NTSF Right Track

Right Track has developed a track record in working with disadvantaged young people. From Board level down they believe that their clients deserve the opportunity to develop their full potential.  To make this achievable young people need adequate targeted support.  This belief shapes the content of Right Track’s delivery and the approach of their staff.

There are a number of ESF part funded programmes.

Employability Fund Stage 2 and Stage 3 delivery offers intensive personal development, core skills and life skills support in the broadest sense to young people. At Stage 2 whilst some are not yet ready to participate in Work Experience others do take part in short-term work “tasters” to help them identify vocational choices. At Stage 3 they are offered properly planned work experience. This requires the individual and the employer to both be committed to the work experience placement. This Programme is particularly supportive to young people with multiple barriers and provides them with the confidence to move forwards with a greater understanding of their own skills, aptitudes, interests and learning goals. Participants not in receipt of a recognised DWP benefit receive £55 per week and assistance for travel expenses (less a £3 personal contribution).

Within Right Track a key aim of this Project is to broaden horizons and as such the Project offers activity-based learning and a high level of out of centre activity and visits.

Employability Fund Stage 2 and Stage 3 is a Skills Development Scotland Programme and referral must come via SDS offices.

Pre-Neet Launchpad, (pre-school leaving age young people) and Launchpad.

Launchpad is part-time, activity-based, lasts for up to 6 weeks and offers young people aged 15 years plus the chance to take part in fun, community-based activities. These activities are designed to help them to try something new, meet new people and to start to think about participation in personal development training.  Launchpad aims to support young people on the path towards employment. There is a Participation Allowance of £30 per 3-day week and lunch is provided each day.

Accelerate and Dazzle are two part-time courses lasting between 6 and 8 weeks.  They offer young people aged 15 years plus the chance to undertake a series of personal, community and learning challenges.  All activity is project based, designed to broaden horizons, improve motivation, confidence and self-esteem and promote participation in flexible training. There are Participation Allowances of £36 a week for full attendance (3 days) and lunch and travel expenses are provided.  But, as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic these courses are not always available.

Referrals to Pre NEET-Launchpad and Launchpad, Accelerate and Dazzle can be made by partner agencies, individuals, Schools, Social Work and Skills Development Scotland

In all Programmes Right Track offer a small-step approach supported by weekly goal setting and review. They focus on the development of life skills and coping skills in the broadest sense. These Personal Development attributes provide the foundations and skill levels from which mainstream and sustainable progressions can be achieved. Many of their young people face very real challenges. These cannot be ignored; they do not go away but a young person’s response to them can be changed. Input from specialist agencies can help young people cope with their challenges. Agencies used include Mental Health, Housing, Bereavement Counselling, Anger Management, Drug/ Alcohol and Family Mediation.

Covid

Service delivery has changed radically. During lockdown Right Track operated a 7-day week. They retained core programmes and started a youth work provision. This was separate to training programmes. Right Track have a lot of young people with very complex needs. For this reason, they moved to face to face contact as early as possible. They re-opened their premises in July 2020 on a part time scheduled basis. Outdoor educational activities also began that month. Strict risk assessment protocols were in place and significant sums of money were spent adapting premises. Additional buses were leased, and Right Track increased its staffing levels. This allowed it to offer 7 days a week support, deliver food parcels, maintain remote learning support, and man Crisis Phone Lines.