DreamworX

DreamworX is a partnership between Signpost Gunton and St. Andrews C of E. Roman Hill.

It is a street based youth project aimed at 8-13 year olds in North Lowestoft from families suffering from social and economic deprivation/exclusion, under-achievers (often excluded from school or have ASBOs), have learning/behavioral problems, are members of street gangs / street families, who do not fit into existing structured provision, who find themselves alienated from their local community or peers, or are at risk of offending.

The project is non-stigmatising aiming at the young people as individuals and based on need rather than ethnic origin or other labels. This inclusive perspective will be monitored through the life of the project.

DreamworX will seek to:

Help young people make a positive contribution to their local community by providing a menu of innovative volunteering opportunities
Reduce crime
Improve the contribution of young people in the planning and development of services.
Help them engage with adults, attend area forums, etc.
Raise their self-esteem
Give them a sense of belonging
Give them focus and motivation
Combat young people’s isolation and develop Community Spirit
Integrate young people into the Community.
Help them with their personal development
Develop team building – getting on with others.
Preventative, providing social networks to reduce the potential for offending
Provide relevant distracting activities.
Where appropriate refer young people to other agencies or organizations

The detached workers will engage with young people on the streets, where the young people are congregating. They will also be offered to local Middle Schools for curricular and non-curricular activities.

The Project will help young people their dreams and ambitions. Their volunteering activities will gain them tokens toward organised outings, special events, trips etc. We will seek sponsorship from local businesses for these activities.

The young people will gain confidence, a sense of responsibility and social skills by being involved in the leading and delivery of the project. They will receive certificates of achievement through their involvement and through mentoring.Volunteers will be empowered so that the project continues after the initial three year period.