OUR STARS OF 2013 Awards for Achievement
For 30 years Tomorrow's People has been helping people to get and keep a job. So far, we have supported 465,000 people on their journey into work. We are so proud of the achievements of each and every one of our clients who has moved into work and training or back to education. Behind every one of our nominees is an individual story of dedication, determination and hard work. We can only admire the courage and perseverance shown by the people we work with as they overcome complex barriers to move forward with their lives. Our winners have created their own futures; we have just helped them to get there. All those recognised by the 2013 Awards for Achievement have truly changed their lives for the better. This is our chance to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.
02/03
SCHOOL ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Winner Chelsea Taylor ThinkForward Chelsea is a bright, talented young girl, full of potential. Following a difficult childhood and responsibilities as a young carer, Chelsea’s turn around has been outstanding. Since joining the ThinkForward programme, she has shown a huge improvement in behaviour, achieved the highest marks in her school’s revision programme and created a positive ripple effect amongst her peers. Chelsea’s long-term ambition is to be a hairdresser and promote her own ‘Chelsea T’ brand. She has started an apprenticeship with the Hair Project and works in a salon three days a week. This remarkable young lady has also supported her younger sister through ThinkForward to encourage another positive future.
SCHOOL ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Runner-up Amina Abdulhamid ThinkForward Amina was unhappy, distrusting and regularly excluded from school. She refused to attend appointments or accept help and several weeks into her time on ThinkForward, Amina's coach had not even met her. Time and effort changed that. The tailored, personal support on the programme encouraged Amina to lower her guard and eventually form a trusting relationship with her coach. With the reassurance and guidance from ThinkForward, Amina was able to think about her choices and what she wanted for her future. Her attendance shot up to 95%, and the Pupil Referral Unit recognised her as their top student. She has now completed five GCSEs, dramatically improved her behaviour, and has a clear plan for her future.
04/05
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 16-24
Winner Keeley Weston Getting Families Ready for Work, Maidstone Keeley grew up without a proper home and faced a mountain of other problems which resulted in her leaving school with no qualifications or self-esteem. Tomorrow’s People helped Keeley access support for her eating disorder, alcohol addiction and helped give her the strength to leave her abusive partner. Keeley blossomed in the safe and trusting environment of our Getting Families Ready for Work project, finding the courage to meet new people and develop valuable employment skills. Over a six month period, this incredible young woman fought back to become confident, capable and ready for work. She now works full-time and her employers say she “lights up the office with her infectious smile.”
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 16-24
Runner-up Richie Mole Working It Out, Newcastle Richie had a difficult childhood, spending time in care and struggling at school. He gained qualifications and employment, but left his job following a family bereavement and acute stress. Richie’s referral to Working It Out marked a turning point in his life. He forged strong relationships with his team and advisors from day one, and became a clear leader during group challenges. Inspired by the team’s outdoor activities Richie started an outdoor learning programme. He has now completed his first year, found work to support his education, volunteered in South Africa and featured on BBC Radio 5. Richie’s ambition is to become the next Bear Grylls, and his advisers have no doubt that he will be!
06/07
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 16-24
Runner-up Nadim Ahmed Working It Out, Bristol Nadim became involved in criminal activities from a young age. Time in a young offenders’ institution served as a wake-up call which forced him to address the trouble he had caused for himself and his family. Resolving to make a fresh start, Nadim was referred to Tomorrow’s People. His adviser could see that he was a determined young man and quickly organised work experience placements to build his confidence and workplace skills. Supported through the application process, Nadim is now an apprentice mechanic. Crime-free and on track to a successful career, Nadim has spoken out about his experiences at a Youth Offending forum to inspire others through his achievements.
08/09
ADULT ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 25+
Winner William Baker The Work Programme, Plymouth Having drifted from job to job, a pivotal moment came in Will’s life when he broke his neck in a rugby accident. In prison for possession of drugs at the time, Will decided to make a serious effort to change. He volunteered for the Plymouth Youth Offending Team, and proved to be an inspirational speaker. After his release, Will was referred to Tomorrow’s People, taking advantage of every resource and opportunity offered to him. Full of enthusiasm and ambition, he got a job at the Money Group and excelled. The same passion and charisma that make Will an inspirational speaker, also make him an invaluable employee. Aside from his professional success, we are delighted that Will is now planning his wedding for 2014.
ADULT ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 25+
Runner-up Charmain Fox The Work Programme, Bristol Charmain’s story is one of exceptional perseverance and strength. After years as a functioning alcoholic, her drinking took over and cut short a successful career in management. Following a rehabilitation programme, Charmain moved to Bristol, where she was introduced to Tomorrow’s People. Charmain is a smart, capable woman who lacked confidence and the safe environment to rediscover her professional strengths. Given the opportunity to volunteer in the Tomorrow’s People office, Charmain became such a popular and valued team member that she was offered a paid position. Confident, healthy and ready for a new challenge, Charmain successfully applied for a new job. The Tomorrow’s People team miss her, but couldn’t be more proud of what she has achieved.
SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS: Michael Dowd and Chris O’Hara
10/11
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner ‘The Machines’ Working It Out, Plymouth Coming from diverse backgrounds and rival gangs, ‘The Machines’ achievements were unthinkable at the beginning of the programme. The group overcame significant personal issues to raise money for local charities and succeed in delivering a number of tough community challenges. A defining moment came when a boatyard they had built was vandalised and their hard work destroyed. Despite their devastation ’The Machines’ returned, more determined than ever, to restore the site. Their work reached local media and made a great impression on the local community. Together they embarked on new projects, learned new skills and worked hard to change their lives for the better. With the support of the team at Tomorrow’s People they have done just that and built lasting friendships along the way.
Our partners and supporters The outstanding corporate partners, employers and ambassadors who give their time to support our work are a vital part of the Tomorrow’s People story and every year we recognise their extraordinary contributions.
LOCAL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Winner Oliver’s Mill
Cleaning company Oliver’s Mill and its training arm, the London Cleaning Academy, is a natural partner for Tomorrow’s People. Both organisations share values and a common vision - to help long-term unemployed people develop their potential through training and work experience. Through this partnership, participants on our programmes have been able to add qualifications and experience to their CV, gone on to work in the hospitality industry and even been hired by the company itself. Respect, co-operation and great results, strengthened by years of working together, make this a positive and thriving local partnership.
12/13
LOCAL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Runner-up Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council and Tomorrow’s People are both organisations passionate about making things better for disadvantaged young people. They have been working together since 2010 to improve opportunities and prospects for young people in and around the coastal town of Lowestoft. As well as delivering the popular ‘School Work Clubs’, which support at-risk teenagers through their education and beyond, the partnership has enabled Tomorrow’s People to bring the Working It Out programme to Lowestoft. This flagship programme works with unemployed 16–24 year-olds to tackle the difficult and complex barriers which prevent them from moving into further education, work or training. The difference these programmes are making to vulnerable young people is testament to a successful partnership.
SPECIAL COMMENDATION: Plymouth YMCA
CORPORATE SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR
Winner Barclays
Barclays has given invaluable support to the young people on our East London programmes. The bank has given our Working It Out participants the opportunity to visit its headquarters in Canary Wharf and attend workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, money management, and more. Several young people have also been taken on to the Barclays apprenticeship scheme. Our programme in Barking is the focus for the Barclays team which part funds Working It Out and is instrumental in helping us to innovate the model around building digital skills. Underpinning the support is the friendly and inclusive approach of the Barclays team always keen to play its part by taking on gruelling challenges such as the National Three and Five Peaks Challenge to raise funds for Tomorrow’s People.
14/15
CORPORATE SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR
Runner-up Weil, Gotshal & Manges
The very definition of ‘a friend in need’, this international law firm has quietly provided Tomorrow’s People with practical help and first class legal support for several years. Crucially, its lawyers have donated their time and expertise to give us invaluable pro-bono legal advice on some extremely complex government contractual issues. The firm is also an important supporter of our Kennington Flower Stall, buying its annual office Christmas tree and generously hosting a Christmas fête to raise funds for our social enterprise work.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Winner Phil Canale
The partnership between Tomorrow’s People and financial services firm Pershing BNY Mellon is a long-standing and very productive one – and Phil Canale is the glue that holds it all together. Phil sets the tone for the relationship with his enthusiasm and dedication, donating a huge amount of his time to look for new ways to support the people we help. His campaigning on our behalf has led to £200,000 worth of corporate funding for Tomorrow’s People programmes. He never wastes an opportunity to raise funds for us himself, whether drafting his colleagues into the joys of a 50-mile bike ride or running the London Marathon. This award reflects how much we value his support, advice and guidance. Tomorrow’s People looks forward to having him onside as an ambassador and friend for many years to come.
16/17
MISSION: EMPLOYABLE
We're making a difference, but we can't do it alone. We've helped 465,000 people on their journey to work and our ambition is to help 500,000 by 2017. WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Take on a fundraising challenge • Make a donation • Give someone a job Contact Laura Neale: lneale@tomorrows-people.co.uk
Tomorrow's People is registered in England and Wales, number 5017566 and is a registered charity, number 1102759 in England & Wales and number SC040784 in Scotland. Registered office: Tomorrow's People Trust Ltd, 1st Floor, Minster House, York Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4ST
Tomorrow’s People is a national employment charity. Our mission is to help excluded and disadvantaged people to get and keep a job.
Tomorrow’s People 1st Floor, Minster House, York Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4ST
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