Friday 28 September 2012

The Size of the Prize.

The Size of the Prize!

The Olympics have gone, but left most of us with a huge amount of pride and not just in our athletes. The way people were during the games has been talked and written about a lot, so I won’t cover that ground again but I would ask that you read the following paragraphs and think about how proud you were when so many of our Paralympic and Olympic stars achieved such amazing feats, as well as the tens of thousands of volunteers that helped to make it what it was and what we can do when we come together for a common purpose.

In the previous weeks, I have told you about the journey so far, mainly positive but a few false starts. So the last few weeks have been about how to start drawing the strands together and getting to the people who work in our communities, as well as understanding what the need really is and what it will take to get individuals and businesses involved.

Shortly after returning from holiday, I had the honour of being asked to be a panellist for the School for Social Entrepreneurs event in Leeds www.the-sse.org/ . This is a third sector organisation set up in 1997 with the aim of supporting social entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to utilise their talents for the betterment of others. Lloyds are also sponsors and there are two programmes called “Start up” and “Scale up”, each is structured to support a business into being and then developing. We eventually chose 17 businesses that would go through the training and in due course also potentially receive up to £4,000 in funding. The breadth of those pitching was incredible. An ex social worker who is now teaching yoga in deprived communities, an ex-offender who has now graduated in law and using his experience to try to act as a force for good and in turn reduce re-offending, plus many more inspirational people who often need a mentor or guide as much as the money.

This week I visited a social enterprise printer called “Paperworks”. They are currently only in Harrogate, but will be opening a new office in Killingbeck which will see them offer their services to a broader geographic base. Essentially, Paperworks offer printing and fulfilment services and work in conjunction with many local printers were the print runs are uneconomic for them, or the work has to be completed manually and cost precludes them. Paperworks main aim is to provide work preparation training and support to adults with learning, physical and mental health related difficulties. www.paperworks.org.uk

But don’t think just because the word "Social" is added that making money is not important. In fact it is now more important than ever, particularly in view of the cuts in many of the local, regional and national funding programmes. The difference is that profit or someone’s ability to pay is not the driving force, but it does shape their starting point. To put the resources in to some form of reality, for £2,000 they are able to take on a trainee for 12 months with the aim of training them and then helping them find appropriate work. For someone with so many difficulties to get the training and more importantly the self confidence to be able to take on jobs is really the success and measure of the programme. 

Ever thought you could do better than those people on the TV? That maybe the output doesn’t match your reality; well whilst no guarantees are given ITV Fixers are out there seeking to work with young people’s groups and schools. The subject is up to the young people and Fixers will help them shape it and potentially air it on one of the ITV Local news channels. Originally it all began in Winchester, but through the support of the National Lottery the team of co-ordinators around the country (including Kate and Marian who came to see me) listen, don’t judge but empower the projects. What is really interesting here is that the young people take to this really quickly, whether it’s the media angle or that they are being treated like adults I don’t know but I am going to take them into one of the Academies I am working with and we will see where it goes. Have a look at www.fixers.org.uk

Ok, I mentioned in the last blog about updating you on some of the projects I am starting to get involved in.

Firstly, Opportunities Inspiring Learning (OIL). OIL is a community based organisation that is seeking to provide vocational qualifications for 13 – 18 in the field of motor vehicle. Those attending will spend most of their time out of the class and in the workshop learning. Some young people don’t have strong “Maths and English” learning styles, so traditional academic studies are alien to them and this can lead to disenfranchising them, boredom and in some instances causing trouble. Being able to take them out of the class into an area where they may be able to express themselves more proactively is we hope going to be a huge step forward for them and ultimately lead to employment opportunities in due course. No pressure but if you are in this field and in Leeds and think you could help please let me know.

Secondly, FEAST. In brief many sections of the poorest communities do not get those “three square meals” a day and even the meals on wheels service provided for our elders is considered somewhat expensive for many. Therefore, two groups from community centres in Gipton and Seacroft are working on taking over the kitchens in those centres and with the help of another existing community kitchen, providing this service at a much more affordable price. In time it is hoped that this will offer employment opportunities, as well as increase the entrepreneurial skills of those involved. One professional firm is already looking at how they could provide some mentoring and professional support around market testing and financials. Sadly there is no money to pay for this advice and guidance, but I am hoping that teams will feel more engaged and enriched by helping other communities to help themselves.

Thirdly, is Internships. One very kind MD is considering at this time taking on a couple of young people from one of the cities new academies. This is an opportunity that they would not normally have open to them and again can help them to break out of what is normal and expected of them. Bright, driven young people exist in all our communities and hopefully opportunities like this will make them ambassadors for change within their area and help drive them to achieve.

Finally, one company has agreed to talk to a dozen or so young people about how they got started, what’s worked. The determination to keep going and most importantly that you, yes you can do it.
The opportunities to support change are huge. I know many of you are very heavily involved in local groups, fundraising, mentoring to name just a few things. For those who might be thinking about it, but are unsure where to start please just contact me and I will help in any way possible. You can make a huge difference.

Thank for reading and I will update you all again in a few weeks time.

Shaun