Headliners (UK) is delivering the Digital Transitions project funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation to support young people in the North-East of England.

The aims are:

• improve the personal wellbeing of young people leaving the care system enabling them to be more resilient to the challenges they face
• develop young people’s agency: increasing their ability to form and maintain good relationships to seek support, make change in their lives
• young people leaving care are aware of work-based opportunities available to them and optimistic for the future

We offer:

• A flexible, youth-led engagement programme that allow young people to explore issues of importance to them, using creative activities and hands on experience of media and journalism
• 1-2-1 mentoring and support to onboard young people to the service, guiding them through the programme
• Employability support to help identify career aspirations, create flexible learning pathways which reflect young people's needs and goals, including OCN Accreditation, work placements and support to work

How it works:

• We create a safe space for young people to regularly attend (usually once or twice a week), where they can be themselves and talk about issues affecting them. They work in small groups to discuss and investigate these, placing stories into the media. This cathartic process can address a range of social, personal, educational needs, giving YP a stake in society and helping their transition through different stages of their lives to adulthood.
• Opportunities to learn new skills, question assumptions and lead decision making through our media/journalism engagement and employability programmes. These build confidence and self-esteem. YP gain lifelong transferable skills such as digital communication, literacy and critical thinking skills backed up by accreditation. This gives them the confidence to make positive choices and raises aspirations.
• A social mix, enabling young people to connect with others who are going through similar situations. Team-building and social activities encourage them to build social/communication skills and support networks for the future
• A strong 1-2-1 relationship with staff that allow young people to feel that someone has their back and sees their potential
• A tailored and flexible approach to meet complex needs: Young people are supported to explore their identity and values, empowering them to create a positive vision for change in their lives
• Opportunities to engage with industry through visits, masterclasses, work placements.

If you would like to know more about our Digital Transitions project, please contact our Project Officer, Wayne Madden at [email protected].