Time to Talk Next Steps

Our team of expert supporters can provide direct online support for young people and their parents and carers. Evaluation on delivery of this work here has shown that a personalised, flexible approach can be invaluable for young people with additional support needs.

Our team has knowledge and experience of mental health, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), youth work, preparation for adulthood and young peoples rights.

They engage with young people aged 16-25 who are anxious or isolated and feel unsure about the future to:

• build up their confidence,
• inform them of their rights,
• recognise their strengths, and
• plan for their next steps.
  

We also provide parent/carers with training and information.

We have connections with extensive local, regional and national networks working in education, health and social care. This enables us to provide timely, practical solutions and to connect young people and their families with services, initiatives and provision in their local area.

Examples of how young people have been supported through Time to Talk Next Steps

• Accessing supported employment in their local area.
• Developing a personal plan and communicate their wishes in relation to independence.
• Having improved health support when transitioning between children and adult services.
• Meeting other young people with common concerns.
• Identifying aspirations and preparing for key planning meetings (with education, health or social care)
• Accessing community based activities alongside their peers.
• Creating resources to share their experience and views more widely.

For an example of a flexible approach to developing a personal plan read Tanzie's story and watch a short film.

Background and evidence base

Time to Talk Next Steps was a three year programme (2021-2024) funded by the National Community Fund. It builds on the success of Time to Talk developed following COVID-19.

Read the evaluation reports:

• Time to Talk final evaluation report
• Time to Talk Next Steps final evaluation
• Time to Talk Next Steps pilot in Scotland final evaluation report

Current work

Our work with young people is continually growing and developing. This currently includes:

• A young people's peer support group
• Co-design and co-delivery of national and regional training for professionals by young trainers.
• Young people leading on applications for funding.
• Training for young evaluators.
• A new young persons social justice platform.