Team SpringBoard seems to really have life of its own at the moment and it is hard keeping on top of everything. But I guess that's the fun! As a Social Entrepreneur .. in fact I guess it's the same if you run any small business ... you need to become an expert in law, HR, recruitment, web design, procurement, marketing, finance, customer service pretty much overnight. You can pay other people to do these things but a/ you probably don't have any money and b/ what's the point in that when you can do it yourself and learn loads in the process! It's route b/ for me all the way, I'm learning lots fast and I need to learn to update this blog more often.
So, a quick (longer than usual) update..
I am really enjoying my time with The School for Social Entrepreneurs (Midlands). I am part of the East Midlands cohort comprising of about 15 fantastic, inspirational people, each with the most incredible idea to make the world a better place. We have some great learning days when we delve into a specific topic - finance, marketing etc. This week it was legal structures i.e. how on earth do you go about deciding what legal entity you need to be? I constituted SpringBoard back in November 2014 (as a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee) and the good news is that that is exactly right for us! The learning is good but the really powerful part of this course though is the interaction with other students, my peers - I just love it and a few of us are working up some brilliant collaborations. If you have an idea and are looking for support (including a tasty £4k start up grant) then definitely get in touch with them or get in touch with me if you want to know more.
Two really exciting projects have kicked off in the last week or two..
1. Paint and Succeed is a pilot collaboration between Team SpringBoard, SCCU, WhiteFriars HA and Cannon Enterprises. The objective is to support 5 Whitefriars tenants to decorate their properties so that they feel comfortable, secure and enjoy being in that space. We are going to help the tenants decorate one room (teach them some hints and tips so that they can help out other their friends and family in the future) and offer them the option of some work experience with us. SCCU Ltd are going to offer a leadership qualification and support the tenants to identify possible apprenticeships. This is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills, gain some work experience and get a qualification! We are really excited to be part of this innovative pilot and can't wait to get started.
2. Community Roots - Stoke Aldermoor is our Community Garden Growing Project. The aim is to get the entire community of Stoke Aldermoor into the community garden to learn, grow and have fun! We will be putting in some raised beds, a wildflower garden, lots of insect habitats, a glass house and some other secret surprises. Folk can come in, grow what they enjoy and then take it home with them to eat! Community Roots will also be the base for the Team SpringBoard Traineeships which will be launching later in the Summer! The traineeships will offer opportunities for young people to complete either a Work Skills and/or a Horticulture qualification! Inner city horticulture is where it is at! The garden is based on The Vale in Stoke Aldermoor and if the gate is open come on in! It's all hands on deck because we need to get it cleared before we can start growing! Please drop by!
All of this is really exciting and as these projects have been developing we have been out and about doing what we do best - creating amazing garden transformations and helping with DIY projects. Here are just a few pictures...
If you would like to VOLUNTEER for any of our projects or if you have a skill you could share with our young people - please get in touch! I promise you won't regret it!
So, a quick (longer than usual) update..
I am really enjoying my time with The School for Social Entrepreneurs (Midlands). I am part of the East Midlands cohort comprising of about 15 fantastic, inspirational people, each with the most incredible idea to make the world a better place. We have some great learning days when we delve into a specific topic - finance, marketing etc. This week it was legal structures i.e. how on earth do you go about deciding what legal entity you need to be? I constituted SpringBoard back in November 2014 (as a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee) and the good news is that that is exactly right for us! The learning is good but the really powerful part of this course though is the interaction with other students, my peers - I just love it and a few of us are working up some brilliant collaborations. If you have an idea and are looking for support (including a tasty £4k start up grant) then definitely get in touch with them or get in touch with me if you want to know more.
Two really exciting projects have kicked off in the last week or two..
1. Paint and Succeed is a pilot collaboration between Team SpringBoard, SCCU, WhiteFriars HA and Cannon Enterprises. The objective is to support 5 Whitefriars tenants to decorate their properties so that they feel comfortable, secure and enjoy being in that space. We are going to help the tenants decorate one room (teach them some hints and tips so that they can help out other their friends and family in the future) and offer them the option of some work experience with us. SCCU Ltd are going to offer a leadership qualification and support the tenants to identify possible apprenticeships. This is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills, gain some work experience and get a qualification! We are really excited to be part of this innovative pilot and can't wait to get started.
2. Community Roots - Stoke Aldermoor is our Community Garden Growing Project. The aim is to get the entire community of Stoke Aldermoor into the community garden to learn, grow and have fun! We will be putting in some raised beds, a wildflower garden, lots of insect habitats, a glass house and some other secret surprises. Folk can come in, grow what they enjoy and then take it home with them to eat! Community Roots will also be the base for the Team SpringBoard Traineeships which will be launching later in the Summer! The traineeships will offer opportunities for young people to complete either a Work Skills and/or a Horticulture qualification! Inner city horticulture is where it is at! The garden is based on The Vale in Stoke Aldermoor and if the gate is open come on in! It's all hands on deck because we need to get it cleared before we can start growing! Please drop by!
All of this is really exciting and as these projects have been developing we have been out and about doing what we do best - creating amazing garden transformations and helping with DIY projects. Here are just a few pictures...
If you would like to VOLUNTEER for any of our projects or if you have a skill you could share with our young people - please get in touch! I promise you won't regret it!
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