11 - 2019 | Chalmers News PR

Magical outdoor trail returns to Blenheim Palace

Posted on November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 by admin

THIS Christmas Blenheim Palace will be transformed, both inside and out, showcasing the biggest Christmas ever to take place at the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site.

With a new indoor Alice in the Palace experience taking over the ornate State Rooms during the day, an immersive Christmas Market in the Great Court taking visitors from day to night and a bigger and better Christmas light trail illuminating the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland in the evening; there is set to be an incredible festive experience from this weekend.

The Illuminated Trail returns from 22nd November – 1st January transforming one of England’s finest views with a bigger, brighter and more spectacular evening trail than ever before featuring a new multi-coloured aerial light show filling the sky with dancing bands of colour, a dynamic waterfall, and the softly-glowing flowers of the Snowdrop Walk.

In another installation inspired by nature, Australian studio Mandylights returns to Christmas at Blenheim Palace with Vines. A 30-metre long promenade of LED vines that you can walk through, touch and interact with, each vine houses up to 8,000 individual colour-changing pixels, making for an otherworldly immersive experience.

Expect over a million pea-lights, lasers and projections, wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with silvery shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

Blenheim Palace, Christmas — Wullie Marr Photography

Also discover the Sledge Tree, an 11-metre design structure made from 365 illuminated wooden sledges to represent each day of the year. This exceptional piece of art, light and architecture reinterprets the classic Christmas Tree in Blenheim Palace’s ancient Parkland.

The project is an artistic collaboration between Hello Wood from Budapest who has designed and built the structure and Creatmosphere based in London and France who has animated it with light and sound.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider*, mulled wine* or hot chocolate* whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Gather to toast your own marshmallows* at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel and enjoy other traditional fare before browsing Blenheim Palace’s well stocked gift shop.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is brought to you by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music, in partnership with Blenheim Palace. The trail is created by Culture Creative Limited.

Plus there is the new Alice in the Palace indoor experience from 22nd November – 5th January.

The State Rooms of Britain’s Greatest Palace will be transformed into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, visitors will step between the pages of a larger-than-life story book and into their very own festive family adventure.

There’s plenty to satisfy the festive shopper too. From 22nd November – 15th December Blenheim Palace’s Great Court will be transformed into a seasonal market showcasing a range of festive treats in over 60 individual wooden-style chalets. Filled with a variety of hand-picked, irresistible gifts, unique works by a range of designers and tempting treats for foodies, it’s the perfect addition to a Christmas day out at Blenheim Palace.

Prevention at heart of new mental health coaching service

Posted on November 19, 2019 by admin

A LIFETIME of battling with mental illness and addiction is the inspiration behind a Warwick man’s pioneering new coaching business.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the area, Short Steps aims to recognise and act on the early signs of depression in men before it takes hold.

Chris Cortopassi has been forced to face up to his own demons including drink, drugs and sex addiction which almost led him to suicide. And now, combining that experience with professional coaching and problem solving skills, has dedicated his life to helping others.

Chris Cortopassi, Short Steps Coaching for Men, — Photo by David Fawbert Photography

A reluctant student, Glaswegian Chris struggled to motivate himself through university before moving to Warwick to work as an engineer at National Grid. And looking back he now recognises the first signs of his slide into depression.

“When I was at university I was kind of conscious of the weird paradigm I was living because I would make a joke about it all the time. I hated the degree and didn’t study most of the time,” he said.

“By the end of the second year I was very stressed and anxious about the future and went to the doctors at that point. But I decided to drag myself through.

“National Grid then just seemed to tick all the boxes of ‘success’ and money etc. and I had been so preoccupied with that path and that definition of success. But I was a creative person and this was a very technical environment and I often didn’t enjoy the work. I wasn’t happy there at all. I was getting more and withdrawn over the years.”

He added: “Looking back now I realise I was starting to feel those things that I now look for in my clients – frustrated, withdrawn and very angry about a lot of unimportant things.”

Chris’ spiral also impacted on a relationship and triggered a self-destructive path of behaviour including excessive alcohol and drug use.

He said: “For a huge amount of time I was kidding myself that I was coping with the day to day, but lent heavily on my ‘crutches’ – drank a lot and smoked a lot of marjhuana – ridiculous amounts.

“The antidepressants helped a bit but it was a huge amount of intoxication and I’d regularly end up making myself physically sick. When I broke up with my partner I slid pretty badly because I suppose there wasn’t anyone there to hide it from any more.”

Chris Cortopassi, Short Steps Coaching — Photo by David Fawbert Photography

But it was an early obsession with pornography that, Chris now recognises, played a huge part in his increasing mental health struggle.

“When I was a kid one day I clicked onto something I shouldn’t have and that started a lifetime of obsession about sex and pornography. I was staying up to the early hours and would struggle to get out of bed for school. My parents never knew until I had a breakdown when I was an adult and it all came out. It went on for years and years and became a big part of my life.

“I would just disappear into a black hole where I would sit and anaesthetise myself with my mental ‘crutches.’ It would typically be a bottle of wine, several beers, lots of weed and I would lose four or five hours easily.

It’s when he reached his lowest point – an hour standing on a bridge contemplating jumping that Chris realised something had to change.

His doctor referred him to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) only for Chris to be added onto a four-month waiting list.

“I was really lucky because National Grid have a helpline. They assessed me straight away and I was enrolled on counselling sessions.”

Chris Cortopassi, Short Steps Coacking and Problem Solving for Men — Photo by David Fawbert Photography

These, plus thousands of pounds of private therapy, combined with psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and an increased focus on his personal development and learning, to give Chris the strength to begin fighting his demons and, in 2013, he started a new role at National Grid that was to lay the foundations for his new business.

“The new role as a practitioner meant coaching people and delivering training. The topics were really interesting to me inspiring people to change their attitudes and way they work. I was really excelling at it and enjoying it.

“You learn so much going through it, the processes and the way they support all the different theories and how childhood issues manifest and grow and now I really do have a breadth of knowledge.”

“A huge amount of the therapy is education but a lot of it was also just about forgiving myself.

“Here was the boy who avoided studying in university and I was, now studying like I had never studied before. It was very cathartic as well because the more you understand something the easier it is to process it and move on from it.”

Chris gained his formal coaching certificate and, with new horizons in his sights, invested his savings from his years at National Grid to set up Short Steps – the Italian translation for his surname Cortopassi.

He uses online videos, one to one sessions and workshops to coach men in a five-step process around problem solving and goal setting and says it’s this preventative approach that sets his business apart from the rest.

“There are two key things that are happening at the moment. One is a lot of awareness raising and the other is reactive services and responses. Whereas what Short Steps is about is preventative action, catching people and redirecting them before things get really bad.

“To fall into the traps I did is incredibly simple but actually to catch people and redirect them before they end up in a really bad place is also really simple.

“I made a conscious decision that I didn’t want to be a counsellor or a therapist or anything like that because that’s about looking back. I’m not really interested in that. I’m more interested in prevention.

“What I want to do is prevent people from getting ill in the first place. This is very much a revolution. I feel genuinely passionate about it. It is new, unique and forward-looking and doesn’t already exist out there.”

Chris Cortopassi, Short Steps Coaching and Problem Solving for Men — Photo by David Fawbert Photography

Men are particularly reluctant to seek help according to Chris, who claims mental health facilities are more easily accessible to women.

He said: “Men are built from day one to be desk pounding, to be in charge, to take authority, take the lead, to be strong. The whole thing crept in over our evolution, phrases like ‘Man Up.’ That did become part of the male language because we were in trenches firing bullets at each other’s faces. There was no space for anything other than the ‘man up’ and get on with it attitude.

“But I try and change the meaning behind that language to say ‘Man up and own your emotions’ and ‘man up’ and take responsibility for the fact that you are causing not just yourself pain, but causing your loved ones pain as well. It’s very much about taking control of the situation. Showing them that actually expressing their emotions, feeling their emotions and working with them is the braver course of action because anything else is just sticking your head in the sand.”

As for the future, Chris hopes to grow Short Steps so it can be rolled out across a wider area.

Chris said: “I spent my whole life going after what I thought I wanted and what I thought was the right thing to do and when I got to the reality of it I didn’t like any of it. But I’m now a totally different person. I’m now living me. I don’t feel uncomfortable with the way I live my life.

“To have been through what I’ve been through and still be strong and now be out there helping other people shows huge mental strength. It has been the combination of years of effort, thousands of pounds and medication and all the rest of it and now it’s been broken down to something that is really accessible and I’m hugely proud of it.

But he admits his business also acts as the final healing chapter of his own journey of recovery.

“I’m an expert in what it’s like to be in the pit of despair and come out the other end. I know what it looks like and how painful it is and that’s my motivation for helping other people. You don’t want mental health and guidance from someone who has never struggled with their mental health. You want it from an expert, somebody who has been through it and gotten stronger as a result of it.

“For me to be delivering this to other people almost makes what I’ve been through worthwhile.”

Visit: www.shortsteps.co.uk

And the 2019 Leamington Business Award winners are. . .

Posted on November 19, 2019November 19, 2019 by admin

AN evening of celebration also raised £4,500 for local charities at The Leamington Business Awards.

The 2019 awards, organised for the first time by Leamington Business Forum, shone a spotlight on some of the district’s entrepreneurial success stories.

Established in 2014, the Awards champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations while also raising vital funds for local charities.

Now in its sixth year, the black-tie ceremony was held at the newly renovated Royal Pump Rooms and presided over by Master of Ceremonies, Dave Sharpe. More than 180 guests were treated to a three-course dinner and drinks, with entertainment and a charity raffle, as well as the awards presentation.

Leamington business Awards 2019, Leamington Business Forum — Photo by Sally Evans Photography.

Commercial property company AC Lloyd scooped Business of the Year as well as Property Business of the Year at the glittering ceremony on Friday night.

For the first time, the Leamington Business Awards included two new categories, the Warwick District Charity Award won by P3 and The Warwickshire Achievement Awards, won by Springfield Mind and Leamington Art in the Park Festival.

The People’s Choice Award winner, sponsored by The Leamington Courier, was revealed as Temperance, a vintage shop, art gallery, cafe, live music venue, art cinema and performance space.

A special surprise award of the night went to Marianne and Archie Pitts. The Leamington Legend Award was introduced by BID Leamington to recognise and express gratitude for the special contribution that people make to Leamington over many years. The award was created in memory of Gerry McManus – the former manager of Royal Priors Shopping Centre and founding board member of BID Leamington — who championed the power of teamwork and greatly valued the work of local volunteers who care passionately about the town.

Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director, BID Leamington said “It was our pleasure to present the first Leamington Legend award to Archie and Marianne Pitts whose contribution to Leamington has been immense.

“They care greatly about our town and for many years have championed high profile projects such as the restoration of the Pump Room Gardens and Bandstand, the Linden Arches and the railway station gardens and war memorial, which benefit us all. They are also strong advocates for the town’s heritage, architecture and narrative and have supported and inspired many other volunteers to aim higher with their passion and enthusiasm.”

Leamington Business Awards, Leamington Business Forum — Photo by Sally Evans Photography

The Business Awards event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors and local organisations who donated funds, supplies and skills to ensure the continued success of the Leamington Business Awards. Businesses include Bravissimo, IAPS, Lodders, The Royal Priors, Aubrey Allen, The Kingsley School, The Box Factory, Tara & Co, Withers & Rodgers, Harrison Beale & Owen, Bellagio Stone, Prontaprint, ISTEAD and media sponsors Business & Innovation Magazine and The Leamington Courier.

The judging panel was made up of: Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank; Sarah Windrum from IT Consultancy Emerald Group; Louise Richards from touring dance circus company Motionhouse; and Mark Ashfield, Managing Director of HB&O – and former awards organiser.

The awards this year, crafted and designed by Leamington College students Harvey Farren, Libbi Ancill-Griffiths and Melissa Clayton.

Jonathan Smith, of Leamington Business Forum, said: “I was delighted the event was such a success. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and all the winners were well supported on the night.

“The feedback coming back from everyone was that it felt like a real celebration of what’s good about Leamington and the community and the fact that we have included that community element involving the Leamington Legend and People’s Choice and charities awards was appreciated.”

The £4,500 total proceeds from the night will be distributed between the four finalists in the Warwick District Charity of the Year category, winners P3 and Young People First, The Ups of Downs and Leam Trash Friends.

Matt Langsford, founder of Leam Trash Friends said: “This funding is vital to our operations as we rely solely on donations to cover our running costs. The funds will be put to good use to assist with our mission of making the streets of our district cleaner and safer for those who live, work and visit our region.”

David Skoppek, Chief Officer of Young People First, said: “Young People First is deeply appreciative of the Awards. To be highly commended as a charity for our work is more than enough but to then receive the donation is incredible.”

Nicola Enoch, founder of The Ups of Downs said: “We are thrilled to receive a contribution from Friday’s fundraising. As a Leamington based charity we’re always delighted to receive the support of local businesses.”

Plans are already afoot for the 2020 Leamington Business Awards which are being held at on November 13^th. Potential sponsors are invited to contact Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com

Leamington Business Awards 2019 winners in full

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders)

Bluebasil

This coffee bar and vintage shop opened at the start of May 2018 as a multi-functional shop and coffee bar, situated in the creative end of Old Town. Plans for 2020 include the introduction of a vintage dressing room with expanded clothing range, a small fashion show to launch our vintage wedding dresses and some creative and arty workshops.

Owner Nikki Taylor said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the New Business of The Year award. This means a lot to our whole team who have worked really hard to create a unique and fun environment and bring something extra to Old Town.”

Business and the Community Award – (Sponsored by The Royal Priors)

Wright Hassall LLP

Alex Robinson, Partner at Wright Hassall, said: “We are honoured to have been recognised for our work within the community and to have won the Business and the Community award. We work with clients across the country but we have been a Leamington firm for over 170 years so we take our role within the local area both as an employer and business very seriously.

“As a firm we have a range of initiatives throughout Leamington and the local area which support charities and businesses, reduce our environmental impact, support events such as the Regency Run and continue to run free monthly legal advice sessions.

“This year has been a particularly busy one for our Corporate Social Responsibility team, supported by the firm as a whole and so to be recognised by our peers in the local area in this way is fantastic.”

Judge Sarah Windrum said: “We were incredibly impressed with the continued commitment Wright Hassall make to their local community and in such a variety of ways. They have a Community Fund where the whole company votes to contribute financially to causes close to their own hearts and they actively encourage their employees to take roles on regional boards and supporting them in that process. It’s crucial businesses are involved at all levels of community and Wright Hassall achieve this so well.”

Customer Excellence Award – (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

Modern Homes

The longest established kitchen, bathroom and bedroom business in the area has entered its 52nd year and third family generation.

Tina Riley, Managing Director, said: “As a small independent kitchen and bathroom showroom, we have always put customer service at the top of our agenda, and believe this is why we have a loyal local client base that has supported us through our 51 year history, but to have this award just recognises we have achieved this!”

“The evening was superb and it was brilliant to be part of such a vibrant supportive business community that we are so lucky to have in Leamington Spa!”

Warwick District Charity of the Year – (Sponsored by Aubrey Allen)

P3 Charity

The P3 Warwickshire team forms part of a national charity, offering a diverse range of housing-related support for adults over 25. Operating out of hubs in Leamington, Stratford, Rugby and Nuneaton, street outreach workers identify and, offer support to, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by engaging them with the relevant services.

Esther Barrett, Head of Support and Community Services, said: “P3 are delighted to have been recognised for their persistent and passionate support with people who find themselves on the streets in Warwick District. P3 will continue to work alongside those most vulnerable throughout Warwickshire and we really appreciate the support of local communities and businesses. The funding we also received will really assist our staff to support people further.”

Young Person of the Year (Sponsored by IAPS)

Aaron Watkinson

Aaron Watkinson, 25, from Wolston, is a dancer and education lead at touring dance circus company Motionhouse.

Aaron said of his award: “I couldn’t be more thrilled. It means so much to me that others think I’m making such a positive impact on the young people I work with – I love working with them. My dance teachers inspired me when I was younger, and I want to do the same for the young people I work with.”

Jane Bailey, Communications and Development Director of Motionhouse, who nominated Aaron for the award, said: “Aaron does some brilliant work with children and young people – he’s a true inspiration to the people he teaches, taking them on a life-affirming journey, which is why he thoroughly deserves the award.”

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Bravissimo)

Playground Games

This BAFTA Award-winning, AAA video game developer and Xbox Games Studio based in Leamington was stablished in 2010 and their latest release is the critically-acclaimed Forza Horizon franchise with Forza Horizon 4, ranking as the highest rated Xbox exclusive of this generation.

Gavin Raeburn, Studio Director, said: “We’re proud to call Leamington Spa our home and so we’re delighted to be recognised at our local awards. This year we’ve expanded to two facilities in Leamington town centre, employing more than 200 staff, and we look forward to many more years of growth and success here.”

South Warwickshire Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Tara & Co)

Springfield Mind

Established in South Warwickshire 35 years ago, this grant and local authority-funded charity/Limited Company, helps people who are suffering from mental distress. They work with clients individually or in a group setting with much of the focus on early intervention.

Carol Roberts, Policy Officer for Springfield Mind, said: “Springfield Mind provides peer support and drop in at Southborough Terrace, Leamington and Cygnet Court in Stratford-upon-Avon on weekly basis, we have a secret garden in Northumberland Terrace in Leamington and at garden therapy at Lifeways in Stratford town.

“We also deliver Mental Health First Aid and Wellbeing training for local businesses to reduce stigma and promote a positive message around mental wellbeing.

“It was an honour to accept this award in my role as Chair of Trustees for Springfield Mind along with Trustee Ian Carson.”

Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Withers and Rogers)

3S Knowledge Ltd

3SK is a consultancy, at Warwick Technology Park, which specialises in developing processes and technology designs for complex products like electric cars, trains etc.

Giresh Krishnan, Co-Founder and Chief Engineer, said: “We attended the awards night with no expectations. When our name was announced we were shocked and equally exited. This was a thrilling moment for us as we started our company a year ago and to win this prestigious award was a real heart-warming moment for us and our families.”

Judge Sarah Windrum said: “Infrastructure and engineering are the bedrock of innovation which is why we chose 3S for Innovation of the Year award. Their list of patents was so impressive clearly demonstrating how important it is to protect and commercialise global innovation for an individual business but also for our town. It’s great to see companies like 3S continue to keep Leamington on the world stage for new ideas and innovation.”

Outstanding Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by The Kingsley School)

Leamington Art in the Park Festival

Art in the Park was conceived in August 2014 when Mo Finessey from the Leamington Studio Artists and Carole Sleight along with a lot of friends, family and volunteers welcomed 50 artists and 5,000 visitors to Jephson Gardens. Since then the festival has grown in diversity of artists, music, performers, community outreach and engagement. In 2018 they proudly became the largest free arts festival in Warwickshire.

Judge Mark Ashfield said: “This event goes from strength to strength. The festival showcases the diversity of the talent in the local area and the organisers devote a significant amount of time in delivering such a fantastic event.”

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&0)

Lockwoods Ski and Outdoor

This independent family business specialises in the sale and fitting of walking boots, ski boots and all outdoor activity clothing and accessories. The family-run business is now in its 43rd year still operating from the same premises in Milverton.

Manager Hayley Key said: . “This is thanks to our customers who continue to value our family ethos and knowledgeable staff. At this challenging time for retail, and as we move into our third generation of family management, this award is a tribute to the work of my aunt and father, and our amazing team, many of whom have been with us for several decades. We look forward to the decades more to come and of course to the ski season ahead!”

Property Business of the Year (Sponsored by Bellagio Stone)

A C Lloyd

AC Lloyd has been building and developing in the region for more than seven decades and many of the successful commercial schemes across the area have been developed by the group, which currently employs 30 staff.

Business of the Year

A C Lloyd

Mark Edwards, Managing Director of AC Lloyd, said: “We were all thrilled to win the Property Business of the Year, but to then land the overall award was fantastic. It was a great night and underlined the array of superb businesses we have in and around Leamington.

“We work across the country but very much regard ourselves as a Leamington firm. It gives us great pride to see that many of our developments have become home to some the area’s most successful companies – companies who employ local people, create jobs and bring investment. Many of those people also live in AC Lloyd homes helping to create successful communities across the area.

“We – like many of the nominated companies – firmly believe in contributing to our community which is one of the reasons that Leamington is such a great place to work and live. We have a very dedicated team throughout AC Lloyd and they are a major reason we continue to thrive.”

People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Leamington Courier)

Temperance

Owner Adrian Gains said: “Temperance only opened last year so to win this award is beyond our wildest dreams. We were overwhelmed by the number of our customers that nominated us and that makes it extra special. It was the award we most wanted most to win.”

Leamington Legend Award

Marianne and Archie Pitts

Leamington Business Awards 2019: Spotlight on Charity finalists Pt 4

Posted on November 14, 2019November 14, 2019 by admin

AS we count down towards the Leamington Business Awards ceremony tomorrow (Friday 15th), here we spotlight the last of four local charities that have been selected as finalists in the Warwick & District Charity of the Year category. . .

Leamington Business Awards Warwick District Charity of the Year finalist 4 –

The Ups of Downs

NEARLY 14 years ago one Leamington mum reached out to fellow parents of children with Down Syndrome in a bid to increase support and awareness locally.

Today, Nicola Enoch is the proud founder of a charity that works with more than 70 local families in and around Warwickshire and is the recipient of several awards.

The Ups of Downs was inspired by her son Tom, now 15, who attends North Leamington School. Nicola was determined that Downs children should not only be supported to achieve their potential, but celebrated in society.

Tom Enoch, Leamington Business Awards, The Ups of Downs — Tom Enoch

The charity runs weekly groups for members aged birth to teenage, providing sing, sign and phonics sessions as well as Early Development Groups for pre-schoolers and sports, drama, yoga and music clubs on Saturdays and regular specialist speech and language therapy. It also recently launched a new Youth Club for older members.

Training is offered to parents and teaching professionals addressing subjects such as sensory issues, behaviour, communication and puberty.

Nicola said: “I started The Ups of Downs as I appreciated the value in meeting with others in the same situation, to be able to share concerns, ask advice, share experiences and offer peer support.

“Our driving ethos is to empower parents to give their child with Down Syndrome every opportunity to develop, flourish and achieve, by providing each parent with the knowledge, confidence, ability and resources.

“The impact has been enormous for parents, the professionals who work with our children and young people and the children and young people themselves.”

The Ups of Downs is one of four finalists in what is, this year, a new category for the Leamington Business Awards.

It is up against Leam Trash Friends (https://www.facebook.com/leamtrashfriends); Young People First (www.youngpeoplefirst.org.uk)and P3 (www.p3charity.org/services/warwickshire-floating-support) – charities which will also benefit from proceeds from the awards ceremony. It is being held on November 15^th, at the newly renovated Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington and presided over by Master of Ceremonies Dave Sharpe.

The Ups of Downs, Leamington Business Awards — Nicola Enoch

Reacting to her charity becoming a finalist, Nicola said: “As a Leamington based charity we are really thrilled to have been selected as finalists in the Leamington Business Awards. It is wonderful recognition of all that we have been doing for the past 13 years promoting inclusion, empowering parents and professionals and ensuring our members are given every chance to thrive!”

For more information about the charity, visit: https://upsofdowns.co.uk To donate to the charity visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1003679

Look out for all the news from the 2019 Leamington Business Awards next week!

Leamington Business Awards 2019: Spotlight on Charity finalists Pt 3

Posted on November 10, 2019November 10, 2019 by admin

AS we count down towards the Leamington Business Awards ceremony on Friday, November 15th, here we spotlight the third of four local charities that have been selected as finalists in the Warwick & District Charity of the Year category. . .

Young People First

THE dedicated team at Young People First are working hard every day to address what they have claimed is a ‘crisis’ in youth services in the county.

Previously known as Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, the charity has been a specialist in early intervention work with vulnerable young people for more than 60 years.

Young People First, Lemington Business Awards 2019 — An interdependence project supporting care leavers.

Paid workers and volunteers make up a team of around 20-strong in Warwickshire, headed up by David Skoppek ‘creating opportunities and providing support’ to young people transitioning to adulthood via three projects:

The Brunswick Youth Project was established to help young people in the area build relationships as well as receive additional support.

David Skoppek said: “A lot of the young people who come from that ward are already vulnerable and living below the poverty line and from troubled homes etc.”

The second project, Sharp Minds is about creating a safe place for young people whose mental health problems are so acute they can’t even engage in school.

“Their anxiety and depression can be so debilitating in that sense. It is about creating community and overcoming that feeling of isolation and thinking there is something wrong with you. Creating these sort of safe places where young people realise there’s other young people like them going through similar challenges, is often enough to help them get started on this journey to recovery,” said David.

The Care Leavers Project is to aid young people aged 16-25 in their transition from living in supported accommodation to independent living.

David said: “It’s about giving them the skills and the experience to be independent.”

The charity, which works with referrals from schools and GPs, also organises a host of activities free of charge, from sport and music events to youth clubs, holiday programmes and outdoor residentials.

But, a rise in demand for their services puts an increasing pressure on the charity which relies entirely on fundraising.

Young People First, Leamington Business Awards 2019 — David Skoppek

David said: ““The decline in youth services across the nation and the impact it has had is huge. It’s at the crisis end.

“But we’re very careful how we spend our funds. How you transform young lives is not by having a fancy building, it’s about the youth worker who is able to build a relationship with that young person over time

He added: “A lot of young people come from places where they just don’t trust adults. They have been let down by parents, teachers or services.

“It’s about developing relationships with young people in a way that the young people want to engage with us, they’re not forced to.

“All our projects are long term focused. We try and work on a minimum of three years because that’s the time it takes. Young people need consistency . They need to know they’re supported and listened to and feel valued. It’s only then they start to open up about some of the problems and issues they’re facing.”

The recent appointment of a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) worker has now also enabled the charity to introduce counselling and therapeutic support.

“We are getting concerned that some of these young people are being told they have to wait two-three years before they can receive any sort of intervention so, for the first time ever, we have now got our own CBT worker two days a week. It’s really working.”

Young People First is one of four finalists in what is, this year, a new category for the Leamington Business Awards.

It is up against Leam Trash Friends (https://www.facebook.com/leamtrashfriends); The Ups of Downs (https://upsofdowns.co.uk) and P3 (www.p3charity.org/services/warwickshire-floating-support) charities which will also benefit from proceeds from the awards ceremony. It is being held on November 15^th, at the newly renovated Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington and presided over by Master of Ceremonies Dave Sharpe.

Reacting to being named as a finalist, David said: “This means the world to us. Sometimes it feels like the challenges are quite overwhelming and there’s no end in sight really but it’s when we get this sort of recognition and when people show an interest, it makes us realise, you know what, we are actually doing a really good job.”

For more information or to enquire about donations or volunteering, visit: www.youngpeoplefirst.org.uk

Look out for new of the awards winners after Friday.