The Inside Out Programme

Public benefits

The Inside Out Programme exists to provide a programme of activities that supports the personal and social development of young people and responds to identified need of young between the ages of 11 and 25 primarily in the immediate and surrounding Claudy area but where appropriate to young people living in other rural areas. The programme is open

to all young people in the area of benefit and intended beneficiaries are any young person, irrespective of background, ability, gender or disposition. Young people who register with The Inside Out Programme are direct beneficiaries. Young people who take part in our activities gain from developing skills, increasing knowledge and improving their attitude which supports a continued growth and development their life and career prospects. Evidence of benefits is demonstrated through both accredited and non-accredited ways. We provide (and have provided) a range of OCN accredited courses validated by external agencies. For non-accredited courses and programmes we use written, photographic, audio and audio-visual methods to collate evidence of benefits. Inside Out documents development in these areas through a number of processes: (i) self-assessment (ii) written testimonials (iii) observations and facilitator/tutor recordings and that which forms part of a formal process of (iv) accreditation (as part of a training course facilitated by us or any other organisation). We use a Skills, Knowledge and Attitude Competency Framework to measure personal development. The Inside Out Programme is cognisant of its obligations, legally, ethically and otherwise, of young people in its care during the operation of any programme. It takes all necessary steps to ensure that all young people (under the age of 18 in particular) are safe and secure and that their health and well-being is not in doubt or at risk by means of involvement in any programme we organise. We do so through the following: (i) Child Protection Policy (ii) Induction process for all staff/volunteers (iii) commitment to on-going training of staff (iv) Code of Conduct for Staff (v) sessions with young people are adequately resourced in terms of staff and meeting space (vi) staff have been vetted and have received Child Protection training (vii) those under 18 have permission/parental consent to take part in the programme (viii) positive working relationship with parents is maintained (ix) programme details are relayed to all participants in advance and they are kept informed on an on-going basis (x) development of contract between staff and participants and the use good practice and drawing upon previous experience of staff (xi) maintenance of The Diamond Centre where most of our activities occur in accordance with legislative demands of relevant authorities that govern practice at the centre and (xii) risk assessment where appropriate as regards travel to and from the centre including venue and staffing arrangements for external activities. No activity is without risk of course and by applying the above we endeavour to ensure that any risks are minimised. Private Benefits emanate from the various activities that we organise. So for all direct beneficiaries then we calculate that there are approximate 6-8 private beneficiaries which would include parents and grandparents, siblings, friends and school friends. Private beneficiaries also come in the form of funders, public representative, policy makers and other colleagues in the various fields we operate within including the Youth Service. Benefits include better understanding and knowledge and awareness of the work we do, successful partnerships, meeting targets of funders and partners who provide funding for accredited and non-accredited training provided to our users, enhanced accessibility to young people not registered with Inside Out but who through discourse with peers might join as a result.

What your organisation does

Inside Out provides a range of services, training, accredited courses, projects & programmes that aim to minimise feelings of alienation and marginalisation. Activities have included information meetings, social visits, outdoor activities, text service, newsletter and a Youth Information Point.