28 February 2008
The local Youth Offending Service (YOS) are set to launch a brand new "Reading Club" initiative thanks to funding from the Safer Caerphilly county borough Community Safety Partnership.
The YOS, based in Blackwood, will launch the "Reading Club" initiative beginning on 3rd March, with the primary aim being to give young people who are sentenced to a court order or who are undertaking any intervention with the YOS, an opportunity to participate in reading and enhance their skills.
Safer Caerphilly granted in excess of £825 for the purchase of the books, which will also give the young people participating in the scheme the opportunity to identify with either the subject matter or indeed the character in the story. The participants will then be given the opportunity to discuss the details of the book with their YOS officer to further explore how their situation relates to that in the story.
An example of the books purchased is one entitled "Firebug" which tells the story of a young person who commits acts of arson. The consequences of their actions are highlighted in the story and the hope is that reading such a story will act as a preventative measure to young people involved with the YOS.
Operational Manager for the YOS Michaela Rogers said, "This excellent initiative will help youngsters involved with the YOS address offending behaviour and related family, life and behavioural problems as well as helping in the development of their decision-making and literacy skills."
For further information on the initiative, please contact Richard Rees or Gary Meale on01495 235652.
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