Josh from Eastbourne is looking forward to starting college to embark on a performing arts course. Yet, only months before he had been wasting his days in heavy drinking with friends and causing trouble.

The 18 year old had taken part in courses before after leaving school but they didn’t work out for him. The Opt-IN programme at Sussex Downs College financed by the European Social Fund through the Learning and Skills Council was the answer.

Staff admitted Josh was a challenge to begin with. He was living independently in the town and life revolved around drinking. ‘He was a young man, fighting with himself to grow up, with no clear goals for the future or ambition to get there,’ said Jacqui Mercer, Business Development Officer for Opt IN.

The Opt-IN programme encouraged him to look at his life in different ways, boost his self-confidence and work out what he really wanted to do. He notched up an impressive 97 per cent attendance rate on the course and even managed to win a place on a trip to Africa by putting together an effective presentation. Daily 12 mile walks in preparation for the visit and cutting down on drinking helped get him fit for the adventure. Now, Josh has won a place on the Lewes College GCSE Plus programme with a major in Performing Arts and the opportunity to gain qualifications in Maths, English and Sociology.

‘If it wasn’t for Opt-IN, I would never have thought of applying for the two year performing arts course at Lewes collage. Opt-in has also helped me with my social life as I feel I have matured and don’t drink as much,’ said Josh.

‘He is a more confident, sensitive, and motivated young man able to express clear goals for his future with improved emotional literacy reflecting upon his achievements,’ said David McCarthy, Opt IN Project Lead Co-ordinator.