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RIO's Stepping into Shoes is a communication programme which uses the arts as a vehicle for young people to discuss and consider healthcare issues
Freddy - May Link to Full Research Paper 1 Link to Full Research Paper 2
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"The best thing about Change School was making myself into hybrid sea creatures because it was funny and we are going to create amazing storie

XtraVert is a unique social enterprise venture which designs, builds and provide
XtraVert Website
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Since we started in 2007, RIO has grown from three staff to more than 60; doubled our turnover each year; supplied consultancy services and learning programmes to more than 200 schools and 15,000 young people; helped over a 100 disadvantaged young people into work, including creating social enterprise business units, now employing young people; and secured £1.75 million to renovate a heritage building which we now run as a self financing social enterprise centre.

And we're keeping up the good work.

We know all our customers are different, with individual needs. This means that the practical work that happens when you buy one of our services is always different, and makes a difference too...

  • RIO is working with the DWP, ESF and Job Centre Plus to build an employment programme which uses the creative industries as a launch pad for unemployed people. In our first year of delivery we have already had 135 people start on the programme and have secured 42 jobs.
  • RIO worked with a cluster of schools in Swindon to develop a bespoke programme aimed at raising the attainment, achievement, behaviour, confidence and aspirations of year 8 and 9 students who are leaders in their peer groups and have difficulty in school. The programme has seen a 60% increase in positive behaviour, a 57% reduction in negative behaviour and a 37% increase in attendance.
  • RIO worked with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust (CIOS PCT) and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) on improving services for young people through youth-led consultancy. In making films about their experiences, young people have provided an insight to the care that they both require and receive. As a result, funding to increase paediatric therapy services has already been secured and CIOS PCT and RCHT board have placed children and young people with complex needs as a priority.
  • RIO is worked with Somerset County Council to engage young people in their BSF school rebuild programme in Bridgwater - involving them in all aspects of the process, from vision and procurement through to design and management.  This work won a national Partnerships for Schools best practice award at the BSF Excellence Awards 2009.
  • RIO is piloting an alternative rural youth provision programme designed to engage with young people in ways they want. RIO has so far worked with 400 young people, triggering 12 youth-led funding applications which have raised over £15,000 to sustain activity.
  • RIO is working with a school in North Cornwall to develop a creative approach to addressing attendance and literacy. In their recent report, OFSTED noted that the ‘numbers of children attending school has consistently improved’ since RIO work started in January.

Get in touch to find out more about how we could get real results for you