Shape launches appeal to fund training
26th February 2009
An organisation in Bath helping reduce
homelessness and supporting vulnerable young people has entered an
exciting new era with its first capital fundraising appeal.
Shape Housing Association wants to extend its facilities to
provide more training opportunities for 16-25 year olds who are not
employed, in education or training. These young people often have
low self-esteem, little confidence and may lead a chaotic
lifestyle, which can be addressed through providing an engaging
learning environment at the Bath Foyer.
It’s hoped the capital appeal will raise £250,000 over three
years to establish a training unit at the Bath Foyer, as well as
three new training posts so that more young people can fulfil their
potential. These include:
- A full-time Life Skills Training Support Officer who will
deliver life skills training and develop the aspirational needs of
the young people.
- A part-time Basic Skills Tutor who will draw up learning plans
for individuals and run courses in reading, writing, arithmetic and
communication skills.
- A full-time Multi-Media Tutor who will engage young people
through workshops and activities allowing them to express
themselves in music, photography and web and CD ROM design.
The appeal was launched at a special reception hosted by the
Chairman of Bath and North Somerset Council, Cllr David Bellotti,
and organised by Morgan Brinkhurst Consultancy.
Trustee Board Member, Joanna Davey explained to guests how Shape
makes a big difference:
‘At Shape we are working with young people
whose futures are very uncertain. In fact, their difficult start in
life may well mean they are potentially heading for a very hard and
unpleasant future that could include homelessness. However, these
young people are capable of amazing things with the right support,
encouragement and opportunities.’
Roger Hill, Shape’s Chair, said:
‘We are delighted and encouraged to have
received so much local support and interest at the launch of our
capital appeal. This is an exciting time for Shape as we look
forward to the next stage in the development of our services. We
are particularly grateful to Councillor Bellotti for allowing us to
use the Chairman’s Room and hosting the evening.’
The longer-term aim is to grow the training services to reach
out to socially excluded young people in within Somer Community
Housing Trust in Bath, this will then be widened to the local
community and into Wiltshire and North Somerset.
Bath Foyer also encourages the young people to have a voice in
their community, for instance they are given support to access
local services and local councillors organise regular surgeries and
PACT meetings which they can attend.
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