Getting It Right For Young People In Education

Transcription

1 Getting It Right For Young People In Education National Youth Reference Group SET UP AND SUPPORTED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

2 National Youth Reference Group NYRG National Youth Reference Group is made up of over 50 young people aged throughout the 9 regions of England. Young people have shared their personal experiences of being homeless, accommodated and supported. What works? What can be improved? NYRG hope by doing so they can influence change in service delivery to young people around the Country. Felt like I didn t belong to anyone THE PHOTOS/QUOTES USED THROUGHOUT THIS PUBLICATION ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE CONTENT

3 Education Matters The challenges young people faced Bullied for being homeless From a young age education was great, but growing up and hitting high school and then with the homeless issues that arose it turned sour and I had negative experiences, and was bullied - especially when I moved into a hostel. Where to go for help I was bullied and tried to hide my dyslexia from others, I just wished that someone could have helped me. I ended up dropping out. I wanted my teachers to understand My teachers had a go at me just because I did not hand my work in on time. This was because I was in a hostel and due to moving across the City quite a lot. I did feel upset about it. Nothing was going right for me Discrimination, prejudice, being different, lack of money, not having a social group around me, not being able to form one (a social group), lack of understanding on behalf of teachers. Too much to deal with I was in the second year of my A levels. Concentrating on my studies was a difficult challenge, especially when you have to deal with other issues such as housing, benefits, finance, living with other people. It was one of the most upsetting years in my education because you also tend to lose your social contacts. I was forced to leave I became homeless in the middle of studying and got bullied for my sexuality. I had to leave and was depressed because I knew I had to leave something I loved. Childcare I got pregnant at the age of 18 and I had to leave home with my brother who was still at school. Childcare was expensive and I never got time to do the homework. I have no qualifications I did not go to school because I did not enjoy it. Can we afford to learn? Fees have increased to a very high extent which means that many young people out there including myself may have doubts about pursuing a course at university. "At 6th form when I was homeless, they told me I could leave lessons if I wanted to. I dropped out, I just couldn t cope or continue. I lost faith in the education system"

4 Being homeless, in education and dealing with feelings Everybody s got to learn sometime What issues are important to young people? I dropped out and felt lost and not a part of anything. I felt lonely, different, vulnerable and useless. I did not know what to do or where to get help. I did ask my personal tutor to explain my situation to all tutors so they were aware that I was trying my best. I was depressed about my future. I felt like the odd one out and always being watched by the teachers. Making decisions about my education I think getting an education is important but not necessarily the one in schools, to be able to confidently make decisions about our my future. Don t give up on me because I am homeless I needed someone to listen to me, give me the time of day and give me work to take home. Teachers have a lot to learn too Employ teachers not only with a degree but with life experience. It was difficult to pay attention in class due to the effects which homelessness can have on you as a young person. I was nervous. Understanding homelessness There should be lessons on homelessness for a deeper understanding on the issues for everyone. Fair access? Educational institutions need to be fair about the minimum requirements for courses; many young homeless people in England have left school with no qualifications. "I felt like I was written-off as a young mom who was going nowhere"

5 Education, Education, Education! What helped you? Counselling and Support I received a college counsellor so that I could talk through my problems and get through my studies. Knowing there are people out there and you are not alone. A hand up not a hand out I received funding to help me through my homeless journey. My college gave me a bus-pass and my secondary school gave me a grant of 200 after hearing about my situation. I was very lucky to have access to all this support and funds. And in the end my goal of going to university was achieved. Careers and Welfare Advisors who are knowledgeable There was not much information, however the careers and welfare advisors were quite knowledgeable on benefits and where to seek support in terms of housing for young people. This made me more confidant as I had support from staff who understood my situation How you as professionals can make a difference to young peoples experience The small things really do make a difference Care about me as a person as well as my education Be creative in your teaching Try to understand and empathise Give me information so I am aware of my options and can make decisions about my own education Help me access other support networks and financial help Make sure I understand my homework/course work and I have the right environment and resources to do it Treat us as individuals. It is not a "one size fits all Lifeskills Careers workshops, counselling, sexual education, work experience placements they lead you to explore the real world out there and prepare you for maturity. "The learning mentors worked as they genuinely cared, not just about my education but about me as a person"

6 NYRG SUPER TOP TIPS To Professionals Be more knowledgeable about issues and effects of youth homelessness Don t write me off Don t give me preferential treatment which makes me stand out Don t leave me to my own devices I need encouragement and support If you are teaching me - be professional, friendly, humorous, knowledgeable, fair, and supportive especially when things go wrong

7 CASE STUDY 1: Age 17 CASE STUDY 2: Age 21 How did you become homeless? I became homeless through cultural backlash and the prospect of a forced marriage. What were your feelings about education at this time? I was all over the place. Though I was still at school and just finishing my GCSEs it was hard for me to concentrate and continue when the problems started at home. I got assigned a learning mentor, then she left and I got another and then she left too. I ended up moving to another city and had to drop out of my education all together. Then no school would take me on as it was November and the school term had already started so I had to wait a year. When I eventually got back it was difficult with the little money and lack of resources and not knowing people. No one understood what I was going through or my background. What support did you get / need? I needed someone to talk to and support me. The learning mentors cared but I got little support from the school after I moved. All my weekly money was spent on transport. I wanted the professionals to have a meeting in relation to me, and invite me in and look at the best way to support me and ask me what I needed. How has that impacted on you? I felt like there should be other routes that young people should be offered and allowed to take. Having a youth worker helped me to focus and I realised it isn t the end of the world just because the education system did not work for me at that time. I realised I could still reach for the stars. How did you become homeless? I got pregnant and my mom s partner didn t like it. We then left (my mom, brother and I) our home and went to a motel and then stayed with a friend because the motel was in the middle of nowhere. There were no shops and only two buses. If you missed your bus you would be stuck there. What were your feelings about education at this time? Then when I was 16 I had to move because I was being bullied at school. I felt out of place and it was hard to fit in. Somewhere there should have been a support group but I should have asked for help. What support did you get / need? I went to my local council when I found out I was pregnant and I found out about Connexions and they told me about the YMCA where I ended up doing maths and English and a load more stuff. How has that impacted on you? It has made me who I am today. I m more confidant and I have amazing people around me to support me and I am a stronger person and I know what I want to do. Many people did not believe in me but I had to prove these people wrong, and if I can do it anyone can. I was worried that all my education was going to be disrupted

8 Notes Acknowledgements Design by We Are SMILE Ltd. Printed on re-cycled paper by Tuckey Print, Birmingham National Youth Reference Group St Basils Heath Mill Lane Deritend Birmingham B9 4AX Charity Number: Homes and Communities Agency Number: H3994 Company limited by guarantee Number: Registered in England Tel: Fax:

9 Youth homelessness is just a hurdle - with the right support you can still reach your goals and aspirations ALL QUOTES HAVE COME DIRECT FROM YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS Contact direct: nyrg@stbasils.org.uk