Housing Education – Teachers give "Offski" top marks !

In responses to an evaluation survey on Scottish Council for Single Homeless’ "I’m Offski!" video and lesson pack, teachers have described the resource as "an excellent organisational tool", "well presented" and "an active learning experience". One pupil remarked: "At last! Something that comes from this century!" Of the 160 schools that have so far responded, 80% have used "I’m Offski!", with virtually all of them finding the pack useful. The video is particularly valued as it is "up to date with believable characters", and the "easy to use" worksheets were commended by many as "excellent".

The survey confirms that SCSH’s "Offski" materials have put Leaving Home and Housing Education firmly on the agenda in Scotland . The forthcoming Housing Act places new duties on local authorities to develop homelessness strategies and preventative education has a key role to play. However, teachers are telling us of the increasing pressures on their time and the "general congestion" of the curriculum. It is vital that teachers are given support to prioritise Leaving Home Education.

The head of SCSH’s Youth Unit, John Dickie, comments:

"Our survey has highlighted the importance that teachers place on housing education in the curriculum. We are delighted with the response, which shows that the "I’m Offski!" materials are being widely used by teachers across Scotland .

The resource has also had a warm welcome from pupils. Our research tells us that young people are keen to explore at school the numerous issues involved in leaving home.

School leavers continue to face housing crises undermining their ability to succeed in work and further education. We must build on the success of "Offski" to reduce that risk."

Notes

1. Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) is the national membership body for organisations and individuals tackling homelessness.
2. The "I’m Offski!" pack is a lesson pack with video for teachers and youth workers which enables discussion of leaving home issues with young people.
3. The resource was launched in 1998 with support from Community Fund. It won the Housing and Education award at the National Housing Awards 1998.