The Sure Futures programme is a partnership of five local community arts organisations, developing arts based activity aimed at improving long-term prospects for young people through involvement in the arts. Research on Young People in Norwich has shown that they have lower than the national averge levels of aspiration, self-esteem and confidence, and that between the ages of 11 to 16 there is a 'pre-NEET' phenomenon, where young people on the edge of marginalisation become part of the 'not in education, employment or training' category when they reach 16. Under Sure Futures a wide range of arts activities were developed with the aim of countering this tendency, with programmes linked to the Arts Council's Arts Award Scheme, as a positive way of young people gaining accredited qualifications.

Originally the programme was focused on Catton Grove ward in Norwich, but each year we have broadened the area of involvement, initially to include Mile Cross and subsequently all areas of deprivation in the city. All activities were free to participants.

There are a number of project assessments and appraisals that can be gained through Norwich City Council. Our own assessment and feedback clearly demonstrates the value of such a programme. Over 300 young people have already accessed our provision alone. As well as numerous Bronze Arts Awards, we had one person achieved her Silver Arts Award, and many more are signed up and heading for moderation. The programme has not gone on long enough to be able to properly assess its impact, but there is case study evidence that young people who might not otherwise have done so, have been turned on a trajectory towards employment, education and training. What the Warmint Report (2004) identified, was that young people need investment in helping them not fall through the gaps, as well as the enormous expenditure of dealing with those who already have, and that innovative, imaginative programmes were needed to achieve this. Sure Futures has shown that the arts offer just such innovative and imaginative programmes, and we would like to see significant, long-term funding made available to continue this work.

Under this programme NORCA has run a range of provision:

• DJ Workshops,
• Music technology and composition workshops,
• Band skills & development,
• Open access Arts Awards sessions,
• Match funded the Music Makers programme, offering music composition and performance workshops,
• Set up and supported two school samba bands, and
• Made two short films.

In addition, the project:

• Funded a marketing officer, Cathie Davies, who supported the promotion of activities, and developed links with schools and other organisations.
• Helped NORCA's organisational development, with training for members of staff and financial support for the office base,which acted as a central office for the project overall.
• Supported the development of the partnership, which has been a significant bringing together of key local community arts organisations to work together, creating a strong platform for future partnership working.
• Led to the Business Portfolio, a joint initiative that involves all the partners in offering activities that can be used as part of business and enterprise training in schools and colleges.

Sure Futures is now in its last year. It is no longer funding specific activity, but reduced funding is supporting the marketing of a number of NORCA projects that meet the aims of the programme, as well as the promotion of the Business and Enterprise Portfolio.

As well as NORCA, the other members of the Sure Futures Partnership are:

• Future Projects,
• The Garage,
• Community Music East,
• Fruitful Arts, and
• Norwich City Council.

For more information please go to the Sure Futures website www.surefutures.co.uk/enterprise

Contact Norca Central