The vast majority of young people (over 90% according to MORI) hold very real and deep aspirations for having a long-term and meaningful relationship, stable and happy family life that is probably marriage in their adult lives. However, it has been recognised that less than 5% of today’s young people have ever had the opportunity to hold a detailed and open conversation with a parent, relative, teacher or adult on the subject of their relationships. Scant provision is, therefore, made to prepare young people to make the biggest decisions in their lives.
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It is also recognised that Relationship skills are not learnt in a didactic manner or through lecture but from experience. Indeed, Explore endeavours not to promote anything; nor proselytise; nor perform any direct act of teaching - but allows the young people to lead the agenda in whatever direction interests them.
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“Learning by experience” methodologies are employed by Explore, developed by the Grubb Institute of Behavioural Studies, through Workshops, Half Day Conferences and Class Sessions. The task and boundary of the dialogue between the young people and the couples are crucial and the roles of the participants are clear, applied, regularly revisited and owned by the participants. The presence of a trained facilitator is critical to the success of the process.
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The Local Community Action Groups of Explore have organised Workshops, Half Day Conferences and Class Sessions in schools, colleges and prisons across the country through which over 12,000 young people have now participated. In 2007, over 17,000 young people and in 2008, some 6,000 young people at 80 schools and in 12 prisons will take part and benefit from Explore’s work.
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Independent evaluation of Explore’s work is regularly conducted. The most recent was undertaken by the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships and their report concludes that Explore achieves its aims; that the young people rate their participation in Explore events very high; acknowledging the positive influence on their thinking and that the method creates a safe and conducive learning environment.
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