by Kieron McCarthy | Feb 6, 2025
Rees Foundation offer help and advice to care experienced individuals about any concern and are always here to listen. We run a number of projects that hopefully can make a real difference to care experienced people of any age and want to celebrate any and all personal and professional achievements of those who have experienced being in care no matter how big or small. Full details of all our projects can be found here- Rees Foundation | Projects to help care experienced people – Rees Foundation
Arts projects – The Rees Foundation Arts Project for care experienced people – Rees Foundation
Career support – Rees Foundation | Careers coaching for care experienced people – Rees Foundation
Financial assistance – Rees Foundation | Financial help for care experienced people – Rees Foundation
Connection – Rees Foundation | Peer networks for care experienced people – Rees Foundation
Care Experienced prisoners – The Rees Foundation | Prison and Probation Services – Rees Foundation
by Joshua Felton | Feb 4, 2025
Join the Really NEET Project!
The Really NEET Project is designed to support young people with EHCP’s who may have struggled in mainstream education. We create a positive, inclusive environment where you can gain qualifications, build confidence, and take steps toward achieving your personal goals.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, we’d love to welcome you!
Who We Are
The Really NEET Project provides a combination of education, SEND support, and youth work to ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed. Our philosophy is Youth Work before Education – when we get the youth work right, the learning follows.
We believe in helping young people develop life skills and build confidence while working toward qualifications that open doors to a brighter future.
Our Vision
We are committed to making education accessible for young people who have struggled with mainstream schooling. Through tailored learning, exciting activities, and a supportive community, we aim to help you achieve your aspirations.
Our Values
• Supportive: We are here to guide and mentor you at every step.
• Inclusive: Everyone is welcome and treated with respect and understanding.
• Empowering: We focus on building your confidence and life skills.
Current Opportunities
Qualifications We Offer
• NCFE Functional Skills in English (Entry Level 1 to Level 2)
• NCFE Functional Skills in Maths (Entry Level 1 to Level 2)
• The Arts Award (Bronze and Silver)
Features and Support
• Home Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs: Travel support to and from college to ease anxiety and make it simple to attend.
• Daily Lunches: Enjoy hot and cold meals, plus access to snacks like toast, cereal, and fruit.
• Enrichment Activities: Fun, learner-led experiences like quad biking, rock climbing, football, and more to build confidence and make learning enjoyable.
• Residential Trips: Optional 2-day trips to help you grow through team-building activities, with full understanding if you prefer not to attend.
Why Join Us?
If you’re looking for a place to grow, learn, and gain confidence, the Really NEET Project is here for you. With a dedicated team, flexible support, and exciting activities, we provide the tools you need to succeed in education and beyond.
by Joshua Felton | Feb 4, 2025
Join Us at Shaping Lives
Shaping Lives is dedicated to developing the next generation of early years educators. Our apprenticeship programmes offer young people the chance to gain hands-on experience, earn a wage, and work towards nationally recognised qualifications. We aim to empower future educators to make a lasting impact on young children’s lives while thriving professionally and personally.
What is Shaping Lives’ Apprenticeship Programme?
Our apprenticeships provide practical learning and expert guidance in early years education. Whether you’re starting your childcare career or looking to build on your skills, our programmes help you develop the confidence and knowledge to succeed. We offer a range of qualifications, from entry-level to leadership roles, allowing apprentices to progress in their education careers.
Our Apprenticeship Pathways
Early Years Practitioner – Level 2 Apprenticeship – Duration: 12 months
Apprentices will gain experience working as Nursery Assistants or Early Years Workers. They’ll develop the skills to engage with children, manage classrooms, and assist in early education activities. Ideal for those looking to begin a career in early years education
Early Years Educator – Level 3 Apprenticeship – Duration: 18 months
Apprentices will learn how to support children’s learning, growth, and wellbeing in a nursery setting. Ideal for those aiming to become Nursery Nurses or Early Years Educators. Ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge and experience of working with young children.
Early Years Lead Practitioner – Level 5 Apprenticeship – Duration: 24 monthsThis apprenticeship focuses on developing leadership skills. Apprentices will learn to manage teams, lead educational activities, and ensure high standards of care for children. For those looking to step into leadership roles in early years education.
Teaching Assistant – Level 3 Apprenticeship – Duration: 15 months
Apprentices will assist in the day-to-day operations of a nursery or school setting, helping to support the learning of children. Ideal for those interested in a career supporting children in an educational environment.
Our Apprenticeship Benefits
• Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications – All our apprenticeships offer accredited qualifications that are highly regarded in the early years education sector.
• Earn While You Learn – Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to earn a wage while gaining valuable work experience.
• Develop Practical Skills – Apprentices gain hands-on experience that can be applied directly to their roles.
• Build a Professional Network – Connect with other professionals in early years education and start building a career network.
• Open Doors to Career Advancement – Completing an apprenticeship can lead to further qualifications or permanent roles in early years education.
• Confidence and Personal Growth – Our apprentices are equipped with the confidence and skills needed to excel in their careers and become leaders in their field.
Our Commitment to Supporting Care-Experienced Young People
We recognise the unique challenges faced by care-experienced young people and we’re committed to providing equal access to apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring there is support, guidance, and resources to succeed in their careers.
Our apprenticeship programmes are specifically designed to offer flexible learning pathways and tailored support. We break down barriers that prevent young people from achieving their full potential, empowering them to become successful, confident professionals.
by Joshua Felton | Feb 4, 2025
ABOUT US
KERB+ is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to creating positive social impact through street food. With over a decade of experience supporting small businesses and individuals, we provide vital pathways into work and business for those facing barriers, including young people with care experience.
Our mission is to support people into work and drive lasting change in the hospitality sector. We achieve this through innovative programmes and partnerships that empower individuals to unlock their potential, helping them turn their aspirations into reality.x
WHAT WE OFFER
Coaching into Work
What: A four-week work experience programme designed to help young people, including those with care experience, overcome barriers to employment and build the skills and confidence they need. Referrals are welcome from care organisations and support services. Participants benefit from:
• Practical work experience in hospitality roles at renowned venues like the National Theatre and Seven Dials Market
• All shifts are paid at the London Living Wage (LLW), with either lunch or lunch vouchers provided. Shifts are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with an additional onboarding day for those placed at the National Theatre
• Participants receive 1:1 coaching sessions throughout the programme, ensuring they benefit from personalised pastoral care and professional development guidance.
• Guaranteed job interviews and new uniforms for successful candidates
Where: Work opportunities available at KERB locations, including the National Theatre, Seven Dials Market – with cycles alternating between these locations each month.
Eligibility: Young people must be aged 18+, live in London and be available to work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is a 4-week placement that caters to those who want to break into the hospitality sector – so this is as is more than just a temporary position – it’s the start of an exciting career pathway.
Sign Up: Your support worker needs to complete a referral form, on your behalf, and upon confirming eligibility, your details will be added to our waiting list. You’ll be invited for a venue visit as soon as a place becomes available.
Feel free to contact the Work and Business Coaching manager, NadiaGasper, if you have any questions – nadia@kerbfood.com
Josh’s Journey
Josh, who has Autism and ADHD, struggled to find work and lacked confidence. Referred to KERB, he participated in the Coaching into Work programme at the National Theatre. Over the course of the programme, Josh gained hands-on experience and was eventually offered a job as a Logistics Assistant. His story highlights how the right support and opportunity can transform lives and create new career pathways.
The InKERBator Programme
What: A free, nine-week programme for young entrepreneurs with a passion for food. Participants will:
• Take part in face-to-face workshops led by industry experts
• Gain hands-on market trading experience at central London locations
• Receive mentorship and graduate as KERB members, gaining access to ongoing opportunities
Eligibility: Ideal for young people with care experience who want to start their own food business.
by Kieron McCarthy | Feb 1, 2025
Who We Are
Powerful Beyond All Measure (PBAM) is a non-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive communities. We work to build a village support network where you can connect with others, share experiences, and feel a sense of belonging.
We are committed to:
Providing practical and emotional support to individuals facing challenges.
Helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation by fostering community connections.
Supporting you if English is not your first language, helping you access education and local services.
Delivering workshops and training to promote inclusion and positive change.
At PBAM, we want you to feel empowered, inspired, and supported as part of a community built on respect, equality, and love.
Our Offer to You
We invite you to be part of our More Love Hub, a welcoming space where you can connect with others, build friendships, and explore new opportunities.
At the hub, you will find:
- A friendly and inclusive environment where you can meet new people and feel less isolated.
- Volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in community engagement.
- The chance to develop practical skills through outreach work and events.
- One-to-one mentoring and support from our founding member, who also has care experience.
- You can attend as a participant or get involved as a volunteer, gaining valuable experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those for whom English is a second language.
Location & Availability
More Love Hub meets every Friday, 10:00-11:30 AM at St John Chrysostom Community Church, Queens Rd, Liverpool L6.
A second hub is being developed in Walton.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining the hub, volunteering, or receiving mentoring support, reach out to us:
Danielle Azanuwha – daniellepbam@outlook.com
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