Transitions UK's Achieve Project

How the Achieve Project Works

A two-year mentoring and befriending programme, running in Bedford, Luton, Stevenage and Redbourn.

We work with our young people for two years, divided into Phase 1 (around year 1) and Phase 2 (around year 2). Young people work closely with their peers and our volunteers to develop the skills and confidence to live as independently as is realistic and to move towards meaningful employment/next steps education.

Phase 1: 

Weekly sessions are help, specifically designed to support young people with personal and skills development and focused on five main themes. 

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Independent living
• Relationships and me
• Employability
• Learning for life

At each weekly session, we prepare and share dinner together, working on social and communication skills, followed by a skills activity focused on the weeks thematic. Additionally, we offer online sessions, city trips and a dedicated summer session, all to vary the programming offered.

Cluster Group Model:

Young people work in cluster groups of 3-5 young people who share similar needs or aspirations. They are further supported by 1-5 volunteer’s dependent on the needs of the cluster. These clusters often form the foundation of strong friendships between our young people that provide them with the confidence to try new things and look positively towards their future.

Phase 2:

As our young people evolve over time at their own pace, our Phase 2 offers them a chance to support those in Phase 1, additional access to virtual support, community-based mentoring as well as 1-2-1 support more centred around employment/next steps education. 

Community mentors focus on individual needs by linking their mentees into their own networks, help complete applications, such as driving or employment, as well as support the interview process and initial stage of employment.      

Support from Achieve is person-centred and offers an average of 5-6 hours blended support per week over two years (around 300 hours per year). We recognise that full engagement in the project can take time as a young person builds their confidence and trust in the team.

Referrals to Achieve can be made through schools, parents, self-referral or social workers.