Jess, Sarah, Danny, Tony, Paula and Robert met for the first time when they signed up to the Mashed course in Calderdale.

Mashed is a personal development 10 week course that is run by the Calderdale Activity Agreement team. It provides diversity and identity workshops to build self-esteem, improve communication skills and boost confidence.

Young people find the course very enjoyable as it gives them the platform to explore their thoughts, ideas and life values.

Jess, Sarah, Danny, Tony, Paula and Robert are on the current Mashed course. In week 1 of the course there was an awkwardness about the group, with no eye contact and very little interaction. Now in week 8 they are a close-knit team with each one participating to the discussions and joining in the activities.

Steve and Farah deliver the course. Says Steve " Everyone in the group is given the space to talk and every opinion is valid."

Intensive job searching is provided alongside the course. The young people all have different career aspirations, from Bricklaying, to Construction, Childcare to working in a home for the Elderly. Thanks to the Activity Agreement and the skills that they have developed on the Mashed course each young person feels able to take the next step towards their future.