The Nxt Steps Programme held a weekend residential in June 2024, bringing together 23 young people from across Leeds to build skills around teamwork, leadership, independent living, communication and self-management.
Taking place at Herd Farm, an award winning accessible residential farm, the weekend was packed full of activities including zip wipe, high ropes, archery and an assault course.
The residential provided a space for young people to meet each other and make new friends. These social opportunities were especially important for some attendees who had been out of school for extended periods and isolated from their peers. One attendee said:
“It was amazing. All the young people were friendly, and the staff were supportive and inclusive. The activities were challenging and exciting and I did things I hadn’t done before. I felt respected for who I was, and I didn’t feel judged.”
The weekend also connected young people to future opportunities, with 2 young people now volunteering with Leeds Youth Service.
Nxt Steps is a programme that helps 16 to 17 year olds who are at risk of or already not in education employment or training (NEET) to develop life skills, work readiness, get involved in social activity, and move back towards education, employment and training. The team deliver one-to-one support and group work alongside residentials. Nxt Steps is funded by NCS and is delivered in partnership by Barca-Leeds, LS14 Trust, LS-Ten and Leeds Youth Service.
