See young people from a different perspective with ‘Our Shoes’

Unique training programme designed for professionals by young people

Have you ever been at work, in a shop, centre or office, and seen a young person come in on their phone, with their hoody up? Have you been unsure of how to approach them or felt intimidated? Have you ever stopped to think why they may feel more comfortable presenting in this way?

Whatever sector or industry you work in, you will interact with young people either as a customer or a potential employee or colleague.

Our Shoes is here to help you navigate these situations with confidence. This award-winning training series will empower your team to engage empathetically with young people, clients and colleagues.

Our unique offer

This training series is the result of a decade of collaboration with young people who may be care experienced, have additional needs and disabilities, are part of the LGBTQ+ community or who have accessed mental health services.

Every part of the training is co-developed with our young people before delivery. Most importantly, the training sessions are delivered by young people, with the support of a professional facilitator. This helps bring the youth voice and perspective to life. Put simply, our training is by young people, for professionals, for young people.

During the training, you will be challenged to consider the range of daily situations that thousands of young people find difficult. These could include:

• helping caring at home
• attending education
• going to the shops
• travelling
• interacting with official entities.

Our Shoes will also help you consider the employment process at your organisation from the perspective of young people. You will be invited to consider what situations might be particularly challenging to them and what stages could be improved by understanding your recruitment journey from a different point of view. Making your workplace more accessible and attractive to young talent only works to improve the output and perception of your organisation.

Benefits

As a result of the Our Shoes training, your organisation could gain:

• A more inclusive workplace that is more welcoming to both younger customers and a more diverse workforce
• Practical real-world advice and language recommendations to apply in the workplace
• New perspective on employment process from young person's perspective
• Repeat custom from young people who will trust your company or organisation

Get involved

Why not enhance your current Equality, Diversity and Inclusion offer with Our Shoes?

To learn more, please visit the Our Shoes training programme web page.

If you have any questions, please contact ourshoes@surreycc.gov.uk.