How the Sick Children's Trust helped Rafi's family
Hot Topic: Modern Day Slavery
South Yorkshire, Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
The Good Times
May 2019
Welcome Hello dear reader This edition sees The Good Times head north into South Yorkshire to explore the charities and projects making a difference in the Steel City. We uncover the work of Sheffield Futures which is providing young people with the opportunity to engage in conversations about policies which affect them. Given that knife crime has reached record levels, it’s heartening to hear how young people themselves are coming up with solutions and early interventions. A chance email flagging a forthcoming fundraising walk to raise funds for The Sick Children’s Trust led me to learn about Rafi Solaiman, a young man whose story provides a salient reminder that a devastating life event can lead to unknown opportunities, friendships and hope. We welcome back Kate Partlow who says that there needs to be greater awareness of the prevalence of modern-day slavery in this edition's Hot Topic. Last but not least, we turn the spotlight on James Bromley of High Peak CVS who explains how the organisation is helping to address the challenges of rural isolation and how working in partnership is enabling the voluntary and community sector to be more effective across the region. I hope you find it an informative and uplifting read. Please do email me your comments and suggestions for future features via journowellreadpr@outlook.com Keep up the good work! Kate Dawson, Editor
Contents p 4-5 Sheffield Futures: Helping young people to find their voice P6 Spotlight on: High Peak CVS 2
P7 Hot Topic: Ignorance of modern-day slavery
p8 -9 Rafi's story inspiring fundraisers for The Sick Children's Trust
p10 Top Tips for producing a stand out annual report
Contributors Rich Hughes is a photographer with experience in documentary, conferences, events and portraiture. Rich applied his photographic wizardry at Woodthorpe Youth Club, Sheffield, to illustrate the feature on Sheffield Futures.
Kate Partlow is a communications officer for City Hearts, a charity which supports survivors of modern slavery. Kate's Hot Topic article shows how passionate she is about her work.
THE GOOD TIMES is produced by Kate Dawson, a freelance communications consultant working as Well Read PR. The opinions, views and values expressed by contributors to THE GOOD TIMES are those of the authors of that content and do not necessarily represent my opinions, views or values. Nothing in the magazine constitutes advice on which you should rely. It is provided for general information purposes only. I do not accept liability for products or services offered by third parties. Links to third party websites are provided solely for your convenience. THE GOOD TIMES has not reviewed these third party websites and does not control and is not responsible for these websites or their content or availability. We therefore do not endorse or make any representations about them, or any material found on them, or any results that may be obtained from using them. If you decide to access any of the third party websites linked to THE GOOD TIMES, you do so entirely at your own risk.
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Sheffield Futures: Helping young people find their voice
by Kate Dawson
Woodthorpe Youth Club, in Sheffield, is far more than bricks and mortar - it’s a welcoming space for local young people to socialise, play games, dance, be creative and share their problems with someone other than a teacher or parent. Following a spate of violent crime on the estate in 2018, the Club’s value as a safe haven for local teenagers has been thrown into sharp relief. On the day I visited the building was throbbing with young people, youth workers and local volunteers all wielding paint brushes and rollers, full of hope and excitement about the possibilities the refurbished community space will provide.
The transformation taking place reflects the prevailing sense of community and determination of the young people themselves to turn around perceptions of the area and attract more young people to take advantage of the Club. The initiative has been facilitated by the Sheffield Futures charity, as part of their commitment to giving young people a voice and providing a range of early interventions to improve the outcomes of young people at risk (of exclusion, exploitation or poor mental well-being). ©James Lane and Huw Nicholls 2018
Despite the effects of the government’s austerity measures on youth services, Sheffield Futures continues to deliver youth outreach on the streets of Sheffield to engage young people and provide diversionary activities, notably 35 youth club sessions a week in 20 venues in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Supported by youth worker Shelly Burrell, a group of the Club’s users agreed to form a committee to lead the Woodthorpe Social Action Project (WSAP), taking responsibility for planning the improvements, attracting the necessary support and making their vision a reality.
Above: Logan and Cole from the WSAP having fun decorating © Rich Hughes
Shelly said: “There’s been some negative press about the area, but the young people don’t want that stigma. The youth club is a safe space to come after school and being involved in the social action project has made them feel valued.” 4
Sarah Stevens, Involvement Manager explained: “Our Youth Cabinet ensures young people’s voices are heard by the local decision makers. They’ve recently consulted Sheffield’s young people on how to tackle the root causes of knife crime. The findings will help inform the Shaun w Youth Cabinet’s strategy, involving the Police tumble and other partners, which takes preventative measures and fosters engagement. "We've also launched Project 0114 which involves youth workers and our Young Advisors going into local schools to talk to pupils about issues such as criminal exploitation and the effects of knife and gun crime.
Above: Aleks Szumski and Shelly Burrell taking a break from decorating duties © Rich Hughes
A promotional video made by the WSAP committee has secured funding from Sheffield City Council for new flooring and lighting. Local packaging firm, Loadhog, has Florence, yearsfor with provided all the10 paint thexxxxx make-over and five members of staff have rolled up their sleeves to help with the decorating.
“Our role is to help break down barriers that exist for young people from deprived communities or particular cultures. Woodthorpe Youth Club is a great example of what young people can achieve once they are handed the baton,” Sarah added.
Martin Baker, 3D Product Designer, Loadhog, said: “It’s part of our ethos to support the local community and it’s rewarding for staff to get involved and make a real difference.”
Sarah imparts some of her knowledge on youth participation: If you’re developing a service for young people and don’t ask for their views, you’re taking a risk – for example, your marketing material may not ‘speak’ to young people. Always remember to consult young people at an early stage, for example preparing funding bids. They often come up with great ideas which will impress the funders. Build mutually beneficial relationships. Don’t be shy to ask for help, but also ‘pay it forward’.
Sheffield artist Marcus Method has agreed to create a mural for the club and provide a workshop for the users to create their own piece of graffiti artwork. Ash, 15, one of the young people leading the WSAP said: “I feel safe here. The youth workers are just the best people ever. This place is my legacy.” Empowering young people is a core objective of Sheffield Futures. The charity supports the local Youth Cabinet and the city's three elected members to the Youth Parliament.
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To find out more about Sheffield Futures and how you can support the WSAP visit www.sheffieldfutures.org.uk
Spotlight on... James Bromley, High Peak CVS High Peak Community Voluntary Support (CVS) is a registered charity providing support and guidance for voluntary and community groups in the High Peak area of Derbyshire. We spoke to Chief Executive Officer James Bromley to find out more. 1. What support does High Peak CVS provide and to whom? Our support is varied and includes providing advice, practical services, information, training, facilities and identifying funding. We can help with everything from setting up committees to developing policies and procedures - anything to help community and voluntary organisations set up and become sustainable.
3. What are the challenges facing groups in the High Peak area? One of the biggest challenges is rural isolation, which makes it difficult for groups to access training, develop partnerships and engage fully with an ever changing community. High Peak CVS aims to minimise this isolation through our extensive links across the area and beyond. We also help bring groups with similar objectives together to access larger funding streams and ultimately, have a greater impact on those in need.
2. You work closely with Derbyshire Dales CVS and also High Peak Borough Council. How does joint working enable your support to have a greater impact? We developed a Peer Evaluation Programme with Derbyshire Dales CVS which was incredibly useful in helping us receive independent feedback from the groups we work with and to make informed improvements to our services.
4. Are there any stand out projects that you'd like to tell me about? I am particularly proud of our Bereavement and Loss Support Group which we run in partnership with NHS England and The Bureau in Glossop. The feedback has been incredibly positive and due to demand we have introduced new evening sessions to enable more people to benefit. We're now pursuing funding to support similar groups in other areas across the High Peak.
We also have an excellent relationship with High Peak Borough Council; our Arts Development work with them, in particular, has enabled us to improve the support we offer to community groups, festivals and the creative industries in the High Peak. With funding cuts affecting the voluntary sector it's important we share resources with statutory bodies and other organisations to maximise our impact in the community.
5. Is there a particular book, person or philosophy that inspires you? An old saying that always stuck with me and I absolutely agree with is: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value�.
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For more information about High Peak CVS visit www.highpeakcvs.org.uk
Hot topic:
Ignorance of modern - day slavery Modern slavery is a regular topic of debate in the media, but as a society we remain somewhat unaware of its prevalence, argues Kate Partlow, communications officer for City Hearts. BBC One dramas Shetland and Baptiste both aired recently with a focus on human trafficking, and while these series have the potential to raise awareness of modern slavery, they are still met with a rather incredulous response. One review of Shetland stated “the notion that trafficking gangs could operate unobserved in such a tiny and inaccessible community located somewhere between Scotland and the Faroe Islands tests the credulity a little.�
Despite this, as a society we have still made significant progress in addressing and tackling modern slavery. In 2015 the Modern Slavery Act was passed, with the aim of enhancing support for victims and ensuring perpetrators can be prosecuted effectively. Many major supermarket and retail brands have taken steps to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in their supply chains and incorporating modern slavery statements and pledges into their CSR strategies. To name a couple, the Co-op work alongside charities and other employers to offer work opportunities to survivors of modern slavery. In March, ASOS co-hosted a modern slavery event at the House of Lords, to seek pledges from other retailers to tackle the issue.
This reflects a wider view I’ve found to be quite common: modern slavery does not happen on our doorstep; in small towns; in Britain... In point of fact, globally there are over 40.3 million victims of modern slavery, with over 13,000 in the UK alone, and these figures are most likely only the tip of the iceberg. Modern slavery is hard to measure because trafficking victims are geographically transitory. Of those victims identified, only an estimated 1% escape. Victims of trafficking are exploited through forced sex work, domestic servitude, and labour settings such as car washing, nail bars, agriculture, construction and factory work. Of the overall figure, 51% are victims of sexual exploitation and 39% are victims of labour exploitation.
In addition, the Salvation Army now has over ten partner anti-trafficking organisations across the UK, offering support to survivors of modern slavery. So whilst businesses have begun to take steps to tackle modern slavery, much more needs to be done to educate the general public of its prevalence and how they can spot the signs and take action.
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City Hearts is a charity that supports survivors of modern - day slavery. www.cityhearts.co.uk
Rafi's story inspiring fundraisers for The Sick Children’s Trust
by Kate Dawson
when she was offered free accommodation within the hospital provided by The Sick Children’s Trust, called Treetop House, she was extremely relieved.
Rafi Solaiman, from Worksop, was just like any other fun-loving 12-year-old boy before becoming seriously unwell in November 2012. Shortly after complaining of a headache and feeling nauseous he was rushed to Bassetlaw Hospital in an ambulance and was given CPR to get his heart started again. Once stabilised he was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
“After sleeping the first night on a bench in the intensive care unit, to be told there was somewhere we could have a shower and a bed was music to our ears during such a traumatic time,” Jackie said.
Rafi had suffered a type of stroke, a brain haemorrhage caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - a tangle of blood vessels which should carry oxygen back to Florence, 10 years with xxxxx the brain, but which eventually give way and cause a bleed. The symptoms of AVM are very like a stroke: difficulty speaking, weakness, loss of vision.
Rafi suffered a second bleed in December and this time the surgeon was able to remove the Arteriovenous malformation that had caused the bleed in the first place. Rafi also had surgery on his Achilles’ tendons which had shortened due to him being unable to move and his muscles being too tight.
The pressure caused by the bleed required lifesaving surgery, but it was touch and go whether Rafi would survive. Despite suffering a second cardiac arrest during the operation the medical team managed to stabilise him and he came through.
Rafi was in hospital for six months in total, during which time Jackie and other family members stayed at Treetop House. The accommodation provides a home from home, including cooking and washing facilities. Private family rooms have a direct phone line to the wards so that parents are only a call away from their child’s bedside.
The severity of Rafi’s brain injury resulted in him suffering from ‘locked in syndrome’, which meant that although he could hear and understand what was going on around him, he couldn’t move or communicate. He also required a tracheostomy to help him breathe, and a nasal gastric tube as he couldn’t eat or drink. Naturally, Rafi's Mum, Jackie, did not want to leave her son for any length of time so
“I remember being called down to the ward, and I just ran down the corridor in my pyjamas and dressing gown,” said Jackie.
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The first sign that Rafi was regaining his motor function was when he was able to blink to show he understood what was being said to him. Five months after his bleed he whispered his first words.
feedback “TheThe whole team on the neurosciences from this young ward were fabulous, from the surgeons, person says it all neurologist, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants to the therapists. It was an emotional day when we left as they had become friends,” said Jackie.
Rafi eventually returned back to school in an electric wheelchair and subsequently progressed to a walker. He's now studying Travel and Tourism at college. Discovering race-running has been a large part of Rafi’s recovery, helping him to improve his fitness and ability to walk. Rafi is currently one of the fastest race runners in the world and is hoping to be selected to represent Great Britain in the World Para Athletic Championships in Dubai in Florence, 10 years with xxxxx November.
Rafi, second to left, with his Zebedee friends
“Modelling has helped my confidence in loads of ways,” says Rafi. “I have many friends 'Zebedee' models, they are Animalwho care isare integral to learning at Turner Farm all amazing and different in their own way.”
Florence, 10 , shows Sandra, 91 some wild flowers
“It’s been a long road to recovery but it’s great to see Rafi back to his happy, jokey self, Animal care is“We’re integral immensely to learning at grateful Turner Farm said Jackie. to both Sheffield Children’s Hospital for their expert care and The Sick Children’s Trust for helping us in our hour of need,” said Jackie. The Sick Children’s Trust runs ten houses at major hospitals across the UK and is funded solely by voluntary donations from individuals, companies and charitable trusts. Animal care is integral to learning at Turner Farm
Rafi also has a budding career as a model and is signed with Zebedee Management who represent diverse models.
If you want to get actively involved with fundraising for this worthwhile cause, the Louise Smalley Challenge Walk has chosen the Sick Children’s Trust as it’s charity this year.
On the fifth anniversary of his stroke Rafi took part in a catwalk show in Sheffield, and a group of Sheffield Children’s Hospital nurses and his surgeon turned up to show their support.
For more information about The Sick Children's Trust visit sickchildrenstrust.org.uk
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Top tips for producing a stand out annual report
Producing an annual report is important for Charity Commission compliance and, if done well, can also be a useful marketing tool. Here are my top tips for producing a report that is a cut above the rest and will move your audiences to get on board with your mission. 1. Don’t start planning your annual report two months before its due to be published. Gathering data and case studies should be a year-round activity; it really pays to capture supporting quotes, photos and film along the way.
2. Design and structure is vitally important. Consider colour coding for different sections for ease of navigation and never underestimate the power of white space. Also bear in mind that your report might be read on a mobile or tablet. Perhaps you want an in-depth version and an at a glance edited report? If you can’t afford a professional graphic designer you could use an online design tool such as Canva or Readymag. 3. A good photo is certainly worth a thousand words, but in today’s multi-media rich world using video will add a further dimension to your annual report to really drive home the impact of your work. Thinglink is a great tool for embedding video, virtual tours or even audio (mp3 files) to make your content more dynamic.
4. Don’t forget to make it easy for readers to get involved by providing a clear call to action thoughout, with hyperlinks to your website/donations page if your report is interactive.
5 Think about ways to launch your report for maximum impact. Perhaps you could involve your service users or beneficiaries in a celebration event and invite along local businesses or partners to help retain or attract fresh support? Could you use the launch of the report as a platform to announce a fresh campaign, or to drive home the need for a change in policy?
Need help with your annual review or report? Contact Kate to talk through how she can help your charity, whatever your budget. email: kate.dawson@wellreadpr.com or mob: 07866 762401 10
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Logan, Woodthorpe Youth Club, Sheffield
"When you wake up in the morning, wake your forgotten and forsaken dreams up as well, wake them up like an insisting rooster!” © Rich Hughes - Mehmet Murat ildandd "We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." Stacia Tauscher
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