What Does Youth Inspired Do? Youth Inspired works with young people and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities or mental health conditions. We provide courses for learners that move them nearer to independent living and employment, volunteering or further study. We think of our provision as having three “pillars”: Improving Choices (Moderate Learning Disabilities) Pathways (Severe Learning Disabilities) “Inspired” – Courses for adults with mental health conditions

Improving Choices This is the course we run at our Newnham Street Centre in Bedford for learners with moderate learning disabilities. Learners are referred to us by the Local Authorities and we hold contracts with Develop – for learners from Central Bedfordshire or Luton and Bedford Borough for Bedford learners. The courses are generally 3 years in duration and include elements of Maths, English and ICT, Work Experience, Independent Living and a range of other subjects to meet the needs and preferences of the learners.

Pathways This is the course we run at our Mile Road Centre in Bedford for learners with severe learning disabilities. Like Improving Choices, learners are referred by the Local Authorities and are funded through the contracts mentioned before. Again, courses are generally for 3 years and include Maths, English, ICT, Independent Living and Shop, Cook and Eat. Learners are encouraged to develop their independence and those who can attend supported work experience. Art and Craft are very important aspects of this course and learners often make artworks to sell under the banner of Enterprise.

The “Inspired” pillar Under this heading we are currently running two courses on Fridays, both for adults with mental health conditions. Art Inspired is a weekly course for adults which encourages them to build their skills in arts and crafts while improving their confidence and self-esteem. It is held in the Newnham Street centre where a lot of their artworks are on display. Some are even sold to the public. Linked to this were courses we ran with Learning in Communities funding which also encouraged learners to make and sell their artworks including a very successful market stall. Leisure Inspired has been running on Fridays at our Mile Road centre providing an opportunity for adults with mental health conditions to come together to socialise, watch films, play games and other activities which encourage them to work together

Social Café and Enterprise Hub This is our latest development and will run in our Newnham Street centre. It will provide a social area for adults with mental health conditions and a classroom area where they can learn about Enterprise and take qualifications in Basic Food Hygiene and Customer Service which will enable them to volunteer in the café. We will also engage past learners as mentors, particularly in Art, and encourage them to work with new learners to help them develop their skills. A qualification in mentoring will be offered.

Contact details www.youthinspired.org.uk 01234 480980 – Newnham Street - Diane 01234 480981 – Mile Road – Louise carolyn@youthinspired.org.uk