Young people do not all look the same, act the same or indeed have the same needs. So why is it that we so often expect one style of programme to meet the needs of all young people?

Just because a program worked in Derry doesn’t mean it will work in Downpatrick. Just because a program had a great impact with young, single mothers in the city does not mean that it will have the same impact with long-term unemployed males in the country. We know this makes sense, but time and again, because of time and resource implications, roung pegs keep being put into programmes for square pegs.

Whether it’s for young people in transition from care to living independently, young people who have been in trouble with the law and are attempting to go ‘straight’, those who are mothers and fathers or young people who are facing other challenges as they try to get their lives going. We all need programmes that actually address the problems we are facing, and help us find a way through.

Youth Solutions will meet with you to discuss the particular needs of the young people you are working with and design and develop a ‘tailor made’ programme to meet those needs. With your knowledge of the needs of the young people and our experience in developing programs that actually work, we can create effective programmes.

All programmes will have elements of experiential learning – learning by doing.
I hear – I forget
I see – I remember
I do – I understand.