Second Chance Debates
2011 Second Chance Debate Programme has begun!
The remarkably successful Second Chance Debate scheme commenced on Tuesday 11th October for the fifth year in a row. The programme is a joint project organised by Team Durham, Durham Union Society and Tyneside Cyrenians, a charity helping the vulnerable, disadvantaged and homeless.
For eight weeks, members of Durham Union will coach participants who are recovering from substance abuse, homeless or are in similarly disadvantaged positions. The scheme will culminate in a debate before the Durham Union Society on December 2nd on a topic of the particpants choosing towards the end of the year. The project promises to yet again be extremely worthwhile for both parties.
Keep an eye out on the Team Durham Community section for updates.
Team Durham hosts the fourth successful Second Chance debate!
The fourth Second Chance debate was held on Friday 3rd December 2010 and was the result of eight weeks of hard work from participants, staff and volunteers. The project has now run for four years and is an ongoing partnership between Team Durham, Durham Union Society and the Cyrenians.
Hosted by the Durham Union Society in their debating chamber, the topic of the debate was “This House would re-introduce National Service”. All the participants had been homeless and had joined the project to improve their self-confidence and to learn new skills.
Over an eight week period, students from the University’s debating society led the workshops and through a combination of games and exercises, participants were encouraged to voice their opinions loudly, clearly and logically.
By the end of the course, eight participants volunteered to form the Proposition and Opposition teams for the final debate while others chose to make floor speeches after the debate. The event was well-attended by university students and by members of the public, many of whom praised the participants for their courage for speaking before such a large audience.
The debate was preceded by a black-tie reception and four course dinner in Durham Castle, kindly hosted by University College. Following the workshop, the successful participants were presented with a certificate of achievement, a written reference and photographs.
The Second Chance debating course runs every year from October to December and students are welcome to volunteer. To find out more about Second Chance from a volunteer’s perspective, click here.
- Written by Mei Leng Yew, 2010/11 Community Scholar, 19th January 2011-
"One of the debating team commented the debate has "given me confidence…I could feel the warmth and laughter in the room…this has put me back on track."
Second Chance Client
