In this What Works Scotland seminar, Briege Nugent presented findings from a qualitative study of young people living in poverty, providing unique insight into their lives.

The research set out to explore:

  • how young people end contact (successfully or not) with services
  • their experiences and views of the ‘transition to adulthood’,
  • and also what triggered, helped and hindered those who were trying to desist from offending.

The participants were met through Includem’s unique Transitional Support set up in Scotland to provide emotional and practical help for those vulnerable in this age group. Over the course of the research, a small number never left the service, and for the majority who did, it was found that they had limited to no other support in their lives but were reluctant to ask for help, even when they were in real need.

They were all acutely aware of their precarious situation and in many ways had accepted or blamed themselves for their unequal position. This study, although small, shows the impact of what the Christie Commission refers to as ‘the cycle of deprivation and low aspiration’ that has been allowed to persist. We are living in a society, where a population of what should be aspiring young adults have little to no expectations of what they are entitled to, what they can expect and what the future holds.

In many ways, for them social justice simply does not exist. Briege Nugent called for renewed hope so that inaction and continued poverty and inequality are not rendered inevitable.

Her presentation was followed by reflections from Karen McCulloch from Includem, and open discussion on key issues.

Speakers:

  • Briege Nugent from the University of Edinburgh
  • Karen McCulloch from Includem

Hosted by Oliver Escobar from What Works Scotland

Briege’s presentation was followed by reflections from Karen McCulloch from Includem, and open discussion on key issues.

Date: 7 June 2016

Location: Edinburgh

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