Uncategorized

The Warnborough Foundation are pleased to announce that from Saturday, 9th July, we will be running special art therapy and improvision classes for Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian art therapist, Tanya Marincheva, is running the programme over 6 weeks in the summer.

The Warnborough Foundation is in great sympathy with the people of Ukraine and the terrible tragedy thrust upon them. Like many, we are appalled and shocked by the level of violence inflicted upon Ukraine by Russian forces. Many civilians have been unfairly targeted and impacted by this unnecessary and horrific aggression. For Ukrainians who have managed to reach the UK, and Canterbury, in particular, here is how we can help: 1. A Safe Space Come to our venue for advice, friendship or just a relaxing (free) coffee/tea. Meet other people for feelings of acceptance and solidarity. There will be free WiFi and some computers to use.18 Lower Bridge Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2LG. Monday to Friday (11am to 3pm). 2. Scholarships and Bursaries for Skills-Based Courses Warnborough College has agreed to subsidise up to 50 vocational courses focusing on skills which can lead to employment (e.g. in agriculture, horticulture, etc.). 3. Fundraising We are raising funds to help with any of the above areas, including counselling and psychotherapy, help with educational needs, etc. Fundraising Song Our own Dr Julian has written a song about the situation. If you like the song, please give generously.

What will you be today? Choose from one of our positivity moods as you sip your morning/afternoon/evening brew. Know that at the same time, you will be helping to raise money for our education programmes such as HELM-COMPASS for disadvantaged communities. Get your own positivity mug today.

It’s that time of year again, and we have a request. A Christmas song was specially-written and recorded for us, and we want you to help us raise funds to help our target beneficiaries. With COVID and other restrictions, 2021 looks like another year where some people still won’t be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones – hence, the song is more relevant than ever. Listen to the song (and buy) on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, etc. Alternatively, please donate generously here: Merry Christmas from Me to YouMusic and lyrics by Julian Ng. Performed by Kena J Ryan.© 2020 Imaginatri.

We are pleased to announce that our first five candidates have successfully completed our Compass Program. The program kept the candidates positively participating in a variety of classes for getting back into work, including producing a good C.V., applying for jobs, and skills for a successful interview. The effects of long-term unemployment on an individual’s self-esteem and capacity to find employment cannot be underestimated, and it was wonderful to see those taking part develop confidence, focus and direction as the weeksprogressed. Arranged on the basis of oral instruction, collaborative exercises, written work, and mentoring, participants were not only given support to learn the practical skills needed for getting a job in the current employment market but wereenabled to achieve through that key ingredient for all life’s skills – the right mindset for a successful outcome. Kial Tyler, wasn’t sure what to expect from the course, but said he decided to give it a go because it seemed different to courses that he’d been on before. Taking part in the variety of exercises turned out to be kind of challenge thatKial needed to learn more about himself and set goals for a career he could look forward to. “For me, I think it worked, I know more what I want, and its woken me up to what I know I should be doing now.” Kial found the small groups and the personal mentoring particularly helpful, “The mentors helped me in a big way, through talking to them I understand where I want to go now with my career.” Jane Boyce had been out of work for some time and recognised that Compass would be a good way of getting her back into work. The role-play exercises were something Jane really enjoyed, and after only two weeks, with the helpof her mentor, Jane was in work. But the mentoring didn’t stop there, and Jane found it really helpful to have the ongoing support while she settled into her new role. The course was clearly a confidence boost for all the candidates – a key factor in getting into employment and staying in employment. In Jane’s words ‘it gave me a lot more confidence in going for interviews, it got me ready, and gave mea lot of help to get back out to work.” Warnborough staff who worked on the Compass project were delighted with the progress that our clients made. It’s great to see people finding happiness and satisfaction in life through the support that’s offered through this project, and it’ll be wonderful to see more people benefitting in the future. You can watch Kial, Rob and Janet talk about their experiences in their own words in the video below.

The UK government is looking to resettle up to 2000 Afghans due to the turmoil created by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. The new Afghan settlers will need help – anything from donations of clothes and food to education to mitigate effects of culture shock and a new way of life. As per our vision, the Warnborough Foundation aim to help the new settlers come to terms with the employability skills needed, in order to secure employment and their future. The HELM-Compass programme can certainly go a long way towards these goals. However, we need funds. Donate Online Thank you for your kindness.

The week beginning 9 August 2021 saw the official launch of the HELM-Compass project, with its first cohort of participants. Induction happened on 10 August, followed by a welcome lunch, before participants were thrown straight into a session about their learning skills and abilities. Compass is a 6-week intensive programme that challenges participants to change their mindsets, upskill, and gear themselves for success with improved self-confidence and tools for planning and implementing actions for success. The Warnborough Foundation worked closely with the Canterbury Job Centre to identify the first cohort – individuals who were motivated to change their own personal circumstances but who did not know where and how to begin. The stimulating crash course was devised by Dr Julian Ng, the CEO of the Warnborough Foundation, based on outlines developed by Isabel Mead and the requirements of the Level 2 Certificate in Employability Skills. Compass participants will get a clearer idea of their abilities and options by the time the programme, which includes internship and volunteering opportunities, ends. Participants who show the necessary aptitude and ability may go onto the HELM programme, which develops entrepreneurial ability alongside a startup business. To support our endeavours, please donate generously.

We are very excited to announce the imminent launch of a brand new project, focused on helping to regenerating various parts of coastal Kent. The pilot will launch in Canterbury on May 17th, 2021. The HELM project will look at providing NEETs (people who are not in education, employment or training) with a positive and sustainable way forward in life. Participants will get the opportunity to reorientate themselves to either continuing on with further study, exploring the world of work, or nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit. Click here for more information. * HELM stands for Honing Expertise through Learning and Mentoring.