Who Are Our Service Users?
Our UK work is primarily with young people who come from a range of
backgrounds, some of whom are not in
employment or training (NEET) and some lack basic skills, however many
also attend college or university or are in employment. Many of our
young people come from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities
and some are refugees and asylum seekers. Others are women, especially
single
parents, and those that may have experienced mental health problems as
a result of traumatic experiences before and after departures from
their countries of origin or as a result of the social, economic and
cultural pressures of living in some of London's most deprived
neighbourhoods..
Many are very well qualified, with the potential to bring a
wealth of experience to the UK, yet because they are often in a new
environment, they face considerable disadvantages in the employment
market. They often lack the knowledge of the local networks,
self-confidence, self-esteem and opportunities to practice their skills
to gain work experience in order to more effectively compete in the
employment market.
Facilitation and support enables them to unlock their potential
and access opportunities that otherwise would not have been available
to them. Our current activities centre on the provision of voluntary
opportunities, including some work placements, for service users,
enabling them to gain valuable UK
work experience and references, increasing their opportunities for paid
employment and economic independence in the future.
We also have a programme specifically targeting young people.
Through the youth project we aim to provide effective peer support to
young people from marginalised and disadvantaged communities that may
be socially excluded, isolated and vulnerable.
Our
programmes allow young people to volunteer in a range of activities and
provide events and activities that benefit the wider community,
particularly in Newham, London where we are based. Our services are
influenced and developed by our young people and address the needs of
young people.
The Difference We Are Making
Our services are helping the
participants to develop their language skills, gain confidence
and rebuild their self-esteem in a friendly welcoming local work
setting. The project helps them to gain work experience and references.
This greatly enhances their employability and ability to compete in the
UK labour market.
Volunteering helps our young people to break away from
isolation, take an active interest in activities of their local groups
and enabling them to contribute to the regeneration of their local
areas, greatly enhancing their local integration.
Participation in the project helps the participants to widen
their knowledge and access services available for themselves, their
families and contacts in their communities.
Volunteering helps both the participants and the organisations
offering the volunteering opportunities to develop better understanding
of cultural diversity, racial harmony and greater community cohesion in
the in the areas where they live. The project offers participants
opportunities for socialising and creates a sense of belonging.
Our
programmes are open to any young people, aged 16-25 years, irrespective
of their ethnic origin, religion, any disabilities, sexuality or
employment or education status.
Xperience Youth Group
We run a youth group called Xperience Youth for young
people aged 16-25 years. This is a chance for young people to come
together and have a good time. We run a variety of activities:-
- Music production
- Learn to DJ and MC
- Photography
- Dance
- Drama
- Football
- Talent shows
- Exchange trips
- Workshops on a range of issues that affect young people
- True Xpressions Youth Forum
We offer the opportunity for young people to become volunteers.
Volunteering can give young people the skills, knowledge and UK work
experience that could lead to paid employment.
For more information on the Xperience Youth group contact vicky@oneworldfoundation.co.uk
We can also assist with:
- Accessing training opportunities
- Information and advice
- CV writing
- Job applications
- Covering letters
- Peer support
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