Caroline Flint (Home Office Minister) "Young people leaving custody with substance misuse problems need effective support if they are going to stay drug free & play a positive role in their community. I believe that the Resettlement & Aftercare Provision (RAP) launched by Doncaster Youth Offending Team will play a vital role in addressing the needs of young offenders."
Working closely with the Youth Offending Service, darts put together an engaging and challenging arts programme aimed at young people on RAP which enabled the participants to:
- learn new skills
- develop self awareness
- increase self esteem and self confidence
- develop literacy and numeracy skills
- increase personal responsibility
- further develop the ability to relate to adults and peers
Using professional artists as role models had the added advantage of raising awareness regarding the potential employment opportunities linked to the arts. Participants were also made aware of other arts-based projects which they can get involved in.
The discipline of music technology, linked to song-writing, was the first strand of this three- phase project. Digital imaging then followed with participants taking images which had significance to them. They could be actual places in Doncaster or symbolic shots which represented different aspects of life. A massive 3D/2D photo-montage was then created. Linked to, and inspired by, both the music and photo-montage creations were the third strand: sessions looking at interpreting the pieces through drama and movement.
Throughout the life of the project, the young people documented their experiences, and will use this as evidence towards Youth Achievement Awards.