by faithyoung | Sep 21, 2023 | 2023, Blog
Matrix Quality Standards for Futureworks NY
Here at Futureworks NY we have been awarded the coveted Matrix quality standard once again for information advice and guidance services the team provides, and we’re so pleased.
The accreditation, delivered by the Growth Company on behalf of the Department of Education, has been awarded to our team in recognition of the quality of work we do.
We are delighted as the conditions of the accreditation are rigorous, and we had to submit evidence, sample records, attend meetings and send documentation as part of the assessment process.
We worked very hard to set up Futureworks NY, which we founded in 2012 and this accreditation is testament to all the hard work that is carried out by the whole team.
We were re-assessed this year, as the quality standard has a duration of three years. We achieved the accreditation in August 2023 for the second time running.
The revised Matrix standard was launched in May of this year after two years of hard work. It remains a world-class standard for organisations.
Of the work Futureworks NY does in the community, the Matrix report states the following:
“Their person-centred approach ensures each person is treated individually where their needs and requirements are fully considered. All the time clients/learners are with Futureworks, their progress and development is facilitated by a focused team in a highly supportive and encouraging manner.
“Over a sustained period of years, Futureworks have worked successfully towards the achievement of a range of measurable targets and outcomes across contracts and programmes of support. Even through the Covid-19 pandemic, they continued to deliver their service as well or even better than many other providers.
“Despite the challenging individuals and groups Futureworks have had to support, they have been effective and successful in the last 3 years. They have achieved this through their close relationships with partners providing comprehensive training and development programmes for those people in the community who require more individualised and often wider support.”
We are really pleased with the Matrix report, and as we are now a charity too, we aim to be even more successful in the future.
by faithyoung | Sep 13, 2023 | 2023, Blog
Futureworks NY and the Sign of the Times!
Scarborough-based Futureworks NY is showing its community spirit with its latest venture.
Futureworks NY which recently became a charity, picked up paintbrushes and tins of paint to help spruce up the new Chamber of Commerce information sign, just outside the Brunswick Shopping Centre.
Featuring a variety of businesses, the board includes an informative map and business details which are helpful to both visitors and residents of the town.
Sarah Thornton, co-founder of Futureworks NY, said: “We noticed the sign could do with a lick of paint and as members of the Chamber of Trade, we offered to help with the revamp.
“As a local organisation, we are very committed to supporting local businesses and other concerns. Our team of learners were only too happy to lend a hand.”
The Chamber of Trade is dedicated to supporting businesses in Scarborough and host regular monthly meetings.
Futureworks NY is now in its 12th year and has helped scores of young people and adults get their life into gear with gaining qualifications, life skills, workshops and more.
by faithyoung | Jul 14, 2023 | 2023, Blog, Charity
We are so delighted! After lots and lots of hard work, we’ve now become a charity.
We are based in Victoria Road, Scarborough, which is where our charity is registered to.
Our team, led by Michelle Padron-Kitching and Sarah Thornton, want to thank everyone involved
Michelle says: “This is excellent news and is the next chapter in the Futureworks NY journey.
“Becoming a charitable company helps consolidate our ability to help young people and adults in Scarborough. This milestone means we can apply for additional funding for projects that will continue to help people in the area.”
Sarah says: “Our objectives remain in line with the help we offer to our cohort, which includes finding employment through the provision of employability skills.
“Our hardworking team will be able to increase the support they already offer, which includes helping people achieve City & Guilds qualifications, vocational training, and assistance with acquiring life skills.”
Their first fundraising activity was the successful completion of the Cleveland Way National Trail, a long-distance walk stretching 109 miles. Part of the trail includes Scarborough and Filey.
Sarah completed the gruelling trek along with fundraisers Rachel Philliskirk and Emma Wilson.
Sarah says: “Our aim was to raise £500 for Futureworks NY and we smashed this target thanks to everyone who donated. We managed to raise £830 in total, so we’re delighted.”
We are in the process of planning their fundraising activities and we also have our retail premises Furniture Works, in St Thomas Street, Scarborough.
Futureworks NY, 40 Victoria Road, Scarborough YO11 2SD
Registered Charity Number 1203922, registered office is 40 Victoria Road, Scarborough, YO11 2SD
by faithyoung | Jun 1, 2023 | 2023, Blog
We are proud to announce we’ve received funding from BBC Children in Need!
This funding is for £90k for three years for core funding towards our work with young people aged 15 to 18 years.
We will provide more information very soon about this exciting announcement!
by faithyoung | May 22, 2023 | 2023, Blog
Lucy – Thriving at Work – A Success Story
Lucy recently started a new job at George Pindar School near Scarborough as a teaching assistant and loves it!
Lucy already has her sights on gaining a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification.
However, Lucy knew she needed her Maths and English qualifications to get there.
Futureworks NY Steps In
Through the Thriving at Work programme, Lucy accessed support through her keyworker Leanne at Humankind who referred her to us here at Futureworks NY for her Maths and English support.
Lucy quickly gained momentum with her Functional Skills and then initially focused on her English as she felt this was her strongest subject.
She quickly worked her way through her English and gained a Level 2 qualification.
On commencing her Maths, Lucy didn’t have the same confidence as she had with her English.
Yet, she worked her way through all the work set for her, with support along the way.
Determination to Succeed
Lucy sat for her Maths Level 1 exam but unfortunately did not pass; however, Lucy was undeterred: she went over the areas she struggled with and rebooked the test.
The second attempt was not a charm for Lucy as she missed out on a pass by only a couple of marks.
Disappointed as Lucy was, she did not give up and again hit the books to revise her weak areas.
Third time lucky, Lucy was very nervous as she was so keen that she achieved a pass mark, and this time she did it!
Lucy passed with a grade well over the pass mark. Well done, Lucy!
And the next stage …
Lucy’s shear determination to achieve her Maths did not fade throughout her journey with us.
She now has her sights on a Level 2 Maths qualification.
Again, with the same fortitude, Lucy is working her way through the Level 2 work with support as and when she needs it.
It has been an absolute pleasure watching Lucy get to grips with a subject she had no confidence with at the start of this journey.
We have no doubt that she will achieve her goals.
