The LTI works with Traveller communities across the county and is committed to creating opportunities, community cohesion and positive futures. The initiative works hard to empower families and connect them to services by bridging the gap and creating an inclusive environment for all.
In Lincolnshire, young people are less likely to go into higher education than in other areas of the country despite similar GCSE results. LiNCHigher works across Lincolnshire as part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), funded by the Office for Students (OfS), to change this. It brings together Bishop Grosseteste University and the University of Lincoln with 45 schools, colleges and other local organisations to give inspiration, increase aspiration and support young people in years 9-13 to plan their future education.
Working collaboratively with LiNCHigher the LTI supported 12 young people to complete the Prince’s Trust Award which is equivalent to GCSE level study. The qualification incorporated topics such as personal skills, qualities and attitudes and skills that employers look for across different sectors.
LiNCHigher Project Manager Naomi Prendergast said:
‘We were overwhelmed with the excellent turnout at the event with families and guests from all over Lincolnshire attending. It’s a really significant achievement and the young people and their families should be very proud of themselves.’
Certificates were presented by Debbie Barnes Lincolnshire County Council Director of Children’s Services and in addition, students were given a LiNCHigher goody bag including vouchers, a stationary pack and education resources. Guests were then treated to a BBQ in the sun at the leafy city-centre university campus on Lonsdale Road.
LTI Director Paul Boucher said:
’I would like to thank LiNCHigher for taking a leap of faith by supporting a group of young Travellers and making it possible for us to increase our input by helping them gain qualifications.
‘I know that the young people are aware of the extra effort that has been put into working with them, and they and their families have responded by remaining fully focused on the work over the last 8 months.
‘Several parents have said how much they enjoyed the event and the young people are thrilled with their certificates. This event will certainly spur them on to achieve our target of 5 Level 2 Prince's Trust Certificates by the end of December.
‘I think Debbie Barnes, LCC Director of Children's Services deserves special mention for showing such warmth and support to the young people and their families - it hasn't gone unnoticed by them.’
For further information, please contact linchigher@bishopg.ac.uk or telephone 01522 563030