F O CUS NOW 25th Anniversary Special
Year of the Leicestival Exhibition A day in the life of a student on placement Who cares wins
ISSUE 2 Winter 2013/14 www.focus-charity.co.uk
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Blast from the past
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Find us Focus Charity 73 Church Gate Leicester LE1 3AN Phone us: 0116 251 0369 Email us: admin@focus-charity.co.uk Visit our website: www.focus-charity.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1068467 Like us on Facebook: Focus Charity
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A day in the life of a student on placement Who Cares Wins - Young carers volunteering Focusing on business
What’s happening?
Matt Lilley Katie Taylor Matt Turrell Amina Adnan Jenny Griffiths
NEWS
Thank you to:
PEOPLE
Editor: Joe Roughton
Giving project launch Project Update - Explore Leadership Focus staff prepare to run the X-Runner challenge in 2014
FEATURES
CONTRIBUTORS
Year of the Leicestival exhibition FOCUS enters in to its 25th anniversary Blast From The Past
Our Youth Action Team have teamed up with BioBlitz for their 24 hour species count. This year it will be held on Friday 13th - Saturday 14th June on Western Park, Leicester. BioBlitz heads in to its’ 5th year of this event and encourages the public, young and old, to get involved with their environment and appreciate our natural green spaces. There will be various activities happening throughout the event including guided walks, the species count, workshops and much more. If you are interested in getting involved with Youth Action Team during this event, please contact Focus on 0116 251 0369. Alternatively email joe.roughton@focus-charity.co.uk.
COMING February 20 14 Year of the Leicestival Almanac 2013
Follow us on Twitter @FocusCharity
JustTextGiving Focu25 to 70070 and donate £10 to Focus Charity on their 25th anniversary.
Available to download for free at
www.focus-charity.co.uk
COMING THIS SUMMER...
Church Gate Summer Fair Independent businesses on Church Gate, Leicester are working together to bring you an exciting day of fun, games and bargains to show consumers that Church Gate has a lot to offer to the City. They will also be raising money for their local charity Focus. Keep an eye out for more news on this event and a confirmed date through our Facebook page.
From the
Director’s
chair
Later this year we’ll be celebrating 25 years since the very first group of intrepid Focus volunteers set out to run a project. We weren’t called ‘Focus’ back then, but the importance to us of this anniversary cannot be overstated. A quarter of a century is a bloomin’ long time and the fact that we’re still here, still supporting young people, and still attracting more volunteers than we can always find roles for suggests we’re doing something right. The early days of Focus, or ‘Bridge’ as we were then known, we were very different to the organisation we’ve become today. We were entirely run by students and the bulk of our work took place during long summers of back-to-back residential projects. Most of the equipment we used was cobbled together from whatever we could find and back-of-a-fag-packet planning was commonplace. Although we have striven to become better resourced, more strategic and more diverse in our volunteer recruitment, I hope that we have retained much of the creative, innovative and independent ethos of Bridge. Personally, I’ve only been involved for 19 of our 25 years but I’ve been witness to many changes and developments since, and there are times when it has seemed that we may never get to this fantastic milestone. In the past few years we’ve seen many fantastic voluntary sector organisations disappear as funding has dried up, and we have the determination, commitment and sheer bloody-mindedness of our supporters, volunteers, trustees and staff to thank for our survival. Over the course of this year we’ll be marking our anniversary with a series of events and initiatives. Details of these will be announced as they arise. We’re also launching our new strategy for the future, which will hopefully see us develop and grow the projects, activities and services we provide for young people. One spectacularly stupid idea that I agreed to is that a group of us will be attempting the X-Runner event on 21st June. To help me get through the 10k mud assault course, why not visit www.justgiving.com/Matt-Lilley1 and sponsor me. We’ll also be gathering your stories of the impact Focus has had on your life on our website. Check out what others have said at www.focus-charity.co.uk/alumni/?page=stories and tell us your story too. Over 21,000 people have been involved with Focus in some capacity, as volunteers, project participants, staff, and trustees. I can’t remember all their names off the top of my head, but there are some I’ll never forget! A few months ago we were all deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of the legendary (and I use the term advisedly) Norman ‘Unkie Norm’ Whelbourne. His contribution to Focus as a volunteer and member of staff was huge and his humour, boundless energy, enormous heart, and culinary adventures (none that tasted his “Tagletti Carburettor” will ever forget it!) live on. We owe it to people like Norm to ensure that the next 25 years are even better.
Giving Project Launch On Thursday 21st November 2013 we attended the launch of The Giving Project, held at Voluntary Action Leicestershire. This unique project brings together a number of voluntary sector organisations, including FOCUS, to address the issue of child poverty. By bringing together a range of organisations and projects, The Giving Project provides young people with a tailored package of on-going support and activities to help them break the cycle of poverty. The project is backed by a number of local businesses, who are pooling their financial resources and business know-how to improve the lives of young people in the New Parks and Belgrave areas of Leicester and the Greenhill and Agar Nook areas of Coalville. The launch included a presentation by our Director, Matt, who showcased Explore Leadership; and presentations by two of the business partners, Byron Dixon of Micro-Fresh, and Arnab Dutt of Texane. FOCUS were invited to join the project to offer Explore Leadership to young people from the target areas. Central to the marketing of the whole project is a case study of FOCUS volunteer Matt Turrell, who attended the launch along with Matt Lilley, Joe Roughton and Jenny Griffiths, a student from De Montfort University who is on placement with us. Two of our Youth Action Team members (Fathia Ibrahim and Anshta Kamanah) popped down to London to represent Focus Charity at the All Party Parliamentory Group on Youth Affairs earlier in 2013. Ed Timpson MP (Children and Families Minister), Karen Buck MP (Shadow Education Minister) and Susanne Rauprich (Chief Executive of NCVYS) were speakering at the event and were given some very tough questions to answer by our young people. Great stuff.
Who cares wins
Young carers who volunteer in the community
Amina is a 14 year old young volunteer with Focus Charity, and has been volunteering for over a year. She actively takes part in and leads on various projects and programmes that we offer. Throughout her time with Focus, we have seen her go on a journey of experiences that have enhanced her skills, knowledge and confidence that continues to benefit her life at school, at home and within her social circles. Whilst Amina dedicates her spare time to volunteering, she also has many other important responsibilities. Amina is a young carer. A young carer or young caregiver is a child or young person whose life is affected by Down syndrome (or Down’s looking after someone with a disability or a long-term illness. The person they care for syndrome) is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error may be a parent, a sibling, another family member or even a friend. in cell division that results in Amina has a sister with Down Syndrome and like many other young carers, Amina has an extra 21st chromosome. extra responsibilities other than their close bond as sisters. As a young carer, what are your responsibilities at home? “I have to help my parents even more with my sister such as feeding her in a certain way, changing her and to give extra support such as babysitting when my parents go out. Although this may sound easy, actually I have tons of extra responsibilities to be aware of to make sure she is safe”. What do you like/dislike about being a young carer? “I love doing what I do mainly because she’s my sister but also it has prepared me in supporting children like my sister, as I want to be a doctor when I’m older”. “There are days when it gets overwhelming and I think about how other young people don’t have these responsibilities. I can feel a little out of place ‘cos whilst my friends are watching TV I might have other responsibilities. When you get time out what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? “I love coming to the Youth Action team because it feels like my second home. It has given me the opportunity to grow and be around people my own age. It also enables me to give something back to the community”. “But I wouldn’t change my life for the world”.
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You’ve helped me come so far, if it werent for the support given to me by Focus, God knows where I’d be today. I sometimes think back to this time last year and what would’ve happened if I hadn’t decided to go on a Focus residential and join YAT, and I dont think I can ever think about myself not being a part of the team. It’s more than just a youth group, it’s my family and part of my life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do these things. I have come out with memories and teachings I’ll cherrish for the rest of my life.
Amina is a dedicated member of the Youth Action Team. Here she is reporting on the Vaisakhi festival with members of the Sikh community.
Kailesh from our Youth Action Team helping to prepare for the Caribbean Carnival
Youth Action Team runs exhibition for Year of the Leicestival.
Y e a r of t h e Our Youth Action Team have spent the last 12 months volunteering L ei cestiva l in Leicester including and helping to coordinate 6 festivals
Chinese New Year, Vaisakhi and the Caribbean Carnival to learn about the culture, food and histories surrounding these A cultural exhibitionfestive createdcalendar year. great events in Leicester’s by young volunteers with Focus Charity As a result of their hard work and commitment, our young
people have put together an almanac that explores these events and foods, a photographic exhibition that was held Only available for 4 days at the Leicester People’s Photographic Gallery as well as a Viewing from 10am - 5pm DVD to compliment the exhibition. Tuesday 11th February 2014 The exhibition opening event Wednesday 12th February 2014 (Until 3pm) was very busy and was 13th High FebruaryBailiff 2014 Councillor Ted Cassidy, attendedThursday by the Friday 14th February 2014 as well as other councillors, Heritage Lottery representatives
organisations and members of the public. Held at:
It was an amazing event with speeches from our young The Leicester People’s people and Director of Focus before tucking in to the Photographic Gallery freshly cooked food byStreet our Youth Action Team. 2 Wellington Leicester
The whole event was great statement of our young LE1a 6HL people’s hard work and dedication to learning new skills, making a please difference For further information visit: in their community and just www.focus-charity.co.uk being fantastic volunteers.
WARNING! RANDOM FACT ALERT Did you know... Stephen Hawkin, arguably the most influential living scientist in the world, was once a patron for Focus Charity. Give as you live is a great way to raise money for Focus Charity whilst shopping online. For more info, check out our website www.focus-charity.co.uk
One of our Explore leaders’ organising a sponsored walk for charity with their team.
Anshta, Hashim and Faisa, members of our Youth Action Team promoting volunteering at Leicester Day in 2013
Project Update
Explore Leadership
As the season changed and the daylight drew shorter, Focus Charity recruited a fresh group of enthusiastic young people to be part of the next Explore leaders programme. The residential training programme ran in October and seen 18 young people (aged 14-18 years), all from different backgrounds, education and stages in their lives, live under the same roof for a week whilst exploring their potential to be a leader. At the start of the week the young people didn’t know each other and their teamwork was non-existent. Throughout the week the group engaged in a range of activities, games, workshops and informal conversations that shaped them in to a fully functioning team and development of their own unique leadership styles. The residential training built up to a final event in the week where the group were given 24 hours to plan their own practice project, with the theme of ‘make the world smile’, before descending on a local community (namely Lichfield) to run their project. The group wore fancy dress, donning signs and singing songs to spread smiles to the residents of Lichfield. The response from Lichfield gave the group a real confidence boost that was key to their motivation and proved that what they had learnt in practice worked in reality. Since being back in Leicester, the young people have been spending time recruiting their own teams, planning their projects, and for some, have already run some fantastic events.
Explore Leadership is a 12 week youth empowerment programme that engages and trains young people aged 13-19 years who want to develop their skills, confidence and motivation to run their own youthled projects and make a difference in their local communities. 2 young leaders and their teams raised money for Water Aid by running their own sponsored walk in Leicester. They have raised over £200.
1 young leader and her team ran an antismoking campaign at Queen Elizabeth College to make students aware of the services available and the support young people can receive in order to quit the bad habit. 1 young leader has enlisted his team to create a gaming competition for students at Gateway Community College with the proceeds of the event going to charity.
Raise money for Focus as an individual or group donations through sponsored events. Pop on to our website for more information.
Explore Leadership will be recruiting its 6th group for the summer in 2014. If you are interested or know someone that would love to get involved, please contact us and we’ll send you an application pack.
www.xrunner.co.uk
Focus will run the X-runner Challenge. Matt Lilley and Joe Roughton of Focus Charity have decided it’s time to get fit in the new year and in doing so, attempt the mega challenge that is the X-runner to raise funds for Focus. Over the next few months we will be seeking donations and other willing participants to be part what looks like a really fun and challenging day.
If you would like to get involved, please read the information below including specific details on how to join us. Water Wipeout – eXtreme Obstacle Race & Mud Run Water Wipeout is the ultimate obstacle race and mud run. This awesome challenge will include: Water Slides, Tightropes, Tunnels, Hurdles, Giant Walls, Cargo Nets, Spider’s Webs, Balance Beams, Mud, Water and the Assault Course, are you tough enough, are you up for it, are you ready for the race of your life? There are 5k and 10k options with over fifty challenging obstacles that will take you through mud and water, the race will have you climbing, crawling, swimming and running as you take part in this extreme experience, this is an awesome adventure run taking place at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. The challenging natural terrain of this location is an obstacle in itself, the water sports centre is perfect for runners and triathletes with oodles of oozing mud and loads of lakes to dunk you in, we promise you will never be so wet, so muddy or so insanely satisfied by the end of the race. Its muddy good fun.
Specifics (If you would like to join in with us): • • • • • • • • •
X-Runner - Water Wipeout Saturday 21st June 2014 National Water Sports Centre, Notts, NG12 2LU Wave: 4 Time start: 11am Team Name: FOCUS Cost: £46.86 (Refundable if you raise over £250 for Focus Charity) What’s included: Free kit worth £29.95. All entries will receive an X-Runner Gym Bag, Technical T-Shirt, Finishers Medal, Silicon Wrist Band, Electronic Chip Timing, Drink, Snack Bar, Vouchers and possibly the best day of your life! The minimum age 15yrs. Anyone under 18yrs must bring a completed parental consent form with them and hand it in at registration (Please visit the website to download a consent form).
For more information about this event and to apply please visit www.xrunner.co.uk
Focusing on business
Local businesses can play a massive part in their community, whether it’s offering their time or expertise or their ability to generate income for the benefit of a charity, community group or voluntary organisation.
We caught up with two local businesses, Debbie Noon and Jessica Fleming from The Fruity Chocolatier and Nicola Ross from Hilda’s, that are raising awareness of Focus Charity through the use of the products they sell to the public and giving us a donation from their menu items. Hilda’s and The Fruity Chocolatier found out about Focus by us being regular customers to both shops. We regularly went in for bacon and egg butties and fruity/chocolaty combinations and became friends with the employees that work there. As our relationships developed, we learned about each other’s businesses, aims and contribution to the community of Leicester. The companies also found out about what FOCUS were doing to help the young people in Leicester and wanted to get involved with helping our cause. There were many reasons why these two establishments wanted to become involved with our charity. They believed that it was impor tant to help a charity that was local to Leicester so they could see the impacts on the area.
“Often teenagers are overlooked when thinking of people in need and FOCUS are one of the few charities that offer guidance, suppor t and confidence builders to young people in need of this” said Debbie Noon from The Fruity Chocolatier. The Fruity Chocolatier help FOCUS in their own way too. They have a smoothie for sale called the “Brain Food Focus” which gives £1 to FOCUS for every one they sell. They have a collection tin for us, they hand out leaflets promoting FOCUS and they will be donating their profits from an upcoming street par ty (in the summer) to FOCUS. The Fruity Chocolatier will continue to help us in the future by carrying on with the great work they do to promote and raise funds for us. They are hoping that the Street Par ty they organise in the summer on Church Gate will be a success and can be made into an annual event that can help the businesses on Church Gate and donate proceeds to FOCUS. FOCUS recently held an exhibition, The Year of the Leicestival, and a large par t of the exhibition was the food that the young people came across at the different festivals. Nicola from Hilda’s let the young people make all the food in her café. She taught us hygiene rules and how to chop onions properly. Without the help we were given from Nicola we would never have been able to pull off the exhibition. Hilda’s will be helping in future FOCUS projects. Hilda’s are also creating a signature FOCUS dish that they will sell and will give a percentage of their profits to us. We are able to help Hilda’s and the Fruity Chocolatier with the street par ty that is being planned sometime in the summer on Church Gate. The reason for the street par ty is to bring people from the main city centre down to Church Gate and promote the independent businesses on the road and try to get the road bustling like it used to be. We would like to thank the people at The Fruity Chocolatier and Hilda’s for their dedication to us. We really appreciate all the help they give us and hope we can offer the same help to them. If you are in the area get yourself down to these eateries. Get some great food and drink and help them help us!
The Fruity Chocolatier
54, Church Gate, Leicester LE1 4AJ. Tel: 0116 319 9925.
Hilda’s Cafe
40 Church Gate, Leicester LE1 4AJ. Tel: 07835 776254.
Blast from the past This editions ‘Blast from the past’ comes from one of our newsletters way back in 1995 when Focus was often referred to as Bridge. Even back then, Focus encouraged students to come and develop their skills and knowledge whilst having tons of fun and giving something back.
One of our peer mentors, Ishwary Joshi facilitating a planning session with group members of the Youth Action Team.
The first 6 organisations/groups to book this fantastic opportunity will receive their Outside The Box session absolutely FREE!!!