Case studies

Fostering Talent, Transforming Lives
Simon Weston OBE

Only a handful of people would have recognised the Simon Weston who headed out for the Falklands Conflict back in June 1982. But the face of the Simon Weston who returned from the bombing of the Sir Galahad is recognised the world over, not for his disfigurement from 46% burns but for the optimism which he radiates. His determination has inspired courage and the will to excel in countless others. And his irrepressible humour and infectious enthusiasm have engaged many in what he has to say.

Rather than wallowing in self-pity, Simon’s road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures. One of these is Weston Spirit, a Liverpool-based national youth charity that provides development programmes for socially excluded young people.

To date, Weston Spirit has worked with over 47,000 young people. Their first initiative was set up in Liverpool with £300; 15 years later it has an operational budget of £1.8 million, servicing eight Centres, and providing daytime, evening and weekend support around the UK to those who need it. Amongst other things, they aim to develop the esteem of those with low aspirations through fostering talent, as well as providing individuals with practical ‘life skills’. Participants are identified through various organisations and invited to attend Introductory Days and presentations that will give the young people an idea of what the charity is about. Their needs are then matched against the relevant elements of Weston Spirit’s youth work portfolio. These include one-day programmes and the longer-term Membership programme. But it is only with their willingness to make a positive step towards self-improvement that Weston Spirit helps them make it happen.

In its one-day programmes, participants are invited to explore the repercussions of their decisions through moral and emotional dilemmas that can be encountered in their daily lives. The courses engage and challenge their young people in a variety of ways. For example:

• Conscience is addressed through moral dilemmas, linked to the rewards/temptations of a token economy. Every time an individual gives an answer a token is given. The questions become progressively more difficult and the atmosphere can become emotionally charged.
• Negotiation and teamwork are challenged using a board game scenario. The problem is whether to opt to go for the win as an individual at the expense of the other team members or not. The de-brief focuses on the feelings of winning in each way and can generate a tense atmosphere.
• Self-control is put to the test when those involved have to respond to unfair situations they are put in.

The Membership Programme is the core of Weston Spirit. It offers participants a week’s residential course, backed up by a long-term action plan which sets stepped targets towards achievable goals, based on the individual’s own needs. The residential provides the young people with an opportunity to meet new faces outside of their usual environment and to develop important skills and competences, such as problem solving, effective communication, awareness of the needs of others, planning and co-ordination, and issues related to confidence and self-awareness. Youth development workers facilitate these by using activities that include team-building challenges, 'trust games' designed to foster a team spirit within the group and designated group tasks.

Throughout the subsequent year-long programme, local drop-in sessions are utilised locally to build on what was learned during the residential. These range from training and employment opportunities to social awareness and group work. Mentoring is also an important element and takes place on a one-to-one basis.

The charity’s work is making a difference to thousands of young people. In an evaluation of their work from 2001/02, when 13,807 participants undertook personal development opportunities, the responses given showed that:

• 92% were less likely to commit crime
• 84% were currently in education
• 82% said they had much more confidence

Comments from the young people themselves added weight to the figures collected, with individuals describing the courses as ‘life-changing’. This is what the charity set out to do, to transform the lives of young people – for the better.

Weston Spirit’s drive reflects Simon’s own single-minded determination. His own career demonstrates clearly that a positive attitude can produce incredible success stories when you set your mind to make it happen. And their work provides the tools for the young people who are willing to give it a go.