All Aboard!Learning to feel good Mentoring Service

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TrustmattersThe Surrey Care Trust Newsletter | Winter 2015 - Spring 2016

Mainstream school can pose all sorts of problems for some students: large classes, lack of personal attention and constant distractions can be overwhelming and lead to poor behaviour.

That’s why our alternative education STEPS to 16 programme, at our Learning Centre in Woking, can provide a more suitable education for young people aged 14-16 who have struggled in a mainsteam school. A high staff to student ratio and greater emphasis on practical learning such

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REGISTERED CHARITY 285543

FULL MARKS FOR BETH

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as cooking, hairdressing and gardening helps our young students to embrace education once again.

But while there’s lots to do that doesn’t involve a pen and paper, we haven’t forgotten the importance of the 3 Rs either. Students spend at least six hours per week improving their functional skills in English and Maths, with the aim of achieving a minimum level one City and Guilds qualification which is recognised by colleges and employers.

Our tutors teach English and Maths in practical contexts so that students understand why learning these is so important. Students may be asked to work out the correct change or to calculate the area of a garden for example: important skills for those who want to pursue a career in retail or in landscape gardening.

Beth, who is 15, has just joined our STEPS to 16 programme. She has already made huge improvements in her attendance

levels and behaviour. She explains why STEPS to 16 is making such a difference:

“I couldn’t cope at a big school. I didn’t like it so I never got on with my work; I’d go on my phone and stuff or I’d get into an argument. It’s much better here, you get more help. I know I wouldn’t be concentrating or achieving as much if I was still at the big school.

I want to be a hairdresser and, although I really enjoy practising hairstyles in the salon here, I know I need to get English and Maths if I want to study hairdressing at college when I leave here. I’m learning a lot more now.”

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If your school wants to find out more about referrals to our STEPS to 16 programme, contact Anne Fice on 01483 487037.

Practical education such as cooking helps our young students to embrace learning again

People’s Postcode Trust for supporting work in the garden at Stanwell Sure Start Children’s Centre, including artificial grass to make it accessible all-year round.

A2 Dominion for paying for two of our Children’s Centre team to train in the highly-regarded 1-2-3 Magic parenting programme.

Community Foundation for Surrey and The Albert Hunt Trust, for supporting the cost of employing an assistant trainer.

Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust for supporting the garden project at STEPS to 16 and Johnson Wax Limited Charitable Trust for supporting sporting activities.

Surrey High Sheriff Youth Awards for funding an 11 week course teaching young people on our STEPS to 16 programme basic motor mechanics and practical engineering skills.

Community Foundation for Surrey also supporting our mentoring work with ex-offenders and people vulnerable to being drawn into offending in East Surrey.

Thames Heritage Trust for supporting the work of Swingbridge.

Wates Family Enterprise Trust for supporting our core team.

Guildford Symphony Orchestra for the retiring collection from their Beethoven Concerto concert.

Duck Race sponsors: Baker Tilly, Blue Tree Recruitment, Careswell Property Services, Chapters Financial, Dolphin Head, GCL Solicitors, Projectfive, Runnymede Homes, Morrisons Solicitors, Roffe Swayne, TWM Solicitors, Waitrose, Stihl UK, Business Law Online, Brooklands Princes Trust, Plan A, Denbies and JS2.

We are grateful to the following organisations for recent grants, donations and support.

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Each week, a busy children’s centre in west Surrey welcomes a group of particularly vulnerable mothers. One is recovering from domestic abuse, two others have chaotic home lives which have led to their children being placed on child protection plans, some do not speak English as a first language and four mums are struggling to cope as single parents. Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence is something that they all have in common.This year the Trust has delivered confidence building courses at the Children’s Centre aimed at eqipping these vulnerable parents,

and others who are unemployed or have fewer than five GCSEs, with the tools they needed to boost their self-esteem and get back into work or education.Using a combination of group and individual exercises, discussion and role playing, the parents attending were able to recognise confidence and self-esteem in themselves and others as well

acknowledge their individual positive attributes.Buoyed by their new found self-confidence, three parents found employment after the first course while the two parents with chaotic home lives have established more positive relationships with their children which means they are no longer on child protection plans.

Feedback from the courses has been overwhelmingly positive and Surrey Care Trust is hoping to offer back to work and first aid courses in the new year.

“Very informative course. It has given me the chance to spend a bit of time thinking about me. And learn to value myself more. It has made me happier about myself which will therefore make my family happier.”

“The best part was learning different ways to deal with situations, learning how to say no to benefit myself more.”

“Thank you. It has been a real eye opener for me because I was sceptical on how you could teach confidence, but it was very surprising how much I have learnt.”

LEARNING TO FEEL GOOD AGAIN

Image shows models: Photo credit iStock.com

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ALL ABOARD FOR RIVER TRIPS ALONG THE WEYEach spring and summer, small groups from a wide range of organisations enjoy a relaxing day on the river on our community boat. These day trippers are usually not able to enjoy the simple pleasure of letting the world flow gently by for a few hours because they are disabled, but Swingbridge1 has been specially adapted to comfortably accommodate people with limited mobility.

As well as giving people a great day out, Swingbridge trips help to fund our vital work to help disadvantaged people to turn their lives around through training, mentoring and education.

In October, Surrey Care Trust received the Mayor’s Award for Access from the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith, for Swingbridge1. The Award recognises groups or individuals who help make venues more accessible to all or provide support to those with an illness or disability.

The criteria prescribed by the Access Group for an award is high and those nominated must achieve or exceed that standard. Swingbridge1 is a 40ft broadbeam boat with an all-weather canopy, and is equipped with a wheelchair lift so it is fully accessible for people with limited mobility. Up to three

Mike Griffiths, Chris Padmore and Bryan Craddock receive the Mayor’s Award for Access from the Mayor of Guildford.

A group from Disability Initiative enjoyed their trip along the River Wey

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Following its recent interior refurbishment, Stanwell Children’s Centre‘s garden has also had a make-over thanks to funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery Trust.

A new artificially turfed area underlaid with a support pad will enable comfortable year-round play outside and there is a brand new sandpit too.

The Children’s Centre also has a fresh new look with a contemporary logo.

The 2015/16 programme has had a revamp too with new classes including Music Matters with MAD Academy, a mixture of high energy music and dance, combined with carefully structured learning to give children an opportunity to develop motor skills, physical co-ordination and confidence.

Also new for 2015/16 is a free Legal Advice Clinic and a 24hr helpline. Stanwell Children’s Centre is the only centre in Surrey currently offering this service.

For more information, visit www.stanwellchildrenscentre.co.ukor call 01784 241407.

wheelchairs can be accommodated and a newly fitted kitchen allows more space to manoeuvre. It is crewed entirely by volunteers.

Our community boats were nominated: “In particular, for the fantastic community work you undertake in the provision of trips to the elderly and young from all kinds of community organisations and residential homes.”

The two-hour trips depart from the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf in Guildford on the River Wey at 10.30am and 1.30pm every day through the spring, summer and early autumn.

To book a trip or to volunteer as a crew member, contact our Swingbridge Co-ordinator Chris Padmore on 07973 282239 or email cj.padmore@surreycaretrust.org.uk

“Thank-you for looking after us so well on our trip yesterday.

All of our clients really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on the boat and appreciated the tea

and coffee. Robin hasn’t stopped telling everyone about his experience on the tiller!”

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Reece is articulate, warm and expressive. When he’s chatting and laughing with John in a coffee shop you might think that they were just chilling out together over a chocolate frappuccino.

No longer on thin ice

But Reece is actually in the coffee shop to let off steam, to share his frustrations about his damaged relationship with his mother, to try and manage his anger. John is in fact his mentor.

John and Reece have been meeting for over a year. Reece, who is 16, was referred to Surrey Care Trust’s mentoring service following an incident at home with his mum, which resulted in his arrest.

“My mum drinks and my anger got the better of me. I went through the roof and I ended up getting arrested. Luckily I wasn’t prosecuted but I realised

that something had to change otherwise next time it would be much worse” says Reece.

Reece was matched with John, who has been mentoring for Surrey Care Trust for four years. Their weekly sessions have acted as a release valve for Reece’s frustrations and anger.

John says: “I’m really proud of Reece; I don’t underestimate how difficult it is for him to open up about these things. He’s come a long way since I’ve been seeing him and he’s got some great GCSE results including ‘C’s in the important subjects of English and Maths.”

Reece adds: “There’s less on my mind now. Somehow, through these meetings I seem to be able to help myself more.”

Reece says he wants to be an ice road trucker when he’s older, and thanks to his mentor, the future certainly seems a lot clearer now.

Our mentoring work is with vulnerable young people and adults who value the support of someone independent to help them in making positive changes. Call Gemma Seldon on 01483 426990 or 07771 961619 to find out more about this service or about becoming a volunteer mentor.

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Make Someone’s Future Brighter this Summer4 Trustmatters

EVENTS

UP, UP AND AWAY Surrey 3 Peaks walkers complete marathon walk for charityPeople from across Surrey took part in one of Surrey’s toughest challenges, the annual Surrey 3 Peaks marathon-length walk, organised by Surrey Care Trust, and sponsored by Surrey manufacturer Broanmain Plastics, on Saturday 26 September.Between them the walkers clocked up over 850 miles on the circular route from Shere, raising at least £9,000 for Surrey Care Trust.Kevin Small is a volunteer mentor for the Trust and, inspired by the positive changes he has seen in his mentee, wanted to help raise funds for the charity which needs to raise

Registered charity 285543 | Company limited by guarantee under number 01658859 | The Crescent | Heathside Cresent | Woking | Surrey | GU22 7AG | Telephone: 01483 426990

Inspired by the work of the Trust, volunteer Mentor Kevin Small (pictured right) took part in the 2015 Surrey 3 Peaks walk.

Thanks to QCG &

Broanmain Plastics

for their event

sponsorship!

WE HAVE PLACES IN NEXT YEAR’S LONDON AND SURREY HALF MARATHONS, BRITISH10K AND RIDE LONDONcontact us for more information

£300,000 each year to support our vital services. “I really enjoy being a mentor; it’s so satisfying to help a young person to work through their problems and become more confident.” Also going the extra mile were the bosses of the event sponsor Broanmain Plastics, Wilf and Jo Davis. They didn’t only give financial support, but they also provided lunch for every single walker and volunteer. Next year we’re aiming to go higher... more walkers and more peaks... so make a note in your diary for Saturday 24 September, tell your friends and get ready for the Surrey 5 Peaks!

UNLOCKING POTENTIALJoin us for a unique fundraising lunch at The Clink Restaurant, Her Majesty’s Prison High Down, Sutton on Friday 26 February 2016. Enjoy seasonal produce cooked and served by prisoners who participate in The Clink Restaurants’ training scheme, with guest speaker Crispin Blunt MP.

MORE EVENTS

2016Surrey Half MarathonWokingSunday 13 March Target sponsorship £100

Virgin London MarathonSunday 24 April Minimum sponsorship £1500

British 10K London RunSunday 10 JulyTarget sponsorship £150

Ride London - SurreySunday 31 JulyMinimum sponsorship £750

For more information or to book a place, email events@surreycaretrust.org.uk or call Kirsty Newton on 07748 963617

DONATE ONLINE: www.make-a-difference.online or by texting MADE25 £5 to 70070 to make a £5 donation.

Or you can donate by cheque to Surrey Care Trust at The Crescent, Heathside Crescent, Woking GU22 7AGor by BACS to Surrey Care Trust a/c 00017988 Sort Code: 40-52-40.

Thousands of young people and adults in Surrey are disadvantaged by low skills, lack of opportunity, setbacks in life and precarious economic circumstances. People like Beth, who is embracing education once again through our

STEPS to 16 programme, or like Reece, who is keeping out of trouble and managing to cope with difficult circumstances at home thanks to his volunteer mentor. Together we can make a difference.

Make a difference!

Surrey is a county where wealth and opportunity are neighbours to disadvantage.

Find out more at www.surreycaretrust.org.uk

You can make a difference to the futures of thousands of local people by making a donation, taking part in a fundraising event or volunteering your time.

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