Author: RachelE

UpskillU –  “Transforming Communities through Restorative Practise”

UpskillU is a restorative community organisation specializing in training and consultancy services for organisations working with vulnerable people. We also work directly within the community at grass roots level through our social enterprise Upskill 360. 

Exodus is our flagship restorative intervention aimed at young people involved in, affected by, or at risk of violence and exploitation. The programme has been co-designed by young people, experts through lived experience, and industry professionals. What makes Exodus different to so many other interventions, is that it is underpinned by restorative approaches and incorporates a range of therapeutic models including: strengths based and trauma informed approaches, mental skills training, CBT and motivational interviewing. Our team of professionally trained mentors and trainers bring knowledge and expertise through their own lived experience.
Exodus combines both prescriptive and developmental elements, designed to explore 
– Self-Identity
– Attitudes and Values
– Risks and Consequences
– Conflict and Choices
– Influences and Decisions
There is an initial intensive period after which point, we assess the distance travelled before tailoring a longer term plan of support package.
To discuss Exodus in more detail then contact us at info@upskillu.org

Exodus+ Plus Programme
Exodus+ is a 12 month mentoring programme for 18-24 year olds who are at risk of offending, criminal exploitation and/or victimisation. We use mentors with lived experience to deliver a strengths based and trauma informed approach. We have a blended delivery style of learning with both face to face and virtual meetings taking place. 
Incorporated into Exodus+ is the My Back Yard (MY:BK:YD) programme – “Translating aspiration into positive action” 
MY:BK:YD works in partnership with local businesses who want to help young people turn aspiration into positive employment action; by engineering & brokering relevant training & employment opportunities.

To discuss Exodus+ further or enquire about referral process; please contact amy@upskillu.org // 07838 804806
MYBKYD Lead: Ric Ellis: 07793 069744 //  ric@upskillu.org

Active In Motion offers a multitude of benefits for individuals who do not feel a conventional gym is for them by leveraging our state-of-the-art Innerva power-assisted exercise machines and our holistic approach to wellness:

Physiological Benefits:

Improved Respiratory Function: Innerva power-assisted exercise machines enable controlled, progressive workouts that can enhance respiratory muscles. This can lead to improved breathing patterns and increased lung capacity.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in our fitness programs can promote better cardiovascular health, reducing the strain on the heart.

Muscle Strength and Endurance: Our innovative equipment and functional training tools provide opportunities to build muscle strength and endurance. This can help individuals perform daily activities with less effort.

Exercises on our equipment can improve balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls, which can be particularly concerning for certain people.

Psychological Benefits:

Stress Reduction: Engaging in physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, helping individuals manage the emotional aspects of living with certain conditions.

Enhanced Mood: Regular exercise, especially in a supportive and inclusive environment like A.I.M, can boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, which are common in today’s society.

Increased Self-Confidence: Achieving fitness goals and connecting with others who share similar experiences can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem, positively impacting mental well-being.

Social and Community Benefits:

Supportive Environment: AIM’s commitment to inclusivity and community creates a welcoming and supportive space where individuals can feel understood and encouraged.

Skill Development: Our programs promote skill development and personal growth, empowering individuals to better manage their everyday activities and improve their quality of life.

Reduced Social Exclusion and Improved Well-being:

Breaking Down Barriers: Our focus on inclusivity helps break down social barriers that individuals may face. This fosters social interaction and engagement, reducing feelings of isolation.

Enhanced Independence: Improved physical fitness can lead to increased independence, enabling individuals to maintain a more active and fulfilling lifestyle [9].

Quality of Life: Overall, participation in AIM’s programs can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals by addressing both physical and psychological aspects of their life and or condition.

By offering a holistic approach to well-being and a welcoming community environment, AIM can be a valuable resource for all individuals regardless of their ability or disability. Our innovative equipment and supportive programs can help them manage their daily tasks more effectively and lead more fulfilling lives.

https://www.adrenalinealley.co.uk/active-in-motion/

We are two mums who became friends after we adopted our children over 13 years ago.

We met at a camp for adopters and our friendship grew from there. We know and understand the importance of peer to peer support for both adopters and the children. 

For over 12 years we have run events and camping trips voluntary and in August 2023, we decided to form Creating Adoption Networks Community Interest Company.  

We both feel that it is important to have fun and make memories.

Please contact us for support – hello@creatingadoptionnetworks.co.uk

Clare and Lydia

Volunteer Action is a community minded local charity that helps to improve the lives of local people in need.

We provide a Community Transport Scheme, 1:1 Befriending Service and Group Befriending activities to older people aged 65 years plus and those who are mobility restricted living in East Northamptonshire.
We serve a large, rural community from Thrapston in the South, through Oundle, then up to Easton-on-the-Hill in the North and the 50 villages in the surrounding areas.
We have recently launched Group Befriending meetings in this area and also in Corby – we are very much looking forward to collaborate with VCSE services in this area to help provide activities to those most in need of company and support to reduce isolation.

Our aims are to reach and support as many service users in our locations with transportation options to provide them with timely health and mental wellbeing support through the NHS and other private groups.
We are passionate about connecting rural communities and in turn – sourcing new volunteers from our more mobile service users to provide them with the confidence to utilise their life experience and skill set to lead group activities – making friends and finding a purpose later in life.

www.volunteeractinoundle.org.uk

facebook.com/volactonoundle

x.com/VolActionOundle

We are a registered charity that provides free advice and support to people facing hate, discrimination or immigration challenges and who live or work in Northamptonshire. 

We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, protected and valued – with limitless opportunities to thrive in a socially cohesive society in which diversity and human rights are recognised, celebrated and valued.

That is why we work to challenge and eradicate discrimination, prejudice and hostility in all its forms, so that all Northamptonshire’s diverse communities and citizens can enjoy peace, achieve their full potential and live free from injustice. 

Contact us if you live or work in Northamptonshire and need advice and support on:

• Discrimination in employment and accessing goods and services
• Reporting Hate Incidents and/or Hate Crime 
• Immigration (level 1) 

What our clients have said:

“ I felt like your advisor held our hand – offering guidance & support & always treating us with respect and compassion.” (Immigration case)

“Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council represented me at the Employment Tribunal and helped me win my Claim for Constructive Dismissal and Disability Discrimination.   I would recommend NREC to anyone who wants help with a discrimination claim.” (Discrimination case)

The social enterprise element of our organisation is the delivery of training and consultancy on issues such as equality diversity and inclusion, hate crime reporting, cultural competence and anti-racist practice. Get in touch if you need our help.

Contact details: 
Phone 01933 594030
email info@northamptonshirerec.org.uk
c/o Pamzinda Northants Hub, Swansgate shopping centre, 32 Spring Lane, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 1EY
Twitter/X Northantsrec
Facebook.com/Northantsrec
Instagram @Northantsrec

 

We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no-one is held back by their background or circumstances.

Through our range of initiatives, we ensure everyone can access and enjoy green spaces, live a life filled with culture and creativity, and get the support they need to manage challenging times. Groundwork is here to make a positive difference to lives – to inspire individuals to strive for more and to empower communities to come together.

“If I’m feeling low, all I need is a bit of The Green Patch. This is an exceptional, special place and to be a part of this community is humbling and something I never want to give up”

 

Our projects include:

• Youth Work:We proudly support over 1,000 young people per year through a range of youth work initiatives, placing young people at the centre of our practice. We deliver a wide range of informal education projects that allow young people to explore their values, beliefs, ideas and issues, empowering them to overcome the challenges that they may face and achieve their full potential.
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• Children & Families Work: We offer purposeful projects for younger children and their families through a range of target-based projects to offer emotional and practical support to them, encouraging family learning. This can take place outdoors, empowering parents to play confidently with their children or indoors delivering cooking classes, helping families to overcome the struggles they face in a practical and supportive manner.
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• Green Projects: We connect people with their local green spaces, supporting and enabling them to help and improve those spaces, providing an asset for all to enjoy. We work on a variety of high quality green projects, including environmental and land-based work, whilst developing new concepts amongst the communities they are placed in.
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• Community Development: We believe that communities matter and work with people in their local communities to bring them together and strengthen their voice. We work to bring positive change and improve quality of lives in local areas. Our work to provide infrastructure support within North Northamptonshire and being the accountable body for KHL Big Local contribute to this.
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• Twywell Hills And Dales: We work with The Land Trust as the managing agent for this green space, situated on the southern edge of Rockingham Forest. Twywell attracts hundreds of visitors every day and is a well-loved site that continues to benefit from the care and attention it really deserves. This site is recognised as the best place for butterflies in Northamptonshire.
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• The Green Patch:This thriving community garden project is Groundwork’s flagship green space – used and enjoyed by local people, schools, community groups and organisations. Our 2.5-acre site, based on the edge of the Grange Housing Estate in Kettering, hosts volunteer days, children’s clubs, education sessions and family events. We have ducks, chickens and rabbits, a grass paddock and play areas, veggie boxes, wildlife orchards, ponds, beehives and a bee friendly garden.
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• Made With Many: This is our community-led arts programme which produces events and activities designed to surprise, delight and inspire. Our aim is to encourage more people than ever before to take the lead in experiencing, creating and taking part in high-quality arts and cultural activities. Through conversations with local people and community decision-making panels, Made With Many puts the community at the heart of commissioning artists, producing new and exciting events.

https://www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/the-green-patch/

 

We are a not-for-profit Community Company set up in Sept 2022 for the benefit of people with Moderate Additional Needs especially the Neurodivergent (ND). We learn Art & Craft skills, produce Creative writing, collaborate with various other local SEND supporting organizations and explore well-being activities. We encourage SEND/ND people to try new things whilst still exploring our own interests as individuals. 

We build self-esteem and enjoyment of everyday life for people with Additional Needs, social anxiety or any other barrier which might hold them back. Many Attendees are on the Autistic spectrum though not all. We are fully inclusive, wheelchair accessible and open to those with sensory impairments. BSL (British Sign Language) is incorporated into some sessions. 

We explore creativity through creation, discussion, trips out together, craft stalls and other events and we socialize, prep & eat food together, have a great time. It’s very informal & fun. Folks can attend with or without a Carer, depending on thier needs and sessions are just £10 including lunch (1 Carer per attendee – always free) 

Our latest project: the Shine! Neuro-verse magazine is a celebration of the talents & interests of Neurodivergent folks lives. It is out in June, Sept, Dec & March every year and is available to buy (just £3) at 

Magazine heaven, Rushden Lakes

Geek Retreat, Kettering

Rooftop Art Gallery, Corby

Burton Latimer Community Library

Galleria Art Workshops/Gifts – Burton Latimer

Sugar Barn, Burton Latimer

The Hut cafe, Ise Lodge

Beehive College, Northampton

The Place to Bee cafe, Northampton

and more people added monthly

We hope it brings you joy & makes you reflect upon the full potential of anyone & everyone regardless of, and sometimes even because of; their additional needs.

Glamis Hall is a community centre on the Queensway estate in Wellingborough owned by a registered charity, Glamis Hall for All (GHfA). GHfA came into existence when the then Borough Council of Wellingborough proposed closing the building and the over 50’s day centre it housed in 2014 and a group of residents got together to protest against the closure, raising a 10,000 signature petition and a huge amount of local support. The Council closed the building in December 2014 and transferred ownership to GHfA in January 2015 who reopened it immediately as a lunch club and reinstated the day centre service 3 months later. Today it is a fully functioning community centre, open 7 days a week and home to various community groups such as youth theatre, dance, exercise, church and the local Eco group. It is a driving test centre 2 days a week and a polling station on election days. Local residents and organisations hire the hall for parties and events. GHfA runs an indoor ‘boot sale’ most months and puts on major family events every year in Summer and at Christmas in addition to various community events such as bingo, discos, race and quiz nights.

www.glamishall.org.uk

Grow Wild Outreach is a community interest company dedicated to enriching lives through direct engagement with the natural environment. We offer a range of programs tailored for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing outdoor education, environmental conservation, and community integration. Our initiatives aim to enhance well-being, foster employability skills, and promote sustainable practices. By participating in activities like gardening, wildlife conservation, and eco-friendly projects, our participants not only gain practical skills but also develop a deeper connection with their community and the natural world. Through our efforts, we strive to create inclusive, empowering experiences that celebrate diversity and ecological stewardship.

The Nene Rivers Trust (NRT) is an independent charity working across the catchment of the River Nene. The Trust’s mission is the conservation and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Nene, celebrating its heritage and communities, supporting the resilience of the environment to climate change, conserving and restoring rivers and their tributaries, promoting health and well-being, and educating and reconnecting people with the natural landscape.

 

The Trust works with partners across the river catchment, whilst maintaining a small office in the historical setting of Chester House Estate in Wellingborough and a desk at Fineshades Country Park in the Rockingham Forest area of Corby. https://neneriverstrust.org/