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Southend YMCA 2011 Highlights
Southend YMCA 2011 Highlights
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Southend YMCA - A Reflection on our Highlights of 2011
30 December 2011
2011 has been a big year for Southend YMCA - we've made changes, started new projects, our staff and volunteer numbers have grown, we have increased in capacity, all resulting in being able to work with more young people and communities to help 'build their future'. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2011, funders, volunteers, staff, the public, volunteers and partners and wish you all a very happy new year.
To sum up such a big year we've gone out to our staff and asked them to pick a personal highlight: a significant moment; a story that touched them, or an event that had a big impact on them and those around them.
Syrie Cox CEO
In these difficult economic times where youth unemployment is at its highest, our belief in young people and the importance of offering them developmental opportunities has never seemed so relevant and important.
There are many young people who need a fresh start - where they are not labeled or dismissed , where hopelessness is dispelled and aspiration, self esteemand achievement built. Each young person is a unique individual and it is a blessing to see them develop and grow in their own special way, in their own time; each tiny step is a breakthrough on their journey as they try out new experiences, gain a qualification, move on to a college course or into employment.
So for me to see young people blossom is the highpoint of all we do - you can read some of their personal testimonies by clicking here.
Southend YMCA could not function effectively without the guidance of our Trustees, the support of funders, donors and partners, and the hard work of our staff and volunteer team - their ongoing commitment has created many inspirational and grateful moments in 2011. Please take the time to find out how you can support us here. See how Southend Police Inspector Leigh Norris raised just over £1000 for one of our projects here.
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| READ MORE: Andrew's personal account of his journey |
Andrew Snell, HR Officer
This year I completed the London 2 Southend bikeride to raise money for several charities, including Southend YMCA, after cycling 52 miles, I was greeted by fellow colleagues who had come to support my efforts, with months of training leading up to the final moment, you can read my personal account of the day again by clicking the link on the right.
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| READ MORE: Sam Duckworth in Switch Studio |
As my first full year as a member of staff at Southend YMCA draws to a close, upon reflection it has been a thoroughly gratifying and fruitful one. It has been a pleasure working as part of a dedicated team of staff that operate above and beyond the call of duty on a continual basis without falter. The recognition of these efforts emerge from time to time to by seeing the positive impact on the young people within our community. A great example would be the Princes Trust final presentation that tangibly documents the challenging but rewarding journey that positively transforms the lives of our young participants.
My highlight of the year was a guest recording session with nationally prominent and locally born artist Sam Duckworth (Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly) as he produced a track with Virtuoso students. The session left a great impression on our students who as a result are greatly driven to achieve their musical aspirations. We live blogged the evenings events with pictures and updates, which soon became one of the most read articles on the website.
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Mike Bromfield, Youth Participation Worker
In 2011 I was lucky enough to be part of some amazing ventures: earlier this year we relaunched southendymca.org.uk, which was a huge piece of work, we are fortunate to have some great stories to tell and publish online.
However nothing will top being part of Southend YMCA's French exchange to CORE for 'A Case of Reconciliation' as a volunteer. At 20, I can say that this was a trip that for me, and the others that went, became a huge learning experiance about the issues young people face in France, and in many ways, completely changed the way that I approach situations in life. Whilst in France, I made some amazing friends, the whole story, day-by-day, was blogged and can still be viewed by clicking the link on the right.
Sacha Edwards, Motivate Manager
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| VIEW MORE: See the gallery of Motivate's High Street Events. |
I started working for Southend YMCA in September on the Motivate project & the highlight of the year for me was the project launch events in Southend & Basildon where we managed to speak to over 200 young people who expressed an interest in getting involved in volunteering.
I have been extremely impressed with the level of commitment & enthusiasm of the young people involved & the support from staff at the YMCA from other departments. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone who was involved & look forward to another successful year ahead.
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Wot Fanar, Film Maker
I have now been employed by Southend YMCA for 9 months as their film maker. My highlight of 2011 was making short animations with the young people on the Trust education
programme.
I have never had much success with the core arts, I can barley sculpt a playdough worm and I can't draw for toffee. As such I have avoided animation much like a person with a nut allergy might avoid a chocolate factory. Luckily this affliction is not one shared by the talented students of Trust that graduated this July. Guided by the crafty Luke Johnson we jumped straight into action.
To finish up we all pitched in to make a giant animation whose plan seemed to change after every frame was recorded. There was method in the madness and it can all be seen on our youtube channel now. 2011 has been a great year for me, though 2012 will beat it if I don't have to install Final Cut again! See the animations on the right hand side.
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Paul Scott, Eco Hub Manager
My highlight of 2011 was setting up the Business Enterprise Exchange. After thinking long and hard about the various business events that were on offer in the Southend area, I felt that there wasn't one that was suited to the new, young or small business entrepreneur. Most were aimed at larger businesses, some you hadto pay to join, others were trying to sell you something and all of them seemed not to meet the needs of someone who had just started their business and felt a bit isolated. BEE is aimed at helping these people to meet up, exchange information and help each other to make a success of their businesses, which in today's current economic climate is becoming increasingly difficult. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly BEE took off, to date we have had 120 attendees over the first 4 meetings and the feedback has been very positive, with BEE members working with each other outside of the meetings. I am looking forward to continuing and expanding the event during 2012. (See the picture above)
As it's Christmas, my other, slightly festive, highlight of the year was undoubtedly the afternoon that I was in our courtyard when, what I initially thought was a very large pigeon, actually turned out to be a Red Legged Partridge, walked past me and hopped up onto one of the planters, then flew up to the roof. I thought ... "It doesn't get any better than this!" (See the picture above)
At the start of this year, Natalie Martin created an amazing piece of art work that still, nearly a year on sits outside the building, representing our ethos and eco nature. (See the picture above)
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John Levy, Housing & Facilities Manager
I wanted to let you know about a resident that has recently successfully moved on through the Southend YMCA accommodation provision.
Our work at the Southend YMCA allows us to assist many vulnerable young people, when they first arrive we are able to offer them crucial intervention support as they often arrive directly from traumatic situations. Southend YMCA support staff meet with each resident on a regular basis, offer continued support, opportunities for positive change whilst assisting them with their preparations for independent living.
Stephen's journey commenced when he first went to the local authority for assistance with housing. His family had asked him to leave home when circumstances changed and they downsized to a smaller property. Stephen left the family home and lived in a tent; he was very concerned that he would not be housed before the winter set in. For 4 months he lived in a tent by a fishing lake where he felt safer and kept warm with layers of clothing & a sleeping bag. Unfortunately, during this time he was suffering with anxiety & depression because of his circumstance and was very vulnerable living in a tent and became extremely isolated, After applying through the Access Referral Panel for supported housing the Southend YMCA interviewed him and after a short wait for a vacancy, he became a resident in September.
During his tenancy Stephen was offered our counselling service and claimed that he soon felt better for having a stable home & support from YMCA staff and he soon began looking for work. Stephen sat his CSCS card test (which is required to work 'on-site' in the construction industry), he was interviewed and given a job working for Sharpfibre Limited (a Fire Protection Company) who work closely with Southend YMCA and assist interested residents or students with work placements & equipment donations.
After rapid progression at work and with his tenancy Stephen was recommended for 'move-on' accommodation as he was managing his tenancy and finances extremely well and no longer needed support. Stephen was only with the Southend YMCA for a very short period of 6 months and achieved a great deal during this time. He continues to work very hard and successfully live independently. I am in close and constant contact with his employer and they remain impressed with Stephen's development, he is now a valued member of their team and he has future opportunities to progress further and has the option to work various parts of the UK and in Paris, France.
Stephen was an exceptional case and he rapidly grasped every opportunity available to him whilst he was at Southend YMCA. He is a polite, conscientious & very hard working lad. We are all very proud of his achievements and wish him even more success in the future.
I have now been employed by Southend YMCA for 9 months as their film maker. My highlight of 2011 was making short animations with the young people on the Trust education
I have never had much success with the core arts, I can barley sculpt a playdough worm and I can't draw for toffee. As such I have avoided animation much like a person with a nut allergy might avoid a chocolate factory. Luckily this affliction is not one shared by the talented students of Trust that graduated this July. Guided by the crafty Luke Johnson we jumped straight into action.
To finish up we all pitched in to make a giant animation whose plan seemed to change after every frame was recorded. There was method in the madness and it can all be seen on our youtube channel now. 2011 has been a great year for me, though 2012 will beat it if I don't have to install Final Cut again! See the animations on the right hand side.
Paul Scott, Eco Hub Manager
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| Red Legged Partridge at The Eco Hub |
Natalie Martin's Art Project sitting outside The Eco Hub |
Jane Dolby presenting at The Business Enterprise Exchange |
The Eco Hub covered in snow in January |
My highlight of 2011 was setting up the Business Enterprise Exchange. After thinking long and hard about the various business events that were on offer in the Southend area, I felt that there wasn't one that was suited to the new, young or small business entrepreneur. Most were aimed at larger businesses, some you hadto pay to join, others were trying to sell you something and all of them seemed not to meet the needs of someone who had just started their business and felt a bit isolated. BEE is aimed at helping these people to meet up, exchange information and help each other to make a success of their businesses, which in today's current economic climate is becoming increasingly difficult. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly BEE took off, to date we have had 120 attendees over the first 4 meetings and the feedback has been very positive, with BEE members working with each other outside of the meetings. I am looking forward to continuing and expanding the event during 2012. (See the picture above)
As it's Christmas, my other, slightly festive, highlight of the year was undoubtedly the afternoon that I was in our courtyard when, what I initially thought was a very large pigeon, actually turned out to be a Red Legged Partridge, walked past me and hopped up onto one of the planters, then flew up to the roof. I thought ... "It doesn't get any better than this!" (See the picture above)
At the start of this year, Natalie Martin created an amazing piece of art work that still, nearly a year on sits outside the building, representing our ethos and eco nature. (See the picture above)
John Levy, Housing & Facilities Manager
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| John Levy and his daughter ahead of a sponsored bike ride they took part in together in September. |
Our work at the Southend YMCA allows us to assist many vulnerable young people, when they first arrive we are able to offer them crucial intervention support as they often arrive directly from traumatic situations. Southend YMCA support staff meet with each resident on a regular basis, offer continued support, opportunities for positive change whilst assisting them with their preparations for independent living.
Stephen's journey commenced when he first went to the local authority for assistance with housing. His family had asked him to leave home when circumstances changed and they downsized to a smaller property. Stephen left the family home and lived in a tent; he was very concerned that he would not be housed before the winter set in. For 4 months he lived in a tent by a fishing lake where he felt safer and kept warm with layers of clothing & a sleeping bag. Unfortunately, during this time he was suffering with anxiety & depression because of his circumstance and was very vulnerable living in a tent and became extremely isolated, After applying through the Access Referral Panel for supported housing the Southend YMCA interviewed him and after a short wait for a vacancy, he became a resident in September.
During his tenancy Stephen was offered our counselling service and claimed that he soon felt better for having a stable home & support from YMCA staff and he soon began looking for work. Stephen sat his CSCS card test (which is required to work 'on-site' in the construction industry), he was interviewed and given a job working for Sharpfibre Limited (a Fire Protection Company) who work closely with Southend YMCA and assist interested residents or students with work placements & equipment donations.
After rapid progression at work and with his tenancy Stephen was recommended for 'move-on' accommodation as he was managing his tenancy and finances extremely well and no longer needed support. Stephen was only with the Southend YMCA for a very short period of 6 months and achieved a great deal during this time. He continues to work very hard and successfully live independently. I am in close and constant contact with his employer and they remain impressed with Stephen's development, he is now a valued member of their team and he has future opportunities to progress further and has the option to work various parts of the UK and in Paris, France.
Stephen was an exceptional case and he rapidly grasped every opportunity available to him whilst he was at Southend YMCA. He is a polite, conscientious & very hard working lad. We are all very proud of his achievements and wish him even more success in the future.
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