Instructions Not Included

1
Instructions Not Included
"WORKING TOGETHER - WE CAN ACHIEVE"
2
How Did We Get Here?

• Instructions not Included is a Sure Start
  initiative, which supports identified young
  parents whom have progressed in their own skills
  and development to become peer educators. This
  initiative focuses on peer learning, to groups of
  young people identified as possibly being at risk
  of teenage pregnancy.

3
Where Are We Going To Do This?

• This initiative will initially be piloted within
  the Armadale and Craigshill catchments as both
  these areas have the highest 13 19 year old
  teenage pregnancy rate within West Lothian
• On successful evaluation, this initiative could
  be rolled out to other secondary schools

4
Why Have Peer Educators?

• Its easier for young people to talk to someone
  not much older than them
• Young people already talk to each other about
  sensitive issues
• Young people often take more notice of each other
• Its a creative way of working with
• young people

5
Aims and Objectives for the Peer Educators

• Strengthen and build upon their existing skills
  and improve their self-esteem and
  self-confidence. Promoting their learning and
  transferring their knowledge in a focused and
  direct way.

6
Aims and Objectives for the Peer Educators

• Supporting peer educators to learn new skills and
  also achieve a recognised millennium award for
  volunteering. The peer educators will receive
  intensive and ongoing training looking at various
  aspects of group work, planning and practice.

7
Aims and Objectives for the Young People

• To equip young people with the knowledge and
  skills that will build self-esteem and strong
  relationships while postponing sexual activity.
  Group work on attitudes and beliefs,
  communication, decision and planning skills and
  the realities of becoming a parent.

8
Aims and Objectives for the Young People

• To motivate older sexually active young people to
  practice safe sex and access sexual health
  information. To look at self-esteem and
  self-worth, communication and the realities of
  parenthood. Also future options, decision-making
  and planning skills.

9
What Should A Peer Educator Be Like?

• Nice looking (LOL)
• People who were on the same wavelength
• Up for a laugh doing things you enjoy
• Practical, games getting everyone involved
• Friendly and a good laugh
• Listened and were fair
• Able to change mood when needed
• Putting thought into practice
• Would explain and show you instead of telling you
  
• Being open and truthful, and all opinions
  respected
• Happy being there showing you in a way that you
  will learn
• Trust

10
What We Didnt Want In A Peer Educator!

• Had poor hygiene, spitting in peoples faces when
  talking
• Had favourite people
• Left you to get on with it no help
• Thinking they are better than you
• Boring and used a mono tone voice
• Shouting, not listening
• Labelled people
• Crabbit!
• Arrogant
• Lack of respect
• Never smiled
• Talking too fast
• Didnt interact

11
What Did We Do In The Training For Peer
Education?

• What is peer education
• Boundaries
• Confidentiality
• Attitudes and values
• Role models
• Setting the scene
• How to answer difficult questions

• Beginnings, middles and endings
• Communication
• Safeguarding yourself
• Dealing with conflict situations
• Role playing and ice breaker games
• Group work skills

12
How Are We Going To Deliver The Work To The Young
People?

• Group work
• Role play
• Video

• Virtual babies
• Other agencies
• Time in a pre-school nursery

13
Topics Covered With the Young People

• Self- esteem / worth
• Self-confidence
• Communication
• Reducing risk
• Confidence alcohol
• Role models

• Realities of parenthood
• Respect for self
• Relationships
• Trust
• Alternative life choices
• Decision making planning

14
What Are the Realities of Parenthood?

•  The reality of the baby being there 24hrs

15
Reality Check!!

• The baby comes first now!

16
Reality Check!!

• Having to grow up

17
Reality Check!!

• Losing friends/ support from friends

18
Reality Check!!

• Having to cope on your own

19
Reality Check!!

• Under pressure and stress

20
Reality Check!!

• Sleepless nights

21
Reality Check!!

• Keeping a house and cooking

22
Reality Check!!

• Managing your child's behaviour

23
Reality Check!!

• Restrictions on social life

24
And Most Importantly!!

• The hard work it takes to be a good
  enough parent

25
Starting Out

• 8 young parents came into the Sure Start office
  for a welcome lunch on the 24th April 2007
• Each person was given their volunteering booklet
  and took part in a introductory session

• We knew we had a lot to work on!!

26
Onwards and Upwards

• 6 parents graduated on the
• 14th August 2007 after 4 months of training
• We had a fab lunch and certificates were also
  given for over 50hrs volunteering!

• We did it!!

27
Last Word

• We feel that well make an impact on young people
  
• I achieved something I never thought I could do
• Changed my thoughts about life
• I am really proud of myself
• If I can do this, I can do anything
• I thought it would be easy, but its been really
  hard going
• I am somebody now