July 17, 2010: Dagenham Town Show
Representatives from the Children’s Centre and Employment teams gave up their Saturday and several evening’s hard work to prepare a float for this year’s Dagenham Town Show Parade. The theme was ‘launch your fantasy into reality’ with a rocket made by LifeLine's Head of Families - Paul Morton-Kemp. Project leader Nicola Campone arranged for children from the Children’s Centres to make decorations for the float. Parents got involved and handed out leaflets profiling children’s centre activities. Staff from the employment team dressed up in occupational costumes and promoted LifeLine’s job brokerage services to the spectators. A big thank you to N&C for sponsoring the truck.
Representatives from the Children’s Centre and Employment teams gave up their Saturday and several evening’s hard work to prepare a float for this year’s Dagenham Town Show Parade. The theme was ‘launch your fantasy into reality’ with a rocket made by LifeLine's Head of Families - Paul Morton-Kemp. Project leader Nicola Campone arranged for children from the Children’s Centres to make decorations for the float. Parents got involved and handed out leaflets profiling children’s centre activities. Staff from the employment team dressed up in occupational costumes and promoted LifeLine’s job brokerage services to the spectators. A big thank you to N&C for sponsoring the truck.
July 16, 2010: Alibon Children's Centre hosts Margaret Hodge MP
Alibon Children’s Centre played host to Barking MP, Margaret Hodge last Friday. Pictured here with Centre Manager Caroline Brealey to the left and Head of Families, Paul Morton-Kemp to the right, Ms Hodge spent time speaking to staff at LifeLine’s newest children’s centre. Located just off the Heathway on Sterry Road, Alibon Children’s Centre, in common with all other LifeLine Children’s Centres is not just for children! A range of services are provided for the whole community including:
• Child, family, health and maternity services
• Family support and parental outreach services
• Information and support in finding jobs and appropriate training
• Information and advice for parents and families
• Information and support for young parents.
Alibon Children’s Centre played host to Barking MP, Margaret Hodge last Friday. Pictured here with Centre Manager Caroline Brealey to the left and Head of Families, Paul Morton-Kemp to the right, Ms Hodge spent time speaking to staff at LifeLine’s newest children’s centre. Located just off the Heathway on Sterry Road, Alibon Children’s Centre, in common with all other LifeLine Children’s Centres is not just for children! A range of services are provided for the whole community including:• Child, family, health and maternity services
• Family support and parental outreach services
• Information and support in finding jobs and appropriate training
• Information and advice for parents and families
• Information and support for young parents.
July 12, 2010: LifeLine Institute students graduate
This year’s cohort of students from the LifeLine Institute, Dagenham, rounded off their year with a graduation ceremony at ‘The Vibe’ venue in Dagenham today. The event opened with a song composed by last year’s student Lee Sanderson –‘Time to leave’. Lee is now at Barking College studying ICT. Other entertainment was provided by girls from this year’s graduating group who performed a range of dances to an audience packed with parents, teachers, mentors and representatives from funders - London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
Head Teacher, Grant Dixon, spoke about some of the highlights of the year including the introduction of business into the curriculum, along with sessions to teach cookery, film making, drama, dance and even rocket science! Students participated in the sports leadership award and had been selected to go to the Attourney General’s office to speak about their personal experiences as young people who had been affected by crime.
A key supporting role at the LifeLine Institute is played by the volunteer mentors. One student – Ben – explained the vital role his mentor had played in helping him to see the potential outcome of different choices. Ben had expressed a desire to become a doctor and his mentor had invited Ben to speak to a friend of his who had just finished his medical training. As a result of this Ben realised that he needed to work hard – and went on to gain 100% in his math’s exam!
The event culminated with a short speech from Meena Kishanani, Head of Children’s Policy and Commissioning at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham who expressed her delight at attending the event saying:
“I make lots of decisions for the lives of young people, so it’s great to come to events like this to see how decisions that are made come into fruition” Meena congratulated the Mentors for their contribution saying “thank you so much for giving up your time and effort to make such a huge difference to the lives of young people. You will have heard the phrase ‘Big Society’ and you are it! People in the community giving up time to help other people in the community” Meena also took the opportunity to comment on the growth of the organisation saying “ I’m so proud of LifeLine and the work that has been done, and well done to all of the young people”.
This year’s cohort of students from the LifeLine Institute, Dagenham, rounded off their year with a graduation ceremony at ‘The Vibe’ venue in Dagenham today. The event opened with a song composed by last year’s student Lee Sanderson –‘Time to leave’. Lee is now at Barking College studying ICT. Other entertainment was provided by girls from this year’s graduating group who performed a range of dances to an audience packed with parents, teachers, mentors and representatives from funders - London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.Head Teacher, Grant Dixon, spoke about some of the highlights of the year including the introduction of business into the curriculum, along with sessions to teach cookery, film making, drama, dance and even rocket science! Students participated in the sports leadership award and had been selected to go to the Attourney General’s office to speak about their personal experiences as young people who had been affected by crime.
A key supporting role at the LifeLine Institute is played by the volunteer mentors. One student – Ben – explained the vital role his mentor had played in helping him to see the potential outcome of different choices. Ben had expressed a desire to become a doctor and his mentor had invited Ben to speak to a friend of his who had just finished his medical training. As a result of this Ben realised that he needed to work hard – and went on to gain 100% in his math’s exam!
The event culminated with a short speech from Meena Kishanani, Head of Children’s Policy and Commissioning at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham who expressed her delight at attending the event saying:
“I make lots of decisions for the lives of young people, so it’s great to come to events like this to see how decisions that are made come into fruition” Meena congratulated the Mentors for their contribution saying “thank you so much for giving up your time and effort to make such a huge difference to the lives of young people. You will have heard the phrase ‘Big Society’ and you are it! People in the community giving up time to help other people in the community” Meena also took the opportunity to comment on the growth of the organisation saying “ I’m so proud of LifeLine and the work that has been done, and well done to all of the young people”.
May 10, 2010: A day in the life of a LifeLine Job broker
Grace* is a 14 year old who has had some mental health problems and is resident at the mental health unit in Goodmayes. She was referred to LifeLine by the Redbridge Connexions team. Grace’s Occupational Health Therapist accompanied her to meet with LifeLine’s recruitment consultant Sarim Shaikh to help build her confidence. Grace wanted to volunteer in a Cattery because she loved animals, but couldn’t keep any at her council flat home. Unfortunately the Mental Health Unit had no success in arranging a placement for her, but LifeLine’s recruitment consultant made a number of cold-calls resulting in a possible placement. The employer wanted to speak with Grace, but she was too shy to do this on her own. Her advisor worked with her to prepare a script for a telephone conversation which she achieved on her own! This was a major milestone. After the phone call the employer wanted to meet Grace in person and show her around the Cattery, so the advisor worked with her to prepare answers to questions that might be asked. The advisor arranged to meet Grace to accompany her to the interview, going together by public transport without Grace’s Therapist. These stepping stones are crucial to help Grace regain her confidence and return to school.
Grace is very excited by the opportunity and looking forward to starting the work experience. Something that she wouldn’t have dreamed was possible just a short time ago.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity.
Grace* is a 14 year old who has had some mental health problems and is resident at the mental health unit in Goodmayes. She was referred to LifeLine by the Redbridge Connexions team. Grace’s Occupational Health Therapist accompanied her to meet with LifeLine’s recruitment consultant Sarim Shaikh to help build her confidence. Grace wanted to volunteer in a Cattery because she loved animals, but couldn’t keep any at her council flat home. Unfortunately the Mental Health Unit had no success in arranging a placement for her, but LifeLine’s recruitment consultant made a number of cold-calls resulting in a possible placement. The employer wanted to speak with Grace, but she was too shy to do this on her own. Her advisor worked with her to prepare a script for a telephone conversation which she achieved on her own! This was a major milestone. After the phone call the employer wanted to meet Grace in person and show her around the Cattery, so the advisor worked with her to prepare answers to questions that might be asked. The advisor arranged to meet Grace to accompany her to the interview, going together by public transport without Grace’s Therapist. These stepping stones are crucial to help Grace regain her confidence and return to school.
Grace is very excited by the opportunity and looking forward to starting the work experience. Something that she wouldn’t have dreamed was possible just a short time ago.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity.
April 30, 2010: New LifeLine Centre in Croydon will give young people fresh opportunities
The newest LifeLine Centre was officially opened with a celebration event today. This centre marks a new partnership with Prevista who will also offer services from the venue.
Avril McIntyre,CEO of LifeLine, took the opportunity to launch LifeLine’s new Vigor8 Programme which gives young people who are not in education, employment or training the opportunity to be mentored under the award winning Vision, Identity, Purpose (VIP) initiative. Under the scheme young people will receive Information, Advice & Guidance, skills and employability training, CV writing and interview skills training, 1-2-1 Job Search and Support as well as building a personal action plan.
PJ Coles, Young Person’s Development worker for LifeLine held the audience spellbound as he talked about the changes that he’d seen with young people in schools: ‘I worked with two brothers’ PJ said, ‘one who was a gang member with convictions; his younger brother wanted to copy him, but I told him a bit of my story and talked to him about getting GCSE’s and going to Uni. The school has commented that he has completely turned around – from wanting to be in a gang to having a purpose in his life’ PJ continued ‘I couldn’t make him different, but I told him that I would stand with him on his journey, sharing experiences and offering choices’.
Croydon-based beneficiary of LifeLine’s training, George, spoke with feeling about his experiences of first coming to the UK 8 years ago: ‘I was a TV and News Journalist in Georgia’ he said ‘but when I came to the UK I had no English so it was very difficult – I felt lost and frustrated, but since joining LifeLine I have gained confidence as well as learning English. I come with pleasure, the staff are caring and professional and I’ve learned lots of new skills. I’m now able to apply for jobs and will soon start a placement with Crystal Palace Museum to help me gain experience in Art, Culture and Media’
Avril talked about the new partnership with Prevista commenting on the opportunity to give better value to beneficiaries by coming together with another provider to develop mechanisms that will benefit the customer. She went on to describe LifeLine saying ‘we have been offering services for the past 10 years; we wanted to give people who had no opportunities the opportunities they should have’.
‘Working together is very important’ said James Clement-Smith, Managing Director of Prevista before describing Prevista as a ‘private sector company involved in enterprise, skills and employment’.
Lee Odlum, Lone parent advisor from the neighbouring JobCentrePlus also welcomed LifeLine to the area saying ‘we have lots of lone parents who have no work experience. This is where organisations like LifeLine can help them to become job-ready. I fully expect referrals to be thick and fast!’
A red ribbon was cut by Avril and James to signify the official opening of the centre.
The newest LifeLine Centre was officially opened with a celebration event today. This centre marks a new partnership with Prevista who will also offer services from the venue. Avril McIntyre,CEO of LifeLine, took the opportunity to launch LifeLine’s new Vigor8 Programme which gives young people who are not in education, employment or training the opportunity to be mentored under the award winning Vision, Identity, Purpose (VIP) initiative. Under the scheme young people will receive Information, Advice & Guidance, skills and employability training, CV writing and interview skills training, 1-2-1 Job Search and Support as well as building a personal action plan.
PJ Coles, Young Person’s Development worker for LifeLine held the audience spellbound as he talked about the changes that he’d seen with young people in schools: ‘I worked with two brothers’ PJ said, ‘one who was a gang member with convictions; his younger brother wanted to copy him, but I told him a bit of my story and talked to him about getting GCSE’s and going to Uni. The school has commented that he has completely turned around – from wanting to be in a gang to having a purpose in his life’ PJ continued ‘I couldn’t make him different, but I told him that I would stand with him on his journey, sharing experiences and offering choices’.
Croydon-based beneficiary of LifeLine’s training, George, spoke with feeling about his experiences of first coming to the UK 8 years ago: ‘I was a TV and News Journalist in Georgia’ he said ‘but when I came to the UK I had no English so it was very difficult – I felt lost and frustrated, but since joining LifeLine I have gained confidence as well as learning English. I come with pleasure, the staff are caring and professional and I’ve learned lots of new skills. I’m now able to apply for jobs and will soon start a placement with Crystal Palace Museum to help me gain experience in Art, Culture and Media’
Avril talked about the new partnership with Prevista commenting on the opportunity to give better value to beneficiaries by coming together with another provider to develop mechanisms that will benefit the customer. She went on to describe LifeLine saying ‘we have been offering services for the past 10 years; we wanted to give people who had no opportunities the opportunities they should have’.
‘Working together is very important’ said James Clement-Smith, Managing Director of Prevista before describing Prevista as a ‘private sector company involved in enterprise, skills and employment’.
Lee Odlum, Lone parent advisor from the neighbouring JobCentrePlus also welcomed LifeLine to the area saying ‘we have lots of lone parents who have no work experience. This is where organisations like LifeLine can help them to become job-ready. I fully expect referrals to be thick and fast!’
A red ribbon was cut by Avril and James to signify the official opening of the centre.
April 22, 2010: Alibon Children's Centre will provide services to residents from May 2010
The fifth Barking and Dagenham Children’s Centre to be managed by LifeLine was officially opened on Thursday 22nd April. The Centre will start delivering services in May 2010. The site in Sterry Road, Dagenham, previously home to derelict residential buildings, has been renovated into a brand new ‘Green’ Children’s Centre by Barking and Dagenham Council .
LifeLine Children’s Centres offer a wide range of services to the whole family. From baby groups and parent forums, to health and maternity services, the centre will be an excellent resource for parents and carers in the area.
In addition, services relevant to all local residents will be delivered from the centre, such as job search, training opportunities, benefits advice and many other forms of support and guidance.
Newly appointed Family Support Officer for LifeLine, Nicola Campone, commented “as a local mum, I know that the Alibon residents will make great use of this fantastic facility, the ward has been lacking a centre like this, and I can’t wait to see the difference the available resources will make”.
The fifth Barking and Dagenham Children’s Centre to be managed by LifeLine was officially opened on Thursday 22nd April. The Centre will start delivering services in May 2010. The site in Sterry Road, Dagenham, previously home to derelict residential buildings, has been renovated into a brand new ‘Green’ Children’s Centre by Barking and Dagenham Council .LifeLine Children’s Centres offer a wide range of services to the whole family. From baby groups and parent forums, to health and maternity services, the centre will be an excellent resource for parents and carers in the area.
In addition, services relevant to all local residents will be delivered from the centre, such as job search, training opportunities, benefits advice and many other forms of support and guidance.
Newly appointed Family Support Officer for LifeLine, Nicola Campone, commented “as a local mum, I know that the Alibon residents will make great use of this fantastic facility, the ward has been lacking a centre like this, and I can’t wait to see the difference the available resources will make”.