The Third Space Project (TSP)

TSP will merge creativity with the Interventive Relations Model to deliver a high impact, transformative 26-week programme of personal development, good relations & citizenship to 800 marginalised and disadvantaged young people in Belfast; Derry – Londonderry; Donegal; Cavan & Fermanagh. PROJECT OBJECTIVES: TSP will: Develop personal and civic capacity among vulnerable, at risk young people, Contribute to lower levels of community division through positive personal development, purposeful learning & interaction, Support and embed good relations and citizenship capabilities at transition periods for young people Project Design, TSP will engage young people using a combined youth work/arts based model within a resiliency based framework to provide a transformative experience. The 5 stage model will provide OCN Entry level 1 programming in 3 Key Outcome Areas: Personal Development; Citizenship; & Good Relations. PROJECT DESIGN: Stage 1(6 wks): Foundation & Initiation. Extern appoint a Key Worker (KW)who will engage with the young person and family for the TSP duration. The KW will meet with the young person and carryout initial home visits, develop an Individual development plan (IDP) with the young person using the Youth Star Model; set out clear expectations for all parties, identify barriers to participation & related strategies. This stage is critical in building trust. Stage 2 (5wks): Articulating, Developing & Negotiating. Working through OCN Level 1 in Personal Development participants will examine personal relationships, responsibility, beliefs and values through activities designed to improve confidence and self-esteem. Stage 3 (8 wks): Consolidating & Embedding Change (8 weeks). Participants will work through a series of activities within the OCN Good relations award to explore personal identity, cultural diversity, understanding beliefs, values, prejudice & discrimination. Stage 3 will also involve participants coming together on a cross community, cross border basis at Roscor to live together in a shared space. Stage 4 (5 wks): Consolidating & Embedding Change (contd) looks at empowering participants through the OCN Citizenship unit to understand community participation and build teamwork as TSP enters the final stages. Participants will develop Group facilitation & consultation skills supporting them to take on a citizenship themed experiential learning task in a safe environment, building capacity and developing greater levels of civic awareness, confidence & self-worth. Stage 5 (8 wks): Supporting Activity & Interventions. Participants will put into practice the skills they have learnt in stages 2-4 of; Digital storytelling, Group facilitation skills, Visual storytelling/Infographics, Active listening and effective questioning to actively connect with the community. The KW and young person will update the IDP to include suitable progression pathways. Each young person will receive 3 KW progression meetings. TARGET PARTICIPANTS: The 800 young people who will participate on this Project will include: 14-16 year olds: having difficulties within school and are showing signs of disruptive or challenging behaviour, with peer group relationships and with adults or who may be experiencing bullying & discrimination due to ethnicity, sexual orientation disability or religion. 16-18 year olds: experiencing periods of transition in relation to post education, accommodation and peer relationships. May be involved with youth justice agency and social services and involved with negative reference groups & anti-social behaviour. 19-24 year olds: with more entrenched need who have fallen away from mainstream service or supports due to mental health, unemployment, accommodation & or addiction issues. STRATEGIC CONTEXT & POLICY: TSP has been designed to align with key regional policies and strategies including T:BUC; PfG 2017-21; and the Draft Children & Young People’s Strategy 2017-27 in NI; and National Youth Strategy 2015; and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014-20 Strategy in Ireland. NEED & DEMAND: Statistics illustrates that there are many marginalised young people within the Region. Research indicates that the Interventive Relationship Model can have a positive impact on their lives. Making time for young people and not judging them unfairly engenders transformative respect and trust, which is often lacking in their homes, schools & communities. OPTIONS APPRAISAL: The partners considered a number of options including the use of creative methodologies; residentials; non accredited provision. The proposed option aligns with the strengths of the partners and represents the best model of engagement for the target group. FINANCIALS: TSP will cost €4m to deliver over a 52-month period and result in an average cost €5000 per participant. RISK MANGEMENT: The Partners have identified a number of Project related risks including insufficient participant recruitment and retention. Related mitigation strategies have been included within the Project risk register to be reviewed monthly. HORIZONTAL PRINCIPLES: TSP has been designed to align with regional, national and EU Sustainable Development and Equality legislation and principles. MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE: TSP will be led by Extern and overseen by a Project Board comprising senior representatives from it and the Verbal. The governance model will also comprise a Youth Sector and Participant advisory groups. SUSTAINABILITY: TSP incorporates a comprehensive framework to ensure the successful progression of all participants. The learning from the Project will be amassed to inform future partnership working.