Verdon Link Up
Development Youth Dialogue in Educational Spaces
Launched in 2019, the Link Up Project was an ground-breaking initiative designed to create common social rooms in educational institutions and after-school/college environments.
These spaces served as hubs for students to engage in debates and discussions on current youth issues.
Objectives
CREATE INTERACTIVE SPACES
Saalik youth project and Reach Up have Establishing dedicated social rooms within schools, colleges or community spaces to facilitate young people interaction and dialogue.
ENCOURAGE YOUTH DEBATE
Providing a platform for young people to discuss and debate contemporary issues affecting their lives, promoting critical thinking and active participation in safe spaces.
BUILD COMMUNICATION BRIDGES
Facilitating communication between students, educators, and parents through structured feedback mechanisms.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Mobile and Adaptable: The project was designed to be mobile, capable of being set up in various locations. The first implementation took place at Longley Sixth Form.
STRUCTURED PROGRAM
The initial program was a six-week after-college debate club, successfully run by Reach Up Youth leaders and volunteers. This structure ensured consistent and organized engagement for students. The weekly subject are voted by the young people .
Key activities
FACILITATED BY LEADERS
Reach Up Youth leaders and volunteers facilitated the sessions, ensuring productive and respectful debates.
ENCOURAGE YOUTH DEBATE
Providing a platform for young people to discuss and debate contemporary issues affecting their lives, promoting critical thinking and active participation in safe spaces.
REPORTING FEEDBACK
Key findings and insights from the debates were reported back to school managers and concerned parents. This feedback loop helped to build communication bridges and foster a collaborative approach to addressing student concerns.
Impact & benefits
ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
By reporting debate findings to managers and parents, the project promoted transparency and responsiveness in addressing young people issues.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Young people were given a voice and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, empowering them to become active participants in their communities.
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
The debates provided valuable insights into the issues affecting students, allowing for informed decision-making and follow-up actions by educators and parents.
MORE ABOUT VERDON LINK UP
Verdon Link Up, established in November 2022, is located at the Verdon Recreation Centre and continues to operate to the present day.
The program holds weekly sessions every Wednesday evening, focusing on a variety of debates and activities. These sessions cover important topics and promote services related to mental health, health and wellbeing, cultural heritage, and council services, particularly targeting young BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) youth who might otherwise be hard to reach. Activities also include walkabouts, indoor movies, competitions, and presentations.
The topics for the debatable sessions are chosen by group members via a group chat, and the sessions are led by Tyrone Yeboah, the Reach Up Youth Ambassador. Tyrone also empowers young participants by giving them opportunities to lead sessions on topics they are passionate about.
Verdon Link Up was established in winter 2022 as a response to the challenges faced by young people due to the rising cost of living.
Recognizing the significant impact of these issues on youth, particularly those aged 14-18, the program was designed to provide a supportive hub where they could gather after school on a weekly basis.
The initiative aims to reduce isolation, combat anti-social behaviour, and improve mental health among attendees. By offering a safe and inclusive environment, Verdon Link Up fosters healthier friendships, provides mentorship opportunities, ensures safeguarding, and opens up various opportunities for personal and social development.
Through its activities and supportive community, the program plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and prospects of young people.
In Conclusion
The Link Up Project successfully created a dynamic and interactive platform for youth dialogue within educational and community spaces. By encouraging debate and building communication bridges, the project aimed to empower students, enhance their educational experience, and foster a more connected and responsive community. The success of the initial program at Longley Sixth Form set a strong precedent for future implementations in other locations.
