Targeted Approach to Young People (TAYP)

What’s it all about?

The TAYP project targets young people identified through a range of agencies that would benefit from an activity based and life choice information weekend. The aim is to equip them with the confidence and knowledge to make better choices in life and to make a positive contribution to their community. These weekends provide support to the young people and show them that there are many constructive things that they can do with their leisure time which will bring benefits to themselves and others.

How does it work?

Normally 10 – 12 young people attend a TAYP weekend with 6 to 8 supervising staff from a variety of agencies from the Community Safety Partnership. Participating agencies include South Ayrshire Council Community Safety and Community Learning and Development (CLD), NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and SACRO.

The weekend programme consists of:

• Challenging outdoor activities
• Presentations from agency representatives
• Discussions on knife crime and weapons, antisocial behaviour and its impact on the community, sexual and mental health and the importance of making positive life choices.

After the weekend each young person has agreed a Personal Development Plan and, depending on their specific interests, further activities are organised. These may include more outdoor experiences, engagement with SACRO and progressing through the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

What happened in 2009?

The Community Safety Partnership has delivered four TAYP projects so far, in March, May, July and October. These events were held at the Abernethy Trust owned Barcaple House in Kirkcudbrightshire.