YMCA Wirral Newsletter

Newsletter

Hello and welcome to our Spring 2020 newsletter!

The year has already started off on a very busy footing and the staff teams at the YMCA are busy working in a number of key areas.

Fortunately the winter has not been too severe this year, although the amount of rain has caused problems for those in our communities struggling and coping with life on the streets.

You will read inside this edition of the remarkable work our new Wirral Borough Council, Rough Sleeper Initiative partner project, which has so far achieved some amazing results helping and supporting 23 individuals off the streets and into established accommodation in just five months.

Our night shelter continues to see a steady flow of individuals accessing a safe warm place to stay overnight, but thanks to the work of the RSI team, its numbers have not been as high as in previous years.

As one of our key changes this year, I am pleased to welcome and introduce our new newsletter Editor, Harry Leahey, who has kindly agreed to help us with this important role, via our great friends at OON Media.

Harry is a remarkable young local Wirral person, who has worked hard to get to where he is today. He studied at John Moores University, achieving a First Class Honours degree in Journalism.

He has a passion not only to help our charitable work, but also to fulfil his ambitions of becoming a motoring journalist. YMCA Wirral wish him success in his career and hope to help him embark on his chosen career by sponsoring him to be part of some motoring activities during 2020. Watch this space for his encounters with cars of all shapes and sizes!

February 2020 Issue 1

An Introduction from our CEO Nigel Hughes

Nigel Hughes

Contents 1.

Highlights from 2019

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Spotlight: Q&A with Lesley Lawson

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Business Stars in Our Community Awards

7.

Interview with night shelter staff

8.

2019 Achievments

9.

Assertive Outreach Success

Produced by OON Media Edited by Harry Leahey

Highlights From 2019 YMCA Wirral 145th Anniversary Meal September 27th

As well as recognising its triumphant past, the event also celebrated its esteemed ne of many of our guests and volunteers for highlights from 2019 their service. was YMCA Wirral’s special Many in attendance gala dinner at Thornton Hall, included Frank Field (then which was in aid of paying MP for Birkenhead); Wirral’s homage to the charity’s Mayor Cllr, Tony Smith; and 145 years of service to the YMCA Executive Director, community.

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Giuseppe Roberto.

A huge thank you to Thornton Hall for hosting what was an amazing and memorable evening for everyone.

Check out our exclusive pictures of the anniversary meal from the 27th of September below.

Our Outreach Scheme Features on BBC North West Tonight September 5th

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ur Assertive Outreach scheme, which finds and comes to those sleeping rough on the streets, had proven to have a huge impact through word of mouth, after it featured on

BBC Northwest Tonight. It showcased the dedicated work of YMCA Wirral’s Outreach team, who take to the streets every night to find those homeless and needing help.

You can learn more about Assertive Outreach on p.10.

Visit this LINK to watch it make the headlines.

Chester University Student Placements with YMCA Wirral May 15th

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n May this year, we welcomed five students from the University of Chester for their work placements.

Some of the things they did with YMCA Wirral included managing its social media pages and getting to

know our clients; understanding their stories and how they have each overcame them.

The students had a huge impact on the work YMCA Wirral does, and it was a pleasure to see such a young and enthusiastic

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group of people embrace the opportunities and tasks that YMCA Wirral provided.

YMCA Wirral’s partnership with Chester University continues to grow and benefit all parties involved.

Q&A- In the Spotlight I

n the Spotlight is a new feature of our newsletter that focusses on the staff of YMCA Wirral, and will be a recurring section in future issues.

Asking a series of lighthearted and off-the-cuff questions, we will be getting to know the staff behind the work that YMCA Wirral does to promote opportunities, help and support for those in need.

Pet Peeves?

Definitely lazy people Favourite TV Shows and Films?

Spooks/ Person of Interest/Cape Fear/As Good as it Gets/The General’s Daughter

Comedy, Romance of Under this Issue’s Spotlight Horror?

Got to be all three I think. is…Lesley Lawson, Volunteer Coordinator Favourite Song?

Too many to choose from, When did you join the but absolutely love the 80’s.

YMCA? We listen to the 80’s all day I started as a volunteer in the office. on 25th January 2014. In June 2015, my role become Party trick/hidden talent? permanent.

I can touch my nose with my tongue!

How would you describe yourself towards a Which celebrity you stranger? would like to meet, past or I am a confident and present? hardworking person I worked in the hotel with a friendly and warm industry in the 90’s so I have personality. I have a direct already been lucky enough approach to life and say to meet a lot of famous things as they are.

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faces! I met Nelson Mandela at the heads of government meeting that was set at a hotel I was working at. Clint Eastwood was a guest at one of the hotels I worked at too.

I also met Sean Connery, who’s also a scot, when he was filing in Edinburgh. All three were charming and very polite.

If you could ensure one aspect of the future for YMCA, what would it be?

Ensuring a nonjudgemental welcoming environment in which everybody is equal an deserves a second chance. the YMCA is all about.

What are the challengers of your role?

There are many challengers of my role.

I would say the biggest challenge is trying to get free training courses to enable volunteers to further develop themselves within their volunteering role.

Volunteers are vulnerable as well as our clients, many of them lack self-confidence and self-esteem, and it can be difficult to believe in themselves.

What do you enjoy most about working at the YMCA? Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing a volunteer either progress into paid work via ourselves or into another organization.

To me, this is real progression. Also a majority of our volunteers come into our organisation vulnerable and by volunteering and gaining qualifications you can see their self-esteem and confidence abundantly clear.

Has working at the YMCA changed your attitude towards homelessness, substance abuse?

I am someone who does not judge people. People become homeless or have addictions due to their own personal circumstances and experiences. I don’t think it would be right for me to judge. Certainly working for the YMCA has highlighted

my awareness as you are dealing with this on a daily basis.

Describe your average day and duties at work.

No two days are the same with my job role.

My job role is very varied and diverse. One day I can be sorting out volunteers with training, to doing finance to leasing with outside providers regarding forthcoming training.

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How would you describe the YMCA in three words?

• DEDICATED • HOPEFUL • RELIABLE Check out our next issue to read another ‘In the Spotlight’ piece with another member of our amzing team.

Business Stars in our Community Awards Y

MCA Wirral celebrated the generosity of a plethora of local businesses in January, after each raised donations to help fund its Sleep Ferry Well initiative.

Hosted and organised by Woodside Ferry Village and Samelco Web Technology, an award ceremony was held, with up to 20 business people attending the special event.

Each received YMCA Wirral’s Business Stars in Our Community certificate for their donations.

The money given was spent on buying military style folding camp beds for the homeless, as well as shower gels and towels.

Woodside Ferry Village was one of many businesses which made a donation. There to collect its certificate was Sharon Stanton from the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking about the support shown from local businesses, Mrs Stanton said: “There are no set rules on how you become homeless and you never know the day. So I think because of that uncertainty, it’s a cause that is close to all our hearts. Its why Woodside Ferry Village and all our venders at our food hall support this initiative.”

Meanwhile, Nigel Hughes, the Chief Executive of YMCA Wirral, was kean to stress the importance of the Sleep Ferry Well cause, and his appricatiion for those who have chosen to support it.

He said: “The homeless crisis in Wirral is deep and set to get worse due to social problems such as

Thanks to Woodside Ferry Village and the generosity of Wirral businesses, 23 heavy duty camp beds, sleeping bags and packs of toiletries were donated during the Sleep Ferry safe campaign. The Mayor of Wirral is seen here presenting special thank you certificates on behalf of YMCA Wirral to all the businesses involved.

the lack of affordable housing and unemployment.

“This is why we are so grateful to Woodside Ferry Village, Samelco Web Technology and all the local businesses for their support by funding new camp beds for our night shelter.”

Two YMCA Special Commendation certificates were also awarded at the event to two well deserving winners - Graham Madrell, marketing manager for Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Walton from Samelco Automation. This was for their dedicated support to the Sleep Ferry Well initiative and the rest of YMCA work. These prestigious certificates were the first two of just 12 to be awarded this year. A massive well done to them.

The Sleep Ferry Well initiative is delivered by YMCA Wirral and provides a night shelter for the homeless, a place of safety and warmth all year round.

You can learn more about our

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night shelter on Pg. 7, whch features an interview with Andy Copeland, who helps manage it.

Support was given from the following businessees...

• Cowfish Smokehouse • Low Slow and Dough • Haku Sushi • The Refreshment Rooms • Caffe Cream • Hoist UK • Truss UK • Russell Taylor Holdings • Finsa UK, Inteb • JD Engineering • Progress to Excellence Group • T4C Training • OON Media • APH Accountants • A&S McKay • Jay Reynolds Pallets • Fuse Hair Hub • Dures Builders • Lawn and Weed Wirral • LS Hayden Building Contractors • Complete Warm Roofs

Take to the water with YMCA Wirral’s very own canal barge and cruiser For the perfect getaway or for a memorable cooperate event, what better way to immerse yourself in some of the UK’s largest and finest wetland arears then by utilising the YMCA’s own boating facilities.

Boasting two pristine vessels that are free to hire, you can experience your own affordable boating adventure, escaping the stresses of working life and feeling the tranquillity of mother nature in return.

Its narrowboat is based in Church Minshull, while it’s cruiser, titled The Monas Queen is based in the Norfolk Broads.

Last month Spider Project CIC, which is a creative arts and wellbeing recovery project based on the Wirral, hired our narrowboat to take advantage of our canal boating courses. Expressing their appreciation for what was provided, they said: “A huge thank you to YMCA Wirral for giving our members the opportunity to spend the day on their canal boat. It is a trip that all ages can truly enjoy. The experience of steering, how to navigate locks and the chance to take in the slow lane was great.”

If you are interested in hiring our boats to undertake a superb way to relax, or as an opportunity to develop your team building and leadership skills, then contact Nigel Hughes on 0151 650 1015 for more information.

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Q&A with night shelter staff

Andy Copeland receiving his Golden Hearts in Our Community Award.

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n the last newsletter, we promised to provide our readers with greater information on our night shelter, which is a 365 day a year service run at our main office building on Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead.

There is nobody in a more qualified position than Andy Copeland, who is part of the team which runs the service, to share a detailed insight into what the night shelter does.

assessments with all our clients in order for them to find or be placed into accommodation.

When was the night shelter established and who helps run it now?

The NPS started in 2009 The NPS started in 2009 How would you describe and runs from 21:30 till the services that the night 07:00 and in the team is shelter provides? myself, Margret Garner, I personally believe the NPS (night shelter provision) Kathy McConnon and Martyn Anderson. is a much-needed lifeline for rough sleepers Has working in the night on the Wirral as our service shelter changed your is the only one which perception on anything? operates 365 days a year.

I feel that We provide a hot meal and drinks, shower facilities, and coming through the system has strengthened a warm safe environment to sleep. If we are not doing my attitude towards homlessness, and it has that, we are refering those in need to external services. given me more empathy towards cliants.

We complete mainstay

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Why do you think that numbers for the night shelter fluctuate at different periods of the year?

It is true that each night is different. For example, we could have 15 clients in one night then 6 the next.

I think people just move around a lot. Sometimes clients stay with friends and family and other times of the year that is not an option. The weather I think is a factor too, certainly.

Continued on page 8

is seeing clients go from rough sleeping to being accommodated in a safe and warm environment. My job is very important to me because I was once a night shelter client who had suffered substance misuse problems.

Being able to help people in a position that I used to be in is an incredible feeling.

What do you enjoy about working at the night shelter?

I enjoy all aspects of my job, but the most rewarding

What are the greatest challenges facing the night shelter?

Not having enough places for more clients is one

2019 Achievemts

What would be your message to someone who knows little about the night shelter?

The night shelter is a fantastic service that offers hope to rough sleepers on the Wirral. If anyone spots a rough sleeper, I would say please signpost them to the YMCA and our team can help them.

of our biggest challengers.

If the hostels are full, then regrettably we have to put our clients on waiting lists.

Below is our impact statement from 2019. It illustrates the positive effect our night shelter has had on those who have needed it.

YMCA Wirral is very proud of what it has achieved from last year, and recognises that none of it could not have been done if it wasn’t for its amazing and dedicated staff like Andy.

We remain as commited as ever to continuing this service into the new year.

YMCA WIRRAL 2019 Achievements These are some of the many achievements your local YMCA has accomplished during 2019 Our Night Shelter provided 3,656 bed night spaces to a total of 346 individuals (48 female, 298 male):

8 used it between 50-69 times 7 used it between 40-49 times 39 used it between 20-39 times 69 used it between 10-19 times 148 used it between 2-9 times 75 used it once Controlled Drinking Room 94 street drinkers engaged with (84 in-house, 10 street drinkers) 52 referrals to CGL 140 interventions 6 client referrals to detoxification 14 off site diversionary activity days 48 ‘Street Tidy’ days 17 residents re-engaged with family

Our hostel nurse completed: 319 interventions 199 health assessments 14 Hepatitis A/B vaccinations 48 routine bloods (including LFTs) 40 flu vaccines (so far), YMCA clients & YMCA night shelter 21 Blood borne virus testing (Hepatitis A & B and HIV) 80 wound assessment/ wound care Our Supported Accommodation housed 131 people: 25 female

106 male

of whom 56 were ex-offenders

Our Training Team delivered: 82 like-skills and training sessions 82 resident activities took place There were 16 evictions 4 Ex Forces

We moved 78 persons into independent living

Charity Reference Number: 1000601 Company Registration Number: 2534811

SUPPORT & ADVICE

ACCOMMODATION

FAMILY WORK

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Assertive Outreach Success W

inter can be a deadly time of the year for the homeless, and there are still many across the Wirral who are vulnerable and need our help.

According to statistics from the homeless charity, Shelter, the north-west of England was one of a handful of regions outside of London which saw the figures of homelessness growing at its fastest, during 2018.

This was evident following a recorded 13,000 or 4% rise on figures from 2017 with an overall number nationally of 320,000 people recorded as sleeping rough in 2018.

Doing its part to help reduce these numbers is YMCA Wirral’s fantastic and dedicated assertive outreach team, which patrol the streets of the Wirral 7 nights a week from 10pm-6am.

Starting from July 2019, Assertive Outreach was created to help, find and come to the aid of those sleeping rough by establish-

ing direct contact on the ground.

After initial interaction, outreach workers then provide practical housing related support, assisting users of the service with access to mainstream homeless accommodation programs.

Explaining why some people end up sleeping rough and needing their help, Heather Hawthorn, a member of YMCA Wirral’s Outreach team said: “You have people through anxiety, isolation or whatever is it that they are dealing with mentally, they cannot access the services {that can help them} so they find themselves sleeping in the dark corners of the Wirral that even we can’t get to."

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“Believe it or not there are people out there who struggle to {access} services so they choose to isolate themselves and they choose to sleep on the streets.”

The help comes after Wirral Borough Council launched a bid to establish a scheme for rough sleeping, in an effort to tackle the homelessness crises in the region.

Funded and set up by the MHCGH, the scheme was later awarded to YMCA Wirral to manage and deliver.

We look forward to keeping you updated with the success of this service in later issues of YMCA Wirral’s newsletter.

Visit the LINK to watch a short film on AO.

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MCA Wirral’s gardening team won the prestigious “Outstanding Garden” certificate in November, at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Awards.

Britain in Bloom is one of the most effective, and longest running environmental competitions in the United Kingdom and celebrates communities across the country maintaining attractive environments that benefit residents and visitors alike.

The certificate awarded to YMCA Wirral was from the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, which was a campaign set up RHS to

Britain in Bloom Awards help gardening groups clean and green up their local area.

Having already signed up to the campaign, YMCA Wirral were previously nominated back in July, with its garden (located towards the back of the YMCA building on Whetstone Lane) being judged based upon it’s horticulture excellence, environmental responsibility and community participation.

YMCA Wirral’s chief executive, Nigel Hughes, was keen to praise those behind its garden for winning the award.

He said: “It is always nice

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to get recognition for the hard work our garden team put into making the green spaces around our YMCA look bright and colourful – this award is a well-earned pat on the back to them”.

One of our volunteers who works tirelessly on maintaining our garden said: I’m thrilled to have won this award, we all are.

It felt very rewarding and worthwhile achieving it after all that hard work.”

Why you should volunteer with us at YMCA Wirral F

“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing a volunteer either progress into paid work via ourselves or into another organization. To me, this is real progression.” - Lesley Lawson, Volunteer Coordinator

inding it difficult to become employed because you lack experience? Do you have some free time that could be used to gain some useful qualifications?

Or do you want to play your part in the community and give something back and try something new?

communication and teamworking skills, and your ability to use your own initiative.

We employ volunteers to take part in our activities all year round, so feel free to contact us so you stand out from the crowed with valuable work experience.

If any of the above questions apply to you, then why not consider joining the YMCA family. At YMCA Wirral, we can provide you with a range of opportunities that will be perfect for your personal development, with courses that can lead to learning new skills and achieving great qualifications. A positive first step to prepare you for the next stage of achieving your preferred career.

If you want to find out more about volunteering, feel free to contact our volunteering co-ordinator via Lesley@birkenheadymca.co.uk or 0151 650 1015

Our dedicated volunteering program offers a range of community and environmental based voluntary projects, which aim to get people outdoors and become active and valuable members of the community. We have three award schemes we give out depending on contact hours. Bronze (25 hours) silver (30 hours) gold (50 hours).

Getting involved in our activities can lead to a valuable reference for employees, while offering a chance to get back into work and to meet new people.

Furthermore, research shows that being involved in voluntary work can improve your health and wellbeing by allowing you to make a positive contribution to the community. An additional benefit.

Listed below are just some of the training courses that you can take part in at the YMCA Wirral: • • • • • • • • • • •

We can tailor your experience with us depending on what career path you prefer to go down, helping you to gain relevant experience for your first or dream job!

From gardening to administration, there are a host of things we can offer that can help you develop your

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Level 1 & 2 Food Hygiene Course - 1 Day Manual Handling Course – 1½ Day Level 1 Introduction to Health and Safety – 1 Day Customer Service and Customer Care – 1 Day Basic Motor and Vehicle Mechanics and Vehicle Maintenance – 8 Weeks – one day per week Foundation Course in Catering and Hospitality - 8 Weeks – one day per week Boat Maintenance and Marine Training – 1 Day Basic Horticulture and Plant Care- 4 Half Days Peer mentoring Substance Abuse Health & Social Care level 2

Click here to watch our video on volunteering with us.

Rey Kelly Music Qualification Congratulations to our client, Ray Kelly, who has successfully completed his level 3 course in Musical Performance. His talent in music and creativity is an inspiration to all our clients.

For the last 2 months, Crisis which is the national charity for homeless people, have been supporting our Controlled Drinking Environment clients through music and performance development workshops. A big thank you to Crisis, for providing these sessions.

There has been lots of really positive engagement with guitarist and Crisis employee, Antony Reily, who provided instruments along with leading the session.

Some residents were picking up an instrument for the first time, but they took it in their stride and enjoyed themselves.

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An Oriental Delight T

he catering team at YMCA Wirral set themselves a challenge of hosting a 12-course banquet for clients as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations.

It payed off, as the evening turned out to be a great success, with everyone who attended appreciating the effort that was ploughed into the planning of the oriental event.

A massive thank you to Barbra Stevens who came up with the idea and made it happen.

She said: “Chinese New Year is always a great opportunity to bring people together and have some fun.

“It was great to see our clients enjoying themselves in a safe and happy environment.

“Doing things like this is what the YMCA is all about for me, just being proactive and doing things that’ll help our cliants feel better about themselves.”

YMCA Wirral Celebrates Chinese New Year With Ambitious Banquet Feast

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Newsletter February 2020 Issue 1

Newsletter created for YMCA Wirral by OON Media Edited by Harry Leahey @harryleahey1

For content submission or other enquires, contact reception at: reception@birkenheadymca.co.uk

Contact and Further Information About us:

Telephone: 0151 650 1015 FAX: 0151 647 1821 Website: www.ymcawirral. org.uk Address: 56 Whetstone Lane Birkenhead Wirral CH41 2TJ Follow us on Twitter @ YMCAWirral Like and Follow our Facebook page

The YMCA has served the community for 145 years and has responded to social, economic and political changes throughout that time. Homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse has left many people damaged. We provide a place of a safety with facilities that cater for the needs of people from all walks of life.

We manage a hugely successful volunteer program, our inhouse team deliver practical advice, training and support to our clients. We provide a night shelter for up to 15 street homeless people each night, 365 nights a year. We offer a controlled drinking environment (CDE) which has been highly successful in reducing alcohol dependency. These are just a series of initiatives that help engage our clients, whilst serving the community as a whole.

We offer a range of services such as training courses, accommodation and volunteering. We also have rentable facilities, such as conference rooms, boating facilities and an ICT suite brochure.

You can find out more about our charitable organisation and our facilities on our website here: https://www.ymcawirral.org. uk