The CUV Partnership Annual Lecture 2002

'What's the Point?' - Young People, Learning and Social Exclusion
Sarah Lloyd Jones - Director of The People & Work Unit

Sarah Lloyd Jones is the Director of The People & Work Unit, an independent Welsh organisation that conducts action research projects alongside commissioned evaluation and research work. The Unit works primarily on social, community and education development and has a strong focus on work with young adults. In addition to her work with The People & Work Unit, Sarah works independently as a freelance researcher, where in recent years, her research has concentrated on issues of social exclusion, lifelong learning and young adult.

Sarah has recently published the book 'D'Y Know What I Mean?' which tells the story of young people in South Wales valley communities who are struggling to find employment and a role for themselves in society. It details the experiences of young people in learning and work and their experiences of unemployment and withdrawal from the labour market. It also looks at how 'The Ladder Project' changed the lives of 11 young people who were supported to work in their own communities, to become role models and to gain qualifications that have turned them into the new generation of professional community workers.

D'Y Know What I mean tells a depressing story about how the needs and aspirations of many young people are not being met, with serious consequences for whole communities. It also provides inspiration and hope by demonstrating how young people will grasp a second chance and lead the way to community regeneration from within.

Contact The People & Work Unit - To order the Book 'Do You Know What I Mean ?' 01873/850975 peoplework@btconnect.com