by Kieron McCarthy | May 6, 2025
Welcome to Vibe UK – Supporting Young People’s Growth and Wellbeing
At Vibe UK, we offer a supportive environment for young people with care experience to build resilience, gain practical experience in youth work, and develop key life skills. We are dedicated to empowering young people through positive relationships and hands-on opportunities, helping them take charge of their futures.
Who We Are
Vibe UK is a youth-focused organisation committed to nurturing the potential of young people, particularly those with care experience. Our approach is centred on the RF4 framework, which focuses on building strong relationships and supporting young people at every stage of their development. Our team of experienced youth workers is here to create opportunities, guide young people in exploring career options, and help them make lasting connections.
What We Offer – Youth Support and Development Programme
Volunteer Youth Worker Programme
This unique programme gives young people with care experience the opportunity to volunteer as youth workers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the youth work sector, develop essential skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork, and make a real impact in your community. We will use a buddy system to support your journey.
RF4 Framework Support
The RF4 framework is at the heart of all our youth work. It focuses on:
- Personal: Building self-esteem and a strong sense of self.
- Interpersonal: Developing positive relationships with peers and others.
- Advocacy: Empowering young people to advocate for others and their relationships. Maintain effective relationships with each other.
- Community: Encouraging engagement with and contribution to the community.
As you progress through the programme, we’ll provide consistent mentoring and support to help you manage challenges and grow.
Training and Development
We offer a range of interactive courses to enhance personal and professional development such as:
- Building Effective Relationships with Young People (The RF4 Way)
- Conflict Resolution and De-escalation
- Reflective Practice
- Understanding Self
These training opportunities focus on practical application, ensuring you develop the skills needed to succeed.
Long-Term Employment Pathways
After completing the volunteering programme, we’ll help you explore pathways into paid employment, further education, or apprenticeships. We provide ongoing career guidance and support to help you achieve your long-term goals.
Collaborative Partnerships
We work closely with local authorities, personal advisors, and partner organisations to ensure you have access to a broad network of support, helping you maximise your potential.
Why Choose Vibe UK?
We’re committed to supporting young people with care experience, offering them the opportunity to gain skills, confidence, and experience that will help them transition into adulthood. Through our programme, we provide the tools needed to shape your future and succeed in youth work or other careers.
Contact Us
To learn more or get involved, get in touch with us today:
- Website: https://www.vibeuk.org/
- Email: tracey.murray@vibeuk.org
- Phone: 07584 183 415
- Social Media Handles: Facebook – Vibe UK Org, Instagram – @vibeukorg
Let’s connect and help you build a brighter future.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 14, 2025
Overview of Three Hands
Three Hands is committed to amplifying the voices of individuals who have experienced challenging life circumstances to help businesses create more inclusive products and services.
Lived Experts Research Community
Our Lived Experts Research Community stands at almost 300 members, made up of individuals who have first-hand experience of difficult circumstances, whether coping with bereavement, navigating disability, leaving the care system, managing health conditions, or any other challenges life can throw at us
Lived Experts share their stories and experiences in discussions with some of the UK’s biggest businesses, helping them to understand the real-life barriers their customers face and create more inclusive, accessible products and services that work better for everyone.
We are always seeking to amplify new voices and experiences. If you want company decision-makers to hear your views and directly influence day-to-day services, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join?
- Make real impact: Your feedback will directly shape the development of more accessible and inclusive products and services for care-experienced individuals and others.
- Get paid: Receive a thank-you payment for your time and expertise (your choice of bank transfer or gift voucher).
- Take part in meaningful discussions: Sharing your experiences helps to ensure traditionally ‘underrepresented’ voices are heard directly by product designers and service providers from big businesses like Natwest, Lloyds Bank, British Gas, Experian, and more.
How It Works
- Contact Three Hands: Email Yasmin (yasmin@threehands.co.uk) to find out more and arrange an informal introduction call.
- Survey: Tell us about yourself in our registration survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/THLERC2024
- Become a member!
- We’ll contact you: We’ll invite you when a project needs your expertise.
- Have your say: Participate in a group panel or discussion.
- Get paid: Receive a thank-you payment for each project you participate in.
Taking part in sessions is voluntary and you can always choose whether or not to accept the invitation, with no pressure to do so.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining the Three Hands Lived Experts Research Community please contact Yasmin at Three Hands.
Email: yasmin@threehands.co.uk
Call: 07519 434 933
Thank you!
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 11, 2025
At the University of the Built Environment we are committed to supporting care experienced students to achieve their full potential in their higher education studies.
Who has care experience and what does this mean?
Different higher education institutions have different ways they define and support students. ‘Care leavers’ or ‘care experienced’ are terms that can often be used. At the University we support any students who have experienced care, which means applicants or students who have spent any amount of time living with foster carers under local authority care, in residential care, looked after at home under a supervision order, or in kinship care.
Dedicated Student Support
We are committed to providing all students with the support and tools they need to succeed. We offer tailored support to students with physical and sensory impairments, specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions. Students are also supported throughout their journey with academic skills support from the first week at the University through to graduation. Our ‘virtual hangouts’ also offer a welcoming space to meet fellow students from across the university.
Settling Into University Life
There are a number of university wide initiatives that support all students including care experienced students. These include our Female Networking Group, the Student Networking Group, Peers Assisted Learning, the university’s induction module BE Ready and Space to Study.
Admissions Support
Contextual admissions (undergraduate applicants).
Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities.
If you are a student with care experience and are applying to one of the University of the Built Environment undergraduate programmes, you may be eligible for this.
For more information view our Contextual Admission Policy or contact the University’s Admissions team.
Support Programmes
Student Mentor Scheme
DiverseCity Surveyor Mentoring Programme
DiverseCity Surveyors and the University of the Built Environment have joined together to provide a Career Mentoring Programme to support students from ethnic minority backgrounds and care experienced backgrounds. Mentors will be drawn from the DiverseCity Surveyors network and the University’s alumni network to work with individual students to support and nurture their career development and aspirations.
Accommodation support
N/A Online University
Students’ Union
N/A Do not have a Students’ Union
Financial support
The financial implications of being in care often mean that you could be worried about managing the costs of higher education study.
If you are a current student facing financial hardship which is impacting on your ability to study, you may be eligible for financial support from the University’s Financial Support Fund. Applications made by students with care experience will be fast-tracked.
For more information on Government funded support visit the Government website.
At Graduation
Student Employability
All students have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service including Careers Connect, our digital Careers platform where students can access our appointment booking system, events, CV review requests and learning resources.
For one-to-one advice students can book an appointment with our Careers Consultant.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 10, 2025
Join Us at HCRG Care Group!
At HCRG Care Group, we’re dedicated to changing lives by transforming health and care. We believe in providing opportunities for everyone to find fulfilling and impactful careers in the health and care sector. With a wide range of career pathways, support roles, and ongoing development opportunities, we are here to help you build your future.
Whether you’re seeking work experience, apprenticeships, or a permanent role, HCRG offers you the chance to gain invaluable insights into the sector and the opportunity to thrive within a caring, flexible, and supportive work environment.
Who We Are
HCRG Care Group is one of the largest independent providers of community health and care services in the UK. Since 2006, we have been trusted by local communities and commissioners to deliver high-quality services that improve the lives of the individuals and families we support. With over 5,000 professionals, we are proud to be recognised for our excellence and commitment to community health and care.
Our Vision for Care Leavers
At HCRG, we understand the unique challenges young people face as they transition into the workforce. That’s why we’ve created a tailored support, designed to help care leavers achieve their career goals while contributing to transforming the health and care sector. We are committed to providing guidance, work experience, and a network of champions to ensure care leavers succeed in their careers.
What We Offer to Care Leavers
- Guaranteed Interviews: Apply for available opportunities, and we guarantee an interview to help you get started on your career journey with us.
- Work Experience: Gain valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of HCRG and the sector, helping you build the skills and confidence needed for a successful career.
- Apprenticeship Opportunities: We offer apprenticeship roles that allow you to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience in health and care services.
- Care Leaver Champions: Our network of dedicated champions will provide the advice, guidance, and support you need as you navigate work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Innovative Support: Explore opportunities funded by our Innovation Fund, designed to support initiatives specifically for care leavers.
What We Do
We change lives through transforming health and care. Our services span across several key sectors:
- Healthcare Services for 0-19
- Prison Healthcare Services
- Sexual Healthcare Services
- Unplanned & Urgent Care Services
- Adult Community Healthcare Services
- Children’s Community Healthcare Services
Why Join HCRG Care Group?
By joining our team, you’ll be part of one of the UK’s largest and most respected independent health and care providers. With a focus on professional development, flexible working, and a supportive work environment, we’re committed to helping you grow both personally and professionally.
Here’s what we offer to our team:
- Professional Development: Access to training and career progression.
- Flexible Working: Work-life balance is a priority for us.
- Employee Benefits: Enjoy everyday discounts, wellbeing support, and more.
How to Join Us
We are excited to offer a range of roles in locations across the country. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, we want to hear from you.
Explore our current vacancies and find your next role with HCRG Care Group by visiting:
View Our Vacancies
Contact Us
For more information on how to apply visit our website – How to Apply
To apply for a position, or to learn more about how we support care leavers, get in touch with Sue Prior our Recruitment Lead at Sue.Prior@hcrgcaregroup.com
For any general enquiries contact or visit:
Email: careers@HCRGcaregroup.co.uk
Website: www.HCRGcaregroup.co.uk
Follow us on social media:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HCRGCareGroup/
Inked in https://uk.linkedin.com/company/hcrgcaregroup
Make a difference with us. Join HCRG Care Group and transform your future, while transforming health and care.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 9, 2025
Location: Thrive, 21 Preston St, Liverpool
Programme: IT Training Programme – 2 Courses
- Hacking Awareness – Cyber Safety
- AI Safety and Usage
Full Details
NobleProg is an international, world-leading training and consultancy company delivering high-quality courses across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, IT, Management, Applied Statistics, and Cyber Security.
We are excited to offer bespoke courses for young people in collaboration with Thrive. These sessions will introduce you to practical, in-demand skills in cybersecurity and AI, providing valuable insights into potential career paths. Whether you’re interested in technology, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, these sessions will help you explore new opportunities for growth and development.
The courses will be delivered online by an IT professional trainer from NobleProg, and participants will gather in Thrive’s learning space to take part. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, interact with peers, and gain insights into real-world skills that are in demand by employers. At NobleProg, we aim to empower you to take control of your future, build your confidence, and open doors to exciting possibilities.
Offer Overview
We are pleased to offer two training sessions on Hacking Awareness – Cyber Safety and AI Safety and Usage, delivered by NobleProg in collaboration with Thrive.
- Duration: 90 minutes per session, including a 15 minute break
- Session Dates:
- Session 1: Hacking Awareness – 14th May, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Session 2: AI Safety and Usage – 28th May, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Thrive, [Insert Address] Participants will be together in Thrive’s learning space for the online course
- Group Size: 12 participants
- Equipment: Thrive will provide access to a Laptop with browser access.
- Certification: A certificate will be awarded upon completion of each session.
Course Breakdown
Course 1: Hacking Awareness – Cyber Safety
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- What is Cyber Security?
- Key concepts: Cyber Attack, Cyber Defence, Cyber Threat
- Foot printing and Reconnaissance
- What is Foot printing?
- Techniques like DNS lookups, network scanning, social media profiling
- Preventing Foot printing
- Viruses and Worms
- What are viruses and worms?
- Infection vectors and prevention tips
- Social Engineering
- Understanding social engineering attacks like phishing and pretexting
- Identifying and preventing social engineering
- Security Habits for Staying Safe
- Developing good security habits
- Using strong passwords, caution with links, and safe browsing
- Interactive Session with Q&A
- Wrap-up and key takeaways
Course 2: AI Safety and Usage
- Introduction to AI
- What is AI and its applications
- Virtual assistants, language translation, educational platforms
- Safety Aspects of Using AI
- Potential risks: data privacy, bias, and job displacement
- Mitigating risks: using AI responsibly
- What AI Means for Young Adults
- Impact of AI on education, careers, and productivity
- Using AI tools responsibly
- How to Use AI Safely and Effectively
- Examples of safe AI tools: virtual assistants, language translation apps
- Evaluating AI-generated information
- Interactive Session with Q&A
- Wrap-up and key takeaways
Taking up this Offer
Participants will need to be able to get to Thrive for both sessions.
To apply or register interest in participating in this course, please contact Alex Kitson at Thrive– Email: alex@thrive-cic.co.uk
If you apply to participate in any of our courses, please also notify the Care Leaver Covenant at connects@mycovenant.org.uk
