POSITIVE BUSINESS
Elm Workspace and Essex Group join STAR Scheme to tackle childhood disadvantage
Sister companies Elm Workspace and Essex Group are getting behind new charity STAR Scheme whose mission is through the sport of rugby , to make a material difference to the lives of young people who are suffering or have suffered adverse childhood experiences .
The directors of the two firms , Daren Spencer and Sandie Mills were inspired to join the cause by founder of STAR Scheme , Dan Wooler . Dan set up the charity in November 2020 and over the last two years it has gained traction , starting in rural Bristol and now expanding across the South West .
Dan said , “ In 2020 , during the Covid lockdowns , a small group of Chew Valley RFC members met to discuss how the club could further impact the lives of young people in their immediate surroundings . From this conversation STAR Scheme was born .
“ We know that in order for young people to overcome the impact of multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences ( ACEs ), they need to build resilience through relationships with trusted adults ; grassroots rugby is the perfect space for this to happen .
“ We provide all that the young person and family need to enable them to engage with the sport , including kit and transport . We work with rugby clubs to provide specific training to ensure that the adults are informed and equipped to provide the support and space that the young person needs . We are committed to ensuring that ACEs are never
“ Everyone at STAR Scheme is passionate about developing children and young people into leaders of the future ”
a barrier to involvement in sport , or indeed life and work . Everyone at STAR Scheme is passionate about developing children and young people into leaders of the future .”
Daren Spencer , Director , Elm Workspace and Essex Group , said , “ I ’ ve known Dan for quite some time through his company TC Group which supplies office and education furniture to our businesses . When we learnt more about the work of STAR Scheme we wanted to support and help make a difference in the communities we serve .”
Elm Workspace and Elm Group have a number of fundraising activities planned in 2023 to support STAR Scheme , including a 100K walk which will be taking
place later in the year . Sandie is also making a personal contribution by volunteering to help young players find apprenticeship opportunities . Sandie Mills , Co-Director , Elm Workspace and Essex Group , said , “ Having worked in the apprenticeship space before , I am delighted to be working with STAR Scheme to help young people find career opportunities . If you ’ re a business looking for an apprentice , I would love to hear from you .”
Christian Lang is Managing Director of Star Scheme , he said , “ Having Elm Workspace and Essex Group on board and supporting STAR Scheme is going to enable us to deliver our work to some of the most vulnerable young people and families in the region . At STAR Scheme we are passionate about transforming lives and communities through the medium of grassroots rugby . As passionate rugby fans , Daren and Sandie were able to see the impact that STAR has , and their generous support means that even more young people and families will benefit from the work we do .”
If you can help STAR Scheme with apprenticeship opportunities , please email sandie @ starscheme . co . uk
For more info :
www . starscheme . co . uk
CREATING YOUNG CHAMPIONS
Local youth charity Inner Flame inspires and empowers young people . It offers free courses to develop confidence , self-worth , life-skills , and employability for young people aged ( 16-25 ) in Swindon and North / West Wiltshire .
“ Emma felt unsupported , had no confidence and no direction . By the end of the course her confidence grew , and she had worked out a plan of what she was going to do with her life ”
Participants of The Prince ' s Trust Team Programme over the last decade received special awards at the Young ( ish ) Champions evening , as well as sharing their inspiring stories .
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At the end of 2022 the charity hosted its annual Young Champions evening , an event designed to recognise a selection of young people who have overcome adversity and changed their lives .
This year at the event , Inner Flame celebrated 10 years working in partnership with The Prince ’ s Trust to deliver The Prince ’ s Trust Team Programme . On the night attendees heard from participants from over the last decade and how their lives had been turned around by Inner Flame . One young lady who shared her story was Emma . Emma felt unsupported , had no confidence and no direction . By the end of the course her confidence grew , and she had worked out a plan of what she was going to
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do with her life . She trained as a paramedic to help save lives and enjoyed a fulfilling career before returning to Inner Flame as an employee , to give back to the organisation that helped her turn her life around . Emma said , “ I even took a pay cut to work with Inner Flame . I ’ m so passionate about its work and the difference it makes .”
As well as delivering The Prince ’ s Trust Team Programme , Inner Flame also runs the Manage Anxiety : Your Way course and Achieve . Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues for young people in the UK , and a problem Inner Flame sees frequently with the young people it works with . The Manage Anxiety : Your Way course helps participants take control of their own
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mental health , putting together a toolkit of methods that work and can be used in life moving forwards .
Achieve is a programme designed to help young people take their first steps towards work , further education or volunteering . The course is active and empowers each person to build confidence and develop life skills .
Inner Flame is always on the hunt for great people in the community to support its work . There are many ways you can get behind the charity including :
• Fundraising activities
• Providing work experience
• Mentoring
• Becoming a trustee
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• Choosing Inner Flame as your chosen charity
To find out more about how you can help email : david @ innerflame . org . uk
For more info : www . innerflame . org . uk
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40 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk |
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