New Upturn scheme deemed Oldham's response to national youth crisis

A Social enterprise is vowing to ensure no young person gets left behind in Oldham - after a national study claimed a million youngsters have been consigned to chronic unemployment.

Upturn, based at the Hive in The Spindles, has begun a new programme using a unique education technique to get young people with issues such as learning difficulties and chaotic family backgrounds, re-engaged with training. 

They are using report author Alan Milburn's comment, 'Young people are not lazy, distracted or entitled - we must not give up on them' - as their inspiration. 

"What the former health minister said in his Young People and Work report absolutely chimes with what we are seeing from young people every day: ambition, aspiration but lack of relevant opportunities or a suitable education," said Maria Williams, director and co-founder of Upturn. 

"Our retort is to create learning that puts young people at the centre of their own development and concentrates on their interests to form a pathway back. It will include opportunities to learn hands-on, perhaps get a work placement, and gain qualifications. And it will be so geared around them, they probably won't even realise they're learning!" 

Their scheme starts by tapping into the young person's passions and uses them to start building skills and eventually the grades they'll need to get work. The learning is delivered by specialists often with huge entrepreneurial and life experience - such as musician and youth worker, Adam Jenkins (pictured). 

Appointed as Upturn's Head of Alternative Provision, Adam found his calling through music, touring the world and studying in London from the age of 17. The drummer's acumen has resulted in Upturn's base The Hive, now being stacked with musical instruments and studio equipment designed for creating podcasts. Careers in production, graphic design, and media could be the result. 

All of which will feel a million miles away from the mainstream education these young people received at high school, continued Maria Williams.     

"When it comes to those who are struggling with issues such as learning difficulties or chaotic family backgrounds, our current education system is failing" she continued. "Indeed, you could argue that for those who are practical and hands-on and who could be our next generation of much-needed mechanics and builders - it isn't much use, either. 

"What we have with our new programme is an olive branch for young people, a chance to begin again and reach their full potential."  

Maria added: "Mr. Milburn asked us all to not give up on them. And, on behalf of a community that looks out for each other - especially when they are feeling hopeless and helpless - that's exactly what we are going to do!" 

If you care for a young person who wants to get back into education, ask your school or referral agency about Upturn's Alternative Provision programme. 

You can also learn more by emailing info@upturn.org.uk 

Based within The Hive hub on the second floor of the Spindles shopping centre, Upturn is a social enterprise dedicated to helping organisations and individuals to reach their full potential. 
For more information, visit https://upturn.org.uk/