5th July 2008
SIBLINGS OUTING
Group enjoys picnic and bowling
On Saturday 5th July the siblings group all met up at the Keston Centre and headed off to Finsbury Park for a picnic, borrowing Ben’s bus with Sam driving. Lola joined them for the picnic but had to head off to a party afterwards. After much munching the group had a short walk in the sun to the bowling alley, Aiden and Helen were feeling competitive, some of them more than others! The techniques varied from curvy spinners, bouncing bombs to nonchalant throws. Strikes came thick and fast with victorious winners especially Aiden.
It was a great outing, with everyone keen to plan the next day out. They are thinking of heading into London next time possibly along the South Bank or even to the London Dungeons.
1st July 2008
NEW SUMMER INTERN STARTS AT KITH & KIDS
We give Amber the green light!
Our brand new summer intern, Amber, started in the office yesterday, working alongside Chris and Danielle in the Fundraising and Events team. She is on a placement here whilst on university vacation.
Amber has just finished her second year at Manchester University, where she is studying Religions & Theology. “My studies have helped me develop the skill to view the world through the eyes of others, which I hope will help me in my time with Kith & Kids. I'm really excited to be here."
18th June 2008
READY STEADY...COOK!
ELSP begin cookery and nutrition course
This week young adults participating in the new Employment
and Life Skills Project are starting their cookery course based
at Community Kitchens at Manor Garden Centre. Here young
adults with learning disabilities or autism will learn everyday
cooking skills, and find out about healthy eating. This is just
tne part of the project which aims to give greater
independence and preparation for employment.
13th June 2008
SUPPORTING FAMILIES
Communication workshop for parents and carers
The Family Support team organised a recent communication workshop which was well attended by parents on the waiting list as well as current members. Held by Anne Meerson, this themed meeting was about communication for people with learning disabilities who are non-verbal. It was a very thought-provoking meeting especially as the presentation touched on facilitated communications about which opinions are still divided as to how much "steering" happens in this process.
6th June 2008
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Apply now for summer project volunteering .
Just a quick update to remind you that we are now accepting volunteer applications for this year’s summer project, which runs from Monday 28th July to 8th August. Volunteer training kicks off tomorrow – click on the photo to find out more, or give Alex a call on 0208 801 7432.
Have a great weekend everyone!
4th June 2008
FILM STARS IN THE MAKING!
Young adults group starts video workshop .
Our ELSEP group (Employment and Life Skills Education Programme) now meets regularly on a Monday and a Wednesday. After the recent launch party, which included a cheque presentation for a fantastic £20,000 from the Jack Petchey Foundation, the group have now got down to business, working towards improving their social and life skills through different workshops.
And this week the group started a new project – a video workshop. The members will have to work together to decide on a theme for their documentary, and will then learn about the processes involved in making a short film.
Richie from the group said: “I’m very excited about making a video."
Keep an eye out here for an announcement about the grand premiere!
3rd June 2008
DON'T MISS OUT!
Royal Parks half marathon - 12th October 2008.
As of 9:45am this morning, we only have 4 places remaining in our team for the Royal Parks half marathon – so hurry up if you want to run this fantastic race!
The run takes place on Sunday 12th October and promises to be a great day. The route winds through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James's Park and along the River Thames amongst avenues of beautiful autumnal trees, taking in superb views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Marble Arch, the London Eye and the Royal Albert Hall. And with our total runner support package, helping you every step of the way, this is a race you can’t afford to miss!
Click here to download an application form TODAY or give Chris a call on 0208 885 1517.
2nd June 2008
NEW
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LAUNCHES!
Prime Thinkers, a new social enterprise raising money for Kith & Kids, has launched with a bang!
At the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) in central London last Thursday, over 50 RSA Fellows attended the launch event for Prime Thinkers, a new social enterprise which aims to bring together groups of experienced professional people to deliver practical and effective ideas to help solve business dilemmas and concerns.
The brainchild of Maurice Collins (co-founder of Kith & Kids), Prime Thinkers is an innovative new venture reflecting the dynamic nature of our charity. The successful development of Prime Thinkers will help raise funds for Kith & Kids and offer more opportunities for people to engage with our work. For more information please visit www.primethinkers.com
27th May 2008
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!
A Level student Richie Cole is getting rid of his exam stress by jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet...all in aid of Kith & Kids!
Next month, at an airfield in Bicester, Richie’s sky-high adventure takes place. Starting with a briefing and training session, he’ll be harnessed to his parachute instructor and board the plane. After the ascent to over 10,000 feet, and a quick look down, Richie and the instructor will jump out of the plane and freefall to 5,000 feet, reaching speeds of up to 120mph! When the parachute opens, it’s a gentle float down to the ground – a perfect opportunity to take in the view.
Richie has been collecting sponsorship for weeks now, asking all of his mates, his teachers, and his family. “When I tell people that I’m doing a parachute jump, they don’t believe it. They’ve all been really supportive though, and very generous too. I can’t pull out now!”
Here's a video from the guys at Skyline who organise our parachute jumps:
We wish Richie the best of luck – check back soon for photos of the day.
21st May 2008
NEW INTERN STARTS AT KITH & KIDS!
Our new intern, Alex, has started here at the Kith & Kids office this week.
After a rigorous application process, which he passed with flying colours, he joins us for a 6 month internship. Alex is working with Angela and Richard in the Projects team as the Volunteer and Activities coordinator.
Alex has just come back to the UK after travelling around India for the last year. “I was really encouraged in India by the emphasis still placed on community and especially the family as an institution that provides support to its members”, Alex tells us, a philosophy close to our hearts as well. “I volunteered at my first club last weekend and had an amazing time, and am now really looking forward to the summer projects and camps with Kith & Kids!”.
If you’d like further information on ways that you can get involved in Kith & Kids, please call us now on 0208 801 7432.
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON 2008
We are really excited to be a charity partner of this new event, which takes place in London on Sunday 12th October.
****PLACES ARE GOING FAST - APPLY NOW!**** Email Chris or call 0208 885 1517 now to get your name on our team sheet.
VOLUNTEERS FOR SUMMER PROJECT - APPLY NOW
We are now open for volunteer applications to support our Summer Social Development project which runs from 28th July - 8th August 2008. Click here to find out more.
A WILD FUNDRAISING DINNER DANCE!
Our annual themed dinner dance has raised a staggering £44,000 for the charity! This year the theme was Wild Wild West and it was our best yet! Supporters came from far and wide to enjoy a spectacular evening of gun slinging action! Click here to find out more...
