Big congratulations to Jonny who started a new job yesterday at Esure. Unfortunatley he won't be able to see the project to the end but we are over the moon that he has found employment. The aim of this project is to support individuals to become more employable, so for someone to gain a job half way through the project, is a massive achievement and we are really happy for him.
We wish all the very best of luck to Jonny!
Trevor who volunteers at Springhead has decided to take on an additional volunteer role with Oldham Gateway club, a centre that provides activities for adults with learning difficulties. Trevor has decided to pursue a career in care work, so he's looking to gain some practical work experience in this field first. We are delighted that Trevor has seeked more volunteer work and we are confident he will be an excellent asset to the Gateway team. We're not losing him from Springhead...(thankfully!!) but he'll have a busy few weeks ahead of him! Good luck Trevor!
I also wanted to say a big well done to everyone else on the project . We are now in week 8 and we are coming to an end of the training element of the project, which finishes on Thursday this week. The volunteers have been extremely committed and great to work with.
We received a text message from Akky who is volunteering with Positive Steps on Friday last week to say ''Hey Sian, just thought I’d text to tell you I had a brilliant time yesterday with the young carers, it’s exactly what I wanted. Thank you, Akky’’.
We are now recruiting volunteers for the second round of the project. If you are interested come along to our information session, next week Thursday 7th April 1.30pm at Volunteer Centre Oldham. Alternatively contact me on 0161 633 6222 or email sian.smith@vaoldham.org.uk
Last week the Springhead volunteers received a visit from a group of volunteers from Pakistan who are part of the British Council's Active Citizens project. You can read more about the Active Citizens programme by following the link http://www.britishcouncil.org/bih-projects-active-citizens.htm.
The group from Pakistan were in Oldham for a week, so they came to see Springhead to see what type of community projects exist in Oldham. This was a great opportunity for us, as we were able to show off all the hard work that has gone on over the past few weeks.
See below Trevor, Damian and Danny with 2 members from the Active Citizens programme.
They are still making great progress at Springhead and the end is nearly in sight. Have a look at the pictures below, it's amazing what new windows and few licks of paint can do!
The volunteers at Springhead are making tremendous progress, they have been putting up new walls, plastering, painting the external wood work. Check out the pictures below....
(left to right - Kyle, Damian, Danny, Tizita, Akkey, Candice, David, Naim, Alishia, Lucy, Liz, Innes (Mountain Monkeys), Sian and Ryan
Here we all are, waiting to set off on team challenge at Dove Stones, Greenfield! We were very excited (and apprehensive) about what lay ahead, albeit a little bit cold.
The day was jam packed with lots of different team building challenges. We were split into 2 teams and set off up the hill, with our harness and hard hats in hand.
Our team spirit was stretched to the limits once we'd climbed to the top as the weather was very severe, so much so we had to cancel our abseil and rock climb. The weather didn't defeat us however, as we continued on with the rest of the day with more team games on lower ground with easier terrain.
The volunteers all said they really enjoyed themselves and we got a text later in the day from Akkey who said 'I had a great time, I enjoyed every minute of it!'
See how we got on....
Francis and Biddy from Oldham Community Health Services came along to talk about how we can build confidence and self esteem. The volunteers had a full day session, looking at how healthy eating, physical exercise and a positive attitude helps us to feel happier and confident in ourselves. They also looked at different ways to deal with and manage stress. These are all really useful tips when we're in the work place and in everyday life in general!
Mark from Mountain Monkeys popped in at the end of the session, just to give the guys an update on what to expect next week, when we go on the team challenge day out at Dove Stones Greenfield. They will be rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking and much more. Everyone is very excited and a little anxious...including me!
This week, Liz, Naim and Jonny were back at DofE, all freshed faced and eager to get on after their week off. They were tasked with sorting the equipment out, from tents to the walking gear ready for the next expedition. Here they all are waiting to get stuck in....
