Good To Go
Empowering Young People Through Volunteering and Life Skills
Introduction: Good to Go is a bespoke volunteering programme designed for young people aged 18-29 years living in Hull and the East Riding, who have mild to moderate learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and long-term health conditions, including mental health issues. This project offers young people a vital first step towards increasing their social and life skills through a variety of activities, including working on an allotment, cooking, and volunteering with community groups. By providing a supportive and structured environment, Good to Go aims to reduce social isolation, enhance confidence, and foster greater community engagement, particularly in areas of high deprivation and rurality.
Our Mission: The mission of Good to Go is to empower young people with disabilities and long-term health conditions by providing them with the tools and opportunities to develop essential life skills, improve their mental and physical well-being, and prepare for future employment. Through a combination of hands-on activities and tailored support, we strive to help participants build resilience, enhance their social skills, and engage more fully with their communities.
What We Do: Good to Go offers a minimum 12-week programme that includes a range of activities designed to develop both soft and functional skills, with the added option of undertaking accredited courses. The programme is delivered in partnership with various specialist organisations, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.
Allotment Work: Participants gain hands-on experience working on an allotment, learning about the concept of ‘Food to Fork’ through our ‘Cook with Ability’ programme. This activity not only teaches practical gardening skills but also helps participants build genuine relationships within the allotment community, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement.
Health and Wellbeing: The programme places a strong emphasis on improving mental and physical health. Participants have the option to engage in gym and fitness activities, as well as access specialist mental health and well-being services. These services focus on positive emotions, strengths, and values, aiming to enhance well-being, resilience, and social inclusion, particularly for those living in rural areas.
Volunteering Opportunities: Good to Go provides a structured volunteering programme, starting with placements at the allotment and expanding to other suitable environments based on the learner’s interests and needs. This experience helps participants develop work-related skills, increase their employability, and explore different sectors of the labour market.
Tailored Support: In addition to the core activities, Good to Go works with specialist partners to offer advice and guidance on a range of issues, including benefits, housing, debt management, and careers guidance. This holistic approach ensures that participants receive the support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
Who We Serve: Good to Go is designed for young people aged 18-29 who are unemployed or economically inactive, living in Hull or the East Riding, and have a disability, learning disability/difficulty, or a long-term health or mental health condition. Our programme is particularly focused on supporting those who may face additional challenges in accessing employment or social opportunities due to their health conditions or disabilities.
A Collaborative Approach: Good to Go is delivered through collaboration with various specialist partners, including the Hull and East Riding Local Councils and health organisations. By working together, we provide a comprehensive support network that addresses the diverse needs of our participants, ensuring they have the best possible chance of success.
How We Deliver and Assess Support: Participants in the Good to Go programme work through an Employment Passport, guided by a dedicated mentor who ensures that all elements of the passport are achieved before progression. This personalised approach allows each participant to move at their own pace, with regular assessments to track progress and adjust support as needed.
Our Facilities: The programme’s activities, including the allotment work, are conducted in safe, accessible environments that are equipped to meet the needs of participants with disabilities and long-term health conditions. All necessary equipment is provided, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the programme’s activities.
Community and Impact: Good to Go is making a significant impact by helping young people in Hull and the East Riding overcome barriers to social inclusion and employment. By providing opportunities to develop practical skills, improve well-being, and engage with the community, the programme is helping to reduce loneliness, increase confidence, and create pathways to employment for those who might otherwise be left behind.
Events and Volunteering: In addition to the core programme, Good to Go regularly hosts events and offers volunteering opportunities that allow participants to further develop their skills and engage with the wider community. These events are designed to be inclusive and supportive, providing additional opportunities for growth and social interaction.
Supporting Our Work: Good to Go is supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and is part-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF). The programme is also a key component of the Hull and East Riding Springboard and This-Ability initiatives. For more information on how to get involved, or to learn more about our programme, please visit our website at www.hlc-vol.org/our-programmes/goodtogo.
Additional Information: For any further enquiries about Good to Go, or to discuss eligibility and next steps, please contact us via email at goodtogo@hlc-vol.org, visit our Facebook page at Good to Go Hull, or call us on 01482 330230. We are here to help you take the first steps towards a brighter future.