Adults Can Alter Troubled Teenage Lives

MANCHESTER, England - Young people who have spiralled into anti-social behaviour could turn their lives around dramatically - if only they had a reliable adult to believe in them.

That is one of the conclusions of Learning to Fail: How Society Lets Young People Down published on Tuesday October 20th. The two-year study, penned by Fran Abrams, follows the lives of unemployed 16-24-year olds revealing how everyone from struggling parents to disinterested school teachers has allowed them to slide into joblessness, drugs and crime.

But the Joseph Rowntree Foundation funded book also highlights how mentoring can transform lives. And to illustrate what a difference a little encouragement can make, Fran will be previewing Learning to Fail at a House of Commons ceremony (also October 20th) celebrating ten young people who have put their lives back on course - thanks to significant support from others.

For Whitechapel man Kamran Hussain, inspiration came in the shape of a programme named Lifetracks. Prior to being approached by youth workers on the streets of his neighbourhood, Kamran’s spent his time loitering in his local park causing a nuisance. By building-up a relationship of trust with him and offering him opportunities to volunteer, the Lifetracks workers helped Kamran become a mentor who now persuades young people that there is more to life than being in a gang.

Joining Kamran on the winner’s podium at the Rathbone UK Achievers Awards 2009 is truant turned nursery nurse, Ella Wallage. Rathbone enabled 15,000 14-19-year-olds to gain qualifications and go on work placements last year and Ella took her opportunity whilst at the charity’s Sandwell and Walsall centres. From an early age, Ella cared for her family and this strain led her to become disillusioned with life at her high school. Ella saw Rathbone as her last chance and said: “Something just clicked. I knew I had to get my head down or I’d be off. The staff were very supportive and I began to work through my problems.”

Fiona King, Director for Rathbone said: “With the fragmentation of families and the lack of role models, young people need someone to turn to. Imagine the positive effect on society if all of us ceased from condemning the young and instead coached, mentored and guided them.”

The Rathbone UK Achievers Awards are given to young people who have made significant progress through learning plus businesses such as TESCO who have enabled them to make that journey. This year’s awards are being presented by Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Schools and Learners.

The Rathbone UK Achievers Awards winners 2009 Name From Award James Copeland Luton Pre-16 Josh Diieso Leicester Entry to Employment Terrence Edwards Newport Skillbuild Kamran Hussain Whitechapel Youth Engagement Craig McCallum Belfast Northern Ireland Youth Engagement Award Robert Paul Motherwell Get Ready for Work George Phillips Belfast Northern Ireland Youth Engagement Award Rabeha Shah Dewsbury Employee of the Year Danielle Smith Leicester Volunteer TESCO UK Employer of the Year Ella Wallage Walsall Apprenticeship

Source: The Rathbone Charity

For further information: Please contact Peter Gibson, +44(0)7879-248-722