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EDUCATIONAL THEATRE IS A ‘NEET’ SOLUTION IN BARNSLEY

Barnsley Council is working with CragRats – the educational theatre experts, to stop young people in the area becoming another ‘NEET’ statistic.

The term ‘NEET’ relates to young people aged 16-24 who are Not in Employment, Education or Training.

As part of plans to tackle the numbers of young people falling into this category, Barnsley Council commissioned CragRats to put together a programme that uses theatre and interactive workshops.

Around 100 students will attend the programme which runs between the 29th of April and the 1st of May at the Longcar Development Centre, Barnsley.

The programme aims to encourage young people to make a positive choice about their futures and avoid becoming another NEET statistic. Dan Hobson from CragRats says: “This tour is designed to catch young people at risk of falling into the NEET category before it is too late.  We aim to increase their confidence and inspire them to act by putting a plan in place with their Connexions Advisor.

The students watched a piece of theatre that follows the lives of two best friends; one heads off to university as the other gets left behind without a job or qualifications.  Students will then have the chance to explore the themes contained in the play during interactive workshops.

Edna Sutton, Executive Director, Young People and Families, Barnsley Council said: "This is one of a large number of initiatives which is being used in Barnsley to reduce the ‘NEET’ figure. Reducing the number of ‘NEET’ young people has been a key focus for the Council and other partners in Barnsley.  The most recent figure, which was reported in November 07, was 7.7%.  This was a great improvement on the November 06 figure of 11.36% and surpassed the target set by the Government."

For more information contact Dan Hobson, Cragrats, 08444 180 500

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