What is Natural High?

1
(No Transcript)
2
What is Natural High?
3
Natural High is a Voluntary Organisation for
young people aged 5 25yrs. Our aim is
to Encourage, facilitate and promote positive
activities, that seek to divert young people away
from risky behaviour We do this by Introducing
them to new interests Encouraging self confidence
and self esteem Providing opportunities to
develop recreation, arts and life skills. Weve
been working with young people across
Huntingdonshire, Fenland and other areas of
Cambridgeshire since 1996.
4
Over the last 12 years weve been involved in a
whole range of different projects.
e.g. DJing Music Production Our own Big Brother
event Community Sports Leaders Awards Currently
we are working on projects in St.Neots, Funded by
the Childrens Fund, in Huntingdon, Funded by
Huntingdon Freemens Charity, and in a various
communities across Huntingdonshire, funded by the
Big Lottery Fund.
5
So why Arts and Recreation?
6
The arts and recreation are an excellent way of
engaging with young people The spectrum is so
wide that all young people can find something
that interests them It cuts through barriers of
age, sex, race, religion and ability. Everyone
has a favourite piece of music, likes a
particular film star has a favourite sport or
sport star. This way of working with young people
finding out what they are interested in, what
they like doing, can provide those initial links
to engage them in a positive relationship which
is non-judgemental and based upon mutual respect
and trust.
7
Participation in the arts and sport has a
beneficial social impact. Arts and sport are
inclusive and can contribute to neighbourhood
renewal. They can build confidence and encourage
strong community groups. .Arts and sport are not
just add-on to regeneration work. They are
fundamental to community involvement and
ownership of any regeneration initiative when
they offer means of positive engagement in tune
with local interests. ( Policy Action Group, PAT
10 1999)
8
The arts. enable young people to make sense of
difficult and complex situations safely and at a
distance through media suited to their particular
learning styles and needs. Challenge
preconceptions Teach specific skills, such as
social analysis, problem solving, decision making
and communication skills. Provide opportunities
for self expression and the release of
tension Lift confidence and self esteem through
the production of creative work (Arts Council for
England 2002)
9
Arts and recreation work with young people is
about
10
Using the arts as a way of engaging young people
in specific themes or social issues ( and skills).
Encouraging greater participation in the arts
developing arts skills e.g developing excellence,
as in music schools
Developing skills for vocational use e.g. music
technology, to get a job in that arena
To help young people develop confidence, self
esteem, awareness, and personal skills
11
Be relevant to the young people Offer a safe
environment where young people can try out new
things without getting embarrassed Use
artists/sports workers both skilled in their work
and able to relate to young people Leave skills
in the community Offer opportunities of
continuation for young people at the end of the
project Be inclusive and challenge discrimination
12
Exposure to the arts when young the chance to
see, hear and participate in a range of creative
experiences helps us to develop the capacity
for flexible and innovative thought, to formulate
and communicate ideas and feelings, and to
perfect physical and perpetual skills. The arts
provide a channel for self-expression and
creative energy. They open up opportunities to
fulfil personal potential and talent. (Dept of
National Heritage 1996)