In April 2024, The Gifted will be launching a 28-week programme, funded by Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Stevenage Community Trust. The project will be instrumental in improving employment prospects for care experienced young people in Stevenage, as well as developing other vital life skills.
Changing the story for vulnerable groups
In 2023 there were reported to be over 83,000 looked after children in the UK. This has risen by 2% since 2022, according to stats reported by the UK Government. Almost two-thirds of all looked-after children are over the age of ten, with 24% being aged 16 and over. In 2022 Hertfordshire Fostering Services reported that 32% of all looked after children in Hertfordshire were aged 16-17 years. This was the highest percentage in any age bracket and higher than the national average. Young adults who have grown up in the care system are around 2.5 times more likely to become pregnant, during their teenage years, compared with other teenagers.
Another vulnerable group in Hertfordshire are young people from minority ethnic groups. When comparing the 10-17 aged offending population with the 10-17 population they are overrepresented within Hertfordshire’s Youth Justice System. “The most overrepresented group are black children. They make up 12% of the offending population and only 5% of the 10-17 population.” [Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2023-24]
According to Hertfordshire Family First, Stevenage presents with complex needs in emotional health and wellbeing, domestic abuse and family conflict compared to other areas in Hertfordshire. Over the course of the 6 months, through various interventions The Gifted will address three key areas amongst the families here; child poverty, mental health and the need for support.
Addressing key issues and creating hope for the future
The project will take a multifaceted approach tackling three key issues to address the following needs in Hertfordshire.
CHILD POVERTY
The DWP figures estimates that in 2021/22, 2,891 children in Stevenage compared to 1,981 children in North East Herts, and 1,437 children in Hitchin and Harpenden were living in relative poverty, equating to 14 per cent.
Care experienced parents often encounter financial difficulties facing the costs of raising a child often on a very low income. The project will provide access to employment and paid work experience during school-hours to align with childcare responsibilities.
MENTAL HEALTH
Life expectancy is 4 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Stevenage. In 2019, Stevenage had experienced higher levels of health inequalities and when compared to the rest of Hertfordshire.
Care-experienced parents are at increased risk of isolation and loneliness, and can find it difficult to access mental health support. The Butterfly Project (train the trainer) will explore healthy relationships and stress management. This provides a space to develop mental health.
SUPPORT
Our weekly virtual network, ‘Parent Plug-In’ will provide peer support where parents can share their challenges and celebrate success, without judgment. The live forum will be hosted and curated by care-experienced parents.
Improving employment prospects for young people
The project aims to make a long-term impact in the lives of all the beneficiaries that take part. At the end of the project, those taking part in the employability project will have the opportunity of paid work with The Gifted.
If you would like to know more about this project or to refer someone to take part, please visit our project web page.
