We’re back again with a great update of good news!
This month, with everyone going back to school and work as autumn starts, its a time of new beginnings and we’ve got so many fantastic news bits and stories to share with you about next steps and fresh starts.
Graduation!
At our Little Hulton and Eccles hubs, we had a Graduation for participants on our Freedom Project. Congratulations to Yvonne, Karl, Andrew and Stephen. They have all worked incredibly hard on our lifeskills and employability program where you become part of the Mustard Tree family, gaining skills and self-confidence. They said “it’s much more than volunteering, it’s becoming part of a community where you can develop your abilities, grab opportunities and discover your value.” Well done!
Karl and Andrew
Karl and Andrew have also gone on to complete their CSCS training with support from Mustard Tree! CSCS is the leading skills scheme in the UK construction industry, showing you have the skills and training to undertake work on sites. Karl and Andrew can now look for further opportunities for work now they’ve completed the scheme, which is brilliant to see. It also actively encourages other volunteers, as Paul Fanning has also begun his training this week!
We have 3 volunteers who have currently enrolled on Distance Learning Courses with Taunton and Bridgewater College and will be gaining a NCFE Level 2 once they have completed the course!
Lukasz and Tandrima
You may remember Lukasz from a previous post – he had been part of our Freedom Project and completed an electricals testing qualification with us over the summer.This month, we are delighted that Lukasz has started his mechanical engineering course at Manchester College!
Tandrima joined the Mustard Tree family just a few months ago and has just started a 9 week admin work placement at McDonalds and will be completing a health and social care course on Wednesdays. Tan was also invited to a meeting by the (MP)Victims Commissioner for England Helen Newlove last month and discussed how she can offer any suggestions for topics to discuss in parliament. Read her life story here http://www.mustardtree.org.uk/2018/09/tandrimas-story/
Home sweet home
At Mustard Tree, we also support people to find and maintain their accomodation over 6 and 12 months with advocacy, advice with budgeting and representation. The collapse of a private rental and falling into rent arrears is still the top reason for people becoming homeless and we work to combat and prevent that happening. Just this month, three people on our Freedom program have been supported into finding accomodation, with one person moving into their own private flat! Between April and June, our team supported 61 people in this way, so they know that someone always has their back.
Creative Showcase
Tristan has just started volunteering at a bike shop for one day a week and is absolutely loving it! Well done Tristan.
At the end of August, we had our latest Creative Showcase, hosted by Nexus Art Cafe, including a drama performance, art works exhibited, performances by our music group and spoken word, all made and developed by the creative programs attendees at Mustard Tree. Read more here http://www.mustardtree.org.uk/2018/09/creative-showcase-nexus-cafe/