Cheltenham Borough Homes’ (CBH) Employment Initiatives Service won at the Travis Perkins Managed Services (TPMS) ‘My Community Awards 2019’ on Thursday (26) night.
The TPMS My Community Awards recognise the amazing work that is happening in communities in the affordable housing sector and celebrate the work of social landlords, tenants, community groups and volunteers across the country.
The team was shortlisted in the Employment and Community Skills category in recognition of the work they do with the ‘Thrive’ scheme – a six month alternative provision programme where young people at risk of exclusion work towards receiving their ASDAN Careers and Experiencing Work certificates.
Exclusion is a problem in Gloucestershire, with 139 children being permanently excluded In the 2017/18 academic year alone. CBH is leading the way on tackling the issue with our Thrive scheme – working with two local schools to help 12 young people stay in mainstream education while working towards their ASDAN certificates in careers and experiencing work.
During the programme the youngsters learn health and safety in the workplace, first aid training, drug and alcohol awareness sessions and budget management advice followed by work experience placements with some of our main contractors, including Travis Perkins. The positive feedback from contractors meant a lot to the young people and they have been inspired to look at their career options when leaving school.
At the awards ceremony in Northampton on Thursday night the team behind the Thrive programme were proud to come out on top – receiving their trophy and a £5,000 cheque to help support the valuable work they do in Cheltenham.
Speaking after the event, David Hall, Housing Services Manager at CBH said: “I’m delighted CBH’s Thrive initiative has been recognised with this fantastic award.
“We are so thrilled to have secured £5,000 to enhance the services we offer. This achievement is thanks to CBH colleagues and partners who have enthusiastically supported the Employment Initiatives Service deliver this life changing programme!"
We would like to thank all of the sponsors and contractors for their support during the six months of Thrive, including: Travis Perkins, Pittville School, All Saints Academy, ASDAN, Liberty Gas, Cheltenham Flooring, Ian Williams, Rob from Change, Grow, Live (CGL), Leon Hobson from Fearless, Jim from Passion 4 First Aid, Tracy from Gloucestershire College and to members of CBH staff who have given their time to help this project.
CBH has produced a short video about the Thrive scheme here which showcases what the programme is about.
Innovative Education
Cheltenham Borough Council launched No Child Left Behind, a year of action at an event at the Municipal Offices.
The campaign aims to highlight the issue of children growing up in poverty in Cheltenham and the inequality between them and their more affluent peers.
To do that, they launched a 12 month programme of events and activities with a different theme each month - including September's theme of Innovative Education, which Thrive forms part of.
You can read more about the link between Thrive and #NCLB, as well as find out about the campaign so far this year and what is coming up at the borough council's website:
https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/60/community_advice_and_engagement/1457/no_child_left_behind/10
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000