Future Voice Issue 26

Page 10 Back on Track programme success

Page 14-15 Living life at The Snow Hill

Page 24 Support at the Coventry Foyer

Future

VOICE

The magazine for Midland Heart’s supported housing customers

Winter 2014

Pilot scheme for hospitalised homeless page 4-5

uplifting times Happy New Year to all our readers. The Future Voice team hopes 2014 will be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for you all.

We start off the new year with a packed issue… so please keep your stories coming in during the next twelve months.

The edition includes lots of customer success stories from Back on Track apprentices who are going from strength to strength, to Venture Volunteers, whose efforts last year have helped them to secure full-time positions.

Congratulations and well done to you all.

Contents

s Delivery make dreams come true at Pear Tree Lane

Pear Tree Lane development 2 Calvert Trust More Back on Track success

The Spring to Life team has been busy working with customers in Mental Health Services and you’ll find an update on some of the more recent achievements on pages 22 & 23.

We have all the usual features from Ask Fay and Viewpoint to the Word Search competition too.

Keep sending in your news and ideas – we love to hear from you.

Sara Beamand Managing Director of Midland Heart Care and Support

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10 & 11

Competition 2014

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Ask Fay

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Spring to Life update 22 & 23 Coventry Foyer

We also take a look at an unusual recruitment day in Hereford where customers from Learning Disabilities Services took the lead (page 6) and meet customers at the Coventry Foyer, which recently became part of Midland Heart.

There’s the results for the hotlycontested Future Voice Photography Competition (pages 16 & 17) plus details of our 2014 competition, which encompasses a wide range of skills (page 19).

8&9

24 & 25

Viewpoint 29

Pear Tree Lane received an extra-special Christmas delivery on 11 December… a new garden building.

The large unit was transported on two lorries with a police escort from Newtown, Wales to Shrewsbury before coming solo to Wolverhampton.

Some customers and staff gathered as the building was lifted by a huge 150-ton crane into the grounds of the service in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton.

“There were a few hairraising moments when the unit was lifted over one of the bungalows into the garden,” said Registered Care Manager Jo Shaw, “but it all went without a hitch”.

“We’ve desperately wanted extra space so we can do more activities here so we’re absolutely thrilled with the new development.

“The inside of the building needs completing with furnishings and we hope to officially open by the end of January.”

The new space, which will include a sensory room, will enable staff to provide a range of leisure and educational activities for the 13 customers, all of whom have learning disabilities and high support needs.

Jo explained “Historically customers at Pear Tree Lane have gone out in the day to services provided by other agencies.

“However, we have recently been approved to provide this service at Pear Tree Lane for the customers who live here with our service

being bespoke to the individual customers providing activities when they want them including evenings and weekends.

“Customers will also spend a proportion of their time taking part in a variety of activities of their choice in our local community from bowling, line dancing, local college courses and hydrotherapy sessions to name just a few.”

The space in the garden room includes a sensory room which will provide people with

a calming whilst stimulating environment for relaxation and physiotherapy sessions.

It will also give them a chance to enhance their communication and hand eye co-ordination, whilst the larger room will act as a base for our other internal activities.

Jo added: “It is a very exciting time for everyone at Pear Tree Lane and the new facilities will make a huge difference to the lives of our customers.”

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homeless hospital

Pilot scheme highlights a real need for hospitalised homeless patients Research carried out in 2010 estimated that homeless people use four times as many acute health services and eight times as many inpatient health services as the general population.

The six-month pilot has seen support staff – ‘navigators’ – being placed in five acute

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A new and exciting project to support homeless and vulnerably housed patients who have been admitted to hospital has been launched by Midland Heart following funding from the Department of Health.

care units in hospitals across Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire to compile risk and need assessments for identified homeless patients.

The navigators are supported by two ‘brokers’ who work with organisations in the community to find the necessary support for the patients following their

hospital discharge.

Paul Webber, Inclusion Services manager, who is heading up the project, said: “In the past patients have been discharged from hospital because they are medically fit but they often have a host of other ‘social’ issues which haven’t been addressed.

“We have also seen several cases where the patient is medically fit for discharge but kept in hospital at a huge cost to the NHS and occupying acute beds that could be used for other patients” He added: “We’re two months into the project now and it is going really well. Our staff team are developing good relationships with the nurses and clinical staff who are working with us to identify and support these vulnerable people.

“The beauty of the project is that it is linking the medical and care, support and

accommodation systems, which should save the NHS money in the long run. If patients are released back on to the streets then they are often readmitted to hospital quite quickly.

“We are now evidencing the real need for this service to secure funding from local commissioning groups to make it an ongoing service.”

“To be part of the homeless pathway project is very exciting, not only for me as a frontline member of staff but for Midland Heart as an organisation.

“As someone who has worked in homelessness both in the voluntary and statutory sectors, it is clear that this is a service that is very much needed .

“The integration of Health and Housing Services to address homelessness is a step in the right direction.

“It will ensure that we are reaching out to the most vulnerable and marginalised individuals within our society.”

Sabina Yasmin, Homeless Hospital Navigator

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news round-up Customers lead the way on Hereford recruitment day Applicants for Midland Heart support vacancies in Hereford were put through their paces at a recent recruitment day where customers took the lead.

The event, which was voted a great success, attracted 28 candidates for the jobs within Learning Disabilities services.

Customers from across Herefordshire were involved in the entire process, asking interview questions and taking part in a variety of exercises.

Kiain McKean, Locality Manager, Hereford North, who organised the day, said: “We wanted our customers to take an active role and meet the individuals they may be working with in the future. They thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the process.”

He added: “The applicants had the chance to meet customers in a relaxed atmosphere and get a better idea of their needs. Our staff were able to observe how everyone interacted and see the strengths and weaknesses of the applicants.

“The day was very successful and we recruited 12 people.

The feedback has been tremendous and we hope to involve customers in future interviews.”

Festive fun Customers and their children at Rushden’s Shoemaker Court got in the festive mood at a Christmas party.

Shoemaker Court provided the venue and drinks while nearby Whitefriars Church brought the food and presents.

Rona Sawyerr, Project Worker at the Northamptonshire service, said: “Lots of families came and there was a real sense of community and everyone had a great time.”

Staff also judged the children’s colouring competition which was won by Aliyah, aged 6 and Bailey, 10.

There were spooky goings on at Rushden’s Shoemaker Court as customers and their children celebrated Hallow’een

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Award night celebrates compassionate healthcare Two customers were invited to attend a glittering award night in London’s West End when Midland Heart was shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal award.

Dominic Weston from Lancaster Street and Jason Fox from Holliday Road were among the Midland Heart group which attended the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on 19 November.

The organisation was shortlisted in the Innovation in Mental Health category for its work with Spring to Life, the community interest company which provides

horticultural activities to promote good mental health and well-being to customers.

The ceremony, which celebrated excellence in the healthcare sector, saw Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Foundation Trust win the category.

Midland Heart Mental Health Operations Manager Rosemary Doherty said being shortlisted for an award was a huge achievement.

She added: “We were very proud to be shortlisted and though slightly disappointed not to win it was a great event which was even more enjoyable as we shared

Jason Fox Dominic Weston

it with customers and a volunteer.”

Customer Jason Fox said: “When I went to London I was very nervous as I had not been to a do like that before. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was amazed by the amount of people who were there. I thank Midland Heart for inviting me.”

Reaching out in Solihull Midland Heart played a key role at a recent Solihull Supporting People open day making valuable new connections.

Chris Ward, Floating Support Worker (substance misuse), represented the organisation at the multi-agency event and met staff from 15 other agencies in the area as well as potential customers.

Chris said: “The day went very well and we handed out over 25 information/referral packs. We hope this will help open new routes for people to be able to access our service.”

Floating Support Worker Chris Ward is pictured with the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Joe Tidesley.

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adventure “It was an unbelievable experience and although I was nervous before I went, I settled down on the first night.

“It was the first time I had been on an outward bound event so I didn’t know what to expect. I certainly didn’t think I’d be able to overcome my fear of heights.

“I have so many fantastic memories of the week and probably the most memorable is of Hazel, an 84-year-old lady, who was abseiling and couldn’t wait to do it again!

“I also found that I really enjoyed helping other people and I’d love to go back to Calvert in March, this time as a volunteer.”

Simon Chatterley, Holliday Road, Handsworth

Spirit of adventure at Calvert The latest group of customers from across Care & Support to enjoy the Midland Heart Myth Breaker experience returned to their homes with a sense of achievement and new purpose.

The five-day ‘Challenges the Myths’ holiday in Devon – now in its fourth year – was a resounding success with everyone growing in confidence, trust and self-belief.

The group of 55 customers and staff from Older People, Inclusion, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities

services– enjoyed a wide range of team building experiences at the Calvert Trust centre on Exmoor, Devon.

Activities included climbing, abseiling, kayaking, horse riding, crate stacking, archery and... not for the faint hearted, the King Swing.

Customer Margaret Holland from Penmaker’s Court, an Older People’s Service, said: “Sharing time with so many people from different backgrounds really opened my eyes to how challenging life can be for others.”

“It was an uplifting experience”

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How to get involved Posters advertising Calvert Trust events are always displayed three months before the trip with details of how customers can apply.

Customers will need to complete three simple questions for their application which are centred around what they want out of the experience and how they will contribute to the team.

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skills and opportunity Full-time position for Kadir Kadir Ghaffar who completed his Back on Track apprenticeship at Zambesi in June recently secured a permanent support worker position with the service.

Inclusion Services manager Tracy Emerson-Smith said “Kadir ‘blew the interview panel away’ before going on to a tough grilling by the customer panel.”

Kadir, who officially started in his full-time position on 2 December, told Future Voice: “I was very nervous at the interview because I wanted the job so much. I was delighted to be offered the position and I feel that now I’m finally sorted.

“Back on Track is a good scheme and my advice to anyone who is lucky enough to get on it is to stick with it.”

Young achiever scoops top award

Back on Track success Midland Heart’s Back on Track programme has recently enjoyed a string of successes with apprentices winning awards and gaining fulltime employment.

The programme was initially developed to support young people in Birmingham as a response to the August 2011 disturbances.

At its heart is an apprenticeship placement with Midland Heart and includes a system of support which aims to resolve any issues which may affect their ability to succeed in employment.

The success of the project is

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partly down to the workplace mentors that work closely with the apprentices to offer advice and support to help them to develop their skills and demonstrate their knowledge and commitment.

Michelle Goodall, Intervention Service Manager, Back on Track, said: “It is almost two years since this innovative programme was first launched by Midland Heart and the young people that we work with are truly inspiring.

“They have proved

that if they are just given a chance and with the right support mechanisms in place then there are no limits to what they can achieve”.

Callum Shuttleworth’s hard work was officially recognised when he was named as the Community Foundations Young Employee of the Year 2013 at a ceremony in Birmingham.

Callum came to Midland Heart through the Back on Track apprenticeship programme and has since gone on to secure full-time employment as a chef at St Eugene’s Court, Digbeth, Birmingham.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award, I’ve worked really hard and I hope this is just the beginning for me. I like my role a lot and the feeling that I am giving something back to the people we help.”

Callum began his Back on Track apprenticeship 18 months ago just after completing a nine-month prison sentence.

“The day after I’d been released my probation officer called and told me to go for the interview,” he said. “To be honest, a job was the last thing on my mind.

“But I had done a couple of catering courses so when I was offered the position I

decided to give it a go.”

Working in the kitchens at Bath Row and St Eugene’s gave Callum the inspiration and motivation to get his life sorted and he enjoyed the freedom he was given to develop his skills.

“At St Eugene’s I have to think about the sort of foods the customers like to eat as well as persuading them to try new dishes. I love my job here and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

He added: “I’ve still got the same circle of friends but they have started to change their lives too.

“Once they saw me getting on they realised they could do the same and how easy it can be to get on in life.”

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more jobs

skills and opportunity Volunteering gave Sirrena the new start she needed The Venture Volunteer programme is celebrating yet another success after recent recruit Sirrena Harnell was offered a permanent, full-time position.

Sirrena, who started the Venture Project last July at Helen Dixon House, is now working as a support worker at the women-only service in Moseley.

Katiya Nunes, Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “I supported Sirrena to apply for the support worker role at Helen Dixon House and was delighted when she told me that she had been offered the position. It was great news. We are very proud of her.”

She added: “The Venture Project provides our customers with the opportunity to explore and reach their aspirations and gives them real life experiences for their CV.”

My story

By Sirrena Harnell, support worker, Helen Dixon House Within a year I felt I had lost everything and wanted to give up.

I was referred to a Midland Heart Floating Support Service and due to my circumstances I moved into Muirhead House, but I could not trust anyone or open up to the staff.

A support worker told me about the Calvert Trust event but at the time I dismissed it, but agreed to complete an application.

Everyone thought I was O.K. because I have a bubbly personality but after a counselling session where I was encouraged to open up, I broke down in front of my support worker when I returned to Muirhead House.

I then got some one-to-one time to talk about how I was feeling and I also heard

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that I’d been accepted for Calvert Trust.

The experience there broke down so many barriers for me. I began to trust people and started to believe in myself.

I applied for the Venture Project still doubting my ability but I was successful and as I began volunteering at Helen Dixon House my confidence grew and I saw people needed my support.

I also got the chance to return to Calvert this year as a volunteer and found it so rewarding.

Midland Heart helped me get through my difficult times and provided the practical support and the emotional encouragement I needed.

Without meeting that first support worker I would not be here today.

I have recently secured a fulltime position as a support worker at Helen Dixon House and am delighted to see how far I have come.

One word of advice for anyone looking to better themselves… never give up, the right support is out there.

Midland Heart joins nationwide commitment to jobs A new Generation Talent initiative run by the Business in the Community charity has gained the backing of Midland Heart.

The organisation has joined a consortium of 15 champion businesses to drive the project forward.

The new national programme is designed to help businesses scale up the number of unemployed people they recruit.

It already has the backing of 90 UK employers who have identified that by making small changes to their recruitment process they can make 25,000 jobs available to the unemployed.

For the 2.47 million unemployed people in the UK there are significant challenges in finding a job.

An estimated 92 per cent of businesses use informal methods to recruit a portion of entry level staff rather than advertising.

The stigma around unemployment adds another barrier, with 72 per cent of managers considering unemployment for six months or more as a negative indicator of a candidate’s ability.

Janice Smith, Midland Heart’s Strategy and Business Support Director, said: “Being based in the Midlands, an area with high levels of unemployment, we are keen to help drive change in the process of recruiting those currently seeking work.

“There is a lot of untapped young talent out there and we hope that the Generation Talent initiative will address the stigma around recruiting those that have been previously unemployed.”

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Future Voice Fancy joining the Editorial Board? e

Everyone’s

welcom

The Future Voice Editorial Board is an ever-changing mix of customers and staff who make sure the quarterly magazine is about our customers and the issues that you want to read about.

This issue we spoke to people from across the services at a meeting at Holliday Road in Handsworth. There was a great turnout and everyone had plenty to talk about… which is what we like!

The editorial meetings are friendly and informal and you can get involved as much or as little as you want.

If you’d like to come along and see for yourself what it’s all about, speak to your service manager or support worker. Alternatively you can email us at futurevoice@ midlandheart.org.uk

Do you have a story to tell?

Our readers enjoy learning about other people’s experiences.

If you would like to tell your story, get in touch by writing to us at the usual address or by speaking to your service manager or key worker.

We prefer to include names and photographs for our case studies, but if you would like to remain anonymous, then we won’t include your details.

You’ll also be given final approval on the article – we won’t print anything that you’re not happy with.

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This is my life...

Michael is photographed on the canal bank where he was sleeping before moving into The Snow Hill.

Big Issue seller Smudger talks to Future Voice about his life as a Big Issue seller on Temple Street in Birmingham City Centre.

Michael Smith, generally known as Smudger, has enjoyed his first real Christmas for many years after moving into accommodation at The Snow Hill last year.

“It was the first Christmas that I actually had somewhere to celebrate properly because I wasn’t homeless for a change,” he said. “I was able to have some friends over for dinner which I loved because I like being the host. My flat is great and the view I’ve got is wicked.”

Smudger, 49, has lived on the streets for 14 years but signing up to sell the Big Issue has begun to change his life. “I’ve had my eyes done, my teeth looked at and I’m dealing with my homelessness,” he explained.

“I’ve had my pitch on Temple Street for eight months and I’ve had to work at building it up and I pride myself on being here every day because I have a lot of punters.”

Smudger said that the local vendors keep an eye on Big Issue sellers following the tragic incident last year when two Birmingham vendors were murdered on their pitches.

He didn’t know the men but has organised a get-together this year to commemorate them, with their families, friends, the police and members of the public all invited.

“I wanted to do something because at the moment there is nothing there to show for them. I didn’t want them to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”

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The results

photo competition

Photography competition update Announcing the winners…

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… we unveil the winning entries in the closely contested Future Voice Photography Competition.

A big thank you to everyone who entered. After a slow start entries flooded in.

Our judging panel – which included customers David Hayes and Mathew Jones - met up at Lacock Abbey, a beautiful National Trust property in rural Wiltshire.

The Abbey includes a museum celebrating the achievements of former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography.

Fox Talbot created the first ever photographic negative in 1835, taken of a small window at his home, Lacock Abbey.

Our four judges from Inclusion Services, Mental Health Services and Older People’s Services, spent several hours selecting the best entries and after much discussion, named the winners.

Both our winning photographers will receive a £50 gift voucher of their choice.

Category – All about me Winner: Shane McIntyre, Birmingham Floating Support

Category – All about me Joint runners-up: Anthony Hull, Birmingham Foyer.

Cherrelle Woodward, Eagle House, Stafford

Fox Talbots’ first negative courtesy of the National Media Museum / Science & Society Picture Library

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competition 2014

The Judges Left to right: Matthew Jones, Gen Glover, George Way, David Hayes

Category - In the community Winner: Mark Avril, Eagle House, Stafford

“It was a great day, I really enjoyed myself. There were a lot of good photographs and I felt that we picked out the best. The judges were all in agreement.”

David Hayes, Victoria Court, Wolverhampton “It was a very interesting and enjoyable day. The judging went very well and I thought the standard of many of the entries was very good. It was also interesting to meet people from other schemes.”

George Way, Champions Court, Dursley. (Older People’s Services)

Category - In the community Joint runners-up: Nova James, Ivy Close, Hereford Ryan Wood, Eagle House, Stafford

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What’s your talent?

After the success of the 2013 Future Voice Photography Competition we have been racking our brains to come up with ideas for 2014.

After talking to customers at the recent editorial meeting at Holliday Road we have decided to widen the scope to attract customers who have other talents.

The three categories for 2014 are: 1. What you see - paintings, photographs or artwork of another medium.

2. What you say - the written word in poetry, a short story or a written observation. (See page 20 for inspiration from Carl Gilfillian) 3. In the spotlight - a performing arts category - music, comedy, singing, dance etc. This would be judged at one of the Inclusion Services events during the summer months.

We’ll have more details in the next edition including info on how you can enter and the prizes which are up for grabs, so watch this space…

“I had a really good day. It was interesting to see all the different entries and to hear other people’s opinions of them. We were all in agreement about the winning photographs though.”

Gen Glover, Little Quillet Court, Cam. (Older People’s Services)

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express yourself

Agony Aunt

Dear Fay

Poetry gives wings to Carl Holliday Road’s Carl Gilfillian found a sense of freedom by writing poetry when he first put pen to paper six years ago and now hopes to take his work to a wider audience.

Carl, also known as Birdboy, was first inspired to write after attending a church service in 2003.

“I felt better about myself as soon as I walked into that church,” he said. “I knew things were on the up for me.”

Carl, who moved into the Handsworth service in August after living for two years at Richmond Road, has a notebook filled with his poetry, much of it inspired by his religion and birds.

“I love the freedom birds have and just writing about them releases something inside of me.

“I had a hard childhood which made its mark on me but poetry and song writing, which I also enjoy, sets me free.

“I like to start performing my work so other people can relate to it. I want to help the hopeless because I once felt like that myself. Now I feel like a bird, spreading my wings.”

O Lord won’t you hear me, Won’t you hear my prayer, I feel like an angel, Like a bird in the air, O Lord won’t you hear me, Won’t you hear my cry, I dream, in Jesus’ name, All children can fly.

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Look at the stars shine, Why aren’t they always there, To join us in the daytime, And the sun and clouds to share.

Our agony aunt Fay has managed to pack a lot in to her life including 18 months as a customer at the Midland Heart Foyer.

She seized the opportunity to become an apprentice and after working across two services, she was offered a full-time position as support worker at the Midland Heart Foyer. Fay now works at The Snow Hill.

A problem shared...

If you have a problem you need help solving, write in to our very own agony aunt, Fay. The topic can be about anything you like, including relationships.

If your letter is suitable for publishing, she will respond in her own inimitable style.

Send your letter to: Fay, Future Voice magazine, Bath Row, Birmingham.

B15 1LZ or email her at: futurevoice@ midlandheart.org.uk Your letter/email will be treated in the strictest confidence but please include your name. All letters will be published anonymously.

Q

Dear Fay,

I want 2014 to be different. I know my poor diet is making me feel sluggish and lethargic but I can’t seem to stop eating junk food. I’d like to do more exercise in the fresh air too but I never have any energy. I sit around all day feeling rubbish about myself.

How can I make a fresh start?

A

Thank you for sending in your question.

The first thing I would suggest is to put a list together of all the things you want to change or improve.

Changing your diet will help you become more active. It’s not about stopping eating the things you like but having a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables.

Ensure you have three meals a day and think about portion size.

When snacking, swap crisps or chocolate for grapes, raisins etc.

Do see your GP for more advice.

If you change little things in your diet you will have more energy to do exercise and become more active.

You can exercise without signing up for a gym; walking, jogging around the block or your local park and by walking up and down the stairs rather than taking lifts or escalators.

I have found that swimming is a good way to become active and having fun. You can obtain free leisure passes if on benefits, Be Active (Birmingham City Council) This would be something to look into. It’s all about being proactive… you have to be ready to change and improve things.

I wish you lots of luck for 2014 and hope you reach your goals.

For more info…

NHS Choices for healthy eating and getting fit for free! www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthyeating/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/ Pages/free-fitness.aspx Best wishes Fay

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spring to life Gardening projects spring up across Midland Heart

Jason said:

“I’ve really enjoyed being involved in this. It’s made me feel good to be able to contribute my practical and problem solving skills”

The Spring to Life team have been busy working with Mental Health Services on a variety of projects.

Holliday Road and Richmond Road In early autumn the team worked with customers at Holliday Road and Richmond Road, taking top soil to the vegetable planters in the back gardens.

Philippa Allenby, therapeutic counsellor with Spring to Life, said: “Lots of dedicated customers helped. Some even came along from Holliday Road to help at Richmond Road in the afternoon which was a real act of kindness!

“The planters are now topped up and planted with our winter salad and vegetables.”

At the allotment A new fruit cage has sprung to life at the Mental Health services’ Uplands Allotment in Handsworth to complement the recycled greenhouse built there this summer.

The new structure is another perfect example of recycling using plastic 2 litre drink bottles within a specially-designed wooden frame.

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Flint Green House Report by Service Manager Roz Ratcliffe Inspired by the bottle greenhouse at Uplands Allotment we decided to build our own.

Customers at Flint Green House are eager to start growing seeds– building upon the work we have already done this year in our garden, nurturing our flowers and vegetables.

Spring To Life kindly agreed to support us and helped with planning, design and building over a period of several sessions.

There were lots of different tasks to do – from preparing the bottles; digging the ground; making the wooden frame; assembling

and threading the bottles and also helping to feed and prepare refreshments to keep us going!

Whilst preparing the ground, we ‘dug up’ a piece of history – amongst the soil we found some old toy cars which we believe were from the days when Flint Green House was a children’s nursery (It closed as a nursery in 1980).

This inspired lots of discussion and the customers want to display the cars once we’ve cleaned them up properly.

Our customers have worked so hard on the project and it has been really great to

see lots of them getting involved in all sorts of different ways; using and developing their skills.

A special mention goes to Jason who has worked especially hard and has also contributed some of his own additional design ideas to the greenhouse such as installing guttering made of plastic bottles.

We are looking forward to putting the greenhouse to good use in the spring.

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coventry foyer Meet Jenny…

Jenny Harvey relocated from Derby to Coventry and moved into the Foyer eight months ago.

“I like it here. There’s always something going on here and the staff and other customers are very friendly.

“I’m looking for work through Remploy and hope to get a job in catering.

“I’m a Resident Rep here which means I help organise activities such as the Children in Need event.”

Coventry Foyer joins the Midland Heart family Midland Heart recently won the prestigious contract to provide support at the Coventry Foyer.

The service, based in the city centre, is home to 63 young people aged between 16 and 24 years old.

It’s a warm and friendly service, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Tracy Jones.

Jonathan Greenwood, Project Manager, Dudley Homeless Schemes, has been seconded to support the staff with the transition into Midland Heart.

Tracy said: “We always hope our customers will treat the Foyer as their home and there is always a member of staff around for them to talk to, day or night.

“Very often the young people have led chaotic lifestyles so we give them the space to feel comfortable and relaxed to help them

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change their patterns of behaviour.

“We have a lot of former customers popping in to say “hello”. Very often we have been the only real stability in their lives and we often hear them say, “Now I can appreciate what you did for me, it was what I needed at the time!”

Jonathan’s role is to ease the transition of the Coventry Foyer into Midland Heart. He explained: “The Foyer will benefit from being part of a larger organisation which can offer more support, customer involvement and many other benefits.

“We hope to enhance the excellent service which is already provided to customers here and support the solid staff team which is already established.”

Meet Alycia…

Alycia, who originates from Canada, is a former circus performer who decided on a change of direction three years ago when she converted to Islam.

“I moved here four months ago and I have just started a Level 3 Child Care apprenticeship at a nursery in Tile Hill.

“I was offered a job with Cirque du Soleil as a contortionist but I turned it down because as a Muslim we are taught to respect our bodies and that doesn’t fit with being a gymnast.

“I am pretty well settled here and am in a good routine. The staff all know me and I feel I can just hang out and chat to them at any time but they never ask me about stuff I don’t want to talk about.”

Meet Blane…

Blane Salt moved into the Coventry Foyer in April, when things became a little overcrowded at his sister’s house, where he had been living.

“The support here is really good and I’ve been on a few of the courses run here by Crisis Skylight such as a plastering course and I’m starting a construction course in January.

“I hope to find a job fairly soon and get settled in my own place.”

Meet John…

John Devereux has been living at the Coventry Foyer since October 2012 and is an apprentice with Whitefriars housing association learning multi-skills ranging from plastering and tiling to carpentry.

“It’s OK living here. The support is good. I’m enjoying my apprenticeship and I’ve learned a lot of practical skills.

“I work with one guy and he’s sound. He shows me how to do something like tile cutting and I keep practicing until I get it right. I know it’s worth working hard because I want to do well for myself.”

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service focus This is Lichfield House…

Stafford’s Lichfield House provides supported accommodation to young people between 16 and 25 years who are homeless or living in difficult circumstances.

The service, which supports a maximum of 12 young people at one time, offers a range of advice and support services to help customers move on with their lives.

Young people welcome new friends to their home Following a successful summer visit to Shannon’s Mill, the young people at Lichfield House were delighted to play host to some of the people they had met during their visit.

Young people from Staffordshire and Birmingham spent a day at the Older People’s service in Tamworth as part of an equality and diversity project to improve understanding and awareness of older people.

Lichfield House in Stafford had prepared well for the return visit to ensure their visitors enjoyed their stay.

Customers Chris Mason and Michael Clarke arranged refreshments while others took the visitors on a tour of the building. After lunch everyone enjoyed a quiz and a chat.

Life Skills worker Pascale Pug said: “The customers from Shannon’s Mill were curious to see our service and meet with young people and we thought it was a great idea as it would keep this communication between generations open now and for the future.

Festive fun in Brum

A day out in Birmingham proved educational and enjoyable for young people from Stafford.

The customers from Lichfield House and Lichfield Foyer combined a trip to the Deaf Cultural Centre in Ladywood with a visit to the German Christmas market.

First stop was Ladywood where they saw the Rubena Aurangzeb-Tariq exhibition which covered deafness and the views and challenges that a person with this impairment experiences. One installation covered Asian weddings and the impact they have on women – their hopes, dreams, fears and anxieties.

The group then headed for the bright lights of the city centre.

Life Skills worker Pascale Pug said: “Our customers got a real taste of Germany with a sausage in a bun followed by a sweet treat: filled crepes for some and doughnuts for others.

“It was a pleasure to take the time to walk around and look at the wide range of stalls. We went home feeling tired but with lots of good memories.”

“Everyone got on very well and the discussions centred on employment and how it was different in their time. They talked about laundries, paper mills and other places where they could go and work at the drop of a hat.”

“We ended the lovely day with a promise to meet up again.”

Thanks to Timothy Angelos for taking all the photographs on the day.

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viewpoint

development

At our recent editorial meeting at Holliday Road the topic of public transport was discussed.

So we asked Future Voice readers how often they use public transport and where do they travel.

This is what you said…

“I use the buses a lot to get into Birmingham. I don’t like staying in much, I enjoy getting out and about.”

Amy Shaw, Rolfe House Foyer, Smethwick

Gibbs Road set for new lease of life The former Gibbs Road House homeless centre is set to be demolished in preparation for a flagship new £5.7million scheme.

The service, in Lye near Stourbridge, will be re-built as a new 58-bed supported accommodation service and is expected to open its doors to customers in 2015.

Once complete, the development will comprise of 58 one-bed apartments.

24 will be clustered around communal dining and lounge spaces and 34 will be fully self-contained, all with modern amenities including a training kitchen and doctors’ surgery as well as a gym, allotment and basketball court.

“We are transforming the

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site by replacing a onestory building with a new two-storey development with additional communal areas to help improve our customers’ life skills and beat homelessness permanently,” says Nick Byrne, Deputy Director of Development at Midland Heart.

“Whilst direct access accommodation will continue to be available for those who need it, the plans for the new service focus around additional services providing support and training opportunities.”

Gibbs Road House initially opened its doors in the 1960’s and worked with vulnerable people from across Dudley.

The new scheme will

continue to reach homeless people aged 17 and over, both male and female, following referral from Dudley Council’s Homeless Services.

Jonathan Greenwood, Project Manager, Dudley Homeless Schemes, said: “This is a very exciting development for Gibbs Road.

The new redeveloped service will mean we can offer more services to customers in a more suitable environment.”

Delivered by housing and care organisation Midland Heart in partnership with Dudley Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Bullock Construction, the new-look service will be re-named during the development programme.

“I sometimes use public transport depending where I am going. I think it is very expensive though.”

Aimee Aston, Eagle House, Stafford

Celebrating Black History Month Customers at Eagle House marked Black History Month with authentic food and activities.

The staff team at the Staffordbased service cooked up two different types of curry with rice and coleslaw.

A competition to colour in traditional African tribal masks and a Black History quiz were also held.

Support worker Hannah Ballance said: “Our customers reported that they had learnt more about Black history and enjoyed the activities and especially Leonie’s cooking.”

“Not very often, usually by train for scheme activities.”

Liam Briars, Lichfield House, Stafford “I use the bus to get to college or if I’m going into Birmingham. It’s a good service and I can take one bus to get into town or West Bromwich.”

Simon Chatterley, Holliday Road, Handsworth “I don’t use public transport because it is too expensive.”

Jacob Cooke, Eagle House, Stafford “I use the bus every day to travel to Coventry to see friends.”

Ahmed Mahmoud, Hanwood House, Birmingham “I use public transport twice a week to visit my Dad.” Nathan Holdcroft, Eagle House, Stafford “Five times a week. It varies where I go.”

Jake Moyses, Lichfield House, Stafford

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Word Search

viewpoint continued “I’m always out and about and I have a free pass for the buses, trains and trams so I like to use it. I do a lot more walking and jogging to get fitter and it’s helped me lose 12 pounds in the last two months.”

Check Miller, Victoria Court, Wolverhampton “Very rarely. I go on the train to other towns or cities once a month.”

Gareth Bishop, Lichfield House, Stafford “I use buses every day to go job-hunting usually to Erdington and Northfield areas.”

Paul Lewis, Hanwood House, Birmingham “I don’t use public transport unless visiting friends.”

Sarah Pearce, Eagle House, Stafford “Not very often – once a month perhaps – to go to London or Birmingham.”

Timothy Angelos, Lichfield House, Stafford “I use public transport a lot, mainly trains to go all over the country for job interviews. In recent weeks I’ve been to Suffolk, the New Forest and London. The job centre were really helpful and gave me a travel card so I can travel to interviews for free. In Stafford I walk a lot because it is quite a small city but a lot of people at Eagle House use bikes.”

Adam Minor, Eagle House, Stafford

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“Not very often but if I do I go to different parts of Staffordshire.”

Michael Clarke, Lichfield House, Stafford “I travel a lot, usually on the buses. I go into Birmingham and Merry Hill for the shops. The bus service in Birmingham is really good. I do quite a lot of walking too.”

Ramona Adam, Rolfe House Foyer, Smethwick “I use the bus every day to travel to Chelmsley Wood to visit friends. I also take the bus and train to Leamington Spa to see my daughters.”

Mark Phillips, Hanwood House, Birmingham

To continue the transport theme featured in our Viewpoint question this issue our word search is all about travel and forms of transport.

There’s a £50 voucher of your choice for the first correct entry out of the bag, so make sure you send in your entry to be in the running... it’ll give a useful boost to your finances.

Post your entry to: FREEPOST, RRAL-ZTXB-SJXT, Future Voice Word search, Midland Heart, Bath Row, Birmingham. B15 1LZ. Please note the competition is only open to Midland Heart customers with only one entry per customer.

“I use it every day to travel to see family and my son.”

Chris Gittings, Eagle House, Stafford Trinity Close customer Tony Jones is a keen advocate of public transport and suggests that Midland Heart customers take advantage of Network West Midlands’ Day Saver and Daytripper tickets to save money on their fares. www.networkwestmidlands.com

Congratula tions to the winner of the word search com petition in Issue 25 . The winne r, Sonia Baker from Ben receive £50 ham Court, will .00 in Sainsb ury’s vouchers. T he winning entry was picked out of the hat b y Gary Hawkins fro m Troman House.

Final deadline for entries is: Friday 28 March 2014 Train Bus Ferry Tram Motorbike Ship Aeroplane

Helicopter Liner Bicycle Glider Rocket Jet ski

Name Address

“I don’t any more.”

Bean, Lichfield House, Stafford “One or two times a week to go to my mum’s and back.”

Helen Forde, Lichfield House, Stafford

Issue 25 w inner...

Telephone

Z A T Y P I B X L K J P N A W X M V G J F L I C V E J W R H Z I G N A B X L H V D E Y M Q S Y W B B M J S B Q F V R A Q Y R R E F M F R Z H T F U G S A P X F Q I N R O N T R X O M S F U I U K J L E E Z S L U I J E R U L S I B R D U X P M K A T S W P X N F D X O J J B V Z F F M L B I N O U K F B Q D H T W J B B Z E D X T I K S T E J Z L T D Y W F A E R N I R E D I L G R E A A C K I I W B V H F E N L A O K T E K C O R K V J B Z T N I S S L I Z F R I I I N Q E S Z W B A Z I U Y E L E C J M F U W B C N X R M D Y A F V C C D H R C E Y T H W A R O A O E K L J O G C F N Y A L G V H K L H R O H X C K P E Z W X K O E A C S L A Q O H S E T F O U S K Z T E T U Q L V T L L A

D W D E L O V B Q W H P H R E N A L P O R E A N M E L U M F C U S J Q P R M A R T F Q M Z O E X G J X O A L T P U F Y A Q A S B K B W V G R Z O F T Q A S F J A F Z J B L C R G I B A B S I U C

First Point of Contact Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Depression Alliance - help & information about depression; depression and self help groups. www.depressionalliance.org/ Adult literacy support Direct Gov www.gov.uk/improve-englishmaths-it-skills Helpline: 0800 66 0800

Birmingham Adult Education Service – run literacy and numeracy courses www.adult-education@ birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 4318 Homeless Service Centre tackling homelessness and social exclusion in Birmingham.

44 Bradford Street, Digbeth, Tel: 0345 602 0549

Bullying UK 0808 800 2222 www.bullying.co.uk The Samaritans Do you need someone to talk to?

Tel: 0845 790 9090 (local rate) www.samaritans.org.uk Mind - a leading mental health charity.

MindinfoLine Monday – Friday, 9.15am – 5.15pm Tel: 0845 766 0163 www.mind.org.uk

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Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged) www.ageuk.org.uk Tel: 0800 169 6565 Relate Advice and relationship counselling www.relate.org.uk Tel: 0300 100 1234 Birmingham Information Services on Disabilities Tel: 0121 627 8610 National Debtline Free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.

Call 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday 9am-9pm and Saturday 9.30am-1pm Talk to Frank Information and advice on drugs Tel: 0800 776 600 (freephone) www.talktofrank.com

Leicester Drugs Advice Centre 96 New Walk, Leicester Tel: 0116 222 9555 Northampton Women’s Aid 0845 123 2311 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm) Citizens Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk UK National Domestic Violence Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24hr freephone)

Brook Advisory Confidential sex advice for the under 25s Tel: 0800 0185 023 (freephone) www.brook.org.uk Shelter housing advice helpline Lines are open daily from 8am to midnight.

Tel: 0808 800 4444 england.shelter.org.uk

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If any of these services would benefit you please contact us.

Contact us: 0345 60 20 540 32

Runaway Advice for under 18s who have run away from home Tel: 0808 800 7070 (freephone) www.missingpeople.org.uk SANE - provides practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.

Helpline: 0845 767 8000 (6pm – 11pm) Support Forum: www.sane.org.uk/DB NHS Direct Health Advice Tel: 0845 4647 (local call) www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk SOVA - national volunteer mentoring organisation. Help and support for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged Midlands Office Tel : 0121 643 7400 www.sova.org.uk