Festive celebrations for Wakefield Step-In project
Young people who are members of the Step-In Project in Wakefield have enjoyed a special Christmas event to celebrate the festive period and to receive certificates for completing a food cookery course.
The Step-In Project is a service provided by Wakefield Council and YMCA White Rose and offers support to young people aged 16-17, with the aim of preventing homelessness and to reduce the number of young people using emergency accommodation. The project offers practical and emotional support, assistance and advice and family mediation.
To support the work the project joined forces with the Community Food and Health team, which is provided by the Trust, to help teach the young people skills living independently and cooking on a budget.
The work began in February this year and so far around 25 young people have attended the six week skills programme. As part of the programme each participant received a homeless pack, which helped provide the essential food items, and received help in knowing how to cook on a low budget while getting the correct nutrients.
The special event was an opportunity to present the young people who have taken part in the food programme with certificates and congratulate them on their hard work.
Karen Wallis, community food and health development worker, who facilitated the work, said, “There are a number of young people who are homeless or are ‘sofa surfers’ moving from house to house. Through these cookery sessions we have been able to add an extra dimension to the work of the Step-In project by helping provide the information and skills necessary to make sure they are eating well despite the limited funds they have. Everyone who has taken part has worked really hard and this is a great example for potential employers of their commitment.”
Step-In Project offers the following support for young people: Ensuring all young people are listened to; offer support during a difficult time; work with young person and if possible family mediation; look at alternative accommodation; help with benefits; assistance with official forms; host placements and tenancy workshops.
The Step-In Project also operates a Community Host Scheme. The scheme involves taking a young person into your home and offering support and guidance. In return, the Step-In Project will support you with the placement every step of the way and you will receive regular payments. For more information contact 01924 384165 or email stepinproject@ymcawhiterose.org.uk