Boys

Project Scope

Boys born in the unitary authority of Rhondda Cynon Taff have a lower life expectancy than boys born elsewhere in Wales. People living in Cwm Taf overall have the poorest health in Wales. In addition, there is a social gradient in health – the lower a person’s social position, the worse his or her health is likely to be. This trend could mean by 2033, the males born in the most affluent part of the borough will live healthily for 20 years less than those in more affluent areas. until they are around 82 years old, and the males born in the least affluent areas will live healthily until they are only 62 years old. This is a health inequality of 20 years. (The Slope Index of Inequality). Working in partnership with Youth Offending services Rhondda Cynon Taff and ITEC we want to set up and run two ten weekly sessions with boys who are at risk of offending or not in education training or employment, with the aim of improving their future decision making.

Methods and Outcomes

The purpose of the sessions is to engage the boys and to develop their self-esteem and confidence through creativity. The first ten week will provide a framework within which the boys can explore and reflect upon their lives in a safe supportive environment. The second ten weeks will be task orientated; chosen by the young people involved and lead to a sharing of the work with peers. This activity will be about recognising own skills for personal development. At times during the project the participant’s siblings and parents / guardians will be invited to participate in the project to support their development. We would expect at the end of the project for the boys to have

  • An understanding of reasons for feeling confident and lacking confidence
  • An understanding of effective participation in social situations
  • An understanding of ways to manage stress
  • Ability to set personal objectives and plan for personal progression
Without pre-empting the choice ,types of task orientated projects might include , the making of a digital film, set up a blog , website , host an event where they share their work with their peers and other people close to them. Create a presentation to take into a school or care home for the elderly. The boys will be accredited at level three and will be required to maintain a journal throughout the project. They will have had experience of problem solving; working with others and improving own learning and performance through creativity. They will have an improved ability to make future decisions which will have a positive effect on their life expectancy. Partners: ITEC, YOS , Big lottery

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