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New Start Awarded 5 Year Contract By Liverpool City Council

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:30:34 GMT

New Start To Deliver Two Well Established Homeless Provisions In North Liverpool

I am extremely pleased and very proud to announce that New Start has recently been awarded a five-year contract to deliver two well established direct access homeless provisions for Liverpool City Council. In total, these services provide gender specific accommodation and 24-hour support for up to 48 individuals across two sites, which consist of 25 units of accommodation for females and 23 units for men.

New Start has a long history of delivering homeless provisions in the Merseyside area and we are well experienced in providing structured support and therapeutic models, to create environments that enable those accessing our services to thrive and overcome a range of multi-complex issues, which are so often prevalent within our homeless communities.

We are now looking forward to building on the good work already being delivered at these projects once our contract commences on the 1st of April 2022, and working with existing staff teams, clients and all our partner agencies, as we redesign service delivery and implement our therapeutic interventions and working practices, which have proven extremely effective across the many projects we provide.

Neil Baynes - CEO

New Start | Sefton Supported Housing Group: New Start Wins Tender in Sefton Borough

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:16:03 GMT

New Start Working in Partnership with Local Likeminded Providers Achieve Success in Sefton Homeless Bid

Four Sefton-based organisations have joined forces to tackle homelessness in the borough. Under the name Sefton Supported Housing Group (SSHG), the consortium has won a 5-year contract from Sefton Borough Council to deliver supported housing to homeless people. The Group consists of well-established providers of housing-related support services in Merseyside

The organisations involved are Bosco Society Ltd (the lead organisation), Venus, Excel Housing, and New Start. The service is made up of 39 hostel places and 31 fully supported dispersed tenancies across the Borough. A Sit-Up Service is also available, in three locations, for up to 15 individuals at any one time.

The Sit-Up Service takes rough sleepers off the streets and provides a safe, warm place to spend the night. Each venue will provide clients with a hot meal, toilet and washing facilities, a laundry for washing clothes, and emergency clothing where necessary. Accessing the Sit-Up Service will be, for many, the first step towards independent living.

SSHG has a wealth of experience in delivering 24-hour hostel services, as well as dispersed housing with integrated support. Each client will be allocated a designated support worker who will assess their needs in depth and, with them, agree a support plan to meet those needs. The aim is to provide stability and support to help move clients on to independent living.

The SSHG partners have a shared passionate about service delivery in Sefton and have established strategic links with a range of key stakeholders. We will utilise these relationships to shape and develop services so that strategic outcomes relating to homelessness can be achieved and ensure our clients get the most out of the help and support available.

As part of New Start's ethos to continually reinvest in to activities and services which directly relate to our aspirations, Managing Director Neil Baynes has agreed the allocation of significant investment to raise the standard of the housing provision at Leyland Road.

New Start | Welcome Mhairi Doyle: New Start Have Appointed Mhairi Doyle as Board Member

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:12:26 GMT

Welcome Mhairi Doyle: New Start have appoined Mhairi Doyle as Board Member

Mhairi (pronounced Vari) Doyle has been welcomed to the Board at New Start and is one of three Board Members to have received the MBE. She is also a Trustee with new Start and a Board Member at Birkenhead YMCA, Vice Chair and a Trustee with The Social Partnership and a Trustee and Secretary of the Bootle based BOSCO Society. Mhairi was awarded her MBE for her services to Social Inclusion, especially her work with Street Sex Workers in Liverpool with the organisation Routes Out. She was presented with her medal by Princess Anne on 7th March 2013.

MHAIRI was born in Edinburgh in 1949 to Morag and Tommy Berry and is the eldest of four children, her two sisters, Ann and Willi and a brother, Grant. She left school after completing her ‘Highers’ in 1967 and decided she would like to travel. Mhairi subsequently went over to Paris and worked as an Au Pair for twelve months.

On her return home she had various jobs before she and her partner, Pearson, went to live in Hong Kong, where they were married and had three children, Niall, Simon and Sarah. Pearson was a Civil servant and was actually Mhairi’s mother’s boss when she met him.

On returning to Scotland from Hong Kong, he received a promotion in 1980 and this entailed the family moving down to England. They lived in Ormskirk and in 1986 Mhairi began working for the Unemployment Benefits Service, now DWP, where she gained a couple of promotions before being seconded to Merseyside Tec in 1998 and three years later becoming manager of Wavertree Job Centre.

We are delighted that Mhairi has chosen to be part of our journey at New Start. If you see Mhairi around ensure you say hello and introduce yourself.

New Start | New Start Earn ISO9001 and Health at Work Accreditations

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:08:58 GMT

ISO9001 Accreditation: New Start Earn ISO9001 Accreditation

We are proud to announce that following an extensive auditing process, we have gained ISO9001 certification. This certification ensures that we are progressing in the right way to ensure that we can provide the best possible service to our residents.

The ISO 9000 family of quality management systems standards is designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service. ISO 9000 deals with the fundamentals of quality management systems, including the eight management principles upon which the family of standards is based. ISO 9001 deals with the requirements that organisations wishing to meet the standard must fulfil.

Work Place Wellbeing Charter

Follow @newstarthq | Friday, 05 February 2016 13.35

The Workplace Wellbeing Charter is an opportunity for employers to demonstrate their commitment to the health and well-being of their workforce. The positive impact that employment can have on health and wellbeing is now well documented. There is also strong evidence to show how having a healthy workforce can reduce sickness absence, lower staff turnover and boost productivity - this is good for employers, workers and the wider economy.

New Start achieved excellence in areas such as Leadership, Sickness Absence and Smoking along with fantastic results in other areas.

New Start | Brett Jones Heavyweight 10K: New Start Chairman & Staff involved

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:03:47 GMT

Brett Jones Heavyweight 10K: New Start Chairman and staff involved in charity race for great cause

Through Liverpool Heartbeat, New Start have access to a lot of great causes and charity events. This year a number of New Start employees took part in two 10k races just six days apart. First up was the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10k which took place on 7th June. This year was the 10th anniversary of the annual event. The race started in Liverpool and traveled through the Wallasey Tunnel finishing at Ian Fraser Walk, New Brighton.

The second race which took place on 13th June was the Brett Jones Heavyweight Memorial 10k. Brett was a Wirral born boxer who excelled at county level and coached hundreds of children and young people throughout his life. After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Brett tragically passed away in February 2014 aged just 56. All proceeds were raised to support Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

Well done to everyone involved!

New Start | Coffee Morning Success: Childcare Raise Money and Awareness for Macmillan

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:59:35 GMT

New Start Coffee Morning Success: Raising Money for Macmillan Cancer Support

Childcare management would like to thank everyone for attending the coffee morning on 31st July and for the generosity, the young people at Brook Cottage worked really hard and raised a total of £190.00 for an amazing cause: Macmillan Cancer Support

Not only have the young people made a fantastic contribution to charity, they have done themselves proud and this is a significant personal achievement for them.

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer. People all over the UK are asked to host their own Coffee Mornings and donations on the day are made to Macmillan. Last year alone Macmillan raised £25 million and this year they are aiming to raise even more.

This year, the official Coffee Morning date is Friday 25th September but you can of course hold yours on whatever date is most convenient for you and your guests.

New Start | Investors in People Report: New Start Maintains Gold Status

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:54:25 GMT

Investors in People Report: New Start maintains Gold Status following review

New Start supported housing organisation has been awarded the Investors in People Gold standard, joining the top 7% of accredited organisations across the UK who believe in realising the potential of their people.

New Start is a family run not-for-profit organisation established in 1997 providing residential and supported accommodation for homeless people with little or no housing choice. Based in Wavertree with properties located across Merseyside, New Start employs over 100 people.

Investors in People is the UK's leading accreditation for business improvement through people management, and provides a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business.

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate New Start on their Gold standard. Such a high level of accreditation is the sign of great people management practice, and demonstrates a commitment to staff development and shows an organisation committed to being the very best it can be. New Start should be extremely proud of their achievement.”

Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Investors in People North of England said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for New Start and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that good people make a great business and as a proven organisational development framework, Investors in People is designed to help organisations and their people to realise potential, enhance performance and meet goals. With their Gold accreditation, New Start is certainly working to realise their people potential.”

Commenting on the award, Neil Baynes, Managing Director of New Start said:

“We are delighted to have been recognised for the hard work and inclusivity within our organisation. New Start is a socially focussed organisation, and we are committed to ensuring the continued development of staff and services in the local community. Investors in People Gold Status ensure that we continue to achieve the high standards we work towards.

For more information about Investors in People please visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

For more information, please contact Amy Rowson on 0151 709 3900 or Amyrowson@newstarthomes.org.uk

About Investors in People

Investors in People make people management excellence count. They exist to help businesses realise the potential of their people, improve standards and gain the accreditation to prove it.
Through the respected Standard, business insight and the IIP bank of tools and resources, organizations of all shapes and sizes can put their people first – and discover a brighter business future.
Over the last 20 years, IIP has helped more than 100,000 businesses around the world improve, using their Accreditation Framework to boost working culture, increase employee engagement and encourage game-changing leadership.
Investors in People is owned and managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

New Start | New Start & Partners Announce 4 Year Contract

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:45:13 GMT

New Start announce new four year contract

New Start Managing Director Neil Baynes is pleased to announce that New Start has worked in partnership with a number of Liverpool based housing support providers in securing a 4-year contract, to deliver housing and support to a diverse range of single homeless client groups across Liverpool. The Liverpool YMCA is leading the successful Consortia partners who include Local Solutions, NACRO, North West Property Custodians, Nugent Care and Plus Dane.

New Start | New Start & Liverpool Heartbeat Sponsor Team England

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:39:29 GMT

New Start & Liverpool Heartbeat Sponsor Team England

Jennifer Ellison and the Jelli Studio team prepare to take part in the Dance World Cup which takes place in Jersey on the 25th June. New Start Chairman Robin Baynes is delighted to be able to sponsor the team as they take on countries from all over the world.

Jelli Studios provides elite intense Dance and Musical Theatre training for those wanting a long successful career in the Professional Industry of Performing Arts. Founded by Jennifer Ellison after an extremely successful career as a Dancer, Singer and Actress, her vision is to provide Dance and Musical Theatre training at its best! Preparing students for embarking upon the world of Entertainment with the Knowledge, tools and training required to succeed in the industry.

We wish the team all the best!

New Start | John Hulley Aintree Equi-Trek Supreme Champion Trophy

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:34:29 GMT

John Hulley Aintree Equi-Trek Supreme Champion Trophy

Chairman Robin & Brenda Baynes presented the John Hulley Aintree Equi-Trek Supreme Champion Trophy, along with Winners Horse Blanket to Sarah Birchall on Blue Pearl.

New Start tenant Rob Harrison also joined the Presentation. Since 2011 Rob has volunteered every year for the three day event, fronting the front entrance at Aintree Racecourse welcoming all the riders and horses as they arrive to take part in The Aintree Equi-Trek National Show 2016.

It's great to see Rob Harrison back in action after recovering from his recent illness.

Rob has been number one volunteer for Liverpool Heartbeat for many years covering many of the Charity Events.

New Start | OFSTED Report: Excellent news for New Start's Childcare Services following OFSTED inspection!

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:30:07 GMT

OFSTED Report: Excellent news for New Start's Childcare Services following OFSTED inspection

New Start is pleased to announce that following a recent Ofsted inspection all our Residential Childcare Services continue to remain 'Good' in all areas with Outstanding features.

The inspection framework focuses on the most important aspects of New Start’s work. Inspectors make judgements about the effectiveness of the department’s leadership and management. They also make a judgement about the departments overall effectiveness.

Ofsted uses a four point scale to make qualitative judgements during inspections. Detailed descriptions are provided for each grade to ensure that inspectors make consistent judgements. These grade / judgements encourage companies like New Start to strive for further improvements.

The New Start Childcare team always maintain the highest levels of standards and safety in order to provide the young people with the best service. This has been exemplified by the fantastic results they achieved in the most recent inspection.

New Start | New Start Employee Enters Win a Wedding

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:26:27 GMT

One of New Start’s Welfare Benefits team see’s home and car destroyed in New Ferry explosion.

Kerri & her fiancé Gary fled their home following the blast and have been unable to return since. The blast caused widespread damage, including the destruction of buildings. A total of 18 casualties were taken to hospital - two with serious injuries - while another 15 went themselves for treatment.

The whole ordeal has been a horrendous strain on the newly engaged couple. They lost their home and their cars. Since the incident, the pair have been entered into the Liverpool Echo – Win a Wedding Competition.

Kerri; “We have been together for over 2 years. We would be so happy, we got engaged in December but have been unable to save after being in the New Ferry explosion where we lost our home and our cars. Would make us so happy as we need a pick me up and would love to get married as soon as possible”.

How it Works

Tokens will be printed in the ECHO every day from Tuesday, April 25 until Saturday, May 20, 2017.

For every 500 tokens a couple collects they will receive a Golden Envelope which will be placed into a prize draw. There is no limit to the number of envelopes you can have in the draw so collect as many tokens as possible to be in with an even bigger chance of winning.

We hope that everyone can help Kerri & Gary through this difficult time.

New Start | Liverpool Homeless FC: 10 Year Anniversary

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:20:44 GMT

On Tuesday, October 10, a number of Merseyside organisations took part in the 10th Anniversary of Liverpool Homeless FC.

The monthly event takes place on the last Tuesday of every month and has been the foundation for Liverpool Homeless FC’s eleven a side team. Ste Barton, organiser of the event, manages to assemble an ever ready team of volunteers to assist not only during the tournament but also for other local events around Merseyside throughout the year.

The monthly tournament currently consists of 18 homelessness organisations that operate across Merseyside many of which are hostels. The club also runs a women’s team who train once a week and play in a Futsal League.

Since establishing the league in 2007, LHFC have helped many of the city’s most vulnerable people access education and help them gain long term accommodation.

Once again the emphasis of the event was on inclusion, fun and moving lives forward. The event also coincided with World Homeless Day which provided the perfect platform to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.

The football kicked off at 10.30am and saw New Start play eventual winners Mas in a tightly contested 3-2 loss for New Start. All competitors were awarded with a medal while individual players and referees were recognised for their outstanding performances on the day.

If you are a company and would like to support LHFC or if you are an individual who would like to get involved then contact:

Email: info@liverpoolhomelessfootballclub.com

Telephone: 0151 237 3986

Address: Liverpool Homeless Football Club, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2AH

Twitter: @LivHomelessFC

New Start | Yorkshire Building Society Start Socktober

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:12:08 GMT

End Youth Homelessness (EYH) & local Yorkshire Building Society team up to help the young and vulnerable people of Southport. Yorkshire Building Society spent the month of October appealing for donations of socks and other woolly items such as hats, gloves, and scarves. Known as “Socktober”, the campaign aims to help homeless people survive the coldest months of the year

End Youth Homelessness is a partnership of charities and businesses that have joined forces to raise awareness, gather support and influence government to make a change and eradicate youth homelessness in the UK.

The number of young homeless people in Britain is thought to be more than three times the official figures. A crucial element of the context for youth homelessness in England, and the wider UK, is that younger single people, especially if they are living outside of the family home, now face highly disproportionate risks of poverty.

New Start, who operate Leyland Road in Southport, work closely with young people of Sefton who have found themselves homeless and in need of support and guidance. Leyland Road is a specialist mixed gender accommodation based service with 24 hour on site support for residents who are homeless between 18 – 35. New Start operate this service as part of the Sefton Supported Housing Group (SSHG)

Service Manager, Lisa Dawson: ‘We are delighted that the Yorkshire Building Society chose to donate to our service. We are very grateful for any support we receive for our young residents’.

Leyland Road also operates a rough sleeper service between 8pm & 8am along with being one of the out of hours Mainstay Assessment Points 7 days a week.

EYH and Yorkshire Building Society have been in partnership for 3 years and aims to raise £750,000 to support over 700 homeless young people into their own rented homes.

If you are interested to find out more and how you can help visit:

www.ybs.co.uk/societymatters/index.html

New Start | Our Community Lambanana | Makeover

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:05:51 GMT

Lambanana: Prized Asset Undergoes Makeover

Newly painted Lambanana with New Start staff & residents

If you would like to have a picture with Our Community Lambanana visit the Baltic Market - Stanhope Street, L8 5XJ

In 2008, Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture . It was an exciting time for the City which saw huge investment in architecture and attractions. With millions of visitors expected the city hosted various events and exhibitions. One of the most popular exhibitions was the display of 125 mini Superlambananas which were located all over the city.

Since 2008, the Lambanana has become an iconic sculpture in the heart of the city. The original sculpture was designed by artist Taro Chiezo in 1998, Taro created a four-inch-high Lambanana for the Trans Pennine Art Exhibition held in Liverpool. The tiny sculpture was designed to represent a fusion of the City of Liverpool, past and present. The sculpture signifies a sheep and a banana as bananas and wool were once the most frequently transported commodities that passed through the docks of Liverpool.

Local Liverpool sculptor, Andy Small, along with three of his peers, then turned the four-inch-high Superlambanana into the seventeen-foot sculpture we see today.

Following the city wide exhibition New Start were lucky enough to purchase “Our Working Community” Lambanana. The design was inspired by the people of Liverpool – a community based multi-cultural city and was commissioned by artist Holly Langley.

Since purchasing Our Working Community Lambanana it has been based at various locations throughout the city. The idea is to carry on the positive legacy which the original exhibition left behind. Most recently the Lambanana has taken up new residence at the newly refurbished Cain’s Brewery - Baltic Market.

Prior to this Our Community Lambanana underwent a makeover. We worked closely with Lucy Byrne from Dot-Art. Dot-Art was founded by Lucy in 2006. has a wealth of experience in planning, developing and implementing a wide range of visual art projects, coupled with an extensive contact network of artists and partners across the North West. Lucy introduced us to one of their artists – Ainsley Bonham Lawson.

Ainsley is an artist and designer originally from Providence, Rhode Island, USA. She studied fine arts at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, and later went on to study Interior Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her work has ranged from retail store displays, private and corporate art commissions, and both residential and commercial interior design. Ainsley became a member of Dot-Art in early 2017, soon after moving to Liverpool. She is thrilled to be a part of the city's growing arts' scene and looks forward to continuing with the gallery for years to come.

Ainsley: "It was a privilege to work on such an iconic, and well-loved piece of Liverpool's creative history. I'm so pleased to have helped bring new life to the 'Community Superlambanana' and promote the New Start organisation."

Dot-Art supports visual artists and champions art as an integral part of everyday life They do this by selling locally sourced, affordable art, working with businesses to put art in the workplace and public realm, running art classes and working with schools and community groups.

All this is underpinned by their unique membership scheme for artists in the North West which gives access to all the activities above and a package of support and advice, creating and developing artists’ careers.

New Start | Leyland Road Chosen for Talent Match Programme

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:55:04 GMT

Our Leyland Road Hostel is delighted to be taking part in the Merseyside Youth Association – Talent Match Programme. Leyland Road will be one of the first hostels to take part in the project.

Talent Match has a team of mentors throughout the Liverpool City Region who work closely with individuals providing Intensive support to help them gain sustainable employment. The support available is not time bound and is offered based on the individual needs of each young person.

Liverpool City Region Talent Match is an exciting, creative programme which will develop real skills and meet the demands of both young people and employers. The programme offers intensive support through a voluntary relationship with a dedicated Intensive Mentor who will develop a personalised pathway programme for each young person. Young People are challenged to become motivated and inspired, building on their existing skills, knowledge and interests.

At Leyland Road there will be a 6 week programme giving residents the opportunity to try new and exciting things. The sessions are delivered in a fun, interactive way in surroundings that are comfortable to each residents needs. Each week Talent Match offers something different, whether its outdoor pursuits, learning new skills or gaining an accreditation.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited, 65-67 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY

Telephone: 0151 702 0700| Fax: 0151 702 0700

Email: admin@mya.org.uk / talent.match@mya.org.uk

New Start | The Unconventional Journey of a Refugee

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:42:34 GMT

THE UNCONVENTIONAL JOURNEY OF A REFUGEE: Syrian, Shadi Kanjo speaks candidly about his experiences as a refugee, asylum seeker and UK citizen.

The Syrian conflict has torn the country apart, displacing millions and killing thousands. Many Syrians seek refuge in neighbouring countries, but many more pay smugglers to take them to Europe risking their lives and deportation in the process.

Sitting in an office in Liverpool, Shadi, accompanied by his Mother, Balkis, speaks articulately and with passion about his new life in Britain.

Six years ago, Shadi felt his life was shattered when war forced him to leave Syrian capital Aleppo, fleeing his country and leaving his mother and wife behind. Shadi knew he had to be brave and make a new life for his family away from the war-torn region. Shadi and his family had a good life and describes Aleppo as a “vibrant & cultural city”. He worked long hours to provide for his family and they lived in a nice apartment near the city centre.

Once the Arab Spring happened in 2010, Shadi knew he had to leave to find a better and safer life for his family. It took Shadi nearly 2 years to make the brave decision to leave Syria. He used his own resources and borrowed money from friends and family to ensure he had the funds to make it to Europe.

“It was very difficult to leave everything in Syria behind,” says Shadi, “War and fighting was not an option, it took me 2 years to make the decision to leave Syria”.

Shadi’s journey to the UK is not the typical example of what most refugees experience when fleeing their homeland. He travelled to Turkey following the many thousands who have fled the region. His goal was originally to get to Germany via Greece. The Greek island of Lesbos is the closest to the shores of Turkey, so thousands of people arrive on flimsy, rubber boats each day. Shadi boarded one of these crammed boats with men, women, and children - This would be the first time that he would question his decision to flee his country. The boat they travelled in capsized and many people nearly drowned along with Shadi. He describes getting to land in Greece as “the first real moment of happiness”.

On arrival in Greece he was put in contact with a smuggler in Athens. Most refugees can be held in Greece in makeshift camps due to deportation or for financial reasons. Smugglers generally charge refugees a substantial fee for transportation to various parts of Europe. The most common route is via car or bus, but this comes with its risks as you pass the many checkpoints to get to countries such as Germany or France. It was in Athens that the smuggler advised Shadi that he thought there was a good chance he could arrange for him to fly to the UK. He explained that due to his pale skin and good English he believed that he was less likely to be stopped going through customs. Shadi agreed and made arrangements to pay the £15,000 for flights and documentation which he had borrowed from numerous friends and family.

Shadi left for the UK on a flight via Belgium. He explains that “he felt a sense of relief once he passed through customs in Belgium”, all he had to do now was board his flight to the UK. He spent his first night in the UK at Heathrow Airport. He explained to border control that he was an asylum seeker from Syria and that he was there because we had no other choice. After taking some basic details and using a telephone interpreter, the immigration staff who were dealing with it told him he would have to wait for further interviews. He was told that he would have to convince other government agencies of his legitimacy before an application for asylum could be considered. After hours of interviews Shadi was finally released and he could begin his asylum process.

”I was very fortunate,” he says. “They believed my story and I was then transferred to a hotel outside London. Shadi explained that this was not a hostel it was a hotel with other paying British guests. Following a few days at the hotel he was transferred to Manchester where he waited for a month before he received confirmation of his NASS accommodation which was based in Liverpool. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is a section of the UK Visas and Immigration division of the Home Office. It is responsible for supporting and accommodating people seeking asylum while their cases are being dealt with.

Through this period asylum seekers are provided money to cover basic living costs, asylum seekers are not allowed to work. Shadi, who knew nothing about Liverpool understood that he was luckier than other refugees because of his good level of English. He explained to his house manager that he wanted to keep himself occupied so he referred him to Asylum Link who accept volunteers and assist asylum seekers in the area. He committed to volunteering with them and has since amassed over 1800 hours of voluntary service.

He explains that he felt he had to be strong and every day, put a smile on his face while all he could think about was his wife and mother in Aleppo.

After a short period in NASS, Shadi was granted leave to remain and at this point was given 28 days to find suitable accommodation. He was referred to New Start, New Start is a Liverpool based supported housing company working with homeless people across the city. They provide a range of support schemes like the New Roots Project, which is a resettlement project set up in 2013 for refugees and refugee families, providing housing and assisting them to access mainstream services once their leave to remain has been granted.

While living with New Start, Shadi was supported in all aspects of his life. Looking to gain new skills and establish a settled life in the UK. He excelled and continued to volunteer for various organisations, Holt Road, Community Café, Asylum Link and FACT. It was the support from New Start and working in the community that gave him the purpose and ability integrate into British society. However, through this period Shadi could only think about his family and friends who were stuck in Syria.

He set about getting his mother to the UK and also with the help of New Start, arranging a family reunion with his wife. Today, Shadi, his wife Nesrin and mother all live in Liverpool. They are settled into their new lives in the UK although they regularly think of the challenges that they have faced.

Shadi’s story is inspiring, he has successfully transitioned from a New Start resident to a New Start employee. He is now a Night Support Worker and translator for the Syrian Project which New Start run as part of the SSHG (Sefton Supported Housing Group).

He says, “I just want to help people from my country and give something back to the UK because they have helped me so much”.

He has now set his sights on becoming a Social Worker while continuing his volunteering roles. He has experienced war, isolation and depression but feels that he can now settle in Liverpool and build a safe and secure life with his family.

New Start | How Much Junk Do You Drink in a Week?

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:31:55 GMT

How drinking less helps you feel good

You might not realise it, but having a few less drinks throughout the week can really put a spring in your step. Sometimes alcohol can make us feel sluggish and make it harder to sleep, but cutting down even a little bit can boost your energy levels, lift your mood and help you to feel good.

Drinking less can have a hugely positive impact on your family life, your career, your health and more. So why don’t you think about drinking less? Don’t worry, you don’t have to completely change your life or stop drinking altogether to feel the difference. Drinking less can help you:

Boost your energy levels

If you find yourself feeling a little sluggish from time to time, drinking less could help perk you up. Alcohol is known to worsen the quality of your sleep, make you feel tired. It can also affect your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections like coughs and colds.

It makes sense then, that drinking less alcohol makes you not as likely to have any of these problems. This leaves you free to get on with things, feeling fresher, more energetic and ready for whatever life throws at you.

Have a good night’s sleep

Drinking less alcohol is a great way to starting sleep better. This is because alcohol makes you more likely to wake up in the night and struggle to get back to sleep. Then when you finally do drift back off it can reduce the deepness of your sleep, which means you may often wake up feeling less rested.

Although some people have a drink before bed to help them fall asleep quicker, it often causes more problems than it solves. Drinking less, on the other hand, is much better for your sleep as it can help you sleep better, for longer, more often.

Find it easier to concentrate

If you’d like to be more productive at home or at work, drinking less could be the answer. Unsurprisingly, people often find it harder to focus on what they’re doing the morning after they’ve been drinking. This doesn’t only mean hangovers and headaches, the more alcohol that is in your system the more likely you are to struggle concentrating. Drinking less can help you think clearly, work smarter and help make life feel easier.

Stay on top of your weight

Alcoholic drinks can be high in calories and very fattening, in fact 3 large glasses of wine is equal to 3 donuts and 3 pints is the same as having 2 burgers. So drinking less can really help you manage your weight better.

Save money.

If you start drinking less you should quickly notice that you’re saving money. A few beers or glasses of wine here and there can soon add up. Changing your routine slightly will help you save money, which you could use treat yourself or your family.

Lift your mood

Drinking less alcohol can help you feel happier by reducing feelings of sadness or anxiety that can be caused by alcohol. Some people drink as a way to cheer themselves up, but this usually only makes them feel worse.

If you’d like to perk yourself up and improve your state of mind, drinking less is a good place to start. Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve you mood. If you can start to be more active in your everyday life, you should quickly start to feel the difference. You don’t have to do anything to strenuous, there’s lots of great ideas for people of all levels at www.fitforme.info .

Take the quick drinks check to see:

The calorie equivalents you're drinking each week
How many miles you need to walk to burn that calorie equivalent off
How you compare to other people

If your results show that small changes are likely to make you feel better, you'll receive some personalised tips to get you started.

http://www.drinklessfeelgood.com/my-drinks-check/

New Start | New Start's First International Footballer

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:21:11 GMT

This year saw the launch of the #whatif campaign by Women in Football

A network of professional women in and around the football industry who aim to encourage people and organisations to make changes that can help to empower women and girls.

Women’s football in the UK has recently seen growth and promotion in both domestic league games and international fixtures which has helped to put women’s football in the public eye like never before. Manchester United have established their first women’s team and the Women’s Super League (WSL) is attracting players who normally would play in the United States WSFL. This week also saw VISA sign a seven-year deal with UEFA to sponsor women’s football.

There are former players like Alice Scott & Karen Carney who are becoming household names through their work as players pundits and coaches. However, Wubalem Tsegaye is a name you probably don’t instantly recognise.

WHO IS WUBALEM TSEGAYE?

Wubalem left Ethiopia in January 2018 with the intention of seeking asylum in Europe. Ethiopia has long been a war-torn region most notably it’s conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. That conflict which has killed an estimated 80,000 people , and continued until July this year, when Eritrea and Ethiopia declared that their "state of war" was over .

Wubalem was one of the lucky people who managed to escape and was able to fly directly to the UK. She never had to face the humiliation of a potentially deadly boat ride followed by near-endless marching to get to a continent to find it was closing its borders .

Like all asylum seekers Wubalem lived in NASS accommodation while she waited on a decision from the Home Office. Through this period asylum seekers are placed in temporary accommodation and wait for their faith to be decided. In September 2018 Wubalem finally got the news she was waiting for, she was granted leave to remain!

THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALLER

While living at NASS accommodation Wubalem pursued her passion for football and signed for Liverpool Feds W.F.C who compete in the FA Women’s National League (4 Tiers under the WSL). Wubalem currently plying her trade for the reserves is an accomplished full back who has been capped 8 times at International level by Ethiopia.

Wubalem joined Ethiopian Champions Dedebit FC. as a teenager and played at various age levels before making her senior debut. Following an impressive start to her career at Dedebit FC, Wubalem received her first International call-up aged 18. The highlight of Wubalem’s career is competing in the 2014 African Women’s Championships Qualifiers.

Liverpool Feds W.F.C reserves are currently sitting 3rd in NWWRFL Division 1 South with Wubalem playing an integral role in the team.

The fullback who was once inspired by Rio Ferdinand now realises that as an Honorary Scouser her allegiances must lay with Liverpool and her favourite player is now Mohammed Salah.

WHAT NEXT?

Returning to Ethiopia is not an option which means Wubalem has played her last match for her country. Wubalem who also holds a Degree in Social Work and Community Development and FA Level 1 Disabled Coach Licence. She hopes to continue to pursue her football career in the UK and play at the highest level possible and eventually move into coaching.

For more information or Liverpool Feds Women's Football Club fixtures:

www.liverpoolfeds.co.uk

New Start | New Harm Reduction Service

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:08:48 GMT

New Start in Partnership with YMCA Liverpool & Sefton opening a new Harm Reduction Service for Women.

New Start are very proud and extremely excited to be working in close partnership with YMCA Liverpool & Sefton to deliver a pathway of accommodation-based recovery services for the city of Liverpool. During 2018, Liverpool City Council undertook an exercise to procure a range of services to provide recovery options for people in addiction, and following a rigorous tendering process they were commissioned as follows:

A Community Day Treatment Service. (Action on Addiction AoA)
A 24/7 Residential Treatment Centre providing therapeutic interventions for up to 30 individuals at any one time. (YMCAL&S/New Start Partnership) to be delivered by YMCAL&S
A 24/7 Step-Down Abstinence service for up to 22 individuals finishing 1st stage Residential Treatment or accessing Community Day Treatment Services. (YMCAL&S/New Start Partnership) to be delivered by New Start
An 8-bed 24/7 Harm Reduction Service for Women with multi-complex needs. (YMCAL&S/New Start Partnership) to be delivered by New Start

The YMCAL&S and New Start partnership has been working alongside AoA to ensure our services work in collaboration and provide a seamless pathway for anyone in our city seeking recovery from addiction.

The first of our accommodation-based services which is the Harm Reduction Service for Women is going live during the second week in February 2019 and we are currently implementing plans to ensure the Treatment Centre and Step-Down Abstinence Services are available and fully operational by the beginning of July 2019.

Being the delivery partner for the Female only Harm Reduction Service, New Start has been working tirelessly since the beginning of December 2018 to get the project off the ground. Due to the scope of the works which have been required in such a short space of time, it has not been easy and has only been made possible by the can-do attitude of our teams and individuals across the organisation, who have worked collectively and with great coordination to achieve our goals. We are very lucky at New Start to have such a dedicated workforce!

There is one thing our teams have not been able to do though and that is to identify a name for the service which we can all agree on, so this piece of work is being given to the first group of women who enter the service. Keep an eye on the Latest News section on our website where we will announce the chosen name in due course and also post regular updates on our progress with the other Recovery Services that are going live later this year.

Throughout the development of our partnership with the YMCAL&S and the work which has led to the procurement of these services, the strategic leadership of CEO Ellie McNeill at YMCAL&S has been exceptional and the senior management at both of our organisations have worked extremely well together to develop this pathway. I am now looking forward to working with all our partners at the YMCAL&S to deliver these services and further developing our relationship over the course of the contract and in to the future.

Neil Baynes

Managing Director

New Start | Southport cold weather provision

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:12:29 GMT

From the 1st of November 2019 New Start will be providing a Cold Weather Provision through to March 2020 for Rough Sleepers in the Southport area of Sefton.

The service will run alongside our current sit up provision located at Hatherlow Hall, which is situated directly behind 40-42 Leyland Road PR9 9JQ. The service can be accessed at 8pm Monday to Friday and 6pm Saturday/Sunday with follow up support being provided on site the following day until 12.30pm.

At the service we will offer a safe, warm and non-judgemental place to stay, where basic needs such as food, shelter and personal hygiene can be met. There will also be follow up support provided on site during the mornings which will be available to anyone using the service, this will include access to other services such as Light for Life, Drop-in clinics, drug/alcohol services, housing assessments, specialist welfare benefit support and help to return home if required.

Supporting the most vulnerable is at the heart of everything we do at New Start and this provision will give us the opportunity to make life a little more bearable for those who for whatever reason find themselves sleeping rough during the coming winter months. We also hope that the follow up support which will be on offer during the day, will assist individuals within this hard to reach client group to engage with mainstream services to support their health and wellbeing needs on a longer-term basis.

For more information:

Neil Baynes (MD) New Start

E | neilbaynes@newstarthomes.org.uk

New Start | Liverpool Sleepout | St. James in the City

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:12:29 GMT

The Whitechapel Centre work hard to make sure no one needs to sleep rough in Liverpool, but there are still people who need their help. For any one rough sleeping there is help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and nobody is turned away – there is always room inside during the night and day to access vital services.

On the night of the Liverpool Sleepout you will be sleeping outside in the grounds of St James in the City, Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool which is close to Baltic Triangle. There will be stewards on hand during the night, and there will be access to toilets and refreshments.

There is entertainment for the event, and during the evening there will be a number of prizes for the following categories:

Best Shelter - put your construction skills to the test. What can you build out of cardboard, tape and plastic sheeting? And will it keep you warm and dry?
Best Individual Fundraiser - for highest amount of sponsorship received by Monday, 4 November
Best Team Fundraiser - for highest team sponsorship received by Monday, 4 November

All participants must be aged 18 or over and registered in advance.

Entry Fee is £10 per person and non-refundable.

Sponsorship target is £150 per person.

https://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/sleepout.html

New Start | Migration Group North West

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:12:29 GMT

On Friday 22nd February New Start in conjunction with Edge Hill University hosted an Impact Event - Linking Research with Policy and Practice: Refugee Arrival and Settlement in Liverpool and Glasgow. The event was a real success with visitors attending from Liverpool and across the region. There were a number of key note speakers including academics, practitioners and some first hand accounts from Refugees.

New Start host Impact Event with Migration Group North West & Edge Hill University

Migration Working Group-North West (MWG-NW) brings together academics, organisations and practitioners working on migration who are either based in the North West of the UK, or researching migration in this region. Edge Hill University academics’ work touches upon a wide range of topics within the field of migration, such as migrants’ integration, diasporas and representation, refugee law and policy, locality and diversity, and arts, health and wellbeing. The University is also active in supporting humanitarian initiatives for refugees through Action For Refugees .

MWG-NW is in line with EHU’s Research Strategy, which states that the University is committed to responding to and engaging with national and international research agendas and produce research that has direct application to challenges that concern professional practitioners, business, third sector organisations and community groups. As such, the group works closely with other major research groupings in the University and with organisations and practitioners in the region, and aims to enhance the visibility of migration issues and integrate its work with other academic and professional initiatives at national and international level. Members’ expertise and activities position MWG-NW as a stakeholder in the broad field of migrants’ inclusion and overall public discourse that surrounds migration and broader issues of social justice in the North West of the UK, and at national and international level.