Bored with the same old routine?

Introduction

Bored with the Same Old Routine” was a partnership project between North Wiltshire District Council and Connexions Wiltshire & Swindon. The project aimed to engage and involve young people categorized as not in education, employment or training (NEET), aged 16-19 who lived or accessed services in North Wiltshire. By taking part young people would be able to articulate through creative mediums their views, ideas and experiences of living in the local area.

For the Young People this would provide:

The opportunity to develop and learn new skills
An opportunity to highlight how different learning techniques may suit young people who are identified as NEET.
The opportunity to interact with other young people from across the district

This would provide the following information to local service providers:

Young People’s views on access to local services
Young People’s views on their feeling of worth and recognition by decision makers and the local community
Young People’s views on local barriers they face, which would include barriers to learning and work

Bored with the Same Old Routine” worked by bringing together complimentary art forms which collectively enabled young people to express their views and ideas about North Wiltshire. The project used professional arts facilitators so as the creative mediums, Graffiti, DJing, and Film making, could be used. The initial concept of the project was outlined to young people during a brief consultation session held in February. Here the young people expressed a great interest in what the project was offering and were able to guide us in ensuring we produced the right information they would need in order to encourage them to take part. The issues they highlighted were around food, transport start times etc.

The project started on March 17^th 2005 and ran over 5 sessions which included a showcase event on 5^th April 2005 at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.

The showcase

The showcase was held at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham. Over 30 people attended the showcase including elected Members, family and friends of participants, some local press and staff from North Wiltshire District Council and Connexions Wiltshire and Swindon.

The showcase ensured:

The presentation of young people's work
The chance for young people to meet service providers
A sign posting function for young people through a marketplace
A fun evening!!

The art work was exhibited and young people were DJ-ing while people had the opportunity to eat, chat and view the work. The 6-minute film was then shown, with the Youth Involvement Development Officer from Connexions Wiltshire and Swindon providing a context to the project.

Some of the artwork is now exhibited in the Chippenham Connexions Centre, Monkton Hill.