Learners who are moving forward in their lives and who motivate me

One of the great delights of my job is meeting the men and women who use our different services, and to hear how they are moving forward in their lives. It is a particular honour to join them when celebrating a success.

Andy Winter, Richard Wilkinson and Rosalyn Demott

This week in Hastings I met Rosalyn Demott and Richard Wilkinson who are part of our Finding Futures. Finding Futures is best known for its work with young people who are not in employment, education or training. When they leave us they are usually in education and training and hopefully will progress further into employment.

But Finding Futures’ work is also focused on work with older men and women, like Rosalyn and Richard. Today I was able to present them with certificates having passed Health and Safety exams.

Rosalyn told me Finding Futures and gaining this latest certificate has given her more confidence. “I can do exams and pass them”, she said. She has passed literacy and numeracy exams and has a First Aid certificate. She said: “I want to do more exams and get more qualifications. I never knew I could do this at 56!”

Richard said it is many years since he has sat an exam. “I’m very please”, he said. “It’s given me more confidence. I’ve an interest in health and safety so I am pleased that I have done this course, passed the exam, and have now got my certificate.”

It is people like Rosalyn and Richard who inspire me and who motivate me in my work. I wish them well as they move forward in their education and training.

We should all rally together to save the Whitehawk Inn

I recently visited the Whitehawk Inn and spent a couple of hours with its inspirational director, Frances Duncan. To say I was impressed by its range of facilities and achievements would be an understatement. I think it was the best example of what I have seen either locally, nationally or internationally.  I came back to the office saying that the Whitehawk Inn had set the bar impressively high, and that BHT had much to do to catch up!

So it was with huge concern that I read in today’s Argus that its future is in doubt.  Frances says that this “training centre is at serious risk unless we can persuade individuals and businesses across Sussex to support a campaign that could fund many more years of helping people to find confidence and success through learning and work, and make a significant contribution to lowering the county’s unemployment figures.”

The appeal has already had the backing of Des Pritchard (chief fire officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue) and Chief Inspector Graham Bartlett (Sussex Police’s commander for Brighton and Hove).

Yesterday I was at the City Forum, organised by DemSoc Brighton, where charitable giving to local charities was discussed and some great ideas were put forward.  However, it sounds as though we need to act fast in the case of the Whitehawk Inn.

I fear that the situation facing the Whitehawk Inn is not unique, but I feel very strongly that this resource is particularly important, not least for women in Whitehawk, whose life choices are greatly enhanced by this amazing facility.

For more information please look at http://www.whinn.org.uk/.

Theresa continues to inspire with courage and determination

Back in August I wrote about an inspiring woman called Theresa who showed what can be achieved through courage and determination.  Last week I had a special treat when visiting our office in Hastings.  Theresa was there, still showing a real hunger for learning, with the same determination and courage. 

It was good to see her, although I was disturbing a lesson (I hope I have been forgiven).  And it was a real honour for me to present her with a certificate for passing yet another course.  Well done, Theresa, and thank you for inspiring us all.

The hopes and fears for the Comprehensive Spending Review

This week sees the announcement of the Comprehensive Spending Review, and I must admit that I await the detail with some trepidation.  BHT has long been aware that we, as a country, would be facing difficult times.  Indeed, at BHT we began preparing for this moment two years ago.  We examined our cost base, and made some very painful decisions regarding the salaries we pay.  We have made strenuous efforts to increase our income, and have made some bold steps in the direction of creating profitable social enterprises.

During this time, and in the months and years ahead, it is the ongoing support we receive from individuals, church and community groups that make the difference for many of our services.  As a result of your generosity and support, we are possibly better placed than many other charities to cope with even quite dramatic cuts.  We are determined to do what we can to safeguard the services we provide to vulnerable men and women. 

I take comfort from the pledge made by the Prime Minister in Downing Street shortly after the Coalition Government was formed.  David Cameron said: “I want to make sure that my government always looks after the elderly, the frail, the poorest in our country. We must take everyone through with us on some of the difficult decisions we have ahead.  Above all it will be a government that is built on some clear values. Values of freedom, values of fairness, and values of responsibility.”

BHT doesn’t provide any specific services to the elderly, but we do a lot with and for the frail and the poorest.  And the values of fairness and of responsibility run through our veins.

So, what do I hope and fear about Wednesday’s announcements?  I have three key issues I will be listening out for.

The first is housing benefit.  The changes in entitlement to housing benefit already announced remains a major cause for concern, but I hope that high rent areas like Brighton and Hove will receive some extra support to prevent the otherwise inevitable rise in homelessness.

Secondly, I hope that the value of fairness will ensure legal aid will still be there to prevent homelessness, tackle debt, and sort out welfare benefit problems.  This is specialist work and the social return on investment is enormous.  If these specialist services provided by the CAB, BHT and others are cut, we will see the consequences for many years to come.

Finally, I hope to see that the elderly, the frail and the poorest in our country will still be able to receive support through the very excellent services funded through the Supporting People programme.  This budget has already been significantly reduced in recent years.  There is little, if any more, to give.  I feel so strongly that the most vulnerable men and women in our society must continue to be supported to remain in their homes, to move to greater independence, and are supported into training, education and employment.

By Wednesday evening we will no longer have to speculate.

We mustn’t remove the ladder for the young unemployed

News that 1.4 million adults have never had a job is shocking.  Some 600,000 16 to 24 year olds (that’s 1 in 12) have never worked despite not being in education or training.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has told MPs that the existing system of benefits was “wasting the live of millions of people”.  The benefits system may well be keeping some people in welfare dependency, but I think the problem is more complex, and the solution equally so.

Welfare benefits are almost certainly going to be cut following the Comprehensive Spending Review.  Any cuts must ensure that the most vulnerable are not left destitute, and David Cameron has given a assurance that they will be protected.

I hope that the Chancellor will invest in job training, work experience and jobs otherwise those figures of 1.4 million will certainly increase, and those young people who yet to be employed may never be. 

If he, or any of his Ministers or Members of Parlament, would like to see a scheme for young people that prepares young people for employment and work, they should visit BHT’s Finding Futures project in Hastings. Often those joining the project are not yet on the ladder for personal development and enhancemnt; many don’t even know that the ladder exists.

Young people need hope that there hopes and drerams are achievable.  I hope that George Osborne will remember this.

Mental health patients DO fare better in the community

There is a letter in today’s Argus supporting Lisa Rodrigues, the Chief Executive of the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, for her moves to increase proactive community support services. The letter writer, Kevin Lindsay, writes: “Admission to a psychiatric hospital should be the very last resort for people experiencing mental health problems and only after every alternative form of care has failed to maintain the individual in their home environment. Care in the community, if delivered effectively, is not only a cheaper alternative to hospital are but it is by far the most humane and effective”.

I do agree with him.  Brighton Housing Trust was in the forefront of the care in the community evolution when, in 1989, we opened our Portland Road Project, the first of its kind locally.  We saw people who would have been left in the old long-stay psychiatric units get a fresh opportunity to live in the community.  We were told that because we weren’t medically qualified, the patients/residents would not survive.  One ‘expert’ told me that every resident would be back in hospital within 3 months.

3 months came and went, a year went by.  Not a single hospital admission.  The original nine residents enjoyed a quality of life that they could not have hoped for had they remained tied to the hospital model of care.  Many take advantage of education and training opportunities, and some secure employment.

Today we  have 86 residents in a range of accommodation where they can receive care and support according to their needs.  Of course there are the occasional hospital admissions, but they are few and far between.  While some of our accommodation provides high levels of care and is not cheap, it is still a lot cheaper than hospital care. 

Care in the community, when provided properly, makes sense for the NHS, for the community and (most importantly) those men and women who can live more active and independent lives.

Theresa is an inspiration and shows what can be achieved through courage and determination

Today, as the country reflects on the amazing achievements of A Level students, I met another truly inspirational learner who has achieved her own A* result.

Theresa has been part of our Finding Futures Project in Hastings where, just three weeks ago, she started on her NCFE Level 1 course in Numeracy.  When she arrived, she was, understandably, extremely nervous.  Today I met a woman brimming with confidence – she had just achieved 84% in the first exam she has done at this level.

She and her tutor, Richard, and all the staff at Finding Futures shared her joy at this achievement.  I was honoured to meet her.  Richard tells me that, not only did she work hard when at Finding Futures, she took homework away and has been doing tons of private study at home.  She is an inspiration and shows what can be achieved if you have courage and determination.

Great news as the numbers claiming benefits in Hastings drops

It is excellent news that the number of people claiming benefits in Hastings has dropped. I am aware of the excellent work undertaken in the town by a whole range of organisations who support unemployed people, including NEETS (Not in Employment, Education or Training), to get back to work.

I have been particularly impressed by the BEST Partnership, brought together and funded by Hastings Borough Council and involving organisations as diverse as Albion in the Community, The Bridge, Fellowship of St Nicholas, Sussex Coast College Hastings, and BHT’s own Finding Futures Project.

It is our experience at Finding Futures that, while some people need help to climb the ladder through education and training and into employment, there are a number who don’t even know that a ladder exists.

Since Finding Futures was launched almost two years ago, we have seen some amazing results with our learners going on to achieve some amazing things.  At Finding Futures we know that our learners have ambitions and we are there to help them achieve their aspirations.

The drop in the numbers claiming benefits is great, but there is much more to do. We should never be complacent.

An inspiring account of recovery from addiction and hope for the future

Yesterday I received the following letter which requires nothing further from me, in case I detract from its core message of recovery and hope:

“I just wanted to write you this letter to say thank you for letting me be part of your project.  I was released from prison in October 2009 after serving 4 years, and went directly to the Recovery Project to address my alcoholism and drug use. Whilst in custody I had completed many courses both educational and offence related and my time at the Recovery Project gave me the opportunity to reinforce my positive intentions and become comfortable living in the community.

“There was a natural desire for me to want to do everything at once, but the staff where both understanding and supportive in guiding me through that transitional time.  Even if I didn’t understand some of the reasoning, I respected the fact that these were professional people and knew what was best for me at that stage, so I did what was suggested.  Things have developed for me at a fantastic rate and I am now in the second stage i.e. Move On Accommodation, and beginning the next step of my journey to independent living.

“By utilising all the support available to me, I have also been able to gain access to funding for things like a bicycle, a college course and help to have my PC fixed.  This has came from charities mostly, however I only needed to look in the “The Directory” from BHT, to find out just how many organisation there are that are willing to help.

“I am now in the process of finding part time work, which isn’t straight forward having been to prison, although with the help from the Pathways to Work team and a little determination it really is a small obstacle.  I would do full time work but I am also hoping to start a level 2 fitness course in September which would allow me to work in a gym if I wanted to.  After I start part time work and have a bit more spare cash, I will be taking driving lessons as well, which I am also looking forward to.

“A lot of this is just material and life stuff, I am also enjoying rebuilding my relationships with my family which is very important to me, and by living without alcohol or drugs, my life is so different.  The old me would have ruined all of this by now, but that is not who I am today and I don’t look back!  Thank you”.

It is accounts like this that motivate me and make me proud to be associated with BHT.

It is poverty of ambition if we forget to ask “What next?” for service users

Today at BHT’s office in London Road, Brighton, we are holding a Work and Learning Fair for service users. BHT does a lot of work in combating homelessness and helping to facilitate change, but creating opportunities is an equally important part of our Mission.

At BHT we work with people who have enormous strengths and capabilities, as well as aspirations to move forward in their lives. Very often, in addition to housing and support, employment is a cornerstone for a successful living.

Some of the people we work with have a very inconsistent employment histories, and employers are, understandably, reluctant to take a chance with them. It is one reason why at BHT we offer volunteering and work placements for former service users, to give them work experience and to create a track record of being reliable in the work place.

We are often approached by people wishing to volunteer. It is unfortunate that we usually have to decline such offers given that we tend to prioritise former service users for volunteering opportunities. If we don’t take them on, few other organisations will. One exception to this is locally based charity Crime Reduction Initiatives who have an excellent peer mentoring and training programme that many former residents of our Addiction Services benefit from.

If we are to make a real difference in the communities within which we work, we must always ask “What next?” for our service users. Getting someone in doors and off the street is fantastic, but what next? Stabilising a chaotic life style is good, but what next? Becoming alcohol and drug free is a huge achievement, but what next? Training, education and work experience is a major milestone in a person’s life, but what next? Employment and housing, and what next?  A failure to ask “what next” may reflect a poverty of aspiration by workers on behalf of our service users.

Today’s Work and Learning Fair might provide that spring board for someone to realise what is next for them.