Minutes:
The presentation was made by Simon Dean, CEO.
The Committee heard that Challenger Troop (CT) was a not-for-profit organisation--committed to Youth Engagement. CT catered for different needs and age groups, providing structure, guidance and aspiration. CT was a Community Interest Company formed to deliver uniformed youth development and inclusion courses for vulnerable and disengaged young people of school learning age. The aim of CT was to develop personal skills thorough challenging activities in a disciplined learning outdoor environment.
CT had won a variety of awards, and had been recognised as one of the top seven organisations for positive social impact nationally. CT aimed to provide a holistic approach to engagement. It was founded in 2007 in Kent as part of a youth outreach programme. It was estimated that 35,000 6-18 year olds had been helped since inception. CT had been accredited as a Core Education Provider. CT’s programmes had been independently evaluated by Brighton University, and found to be very effective.
One of the core aims of the various programmes was to build resilience in young people. Mr Dean informed the Committee that approximately 45% of young people were destined to fail in education. A core aim of CT was to take young people out of their comfort zone, thus building confidence. It was hoped that young people would take their new behaviours into schools, the home and their environment.
Mr Dean stated that CT was not a boot camp, but was rather a two way partnership; he also commented that CT was not a ‘dumping ground’ nor was it a last resort option. Neither was it a panacea.
CT aimed to build self-reliance and confidence. This was important as the British Chamber of Commerce had stated that 56% of young people were not employable. CT aimed to be safe, structured, disciplined, inclusive, holistic, challenging, and also rewarding. Many of the employees were former servicemen.
Mr Dean highlighted that CT had managed to achieve a 100% non-reoffending rate which was quite remarkable.
The Chairman asked how it could be ensured that the programmes offered to various age groups were relevant. Mr Dean answered that the courses were scaled according to ability and age groups.
A member asked where CT was based. The response was that CT had a Head Office in Tunbridge Wells, but had various bases in Essex, West London, and town centres in the South East. A member also asked about the ethnic and gender mix of CT groups. It was clarified that CT catered for all ethnicities, and for both sexes.
A member asked if there was any sort of link up with the LIFE courses provided by LFB. He wondered if there could be a cross networking of courses.
A member queried if any of the young people involved in these courses subsequently expressed an interest in a career in the armed forces. Mr Dean responded that many of the young people had subsequently joined the Tri Service Cadets.
A member enquired as to the youngest age a person had to be for entry onto one of the programmes. The answer to this was six years of age.
More information concerning the work of Challenger Troop could be found at the following link:
http://challengertroop.org/who-we-are/
The Chairman thanked Mr Dean for his excellent and informative presentation to the Committee.