News and Events
I feel sympathy for the young disadvantaged..who lack the 'normal' loving parental support and I strongly support an approach which has as its objective rehabilitating the youngsters to be self-sufficient in the community.
Mr John Tapscott, Regular Supporter of Rainer
Lincolnshire young people shine at European conference
18 October 2007
Five young people from Rainer Lincolnshire were thrust into the spotlight this month, when they travelled to Slovenia and found themselves chatting on national radio and addressing the Slovenian Parliament.
The youngsters, all aged between 17 and 21, were in Slovenia to attend the annual Euromet Jamboree - a week-long meeting of young people from eight different European countries. The theme of the jamboree was self esteem and attendees took part in activities ranging from white water rafting and mountain climbing to experimental theatre, all of which were designed to challenge and build confidence.
At the end of the week each national group put together a presentation on what they had learned. The Lincolnshire young people chose to present their experiences as a poem, which they read out in the national Parliament Buildings on the final day.
Speaking about what she had gained from the week Laura Sinclair (18) of Lincoln said:
"I feel as though I overcame so many of my fears while I was over there - that was the best thing about it.
"I'm terrified of heights and we went trekking up a mountain. I was huffing and puffing the whole way and I thought 'there's no way I'm going to get to the top' but then I finally got there and it was such an amazing feeling!"
Cassandra Oliver (20) of Boston said:
"I've never really met anyone important so when I first realised that we had to speak in front of the national Parliament I was quite intimidated, but once I started speaking it was fine and I felt so honoured to be there."
Rainer Service Coordinator Denny Gibson, who travelled with the group to Slovenia said:
"The young people we work with have often had to deal with very difficult circumstances in their lives and so it was wonderful to be able to give them an opportunity like this.
"The group were pushed way beyond their usual comfort zones and that was both testing and rewarding for them. They took a huge amount away from the week - we are all very proud of them!"
If you would like to find out more about Rainer, or to make a donation, please visit www.raineronline.org or call 020 7840 5626.
Ends
Notes to editors
1. Young people and Rainer staff are available for interview. To arrange interviews, or for further information or photos of the jamboree, please contact Rainer press officer Lucy Jackson on 020 7840 5627 or 07734 022409.
2. Rainer Lincolnshire provides supported accommodation, youth advice services and floating support services for young people aged 16-25 across Lincolnshire. Support is based around giving young people the skills and knowledge to live independently, for example by teaching budgeting skills or helping young people to move into education or training.
3. Rainer is the national charity for under-supported young people. We have contact with more than 18,000 young people and young adults in 115 communities across the country - including those who are at risk of family breakdown, in or leaving care, caught up in the criminal justice system, homeless, or outside education, training or employment. www.raineronline.org.
4. Euromet is a European youth care alliance that provides various educational, socialisation and vocational programmes, working with disadvantaged young people aged between four and 25. Countries involved in the alliance include France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium, Romania and Slovenia.
