Active Inquiry

InterAct

9th February, 2016 - Posted by Gavin - Comments Off on InterAct

Active Inquiry has been lucky enough to be working in partnership with The Thistle Foundation for the past 5 years on a project called InterAct.

This project works with young people in special schools in Edinburgh and Mid-Lothian and their families to explore  options for life after school. The project has 3 main parts: Firstly we work in schools with young people using drama to create characters and stories that enable the young people to explore their thoughts and feelings about this transition. We are careful with how we do this – creating characters and stories so that this can be explored safely.

Next the young people and their families are invited to be part of The Big Plan which is run by Thistle. This enables 10 or so young people and their families to sit together in one room and explore what their dreams are for the future and how they can achieve these. Many young, disabled people have had years of low expectations and The Big Plan assumes that everyone has a contribution to make to their community. It focuses on people’s attributes instead of deficits. Being involved in this as a supporter of the young people has been an amazing experience.

Thirdly the young people are invited to become part of the g2g group, run by get2gether, which encourages them to attend social events and places around the city – rather than events and places designed just for young people with learning difficulties. This is so important in trying to get away from the institutionalisation of young people and enable them to share regular places in their community.

The project has now been awarded three years of funding from the Scottish Government to roll out the process in other areas of Scotland. It has been an amazing journey so far and we are looking forward to the next three years!