An Introduction to Infocow - a free resource for young people. Infocow links to hundreds of different websites and sources of information that can help make positive changes, whether that’s finding out what to do after GCSEs, or what the first steps are to leaving home. Presentation by Kieron Kirkland

1. Introducing... www.infocow.org.uk

2. Infocow Free to use resource Aimed at young people aged 14-19 3 key features : Links to sources of inspiration and information to help young people take advantage of their rights and entitlements Gives specific rights information related on your search Is sociable: people, vote, comment and suggest resources. Can link to Facebook so people share useful sites between friends www.infocow.org.uk

3. What does Infocow cover? Anything that can: support young people to explore their interests and aspirations become more aware of their entitlements 9 main ‘theme’ areas... www.infocow.org.uk

4. Work and learning opportunities Play and Recreation Staying safe Identity, Respect, Equality Friendships, relationships and support Creativity and Arts Participation and Voice Health and Well Being Community and environment

5. www.infocow.org.uk

6. Write search term and use the filters to narrow the search Create a profile and link it to your Facebook account to share useful links Vote and comment on sites Lots of different links, information, video Suggest new sites Specific rights information related to the search term

7. Where can you use ? In and out of ‘formal’ settings Informal tool to support young people in exploring their lives Formal Education - PSHE - Citizenship Extended services – support connecting young people to a ‘varied menu of activities’ Part of youth engagement– connecting young people to opportunities, and extending staff knowledge Sharing your own resources And..? www.infocow.org.uk

8. Get in touch to find out more! www.infocow.org.uk kieron.kirkland@futurelab.org.uk twitter.com/kieronkirkland www.futurelab.org.uktwitter.com/futurelabedu