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
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 8, 2025
We would love you to join us at George Oliver’s.
You will step into our spacious and beautiful shop decorated in vintage style but with a musical theme.
Enjoy a warm welcome and our musical selection, we have air conditioning when it’s hot outside.
Sit back in comfort, relax and let our friendly top quality barbers take care of you, and when you leave you will have a fresh new look and hopefully feel like a new man!
We look forward to welcoming all care leavers and are excited to offer a discount of £2 on all our services, which are all very reasonably priced to start with.
We sell quality hair products in the shop so you can continue to make yourself look sharp and confident when you get home!
Taking Up This Offer
We are a walk in shop so just come a long and we will look after you! When you go to pay just say that you would like to use the ‘Spectra Discount’ and you will receive our discount.
Instagram “Georgeoliverthebarbers”.
Facebook “George Oliver the Barbers Worcester”.
We can be contacted on either of those platforms but tend to use Facebook primarily
Our phone number is 001905 701140.
Our mobile/WhatsApp is 0791 920 7651.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 2, 2025
Welcome to Sudley Walled Garden – A Supportive Space for Care Leavers to Thrive
At Sudley Walled Garden, we are committed to offering free, nature-based activities and volunteering opportunities that support your wellbeing. As a not-for-profit community organisation based at Sudley Estate (a beautiful small park in South Liverpool), we believe in the healing power of nature and community connection. Caring for the environment, and for people, are our two main values, and we work with people of all ages and abilities. Our activities are designed to promote mental health, personal development and skill-building, providing care leavers with a space to grow and thrive.
As John Muir once said, “When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world.” This quote truly reflects our mission at Sudley Walled Garden – a place where every act of connection with nature helps build stronger bonds with our community, and our planet. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, improve your mental health, or gain work experience, Sudley Walled Garden offers a supportive and welcoming environment where care leavers can engage in meaningful activities that promote overall wellness and community involvement.
What We Offer:
Volunteering Opportunities: Join us every Wednesday from 2-4pm to take part in gardening, land work, and environmental care in the beautiful walled garden. This is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain practical experience, and connect with others. No need to book – simply drop in and join us.
If you are interested in more in-depth volunteering, there are various options and can talk to you about ways this might best work for you.
Gardening and Therapeutic Horticulture: We offer projects and services learning about gardening, growing and organic regenerative land-based practices. We aim most of our project work at groups who need a little more support to access gardening, such as those with additional needs, disabilities, long term health conditions and adverse experiences. Gardening has a wide range of therapeutic effects, grounding us to the earth and even producing serotonin boosting chemicals from the soil, as well as delicious and beautiful crops to take home.
Forest School and Nature Play: Enjoy nature therapy and outdoor play and activities that encourage relaxation and reconnection with the natural world, supporting emotional wellbeing.
Outdoor Mind-Body Practices: Participate in Tai Chi, Yoga, Qigong and other outdoor activities designed to promote mental wellness and reduce stress.
Tea and Talk About Herbs & Health: Take part in informal discussions about the healing properties of herbs, guided by medical herbalists. This is a chance to relax and learn about natural wellness practices.
Community Herbalism: We offer lots of different ways to learn about the traditions of plant medicine for health and wellbeing. On seasonal Herb Walks we explore Sudley Estate and discover the therapeutic benefits of plants in nature. These walks are designed to reconnect you with the outdoors and support physical and mental health. We also run workshops, talks and activities about herbalism and other natural wellness practices, working with experienced Medical Herbalists. See our website or get in touch for the latest opportunities.
Community Events & Activities: From campfire singing to gardening workshops, and much else, we host various community events aimed at promoting wellbeing and building connections.
Therapeutic Garden Design: The garden is carefully designed with zones dedicated to different activities, from woodland areas for reflection to garden beds for growing medicinal plants and herbs. It’s a safe, accessible space where everyone can come to connect, relax, and experience the healing power of nature. If you’re not interested in volunteering or gardening, you can come along on Wednesday afternoons just to chill out, enjoy the space, bring a picnic.
The Changing Rooms: We have developed a Therapy and Wellbeing Centre next to the garden, which opened in 2025. An eco building, this space hosts a wide range of therapists offering physical and talking therapies. We would be interested to partner with other Care Leavers Covenant signatories to offer services for Care Leavers at the centre, or to support Care Leavers on the path to becoming therapists themselves.
We have lots of free offers, regularly updated, so join our mailing list or keep an eye on our website and socials to hear about what’s on. Come and enjoy this relaxing hidden gem of a garden with us, you are very welcome.
Cost: Free unless otherwise stated (we would like to support Care Leavers, so if cost is a barrier for any paid services, please get in touch)
Method: Drop-in (subject to weather conditions)
What to Bring: Depends which session, but always weather appropriate comfortable clothes that can get dirty, good footwear and woolly/sun hat depending on the season.
Location: Growing Sudley CIC / The Walled Garden and Changing Rooms, Sudley Estate, L18 8BX (top entrance) or L17 6BZ (our actual location on google maps). We are NOT in Sudley House. You can get more information on transport and how to find us by getting in touch before you come.
Why Join Us?
Sudley Walled Garden provides a unique opportunity for you to engage with nature, develop new skills, and improve mental and physical health in a supportive, community-driven environment. Whether you are looking to gain practical experience through volunteering or need a space to focus on your mental wellbeing, we offer a range of activities that are designed to nurture growth, build confidence, and promote self-care.
Our ethos is rooted in protecting and nurturing nature, which is why we employ sustainable practices in everything we do. Our focus on permaculture, organic gardening, and chemical-free practices ensures that the space remains a peaceful retreat for everyone. By joining our activities, you’ll become part of a community that values personal growth, shared learning, and mutual support. This is an opportunity for care leavers to connect with others, take part in meaningful projects, and improve their wellbeing in a peaceful and healing setting.
We also offer volunteering opportunities in our therapeutic garden, designed to help improve your mental health and build practical skills. With the support of local people, we’ve transformed the walled garden into a vibrant, healing space. Whether you’re interested in hands-on gardening, therapeutic practices, or simply connecting with nature, there’s a place for you here.
We value differences, so if you have any additional needs, neurodivergence or anything else you need to support you in your experience with us, please feel comfortable to let us know and we’ll do everything we can to make things accessible for you.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 2, 2025
At Bee N Spired, our mission is to ignite potential and provide transformative opportunities for young people, especially those with care experience, estranged from their families, or at risk of incarceration. We deliver hands-on, immersive workshops in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and creative industries to foster confidence, creativity, and future opportunities. Through our Programmes, we not only inspire but also provide access to career pathways, mentorship, and real-world experiences that empower young people to build better futures.
Whether you’re seeking to build practical skills, discover a new passion, or explore career opportunities, Bee N Spired is here to help you unlock your full potential.
Our Vision
We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to dream beyond their circumstances. Through our free and affordable workshops, we aim to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by offering young people access to career pathways in creative and technical fields. By integrating career-focused training with hands-on learning, we ensure that young people develop essential skills for their future careers while also growing in confidence and self-expression.
Our Unique Approach
We provide personalised learning experiences that prepare young people for life after education, helping young people navigate the often-difficult transitions into employment or further education. Our Bee More and Next Chapter Programmes are designed to ensure young people develop practical skills, expand their networks, and gain hands-on experience that directly impacts their career success.
We also provide employment opportunities for young people with lived experience, offering a chance to work as a Facilitator & Support Worker to help deliver the Programmes.
Our Programmes
Inspire Programme – Free – Register your interest for the September 2025 intake
On our flagship programme, in the first 6 weeks, participants, whom we call Bees, will explore 6 STEAM workshops, gaining experience in areas such as cosmetic science, sports analysis, food sciences, and engineering. Afterward, they transition into Innovators (STEM) or Creators (Arts) to focus on a project that culminates in gaining accredited City & Guilds qualifications.
Over 9.5 months, the programme includes structured learning, the Level 3 EPQ, and Employability Skills Qualifications up to level 2, providing real-world experience and certifications. Innovators and Creators also meet industry experts for mentorship, and engage in project research, branding, entrepreneurship, and work experience.
- Key Benefits: Confidence building, skill development, career exploration.
- Programme Highlights: Programme Highlights: Workshops, career guidance, and personal development
Bee More Programme – Free – running throughout the year
This Programme is designed to help young people in care, estranged youth, and those at risk of incarceration develop practical skills and confidence through immersive workshops in STEAM and creative industries. It is tailored to ignite curiosity and create opportunities for these young people to thrive, whether through education or future employment.
- Key Benefits: Confidence-building, mentorship, career pathways, real-world skills.
- Programme Highlights: Hands-on workshops, career planning, employability skills, mentorship from professionals in the industry.
Next Chapter Programme – Free – running throughout the year
The Next Chapter Programme supports young people leaving the prison system by offering skills training, mentorship, and career development. By participating in immersive workshops focused on STEAM and employability, participants gain valuable life skills, confidence, and job-ready abilities.
- Key Benefits: Personal development, job-readiness, life skills, career pathways.
- Programme Highlights: Job readiness workshops, mentorship, career planning, and employability support.
Paid Workshops – Runing throughout the year
While we focus on providing free Programmes, we also offer affordable workshops for schools, colleges, and organisations – to help fund our free Programmes and ensure sustainability.
- Gloss Boss – Make It. Brand It. Own It: Participants create and market their own lip gloss products. Cost: £499
- Stat Attack – The Maths Behind the Game: Explore the mathematical principles behind game design and sports statistics. Cost: £250
- Bee-yond the Beat – Dance, Create, Inspire: A dance and creative arts workshop to inspire movement, teamwork, and self-expression. Cost: £250
- Gear Up – Build, Race, Repeat: A hands-on workshop where participants build and race their own mini cars, learning about mechanics and engineering. Cost: £899
- Ink-Spired – Ink-spiration Starts Here: A tattoo design workshop, where young people explore art, design, and the business of tattooing. Cost: From £400
- Roll With It – The Sweet Science of Ice Cream: A fun and creative science workshop combining chemistry with the art of making ice cream. Cost: £499
For more details on pricing and availability, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Employment Opportunities
As part of our commitment to empowering young people, Bee N Spired is excited to offer employment opportunities for those who have lived experience of care, estrangement, or overcoming other challenges. These roles will directly support the delivery of our workshops and Programmes.
Facilitator & Support Worker – Lead Workshops & Provide Mentorship
This combined role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with lived experience to become Facilitators & Support Workers. In this role, you will lead interactive workshops while also offering mentorship and career development to young participants. Your work will directly impact their growth and future prospects as you guide them through their creative and professional journeys.
Responsibilities:
- Facilitate hands-on workshops in STEAM and creative industries.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
- Provide one-on-one mentorship to participants, offering career advice, skill development, and personal support.
- Support the logistical aspects of the workshops, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Develop new workshop materials based on feedback and participant needs.
- Act as a role model, encouraging young people to take ownership of their learning and careers.
What You’ll Need:
- Lived experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A passion for teaching, mentoring, and inspiring young people.
- The ability to adapt to different needs and challenges in a dynamic environment.
- A positive, solutions-focused attitude and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
Benefits of Joining Bee N Spired:
- Competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.
- Training and support in leadership, facilitation, and mentorship.
- Opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
- Make a direct impact on the lives of young people while advancing your own career.
How to Join a Programme or Apply for Employment
If you’re a young person interested in our free workshops or want to explore the employment opportunities at Bee N Spired, get in touch today!
- Email: rees@beenspired.org
- Phone: 07808802435
Follow Us on Social Media:
- Instagram: @beenspired_
- Twitter: @beenspired_
We look forward to helping you build your future and inspiring the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders.
by Kieron McCarthy | Apr 1, 2025
Focus Futures UK: Empowering Young People with Care Experience
Focus Futures UK is a dedicated organisation committed to supporting young people with care experience as they transition into adulthood and independence. We achieve this through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, ensuring that each young person receives the tailored support and guidance they need to succeed in life. Our services are designed to offer consistency, stability, and opportunities for growth, all while recognising the unique needs of every individual.
The Focus Futures Approach
Our approach is built on the belief that young people, especially those with care experience, require:
- A Safe and Supportive Environment: We offer supported accommodation, providing young people with the security of a structured home environment.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Our team is trained in trauma-informed practices to ensure we understand and address the emotional and psychological needs of the young people we care for.
- Strengths-Based Practice: We focus on identifying and nurturing the strengths of everyone, empowering them to take ownership of their lives and future.
- Engagement in Decision Making: We encourage young people to be actively involved in decisions about their care and pathway to independence, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-worth.
Our Mission
At Focus Futures UK, we focus on delivering high-quality care that prioritises the welfare of young people. Our services emphasise:
- Safeguarding: Ensuring that every young person is protected, and their rights are respected.
- Development and Empowerment: Providing opportunities for young people to develop life skills, emotional regulation, and build resilience.
- Positive Relationships: Encouraging trust and positive relationships with mentors, staff, and the broader community.
- Preparation for Independence: Assisting young people in becoming self-sufficient and prepared for adult life.
We work closely with local authorities, social workers, and other professionals to create individualised plans that help young people achieve their full potential.
Job Opportunities at Focus Futures UK
Focus Futures UK is at the forefront of supporting young people with care experience. We believe in empowering our youth and providing them with the tools, relationships, and opportunities needed to thrive. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply to join our team and help us make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
We are currently seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team in roles supporting young people in Swindon and Bristol.
Young Persons Support Worker – Swindon
Salary: £24,480 – £28,580 per year
Type: Full-time or part-time
Schedule: Monday to Sunday, including weekends and sleep-in duties
Responsibilities:
- Safeguard young people in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Implement strategies to improve outcomes for young people, based on their individual needs.
- Lead shift planning and provide guidance to other staff members.
- Offer 1:1 and group work sessions.
- Provide support to young people, fostering their emotional well-being.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience in social care or working with children/young people.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practices.
- Ability to work in a rota-based shift system, including sleep-ins.
- Valid driving license (preferred – but not essential).
Young Persons Support Worker – Bristol
Salary: £24,480 – £28,580 per year
Type: Full-time or part-time
Schedule: Monday to Sunday, including weekends and sleep-in duties
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the safety and well-being of young people in care.
- Support young people’s pathway planning and the implementation of individual care plans.
- Liaise with other professionals and agencies to ensure comprehensive support.
- Apply trauma-informed knowledge in interactions with young people.
Essential Criteria:
- Previous experience working with children/young people.
- Knowledge of child development and trauma-informed practices.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and sleep-ins.
- A commitment to completing or holding a childcare qualification.
Benefits of Working with Focus Futures UK
- Competitive salary: £24,480 – £28,580 per year
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Free parking and on-site parking
- Company pension plan
- Casual dress code and company events
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, including training in emotional regulation and childhood trauma
- Career pathway including professional qualification
Why Work at Focus Futures UK?
- Training and Support: We offer comprehensive training programmes and ongoing supervision to ensure staff are equipped to provide the best care possible.
- Impactful Work: Your role will directly contribute to improving the lives of young people, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
- Positive Working Environment: Focus Futures UK fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where staff are valued and encouraged to develop in their roles.
Contact Us
If you are interested in becoming part of our dedicated team, please reach out to us for more information or submit your CV and cover letter:
- Area Manager – Bristol: 07767934558
- Area Manager – Swindon: 07774590043
- Email: admin@focusfuturesuk.com
We also guarantee an interview if you are care experienced and meet the selection criteria to help you succeed. In addition, where you do not meet the criteria we will offer you advice, guidance and signposting through a telephone call to support your career pathway. At Focus Futures UK, we are committed to providing a meaningful career where you can make a real difference in the lives of young people.
Our Partners
We work closely with local authorities and other partners to ensure we provide the best possible outcomes for the young people in our care.
