Co-design strategies: Life skills for young people

As part of the ‘deeper discovery and co-design’ phase in Newham, one of the groups explored the following opportunity area: How might we support the wellbeing of young people who are directly and indirectly impacted by the threat or presence of violence and crime?

After examining the issues and discussing potential solutions that could be achieved within the local community, the young people decided to focus on developing their idea about life skills provision for young people in Newham. Read on to find out more about their co-design idea and how it can support young people in Newham.

What is the idea?

Our vision is to equip young people with the life skills they need to transition into and navigate adulthood. By doing this, we hope to empower young people to make informed decisions, improve mental well-being, and potentially help young people see alternatives to crime.

To achieve this vision, the young people would like to see the creation of a life skills ‘hub’ which offers workshops and a dedicated space where young people in Newham can develop essential life skills. Although the idea still requires further development within the context of funding opportunities, the co-design group have outlined the key features of their idea.

How would it support the mental wellbeing of young people affected by violence and crime in Newham?

It is anticipated that providing young people with essential life skills will help young people feel empowered, prepared, and in control of their life choices as they move into adulthood. The young people hope that providing young people with these key skills will enable them to make informed decisions and have a wider range of choices going forward.

Depending on the specific life skills taught, various other potential benefits are associated with this intervention, some of which are directly related to violence and crime. For example, providing young people with the skills to manage their emotions may reduce instances of violence and the associated trauma.

In addition, teaching financial literacy skills can help young people understand and manage their money more effectively. Although this does not address the root causes of poverty, it may reduce the associated stress and provide young people with slightly more control over their finances. In some cases, this may also reduce the likelihood of young people turning to crime as a way to earn money. As explained by one of the young people in our sessions, educating people about finances also has the potential to reduce the likelihood of financial manipulation.

“If you educate people to be more financially literate… it stops them from being financially manipulated” .

– Young Person

The young people also discussed other life skills they believed to be potentially impactful for young people directly or indirectly impacted, or at risk of, the threat or presence of violence and crime. These included sessions on mental wellbeing and emotional regulation, basic home maintenance, cooking and nutrition and employability.

 

It is hoped that life skills will support the mental health and wellbeing of young people that are directly or indirectly impacted or at risk of the threat or presence of violence and crime.

 

 

 

Going forward, we are looking to bring the idea to life and implement it with local communities and organisations in Newham. If you are based in Newham and interested in learning more about the idea, or would like to support the implementation, please do get in touch!

Contact kailonewham@uclpartners.com for more information.