1 apm-uk.co.uk January 2019 The er Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM One way we do this is through our Give As You Earn scheme (GAYE). This scheme allows employees to donate a portion of their wages each month, which is then given to different charitable causes throughout the year, both locally and nationally. A recent recipient is the Lichfield Wildcats football team, a club for 5-11 year old girls to learn new skills, gain confidence and keep healthy. Wildcats Coach, Gareth, explains: “We are delighted APM have been so kind to sponsor our kit this season through the GAYE donation. It’s the first time these girls have been part of a team and we compete in the under 10s girls Staffordshire league, which developed off the back of an FA Wildcats initiative, getting more girls involved playing football at grass roots level. “With the Lionesses qualifying for the Women’s World Cup in France 2019 there is a big push on girls participating in football. For us locally, the fact we’ve had enough interest to set up an additional three junior section girls’ teams, is a sign that the women’s game is on the rise. By doing this we look to organisations to support us in getting kit and equipment for the girls in order to participate in the league, so a big thank you for setting us up with this amazing new kit, which is being replicated by the performances the girls have shown so far this season. Played 6 won 6!” GAYE is all about supporting local charities and initiatives to help make a difference in the community. “My daughter loves everything about being part of the team. We are really appreciative of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to generate the support of local organisations who provide the kit and equipment for the girls to participate and get active is amazing”, Wildcats Parent. Roaring support for girls football What’s inside... Nu-Traxx learners host fundraising fayre! Success on Work & Health NCS participants raise money 4 6 7 page page page Here at APM we love to get involved with our local communities, helping with events, charity work and sponsorship. s e e p a g e 8 Getting to Amanda Astley & Lauraine Howard know...
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apm-uk.co.uk
January 2019
Theer
Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM
One way we do this is through our Give As You Earn scheme (GAYE). This scheme allows employees to donate a portion of their wages each month, which is then given to different charitable causes throughout the year, both locally and nationally. A recent recipient is the Lichfield Wildcats football team, a club for 5-11 year old girls to learn new skills, gain confidence and keep healthy. Wildcats Coach, Gareth, explains:“We are delighted APM have been so kind to sponsor our kit this season through the GAYE donation.
It’s the first time these girls have been part of a team and we compete in the under 10s girls Staffordshire league, which developed off the back of an FA Wildcats initiative, getting more girls involved playing football at grass roots level.
“With the Lionesses qualifying for the Women’s World Cup in France 2019 there is a big push on girls participating in football. For us locally, the fact we’ve had enough interest to set up an additional three junior section girls’ teams, is a sign that the women’s game is on the rise. By doing this we look to organisations to support us in getting kit and equipment for the girls in order to participate in
the league, so a big thank you for setting us up with this amazing new kit, which is being replicated by the performances the girls have shown so far this season. Played 6 won 6!” GAYE is all about supporting local charities and initiatives to help make a difference in the community.
“My daughter loves everything about being part of the team. We are really appreciative of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to generate the support of local organisations who provide the kit and equipment for the girls to participate and get active is amazing”, Wildcats Parent.
Roaring support for girls football
What’sinside...
Nu-Traxx learners host fundraising fayre!
Success on Work & Health
NCS participantsraise money
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page
page
page
Here at APM we love to get involved with our local communities, helping with events, charity work and sponsorship.
Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM 2 3
January 2019 January 2019apm-uk.co.uk apm-uk.co.uk
Nikki Tutt, Employment and Skills Coach, shares a wonderful success story proving previous skills really can help with future success. Stasi was referred to us from Chatham Jobcentre. Upon meeting
Self Defence Class Leads to Skills, Confidence and Employment
in the response she received from the group. Not only did this help with her confidence around people, it also enabled her to build her team working and communication skills.
As her confidence increased, I arranged a work experience opportunity for Stasi to work at the local cat protection league, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She progressed to complete a customer service course, which she passed with flying colours. After her programme finished, Stasi continued to attend our centre
When the cold weather started to draw in at the end of last year, APM staff member’s thoughts turned to the many homeless people around the Birmingham area that would be struggling this winter.
Our staff, Jonathan, Lynn and Lauraine, decided to start an initiative to collect winter coats that could be donated to the cause. With their hard work and team engagement, in a short time over 26 coats were collected, along with 11 scarves and 3 hats.
“We all have old coats at home that just sit in the cupboard and many we will never use again, so we thought why not donate them to those who really need them” explained Jonathan Skelly, APM Business Manager.
The donations were taken to the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter in Birmingham where they were gladly welcomed. There were around 420 people in the West Midlands that were sleeping rough in November, and the winter months are very hard to deal with. Donating coats and scarves can make a huge difference to these peoples lives whilst they find the help they need.
After her brother passed away suddenly in 2018, APM colleague Anna Meggitt and her family were left with the difficult decision of what to do with all his possessions.
‘We wanted to ensure that all the things that Colin owned went to people who would really benefitfrom them.’
Colin volunteered in a local charity shop, but this was sadly closed not long after he passed away in 2018.
Working on the CF03 project and volunteering with the homeless, Anna was all too familiar with how the isolation and stress can affect people needing help. The CFO3 project helps to improve the lives of ex offenders and reduce re-offending by providing access to mainstream services training and employment opportunities.
“I know that something as simple as having a book to read can help when someone is going through a difficult time.”
Reading can act as a distraction and give the escapism people often need to cope with some difficult scenarios. With this in mind, and with all the wonderful abundance of books that
APM helps Birmingham homelessAPM would like to give a massive thank you to all those who donated to the Salvation Army including one staff member who actually gave a coat they were wearing at the time!
If you would like to donate coats and scarves to the Salvation Army you can find your nearest clothing bank by entering in the following link salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page
her, I discovered quite quickly that she was a quiet and shy lady with virtually no confidence at all. She told me that she wanted to work within the retail sector, but was unsure how to go about this, and struggled with interviews due to her lack of confidence.
After talking to her about her options, I referred Stasi to one of our employability courses. Though she exceeded within the classroom environment, she struggled with the workshop activities. After some mentoring and support, she was encouraged to learn how to take part,
which soon started to bring her out of her shell.
Getting to know Stasi, I found out that she was a qualified martial arts instructor and had a 2 dan black belt. As this was something that she was clearly confident with, I focused on it to help her overcome her anxiety issues.
I arranged for Stasi to lead a self-defence class with a group of girls from her programme, allowing her to show-off her skills and gain confidence
for support with her job search, including writing covering letters and applications. It wasn’t long before Stasi was successful in getting a job at a local retailer. Stasi is now a more confident young lady who is developing her new knowledge and skills and growing in her new role every day.
WE ALL HAVE OLD COATS AT HOME THAT JUST SIT IN THE CUPBOARD AND MANY WE WILL NEVER USE AGAIN, SO WE THOUGHT WHY NOT DONATE THEM TO THOSE WHO REALLY NEED THEM
JONATHAN SKELLY, APM BUSINESS MANAGER
A fitting tribute to ColinColin had, Anna set up a community bookcase at the APM centre in York.
“People visiting the centre can come in and take a book with the hope that they will get some enjoyment and even learning from it.”
Everyone is actively encouraged to bring in any books that they no longer need and can even exchange one.
“As well as taking the books away with them, people have been sat reading in the waiting area when they’ve arrived early for meetings or training. Staff have also used the books and added to the bookcase - it’s just nice to see them being enjoyed.”
Did you know?
of adults who read say that reading stops them from feeling lonely
Non-readers are more likely to report feelings of depression
Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction
Anna MeggittTo read more stats visit: readingagency.org.uk/about/impact/002-reading-facts-1/
Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM Join in the conversation: for the latest news, views and updates from around the business, check out the APM Twitter feed @yourAPM 4 5
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The team from our APM centre in Tamworth decided to support the community and raise money for the local foodbank, hoping to make a difference to people’s lives at Christmas. Food Bank is part of the Trussel Trust Charity and donates food parcels to families, unemployed or homeless people. It relies on food and money donations from the public.
The Social Action Project was part of Nu-Traxx ‘Building Confidence’ unit – and it did just that.
On Wednesday 19th December, the learners hosted their Christmas Fayre which they had organised themselves. From 10am – 2pm, local craft businesses set up stalls, as well as the learners creating their own ‘Name The Teddy’ cupcakes and beverages, a popular tombola, raffle and handmade Christmas gifts. It was supported and visited by local businesses in
Back in the festive period a group of Brighton NCS Graduates, who sit on our local youth board, got together to form a social action project that meant something to them. Purple People Kitchen is a local Foodbank in Portslade, who are majorly under supported.
The Foodbank made a plea for presents to gift to children of the Foodbank users, who may otherwise not have received anything at Christmas.
After seeing the plea and discussing it between themselves, it was decided that the Youth Board wanted to give to this cause and help residents of their local community.
To help raise money for this cause, the Youth Board joined together to sing Christmas carols in Brighton station, ate a record-breaking amount of mince pies and held a sponsored blind gift wrap in order to raise funds.
Nu-Traxx learners host fundraising fayre!
Learners on our Nu-Traxx Connect Programme completed their social action project by creating a Christmas Fayre to raise money for charity.
the community, parents and staff members throughout the day.
The event raised £100 for Food Bank and the learners purchased nutritious food and toiletries as requested to go into food parcels from our localAldi Store.
This was a great day for all involved and learners grew in confidence and practiced life skills such as math and budgeting methods, creative communication and organisation techniques, teamwork and, above all, community spirit.
Wearing Christmas Jumpers Responsibly!Teams across the country – from offices to remote workers – donned their Christmas Jumpers to not only boost the festive feel but to raise awareness and funding for a very important charity. There were elves, Millennium Falcons, lights, and even some festive dresses. It was a fantastic turnout from all the APM centres and £88.00 was raised for the charity.
Thank you to all those who took part!
Where does your money go?The money donated goes directly to Save the Children, a charity that supports and cares for children who are growing up in the world’s toughest places. Donations go towards Antibiotics, essential food items, healthcare, education and protection.
All wrapped up with NCSWith the money raised, the young people then took to the shops to purchase items such as scooters, board games, Lego and Play-Doh before wrapping and dropping these at the foodbank Christmas party.
“The Autumn NCS programme was fantastic and although I had numerous anxieties at the start, the team leaders made sure to push me and support me when needed. I would definitely say I am a more confident person coming out of the programme and I feel it is easier to be in what would usually be uncomfortable situations for me. I have loved being involved with the Youth Board as it gives me something to focus on and it’s great when we can do more social action projects to help those who need it. I am proud of what we achieved during our Christmas project and it makes me happy to know that as a team we have helped those who are less fortunate. I’ve loved the NCS project and I will keep involved with them for as long as I can”. Lewis Chinery, NCS participant and Youth Board member
Being part of the Youth Board gives young people further opportunities after NCS has ended. Opportunities such as work placements with growing businesses, training, workshops and inspiring volunteering take place all over the country. For more information about NCS Youth Bboards visit: ncsyes.co.uk/after-programme
It is a fantastic charity that has helped so many lives but continues to need support all year round to help those who are in need. If you would like to make a donation to Save the Children you can do so either as a one off or as a monthly gift by registering here: savethechildren.org.uk/donate
Nu-Traxx Learners with all their shopping
On 14th December, APM took part in Save the Children’s national ‘Christmas Jumper Day’.
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National Citizen Service (NCS) participants have helped to raise over £366 for the charity Race Against Blood Cancer’ (RABC) as part of their social action projects.
NCS is a government funded programme which helps young people from all walks of life gain confidence, learn new skills and find ways to give back to their communities. Part of the programme gives young people visibility of and the chance to participate in different charities and organisations in their local area.
Race Against Blood Cancer is a non-profit charity whose goal it is to increase the volume and diversity of people who register as potentially life-saving donors. Staff from the charity came to present to NCS students at Staffordshire University to explain the importance of why new blood stem cell donors are needed every day. NCS students organised charity bake sales and hosted over 20 blood stem cell donor drives in the summer in Telford and Worcestershire to raise £366.95 and over 100 new potential
Success on Work & Health Programme
Our service is delivered by dedicated Coaches who work in partnership with customers to build personal plans, providing comprehensive and specialist support.
“We work with people to help them find different ways of thinking and approaching their circumstances, we want to show them how they can find different options for their future.” – Cathy Wilson, Senior Business Manager, APM
Julie Cooksey was referred to the Work & Health programme in May 2018 and having previously worked as a Cleaner and a Packer she was looking to secure work in any of these areas - but this was not without its challenges.
In her arrival at APM, Julie was paired with Catherine Beroard-Gabbidon.
As a support manager, Catherine’s role is to take an holistic approach to supporting participants on the Work & Health contract by working with local support services and employers within the area.
Each support manager completes a Key Life Area Assessment with the participant which maps out their personal journey to employment. They signpost and give one to one
support for all aspects of life so participants can return to sustainable employment.
As Julie is deaf she is very much reliant on her husband who attended her first appointment. He supported with interpretation for both Julie and her conversation counterpart, however, as he works full time he was unable to continue to attend all of Julie’s meetings.
Catherine, contacted Clarion UK, a British Sign Language interpreting service who supported Julie and Catherine to communicate during all of her appointments.
During her time with APM, Julie was able to help updating her CV and with Catherine’s help and guidance posted this refreshed document on various job search sites. After 1-2-1 tuition from Catherine, Julia became proficient at applying for jobs, increasing her confidence with each application. Catherine arranged a work trial with Arlington Automotive but unfortunately Julie was unsuccessful.
Though disappointed, she remained determined to secure employment and continued to work hard with her job search.
The Work and Health Programme supports Jobcentre Plus customers with employment and health needs. It is designed to help people find and keep a job and is available, on a voluntary basis, to those with health conditions or disabilities, and to various groups of vulnerable people. It will also provide support to those who have been unemployed for over two years.
While she was out shopping, Julie noticed a sign in a shop window requiring cleaners. She shared the information with Catherine who called the organisation on Julies behalf to arrange an interview. After preparing and going through mock questions together, Julie interviewed successfully and secured the position at Commercial Cleaning. Julie is now enjoying her new role and has thanked APM and the team on the Work and Health Programme for their help, guidance and continued support throughout her job seeking journey.
She truly believes that without this help she would not have secured employment.
NCS participants raise money for Race Against Blood Cancer
donors were added to the stem cell register.
“It has been delightful working with the young people from NCS, they have been so enthusiastic and really helped to raise awareness of the charity throughout Telford and Worcestershire. It means so much to the families that they help by gaining more donors.” Gemma Elsmore, Community Engagement Officefor RABC.
The drives caught the attention of Telford and Wrekin Mayor, Raj Mehta, who came to support one of the events.
Ten NCS seasonal staff were so inspired they have since applied to volunteer with the charity and run
donor drives in their universities. A donor drive was also held at the NCS Telford summer graduation and signed up 15 parents and guardians tothe cause.
“We have loved working with RABC this summer, its brilliant to help local charities and actually make a difference. NCS are keen to work with the charity again in the future.” Beth Hoyle, NCS Delivery Manager.
NCS are proud to work with Race Against Blood Cancer to support their fantastic cause. You can find more information about NCS and their commitment to social action by visiting www.ncsyes.co.uk or contacting the NCS contact centre on 0330 414 2504.
Julie Cooksey and Catherine Beroard-Gabbidon
Telford and Wrekin Mayor, Raj Mehta and our NCSers
IT HAS BEEN DELIGHTFUL WORKING WITH THE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM NCS, THEY HAVE BEEN SO ENTHUSIASTIC AND REALLY HELPED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE CHARITY. GEMMA ELSMORE, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICE FOR RABC
WE WORK WITH PEOPLE TO
HELP THEM FIND DIFFERENT WAYS OF THINKING AND APPROACHING THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, WE WANT TO SHOW THEM HOW THEY CAN FIND DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE.CATHY WILSON
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What’s an average day?Amanda: As we are part of the legal team at APM, we spend a lot of time reading, reviewing and writing legal documents. We also have a lot of involvement in property and facilities teams – so anything from site work to legal advice!
Why do you enjoy working for APM?A: We have both worked with APM for a lot of years, back when we were first PPDG. When we became APM, we really liked how the business worked. We were empowered to proactively improve our areas and supported to make changes for the better. We were trusted to do the right thing.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?L: This is going to sound mushy, but I love working with Mand! We’ve worked together for over 10 years and got so close, we just work so well together as a team. A: I’d agree, and we like doing the things that the other one doesn’t, so we make a great team! We continually learn on a daily basis too.
Describe yourself in 3 wordsA: As both of us?Interviewer (Yes if you like!)A: Ha ok, tall, short and hilarious! L: That sounds about right!I’m happy with that.
What do you do when you’renot at APM?A: I sell vintage clothing sometimesL: My husband is a biker, so we tend to do that, we go camping a lot!
Who inspires you?L: I would have to say my mum. It was difficult growing up but my mum always worked really hard and she’s just the nicest person, I think that’s why I’m so lovely!A: I was also going to say my mum! She’s incredible, she worked so hard from nothing, she now even owns her own business. I have never known anyone work as hard as her.
What has been your worst job?A: All of my jobs before APM were the worst, I worked in a box factory, a battery warehouse and a curry patty factory! L: I had a job cleaning a bingo hall.
What are 2 fun facts about you that no one knows?A: I have 2 cats and they only have 2 eyes between them, one each! One’s called Dave and the other is Vinnie and my nickname outside of work is …Dance Troll. Don’t ask!L: Well I’ve played at the Moseley Folk Festival, I lost 10 stone and no one at all outside of work calls me Lorraine, everyone calls me Jez.
What’s one item from your bucket list?L: This is easy, I want to travel around America doing those huge food challenges and getting my photo taken and on as many diner walls as possible. Basically, I want to eat my way around the US!A: I want to see every single place in the world, even the dangerous places, I want to see absolutely everything!
Here at APM we have so many interesting people who enable better lives everyday.
APM is a people business, with passionate and committed APMers working across the country. Here, we get to know a little about who our APMers are and what they do…
