Positive Futures Gardening at The Whitechapel Centre

The Whitechapel Centre  was  approached by Nicki Connelly  from Positive Futures Liverpool to talk about ways they could become involved in the work that we do.

Positive Futures  works  with young people to help them with personal development, gain education, access  training,  receive mentoring and  take part in both one to one and group activities. 

The hope is that it will then enable young people  to aim high and  facilitate  their own great futures.

A group of 32 young people came over two days on work placements to help The Whitechapel Centre to maintain, develop and deliver gardening sessions along side our clients at a local community gardening project.

The group taking a break from work

The young people where not shy about getting their hands dirty and they made a tremendous effort in helping to improve the local landscape. With the help of Dennis Joynson, our resident horticultural teacher, the young people  where able to learn and gain some knowledge about gardening.

Working hard in the Kensington Community

It was   a great  couple of days with the young people, they were shown around the Enablement Centre  and met with clients. They were also given information on all the different projects that The Whitechapel delivers.

A couple of weeks later we received an invitation to attend a passing out night for the Positive Futures class of 2013. 

It was a privilege to attend and see all the young  ladies  beautifully dressed, and  the young men 'suited and booted'. On the night team leader, Alan Walsh praised them all for all their efforts in the various projects they had contributed to and rightly declared them fine young adults.

The Whitechapel received some lovely news from Nicki  on the night,  through the fund raising efforts of those who attended The Whitechapel gardening project is to received £100 donation.



From The Whitechapel gardening group a big thank you to all at Positive Futures and good luck for the future.

To find out more about the work that is carried out at our Enablement Centre, or to see who you can become involved please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Whitechapel's Visit to St George's Hall

The grandeur of St George's Hall captured the imagination of seven service users and two members of staff on another visit to look at more of Liverpool's grade 1 listed buildings. 

This eye catching building dominates the the area opposite Lime Street Station.

What a lot it has to offer; from the ornate and beautiful main room, which frequently displays the fabulous minton floor, to the eerie cells where prisoners were kept almost two centuries ago.

Photographs of the felons lend realism to the dark cavities where men and women awaited their fate. You can also visit the court room where the judge sat presiding over the proceedings.

It looks as if the justice system in much kinder now as there was evidence of a whipping chair which looked as it it had been over used.

Ashleigh and Jonathan next to the whipping chair

Afterwards we all sat with a cup of coffee and talked about the visit. Young Ashleigh, who had never been inside the hall before said, "I'd like to get married here!".

To find out more about our Enablement Sessions and the work that we do at The Whitechapel Centre please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

The Royal Acadamy of Arts at Crisis Hold Sessions at The Whitechapel Centre

Last week a group of people from the very prestigious Royal Academy of Arts at Crisis, came and took two sessions at our Enablement Centre in Langsdale Street.

The sessions were attended by 16 people, and involved them learning then using different techniques when drawing, including charcoal and shading.

Joe and another of the day's new artists

The sessions helped to rekindle a lost love for art in some of those taking part, and has encouraged them to do more arts with Crisis in the future.


A buffet was then put on for those who had taken part, rounding off what had proven to be a very successful and enjoyable session.

It was a real treat that those who use our services were given the opportunity to learn from such highly skilled and talented people. 

Some of the work from the day

Annie Mac Lean, Arts Co-ordinator from Crisis Skylight Merseyside said, “A huge thank you to the Whitechapel Centre staff who were extremely supportive and spoiled us with a buffet lunch. Without their help we would not have reached as many people."

To find out more about our Enablement Centre and the sessions that take place please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk
 

Whitechapel Visit to The Western Approaches

A group of Whitechapel service users, along with staff members Carole and Julie, stepped back in time when they visited the Western Approaches.

It was here that Combined Operations worked during the Battle of the Atlantic. The complex was known as 'The Fortress' as it was designed to be both bomb and gas proof, its walls being 3ft thick

The bunker, now restored, played a big part in winning the Battle of  the Atlantic as it was responsible for getting supplies into wartime Britain.

You can still see the telecommunications room just as it was, along with the area where top secret messages were encoded, also the small sleeping quarters and so much more.

There was a section where the group were able to try on helmets and gas masks, which they all thoroughly enjoyed, particularly John looking as if he had stepped right out of Dad's Army!

'John's Army!'

The Western Approaches is a great tribute to the wartime effort fought from a quiet street in Liverpool, and the whole group enjoyed what turned into a very special visit. Joe declared, "It was a fantastic experience."

 To find out more about the Enablement Sessions at The Whitechapel Centre, and the work we carry out each day, please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Bike Riding at The Whitechapel

Earlier this month learning and enablement worker, Angela and volunteer, Dave both went on the BikeRight! Riders Leaders Course.

It is run partnership with Travel Wise for residents in North Liverpool, Everton and Kirkdale areas.

Ruby and Dave

To pass the course the pair had to complete a theory test, and then take a 2hour 30min practical bike ride down the Leeds Liverpool Canal, in the rain!

The plan is that four bikes will be left on site at our enablement centre so that Angela or Dave can take a group out along a chosen route to see points of interest.

The leaders will ensure that riders adhere to health and safety rules, and learn how to navigate roads safely.

Those who use the service will have an opportunity to keep fit, be a part of a social group, and learn how to reduce travel costs for the future.

It will also provide an opportunity for our service users to build up a trust so that they can use the bikes to keep appointments, for example at the job centre, or job interview.

All that is left to be done is for them both to complete their maintenance course so that the bikes can be delivered, and they are ready to go! 

Ruby and Angela

To find out more about the work carried out by our Learning and Enablement team please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

What a libary. What a view!

Central Library Liverpool, also known as the William Brown Library, has been beautifully remodelled and now has a stunning interior. This state of the art building opened its doors to the public on 17th May this year.

A group of the Whitechapel's service users visited the new library and were amazed at what it had to offer. 

One of the students, Alan, was shown the new library tickets which can be Everton blue or Liverpool red with the appropriate crest on each. For those folk who aren't interested in football they can choose an ordinary ticket - though to be offered the choice is very nice.

New Library tickets

Not only can you borrow up to 14 books at a time you can also book to spend time on the computers that are there, study the archives of the city in the Record Office section or simply enjoy a coffee on the pavement cafe.

The group visited the famous oak room and saw the rare Audubon portfolio of 'Birds in America'.

Towards the end of the visit everyone spent some time on the roof of this amazing building which provides a space to sit and admire a splendid view of the city.

Taking in the view of the city.

One member of the group, Steve said he was planing to return with the documents he needed to join the library himself.

Everyone said how amazing the facilities were and how much they enjoyed the visit.

To find out more about the work that we carry out at the Whitechapel Enablement Centre please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

The Pre-volunteer's Graduation Day

After 12 weeks of training seven members of our latest pre-volunteer team have graduated!!

(l-r) Gary, Mervyn, Angela, Zola, Christian

The training program they have followed has been extremely varied, combining practical skills training, with days out around the city, and even arts and craft sessions.

Examples of these are: Working as a Team, Health and Safety, Dealing with Difficult Situations and making mosaics.

These sessions are aimed at helping people to have the confidence to make a positive change to their lives, whilst providing them with the basic skills to do so.

The newly graduated group enjoying a celebration of their achievements.

Many of the sessions have featured previously in The Whitechapel blog, showing how the course has been enjoyable and fun for those taking part, as well as practical and informative.

Of the seven that graduated three have moved straight on the the full volunteer course, a brilliant achievement for all those involved.

Both our volunteer and pre-volunteer programs are hugely successful, helping people to move on to the next stage in their lives and to enable them to help their community.

To find out more about our volunteer program, or about our Enablement Centre and the work that we do, please go to our website at http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Whitechapel's Pre-volunteers Walk a Tour of The City

Whitechapel's new intake of pre-volunteers, along with resident tutor Carole Benn, spent a fascinating afternoon with local historian Angela Wylie.

They spent the afternoon exploring street culture around the centre of Liverpool, starting in St John's Gardens, just behind St Georges Hall.

The group learnt all about the philanthropic works of William Rathbone who was based in Liverpool. The whole area had an abundance of wonderful sculpture relating to the city.

The group then moved to see the famous Eleanor Rigby monument, based on the famous song by The Beatles, sitting all alone in Stanley Street, that was until they arrived!

Gary and Anglea with Eleanor Rigby

After this they then sampled the delights of Matthew Street, and found a certain Mr John Lennon leaning nonchalantly in the corner, along with some of Arthur Dooley's works, one entitled 'Four lads Who Shook the World'.

Next to these is the amazing brick wall which details the many rock and pop groups, and singers, that have made Liverpool famous.
It was great afternoon thanks to Angela who had so much knowledge and information to impart. The group were amazed at the amount of history that could be learnt  simply by walking through the city. Gary said "It was fantastic"

To find our more about the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre, or to find out how you can volunteer please go to our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Whitechapel's Pre-Volunteers Group Visit to Radio Merseyside

Here at The Whitechapel Centre we run a very successful volunteer program, part of the success being that before joining we run a pre-volunteer training session for people to get a taster of what is ahead.

As a part of this course the group go on visits around Liverpool to get an insight in to different occupations, ideas and histories that may help them as a volunteer.

Whitechapel tutor and support worker, Carole took the group to Radio Merseyside's studio on Hanover Street in Liverpool city centre.

They were met by Andrew Bell, a senior journalist from the station. He made the group feel right at home, introduced the team he worked with, and explained each person's role.

Mervyn, Gary, Margaret, Andrew Bell and Christian (l-r)

The studio itself was a hive of industry, with all of the staff appearing to be very busy, sitting behind screens editing sounds, or selecting text for future broadcasts.

Even the walls of the studio were interesting as they were covered with pictures of famous Liverpudlians both past and present.

One member of the team, Gary said, "This was a very interesting tour which certainly made us aware of all the hard work that keeps a radio station running.".




Mervyn, tutor Carole, Gary and Margaret with Andrew Bell (l-r)

 As the group were on the way out they caught a glimpse of presenters Roger Philips, who was hard at work, and Billy Butler, who was waiting to go on air.

After the excitement of the visit the gang sat outside Bluecoat Chambers in the very rare sunshine, and talked about all that they had just seen and experieneced.

To find out more about the volunteer program at The Whitechapel Centre, or the work that we carry out, please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Whitechapel Team Starts New Gardening Project

The Whitechapel Centre's learning and enablement team are starting up a new gardening project for those who use our services to become involved in.

We are linking in with Kensington Community Centre which is situated near to The Royal Hospital, to help landscape and build a sustainable garden & allotments for use by The Whitechapel Centre and local residents in the Kensington community .

The only problem is, we don't have all the extra pieces of equipment that come in so useful when gardening.

If you are anything like me you will regularly clean out your shed and find so many items that you dont need or use, that the new gardening team could make great use of!

Examples of the things they could use are:

* Plant pots
* Seed trays
* Garden chairs
* Seed packets
* Bulbs
* Gardening tools
* Compost
* Flask (essential on the colder days!)

This is a fabulous new project that can help both those from The Whitechapel that are taking part, and the local community through improving the landscape, and providing a source of freshly grown food.

If you have anything that you feel could help out the team please let Angela or Ruby, from the learning and enablement team, know by calling our Enablement Centre on  0151 207 7617.

For more information on the services that we provide please go to our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk.

Whitechapel's Trip to the Black-E

Whitechapel worker Carole is continuing with her group visits to landmark buildings in Liverpool.

Carole took the group to the Black-E (formerly the Blackie) a combined community and contemporary arts centre.

The Black-E



 This exciting building was originally a 19th century Congregational Church once known as Liverpool's third cathedral.



View of the Chinese Archway from the Black-E



Now this great space houses a gallery, theatre and provides a marvellous space for sporting and arts events.

Our group managed to find a snooker table begging for someone to have a go, and everyone there had a turn!



Michael, Will and John being shown round the Black-E

The general consensus was that this is another of Liverpool's great architectural buildings, the group thought the Black-E was truly amazing.

For more information on the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre please go to our website at http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk.

Whitechapel Centre visit to the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre, and to FACT

On Tuesday 26th February a group of service users, led by staff member (and tutor) Carole, visited the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre  on Henry Street, Liverpool.




The world famous Chinese Archway in Liverpool's China Town


Liverpool has a large and hugely important Chinese community which the centre provides various different activities and services for.

A guide took them through the centre, advising them of the services that they themselves would be able to access, for example Tai Chi and Chi Gong.

The centre itself looked very attractive, it's walls were still adorned with decoration fro the recent new year's celebrations.

There were colourful dragons and beautiful Chinese calligraphy all around the building making it a feast for the eyes.

On the day there were two sessions that visitors were able to see, firstly the ESOL lesson (English Speaking for Other Languages) classes that we also hold in our Enablement Centre.

Even more exciting they were able to have a listen to the Chinese Youth Orchestra, comprised of many talented young musicians, as they were in to practice that day.

At the end of the visit Carole was aware that none of the members of her group had ever heard of, let alone visited FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) the UK's leading organisation for the support & exhibition of film, art and new media.




FACT


The group looked around the multimedia centre and sat down for a much needed refreshment after such an interesting day finding out new things about their city.

For more information on the services that we provide and the activities that take place at our Enablement Centre please go to: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Asda make Whitechapel's Christmas Dinner (round 1!)

Regular supporter of The Whitechapel Centre Lorraine, from Asda on Utting Avenue, came in this week to donate, prepare, and serve Christmas dinner.

Lorraine is very well accustomed to the kitchen at our Enablement Centre as the store she works in regularly donates breakfast to be cooked and given to those who use our services.




Christmas dinner was however a much bigger task, so Lorraine brought her good friend Gail with her as chief cook and bottle washer!



No Christmas dinner escapes the 'dreaded' sprouts!



Whilst the ladies worked hard in the the kitchen, their expectant diners built up their appetites by themselves working hard on Christmas decorations.



Making decorations, cards and calendars



Dinner was soon ready, and Lorraine began to serve the waiting crowds with their nutritious, hot meal to celebrate the forthcoming festivities.

Dinner is served!!

 The meal was, as predicted a resounding success, and all that took part were very grateful to Lorraine for all her hard work, and made a card to show their appreciation.

Thank you Lorraine and all at Asda, Utting Avenue!!

For more information on The Whitechapel Centre, and the work that we do, please go to our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk.







Whitechapel's Enablement Centre gets ready for Christmas!

Christmas time is a very busy time for all at our Enablement Centre in Langsdale Street, and this year has been no exception!

Demand for all of our services is increased at this time of year, with the weather turning colder and nights drawing in earlier.

Despite this though there is always time for some Christmas cheer, and one of our hard working support workers, Ruby, always finds time to put the Christmas tree up, with a little help from her friends!

Most of us enjoy putting our tree up at the beginning of this festive season, but there are those who cant afford the luxury, or don't have a home to put it in.

It is not only the cold weather and dark nights that can cause people difficulties at  this time of year, it can prove as a harsh reminder to some, of the people, and the things that they wish were in their lives.

For those who are already vulnerable it can be a time where their physical and mental health is put at risk.

Bearing that in mind, Ruby's aim is to bring some happiness and community to those who attend our Enablement Centre, to show that they not only have a tree to look at and decorate, but many friends to share that feeling with.

Ruby's 'Little Helpers' David, Joseph, Wayne and Aron

For more information about the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre or to find out about our Cold Weather Shelter please go to: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk





A poem about The Whitechapel Enablement Centre - by Kate Dolphin

Since around August this year Kate has been working as a volunteer for us here at The Whitechapel Centre.

She first came to us during a difficult period in her life, and felt that she was now ready to be a part of the team that could help others.

She has written a wonderful poem inspired by her time working in the reception area of our Enablement Centre.


TRIAGE AT WHITECHAPEL

By Kate Dolphin

Who will come through the door today?

What will they do? What will they say?

Who will speak a kindly word?

What ear will listen to a voice unheard?

All we ask of folk is to show respect

When you have to wait, kindly accept

That someone may have a greater need

Then you will be a friend indeed

So, please one and all sit patiently

Or why not join an activity

You’ll find a talent you did not know

Perhaps make a friend as you onward go

Look back in time and you’ll be able to say

I’m glad I waited around that day

Friends made here are friends for life

And soon may end your trouble and strife


This poem gives a small insight into daily life at our centre from both sides, those using the services, and those who provide them.

Kate is a great example of how with support and guidance, a person's life can change for the better.




Kate showing another side to her artistic nature at The Homeless Games earlier this year


For more information on the work that we do here at The Whitechapel Centre please go to our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for The Whitechapel Centre, whether it be in fund raising, cooking, or more hands on support please send an email to: volunteer@whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Pre-volunteering courses help to piece together people's future at The Whitechapel Centre

At the Whitechapel Centre we run a very successful, and ever expanding volunteer program that attracts people from many different walks of life.

A number of people who join the program have come to us after experiencing a difficult period in their lives, and then use it as a way of helping their lives to get back on track and re-integrate with society.

For many of our service users that decide they may want to join the volunteer program, they must first of all take part in the pre-volunteering course.

This runs every Thursday in our Enablement Centre, Langsdale Street, Everton and provides an opportunity for those who attend to take part in various different activities.

The most recent group spent two weeks piecing together, and making for themselves, some beautiful mosaics.

Some of the wonderful mosaics made as part of the pre-volunteering course.

The group worked extremely hard on their individual pieces, and the results (as seen above and below) show that.

Each mosaic has it's own individual style influenced by the person that made it.

Other activities you might expect to take part in as throughout this program might be bingo, or even a trip out for the day.

Whether or not everyone who takes part goes on to join the full volunteer program doesn't matter, it is simply a part of the path forward in their journey of life.

To find out more about the Whitechapel's volunteering program, and the other services that we provide please go to: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Alternatively if you are interested in joining our volunteering program in any capacity please send an email to: volunteer@whitechapelcentre.co.uk

The Whitechapel Centre road to self sufficiency, thanks to Barclays donations.

The very kind staff at Barclays in Wavertree Technology park are long term supporters of us here at The Whitechapel Centre.

Their latest donation is one that keeps on giving as they provided us with three planters,  four hanging baskets, bags of compost and the plants to put in them.

Suitable places were found for the hanging baskets, they were filled with compost and then various different bedding plants were put in them. They are a beautiful addition to the court yard that our Enablement Centre has, and really cheer the place up.

The planters were built by service users attending our Enablement Centre, who then filled them with compost and planted the various different types of vegetables, including brocolli, beetroot, spring onions and radishes.

The hope is that the vegetables will grow well, and then can be picked and eaten within the centre by the very people that put them there, some are in fact ready for picking and consuming very soon.

For some people that helped with the planting it is the first opportunity to become involved in gardening, and even more so in growing vegetables.

Seeds have also been provided for next year's crop, so watch this space, it could be the start of something big!

We would like to thank all those at Barclays in Wavertree for this great donation, something that can bring pleasure in watching and hopefully eating!

For more information on the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre, or to see how you can make a donation, please go to our website at http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk.

Activities at The Whitechapel Centre - what is available?

Here at the Whitechapel's Enablement Centre each day is filled with activities for those who use our services to attend.

These sessions are also available to anyone who is currently in a hostel, rough sleeping, or of no fixed abode.

These activities cover many different areas, for example indoor classes such as art and craft, or drama groups, which are currently held on a Wednesday morning.




Fridge magnets produced by the Arts and Crafts group


There are outdoor activities for those who want to improve their fitness, or simply just enjoy being outdoors (no matter the weather!). On a Thursday the cycling group get together, an activity that is not just available for the able bodied as we also have specially adapted bikes that may be suitable for individual use.





Volunteers Jim (right) and Dave leading a cycle for health session.


Gardening sessions have started up again, these are used not only to improve the appearance of the local community, but also as a way of keeping fit, and learning a new skill, that could one day even lead to work in that area.

There are also more educational classes avalaiable, such as the English Speaking for Other Languages (ESOL) aimed at the many people that come to us who do not have English as their first language.

There are adult literacy classes, helping people to improve their reading and writing skills, with the aim being that it will improve their every day life.

Along with these educational classes we also hold groups that are more specialised to a specific need, and they are the Alcohol Awareness Classes, set at two different levels depending on what stage an individual is at with their issues with alcohol.




Group sessions often take place in our on site portable cabin.

 Finally there are also classes that are just for FUN!! Bingo sessions, are available every Thursday (just before cycle for health) and there are prizes to be won!!

These are just a small sample of what is available each day at our Enablement Centre for those who access our services. Our aim, and hope is that we can aid people in taking that first step to help themselves, and improving their lives for the better.

For more information on when and what is available please call Ruby on 0151 207 8617.

Alternatively please go to our website by clicking on the following link to see the activities timetable:

http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/uploads/7/6/0/9/.../aug_sept_2012.pdf

There is something for everyone at The Whitechapel's Enablement Centre, dont miss out!! 

Homeless Games 2012 - The Whitechapel's Day!

The mini bus left The Whitechapel's Enablement Centre at 8.30am on the Thursday morning, filled with an excited group of people ready to take part in the day's events.

The sun was shining over the two day games, literally, making the whole experience even more enjoyable for all those involved.

Whitechapel representatives took part in many of the days events, which included tabel tennis, pool, football, art, darts, cookery, along with many others.


 


Whitechapel Football Team



 

David Lees plays pool

 The events took place both indoors and outdoors throughout the two day games.

Many local representatives were there, including the fire brigade who provided an extra special experience for people to take part in. They had set up a bike for people to cycle on, which in turn would create their own personal fruit smoothie. A double whammy healthy living experience!!

The nice weather also meant that all the art experiences could take place outdoors, so people could paint amd draw whilst enjoying the rare sushine.

The day was a huge success for all concerned, and even though we didnt win any medals this year all those who took part should consider themselves a winner.

For more information on the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre, or to report a person homeless please go to: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk or call us on 0151 207 8617.