received a 72 month prison sentence and has been unemployed since release.

This experience affected his motivation and ability to move on and live a normal life. He had no goals or dreams and nothing to drive him forward. He had reached his lowest ebb when he felt that he could no longer continue as he was. He thought his only choice was to give up. He did however, pick himself up and decided to make something of his life. J was referred to Achieve North West and wanted to look at warehousing or the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). However, J is very artistic and this was soon picked up by those around him and he was encouraged to take that talent further. J became inspired by the Arts and soon he had completed a level 3 course in art and won a Koestler award in art for his design work. He completed over 12 other courses including literacy and numeracy, ICT, Enterprise Leadership and Advanced Art and Design. His ultimate aim now is to be an art teacher and work with adults and particularly people who need extra support and encouragement. He is realistic and knows that this will take some time, so he has also gone on to gain his Warehouse Principles, FLT Reach and Counter Balance licence and his CSCS Health & Safety certificates to help him gain employment and enable him to fund future development such as enrolling onto Higher Education courses. Through the Achieve programme and Salford Foundation he attended the Introduction to Volunteering course. It was reported that he was brilliant with the other learners, talking about his experiences and how he has picked himself up and got involved in life again and felt excited about it. Whilst attending Warrington Work Club J volunteered to design bird boxes for a local charity. During the session he encouraged and supported other participants in completing this session. The bird boxes were donated to Long Lane Garden Centre who work with vulnerable adults. At present J is completing art work for the Shannon Bradshaw Trust. This is a charity helping children with life threatening conditions and their families. The Honorary President Patti Bradshaw set up the charity after losing her daughter to aplastic anaemia. Js role included painting their mascot onto a wall within the centre. He has also duplicated Shannons painting onto a display wall for future fund raising events. J has made such progress on the Achieve project that we are now looking at him facilitating art classes for a local charity, working with adults with a disability and, as part of this volunteer role, he will do the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) course with support to do this from the Life Long Learning department within the council. J is positive and excited about the future and has a clear vision of what he wants to do and what he wants to become. He wants to pass on that enthusiasm to other people who have issues and barriers to learning and work. J said the learning stimulated him and the people supported and guided him into a better place. Other people have benefited and will continue to benefit in a really effective and positive way from J's progression. His art work is impressive and he has so much skill to pass on to others. J also has empathy and understanding gained through personal experience.

CHESHIRE CASE STUDY

ACHIEVE North West NEWS

North West
Edition Three - June 2013

ACHIEVE

Project Managers

Lancashire Lynda Booth 01772 256649 Cheshire Heather Snow 01928 713555 Cumbria Annette Nixon 03000 473957

Greater Manchester Cilla Roberts 03000 479079 Merseyside Jeannette Taylor 0151 254 7109

Dianne Lowe,

Achieve Case Manager, Warrington

ACHIEVE PARTICIPANT WINS ESF INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR LEARNER OF THE YEAR

ark had just been released from prison for the second time after many years of criminal activity involving gangs and violence. He had been using drugs quite significantly and this had been costing him a huge amount of money as well as compounding his criminal activity. Mark was in a negative cycle which was incredibly difficult to escape from. However Mark reached a turning point after his release from prison and knew that he had to turn his life around for his family's sake. His wife had a serious illness and Mark had been a full-time carer for her and their two sons prior to going into prison. Mark knew that his family was suffering as a result of his lifestyle and realised that something had to change. He says: I realised that it was drugs or my family. My wife was unable to work or look after our children on her own due to serious illness. It was a no-brainer really and I really wanted to make up for all the problems I had caused. I used to have a good job and lifestyle but I lost it all through drugs and criminal activity. Mark was referred to Achieve North West by his Probation Officer and worked with his Case Manager Karen Aiello and National Careers Service to look at his options. Mark decided that he wanted to get into support work, working with young offenders to help young people avoid the mistakes he made. He agreed to attend Back on Track, a subcontractor on the Achieve Project supporting offenders into employment through mentoring, qualifications and volunteering opportunities. Mark attended a volunteer taster day going on to complete a Level 1 Health and Social Care training programme at Back on Track which acted as a real catalyst for exploring further learning opportunities to help him achieve his short and long term goals. He said: Im hoping to use my learning at Back on Track to become a qualified mentor. My long term goal is to become a qualified counsellor. As a result of doing the Health and Social Care programme, Im looking for a volunteer placement as a mentor and Ive got an interview for the Bridging the Gap course at Addiction Dependency Solutions which will help me develop my support skills. Im also going to start a short counselling skills course in Salford. Returning to education has not only had a profound impact on Mark and his future but his family have also benefitted. One of his sons has been inspired to start learning and has enrolled on a course at Back on Track. Mark has noticed that his whole family life has changed as a result of his learning. His wife and sons no longer worry about him while he is out and they are no longer fearful about whether he will walk through the door at the end of the day. His learning journey can inspire others who may also have spent years engaged in negative behaviour which has affected other family members. Mark's story shows that it is possible to recover from a life dominated by crime and re-build your life again through learning. My family no longer worry about me when I leave the house, he says: Hopefully they are proud of me and what Im doing to give back to society. I feel so much more confident and when I look in the mirror Im proud of myself.

Tel: 0161 834 1661 Email: info@backontrackmanchester.org.uk Web: http://www.backontrackmanchester.org.uk/

Back on Track can be contacted via:

Keep up to date with progress and developments by following us on Twitter. @Achieve_NW is the regional account with tweets by Anne-Marie and Cilla, Project Managers. For local information follow @AchieveGtrMcr or @AchieveLancs - Twitter accounts for Merseyside and Cheshire will follow shortly.

FOLLOW ACHIEVE ON TWITTER!

OFFERING INSPIRATION AND ALTERNATIVES TO GUNS AND GANGS IN GREATER MANCHESTER

ffenders took part in an event aimed at helping them improve skills and gain employment and also rubbed shoulders with football legend Patrick Vieira. The initiative, run by Achieve North West as part of GMPT Integrated Gang Management Unit, police and City in the Community, was hosted at the Etihad Stadium, and included stalls run by a wide variety of agencies. It was primarily targeted at 15 25 year olds from the Moss Side, Trafford and City Centre areas and its aim was to help offenders into further learning and employment. Patrick Vieira, whose medal haul is among the most impressive in modern football, was joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd and Det Chief Sup Darren Shenton. Patrick, who is a Football Development Executive at City, spoke at length with offenders, and met with stall holders to discuss the work being done to help give people a route out of the criminal justice system. He said: Ive been really lucky, since I was young I had someone whom I could look up to and who provided me with a good example. I always had someone to hold my hand, to show me the way. I think we all need that at key points in our life, and going around and meeting everyone here, I can see that the participants want that help and also that there are people here prepared to be the mentors that young people will need to find their way in life. Its good its the way for our society to get better. As well as lifting the World Cup and European Cup, Patrick won three Premier titles with Arsenal and four Series A titles. He added: Its crucial as a football club that we support our community. It doesnt matter where you grow-up, what is really important is to believe in yourself. If you experience difficulties in your life, being offered a second chance is crucial. I also think the job people are doing is fantastic. All credit to the specialists - these are people with big hearts. The event was aimed at offenders and former gang members, and aims to offer people a chance to rehabilitate. Det Chief Sup Shenton said: Gangs used to blight south Manchester, Tony Lloyd and I have been to far too many funerals for people needlessly killed by gangs. The city decided enough was enough, and over a period of years a lot has been done to reduce the problems posed by gangs. Now the next stage in the battle is to give people alternatives, to give those who may have made some wrong choices the chance to get out. Tony Lloyd added: I had a chance in life, Darren did as well, but those opportunities are not available to everyone, and anything we can do to create more chances for people is extremely positive. Weve both known for a long time that if we are going to move on, to really end gang violence, that it can only be done by people like the professionals gathered here turning lives around one-by-one. Dionne Robinson, Achieve Case Manager with the Integrated Gang Management Unit, works with individuals who are either affiliated to gangs, or who are considered to be at risk of becoming involved, to direct them to training, education and jobs. She helped organise the conference, and hopes it will become a regular fixture. She said: Experience has shown me that if you get to people at the right time and really listen to what they want, then you can make a massive difference. I will be carrying out a range of feedback analysis from all the attendees and making sure every lead is followed up. City in the Community (CITC) has worked with Greater Manchester Police for several years. CITC deliver a wide range of programmes across Manchester, with the Community Cohesion team providing football and multi-sport sessions for young people to help get them off the streets, gain volunteering hours and progress into employment. CITC are committed to inspiring change, and creating a safer and stronger community. Over recent years CITCs evening provisions during peak times of anti-social behaviour have resulted in a direct saving to policing and had a positive impact on society. CITC are now working with the Police closely on a new project aiming to raise awareness of gang related issues for young people in Manchester. Achieve North West, the Co-op Bank, Procure Plus, The Princes Trust and the YMCA were just some of the organisations present at the event.

alford Foundation currently work in Warrington, Runcorn and Winsford Offices to deliver voluntary placements for Achieve participants, as well as a range of soft outcomes. This is valuable as part of an individuals journey toward part/full time work as they gain important skills and work experience. Mel Richards joined Salford Foundation in her role as Volunteering Co-ordinator in November 2012 and has been very successful in establishing her partnership with the Achieve team in Cheshire. Mel has done well in gaining voluntary work placements with Manchester City Football Club, Heathcotes, Warrington Disability Partnership, Wincap, Warrington Voluntary Action, Debra, CLIC, Shannon Bradshaw Trust, Clearance shop. Before joining Salford Foundation she had gained previous experience working with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. She says: I moved to Warrington in 2001 and started at Business Link Cheshire and Warrington as a project co-ordinator. Then, at the end of 2007 Business Link offered me a secondment to Thorn Cross Prison as a Placement Officer helping offenders to achieve placements in their home areas 8 weeks before release. From 2009 I worked for TNG and YMCA Training helping NEET clients back into education, employment and training. More recently, in November 2012 I became the volunteering coordinator for Salford Foundation. Achieve Project, Cheshire welcome Mel to our area and look forward to working together successfully for the benefit of our participants. Mel Richards - ACHIEVE Volunteering Co-ordinator Cheshire Salford Foundation, Foundation House, 3 Jo Street, Salford, M5 4BD Sat Nav: M5 4AA Email: melanie.richards@salfordfoundation.org.uk Web: http://www.salfordfoundation.org.uk/ Tel: 07816671260

SUBCONTRACTOR FEATURE CHESHIRE Salford Foundation

evin began engaging with Achieve Northwest in Merseyside in January 2013. He had been discharged from the army and was on a Probation Order and unsure what opportunities were open to him. He was no longer able to do the work he had done (logistics) and needed some direction he was interested in working in gas engineering in the long term, but in the meantime just wanted a job as he was used to earning money and was struggling to manage on benefits. After a motivational interview with his Achieve Case Manager, Louise Watson, Kevin signed up to the project and engaged with National Careers Service where he developed a CV, learned how to disclose his offences, and began researching options. Kevin started to look at apprenticeships this way he would be able to work and learn his chosen trade giving him a long term, sustainable career choice. Connexions made some contacts with Liverpool Community College who said they would be able to offer the apprenticeship but Kevin would need an employer. At this stage Kevin did a lot of legwork and found an employer who was willing to give him a chance. In order to proceed Kevin would need a flue gas analyser and also some tools. By chance, Kevins Case Manager Louise was giving a presentation to the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Colonel Amlt (pictured right) who mentioned that he would be happy to help any ex-forces personnel where possible. She mentioned Kevins case and he contacted his links in the various charities a phone call to SSAFA, the National Armed Forces Charity proved to be very useful. Kevin was put in touch with them and they agreed to fund his flue gas analyser. Louise then successfully applied for funding for the remainder of the tools. Kevin started his apprenticeship at the beginning of May and now feels that his life is back on track. Without Achieve North West Kevin does not know where he would be now he is grateful for the help, guidance and financial support and his perseverance worked in his favour. He is pleased that not only did he find a job but he now also has a career to focus on. http://www.ssafa.org.uk

SUPPORT FOR ARMY VETERANS ON MERSEYSIDE

The High Sheriff of Merseyside 2012/13 Colonel Martin G C Amlt OBE OStJ DL

SUBCONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT - LANCASHIRE Myerscough College

yerscough College have been successfully delivering a Level One City and Guilds Diploma in Practical Horticultural Studies for the Achieve North West Project for the past 2 years. Delivery has grown over that time and they are currently accrediting work on 5 separate sites within Lancashire - Inghamite Cemetery and Witton Park in East Lancs; Chorley Cemetery; Layton Cemetery, and the De Vere Hotel in Blackpool. Achieve North West are always looking for new opportunities to increase delivery within Lancashire to ensure that we reach as many participants as possible and we are hoping to deliver at all three of our Approved Premises in the near future. In addition we are in discussions with Blackpool City Council to work in partnership with them to accredit the work that our offenders are carrying out. Since January 2012 and to the end of February 2013 Myerscough College will have worked with 83 offenders subject to either community payback or serving a prison sentence at HMP Kirkham, each of whom will have achieved a Diploma in Practical Horticulture. Whether these participants go on to explore opportunities in this field of work, or use their new found motivation and learning to explore different opportunities, is part of our current research that we will be able to report on in the future. From the feedback that we have received it appears that the Myerscough College aspect of Achieve North West has increased attendance for unpaid work and thus will have contributed to the completions. If we are able to increase our sites this should serve to benefit all involved. Achieve North West in Lancashire are delighted with the partnership with Myerscough College and we regularly receive feedback from participants who are extremely proud of their Diploma certificates. In partnership with sub-contractors such as Myerscough College, Achieve North West is a high performing project which consistently achieves employment and learning outcomes for hard to reach individuals. For information on any of our training programmes please contact Employer Services on 01995 642255 or email: employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

STAFF MOVEMENTS

Chris Bennett, Project Director 0151 257 6128 Chris.bennett@merseyside.probation.gsi.gov.uk Rob Bratherton, Finance Manager 0151 257 6111 Robert.bratherton@merseyside.probation.gsi.gov.uk Anne-Marie Jones, Quality Assurance Manager 0151 666 0413 Anne-marie.jones@merseyside.probation.gsi.gov.uk Jeannette Taylor, Project Manager Merseyside 0151 254 7109 Jeanette.taylor@merseyside.probation.gsi.gov.uk Cilla Roberts, Project Manager Manchester 03000 479 079 Priscilla.roberts@manchester.probation.gsi.gov.uk Becky Frain, Project CoOrdinator Manchester 03000 479 052 Rebecca.frain@manchester.probation.gsi.gov.uk Annette Nixon, Project Manager Cumbria 03000 473 957 annette.nixon@cumbria.probation.gsi.gov.uk Lynda Booth, Project Manager Lancashire 01772 256 649 Lynda.booth@lancashire.probation.gsi.gov.uk Heather Snow, Project Manager Cheshire 01928 713 555 Heather.snow@cheshire.probation.gsi.gov.uk

Contact details

chieve would like to welcome Cilla Roberts as the new Project Manager for Greater Manchester following the departure of Michael Ventris to manage St Josephs Hostel. Michaels skills and enthusiasm will be missed by the team, however Cilla will bring valuable new talent and motivation to the project. Good Luck! Cilla has moved from her (brief!) covering role as Cheshire Project Manager, and this vacancy will be filled by Heather Snow for the remainder of Tracey Hills maternity leave. A big welcome to Heather from all of the team!

ACHIEVE NORTH WEST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BENDRIGG TRUST: A Bendrigg Alternative Experience - CUMBRIA

n June 2012, Helen came to volunteer for a week at the Bendrigg Trust ~ a residential centre on the outskirts of Kendal that offers outdoor activity courses for people of all ages who are disabled or disadvantaged. The aim of the Trust is to promote integration, encourage independence and build self-confidence through the use of residential experience and the safe provision of adventurous outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, canoeing and caving. Helen was on a probation order and her placement was organized through CROPT (Cumbria Reducing Offending Partnership Trust). Helen worked with a group of 14 19 year old students who have learning disabilities from a school in Blackburn. Her role was to encourage and support the students with the activities and with the daily domestic routine. She was excited when she arrived at Bendrigg and soon got to know the new people in her group. This was a completely new experience for Helen but she took to it like a duck to water and was a complete STAR! In the picture she can be seen helping others on the climbing wall and the instructor said Helen was overjoyed with the level of responsibility I gave her ~ she relished it and never strayed from what she had been asked to do. Carl, the staff leader with the school group was absolutely delighted with the level of support Helen had given his students, appreciating her friendly, helpful attitude but also her quiet and unassuming manner. She was perfect in how she worked with everyone and was particularly supportive to the young girls, who enjoyed having an extra friend around. At the end of the week, Helen received a long list of positive feedback which did wonders for her confidence. In fact, her whole experience at Bendrigg gave her the boost she needed (and was hoping for) as well as an opportunity to show her capabilities. In a debrief session with Lynne Irish (the Placement Co-ordinator) Helen highlighted 4 main benefits that she had got from her week: Clearer about my future direction; Grown in confidence; Gained experience working with children with disabilities; I have been a lot happier here ~ I have enjoyed everything I have done this week.

Helen clearly enjoyed being part of the team; getting quiet satisfaction from being valued and useful. Being responsible and caring for these young people confirmed to her that a career in the caring profession is what she would really like to do. Six months later Helen is still keen; she is now applying for voluntary work to help other disabled young people in her own area. Lynne Irish, Bendrigg Trust, Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 0NR. Tel: 01539 723766. Email: lynne@bendrigg.org.uk. Web: http://www.bendrigg.org.uk If anyone would like to know more about the Bendrigg Trust or the Bendrigg Alternative Scheme please contact:

Carl said before leaving: Helen is a really lovely person ~ we have loved having her with us ~ I would be happy to give her a character reference if that was helpful. I feel her main strength has been that she has used her initiative.

Anne-Marie Jones, Quality Assurance Manager for Achieve North West, based at Merseyside Probation Trust. Email: anne-marie.jones@merseyside.probation.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 0151 666 0413

NEXT EDITION

e welcome your input for the next edition. Please send any articles for consideration to: