July 13, 2010: The VIP Challenge
On the 13th July, LifeLine gathered together a group of thirty 14-19 year olds who have benefitted from the Inspire Mark-winning VIP (Vision, Identity, Purpose) Mentoring Programme to address an audience of politicians, business advisors, voluntary sector organisations and charities, as well as members of the organising committee of the Olympic Games. The young people, many of whom had previously been NEET (not in education, employment or training) or at high risk of becoming NEET, spoke about some of the issues that they had faced and shared their innovative solutions that had been sparked by the VIP Mentoring Programme. Tim Loughton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Children and Families, was the keynote speaker and expressed his delight at the outcomes of the VIP programme saying that it was truly great that young people had developed a model of engagement that successfully effected change in the community. He took the opportunity to invite LifeLine to join policy makers at ‘the top table’.
The event started with two songs from X-Factor 2009 finalist Stacey Solomon, who said “being a young Mum is a really tricky job, but staff at LifeLine’s Castle Green Children’s Centre helped me at a time when I needed it and gave me confidence that I could pursue my dreams”
The object of the event was twofold: to celebrate the achievements of the young people and to invite audience members to become part of the Olympic legacy by doing something to make a difference in their community. The young people used the positive impact they have been able to have on their communities to challenge attendees to follow their lead.
LifeLine developed the VIP Mentoring Programme in response to some of the needs that local young people were expressing. One mentor, PJ Cole, grew up in the middle of a violent civil war in Sierra Leone, West Africa. His parents ran a successful rehabilitation project, working with child soldiers who had been caught up in the atrocities. Many were maimed, orphaned, had been abused or mistreated, had addictions and had even committed murder, before they were found and adopted by PJ's parents. PJ shared much of his childhood with these child soldiers and learned not to condemn, but to see a positive future for each individual.
Today PJ is part of a team running LifeLine's VIP Mentoring Programme for 14-18 year olds at a Dagenham secondary school. The programme is designed for young people facing difficulties in different aspects of their lives - they may be having difficulty staying in school, facing problems at home, fighting addictions, anger or self control issues or on probation. The programme seeks to help young people to make good choices and to see their real identity aside from their issues and behaviour. "It's not something I see as a job," said PJ, "but as an opportunity to show them there is another way. It's really exciting because you can actually see their future changing front of your eyes. Young people that would otherwise be out of school by the end of the year are still in school, not just attending but turned around, with new reputations, different behaviour, different aspirations and contributing valuably to the school community."
Young people in Dagenham are being reformed thanks to the Mentoring Programme. One 16 year old had been excluded from her previous school. She was very negative about her new school community and didn't see any possibility of achieving academically. In the time she has been attending the mentoring group there has been "a remarkable change." PJ added, “now she's trying to complete her A Levels to go to University and become a teacher, because she says she wants to help other people!"
One student speaking at the event said "I have learnt that I can be different and choose a different way - not reacting to situations but making sure that I am in control and respond rightly. The course has helped me control my anger and behaviour in class. Since year 7 I have had bad reports at every parents evening, but this year I had good reports. I want to thank my mentor"
PJ said, "Circumstances and life can cause us to make bad choices. But our message and the message of some of these young people is that your past does not have to determine your future."
The concept of the Mentoring Programme evolved from LifeLine's other VIP youth programmes which are based on seeing a young person's potential, and engendering a sense of individual value and purpose in them.
LifeLine was awarded the Inspire Mark, which is awarded to community groups that work with young people and run activities that seek to leave a legacy after the 2012 Olympic Games, for its suite of activities which make up the VIP experience for young people including:
SW!TCH ID events: regular constructive community flashmobs and SW!TCH Academy, a weekly training and planning session for SW!TCH ID regularly attended by 27 young people.
Community and Family Days run by young people for the community (five so far).
VIP Volunteering Training: 19 young people received peer mentor training, 40 young people received VIP mentoring. 5 young people lead their peers on a regular basis.
Three of LifeLine’s Institute Students have recently been selected to become youth ambassadors for the Olympics. They are charged with making sure the younger voices of the local community are heard during the organisation and run up to the 2012 Olympics.
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The VIP Programme is encouraging young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as LifeLine are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in helping young people to realise their Vision, Identity and Purpose in life.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:
“The Olympics is ripe with opportunities for young people and I want kids from every part of London to seek ways to get involved. Mentoring schemes like ‘LifeLine’ can literally turn around the attitudes of troubled teenagers and guide them onto the right paths. I want to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and hope they keep up the momentum through 2012 and beyond.”
Tim Loughton, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Children and Families said: “I am delighted to be celebrating with the young people taking part in this mentoring programme. Their enthusiasm and hard work to help other young people deserves our recognition and admiration. Often young people who are having problems in their lives feel more comfortable seeking help from their peers. LifeLine’s mentoring scheme gives young people the chance to get help or improve their behaviour before it’s too late.”
Nathan Singleton, Director of Community Development, LifeLine, said:
The event demonstrated the great work of LifeLine’s Staff and Volunteers and the impact this has on young people. The young people did a great job on the day and this is just a sample of their great work year on year. We are seeing young people move from service users to peer leaders to leaders and community organisers through our VIP mentoring approach. It is great to reflect on the change these young people are making in their communities.
On the 13th July, LifeLine gathered together a group of thirty 14-19 year olds who have benefitted from the Inspire Mark-winning VIP (Vision, Identity, Purpose) Mentoring Programme to address an audience of politicians, business advisors, voluntary sector organisations and charities, as well as members of the organising committee of the Olympic Games. The young people, many of whom had previously been NEET (not in education, employment or training) or at high risk of becoming NEET, spoke about some of the issues that they had faced and shared their innovative solutions that had been sparked by the VIP Mentoring Programme. Tim Loughton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Children and Families, was the keynote speaker and expressed his delight at the outcomes of the VIP programme saying that it was truly great that young people had developed a model of engagement that successfully effected change in the community. He took the opportunity to invite LifeLine to join policy makers at ‘the top table’.The event started with two songs from X-Factor 2009 finalist Stacey Solomon, who said “being a young Mum is a really tricky job, but staff at LifeLine’s Castle Green Children’s Centre helped me at a time when I needed it and gave me confidence that I could pursue my dreams”
The object of the event was twofold: to celebrate the achievements of the young people and to invite audience members to become part of the Olympic legacy by doing something to make a difference in their community. The young people used the positive impact they have been able to have on their communities to challenge attendees to follow their lead.
LifeLine developed the VIP Mentoring Programme in response to some of the needs that local young people were expressing. One mentor, PJ Cole, grew up in the middle of a violent civil war in Sierra Leone, West Africa. His parents ran a successful rehabilitation project, working with child soldiers who had been caught up in the atrocities. Many were maimed, orphaned, had been abused or mistreated, had addictions and had even committed murder, before they were found and adopted by PJ's parents. PJ shared much of his childhood with these child soldiers and learned not to condemn, but to see a positive future for each individual.
Today PJ is part of a team running LifeLine's VIP Mentoring Programme for 14-18 year olds at a Dagenham secondary school. The programme is designed for young people facing difficulties in different aspects of their lives - they may be having difficulty staying in school, facing problems at home, fighting addictions, anger or self control issues or on probation. The programme seeks to help young people to make good choices and to see their real identity aside from their issues and behaviour. "It's not something I see as a job," said PJ, "but as an opportunity to show them there is another way. It's really exciting because you can actually see their future changing front of your eyes. Young people that would otherwise be out of school by the end of the year are still in school, not just attending but turned around, with new reputations, different behaviour, different aspirations and contributing valuably to the school community."
Young people in Dagenham are being reformed thanks to the Mentoring Programme. One 16 year old had been excluded from her previous school. She was very negative about her new school community and didn't see any possibility of achieving academically. In the time she has been attending the mentoring group there has been "a remarkable change." PJ added, “now she's trying to complete her A Levels to go to University and become a teacher, because she says she wants to help other people!"
One student speaking at the event said "I have learnt that I can be different and choose a different way - not reacting to situations but making sure that I am in control and respond rightly. The course has helped me control my anger and behaviour in class. Since year 7 I have had bad reports at every parents evening, but this year I had good reports. I want to thank my mentor"
PJ said, "Circumstances and life can cause us to make bad choices. But our message and the message of some of these young people is that your past does not have to determine your future."
The concept of the Mentoring Programme evolved from LifeLine's other VIP youth programmes which are based on seeing a young person's potential, and engendering a sense of individual value and purpose in them.
LifeLine was awarded the Inspire Mark, which is awarded to community groups that work with young people and run activities that seek to leave a legacy after the 2012 Olympic Games, for its suite of activities which make up the VIP experience for young people including:
SW!TCH ID events: regular constructive community flashmobs and SW!TCH Academy, a weekly training and planning session for SW!TCH ID regularly attended by 27 young people.
Community and Family Days run by young people for the community (five so far).
VIP Volunteering Training: 19 young people received peer mentor training, 40 young people received VIP mentoring. 5 young people lead their peers on a regular basis.
Three of LifeLine’s Institute Students have recently been selected to become youth ambassadors for the Olympics. They are charged with making sure the younger voices of the local community are heard during the organisation and run up to the 2012 Olympics.
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The VIP Programme is encouraging young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as LifeLine are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in helping young people to realise their Vision, Identity and Purpose in life.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:
“The Olympics is ripe with opportunities for young people and I want kids from every part of London to seek ways to get involved. Mentoring schemes like ‘LifeLine’ can literally turn around the attitudes of troubled teenagers and guide them onto the right paths. I want to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and hope they keep up the momentum through 2012 and beyond.”
Tim Loughton, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Children and Families said: “I am delighted to be celebrating with the young people taking part in this mentoring programme. Their enthusiasm and hard work to help other young people deserves our recognition and admiration. Often young people who are having problems in their lives feel more comfortable seeking help from their peers. LifeLine’s mentoring scheme gives young people the chance to get help or improve their behaviour before it’s too late.”
Nathan Singleton, Director of Community Development, LifeLine, said:
The event demonstrated the great work of LifeLine’s Staff and Volunteers and the impact this has on young people. The young people did a great job on the day and this is just a sample of their great work year on year. We are seeing young people move from service users to peer leaders to leaders and community organisers through our VIP mentoring approach. It is great to reflect on the change these young people are making in their communities.
May 17, 2010: CEO of LifeLine visits community projects in Kiev
CEO of LifeLine Avril McIntyre and LifeLine Network International Co-ordinator Jamie Singleton visited the Capital of Ukraine, Kiev last week. The purpose of the visit was to look at the various community projects that Today’s Family have established there. 'Today’s Family' are a partner organisation of LifeLine Network International. Albert Kitcher is the Director. As well as visiting the various projects, Avril presented the work of LifeLine to the Director of Youth Affairs within the Department of Social Services and the Deputy Director of the Institute of Pedagogy at the University of Kiev. The key focus was to demonstrate how Voluntary Sector organizations can work with statutory agencies in the delivery of community focused activity. Both visits were well received and it is hoped that partnership will be developed with both organizations through Today’s Family.
Director, Albert Kitcher is seeking to develop a model of foster care/adoption for Ukrainian children which will enable local families to foster or adopt from Ukrainian Orphanages. Currently there are very limited national foster care options but international adoption is on the increase. Avril and Jamie visited orphanages where around 30 two year olds have been placed.
LifeLine also had the priviledge of attending the graduation ceremony of the University of Kiev's Leadership Programme - facilitated by Today's Family. Avril McIntyre presented the graduating students with certificates.
CEO of LifeLine Avril McIntyre and LifeLine Network International Co-ordinator Jamie Singleton visited the Capital of Ukraine, Kiev last week. The purpose of the visit was to look at the various community projects that Today’s Family have established there. 'Today’s Family' are a partner organisation of LifeLine Network International. Albert Kitcher is the Director. As well as visiting the various projects, Avril presented the work of LifeLine to the Director of Youth Affairs within the Department of Social Services and the Deputy Director of the Institute of Pedagogy at the University of Kiev. The key focus was to demonstrate how Voluntary Sector organizations can work with statutory agencies in the delivery of community focused activity. Both visits were well received and it is hoped that partnership will be developed with both organizations through Today’s Family.Director, Albert Kitcher is seeking to develop a model of foster care/adoption for Ukrainian children which will enable local families to foster or adopt from Ukrainian Orphanages. Currently there are very limited national foster care options but international adoption is on the increase. Avril and Jamie visited orphanages where around 30 two year olds have been placed.
LifeLine also had the priviledge of attending the graduation ceremony of the University of Kiev's Leadership Programme - facilitated by Today's Family. Avril McIntyre presented the graduating students with certificates.
April 19, 2010: M&S small food stores use LifeLine Job Brokerage Services
LifeLine’s Employment team prides itself on focussing on business and being employer-led. Our highly skilled job brokers help hundreds of people into work every year (reaching 1000 last year!), many of whom have been long term unemployed, with few qualifications or a lack of confidence.
However without the commitment and co-operation of employers our task would be infinitely more difficult. Having employers such as Marks & Spencers endorse our product will certainly boost confidence. Job Broker Nicky Rice organised for 25 of M&S vacancies in their small food shops to be sourced by LifeLine Job Brokers last week. If this works well, it is hoped that M&S stores will also use our services.
Our success is based on the commitment and skills of our staff and a strong and developing partnership with employers across a range of sectors in London.
LifeLine’s Employment team prides itself on focussing on business and being employer-led. Our highly skilled job brokers help hundreds of people into work every year (reaching 1000 last year!), many of whom have been long term unemployed, with few qualifications or a lack of confidence.However without the commitment and co-operation of employers our task would be infinitely more difficult. Having employers such as Marks & Spencers endorse our product will certainly boost confidence. Job Broker Nicky Rice organised for 25 of M&S vacancies in their small food shops to be sourced by LifeLine Job Brokers last week. If this works well, it is hoped that M&S stores will also use our services.
Our success is based on the commitment and skills of our staff and a strong and developing partnership with employers across a range of sectors in London.
March 15, 2010: Good news for the women of Barking and Dagenham
For a full report please visit: http://www.guardianpublic.co.uk/cash-barking-dagenham-women-adetunji
With a myriad of social, economic and cultural issues to consider finding work is not easy for women in Barking and Dagenham, which is why a new programme called ‘CASH’ (aka ‘Village’) has been implemented specifically to focus on the individual.
Tackling the low employment rate for women in one of London's most deprived boroughs has meant developing a programme that focuses less on new services and more on reaching out and helping women better navigate the existing system.
The two-year Careers, Advice, Support and Help (Cash) programme in Barking and Dagenham was set up to tackle high levels of unemployment in an area where some families have not worked for generations and more women than men are likely to find themselves out of work and on welfare.
"We went out and talked to these women” says Andrew Lennox from Capgemini, “Some had no prior working experience or no English. Others had plenty of work experience but childcare difficulties. In some cases male partners did not expect women to work and there were these cultural issues.”
Running alongside the borough's local job shops Cash also runs as a community outreach scheme, providing support and guidance through a "spaghetti junction" of existing services. "The programme is about building up people's ability and employability over time," says Terry Regan, the council's group manager for employment and skills.
The Cash team is small - two full-time outreach workers and a part-time team leader, provided by LifeLine, a voluntary sector provider – who motivate participants and provide information and guidance. From there two coaches provide more in-depth help and ongoing support. Through the coaches, the Cash team don't just use their expertise to point women in the right direction but also take an active role in following their progress through the system and they hope to help around 200 women over the two years.
For a full report please visit: http://www.guardianpublic.co.uk/cash-barking-dagenham-women-adetunji With a myriad of social, economic and cultural issues to consider finding work is not easy for women in Barking and Dagenham, which is why a new programme called ‘CASH’ (aka ‘Village’) has been implemented specifically to focus on the individual.
Tackling the low employment rate for women in one of London's most deprived boroughs has meant developing a programme that focuses less on new services and more on reaching out and helping women better navigate the existing system.
The two-year Careers, Advice, Support and Help (Cash) programme in Barking and Dagenham was set up to tackle high levels of unemployment in an area where some families have not worked for generations and more women than men are likely to find themselves out of work and on welfare.
"We went out and talked to these women” says Andrew Lennox from Capgemini, “Some had no prior working experience or no English. Others had plenty of work experience but childcare difficulties. In some cases male partners did not expect women to work and there were these cultural issues.”
Running alongside the borough's local job shops Cash also runs as a community outreach scheme, providing support and guidance through a "spaghetti junction" of existing services. "The programme is about building up people's ability and employability over time," says Terry Regan, the council's group manager for employment and skills.
The Cash team is small - two full-time outreach workers and a part-time team leader, provided by LifeLine, a voluntary sector provider – who motivate participants and provide information and guidance. From there two coaches provide more in-depth help and ongoing support. Through the coaches, the Cash team don't just use their expertise to point women in the right direction but also take an active role in following their progress through the system and they hope to help around 200 women over the two years.
March 01, 2010: Vigor8 NEET young people across London
This project targets young people across 16 London Boroughs who are in danger of not being in education, training or employment (NEET). The programme will focus on the hardest to reach such as teenage parents, BME groups, those in pupil referral units, young offenders, care leavers as well as subsistence users, homeless, disabled, young travellers, young asylum seekers, refugees and those with work-limiting illnesses (including mental health conditions).
Activities will include:
o Assesments designed to reveal needs
o VIP (Vision, Identity and Purpose) mentoring
o Outreach and referrals
o IAG’s
o Personalised action plans
o Employability skills training
o Skills Development
o Employer brokerage
Funded by the LDA and managed by LifeLine, we will also be partnered by Fairbridge and Barking College.
This project targets young people across 16 London Boroughs who are in danger of not being in education, training or employment (NEET). The programme will focus on the hardest to reach such as teenage parents, BME groups, those in pupil referral units, young offenders, care leavers as well as subsistence users, homeless, disabled, young travellers, young asylum seekers, refugees and those with work-limiting illnesses (including mental health conditions).Activities will include:
o Assesments designed to reveal needs
o VIP (Vision, Identity and Purpose) mentoring
o Outreach and referrals
o IAG’s
o Personalised action plans
o Employability skills training
o Skills Development
o Employer brokerage
Funded by the LDA and managed by LifeLine, we will also be partnered by Fairbridge and Barking College.
March 01, 2010: CAP ’09: Helping long-term unemployed or low-income parents into sustainable employment
Cap ’09 is a pilot programme which aims to test whether a new model of support can help low-income or long-term unemployed parents get and remain in sustainable employment. The programme is being run out of LifeLine's new Job Shop based in the former training suite at LifeLine House, Dagenham.
Job brokers use a ‘key-worker’ approach to help parents to find employment that is permanent and matches their skill-set. A personalised package of support will help parents to progress including:
o Help with childcare
o Tax credits
o Other funding sources
o Advice and guidance
o Practical support
o Ongoing support for up to 6 months following employment
Funded by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, the pilot is focussed on families with a low-household income in order to address some of the issues of child poverty within the Borough.
Cap ’09 is a pilot programme which aims to test whether a new model of support can help low-income or long-term unemployed parents get and remain in sustainable employment. The programme is being run out of LifeLine's new Job Shop based in the former training suite at LifeLine House, Dagenham. Job brokers use a ‘key-worker’ approach to help parents to find employment that is permanent and matches their skill-set. A personalised package of support will help parents to progress including:
o Help with childcare
o Tax credits
o Other funding sources
o Advice and guidance
o Practical support
o Ongoing support for up to 6 months following employment
Funded by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, the pilot is focussed on families with a low-household income in order to address some of the issues of child poverty within the Borough.