The Sid Youth Drop-in Project

An after-school oasis for young people to study, find support and have fun

METHODOLOGY

The need for the project became apparent when young people’s feedback stated that there wasn’t anywhere ‘safe’ for them to go after school. The SLN Community Fund grant enabled the popular Sid Youth group to increase the number of after-school, drop-in sessions it ran.

The 90-minute drop-in sessions provided young people with a safe space to talk, get support with their schoolwork and post-16 options, try out new activities, relax and enjoy free nutritious food and snacks. Overall, 17 sessions were held during term time and the school holidays.

Some 20 young people came along to each session, with many returning regularly after building up positive and trusting relationships with The Sid Youth staff. Young people with many different needs used the drop-in including those with additional and special educational needs and disabilities (AEN/SEN); young carers; those from low-income households; LGBTQ+ young people; and those not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 

As the project developed, young people’s views fed into the planning of activities, which have included cooking, team games and circus-skills sessions, to build their boost confidence and improve their life skills.

As yet, young people haven’t been asked to complete evaluations, but their views have been recorded and shared. Feedback from teachers and professionals who have spoken to young people attending the drop-in has been positive.

IMPACT

On average, some 20 young people attended each of the 17 drop-in sessions at the centre. Most of those attending were Year 9 students who benefitted from talking to staff about their exam, work experience and post-16 options. The project welcomed fewer Year 11 students than expected but hopes to attract more if it continues (funding permitting). The project’s positive impacts included:

•  improved confidence among those attending
•  support with college applications – with those supported in their applications remaining at college
•  free nutritious food to help young people develop healthy eating habits
• new opportunities to learn
• building positive relationships between young people and the drop-in staff.

KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

We know that young people need a safe, supportive and welcoming space. There’s no onus on young people to come, so it’s rewarding that so many do. It means the project is getting something right and providing support that’s really valued by those attending.

This project provided a safe environment where support is available but optional. A lot of young people have stressful, chaotic or challenging lives, so enabling them to come along, chill out and get away from the pressures of being a teenager is an important aspect of the project.

Recommendation: There is a need for additional staff as the sessions are popular. With new funding, the project hopes it can expand its support into new areas.

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