Foyer Newsround 29-11-12

Top stories

1. “18 year old East Thames Barking and Dagenham Foyer resident, Chris Adams, has reached the finals of the E=mc2 Start Up Business of the Year competition with his mobile hairdressing business “Baseline”

http://www.24dash.com/news/communities/2012-11-28-Barking-and-Dagenham-Foyer-resident-reaches-finals-at-prestigious-awards

2. ACEVO has launched a review of the Work Program.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13921/acevo_launches_review_of_work_programme

3. The LSE and Orbit Group have published a report into the top five community investment priorities for housing associations. One of the 5 is “Youth activities, support and job access” and the report used peer researchers to gather evidence and the views of the community.

http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2012-11-28-Top-five-community-investment-priorities-for-housing-associations-revealed

Foyer news

“18 year old East Thames Barking and Dagenham Foyer resident, Chris Adams, has reached the finals of the E=mc2 Start Up Business of the Year competition with his mobile hairdressing business “Baseline”

http://www.24dash.com/news/communities/2012-11-28-Barking-and-Dagenham-Foyer-resident-reaches-finals-at-prestigious-awards

What the President of SMMT said in their dinner speech about us.

https://www.smmt.co.uk/2012/11/presidents-annual-dinner-speech-27-november-2012/

Independent Futures’ Plymouth Foyer have opened a new two bed ‘training’ flat.

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Unique-new-half-way-flat-young-people-Plymouth/story-17435136-detail/story.html

Young people

Paul Goggins (MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Manchester) “For young people who grow up in care the transition into adulthood can often appear something of a cliff edge.” and more financial support is needed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/paul-goggins/financial-support-for-children-leaving-care_b_2203228.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Stephen Twigg on the Ofsted Annual Review and “We Must be Ambitious for All Our Young People”

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/stephen-twigg/we-must-be-ambitious-for-_b_2204760.html

“Researchers have identified a pattern in the way that some young people think about emotional information that could be used to help identify teenagers at risk of developing depression and anxiety.”

http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/News/2012/News/WTP040836.htm

Youth labour market

10.5% of the UK workforce (including 20% of young people) are under employed in that they want to and are able to work more hours. Underemployment reduces unemployment up to a point after which it starts to entrench unemployment as those in work but underemployed compete for any additional work hours.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20509189

The Work Program was a key clashing point at PMQs yesterday.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/nov/28/cameron-miliband-clash-work-programme

http://www.leftfootforward.org/2012/11/david-cameron-ed-miliband-work-programme-pmqs/

Boris is launching his own workfare program in London that will be similar to the national scheme.

http://www.leftfootforward.org/2012/11/boris-johnson-london-work-programme/

David Miliband chaired a North London youth jobs summit yesterday.

http://www.northlondon-today.co.uk/News.cfm?id=41261&headline=Youth%20jobs%20summit%20gets%20down%20to%20work

CVS stories

ACEVO has launched a review of the Work Program.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13921/acevo_launches_review_of_work_programme

“HMRC has released three new guides to help users complete its most popular charity forms, including making gift aid claims.”

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13919/new_guides_from_hmrc_to_help

The Big Lottery Fund is investing £6.9m into the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13917/big_injects_69m_into_lloyds_entrepreneurs_scheme

Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke and Christopher Snowdon continue their criticism of the voluntary sector, focusing on supposed money wasting and unpopular fundraising methods by the UK’s biggest charities. You can read my blog on this topic in the December issue of Campaign Central.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13916/public_sick_of_large_charities_wasting_money_mps_hear

New US tax evasion laws will place a burden on UK charities receiving donations from the US or holding assets in the US.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13922/us_tax_evasion_law_could_add_red-tape_burden_for_uk_charities

Housing

The LSE and Orbit Group have published a report into the top five community investment priorities for housing associations. One of the 5 is “Youth activities, support and job access” and the report used peer researchers to gather evidence and the views of the community.

http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2012-11-28-Top-five-community-investment-priorities-for-housing-associations-revealed

“The private sector cannot be the only answer to London’s housing problems. The capital’s property market serves the demands of the wealthy and global speculators, rather than the needs of the majority”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/housing-network/2012/nov/28/london-property-foreign-investors-housing

“Three factors that make a supported housing scheme a success”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/social-care-network/2012/nov/28/supported-housing-scheme

Politics

Ahead of the Leveson Inquiry part 1 report “What is Press Regulation? – Six Different Models”

http://inforrm.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/what-is-media-regulation-six-different-models/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20537029

A blog on Conservative Home that argues young people’s knowlege of their local communities, social networks and experience of using services makes them well qualified to run for their local councils.

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/localgovernment/2012/11/why-should-young-people-stand-for-council.html

Just an updated version of the same article yesterday on Labour considering putting votes for 16 year olds in their manifesto. If you feel like reading 100% disadvantaged thinking about young people and random racism then scroll through the comments.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/9707737/Voting-age-could-be-lowered-to-16-under-Labour.html

Other news

Africa’s growing young population and implication for their future higher education

www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/nov/28/early-careers-academics-african-universities

The wrong kind of impact….

Yesterday the Foyer Federation contingent set off to celebrate the talents of young people involved in pioneering SMMT employability project with Toyota, Ford & Unipart at a lunch hosted by funders SMMT. There was a great atmosphere at SMMT HQ for celebration event.

Unipart Group & Mayday Trust young people collaborated to save £17,000 by redesigning a trolley used in the factory

Tasharn was centre stage representing East Thames Group & Ford celebrating the turbine sculpture and film they made.

Derby Foyer worked with Toyota to build a Osprey Nest and save a nature reserve in the process. It was brilliant to hear how Unite the Union sponsored Foyer staff, young people and delivery team at Toyota to travel and stay over in London.

Toyota staff learnt that working with young people effectively needs two months of relationship building before any real change can occur. Toyota have learnt a lot about building trust within the local community, social issues affecting the region and a taste of how tough it is to run youth services on tight budgets. The Foyer Federation are very excited by the close relationships formed  between social housing providers and large corporations. I managed to answer Paul Fitzpatrick’s questions on how local commissioning works in conjunction with national government policy that affects young people accessing affordable, safe housing.

After a lunch of rubbing shoulders with the CEO’s of every UK car company the SMMT recognise event moved onto the go-karting track. I’ve never been before and don’t drive so it was time to embrace a new experience. Project worker Lloyd Burt nearly got out of it by hiding behind a pool cue but we got him into a driving suit by the time the briefing started. Joel and I hoped this would be a chance to gather informal impacts of this project. Unfortunately the only impact I made was crashing into the barriers every 10 seconds.

The London crew all seemed to make it into the ‘glad you came’ race! As anticipated I came 8th place (out of 8) and got stuck behind Tasharn and Joel dog fighting for 1^st place.

Jenny Johns from Mayday Trust rocked it into 3rd place of SMMT working assets ‘glad you came’ recognise race. Foyer ladies salute you!

Winners of grand finale of SMMT recognise event race. Thanks to SMMT for a fabulous afternoon and partnering with The Foyer Federation on working assets.

Thanks to Toyota GB, Ford and Unipart group for giving young people a chance to unlock their talent & learn with your members.  Thanks to SMMT for laying on a great recognition and go-karting (excluding the bruises).

You can read about our innovative Working Assets program with SMMT on their website press release

You can join this conversation on Twitter using #Working Assets

Round up of Foyer relevant Funding Opportunities 21 – 28th November

Open Talent through football participation (England)

The Football Foundation has announced that it is accepting applications for funding through its “Grow the Game” programme.

Through the programme, funding of up to £5,000 is available for projects that increase participation by both players and volunteers within the game. Applications are welcome from organisations that are ‘not for profit’ and planning to set up two new football teams over the next two years. To be eligible for funding organisations must have a signed constitution (with a dissolution clause), child protection policy, equal opportunities policy, bank statement and income/expenditure records.

The type of activities that can be funded include (but are not limited to): Facility hire; Hire of FA qualified coaches; Referees fees; CRB checks; Affiliation fees; and Promotion and publicity; etc.

The closing date for applications is the 21st December 2012.

http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/

New innovative project can help young people campaign (UK)

The Edge Fund, which was initiated by a small group of philanthropists and activists in early 2012 is now open for applications.

The aim of the fund is to support communities, campaign groups and activists struggling for social, economic and environmental justice.  Groups facing discrimination and injustice because of their class, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other factors can apply for grants of up to £5,000  to challenge injustices and create just and healthy communities.  To apply, the Edge Fund requires a one page application describing who you are, your group’s annual income, what you do and how you fit the Fund’s guidelines.

The deadline is the 1st December 2012, after which shortlisted applicants will need to provide more details via written, audio or video applications.

http://edgefund.org.uk/

Funding to help your internet idea transform lives (UK)

Funding is available to organisations with innovative IT related project ideas that can make a positive difference to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. The funding, which is available through the Nominet Trust, aims to fund innovative Internet projects that make a positive difference to the lives of “disadvantaged and vulnerable people”.  The Trust is particularly interested in funding projects that can be scaled up and replicated. There is no minimum grant application and applications for over £100,000 require an interview. Organisations wishing to apply, need initially to complete and online application form. Those organisations deemed successful will be invited to complete the Stage 2 application form.

The next closing date for submitting initial Advisory Eligibility Forms is the 12th December 2012. Stage 2 applications to be submitted by the 31st January 2013.

http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards (UK)

The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme has announced that its funding programme for children’s education and children’s welfare will re-open for applications on the 1st December 2012.

The scheme awards one-off donations of between £500 and £4,000 to registered charities, schools and not for profit organisations. The funding we give goes towards providing practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children living in the local communities around our stores in the UK.

The closing date for applications will be the 30th January 2013.

http://www.tescoplc.com/index.asp?pageid=121

London Borough Film Fund Challenge Fund (London)

Film London has announced that the London Borough Film Fund Challenge Fund (LBFFC) is open for applications.

The LBFFC is a short film fund for aspiring film-makers. The LBFFC aims to stimulate local film-making and develop new skills, offering up to £4,000 towards the production of a short film as well as training and advice throughout the entire process. The LBFFC is available to grassroots talent who are resident in London. The London boroughs of Haringey, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Redbridge, Southwark and Wandsworth have partnered with Film London to provide additional opportunities to their local residents.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 5th December 2012.

http://filmlondon.org.uk/funding_and_talent/production/borough_film_funds

Applications Invited for three Arts Council Schemes (England)

The Department of Culture has announced that three schemes which aim to improve the long-term sustainability, diversity and resilience of the arts and cultural sector have opened for applications.

Arts Council England (ACE) have announced details of how to apply for its Catalyst Arts: Building fundraising capacity, Transforming arts fundraising and Developing resilient leadership grants programmes.  The first two schemes are part of the £100 million Catalyst programme which was launched by DCMS, ACE and the Heritage Lottery Fund last year.

For further information on each programme and how to apply please click on the link below.

http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/9480.aspx

Funding for Childrens Outdoor Recreational Activities (UK)

The Outdoor clothing company “North Face” has announced the launch of a new funding round of its Explore Fund. The Explore Fund supports not for profit organisations that encourage youth outdoor participation. Grants of up to €2,500 are available for projects that encourage community involvement; focus on breaking down barriers to getting youth outdoors; and projects that reach out to a specific community or place of interest.  Only one Explore Fund financial support package will be given to an organisation in each calendar year and applications that can provide match funding will be viewed favourably.

The closing date for applications is the 28th February 2013.

http://explorefund.eu/index.php#

Foyer Newsround 28-11-12

Top stories

1. Doug Richard on the review he has just written on apprenticeships and youth unemployment. It’s about making apprenticeships more aspirational, youth focused and employer led.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-workfare-real-apprenticeships-are-the-way-forward-for-our-young-people-and-our-economy-8360363.html

2. Profiles of all the charities nominated for the Guardian Charity awards 2012. They all get a positive profile and link to their website.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/nov/27/guardian-charity-awards

3. According to Michael Dugher, a party vice chairman, Labour will consider a commitment to expand the voting franchise to 16 and 17 year olds in their next manifesto.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-will-commit-to-giving-16yearolds-the-vote-in-manifesto-8360539.html

4. “The Work Programme isn’t working” looks at the program’s success rate compared to the flexible new deal and why both had difficulties.

http://www.leftfootforward.org/2012/11/the-work-programme-is-not-working/

5. How a young people run radio project in El Salvador is promoting child’s rights and saving lives.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/journalismcompetition/youth-radio-project-save-lives

Foyer news

The press release of yesterday’s celebration event for the SMMT / Foyer Federation Working Assets program

https://www.smmt.co.uk/2012/11/auto-industry-gathers-to-recognise-the-achievements-of-young-people/

Young people

“An innovative public legal education project being run by Hackney Community Law Centre, University College London and thejusticegap.com” Empowering students by teaching them about their rights and the possibility of careers involving the law.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/nov/27/mossbourne-students-law-rights

Youth labour market

Doug Richard on the review he has just written on apprenticeships and youth unemployment. It’s about making apprenticeships more aspirational, youth focused and employer led.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-workfare-real-apprenticeships-are-the-way-forward-for-our-young-people-and-our-economy-8360363.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/nov/27/apprenticeship-review-dragons-den-investor

“The Work Programme isn’t working” looks at the program’s success rate compared to the flexible new deal and why both had difficulties.

http://www.leftfootforward.org/2012/11/the-work-programme-is-not-working/

A look at some famous businesses successful apprentice schemes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/business-tackling-youth-unemployment

CVS stories

Profiles of all the charities nominated for the Guardian Charity awards 2012. They all get a positive profile and link to their website.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/nov/27/guardian-charity-awards

The BWB Weekly Review of Websites, covers the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation way to register a charity and “A guide to IT asset disposal for organisations”

http://www.bwbllp.com/knowledge/2012/11/27/bwb-weekly-review-of-websites/

“NCVO has united with Social Enterprise UK, Cooperatives UK, UnLtd, Social Investment Business, CAN Invest and Community Development Finance Association” are calling on the Government to lobby the EU for an increased role for civil society in the next programme of EU funding.

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/13910/sector_bodies_seek_more_access_to_eu_funds

“Yoda fundraising for Luke Skywalker donors” worth it just for the headline

http://www.futurefundraisingnow.com/future-fundraising/2012/11/yoda-fundraising-for-luke-skywalker-donors.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FutureFundraisingNow+%28Future+Fundraising+Now%29

“Self-advocacy packs ‘helping to empower disabled people’ in face of spending cuts” A positive example of empowering stakeholders to support themselves.

http://www.24dash.com/news/local_government/2012-11-27-Self-advocacy-packs-helping-to-empower-disabled-people-in-face-of-spending-cuts

Housing

“Why landlords should stop asking tenants for deposits” interesting proposal based on rent becoming more of a long term arrangement and the fact the deposits aren’t really enough to cover the costs if a tenant seriously damages a property or stops paying rent anyway, credit checks are less important given that people incomes can be so unpredictable. The article argues that landlord tenants relationships should be built on trust.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/housing-network/2012/nov/27/landlord-stop-tenant-deposits

A Brighton young homeless charity has seen demand triple in the last 2 years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20507090

Politics

According to Michael Dugher, a party vice chairman, Labour will consider a commitment to expand the voting franchise to 16 and 17 year olds in their next manifesto.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-will-commit-to-giving-16yearolds-the-vote-in-manifesto-8360539.html

The UK’s economy had a better than expected 1% growth in the last quarter “The west’s leading economic think-tank has forecast Britain’s economy will contract by less than feared this year but warned recovery will be slow and uncertain against a worsening international backdrop.”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/nov/27/uk-economic-recovery-slow-oecd

Other news

How a young people run radio project in El Salvador is promoting child’s rights and saving lives.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/journalismcompetition/youth-radio-project-save-lives

“Recently as I walked by a parade of shops that served a particularly deprived area of Brixton, I was struck that most of the businesses were impoverishing or poisoning their customers. Bookended by two fried chicken takeaways were a betting shop, a 24-hour off-licence and a money lenders charging almost 2,000% interest on a “special offer” loan. Looming above them all was a giant billboard advertising a hamburger chain. Short of a tenner to top up your premium-priced gas and electricity key? The only cash machine for a mile charges you £1.50 per transaction.”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2012/nov/27/local-authorities-high-streets

“CRM Is Yesterday’s Answer To the Wrong Problem” sounds controversial and tries to be but really just says we need smarter CRMs

http://socialmediatoday.com/stevensreeves/1032501/crm-yesterdays-answer-wrong-problem

“Build Your Brand, and Your Website, with WordPress” reads like a love letter to WordPress as a CMS

http://socialmediatoday.com/craig-allen/1031856/build-your-brand-and-your-website-wordpress

Choosing what to study and where?

Young people making that critical decision on what to study and where will be navigated by the new Unistats website.  Unistats is a comparative website providing information on over 31,000 university and college courses in the UK such as: student satisfaction ratings; graduate salaries and employment; tuition fees and financial support; and the cost of accommodation.

Active Communities Funding Opportunity

Thanks to Liz Wallis, Grants Officer at the People’s Health Trust, for emailing us with this opportunity which will be of interest to London based Foyers particularly those who had some involvement in the Foyer Health program.

Find out more information Active Communities Funding Programme Guidance Notes document 09 10 12v4

The People’s Health Trust is a registered charity which funds projects addressing health inequalities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Trust is funded by 51 local society lotteries and the good cause money they raise through The Health Lottery.
 I would like to draw your attention to the Active Communities Funding Programme which is now open in your area. The Active Communities Funding Programme makes grants of £5,000 - £25,000 to small community and voluntary organisations working with people living in the poorest neighbourhoods. The programme looks to support projects that encourage community activism – projects designed by local people that address issues relevant to them and benefit and improve their local community. Your organisation is based in, or covers, our local society lottery area of HealthPromote which covers Islington, Haringey, Enfield, City of London, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. The closing date for applications in this area is 26 November 2012. We anticipate making around 12-15 grants from the Active Communities Funding Programme in HealthPromote.
 I have attached the programme guidance notes. You may wish to bring the programme to the attention of appropriate groups in your local area. The programme guidance can also be downloaded by adding a location postcode to the search box on our website.
 If you have any questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 Kind regards,

Barking & Dagenham Foyer Open Talents with Working Assets!

I just came across this on Facebook and had to share it with you all!

Barking and Dagenham Foyer  residents have been working hard on this masterpiece as part of their Working Assets project. It is a wind turbine sculpture created by Tasharn and Glenn out of scrap car parts in partnership with Ford.

I think you will all agree that  it is pretty cool.

 

 

This wind turbine sculpture was created out of car parts by Foyer residents!

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Enterprise Live 2012

I attended the Youth Enterprise Live event at Earls Court on the 12th October 2012.

O2 Think Big held an Ideas Generator workshop. The process they used could be used for developing Working Assets projects. Their simple approach to get going is as follows:

Step 1: Identify a problem you or your friends have in their daily lives
Step 2: What or how could it be made better?
Step 3: What is important to you? Making money or doing some good?
Step 4: Pick one problem. What would be a way NOT to solve it? What’s the ideal solution? What skills and passions do you have to bring to this solution?

They also have funding for 16-25 year-olds. I recommend this for Working Assets (WA) teams or individuals that wish to continue or post-WA have an new idea of their own and would like to get investment.

I met Sarah Akwisombe, the London Central Support Manager of Somewhere to_. I’m hearing from Foyers that they really need to get out of the Foyer to think and work differently. Getting into a new place provides new experiences and broadens horizons of young people. I would like to remind and encourage WA projects to access the large range of spaces Somewhere to_ have for you to use. You can use these places to make products, hold team meetings, events and training. Places to Open Talent are available nationally.

Digital Youth Academyare brokering work experience and apprenticeships for young people wishing to start a career in IT or marketing that involves a good understanding of social media. Penny Power, Founder/Director explained their vision is to connect the inspiring ‘born digital’ generation to the business world.

We do Ideas Provide fun ideas generating workshops. I would like to explore how we could work with them to run sessions for WA project teams to keep momentum in the same way we recently ran the Social Enterprise Workshop for the Forward Foundation group in North East London.

Open Talent Service Development – Basildon Foyer

Open Talent Service Development

Each month we will be bringing you updates on Foyers which have undertaken to transform their service by embedding Open Talent and adopting a new way of working and we hope you’ll follow them on their journey. This month we’re focusing on Basildon Foyer.

The background

Earlier this year, the Foyer Federation invited all of our members to regional Open Talent Inspire Days, with the aim to explore a new approach to working with young people that emphasises talent-spotting and talent-building. An application process followed, for Foyers to secure the Open Talent Service Development Package (OTSDP). Six Foyers were selected from Round 1, each on the strength of a solid application and the commitment to transform their service to open talent in all young people and to develop advantaged thinking culture and working practices. You can follow their Open Talent journey in our E-bulletin.

Introducing Basildon Foyers

Basildon Foyers comprise of Swan House Foyer which is 17 units for single young people aged 16 to 24 years and Dove Cott House which is 24 units for young parents aged 16 to 24 years. We checked in with the manager Val Petch to see how their plans to open talent are taking shape.
‘‘Our Working Assets project started as an idea to develop our work club into a ‘Talent Investment Centre’ involving local training providers and employers. The idea goes beyond the norm of offering young people sessions to learn how to apply for jobs, interview techniques, how to write CVs etc. The Talent Investment Centre will offer chances for them to pursue the talents they have and to be able to turn these experiences into life chances, show prospective employers and investors that they are worth investing in, and demonstrate that they have incredible skills and talents. Talent can be manifested in many different ways, and the Talent Investment Centre will enable young people to recognise their talents and take them further too.
Since the original idea the young people involved have developed the idea and are now looking to combine the Talent Investment Centre with a youth café. This, they feel, will enable them to start showing people some of the skills they have already. We are still in the early stages of planning, with the steering group meeting weekly but are on target for the project to be up and running in the New Year.
Open Talent is helping young people to engage and there is an understanding that they can make a difference to their own lives and that they do have a voice. Embedding Advantaged Thinking within the Foyers is well underway and it is our aim to spread this across the organisation and beyond.

Basildon Residents visit to Westminster

Residents and staff at Basildon were recently invited to tour the Houses of Parliament by the Leader of Basildon Council – Mr Tony Ball.  Following this invite one of our Swan House Foyer residents, Summer Downes, wrote to Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, to ask for a meeting to discuss how the proposed reforms to the welfare system could affect young people in her position. In her letter she wrote:

 ‘‘I am one of 40 young people living in the two schemes which make up the Foyers in Basildon and I am writing on behalf of all of us. We would like to thank you for sponsoring our visit to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 29th August. We are looking forward to this and would, if possible, like to meet with you during the day to talk about our hopes, our futures and how some of the Governments plans could seriously affect the chances to develop our lives.’’

On the day the young people enjoyed a tour of the Houses of Parliament, learning about the history of the building and some of the traditions and ceremonies carried out within its walls. Following this they met with Mr. Metcalfe and spent time talking to him about how the Foyers have helped them and how they were concerned that the proposed reforms could impact on Foyers and young people who need them. They also spoke about accessing college and education after the age of 19 and learnt how Mr. Metcalfe became an MP.
After speaking to the young people Mr. Metcalfe said he would look into their concerns and the possible impact the welfare reforms could have on young people living in Foyers and would come back to them with his findings.
Following the meeting with Mr. Metcalfe the group visited Downing Street where they were invited to take photographs outside No. 10.
Mitchell a resident at Swan House Foyer said “the day was brilliant, I feel really privileged to have had the chance to see the inside of the Houses of Parliament. I learnt so much about its history. The best part of the day for me was No. 10 Downing Street I even got to see ‘Larry’ the cat.”
The visit has definitely been a catalyst to residents wanting to get more involved, to them understanding that they can shape the service that is on offer to them but also their own lives in a positive way.

 

Miguel Dean & the Foyer Federation

The Foyer Federation are seeking to connect with thought leaders in the fields of personal development and coaching. Open Talent approaches seek to use the skills of coaching over traditional support worker models. Miguel Dean is a life coach that the Foyer Federation and Foyers have worked with in the past.

Having a tough start in life sometimes seems unfair but Miguel Dean decided to turn things around and learn from the challenges he experienced.  Having lost his mother to cancer and being raised by an abusive stepmother was just the beginning and on leaving home he soon found himself immersed in a shadowy world of drugs, crime , violence and eventually homelessness begging on the streets of Edinburgh. At rock bottom a  pivotal event led to a turn around and 15 years on he has now established his successful Community Interest Company ‘Miguel Dean –Youth Training and Development’.

 

The initial training provider for the Foyer Life Coaching Project Miguel Dean works directly with young people experiencing disadvantage and the professionals who work with them.  He teaches the art of coaching the unmotivated, in order to raise self-esteem. With a deep understanding from personal experience Miguel models how to build rapport, inspire, motivate and unlock learning potential with even the most reluctant young people.  Drawing on neuroscience, NLP, Attachment theory and advanced coaching skills Miguel is a powerful mentor/coach for change.

 

His recently published autobiography ‘Stepping Stones In The Mist-Life lessons for overcoming adversity’ is the basis for his motivational talks from the heart which he is increasingly being asked to deliver.
This year amongst many other projects he has been working with Grenfell Housing:

Andrew Lorimer – Housing Services Manager

“Miguel conducted a coaching training course for a mixed group of Foyer staff with a wide variety of roles, from administrator to department manager.  The training was well received and all participants are working hard to embed their learning in their day-to-day work.  Some of the staff who attended the training are now leading on our Working Assets project as part of the Open Talent Service Development package; for them the coaching training from Miguel has been (and continues to be) absolutely invaluable. The content was relevant, the course well paced and it was delivered in a very engaging manner as well as being great value for money!”

Miguel Dean’s website http://www.migueldean.co.uk/

Find him on Twitter @migueldean

 

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