News and Events
Start Up Citywide Parents Scoops Top Award!
21 August, 2007
Sharon Lloyd, a parent with the Start Up Citywide programme, was nominated for a Learn Direct award in the recent Achievement Awards. As Emily explains, "Sharon has worked extremely hard and learnt many new skills. I decided to nominate her in recognition for the time and effort she has dedicated to her studies". The award ceremony was held in Birmingham and Sharon won the West Midlands Region Outstanding Learner Award. She now moves on to participate in the national awards ceremony to be held in London in October. Congratulations to Sharon, along with all our parents for their hard work. For the full report from the Learn Direct website click here
Improved Confidence, New Skills!
13 July, 2007
An Interim Evaluation of Phase II of Start Up Citywide has now been completed by MWB Consultancy Ltd. The evaluation states:
“The evidence from the Start Up returns to the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit suggests that the bulk of the key indicators are
being achieved or are on track to be achieved… This performance suggests consistently sound work in the last 12 months and
the capacity for some increased stretch in the key targets". The evlaluation also highlights the impact the programme is having
on customers (soft outcomes) with customers reporting sustained confidence levels rising from 50% for the current customer base to
90% when they leave the programme. 80% reported using new skills learnt in everyday life with 90% stating that they wish to continue
on their learning journey. For the full report click here
Start Up Citywide has a new home!
29 September, 2006
We are pleased to announce that as of today, Start Up Citywide now forms part of the
Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire YMCA. What does this mean? For the Start Up Citywide team, we consider it to be an exiting time as we will be joining an organisation which shares the same strong core
values that we believe in. Your Support Workers will continue to operate from Children's Centres across the
city but the management team will be relocating to the YMCA's new Y Train Building in Hanley. For you, the
opportunities to partake in Start Up's services will continue - indeed, we are also pleased to announce
that we have secured Neighbourhood Renewal Funding for another two years (until March 2008). Now's a great time to see
what Start Up can do for you - simply click here to contact a Support
Worker in your area and ask for more information!
Fun Day at the New Vic
2 April, 2005
  One fun day in March which you may have heard broadcast
live on Signal Radio, saw over fifty organisations come together to provide
stimulating activities
for Start Up parents to enjoy and explore. Mike Wolfe, City Mayor started
the action with a speech about the important role Start Up is playing
in the regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. This was followed by a balloon launch
to celebrate the registration of the 600th member!
Parents enjoyed over
forty stalls whilst watching videos, dance shows and tucking into a piece
of healthy fruit! North Staffs Mind paid a visit
and
brought their beds with them! They treated parents to Reiki massage sessions
with relaxing music and essential oils.
Whilst the Mitchell High Community
Learning Centre was encouraging parents to take part in taster computer
sessions.
The Pacific Institute were showing parents the benefits of the STEPS
course which promotes confidence building. Many Start Up clients who
have attended
this course have been able to change their lives radically. Meanwhile
Wedgewood Memorial College and Staffordshire University joined forces
to present
their Aim Higher course, which offers adults a way into higher education
and the
Essential Skills Campaign was giving parents lots of information about
beating their gremlins! The Children’s Information Service were
also promoting childcare opportunities, the Job Centre and Signpost to
success were publicising
what help they can offer people on the road to finding employment.
Internationally renowned Feng Shui and Chinese Horoscope expert, Jo Russell,
very kindly came up from London and offered free one hour workshops.
These proved to be extremely popular with parents. As did Kevin Samsara’s
flirting with confidence workshops. A free crèche was available
for parents attending these workshops.
 In the main hall several speakers gave inspirational speeches to parents,
Sharon Black, a member of Start Up gave a moving speech about how Start
Up has supported her through a very difficult period in her life and
helped her move on with her life.
Also speaking was Neil McClelland,
Director
of
the National Literacy Trust who launched the Stoke Kicks Up project,
a partnership between the LEA, Start Up, The National Literacy Trust
and
Stoke City Football
Club. On a lighter note, face painter Anni, Grommet the puppeteer and Storyteller
Phil Leese entertained the children in style. Professional dancer, Katherine
Kurr got children, parents and staff up on stage to take part in a dance
workshop. And several art workshops engaged both adults and children
alike with a range of art and craft activities.
Overall, the busy day was jam-packed with activities, workshops and launches
for old and young alike. Feedback from parents and organisations has
been very encouraging and positive, so much so that there are already
plans
for a return visit next year!
© StartUp Citywide, 2008
North
Staffordshire YMCA
|
Neighbourhood
Renewal Fund
European Social Fund 
Accountable Body 
