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YPSO uses video-making in a groupwork setting with disadvantaged young people
to build initiative, motivation and self-confidence. We help them express themselves
and get involved with their school and community. The work gives them opportunities
to take responsibility, perform well and develop confidence, social and teamwork
skills.
We have been funded by BBC Children in Need, Lloyds TSB, Pilton Partnership,
with equipment funded by the Capital City Partnership Social Justice Change
Fund (amongst others) to provide a free service to groups who meet our criteria
for disadvantage.
YPSO is quite different from other video projects: we have developed our own
unique games and exercises that mean we can work with even the most challenging
youths. Also, we provide a service free at the point of need- because we fundraise
in advance to cover all costs. Finally, we can point to teacher's evaluations
that show 60% of truants and disruptive pupils show significant improvements
in behaviour after a project.
We specialise in working with low achievers, those who are not well-served
by our educational system. Their special needs mean they are unable to make
the most of school. Our aim is to help these young people develop self-control,
overcome shyness or acting out behaviour, make friends, speak up in a group
and learn how to work with adults and peers. We want to help the young people
explore new roles and ways of responding to difficult situations.
We never set "issues" and expect young people to work to them- we
use our games and exercises to build motivation, participation and engagement.
Once the participants feel "safe" with one another, they start suggesting
ideas which we then build on. Through involving the young people in planning
the work, we teach them the importance of thinking ahead and organising effectively.
On the most basic level video works on the preoccupation that many young people
have about their image and behaviour, and allows them to focus on how they
are seen by others and how they relate to others. Making a video gives those
who have had bad experiences in education the opportunity to succeed- through
small steps which improve concentration, motivation and participation. Video-making
draws upon their sophisticated untapped awareness of the media, built up through
years of watching TV.
Using video, their work can be recorded and instantly played back, which gives
great reassurance and encouragement to people who may have a short attention
span and low expectations. The resulting feeling of achievement encourages
them to try new things. As long as the young people are given freedom and encouragement
to explore their ideas and imagination, the possibilities are limitless. The
making of a finished product gives a great boost to self-esteem; showing the
result to others- whether that be to friends and family at home or in the cinema-
helps to reinforce successes and enhance the participants' status.
We are an outreach service and work in partnership with local community centres
or schools, where all work takes place. We always ask for a "link worker" or
volunteer to be present from the "host agency" at every session.
We aim to build relationships between the young people and this adult, who
will then become someone the young people can go to for their "pastoral" needs.
Once 6 and 8 young people have been identified and invited to participate,
we work with them over 6-10 weeks, meeting weekly.
We begin with video exercises that involve everybody and have an in-built success
factor. Participants move onto interviewing and roleplaying around issues and
situations devised through group discussion. Videos made take the shape of
documentaries, drama sketches, spoof news, pop videos - and reflect the young
people's interests. They may be about youth culture or drugs, homelessness,
crime, their local area, etc.
At the end of each project, each young person is given a copy of the finished
tape to take home and keep. If everyone agrees, the finished film will also
be screened to friends and family with a reception, and a certificate of accomplishment
will be awarded to each young person to help further boost their confidence
and status. If the youngsters wish, the tape is shown to other groups at one
of our annual screenings at the Filmhouse Cinema with "Oscar" awards
and a reception.
We are also able to do streetwork which involves doing video interviews with
young people on the street, whom we subsequently invite to your centre to view
their footage. From these beginnings we can build a group.
If you are unsure about using us, we are able to offer taster sessions to groups
to help assess if there is demand.
Each year we deliver 500 sessions to 500 young people across Lothian. Their
evaluations indicate 70% feel more confident at speaking up in a group and
dealing with adults after the work.
If you don’t meet our criteria for a free service, a 6-week youth work
project costs £1000.
If you're interested in our service, please ring 0131 220 4244 and ask for
a Project Request Form. We'll send you one immediately. Once we've received
it, with confirmation of funding, we can start a project within 4 weeks. Alternatively,
visit our website on
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Disclaimer
Whilst we make every effort to ensure our information is complete and up-to-date,
we will not be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies.