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Local Youth Centre Awarded BT Laptop to Get Online
The Ypod Extra Youth Centre in Barnsbury is celebrating having received a laptop and a years free wireless broadband access from the BT Community Connections award scheme. They are one of forty groups in the South East to have received an award.
The scheme is run by BT to give community and charitable organisations the opportunity to access the online world to further the cause of their organisation.The Ypod Extra was among thousands that entered the award scheme across the UK and ROI and impressed judges with their ideas on how access to the internet would benefit both their group and the local community. The Youth Centre plans to install the laptop and internet for use by the Young People for their learning and development. The Young People can go online to access education tools such as CV tutoring and interview skills development, search job sites and research career options.
CJ Farrow, lead youth worker for Ypod Extra said “We’re really pleased to have received this award. This project has enabled us to reach young people in the Barnsbury area and provide a safe environment, routine and security. Now with the help of this award the young people will have access to resources that will help them in their school work and careers.”
Beth Courtier, BT’s Community Investment Programme Manager, said: “This award scheme means that thousands of communities are able to take advantage of the range of benefits the internet has to offer. By providing these capacity building awards BT is incouraging sustainability and enabling groups to further their growth”
The Ypod Celebrates its Third Birthady in Style
On Tuesday September 1st The Woking YMCA celebrated 3 successful years of serving the young people of Woking. The YMCA runs inclusive and engaging programs throughout the week and has seen countless lives turned around since it’s founding in September 2006.
In attendance at the 3rd anniversary celebrations was The Mayor of Woking Cllr Tina Liddington . In her speech Cllr Liddington endorsed the work that the Woking YMCA is doing in the community and gave her support to the ongoing efforts to meet the needs of Woking’s youth in providing opportunities for growth and learning. Also in attendance were Cllr Pauline Searle, Mayor of Guildford and Cllr James Vickers
Several local ‘community heroes’ were honoured on the night for their outstanding contributions to the community. Chief Executive of Connexions Surrey Jonathan Olaofe was acknowledged for his commitment to equipping young people to achieve their full potential, through business training and work related learning projects. Shahid Azeem, founder A&P Computers was acknowledged for his philanthropic work at home and abroad. Most recently Mr Azeem has partnered with The University of Surrey to establish a vocational training college in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Other individuals to receive awards were Dana Akbarinassab and David Methven. Both men were named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in acknowledgement of their outstanding service to the YMCA. Dana and David volunteer their time and talents week after week to improve young lives and further the cause of the Woking YMCA.
Entertainment was provided by some exceptional home-grown talent. Children’s dance group ‘Boppin’, run by Cathy Curdie performed a ’Super Trouper’ themed dance routine to start the night off. Local MC’s Dan Hall and Perry Wells ended the evening with a 20 minute live set. Dan and Perry have been making music in the Ypod’s recording studio since the centre opened. In the studio the boys have been able to develop their skills under the mentorship of a trained producer and become extraordinary talents, already gaining a strong reputation on Woking’s music scene.
The evening closed with an auction of generously donated Matt Wood pop-art. At the end of an enjoyable evening the guests were more than happy to dig deep to claim a piece of modern art for themselves and to help raise funds for the Ypod’s ever increasing work with young people.
Woking YMCA takes the Ypod to the streets
Woking YMCA Ypod Centre in conjunction with Woking Borough Council is proud to announce the re-opening of Ypod Extra (formally The Barnsbury Project) on Ash Road, Barnsbury. The local Police are also close partners and have provided support and funding.
The centre aims to provide for young people in the Barnsbury area in the same way as the Ypod centre , only closer to home. The Monday night drop-in has been busy so far, with 20-30 young people coming through the doors every session. The dedicated team only hope to grow this as word spreads and more young people come to see what’s on offer.
Ypod Extra is designed to provide young people within Barnsbury a free safe environment where they can look forward to developing new skills or just having fun with other young people on the estate. Play stations and various indoor and outdoor games are provided free of charge and plans are in place to purchase further sports and games equipment for the centre.
CJ Farrow the head youth worker for Ypod Extra said
“Ypod Extra reopened on July 21st but looks forward to an official launch on Monday 17th August. I am truly looking forward top working closely with the community and value any suggestions from young people and parents about what resources and activities they would like at the centre.”
What makes this project stand out is the input form the young people. The Youth team are encouraging all new ideas on how the centre should look and the kinds of things they can get involved in. One of the first projects underway is ‘Wallpaper Graffiti’. The young people are creating designs for the previously blank walls that represent them and bring their personalities and interests into the centre.
Ypod Extra is open to all young people on Barnsbury estate every Monday between 6.30 and 9pm
Ypod partners with Smartartgalleries to showcase and celebrate inspirational talent
Woking YMCA is proud to announce the opening of an exciting new art exhibition at the Ypod. The series of stunning contemporary Pop-art images has been generously donated by Smartartgalleries. The exhibition boasts stylized portraits of rock greats from Ronnie Wood to The Ramones; dramatic images of late pop heroes John Lennon and Ian Curtis and some stunning music and film inspired artwork from ex LongBlondes singer Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson created all the LongBlondes artwork over their six year career. Drawing references from film, music, pop culture and travel Kate’s work was designed to bring the bands lyrics alive visually and create a fantasy world for fans to step into. The images on display at the Ypod are evocative of the era in which the LongBlondes found fame and as alluring today as they were then.
Renowned music photographer Jasper Prachek has an incredible portfolio recording the glory days of the late 70’s when came crashing into the UK music scene. This collection vividly depicts what it was like to be caught in the glaring white heat of this musical revolution. Jasper’s passion for the punk scene is obvious in the raw displays of kinetic energy his photographs so cleverly capture.
Matt Wood is a rare and exciting talent in the world of pop-art. His uniqueness that gives his work that quirky edge is that he paints only using his thumbs. Matt’s monochrome paintings have caught the eye of prominent musicians and sports personalities of our time with Coldplay’s Chris Martin and talented footballer Jamie Redknapp being among his clients.
CEO Terry Eckersley described this specially selected collection of prints as a “perfect fit” for the Youth Centre. The Woking YMCA has a long standing relationship with many influential musicians. A Matt Wood portrait of ‘Mod Father’ and Ypod patron Paul Weller takes pride of place in the entrance foyer.
Paul Weller became a Patron of the Woking YMCA in November 2008. Raised in Sheerwater Paul rose to become an internationally heralded artist and a trend setter for his generation. He determined not to be held back by the apparent lack of opportunities and poverty of his youth, keeping focused on his dream and defying the odds to make it a reality.
Paul Weller has achieved what the YMCA encourages in our young people: that is ambition, character, sacrifice and fulfillment. He is a great role model and still setting an example today of what is achievable for our young people. Along with the support of Paul Weller and The Beatles, also patrons of the centre, Woking YMCA are giving young people a place to belong, with a team that encourages them, believes in them, and builds them up. This positive environment is causing these young people to work toward a hope and a future.
Role Model CEO
Ypod CEO Terry Eckersley recently entered the ‘Face of the Peacocks’ modelling competition held at the Peacocks shopping mall in the town centre. Terry did the Ypod proud by getting into the semi finals but the competition was hot and he was pipped to the post by another worthy wokingite. The competition was great fun and Terry was dignified in defeat, graciously cheering the winning entrants on to the next round.
Each entrant was asked to wear an outfit that best represented them. True to form Terry rose to the challenge donning a pink linen suit with matching pink shirt and white leather loafers. A close friend commented “Terry is the only man I know that could get away with a pink linen suit”!
At the Ypod individualism is celebrated. Young people are encouraged to express themselves and explore life in a supportive, safe environment. A saying Terry has often quoted in motivational talks “you were born an individual, don’t die a copy” is a motto firmly endorsed by the team and communicated in all the work they do.
Every young person that the Ypod reaches through the wide range of programmes and activities they run has a different history, unique talents and their own personal dreams for the future. The expert team at the Ypod aim to tap into what motivates them and unlock their potential. They don’t see young people as a problem to be fixed but as a resource to be encouraged and nurtured.
The Ypod operates a successful mentoring programme run by a team of highly experienced, qualified staff. One of a mentors key responsibilities is to be an excellent role model to the young people they work with. They don’t all wear pink linen suits but their dress sense is pretty rare! CJ has a penchant for Pirate get-up and Emily looks like she’s time travelled straight from the 80’s while Shaz is a full-skirted 50’s glamour queen.
The programme is aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 19 not in education employment or training; although a persons needs are looked at on an individual basis and support can still be provided for those outside of this category.
A mentors job is to help a young person in their development. They can provide practical help in applying for jobs or college courses and help young people to network with various agencies and find their way around systems. Mentors are also trained to come alongside young people going through challenging situations. They will listen, support and offer guidance when it’s needed to help the young person overcome obstacles and realise their hopes for the future.
New under 16s music event at the Ypod showcasing local DJ talent
The Ypod has launched its massive new under 16s event, RE-Y-ND, for young people, by young people. This hot event will be showcasing the very best of the Ypod’s ‘home grown’ DJ talent.
Ypod is at the heart of the local music scene with its gig nights already having a massive following. Some of Woking’s best young bands have rocked the stage at the sell-out gigs.
Music is a really effective way to engage young people. It gives young people something to relate to and forum through which they can relate to each other. For a lot of teenagers music is something they can ‘lose themselves in’, it gives them a break from the challenges they may be facing. As music tastes vary so greatly among teens, this latest venture has been designed to reach out to a new group of young people that identify better with dance music and a ‘club’ environment.
In conjunction with RE-Y-ND the Ypod has launched DJ workshops. The centre prides itself on excellence and has recently purchased brand new DJ equipment so the up-and-coming DJs have the very best technology to work with.
The DJ workshops are open to all young people 11 – 19yrs and under 16s DJs will be able to build up their skills to perform live at RE-Y-ND. This event is designed to give the young people opportunity to bring the kinds of music they are into to their peers. The aim is to create an inclusive environment where the young people can explore their skills and express themselves freely.
Interest in the DJ workshops has been huge and bought in a whole new set of young people to the Ypod and some incredible talent has already been uncovered.
The atmosphere is electric and the event is set to just get bigger, better and louder!
Kick-start your weekend with Boppin at the Ypod for all the family
Everyone loves to dance! It’s a basic human instinct to want to let go and dance around like a rock-star to your favourite tunes, everyone does it!
Boppin was born from this very simple philosophy; dancing is fun and dancing is for everyone.
Boppin gets kids and adults active, learning new moves and expressing their creative sides through dance. Boppin leader Cathie motivates the dancers with positive praise and support promoting self-esteem and confidence building in a fun, relaxed environment. The classes are structured but not regimented and Boppers are encouraged to work at their own pace.
Classes run on a Saturday morning at the Ypod centre on Chobham road from 9am. Starting with ‘Bop’ for 13yrs +, then at 10am Baby Boppin for 3-5 yrs followed by Mini Boppin for 5-8yrs and Teenie Boppin 9-12 yrs at 11am.
The very popular adult classes are run on a Tuesday evening 8-9pm. It’s the perfect time for busy grown-ups to take some ‘me’ time, get fit and make new friends.
All Classes start with a ‘Newsround’ where the Boppers have a chance to share with the class what’s been going on in their world. This session improves listening skills and is a great confidence builder. The Boppers then warm up with fun activities and practice individual moves in corner work. The class culminates in the Boppers putting what they’ve learned into an energetic routine. Boppers have recently learned routines from Mamma Mia, High School musical and the old school classic Grease.
At the end of each term there is an Open Day where parents are invited into the children’s classes to see what they’ve been working on. In the grand finale of the term the Boppers take to the stage and wow their audience with impressive routines. This end of term show is excellent for encouraging team work and a great confidence booster.
Well into its second year at the Ypod, Boppin is a huge success. Cathie Carday delivers superb teaching and Boppers of all ages look forward to Boppin as the highlight of their week! Come along and join the action!
Sure Start Children’s centre forms dynamic relationship with Woking Ypod
Sure Start Children’s Centres aim to improve outcomes for all children. They are a vital part of the Government’s ten-year childcare strategy to enable all families with children to have access to an affordable, flexible, high-quality childcare facilities for their child.
Woking South Children’s Centre opened its doors at the Ypod Centre in March 2009.
The Children’s Centre runs free weekly Play and Learn sessions for parents and carers and their children aged between 0-5 years. These run on a Monday 10.00-11.30am and over 50 families have enjoyed the sessions since they started. The centre works in partnership with organisations such as Citizens Advice and the Family Information services who recently gave parents advice and information about local childcare, school admissions and nursery vouchers.
The Ypod is a great venue for the Children’s Centre and parents enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and the convenience of a central location. The vibrant centre offers plenty of space and a bright and welcoming environment, ideal for young children.
The Children’s Centre has also joined forces with the well established Young Parent’s Group that runs on a Friday afternoon at the Ypod, bringing some early years expertise to the team. There are plans to work together to broaden some of the services offered to the group and to arrange outings such as the recent and successful visit to Woking Leisure Centre’s Soft Play.
In addition Woking South Children’s Centre has set up a play group for local registered Childminders and started an annual programme of parenting courses called ‘The Nurturing Programme’. Last Friday the Children’s Centre trialled a Baby Cafe to promote and support breast feeding in the Woking area. This will be a joint venture with the local PCT (Primary Care Trust). It will be run as a drop in cafe once a week, but will be able to provide practical help to new mums. In addition there are plans to offer a Dad’s Club, baby massage and multi sensory movement sessions for young children and their parents.
For more information please contact Nicola on 01483 770063 email n.norman@sythwood.surrey.sch.uk. We welcome all parents, grandparents and carers and their children aged 0-5 years-come along and have some fun!
Youth Mentoring at the Ypod seeing positive results
A 1:1 mentoring programme aimed at young people aged 16-19 (25 with learning difficulties) not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Mentors are people who come alongside a Young Person to provide encouragement and support when they need it most. Our dedicated mentors build trusting relationships with their mentees, by showing a consistent commitment to them and by believing in them and their hopes for the future.
Just having someone to talk to, to act as a ’sounding board’ can make a big difference to a young person in challenging times. Being a good listener is key to being a good mentor. By listening to and understanding the needs of the young person they can respond with the right advice and guidance. Mentors are non-judgemental and will always be real, open and honest with their mentees.
The mentors work towards unlocking the potential of their mentee through building their confidence, helping them to discover their unique talents and facilitating them to achieve their personal goals. Mentors will network on behalf of their mentees, helping them gain contacts in the right areas and putting them in touch with other agencies and organisations that will benefit them.
There are currently 5 trained mentors working at Woking Ypod, with a range of experiences and from varying backgrounds. This diversity means each mentee can be matched with a Mentor of appropriate character and experience to build a successful relationship. Mentor - mentee meetings usually take place in a comfortable, informal environment over a coffee or a Macdonalds. A person can enter the mentoring programme for as long or short a time as is needed and can expect 100% attention from the Mentor for the duration.
Since the programme launched in January 2008 80 Young people have been through the mentoring programme, all have achieved significant personal goals and many have re-engaged with education and gained employment.
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