Targeted Youth Support Pathfinder (TYSP)

This group was made up of a number of professionals working within many organisations (such as Connexions, local headteachers, the police, health service professionals, probation service to name but a few), the voluntary sector (youthclub volunteers, village hall representative), and Worcestershire County Council Youth Service.

The pathfinder began with a number of brainstorming events to identify issues that could be addressed through these organisations working together.  We became part of the rural section looking at rural issues.  Initially it was identified that finding volunteers was a major problem but we changed course slightly due to the problems encountered with the youth project and the lack of availability of land to provide additional services for the youth.

Through this pathfinder the youthclub secured long term use of  a mobile trailer that is set up with a projector to provide a mobile cinema.  We have since added to these facilities and now have internet connection via a satelite dish and Sky tv.  We are also able to connect the X-box to that projector so that it can be played on a large screen.  

We also had a visit from Ann Weinstock, the Director Supporting Children and Young People Group from the Department for Education and Skills giving us the opportunity to highlight the plight of rural youth.  This was a fantastic opportunity that is normally reserved for urban areas so we took full advantage of her visit.