Reconnecting: a holistic humanities approach to using literature to engage with young people at risk of exclusion

ReconnectEd is a registered charity running a pilot in Sheffield, working with young people at risk of exclusion from school. This IAA proof-of-concept project works with ReconnectEd to co-produce a pilot holistic humanities outreach programme. The group will meet weekly to work on a graphic novel which depicts the experience young people have when they are at risk of exclusion, providing a creative outlet beyond therapeutic sessions. The aim is to help young people engage with their own identities and understand the experiences they and/or their peers have been through, educating them outside of a school setting which may have proven challenging for them. The project stems from my research around using holistic humanities and creative writing to help vulnerable adults express themselves and feel part of a community. This project works with a more specific group of young people to demonstrate that giving young people creative outlets enhances their engagement with education. Following the pilot, the project will be scaled up and conducted on a national level. The overall aim is to draw government attention to the need to fund programmes to help young people facing permanent exclusion and change policy surrounding exclusion for the benefit of marginalised pupils.