Under 18s – Teenspirits

What we Offer

With Funding from Southend-on-Sea City Council (Short Breaks) we have been able to relaunch our U18’s Service.

We offer the chance for young adults (Aged 14-17) to meet up with friends outside of the school/college environment and help develop the social skills that can build confidence and self-esteem, all with a person-centred approach.

Our 18’s group is called Teenspirits (a name chosen by previous younger groups). Teenspirits meet up once a week to socialise with friends and take part in various activities. We are not a youth club as this gives the impression that inconsistent attendance is the norm. To form strong and true bonds of friendship you need that consistent interaction.

We also differ from youth clubs with our group sizes kept to a relatively low number between 10 – 12 people with a high ratio of staff to ensure that no one is isolated or marginalised and everyone has a voice. Furthermore, once friendship groups are established between members, we will look to have that group separate from the main group and be supported away from others so they can have more independence and choice about what they would like to do/what time and day they would like to come out.

This ties into our transition into our adult services which occurs between the ages of 17-18 and its focus is on small friendship groups. This transition will adequately prepare them for that change.

Click here to see more about our Over 18’s service.

Activities we do

While most of our support is community based, we can support people from home to gain confidence to meet out in the community. We have a base in the Victoria Shopping Centre that has cooking and leisure space, but we like to access all that the local area has to offer.

While we like to promote independence and person-centred choice, we understand that at a younger age, it can be harder for individuals to make those choices. Therefore, as a group with the help of staff, we put together a termly programme of activities that is given to all service users and their parents/carers, so they know the plan.

Click here to see example termly programme.

Some activities we regularly do include football, gaming, cooking, bowling, snooker, cinema, gym, swimming and going for food. This is just a short list of the things we do but the possibilities are endless.

Click here to see a more comprehensive list of all our activities.

If your interest or hobby is not on this list, feel free to let us know and we shall update our list.

Days, Times & Cost

Day: Monday

Time: 4:30PM – 6:30PM

Self-funding Cost: £5 (Takeaway or Cooking cost Included).

DP Cost: 2 hours at your local authority rate.

(A Direct Payment (DP) is funding from your local authority, to help you pay for the cost of the services you want to access. The DP Rate changes yearly.)

Invoices are sent out via email every month for payment. Attached to the invoice is a copy of the shift notes written by staff on Rotacloud and used as backing evidence. For DP clients once the invoice and backing sheets have been viewed, they must be approved for payment by sending them to either Vibrance (Southend) or Penderels Trust (Essex). The two backing sheets must be attached to the approving email.

Progress & Outcomes

Every young person will have a Support Plan which outlines the support they need. We also have a Personal Development Plan (PDP) for each client. This is centred around their journey with the charity, detailing any changes that have occurred and obstacles they have overcome. The young people are encouraged to be involved updating in their PDP, so we can monitor, and they can see their achievements and outcomes. This resource is available for when clients have reviews with other professionals and services.

Transport & Travel

We do not have a charity vehicle, but we are currently looking for volunteers with a car to help those families who are unable to drop off and pick up to and from the centre or activities. Costs for transport covers the fuel and is charged at a rate of 45p per mile, 5p for additional passengers. Our aim is for young people to be as independent as possible when travelling. Young people who have a bus pass and can travel independently will be encouraged to do so. Please let staff know if you are happy to support other parents and offer lifts to those that live in the same area.

Paying for activities and transport

The cost each week covers the staffing only. During the school holidays there may be an extra cost to cover community activities such as Crazy Golf etc. We always look at trying to be mindful of personal budgets and will always try to keep the costs to a minimum. The young people are prompted and encouraged to pay independently wherever possible.

Costs for activities are charged via SumUp. A charge is made by sending out a payment link to a mobile phone or using a card reader. There is a 2.5% charge for each transaction.

There are several discount schemes in the area that can help bring down the cost of activities. (Advantage card for Southend leisure and CEA card for cinema/theatres) Please ask a staff member about how to apply.

If this sounds like something you or someone you care/support would like to be involved in please click the link below to fill out an online referral form

https://forms.office.com/e/RnkMnE0hnU

Or alternatively, download a Microsoft word document of the Referral Form and email to [email protected]