OUR 4 AIMS
1. COLLABORATIVE WORKING:
We model this by having a members network that operates monthly free breakfasts in various establishments / locations around the city & our lively and highly populated network members WhatsApp group.
SYG: Shape your Gen. speak up squad : a multi-agency youth voice group to co-design projects of the SOT youth collective & feed into / support the SOTCC new youth council.
PODS (place of development ) - our active ‘purpose-driven’ working groups populated by members of the network giving voluntary time to launch & develop the youth facing projects of the SOT youth collective .
2. HEALTH & WELLBEING
We are currently working with BWAR towards a youth facing phone app co - designed by young people [inspired through SHAPE YOUR GEN youth voice feedback] to inform, support, resource & signpost young people, including a unique suicide prevention button and an employability section.
3. EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT
Our Project to demonstrate this is: THE LAB: Introduction to youth work & employability course, as part of the Preferred Futures programme, due to launch in January 2024 with SOT college (AIM: level 1 certificate in introduction to youth work with practical placements for 16-24’s initially) - then furthermore with Staffs university up to L5, demonstrating a clear progression pathway.
Multi agencies provide a wide range of employability placements / work experience & placements for young people both within & outside of education.
4. ENHANCED COMMUNITIES
We are working together on a dynamic vision for the city & identifying investment as a collective to develop ‘ENDZ’ ST: - A largescale dynamic multi agency open access youth venue (s) co-designed by young people in High Schools over the last 2 years. The BIG vision is 6 - one in each of the 6 towns , so that every young person is only 15 minutes away from a quality open access youth provision delivering on education, engagement & entertainment.
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#BELONG #BELIEVE #BECOME
SOT Youth Collective is a VALUES LED citywide movement to:
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​Resource & support each other, adding value to local youthwork offers.
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Provide exceptional, age-differentiated programmes & activities, that are truly ‘community-fed and community-led’ with youth voice at the core.
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‘Connect the dots’ on youth services & provision, provide a complete & holistic offering under one roof.
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Value the knowledge, understanding, ‘lived experience’, and talent in our community, and giving all an equal voice.
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Promote generous leadership and authentic partnerships across services & communities, fostering community cohesion & cross generational impact.
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Deliver consistent & connected support in the daytime and evenings, weekdays, and weekends.
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Regenerating & transforming local space(s), bringing life and economic prosperity to community ‘locations- The city centre being the first of a series of youth hubs across the 6 towns, providing legacy for the next generation.
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Creating dynamic youth provision(s) of easily accessible engagement opportunities, that stand for innovation and excellence.
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To have transparency regarding funding collaborations and consortiums.
SOT Youth Collective is an non-political movement with no other agenda than positive outcomes, specifically tackling young people’s related issues including, not limited to:
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Safeguarding young people effectively; providing ‘spaces & places’ of security, comfort and inspiration.
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Creating a sense of belonging, with authentic youth ownership and voice; being transformational, offering new experiences & opportunities.
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Offering effective ‘early help’ intervention, altering pathways to thrive, not just survive.
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Educating, up-skilling and motivating, raising aspirations.
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Giving direct access to those with ‘lived experience’ & positive role models.
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Improving mental health by delivering ‘instant access to mental health support.
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Bettering mental and physical wellbeing, creating sustainable, lasting change; empowering young people to drive social change themselves and pro-model positive futures to their peers.
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Reducing discrimination towards young people & marginalisation amongst minority groups.
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Curbing anti-social behaviour, gangs, crime and violence, by reducing boredom, giving purpose & creating opportunity for change.
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Improving life chances & lifestyle choices by infusing value, raising aspirations & imparting resilience & tenacity.
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