Youth Services

On the 5 December 2014 The Youthy transformed into a magical theatre, where Aladdin and his gang stopped by to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit

Before opening the doors there was a queue of people eager to get in and watch the Youthy Christmas pantomime. For the third year in a row The Youthy managed to fill all of the seats, with 100 people from all of the Youthy groups and ages through the doors.

The audience were involved from the beginning till the end, with the traditional phrases; “He’s behind you” “oh no he’s not!”

By the break time all of the audience were left wondering if Aladdin would enter The Cave of Dreams or if Jasmine would reveal her real identity to Aladdin, while they gobbled on mince pies and Christmas cake.

During the second half of the show, everyone was amazed by the disappearing magic act and was left stunned wondering how one of the ‘wishy washy’ ladies managed to vanish! They also played games and helped throughout the show.

By the end of the show everyone was delighted to find out Aladdin and Jasmine lived happily ever after and could now go on to enjoy Christmas!

Feedback from the audience included:

“The show was very funny and magic throughout” 

“Aladdintastic! My favourite part was all parts of the show” 

Mitchell is 19 years old and lives in Thornaby with his mother

Since leaving school in 2011, he has attended various training centres and also studied at Stockton Riverside College for a while accessing an electrical installation course.

Unfortunately Mitchell didn’t complete the training. After leaving college Mitchell joined Five Lamps Foundation Learning Programme.

Being a popular student sometimes resulted in him getting up to mischief and then resulted in him being asked to leave the course indefinitely, again Mitchell moved on to another training programme in Middlesbrough this time (not for long)! Again Mitchell’s behaviour and attitude stopped all efforts to move forward.

Mitchell eventually came back to Five Lamps seeking advice and guidance. It was then identified that Mitchell was eligible for support available from the Yes Project (Youth Engagement Support) which engages with ‘NEET’ (not in education employment or training) in Stockton- on- Tees.

The programme works intensively with young people to move them forward into learning and employment. Mitchell sought guidance from Anne Rookes who offers one to one support working in partnership with Stockton Borough Council on the Yes Project.

Anne started looking for relevant training and visited various local training providers; Mitchell has also completed an Emergency First Aid at Work training programme which he successfully achieved. He has also attended a 3 week training course to obtain his CSCS Card which he also achieved.

Mitchell has now secured funding to start a 5 day intensive Rigging Training stage 1 course at Falck Safety Services during September 2014. Once in receipt of this certificate Mitchell has been offered a position with MWS Inspection Ltd based in Thornaby. The opportunities are available to Mitchell and he is extremely grateful for all the support and guidance he has received from Five Lamps. Mitchell is hoping to move in to employment sometime in October this year.

Five Lamps deliver the YES Project through a contract with Stockton Borough Council.

Five Lamps have been working in partnership with Stockton Council to support young people thorough the YES Project (Youth Employment Support) which engages with 14-19 year olds who are currently ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training)

The project works intensively with young people to move them forward into learning, training and employment. Each young person has his or her issues and barriers that have impacted on them moving positively into a career. All these young people accessed one to one support and guidance from the YES Project.

Mitchell, Dylan, Ajay, Daniel and Ashley all came individually to Five Lamps after leaving school and college seeking support and guidance into training and employment.

Mitchell Henry came to Five Lamps after attending Stockton Riverside College, unfortunately Mitchell didn’t complete the Electrical Installation course he started and left before actually taking his exams. Mitchell was unsure what direction to take, although he is still interested in a career in electrics.

Dylan Tyers also came to Five Lamps seeking support and guidance after a similar experience at college as Mitchell, although Dylan did successfully complete his plumbing course. Dylan was unsure what route to take and what opportunities were available to him regarding apprenticeship opportunities once he left college.

Ajay, Daniel and Ashley’s situations were also very similar, they had left school unsure of what opportunities were available and how to go about accessing information. Like many other young people this group of young men struggled to ask for help and support.

Anne Rookes, YES Support Worker is currently supporting all five young men to search for relevant training/employment opportunities

Anne was aware of an open evening at NETA Training in Stockton where young people would be able to see the facilities and talk to staff about opportunities available regarding apprenticeships and traineeships. Anne arranged transport to pick up these young people and take them along to the event. Friends of these five young people came along to see what options were available.

Anne said

‘The evening was a huge success; all young people filled in application forms and have recently received appointments for interviews and to carry out initial assessments. This is a positive step forward in the right direction for young people who had no or little idea of where or what they could access’.

Five Lamps deliver the YES Project through a sub contract with Stockton Borough Council

Daniel is 18 years old and lives in Thornaby with his grandparents

After leaving school he was employed with Nordic Pioneer – Environmental Cleaning Services. Five Lamps had a huge part to play in this particular running of a 30 week contract.

Daniel gained a level 2 qualification in learning and support services skills. Daniel also gained his CSCS certificate and many more related skills.

Unfortunately this contract ended leaving Daniel unemployed, which affected his confidence and self-esteem. Daniel tried to remain positive accepting all the support available to him. Daniel also had personal problems which were impacting on him moving forward.

Daniel sort guidance and support from Anne Rookes who offers one to one support working in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, to support young people through the YES Project (Youth Employment Support) which engages with 14-19 year old who are ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training).

The project works intensively with young people to re-engage them into learning, training or employment. Daniel was originally considering a career in warehousing, although he was open to ideas and options with reference to hands on work. With the ongoing one to one support with Anne and Five Lamps, Daniel secured a training opportunity with systems training, forklift truck, counterbalance training. Daniel completed the training and successfully gained his forklift truck certificate.

Daniel continued to look for relevant training/employment opportunities. Daniel took full advantage of the support available through Five Lamps and eventually secured an apprenticeship with Dycore Ltd (interior systems) dry lining and plastering. After applying for numerous jobs this was a great opportunity.

Daniel started work on 26 March 2014. Anne continues to keep regular contact with Daniel who is enjoying his work and is extremely grateful for all the guidance and support he received from Five Lamps.

In September 2013 Darren Iveson, Senior Youth Participation Worker was approached by Kay Sedgwick, Operations Manager from Barclaycard

Kay explained that they were looking to support a local charity and thought Five Lamps’ Youthy would be ideal.

Darren met with Kay and her manager Andrew Warburton to discuss what type of work they could possibly get involved in. Andrew explained that a lot of his staff had a background in different trades and they would provide 10 volunteers to work over 3 days.

After discussions with the staff it was agreed that the Youthy’s Climbing Wall would be painted to make it vibrant and more exciting for the young people to climb. Andrew also suggested that the Youthy staircase could also do with freshening up and the volunteers would be more than happy to do this. The staircase was sanded and re-varnished giving it a modern new image.

The final project was to install a new worktop within the Workshop/Kitchen area. The worktop needed to be sited at a low level to provide accessibility for wheelchairs. This would enable the Special Needs Young People to be more involved within the cooking workshops.

Barclaycard were also able to support the project with materials and paint to the value of £1,500.00

Darren explains

“It is fantastic to have been approached by a local company like Barclaycard wanting to be involved in a project that can make such a difference to our Youth Centre and to help make a difference towards helping our young people. What Barclaycard have achieved is absolutely amazing, just to see the look on the young people’s faces at the vibrant colours that have been painted on the wall gives it the WOW Factor and we can also now accommodate our disability wheelchair users to be able to be more involved in some of the workshops we deliver. On a personal note and on behalf of Five Lamps’ Youthy we would like to thank Andrew Warburton manager of Barclaycard and his team for a fantastic community project they have achieved”

Five Lamps purpose built youth centre ‘The Youthy’ has 4 dedicated youth clubs and is open 4 nights a week.

Staff and Young People from our special needs youth club recently attended the MB Awards at Thornaby Sports and Leisure Club

The MB Awards were started in 2006 after Michael Benson who had Spinal Muscular Atrophy sadly passed away 2 months before his 16th Birthday. His friends felt that Michael should be remembered for his achievements. Michael always approached life with enthusiasm and determination.

Many of our young people were nominated for awards under the categories of Personal Achievement, Sporting Achievement, Supporting Someone and Teamwork. 93 Awards were given on the night.

The Youthy received an award for continued support throughout the year providing SNAPS (Special Needs and Parents Support) families with opportunities to participate and experience family fun activities.

The staff had a fantastic evening and really enjoyed celebrating the achievements of the young people. Darren Iveson said “

The venue was packed and it was really great to hear about all the fantastic things that these young people have achieved. This is a brilliant way to remember a very special young man”

Five Lamps Special Needs Youthy is funded through Children in Need and runs on two evenings a week (Tuesday and Friday).

A Scary Moonlight hovered over the Youthy last week as the Staff and Young People celebrated Halloween in style

The Youthy was decorated to perfection, creating a spine-chilling scene and everyone dressed up to scare. Through the mist and cobwebs young people enjoyed traditional games and ate toffee apples made by the staff.

One of the parents, Jane Brechner said

‘I just want to commend the youth workers who hosted the Halloween party at the Youthy. I have never witnessed such a fantastic decking out of an environment in true spooky style. The attention to detail was incredible and the atmosphere created was awesome’.

On the Friday night James Wharton MP called in to see everyone as he had heard how fantastic it was and can be seen in this picture enjoying a ghostly time!

Five Lamps have been working in partnership with Stockton Council to support young people through the GOIL project (Get On In Life), which engages 14 – 19 year olds who are NEET (not in education, employment or training)

The project works intensively with them to re-engage them into learning, training and employment.

Luke, James, Ryan and Jack all came individually to Five Lamps after leaving school and college seeking support and guidance into training and employment.

Each one had their own issues and barriers which impacted on them moving forward in their careers. All the young men accessed one to one support and guidance from Anne Rookes, GOIL Support Worker at Five Lamps and were signed up to the GOIL project.

Luke Beddard came to Five Lamps unsure of what direction he wanted to take after attending college and discovering both college and the particular course he had enrolled in wasn’t for him. Luke was originally considering a career in engineering or joining the navy. Luke had lost his direction and was unsure of which path to take. James Kirland and Jack Sawyer’s situations were very similar, they both were unsure of what opportunities were out there and how to go about accessing information. Like many other young people Ryan Sawyer was unhappy in his workplace and asked for on-going guidance from Anne to help him find more suitable employment opportunities.

Anne supported all four with guidance and support to search for relevant training opportunities. Anne was aware of a 23 week course for a Level 3 Diploma in Gas Instillation at Neta Training Site in Portrack Lane, Stockton and supported all four towards successfully completing their initial assessments and securing positions on the course.

During this time great relationships have been built with the staff at Neta Training especially the Apprenticeship Mentor Jane Stephenson and Tom Graey Gas Co-ordinator who both made a special effort to make sure the young men were been supported with any issues regarding their course.

Luke, James, Ryan and Jack are due to complete the course in September 2013, feedback received has been 100% positive about all four of the students and hopefully they will all secure a career in gas installation.

Anne has kept in regular contact with each young person, making sure they are still attending and enjoying the course.

Anne said

“Thank you is a word I have become accustom to hearing when meeting up with these four great young men. All have commented on how it would not have been possible without the support of Five Lamps and the GOIL Project. Well Done”

Five Lamps deliver GOIL through a sub contract with Stockton- on- Tees Borough Council. GOIL is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).

Sam Watson came to Five Lamps in September 2012 after leaving school with very few qualifications

Although Sam has regrets about his attitude to education, he still maintained a positive attitude towards moving into training and employment at this point.

After leaving school Sam attended Middlesbrough College studying Sports Development Coaching which unfortunately he did not complete. This left Sam feeling extremely negative and without direction. Sam recognised that he needed specialist advice and support.

Sam then came to access support and guidance from Five Lamps, it was identified that Sam was eligible for the GOIL project (Get on in Life). Five Lamps run GOIL on behalf of Stockton Council to support young people 14-19 years old who are (NEET) Not in Education Employment or Training.

Five Lamps work with young people to re-engage them in learning, training and employment. GOIL is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)

Sam attended fortnightly sessions and looked at various career and training options and opportunities. Sam has attended courses and training in First Aid at Work and Fork Lift Truck Training. Sam was fortunate to secure funding for this training by the GOIL project. With support Sam has completed job application forms, prepared for possible job interviews and learnt interview techniques. Sam’s commitment has been outstanding.

After successfully completing his Fork Lift Truck Training (Systems Training Stockton) Sam has now possible employment opportunity with Mesh Supplies Fabrications in Billingham.

Anne Rookes, Five Lamps GOIL Support worker has gained great satisfaction from working with Sam; Sam’s progression from GOIL will mean a start to a positive future.

Five Lamps have been supporting young people through The Duke of Edinburgh Award to develop their skills for life and work

Recently, the Camping and Caravanning Club joined forces with Vango to present The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s North East Region with camping starter parks to mark 60 years of patronage of the Club by His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The hand-over presentation was held at Five Lamps’ purpose built youth facility, The Youthy in Thornaby on Friday 25 June 2012.

Five Lamps is a new Duke of Edinburgh Award group that works with disadvantaged young people aged 14 to 24. The Award is a programme of activities which encourages young people to select and set their own objectives in volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential sections.

Five Lamps is delighted to be working with Vango, established in 1966, to provide camping equipment ‘starter packs’ as a gift to each of the 10 Regions across the country. Each starter pack consists of Vango tents, cookers, sleeping bags, rucksacks, trek mats, compasses, and cutlery sets.

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Camping and Caravanning Club and Vango for their generous gift. It will make a huge difference to our Duke of Edinburgh Award groups, particularly those who are recently established and those working with disadvantaged young people”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded in 1956 by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh who remains the Patron. Over 275,000 young people were taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes in the UK, supported by over 400 partner organisations and around 45,000 adult volunteers from all walks of life. Further information can be found at www.DofE.org

Tracy Wilson, Five Lamps’ Youth Participation Manager said

“Thanks to the amazing donation from the Camping and Caravanning Club, we are now able to run the Duke of Edinburgh Award from start to finish. The majority of the young people we work with are from significantly deprived areas and they will benefit greatly from the equipment, allowing them to take part in activities that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to do. They will learn valuable outdoor skills and gain essential life skills through the completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award”