Jail Brake
February 11th, 2010 | Published in work related
I’ve entered an idea for the Jail Brake competition. It’s a competition to find and support great ideas that could break the cycle of youth offending using simple web and mobile tools.
Here it is:
Usual Suspects
What’s your idea?
In a similar vein to ‘The Big Issue’ Young people are offered the chance to earn money by selling garments they design, online. They do a basic training course on industry and design then get to design clothes (thinking t-shirts, baseball caps only at present), basic marketing – they get to set the price and have their own online shop – profits are split between them and the company (if it was to become a social enterprise). Should the participant re-offend, they can no longer participate in the project.
What is the problem your idea could address?
This idea would address unemployment & self esteem.
What’s really new about your idea?
It gives young people a real opportunity to understand the potential of entrepreneurship and do something for themselves. Gets them thinking outside of the usual industry options that are offered.
What kind of impact will your idea make?
There are many young people who are willing to take opportunity to move forward and so if the project can attract the ‘do-ers’, in the first instance. These young people can then become role models / peer mentors to others. Numbers wise, it would be low to begin with but there’s no reason why this project couldn’t become nationwide.
Why might people want to commission or pay for your idea?
Once the process is visualised, I believe it offers an exciting opportunity to really make a difference. There is potential to approach both public and private sector for support.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be to making this work in practice?
Overcoming a reluctant, low on confidence, client group. This is why engaging the ‘do-er’s at an early stage is crucial.
What inspired you to come up with your idea in the first place?
A project we deliver to young offenders using social media. Part of the project was to raise awareness of the possibilities of starting their own businesses. I thought this could maybe be moved a step closer to reality.
From 1-5, what stage of development would you say your idea was in?
This idea is at stage 1.
What can we do for you?
This project needs staff time and partners. There are plenty of ‘off the shelf’ products to choose from in terms of any online shop options. Time would be important to find willing testers from probably youth offending teams, highlighting the ‘do-er’s. Also, securing a bespoke training package will require time.
If you’re not able to take the idea onward after the weekend, would you be happy for someone else to take ownership of your idea and move it forward?
Yes, but I am quite keen for our organisation to be involved in some way.
Tags:idea, jail brake, reoffenders, young offenders
