by faithyoung | Apr 12, 2024 | 2024, Blog, Charity
Our learners planned their own trip to Hull!
For our clients who are making their first tentative steps into the big wide world, there are many aspects of life that we can take for granted.
Reading a train timetable; buying the right ticket; planning a trip; enjoying a social occasion; even ordering a delicious meal!
For our clients, these tasks can often spark anxiety coupled with an overall lack of confidence in social or public situations.
Causes for these challenging emotions include social isolation, a lack of ‘real life’ experience and a reliance upon social media rather than human interaction.
Our work at Futureworks NY is multi-faceted, so one of the best ways to deal with numerous challenges is to host a social excursion to one of the North’s largest cities for a day trip which included a multitude of task that, as adults, we might have to deal with every day.
Railway Travel
If you think about making a railway journey, there are many decisions that need to made.
Deciding the destination; the time of departure and the return trip; the cost of the tickets (and purchasing them); getting to the railway station on time; ensuring you alight at the correct station; finding your reserved seat; and knowing what time the train arrives at the chosen destination.
For our clients, this was, for some, their first railway trip.
Even for experienced railway passengers, travelling by rail can be a challenge if trains are cancelled or are running late.
So, for our day trip to Hull, we boarded a Northern Rail train from Scarborough to Hull. Luckily, for this route, Scarborough is the terminus so it was easy to find the right platform and board the train.
Hull’s Paragon Street station is much larger and with lots more platforms, trains and more.
Our clients had to be sure they knew their return journey time (and plan their day so they could catch the train home); which platform it would depart from; and know what time they would get back to Scarborough so they could get home safely.
As well as printed timetables, there is also the screens at railway stations, showing the latest information.
This element of the day trip encouraged planning, responsibility and helping each other get things right!
Escape Rooms
This popular pastime is on trend!
If you’re not sure what it’s about, participants are given a mission at the escape room venue, usually starting off in a themed room which includes hints and clues as to how to gain your freedom.
It can include codes, locks, and hidden items.
It’s an immersive experience and it relies upon teamwork as well as healthy competition between participants.
The experience can often mean using parts of your brain in a different way, learning how to look at things differently.
You’ll be glad to know our team did indeed ‘escape’!
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Nando’s
Part of enjoying a day out is having great food to eat!
We’re not talking about a packed lunch here: we wanted our young clients to understand how to make a decision about eating out (affordability); exercising restaurant etiquette (patience; courtesy; turn-taking); and being thankful for the food itself.
Of course, eating out with friends is a great way to bond with each other; to discover more about each other; and generally having fun in a responsible way and without disturbing others.
For our trip to the well-known food chain Nando’s, this also meant finding the location, waiting to be taken to a table, reading the menu and deciding what to eat within budget.
When ordering food, our clients could see how to take turns in ordering and giving their food choices clearly, as well as being polite to the Nando’s staff.
It was then a case of waiting for the meal, enjoying it and yet also being grateful that food is so plentiful in the UK.
Other skills learned included being able to eat food in a polite way, and ask for the bill from staff.
As we needed to check who’d ordered what, it was also a test of memory!
We also enjoyed delicious donuts during the day trip!
While this was just a snack, the rules of food ordering applied: taking turns, making choices and more.
Our learners also enjoyed a tasty snack by having a treat: some Krispy Kreme doughnuts! Again this called upon different skills such as budgeting and food choices.
Of course couldn’t have done this without our dedicated team, including Dave an Gin, who chaperoned, guided and was there as a helping hand in Hull.
With all our trips we encourage our learners to have fun, make friends and be thankful for what they have.
A great day out for everyone!
by faithyoung | Mar 19, 2024 | 2024, Blog, Furniture Works
Furniture Works, based at 39 St Thomas Street, Scarborough, first opened its doors in 2020 and now features a new look!
The refurbished shop, which is part of the Futureworks NY family, includes extended retail space, additional products for sale and Coffee Works, a donations-only hot drinks area for customers.
Furniture Works sells pre-owned furniture which has been skilfully restored and upcycled by our clients and mentors.
We would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in getting the shop ready for opening on 11th March 2024.
We founded the shop 4 years ago as we needed a space to show off the creations made by our clients.
Our remit includes teaching and sharing practical skills with our learners.
One of the key areas is the restoration of donated furniture.
Our clients and mentors do an amazing job transforming tired pieces of furniture into something that can find its forever home. So, we not only put our learners’ skills to good use, we also prevent items going to landfill, and provide essential quality furniture at a price people can afford.
Coffee Works is now up and running, helping to raise funds with a minimum donation of £2.50.
Proceeds from sales go towards Futureworks NY, established in 2012.
We are based in Scarborough and we help local learners from school age upwards, enabling them to acquire life skills, confidence, practical skills and some qualifications in an environment that suits their individual requirements.
by faithyoung | Mar 3, 2024 | 2024, Blog
Youth Geographies of Inequality Project
Here are our learners taking part in a session with the University of York for their research project – The Youth Geographies of Inequality Project
The project is run by the University of York and aims to unpicking how economic, social, cultural and environmental factors intersect with differing spatial contexts, and how these contexts shape families’ abilities to provide a varied range of support (financial, emotional and caring) to young people.
The hope is that the research will contribute towards addressing research gaps and help with development of local policies, especially those aimed at addressing widening health inequalities in North Yorkshire.
The project will produce a series of research evidence taking account of young people’s understanding, experiences and narratives of how they negotiate emotional support within their families and wider local web of relationships and context.
The learners have taken part in qualitative interviews and focus groups to participatory arts-based outputs.
The arts-based participatory outputs included mapping activities, walking interviews/photo go-alongs, zine/film making workshops and other creative and crafting activities.
We hope the learners participation has been useful and the outcome of the research helps shape the future for young people in our community
Another fantastic opportunity for our young people here at Futureworks, if you would like to know more about the work we do head to our website –
https://futureworksny.co.uk/
by faithyoung | Feb 13, 2024 | 2024, Blog, Funding Projects
Our Waiting List
In the current climate, our waiting list is not only long, it is increasing.
This means we simply cannot reach those who really need our help.
And we think, with just a bit of help, we can reduce the waiting list, helping lots of people in the Scarborough area.
Thanks to the hard work of our team, supporters and trustees, Futureworks NY has helped over 1,200 young and adult-age clients over the years.
From being founded in 2012, thanks to local businesses, individuals, families, volunteers, and of course our clients themselves, we are now a charity, based on the Yorkshire Coast.
Grant Funding
When charities and volunteer organisations receive funding, this is something to shout about!
Futureworks NY has received both Children in Need and National Lottery funding which is fabulous news.
With grant funding, however, the monies we work hard in order to receive are ‘restricted’ or ring fenced for certain essential tasks.
Other restrictions could be upon the age of those we can help; so anyone younger may have no choice but to join the Futureworks NY queue.
With these well-known organisations helping Futureworks NY, our remit is to help our clients according to the contract set out by funders, such as those mentioned above.
And of course, this is how it should be.
Our carefully planned strategy means we use our grant funding in meticulous, transparent ways.
Yet as grateful as we are, our waiting list means we need a little more help.
Donations
Yes, we’re using the D word.
No matter how small or large, we are delighted when we get monetary donations!
Anyone who can support by donating means they are contributing to our ‘unrestricted’ funding pot.
Obviously, we keep the accounts absolutely to the finest detail.
Yet ‘unrestricted’ means we can then put the donations to what we would call ‘best use’.
It means we have the potential to make inroads on the waiting list, particularly important during these difficult times.
Mental Well Being
While this is a ‘buzzword’ in some ways, having good mental health is so important, whatever age you are.
Many of our clients struggle with their mental health.
And as we know, this can affect everything in life, from lack of confidence to feeling isolated; from feeling powerless to not being able to communicate with those closest to us.
Priorities
With so many challenges facing our clients, and as our team is at the very core of the extensive portfolio, we have at Futureworks NY, donations would be used in flexible, adaptable yet fully transparent ways.
Our sector is very fast moving, with new challenges occurring almost daily, our team is ready to meet these challenges.
Yet this constant fluctuation means even with grant funding, we simply can’t help everyone we’d like.
Benefits of Donations
A donation could enable us to ensure one of our clients has the confidence to go for that job interview or gain a qualification.
We can help our clients in so many ways, so they can exceed even their own expectations.
Other Ways to Help
Perhaps you are a business that could offer sponsorship or support, or know someone who might be able to help?
Any donation, big or small, WILL make a difference to people within our community, giving them the opportunity to gain personal skills and confidence and who knows they could be a future employee!
‘Freedom’ Funding
In addition to the fantastic contributions, we are awarded by larger funders, every penny that is donated by individuals, businesses, organisations and others gives us the freedom to expand and adapt our services in a bespoke and effective way.
Ultimately, everything we do benefits not only our clients but the wider community, too.
From helping one of our clients toward employment to gaining recognised qualifications, Futureworks NY has an extensive, tried and tested format to the work we do.
At the same time, we are always seeking to adapt our services to meet current demand for those in need.
What To Do Next
It doesn’t matter how large or small, all donations are most welcome.
Donate here.
And if you love a bit of retail therapy which also helps our cause look no further than Furniture Works.
by faithyoung | Nov 28, 2023 | 2023, Blog, Charity
It was a first for us all here at Futureworks NY!
Along with three other fantastic local businesses, we held the very first Indulgence Evening in Scarborough.
The event took place at the stylish Sitwell by Eat Me in Woodend, The Crescent, Scarborough on the evening of 23rd November 2023 between 5pm and 7pm with mulled wine, mince pies and soft drinks available.
Isabelle Randall, couture luxury designer, Andy Grayson of Not Just Travel and Andrey Matos, the Coffee Man joined forces with Futureworks NY for a sparkling evening of … well, indulgence!
These wonderful businesses with their amazing stalls and wonderful support made the evening a huge success.
The idea for this relaxed event was the result of a discussion at WIN Networking Group, of which we are all members.
As well as helping publicise the businesses involved, the event was also designed to help swell the coffers of Futureworks NY, as we are now a charity – hurrah!
Futureworks NY exhibited festive gift items from Furniture Works, as the event had perfect timing for the festive build up.
With lots of great publicity online, in the Scarborough News and via social media channels, the event was very well attended.
Guests included fellow business owners, parents of some of our young clients, and supporters of Futureworks NY.
We were also bowled by the many businesses who donated prizes for the prize raffle.
These included:A Blooms Café food voucher, two tickets for Hannah the Musical at Scarborough Spa Theatre, a gift voucher from Boyes Stores,a gift voucher from Isabelle Randall, travel vouchers from Andrew Grayson (Not Just Travel), a two night stsay at Easby Hall, a family ticket to Staxtonbury 2024, Jen at Calma treatment voucher, a family ticket to see Elf the Musical from Scarborough Theatre Company and a Nespresso coffee machine donated by Andrey, along with bottles of wine and other goodies.
Sarah and Michelle, our bosses, did a great job of being wonderful hosts and drawing the tickets for the raffle prizes at the end of the evening.
You could hear a pin drop as the winning tickets were announced!
The raffle raised £235 for Futureworks NY, which is the chosen charity of WIN at the moment.
Yet the stars of the show were Lily and Ella, two of our young clients, who helped with the raffle, serving drinks, tidying up and they were brilliant.
We were also supported by our Trustees during the event so thank you to them for donating their time.
by faithyoung | Nov 20, 2023 | 2023, Blog, Funding Projects
It’s been ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ for the Futureworks NY team!
BBC Look North’s camera rolled up to our offices and educational space here in Scarborough as part of the annual Children in Need appeal.
We received funding from Children in Need https://futureworksny.co.uk/children-in-need-funding/ and the BBC team filmed us ready for their Friday night broadcast on 17th November 2023.
Grace, David and Michelle took part as the camera rolled and the microphones were put in place.
The BBC Look North team then did their editing magic and the footage was beamed live during the Friday early evening bulletin.
Everyone did a fantastic job and it was an emotional night for everyone involved.
And as if being in front of the camera wasn’t enough, we also hit the airwaves too!
Ella and David were interviewed on BBC Radio York and this was broadcast across Yorkshire and beyond.
They travelled to the historic city of York to visit the BBC Radio York studios.
Find out more on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fwnyscarboro
Of course, we couldn’t do any of our work without Children in Need funding and without our staff, volunteers, and, most importantly of all, our clients, including Ella and Grace.
