Rochdale Youth Service

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Case Study - Children & Young People
Rochdale Youth Service

“I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can do it.”

Rochdale Youth Service working in partnership with Teenage Pregnancy Strategy developed a programme to engage young people in creative activities that would address issues around teenage pregnancy and sexual health from June 2003 –June 2006.

Through creative projects such as film production, music, drama and visual arts, groups of young people were involved in ten week programmes that addressed issues such as teenage pregnancy, parenthood, STIs, equality, responsibility and peer pressure. Through the programmes, young people gained information, discussed important issues in a fun, safe environment, obtained opportunities to learn new skills and to gain confidence in their abilities as they achieved many of their goals.

Many of the end products such as short films, CDs or performance pieces were of high quality and were used as educational tools with other youth groups and schools.

Wardleworth Youth Group-“Don’t Hate Da Player, Hate Da Game” Video/Sexual Health Project
Young Asian men’s youth group, aged between 14-18, explored different cultural aspects of sexual health for Asian young people through drama and role play, including teenage pregnancy, abortion, STIs and peer pressure.
Developed video and educational pack.

“I enjoyed the recording and learning different things about myself and about sexual health”

Crucial Contraception – Cast Massiv
Two girl’s groups from Cast in Middleton explored issues around sexual health, peer pressure and the effect alcohol had on their actions. The groups developed projects in dance and visual arts.

“I enjoyed the dancing. I am more confident now. I loved being on stage and I have more respect for myself”

Heywood “Get it On” Group – Graphic Design/Sexual Health Project
Young men gathering outside Taylor Street Clinic posed a problem for staff and visitors, they were invited to project exploring sexual health issues and developing logos and messages for sexual health publicity material, such as T-shirts.

“I am more aware about sexually transmitted diseases”

Giggs Girls Groups – Drama/Relationships
Young women’s cross cultural youth group in Newbold, aged between 13-15, explored issues around self image and relationships and developed a drama.

“The more we know, the more we won’t make mistakes”

Gabriel Court Young Parent’s Group – Photography/Diaries about parenting
Young mother’s and babies group based at Gabriel Court, expressed an interest in a photography/creative writing project recording their babies when they were very young whilst addressing issues around the difficulties of being a young parent.
Developed booklet.

“I had the chance to develop different ideas and to meet people in the same position as me so we could discuss things we were going through”

Stansfield Youth Group-Video & Puppetry Project “Av u Dun it Yet?”
Stansfield Youth Group explored issues around sex and relationships through puppetry and video. The puppets were used as tools to create role plays around aspirations, peer pressure, STIs and teenage pregnancy.
Developed DVD.

“Thought it was great, would like to do it again as a professional. Never thought I’d be that good for a first-timer”

Kirkholt & Star Youth Groups-Future Generation/The Healthy Millionaire
Two youth groups were involved in music and sexual health workshops exploring issues such as relationships, STIs, teenage pregnancy and responsibility.
Developed CD.

Boarshaw Youth Inclusion Project-“Risk It?” Mask Project
Young people who are at risk of offending developed a drama performance that addressed sexual health issues and youth culture. Exploration of 9 STIs resulted in 9 different masks which were developed professionally and used in the performance.

“This was valuable info on STIs and I enjoyed the performance. It was brilliant”

Contact Vicky Lomax Rochdale Youth Service Arts Co-ordinator
Tel : 01706 714489 E-mail : vicky.lomax@rochdale.gov.uk