Community leadership events

The first events of the 2006/2007 programme took place at Thornes Park, Wakefield on 2 and 3 November 2006, and then at Castleton on 4 and 5, and 6 and 7 December. Detailed feedback on these events is shown in the Feedback report attached as a key document. The events were supported by volunteer mentors from WDH whose role was to assist the young people in getting as much out of the events as possible. The events were also a learning opportunity for them in dealing with young people. mentor feedback, together with school feedback is also included in the document.

100 pupils from these events were selected to attend the Outward Bound Centre at Ullswater in March and April, where skills and qualities introduced to the participants at Thornes Park and Castleton will be reinforced.

In addition to the Outward Bound programme, Community Leadership also includes other aspects of engagement with young people.

This includes the following:

• Mentoring in schools. A number of WDH staff have volunteered to be trained as mentors, and a pilot programme will commence shortly within a school in Wakefield.
• Work Experience. Opportunities are available for young people to attend WDH to gain experience of work. Placements are usually for a one or two week block, or for a day a week over a longer period.
• Careers Fairs. WDH will attend local High Schools to advise young people of the range of employment opportunities with WDH.
• Mock Interviews. WDH staff are available to provide mock interviews to young people to help them gain valuable interview skills to gain employment or work experience.

Young people who engage in this programme may ultimately be able to access further training and employment opportunities, or may be able to participate in local community initiatives.

pages in this section Ullswater... One hundred young people attended the course at the Outward Bound Centre on Ullswater in the Lake District earlier this year. They took part in a variety of activities designed to encourage teamwork and communication.