- Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteers Centre

Winter 2007 - 8
The voice of volunteering in Hammersmith and Fulham
A Russian winter comes to Hammersmith
120 people attended the Ceremony, which was generously
sponsored by the Hammersmith
Novotel and held in the hotel’s
Bourgogne Suite.
More than 20 volunteers were
nominated by their placements,
and received certificates from
H&F Councillor Antony Lillis.
The official business of the
evening, including a buffet laid
on by staff at the Novotel, finished at 9pm. Afterwards guests
enjoyed listening to singers
The Volunteer Centre’s annual Christmas Awards courtesy of the Edutainment
Ceremony always celebrates diversity within vol- Group, and a disco concluded
unteering in Hammersmith & Fulham, and 2007 the event.
was no different. Entertainer Svetlana Plotnikova,
ably supported by VC Director Marion Schumann See page 2 for a list of award
and Noel Fearon, business volunteering co-ordi- winners.
nator (above), treated the guests to a display of
traditional Russian dancing and singing that rec- Below: Marion Schumann with VC staff
ognised Eastern European volunteers.
Inside this issue:
2: News in Brief
2: Awards Ceremonies
3: E4W wrap-up party
4/5: Lone Parents
6: The new Volunteer Core
Services team
7: Sports Coaching
7: 2012 Olympics
Back: Matrix Accreditation
HFVC
wisHes you a Very
Happy New year
News in Brief
A goodByE
HFVC is sad to report that Ian Wingfield, Millennium Volunteers Co-ordinator, has left the VC for a new
post at Ealing Council. He took up
his new role as Extended Schools
Co-ordinator at the start of January.
Ian was a successful and popular
member of staff; he will be missed,
and we wish him all the best.
A goodByE PArT 2
Noel Fearon, business volunteering co-ordinator, is leaving the VC
for a well-earned sabbatical at the
end of January. We thank Noel for
his time at the VC and hope that
he will keep in touch.
A THANk you
This year’s Christmas Gift Drive
was a great success; businesses
donated thousands of gifts for children’s centres, homeless hostels,
centres for the elderly and refugee
groups around the Borough. The
gifts were wrapped and delivered by
a group of Walt Disney Company
staff and all the early Christmas
presents were gratefully received.
Our thanks go to The Walt Disney
Company, Sheraton Starwoods,
Chelsea FC, Tesco, Select and
Save, Cartoon Network, Harper
Collins Publishers, Firefly, UIP, Coca
Cola Enterprises LTD, the Early
Learning Centre and McVities for
their generous donations.
NEw wEBSiTE
The Volunteer Centre’s website is
currently being re-designed, and
we are looking for volunteers to
join a focus group. We want to test
the new website for accessiblity,
ease of use, layout and content.
If you are interested in helping,
please contact Jennie G or Celia.
Our thanks go to web trainer Peter
Keighron for his support.
ChriSTmAS ChEEr
Residents of Mary Seacole House,
an extra-care facility for older people in H&F, were treated to a seasonal visit from the VC’s Youth
Team in December. Members of
staff and volunteers sang carols.
Ember Hibbert, youth team assistant, said he was pleased with the
audience’s response.
JoBS FAIR
On the 18th of March Hammersmith Novotel will be hosting a
Jobs and Opportunities Fair, open
to all H&F residents. The Fair is
being organised by HFVC in conjunction with H&F Council, and
White City Area Programme partners. Please contact Doreen at
the VC for more information.
Awards Ceremony cont’d - the nominees
Michaela Williams-George Noushin Pasgar
Fulham Cross Y.C.
Youth UnLtd
Kimberley Brien
Youth UnLtd
Nicola Alexis
The Food Chain
Kayshia Lecointe
Youth UnLtd
Jeanette McGregor
NDC Project Centre
Schnielle Styles
Youth UnLtd
Peter Maidment
H&F Mind
Nagwa Idriss
HFVC Finance
Pam Bothwell
Angelina Kazarema
Normand Croft C.C.
Youth UnLtd
Calvin Harrison
Fulham Cross Y.C.
Veronica Prates
Youth UnLtd
ExPEriENCE 4
work iS goNE
BuT dEfiNiTEly
NoT forgoTTEN
N
Doreen Grant-Oppan celebrates the success of one of the Volunteer Centre’s recent projects
Experience 4 work, which
has been running at the
Volunteer Centre since
January 2006, sadly came
to an end on December
31st 2007.
day at the Sheraton Hotel, careers
in Housing Event at Notting Hill
Housing and the Jobs and Careers fair at the Wembley Plaza
Hotel.
The project was set up in partnership with Notting Hill Housing
Trust, Hillside Housing Group and
Nichols Training Agency, with the
aim of supporting unemployed
residents of Hammersmith and
Fulham and Brent access training,
work experience opportunities and
help finding employment.
Training was also popular with
beneficiaries, with First Aid
training obtaining 100% attendance and almost 50 beneficiaries attending the Skills 4 Work
pre-employment training organised by Notting Hill Housing. The
ECDL computer course was
also very popular, with 10 people gaining a level 2 qualification.
Over the two years the project has
had many successes, including
organising several events, such
as the employment information
Many beneficiaries also completed placements with various organisations, including Notting Hill
Housing, Masbro Centre, Char-
ing Cross Hospital and the British
Heart Foundation.
The project ended with a party that
was held at the Novotel Hotel on
December 14th with beneficiaries, organisations and funders all
present.
When asked to summarise the
project, beneficiaries came up with
words such as ‘excellent’, ‘very
pleased’ and ‘impacted my life’.
Project Co-ordinators Celia Jones
and Doreen Grant-Oppan (pictured
above, far right, with Tim Campbell of The Apprentice) would like
to thank everyone involved in Experience 4 Work for making it such
a successful project!
Participants have been very impressed with the Experience 4 work project. A large
number of people have experienced success in careers thanks to both their own
hard work, and doreen and Celia’s support.
John Beloved-Agbolade heard about E4W through the internet and registered in March 2006. He had
extensive IT skills and was looking to secure a job where he could use them. E4W helped him find a placement with the London 21 Sustainability Network, where he developed a contact management database,
provided PC and ICT infrastructure support and also customer service. He also attended the Skills 4 Work
pre-employment training session, which he found very helpful. By September 2006 John had secured
employment as a Production Operator with a company in Acton.
‘E4W has made me more confident about the things that I want to achieve in life.’
‘The project has made an impact on my life. It’s all about confidence and (when
you have gained that) you can go from strength to strength.’
3
voluNTEEr
CENTrE ProvES
ThE PlACE To
BE for loNE
PArENTS
The white City Area Programme for lone Parents
in Hammersmith and Fulham is fast growing in popularity. Its success can be
measured now in terms of
job outcomes and satisfied
participants.
The members of staff working on
the project, Co-ordinator Libby
March and consultants Yvonne
Wilson and Helen Purcell, are
now seeing their efforts rewarded;
13 Lone Parents have gained
employment, including Alison McKenzie (below left, with Libby) who
has started working as a medical
receptionist.
As well as providing expert, 1-1
advice in how to create an outstanding CV and where to look for
suitable vacancies, the staff members offer lone parents a safe and
welcoming atmosphere in which
to unburden themselves. Yvonne
runs two-day pre-employment
training courses that encompass
sessions on breaking down barriers. At times these sessions can
get emotional, but Yvonne feels
they provide a release to parents
who have been struggling with
their employment status for years.
She says: ‘This course gives parents a realistic look at what’s achieveable. It looks at everything that’s
stopping them from moving on
in their lives. When people leave
after the two days I can actually
see their depression’s lifted, and
there’s a sense of freedom because they’ve realised how many
things are possible.’
Advisors have linked up with Hammersmith, Fulham and Shepherds
Bush Job Centre Plus offices, to
talk to lone parents who come
in for appointments. The system
is working, and participants who
have come through the Job Centres are now encouraging friends
to join the project.
Libby believes the success of the
project lies in its holistic approach
to participants; ‘The lone parent
project at the Volunteer Centre is
offering much needed support to
local residents. The centre has a
child friendly atmosphere, meaning residents can come in with
their children and get the help and
advice they need to get back into
work.
‘Already the project has enabled
local lone parents to find jobs in
local schools, and organisations
and shops such as Boots, Mothercare and W H Smiths. Everyone
involved should be very proud of
themselves.’
Any lone parents, male or female, who would like to get back
into work should contact Libby for
information on training courses
and available support. Please call
Libby on 020 8741 9876 or email
[email protected]
4
lone Parents
Treat yourself on valentine’s day
On the 14th of February lone parents can enjoy a
well-needed, luxurious break from the stresses of
everyday life by coming to the Volunteer Centre’s
Pampering Day. This event is being organised by
VC consultant Yvonne Wilson, with Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College providing the
venue and the beauticians.
Parents can expect treatments (all free) such as:
• Head massage
• Back massage
• Reflexology
Times are not yet confirmed, but it’s guaranteed
to be a very enjoyable day. Please call Yvonne, on
020 8741 9876, to find out more information.
Lone Parents attending Confidence-building training
as part of their pre-employment support
in late 2007 the department of work and Pensions published new guidelines on supporting lone Parents back into work. The website states that ‘helping more lone
parents into work is good for their health, boosts self-esteem, promotes independence and lifts children out of poverty’. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/parents.asp
The overhaul of welfare means that, from October 2008, lone parents with a youngest child of 12 or over
will no longer be able to claim Income Support purely on the basis of being a lone parent. This will be
extended to include parents with a youngest child of 10 or over from October 2009, and a youngest child
of 7 or over from October 2010.
The Volunteer Centre agrees with the DWP’s reasoning behind encouraging Lone Parents to actively
seek employment, but advisors know from experience that many Lone Parents face difficult barriers
preventing them from returning to work. These are not just around childcare and flexibility; often parents
have not worked for a number of years, if at all, and need qualifications, work experience and pastoral
care before they can think seriously about going into paid work.
Voluntary sector projects, like that provided by the Volunteer Centre, ensure Lone Parents feel prepared
for work. For many long-term unemployed people activities such as writing a CV, filling in application
forms and attending interviews are distressing, and it may be necessary to offer several months, perhaps
years, of pre-employment support. Projects need to be long-term, so that Lone Parents have stability and
know who to turn to. Herding people into unsuitable jobs only perpetuates the problem of unemployment;
if someone is not prepared for work and not ready, they won’t stay in the job. Going back to claiming benefits is disheartening and serves to increase feelings of low self-esteem. If a person is to break the cycle
of unemployment, it it vital that dedicated, expert projects remain.
Do you have anything to say about HFVC News?
Please feel free to pass on your comments and suggestions to:
[email protected], or call 020 8741 9876
5
frESh voiCES
from ThE NEw
voluNTEEr
CorE
SErviCES
Jennie Gillions talks to two of the Volunteer Centre’s volunteers about their important work
Volunteer Core Services
(previously Core) is up and
running for borough residents who want to volunteer and support their community. until November 2006
Core was run by a paid
member of staff but when
the funding came to an end
Core halted for a time.
We are now again able to offer a
full service, co-ordinated by the
Director but managed day-to-day
by hard-working volunteers.
Two of those volunteers are Sandra Brown (right) and Ann-Marie
Ruddock (top). Sandra has been at
the VC since May 2007, and AnnMarie since November. Sandra
has a visual impairment; ensuring
she is supported and feels able to
do her job has been a learning experience for staff members.
‘Hi. We are Sandra & Ann-Marie
and we volunteer as receptionist
and a member of the Volunteer
Core Services team respectively.’
Sandra: ‘My job is to meet and
greet customers to the centre and
to direct them to the appropriate departments within the volunteer centre. I am the first port of call when
people come into the centre, and
it’s important that I pass them
onto the right member of staff. I
also take telephone messages for
different members of staff.
‘I also work with our Volunteer Core
Services team, which
Ann-Marie helps to run.
One of the main functions
of the team is to register
potential volunteers with
the centre and then place
their details on the database. This enables the
volunteer to be matched
with a suitable opportunity
of their choice.’
Ann-Marie: ‘The Core volunteer
team also makes referrals to the
other departments in the VC organisation depending on whether
volunteers fit projects’ criteria. Volunteers who do not go to another
project remain with Core Central
Services and are placed and supported by the team.’
Anyone wishing to find out more
should call Volunteer Core Services on 020 8741 9876, or check
HFVC’s volunteer opportunities on
www.do-it.org.uk.
Invaluable Support
The NDC Project Co-ordinator Jennie Gillions would like to say thank you to Peter Maidment, who came
to Volunteer Core Services last autumn wanting experience in administration. He was referred to the
project because Jennie was in need of an assistant, and has been fantastic. Despite the often mundane
tasks he’s assigned Peter is a friendly, cheerful and helpful volunteer. He says that volunteering has been
a good experience for him, and it is hoped he will take on more responsiblity from now on by creating content for, and editing, the website.
6
youNg PEoPlE SET fuTurE goAlS
y
youth
un-Ltd and Active
Planet have again joined
forces to run a free nineweek course to train young
people in Hammersmith and
Fulham to deliver multi-sport
coaching. The course starts
on the 29th of January, and
follows 2007’s successful
course.
In addition to the usual football
coaching, students will be taught
the art of ‘Futsal,’ a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition and general coaching techniques that can be applied to most
sports.
Ember Hibbert, Youth project of-
ficer, explained, “The course has
been designed for young people
to get into sports coaching. As
well as gaining qualifications, the
course focuses on personal development, which will give people the
skills and confidence that are required to deliver quality coaching.
This includes Pre-employment
training, confidence building, introduction to youth work and disability awareness.”
practical based, with opportunities
for coaching placements and employment for those that excel.
The course is available to anyone aged between 16 and 24 in
Hammersmtih and Fulham, and
offers qualifications in Football
Coaching (FA Level 1), Community Sports Leader Award and
First Aid. The course is very much
For more information on the
course, please contact Ember.
Call 020 8741 9876, or email
[email protected]
Ember added, “We are looking for
a committed, enthusiastic group of
individuals to be part of this unique
opportunity for the borough. The
course is free to young people,
but they must be available for two
days each week for the duration of
the programme.’
h&f lookS To olymPiCS lEgACy
From Peter Smith, Policy Officer H&F Council, statement issued December 2007
The 2012 olympics will offer employment and volunteering opportunities for londoners over the next four years, as well as a longer term legacy, which the government
has set out in the form of three legacy promises:
•To increase sporting success and physical activity across the population;
•To regenerate East London, and;
•To increase the involvement of young people in all areas of activity, including sports and environmental projects.
An estimated 130,000 jobs will be created over the next four years, mainly in the construction industry. The
intention is that local people, and then Londoners more widely, be given preferential access to these jobs. It is
estimated that East London will only be able to provide 15% of the required workforce so there will be plenty
of employment opportunities for the rest of London. A pan London jobs brokerage initiative is in development
and details of how this is to work will be provided in due course. London Councils has agreed to promote the
scheme to boroughs once it has been set up.
In order to take full advantage of these employment opportunities, London boroughs need to be looking at
the skills base of their local residents. There will be a very significant need for skilled labour within the building
industry. There will also be opportunities to exploit in the supply chain to the construction industry.
H&F Council are currently developing their action plan, proposing aims and outcomes to be sought for H&F
in relation to the Games. Donna Pentelow is the Council lead officer on the Games, and can be contacted on
020 8748 3020
7
ASSurEd of good quAliTy
‘from the moment i walked through the door, i knew that this centre was the one
for me.’ ‘The books and information here are really helpful and help you plan career
ideas after volunteering or attending the work preparation training.’
These are the thoughts of volunteers visiting our offices.
HFVC’s professionalism, strong business sense, forward thinking and strategic planning, together with its
ultimate commitment to volunteers, all contributed to the organisation achieving the Matrix accreditation
in November 2007. This national quality assurance standard identified the quality of our communications
in delivery of information, advice and guidance to our external clients including our partners, volunteers
and funders.
‘This volunteer Centre has taken me from a stand still position. The centre staff
have motivated me, helped me to recognise my skills and have supported me to
overcome my barriers. I have a clear action plan in place.’
With such a positive view by one of our volunteers, we feel rightly proud that the hard work put in with
our development work through pre-employment training, our CV preparation, and interview technique
training with our clients to help them into work, our monitoring and evaluating of projects enabling close
partnership and business liaisons have helped the organisation to deliver a strong programme to the local
community.
Our mission statement says it all:
‘Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre is a volunteer agency whose function is
to promote, support and develop volunteering, and provide assistance through information, advice, guidance and training to get people into work and or education.’
We are the only Volunteer Centre in London to have achieved the Matrix standard, and will continue to
prove ourselves worthy by providing a high quality service. As one partner said: ‘hfvC are visionary
and provide a service that is both value for money and maximises the return for our
investment…. They are very much a ‘can do’ organisation’.
Jenny Melrose. Deputy Director/ HR Director
hammersmith and fulham volunteer Centre thanks the
following organisations for their continued support
HFVC News editor: Jennie Gillions
Contributors: Marion Schumann, Jenny Melrose, Doreen Grant-Oppan, Sandra Brown, Ann-Marie Ruddock