Young people who get involved in Youth Initiatives normally stay involved for an average of 4 years. Throughout this time Youth Initiatives has the chance to make a difference in their lives in a variety of ways.

At the core of the work of YI aims to make a difference in 10 main areas. (These are shown in the diagram below) At the centre of these 10 areas is the Positive Relational Environment. In YI this is key to making a difference in the lives of the young people we serve.

In their first year young people will experience belonging within an environment unlike that which they are used to and this is the foundation for their involvement in YI.

• After one year young people can experience…

  Positive Relation Environment
• Belonging and Acceptance
• Immediate Involvement
• Buzz and Energy
• People who want to get to know them and are interested in them

• After two years young people can experience…

  Exploration of faith/ Spiritual Experiences

• New opportunities

• chance to develop and share their skills and talents

• Cross Community and Cross Cultural Experiences

• involvement in projects exploring similarities and differences

• Real ownership – not just belonging
• Faith development

• chance to explore what faith is to them

• Safety and Value

• safe to be self and to be valued as an individual

Three years and beyond

• Leadership

• Volunteering
• Active participation in community events
• Service home and away

• Faith

• Choices and commitment opportunities

• The Wider World

• World Of Work
• Gap Year opportunities
• Other opportunities within and outside YI