Part One – INCLUSION - Having a Laugh
Having a Laugh is an important part of Shaidy Characters; perhaps the most important as this is how most young people become involved with the group and helps provide a network of peer support. Positive leisure/social activities have included graffiti, break-dancing, photography, Raft-building, Go-Karting, Quad-Biking, Rock-Climbing, Paint-Balling and Go Ape. Activities are wide and varied, much like the personalities of the participants!

 Part Two  - ENGAGEMENT - Having a Go
As young people get to know us they are more likely to get involved in project work. Projects are generally themed around young people’s issues and are generally short term. However some have evolved, for example HYPE (details below) into more long-term services capable of bringing in additional funding for the group. As well as homelessness, over the past few years Shaidy Characters have tackled subjects such as mental health, perceptions of antisocial behaviour, youth crime, teenage pregnancy and sexual health.

Involvement in project work raises the aspirations of participants, new skills are learned and people start to realise their own potential. This new found confidence often has a major effect on an individual’s personal development and can be the first step into training or employment.

 Part Three  - PARTICIPATION – Having a Say
The main aim of Shaidy Characters is to give a voice to young people. Having a Say is the third part of our motto. Service users provide a valuable perspective, shaped by knowledge of their own experience, ideas and opinions which helps to bring a fresh perspective. Genuine participation means seeking out, listening to and acting on the views and experience of service users and we include young people at all stages of planning, developing and reviewing our own as well as other local services.