Children in Wales is piloting an initiative which supports projects to help vulnerable young people develop skills that are essential to their future. The Life Routes project, is funded by Nokia Make a Connection, is being piloted until December 2008. It is the equivalent of the successful project in England.

Life skills are normally developed as part of a healthy upbringing.  These include communication, problem solving and decision making skills as well as being able to work as part of a team and taking responsibility for your own actions.  A challenging childhood can, however, impede how these skills develop, and seriously affect a young person from  reaching their full potential and leading a fulfilling life.  Life Routes enables young people in the 11 to 19 year old age range to plan and run their own activities, and in doing so record and realise their own learning.

The project embodies the 7 Core Aims of Rights to Action which lays out the Welsh Assembly Government’s ambition to "support all children and young people to achieve their potential", and also Article 12 of the UNCRC, the right to participation.

The role of the Life Routes Development Officer is to support and assist practitioners to plan and develop a Life Routes project in their settings.  For more information about Life Routes and how it could be developed with your group contact:

Ed Janes: Ed.Janes@childreninwales.org.uk or Tel: 029 2034 2434.