Client – The Lab
Sector – Local Government
Year 2008 – ongoing
Brief –
An innovative multimedia bus that provides accredited programmes to targeted areas of the borough.
Build and brand a bus that was attractive to a disengaged cohort whilst still providing accreditation, training and Independent Advice and Guidance.
Devise a strategy that targets all NEET young people in Lewisham and integrates with the Youth and Connexions service as a whole.
Budget -£1,050,000 (to date)
Project –
The Lab has its own dedicated PA seconded to RollingSound from Lewisham Connexions meaning we offer young people IAG on The Lab at times convenient to them.
Working Closely with Connexions to ensure that we achieve targets based on their chosen national indicators.
The Lab can target any area of the borough including Super Output areas, areas where crime has been a concern. It can also link in with the other events and festivals within the borough.
Providing a safe and positive environment for young people after School hours.
Project Outputs –
The Lab successfully engages, signposts and accredits over 130 young people per month, engaging young people who are NEET and disengaged in their own areas and on their own terms.
Creating strong partnerships with all other youth services – Youth Offending Team, Looked After Children Team and schools, providing them with additional resources for their programmes at no extra cost.
Word of the project has spread and a number of London and nationwide Local Authorities have expressed an interest in establishing similar provision for their young people.
What the young People say –
“The Lab looked like something for me… I don’t think I would have got on the bus if I knew it was put here by the council” Eddie, 20 years old, NEET Young Person.
Eddie has gained an AQA Unit Award and a Bronze Arts Award and we’re helping him find work experience.
What the Client says
“RollingSound’s Lab has been a key part of Lewisham Council’s youth provision since it’s launch in Nov 2008, and has so far worked with over 750 young people, 160 of which were NEET. The Lab helps Lewisham achieve its National indicator target for the reduction of NEET by signposting young people to EET outcomes and all aspects of the Integrated Youth Service. Its success lies in close partnership between Connexions, borough-wide initiatives and the direct involvement of Lewisham’s young people in planning and delivery.”
Website Link – www.rollingsound.co.uk/thelab