ABSTRACT
Settings Opportunity Youth is an exciting innovative programme for 16-18-yearolds who attend job skills training programmes within an inner city area. These young adults are generally from lower socio-economic groups and have a variation of abilities from the very limited to the exceptional. The majority are already habitual risk-takers in the areas of sexual activity, drug and substance abuse, petty crime, joy-riding and gambling. There is little to offer in the community for this age group, so they are reduced to life on the streets and are then prey to the influence of those of their peers who abuse alcohol, drugs and indulge in petty crime and joy-riding. Around 300 young trainees
on job skills programmes access the workshops on a weekly basis and the programme aims to:
• promote personal development and health and social awareness amongst trainees in areas such as AIDS, HIV, and alcohol and drug use
• enable trainees to make informed and discriminating choices around health issues • increase trainees’ self-esteem and confidence • enhance trainees’ employment potential.
