan (star of 'The Angel's Share'). 19 young people (aged 13-16 years) attended the session and actively participated in a series of group activities and drama focussing on decision making and consequences. The session ended with the group viewing a hard hitting production from one of Paul's previous groups. Feedback from all involved was very positive. We would like to thank Paul and his team for the work they have carried out. 

Reward Trip for Yoker Group (Aged 12-19 years)

Following on from the 2nd 'Decision Making and Consequences' workshop with Paul Brannigan we arranged a reward trip for young people within our Yoker Group (aged 12-19 years) who have been playing a positive role within their community. Each member of the group has distanced themselves from anti-social behaviour taking place within the area and  made a conscious decision to take part in DRC activities. 

2nd Group Session with Paul Brannigan

Last week we welcomed Paul Brannigan (star of 'The Angel's Share') to our club in Yoker (aged 12-19 years) for the second 'Rehearsal for Life' workshop. Paul and his team of professional actors used the sessions to explore risk taking and how this can impact on the lives of a young person, their peers, their family and their community. We've had great feedback from everyone involved and the group have responded positively to the issues explored and the messages highlighted within the group work. Next week Paul will facilitate a follow up session with the Scotstoun group and continue to focus on 'Decision Making and Consequences'. 

Are you aged 16-24 years old and looking to find a job? Do you know young people who would be ready to take the next step and participate in our work training programme? 

'Pathfinder' is aimed at 16-24 year olds in the North West of Glasgow. Together with our partner 'Workingrite', we (DRC Youth Project) aim to offer ongoing support to young people who are ready to make the next step in their lives. Through meaningful engagement, we will work together with each young person to find a positive pathway into employment no matter what situation they find themselves in.

Young people who participate in the programme will gain a 3 month placement with a suitable organisation. Each participant will receive £90 p/w and will gain accreditation during their time on the programme. There are opportunities to be kept on for apprenticeships and full time employment. 

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us. Our office number is 0141-951-8669 or email us at gerard.drc@hotmail.com

Pictured above is Craig who has just completed the Pathfinder Programme. Craig is pictured here with new bosses Kelley and Kevin and also his work buddy Daryl. Craig has just been offered a permanent job as an Electrical Cable Fitter at Project Panel Solutions Ltd.Craig quoted.

"Before I came to Pathfinder I was nervous about going into work but after I was at Pathfinder I gained more confidence and I couldn't have done it without their help. I am absolutely delighted I have now got a job and couldn't be more thankful"!

'Decision Making and Consequences' with Paul Brannigan

Last week we welcomed Paul Brannigan (star of The Angel's Share) to our clubs (aged 12-19 years) in Yoker and Scotstoun. During the first of two mentor sessions Paul was able to share his experiences with the group and speak about behaviour, the choices we make and the consequences of our actions. Paul engaged with 50 young people within both clubs and will continue to further develop these sessions next week. Session 2 will be a 'Rehearsal for Life' work shop which will see Paul introducing professional practitioners in acting and lived experience leaders to the sessions. 

S C O T S T O U N    S E S S I O N   1

Y O K E R   S E S S I O N    1

Reward Trip

We took a group from our 12-19 years club to 'Bearsden Ski Club' for a tubing session. Each young person within this group has contributed something positive during their time in the club or within their community over the last month. 

8 -11 Group - Summer PlayScheme

T R I P    T O    I N F L A T A B L E    W O R L D 

We had a magic day out with our Summer PlayScheme group at 'Inflatable World' in Knightswood Park. As you can see, the weather was not the greatest but we just avoided the rain and managed to have a good couple of hours of madness on the bouncy castles. 

Look at the state of our socks! The sign of a good day out!

A R T ' S   A N D   C R A F T S 

We've also been really creative throughout the Summer. We've made the most of any good weather and we've been outside painting, drawing and creating some great artwork (and a bit of a mess too!).

B O X I N G    &   C I R C U I T    T R A I N I N G 

One of the biggest successes within our club in recent times has been the number of young people who have participated in our latest health and fitness initiative. Each session has been led by our trained youth worker Dean who has helped motivate everyone taking part to really get stuck into the training sessions. Last month a group of young people from the older club (12-19 years) successfully applied for funding via Youthbank for more training equipment. This funding has enabled the group to purchase equipment which is now being used on a regular basis. We've received great feedback from all age groups within the club and it has been very rewarding for all involved to see everyone participating in such a healthy routine.