On The Edge is a Youth Work project based in Chagford and the surrounding area. The project started in 2006 with a 14.5 hour student placement. Wez Cutler was our second student youthworker, and has become well known in the Chagford area. Since then, we have employed Wez after he finished his studies and now employ him for 20 hours a week. OTE has built up on a basis of session work and detached work (going out to be where the young people are) and has formed two strong local groups – one in Chagford, one in Whiddon Down. These groups are fun, but they also have their serious side in enabling young people to explore their own form of community, and to test out in a safe space how they feel about key issues that affect them.
We are now entering a period of review following Wez's departure from the project at the end of August 2021 after 12 years working in and around Chagford. We hope to appoint an interim Youth Worker as soon as possible while we assess and plan how the project will move forward in the near future. We hope to run a scaled back project from September 2021 enlisting the help of volunteer organisations to run specific activities for young people in our communities.
The young people have been involved in a number of projects – including a play based on youth homelessness, the ‘Warmth’ Project, offering refreshment and warm clothing to homeless people in Exeter, and a London trip which had them talking with protesters outside Parliament. Most recently, Wez and a team of volunteers took 11 young people to walk the final stage of the Camino de Compostella in Spain. A total distance of 113km over 5 days! It was such an amazing experience which will stay in the hearts and minds of all who went - where friendships were strengthened, challenges were overcome and we can't forget the huge amount of delicious food consumed!
Many young people also take part in the summer school musicals run by Starling Arts, a London based arts company and supported us and Wez Cutler. There have been eight very successful musicals staged in Chagford in 2008, 2010-2016. It is a great chance to work with such a talented group of young people and get to know them more whilst working hard and having a bit of fun too!
The Project aims to excite and challenge the young people we work with and widen their perspectives and help them deepen their community with one another. There is also an initiative to develop leadership in young people, and to help them learn how to represent their peers. In all areas of the Project, Wez is involved to help guide them in their experiences and exploration.
We are now entering a period of review following Wez's departure from the project at the end of August 2021 after 12 years working in and around Chagford. We hope to appoint an interim Youth Worker as soon as possible while we assess and plan how the project will move forward in the near future. We hope to run a scaled back project from September 2021 enlisting the help of volunteer organisations to run specific activities for young people in our communities.
The young people have been involved in a number of projects – including a play based on youth homelessness, the ‘Warmth’ Project, offering refreshment and warm clothing to homeless people in Exeter, and a London trip which had them talking with protesters outside Parliament. Most recently, Wez and a team of volunteers took 11 young people to walk the final stage of the Camino de Compostella in Spain. A total distance of 113km over 5 days! It was such an amazing experience which will stay in the hearts and minds of all who went - where friendships were strengthened, challenges were overcome and we can't forget the huge amount of delicious food consumed!
Many young people also take part in the summer school musicals run by Starling Arts, a London based arts company and supported us and Wez Cutler. There have been eight very successful musicals staged in Chagford in 2008, 2010-2016. It is a great chance to work with such a talented group of young people and get to know them more whilst working hard and having a bit of fun too!
The Project aims to excite and challenge the young people we work with and widen their perspectives and help them deepen their community with one another. There is also an initiative to develop leadership in young people, and to help them learn how to represent their peers. In all areas of the Project, Wez is involved to help guide them in their experiences and exploration.
