News
Mayday Trust is proud to be featured in the local and national media. Our online News Archive includes stories and Press Releases of recent events.
For more information about any of these stories please contact Lisa Carroll, Marketing & Communications Manager on 01788 534961 or email communications@maydaytrust.org.uk
January 2012
Ashwood Court, Rugby, get pedalling thanks to HMP Onley
Mayday has received 6 refurbished bicycles from HMP Onley. The bikes, which have been refurbished through Onley’s Re-Cycle work training programme were donated to Mayday Trust’s Ashwood Court supported housing scheme in Rugby.
The bicycles will provide a much-needed means of transport for people looking to access voluntary and paid employment in the local area as well as an opportunity to improve their fitness and wellbeing.
Lesley Phillips, Senior Project Worker said: “Recently some people have been telling us about the problems they encounter getting to meetings, interviews and work opportunities – particularly in the more outlying areas of
"Mayday provides creative and innovative opportunities by working in partnership with local agencies like HMP Onley. We’re delighted that Onley has been able to help us promote fitness and assist people get back into work."
Justyn Caie, Head of Learning & Skills at Onley commented: “HMP Onley is committed to working closely with our local community as well as national charities and third sector organisations. We were approached by the Mayday Trust and hope that the provision of the bikes will be of benefit to their clients.”
Clients at Ashwood Court already have a keen interest in keeping fit and regularly make use of the in-house fitness equipment. With the addition of bicycles the scheme will now be able to extend its fitness programme outdoors as well as increasing participants’ confidence and motivation. The group are now planning a Bike Club to incorporate planning “bike safaris” and bike maintenance. Stephen Medlicott and Callum McAusland are already looking forward to using the bikes. Stephen said: “It was very nice of Onley to donate these brill bikes, I am looking forward to using them on a bike ride and keeping fit, and to look for work opportunities”.
Callum added: “Its brilliant, I can ask staff for a bike to help me get a job either a
A copy of the press release is available to download here
Mayday Trust celebrates positive start for 2012 : Planning Permission granted for new site at St Andrew’s Road, Bedford
Plans to convert a former independent nursery received unanimous support when they went before Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee recently.
The new development will involve the conversion of the former nursery into supported housing for local people experiencing mental health issues. The property will be redeveloped to a high standard, providing 19 self contained flats as well as communal living areas where people will be able to socialise and participate in organised activities run by staff.
Work is scheduled to commence in Spring of this year with completion predicted by Christmas 2012. When up and running, the proposed scheme will replace the Trust’s existing service operating from Ashburnham Road and Conduit Road, Bedford.
Pat McArdle, Chief Executive said: “This is fantastic news for Mayday Trust and a wonderful way to start the New Year. The development will offer a modern, and open environment from which we can continue the work we have undertaken in Bedford for 25 years The St Andrew’s Road property will set a new standard of accommodation for Mayday with the aspirations of those using the service at the forefront of the agenda.”
Cara Passfield, Scheme Manager said: “We have a proven track record of supporting adults with mental health needs in this community and are very excited about the move.”
Hazel, one of the people currently using the service, added: “This is brilliant news. it will enable us to have our own flats and our own space and prepare us for living independently again. It is nearer to mental health services and in a much nicer and quieter area.”
The plans were approved on 3 January under the proviso that a small amendment was made to one bedroom. Having submitted revised drawings the planning committee has today (13 January) given the formal go ahead for work to begin.
A copy of the press release is available to downlaod here
December 2011
New service for marginalised young people in Northampton exceeds expectations
More than 75 young people have been supported by Mayday Trust to maintain their own tenancies over the past twelve months thanks to the Trust’s new Young People’s Floating Support Service.
The service was commissioned by Northamptonshire County Council in November 2010. By September 2011 the service had supported 75 vulnerable individuals aged between 
16-25 within the Borough to gain and/or maintain a tenancy and address various other support needs. Mayday Trust has supported these young people, who have come to us for a variety of reasons, to successfully maintain tenancies and prevent repeat homelessness. None of those supported by Mayday lost their homes.
Pat McArdle, Chief Executive said: “The greatest success of this new project is in the young people seeing their own successes and achievements and progressing in ways that they previously did not see possible.”
She added: “This service provides evidence that even the most challenging young people can turn their lives around: get into training 
and employment, become active citizens and reduce harmful and destructive behaviours with minimum support from a professional team using a proven assertive outreach approach.”
The service was showcased during a special celebration at The 
Guildhall, Northampton on Wednesday 7 December. Guest Speaker Andrew Jepps (Assistant Director of Adult’s and Children’s Commissioning at Northamptonshire County Council) congratulated Mayday Trust on its work over the past twelve months, commenting that "the new delivery model was a great example of the services Northamptonshire County Council will be looking to develop in the future".
Building Futures: Four young people from Northampton have recently starred in a short film, highlighting the new service. The film, which was formally unveiled at The Guildhall, is also available to view at http://vimeo.com/channels/maydaytrust#32666465
During the film, Hannah comments: “I feel like I’m getting more independent. If I look back to two years ago I wouldn’t really have done anything for myself. I didn’t really want to do anything at all. I wanted everyone to do stuff for me whereas now I will do stuff for myself.”
Another client, Chris, added: “I wouldn’t have learnt about bills that well. I’d get the letter; I’d put it in the cupboard and forget about it until I got another one. Since living on my own I’ve come to grips with that you have to pay your bills, you have to keep up to date with your bills. Now my paperwork’s all up to date, it’s all sorted and in order.”
A copy of the press release is available to download here. For more information please contact Lisa Carroll, Marketing & Communications Manager on 01788 534961 or lisa.carroll@maydaytrust.org.uk
May 2011
Michael Varah and Jim Higgins Awards For Excellence 2011
On 12 May Mayday Trust announced the latest round of Michael Varah & Jim Higgins Award winners. The award scheme recognises and rewards the achievements of our most outstanding clients. This year, with support from The Michael Varah Memorial Fund, the Trust has awarded more than £2,000. The awards were presented during the Trust's 51st Art Exhibition preview in Leamington.
Aaron Deacon, 18, was presented with the Shining Light Award 2011. Aaron, who has been with Mayday for just under a year, joined the Trust’s Wellingborough Scheme when circumstances at home left him unable to stay there. He is currently in his third year of a VRQ (Vocationally Recognised Qualification) chef training course and aspires to become a chef.
Aaron received a special trophy and a grant for £600 to fund a set of chef’s knives, a bus pass to college and other costs attached to his college course.
Ian Pollock was only 19 years old when he arrived at Mayday Trust’s Leamington & Warwick Scheme. Ian left home due to a family breakdown without any experience of living independently. Despite the pressures and upheaval Ian has persevered with college and has demonstrated a real commitment to his BTEC Business and IT Studies course.
Ian, who has since inspired fellow Mayday clients to begin college, has been awarded £600 to purchase a high-specification laptop to aid his studies.
Daniel Warr has suffered from paranoia and anxiety for a number of years. After a lot of soul searching he decided to move away from the area he was living, his family and children in order to regain some control. Daniel joined Mayday Trust’s Northampton Scheme in early 2010 and has slowly grown in confidence.
Daniel has been awarded £100 to purchase chain, lock, lights, repair kit and insurance.
Ashley Stone was forced to live on his own at the age of 17. He then became unemployed and got into trouble with his rent. Soon after, in early 2008, he joined Mayday’s Leighton Buzzard Scheme. Ashley, who already holds a Fork Lift Truck driving qualification hopes to further improve his job prospects by learning to drive. He is aware that, due to shift patterns and employer locations, the ability to drive would greatly increase his chances of finding industrial work in the region.
Ashley will receive £241 to fund a provisional licence and his first eight lessons.
Ron Lenton spent over fifteen years sleeping rough and several months living with Coventry charity Open House before moving to Mayday Trust’s Leamington & Warwick Scheme. During his time with Mayday staff have seen his self esteem and confidence grow. Ron is currently preparing to move on from Mayday Trust into sheltered accommodation.
Scheme Manager Anne Forde commented: “Ron has come to rely on Mayday to support him not only in daily living skills but also for social inclusion. Recently he has been involved in a joint project between with the Community Arts Workshop. We are delighted Ron has built a relationship with Fran Goodwin and others from the art group, which he has attended without prompting from staff. The project has now finished, however, CAW runs a group on Wednesday afternoons, catering for a client group in which Ron would feel comfortable and could reap the benefits from. Importantly, this would give him a link outside of Mayday, which he could build on once he leaves and help smooth a huge transition in his life.”
Ron has been awarded £200 to fund further art sessions with the Community Arts Workshop.
Tom Lees, 18, has lived at Mayday since December 2009. He moved to Mayday Trust’s Wellingborough Scheme after a breakdown in family relationships led to his being made homeless. Tom, who begins a Sport BTEC Level 3 Diploma in September, has been awarded £230 towards his BTEC sports kit and a bus pass to college.
Dane Clarke has been in and out of prison for a number of years. After his release in 2010, he found himself living on the streets and was referred to Mayday Trust’s Northampton Scheme. For many years Dane’s main focus in life was his drug habit. Looking back, he described his former life as “very chaotic and focused on drugs”.
Scheme Manager Susan Mallender commented: “Ideally Dane would love to follow his father’s footsteps into forestry and garden maintenance. For this he would need his driving licence. For the meantime though, Dane is looking for whatever work he can find. He recently worked for an agency firm and was cycling seven miles to and from work. What with completing a twelve hour shift in between this was exhausting Dane but he still kept it up until the contract ended”.
Dane has been awarded £195 to pay for his theory test and his first eight lessons.
May 2011
An innovative new art project has been opened in Leamington. Clients from Mayday Trust, have been working in partnership with Leamington-based Community Arts Workshop, to run a series of art sessions, focusing around the theme of ‘Home’ – an emotive and powerful subject for self-expression.
Participants from Rugby,
Leamington and Daventry have been working together since February to create a home structure, fixtures and furnishings. The ‘Home’, which features a wide range of art and craft forms, will be accessible for people to walk around and explore.
Mayday Trust’s outgoing Chief Executive, Caroline Ward said: “A key focus of Mayday’s work is to 
provide new opportunities for our clients. Art sessions offer an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and widen horizons. By nurturing hidden talents our clients have discovered new ways of expressing themselves, and a chance to be heard.”
The preview event was formally opened by Mr Tim Cox, High Sheriff of Warwickshire 2011-12 and coincided with the Trust's Excellence Awards ceremony and its 51st Art Exhibition, showcasing a variety of media ranging from digital photography to paintings to textile pieces. Visitors were also be invited to view a documentary about the Trust within the exhibition space.
April 2011
Mayday announces changes at the top
Mayday Trust would like to announce changes to its senior management team and trustee board. Chief Executive Caroline Ward will step down in May 2011. After much deliberation, Ms Ward decided to leave the Trust and "do something totally different".
Her replacement, Pat McArdle will start on Monday 20th 
June. 
Pat has 23 years experience in the social care/housing sector, with the last 13 years working at Director/Senior Executive level. Pat currently works for the YWCA/Platform 51, working with disadvantaged women and girls in 15 centres across England and Wales.
Pat has previously worked for the Foyer Federation, The House of St Barnabas (homeless hostel), Cork Simon Community, Sandwell Rape Crisis Centre, HARP (homeless mens and women with alcohol problems) and Handsworth Community Care Centre (clients with mental health issues). Pat has also been a Board Member at several registered charities. Pat will bring extensive knowledge and experience to Mayday Trust. Pat will take the Trust forward on the next stage of the "journey".
In addition, Chair of Trustees Lyn Stacey and Vice Chair Jim Arnold have decided to reverse roles. Jim Arnold will take up his role as Chair with immediate effect.
March 2011
Mayday Trust named of the best companies to work for
Mayday Trust has achieved 43rd place on The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Work in the Public/Third Sector list. The charity was also awarded Best Companies one star accreditation at a gala dinner in London.
Commenting on the accolade Caroline Ward, Chief Executive said: “Mayday Trust is overjoyed to have gained a place on the list. This is a fantastic accolade and demonstrates the strong partnership between our organisation and its employees.
She added: “Our staff are committed to fulfilling Mayday’s vision of enabling vulnerable people to maximise their potential for independence. This award demonstrates how the Trust’s dedication to staff and volunteers is comparable to the support we provide to clients."
The Best Companies inaugural public and charity sector list has been established to recognise best practice across the sector. Awards focus on eight key areas including: Leadership, Staff Wellbeing, Personal Growth and Giving Something Back.
Best Companies accreditation follows the elite Michelin style star rating system for organisations that demonstrate high levels of employee engagement. Based on staff feedback, organisations receive an index score which determines their star rating. Organisations are then awarded one of the following ratings: one to watch, first class (one star), outstanding (two stars) and extraordinary (three stars).
The full list will be released as a glossy supplement, on Sunday 13 March.
This photograph is used with the express permission of copyright owner Sunday Times.
December 2010
Trip to Parliament is 'Our chance to be heard'
Clients and staff enjoyed a trip to Westminster on Tuesday 14 December. The visit included a private tour sponsored by Mark Pawsey, Member of Parliament for Rugby, followed by a meeting with several of the charity’s constituency MPs.
The event was arranged as an extension of Mayday Trust’s ROMS (Residents Of Mayday Speak) Forum to offer members an opportunity to see democracy in action and find out more about the role of each individual within society. The ROMS Forum was established to give clients a say in how the charity operates. Forum members, who are ‘elected’ to represent their Scheme, attend regular meetings to discuss and influence policies and decision making. The group recently worked together to develop a series of quality expectations now known as Mayday’s Service Standards.
Caroline Ward, Chief Executive commented: “Mayday Trust are very passionate about giving our clients a voice. Through our ROMS Forum Mayday clients have a say in how the charity operates. The trip to Westminster was a fantastic opportunity and has given all of us a greater insight into parliament and the democratic process”.
Mark Pawsey said: “I was recently invited to visit one of my local Mayday Trust schemes in Rugby. I particularly enjoyed meeting clients who invited me into their homes and told me about the support that Mayday is providing. More than once people said to me that without Mayday they would still be on the street, suffering great personal difficulty and worse. I was also interested to learn that Mayday is quite sensibly preparing for a new financial environment, and it will be important to ensure that the organisation continues to provide services within our community which are of great value. By inviting the charity to visit my colleagues and I in Westminster, I hope that the links between Mayday Trust and their local MPs will be strengthened.”
Getting to know our representatives and shouting about our work. Immediately after Mayday’s tour, Mark Pawsey hosted a meeting with MPs from across the charity’s area of operation. Caroline Ward gave an update on a number business developments in the wake of the current economic and social changes. These included: plans to diversify operations; improved outcomes based recording; an increased marketing focus and a Social Return on Investment study.
Clients and staff then had an opportunity to ‘interview’ MPs and find out more about their work. Feedback and interviews from the visit will be compiled to create a review of the day. Lisa-Marie Bunting, a client at the charity’s Ashwood Court Scheme said: “I enjoyed the meeting with MPs to hear what the answers were to our questions. I had the best time ever and liked the tour of parliament.”
Caroline Ward, concluded: “As 2010 draws to a close and we reflect back on the achievements made by Mayday Trust, the charity is now ideally positioned to deal with the challenges in 2011. The MPs all seemed to be genuinely impressed by the caliber of questions put to them by Mayday Trust clients”.
The members of parliament present at the meeting were: Mark Pawsey (Rugby), Michael Ellis (Northampton, North), Andrew Selous (Leighton Buzzard) and Richard Fuller (Bedford).
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