Archive News & Press Releases
For more information about any of these stories please contact Lisa Carroll, Fundraising & Marketing Manager on 01788 534961 or lisa.carroll@maydaytrust.org.uk
November 2008
Michael Varah & Jim Higgins Award For Excellence: Winners Announced
In recognition of its founders, Mayday Trust has introduced an award scheme to celebrate the achievements of its most outstanding residents. With support from The Michael Varah Memorial Fund, Mayday Trust has awarded almost £1,000 to help three of its service users towards their vocational goals. Following a rigorous selection process three Mayday clients were chosen to receive awards.
Winner, Paul Gayle has lived at Kilgour Court, Leighton Buzzard, for 16 months. Before joining us, Paul was homeless and trying hard to address his drug addiction. Paul also suffers from Hepatitis C and is undergoing a course of intensive treatment. In order to do this he has to remain drug free. He is tested weekly and is very proud that they have all been clear. Paul is aware that the treatment will make him feel very ill. Despite this, he has enrolled onto a plumbing course, which allows him to work at home and send his assignments via the internet. Once completed, he will be a fully qualified plumber.
Two further residents, Kim Watts from The Post House, Daventry and Keith Collins, also from Kilgour Court, Leighton Buzzard were both presented with Highly Commended Awards.
High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Anna Trye, and Jim’s widow, Margaret Higgins, presented the awards at the Trust’s 2008 AGM on Thursday 13 November. Mrs Trye, a close friend of Michael’s widow, Sally Varah, represented the Varah family. Commenting after the awards, Chief Executive Caroline Ward said: “Everyone is very proud of our winners. The trio have excelled during their stay with the Trust and I wish each of them every success with their chosen courses.”
To read the full story please click here >
July 2008
World Class Visitor
Rugby union star and World Cup Winner Ben Cohen visited Broadmead Court, Northampton. During his visit, Ben officially opened a new kitchen as well as chatting with residents and staff about our work.
The Scheme also welcomed representatives from Supporting People, the Youth Offending Team and YMCA. This proved a huge success with opportunities for informal chats and updates between organisations.
Commenting after the visit, Scheme Manager Susan Mallender said: “Ben was really down to earth and very keen to chat to as many people as possible. Lots of residents came to meet him and everyone has given brilliant feedback.” She added: “People are still talking about his visit, with one resident vowing not to wash her hand since Ben shook it!!”
April 2008
47th Mayday Art Exhibiton Takes Place In Rugby
Mayday Trust's 47th Art Exhibition, was officially opened by Mayor of Rugby, Sue Peach, on the 15th April and ran for two weeks.
The main focus of the exhibition was work produced by the ‘In The Frame’ art group which, thanks to funding from Warwickshire County Council, had been meeting for the previous 12 months at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Participants, experienced a wide variety of artforms, from photography and dressing up to becoming the artwork themselves, to wood turning and contemporary dance.
The exhibition, which also included artwork from other Schemes across Mayday Trust, was very well received by everyone who attended including a number of residents who made trips from as far away as Bedford!
February 2008
From Small Acorns: Mayday's Expansion and Diversification
In August 2007 Mayday Trust published an article about the charity's formation in the late 70's and early 80's. The second chapter in our history tells of our expansion and diversification across three counties:
Mayday Trust's inaugural Chief Executive, Brian Lomax was working for the Rugby Probation Service when he volunteered to join the committee of the Rugby Mayday Trust. This first connection with the charity took place at a pivotal time in the Trust’s history. Having trialled their first housing project, and met with strong opposition from local residents, the Trustees were regrouping in order to plan their next move. Mr Lomax recalls: “My first meeting was something of a surprise. It was the AGM, attended by just four people in a crowded and noisy bar at the Rugby Union club in Webb Ellis Road. There had been a brief hostel project in Rugby, staffed by volunteers, which had closed after 12 months. The members present at the meeting were uncertain of their next step. I was asked to take on the job of Secretary and agreed with some trepidation.”
With the support of Chief Probation Officer, John Pendleton, the group created a development team and recruited six part-time workers. The development team included John Atkins, who is now the Trust’s Warwickshire Regional Manager. Commenting on the Trust’s early days John said: “It was a really exciting and challenging time for the whole team. I never dreamt that Mayday would grow into such an influential organisation within such a short space of time. It has been a real privilege to be involved in the transformation.”
In 1983, the Trust opened its first project, two group homes in Leamington followed by two Rugby projects in 1984. The Trust’s major year of growth was 1986, with new projects opening in Northampton, Wellingborough, Bedford and Dunchurch. Following this expansion, the Management Team opted for a period of consolidation, before expanding into Leighton Buzzard, Daventry and Long Buckby. Over the years, the philosophy of Mayday Trust evolved and expanded. The charity, which was initially established to support homeless offenders, began to realise that the needs of homeless non-offenders were very similar and that through widening our client-group it could help ex-offenders to avoid the labelling process. The charity also acknowledged that homelessness was not the same as “houselessness”, and that clients needed help, support and training just as much as accommodation.
Commenting on his time at the helm, Brian concluded: “I look back with great pleasure and pride on my 19 years in charge of Mayday. Pride not in myself, but in the superb team of colleagues with whom I had the privilege to serve during that period; and in the people with whom we helped.”
To read the full article please click here >
January 2008
In At The Deep End Again!
Caroline Ward enjoyed an eventful day at Leighton Buzzard when she took part in the second leg of her Day At The Deep End challenge. In the morning she joined Project Worker Amanda Deady to carry out the scheme's weekly Room Checks. These checks are designed to identify any repairs needed to maintain our accommodation as well as offering our clients the opportunity to discuss any concerns, which they may have. Caroline commented: "Taking part in the Room Checks really helped me to appreciate the importance of regular maintenance and refurbishment at our housing schemes. I was also very pleased to have such open and frank discussions with our residents' about the services we provide."
Following the room checks, Caroline helped the cookery group serve lunch for around 20 staff and residents before taking her place at the washing up bowl. Not one to miss an opportunity, Scheme Manager Julie Bailey then put the Chief Exec to work manning the office where she dealt with a range of enquiries from residents. Unfortunately the bike ride was postponed due to the weather with the group opting to take part in a marathon board game session instead. Still keen to take part in the cycling trip, Miss Ward has agreed to don her cycling gear during her next quarterly visit, as staff and residents get into shape for the Headway bike ride.
Following Caroline Ward’s example, Head of Corporate Services Gill Jackson will be spending a day at the Trust’s Wellingborough scheme later this year.
Help Vulnerable Adults - Become A Trustee
Do you care strongly about the needs of vulnerable people in our community and have the skills to make this happen? Mayday Trust is looking to recruit additional Trustees to join our committed team.
Chief Executive Caroline Ward was appointed to the Trust twelve months to accelerate a period of significant change at the charity. Following her appointment, Miss Ward worked closely with the Board of Trustees to implement a thorough restructure of the organisation. Additional Trustees were recruited to support the new Senior Management Team as they continued to strengthen and ‘future proof’ operations.
As the charity prepares to grow and diversify into new areas, the Board and Senior Management Team feel the time is now right to support the existing members. Applicants with knowledge and experience in the following areas are particularly welcomed: finance, fundraising, law, housing, property development, physical and social regeneration, marketing, human resources and business planning.
For more information click here >
Mayday Trust Employees And Volunteers Add Festive Touch
Mayday clients from across the Trust marked Christmas 2007 with a series of activities. Schemes enjoyed a range of festive buffets, traditional Christmas dinners and meals out at local restaurants with many clients receiving token gifts or food parcels.
In Bedford, Scheme Manager Cara Passfield dressed as Father Christmas to distribute diaries and calendars to everyone during their Christmas meal. Steve, pictured with Cara, said: “It was really funny to see Cara dressed as Father Christmas. She even gave us a HO HO HO!”
The Leighton Buzzard festivities were supported by members of Voluntary and Community Action South Bedfordshire who helped to prepare and serve food at both events. Project Worker Amanda Deady said: “We always try and make Christmas special for our clients as it can be quite a lonely time. We’d like to thank the volunteers who helped at both of our meals for all their support.”
Clients in Rugby also decorated a tree as part of a charity Christmas Tree Festival at nearby St Andrew’s Church. Commenting after the event, Penny said: “I really enjoyed decorating the tree and seeing everyone else’s. When they were all finished there were loads of them and it felt really Christmassy.”
The Trust is currently considering the introduction of a volunteering scheme as this would enable us to increase the number and variety of opportunities we can offer to residents. While no formal programme exists at present we would be keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering. Contact us at enquiries@maydaytrust.org.uk or on 01788 568176 and get involved with creating a whole new start for our residents.
November 2007
Top Housing Award For Mayday’s Stuart Sullivan
Stuart Sullivan, Mayday Trust’s Head of Operations & Property Services, has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Housing (West Midlands Branch) Education Prize for Outstanding Achievement. The award was presented in recognition of Mr Sullivan’s achievements during his Post Graduate Diploma in Housing. Paul Diggory, President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, made the presentation during a ceremony at
Chairman Chris Holman added: “Caroline Ward and the Trust thoroughly supported Stuart’s studies and we would like to congratulate him on his award. It is a real boost for Mayday to have an award of this calibre under our belt.”
To read the full story visit Mayday Times Autumn 2007 >
Caroline's Day At The Deep End
Never one to turn down a challenge, Mayday Trust Chief Executive Caroline Ward jumped at the chance when we suggested she spend a day as a Project Worker. On Friday 9 November Caroline packed away her briefcase, drove to the Trust’s Leamington & Warwick scheme and rolled her sleeves up. Caroline’s day included joining clients at a card-making session, taking part in a lively Residents Meeting and serving lunch for fifteen people.
Commenting after the event, Miss Ward said: “I had a fantastic day and a wonderful reminder about what Mayday Trust is all about. I would like to thank everyone at William Wallsgrove House for making me feel so welcome.” One client, Mark, added: “I’ve never made my own cards like this before. Caroline is really friendly and a great teacher.”
Caroline’s second Day At The Deep End will take place in Leighton Buzzard on Tuesday 15 January. Head of Corporate Services Gill Jackson has also agreed to step up to the plate during 2008!
To read the full story visit Mayday Times Autumn 2007 >
October 2007
High Profile Visitors In Daventry
Residents and staff at Mayday Trust’s Daventry housing scheme received a visit from Daventry MP Tim Boswell and East Midlands MEP Chris Heaton-Harris on Friday 19 October 2007. The pair chatted with residents about their experiences and found out more about the personalised support offered by the Trust. Mr Boswell was particularly keen to hear about the groups’ experiences of employment, return to work schemes and the Benefit system.
Mr Boswell said: “Voluntary Sector Organisations like Mayday Trust are ideally placed to provide innovative, client-focused support within our communities. Their ability to respond to the clients' need is a great asset to the sector.”
Caroline Ward, Mayday Trust’s Chief Executive added: “Our visitors were genuinely interested in the charity’s work within their constituencies. They quickly grasped the challenges faced by organisations like Mayday and were very supportive of our role within the community."
September 2007
Food For Thought At Leighton Buzzard
MP Andrew Selous enjoyed lunch at Mayday Trust’s Leighton Buzzard scheme on Tuesday 18 September 2007. During his visit Mr Selous chatted with residents about their experiences. He also met two former residents who have now moved into their own accommodation. Mr Selous said: " The Trust has an excellent record in getting people back on their feet and it was excellent to see how they have helped people get their independence.”
The MP talked with staff about the scheme’s work to support vulnerable people and the services provided for various clients including those with a history of addiction and alcoholism. Mayday Trust’s Leighton Buzzard scheme, based at Kilgour Court, Bassett Street opened in 1991, providing accommodation for up to 36 people. With an average stay of 9 months, the scheme has supported over 800 disadvantaged adults since it first opened its doors.
After lunch Mr Selous was presented with a copy of the Lunch Club’s recipe book, Kilgour Kitchen, as a memento of his visit. Speaking about his visit, Mayday Trust’s Chief Executive, Caroline Ward said: “Communal meals and therapeutic groups provide a great opportunity for residents to build confidence and essential life-skills. The popular twice-weekly Lunch Club is a wonderful opportunity to meet clients and gain a deeper understanding of Mayday Trust”.
Mr Selous added: "We had a delicious lunch - so it was an afternoon of food and food for thought.”
August 2007
From Humble Beginnings: Two Men With A Vision
The history of Mayday Trust begins with two men who had a desire to improve the plight of homeless ex-offenders, and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer!
During the late 70’s Michael Varah (a former Rugby School Master) worked as a Probation Officer in Rugby. Michael noticed the lack of accommodation in Rugby for homeless ex-offenders and those who felt Abandoned by society. So, with help from Probation Volunteer Jim Higgins, he set about putting things right. The committed pair eventually found a suitable house and opened their first 'hostel'.
Jim and Michael successfully ran the ’hostel’ - on a shoestring and alongside their day jobs - for almost three years. During this time Michael decided that they needed a permanent solution and started work to achieve this. The Home Office Probation Department agreed to purchase a property in Rugby. But, following objections from local residents, the project collapsed. Then he resolved to try a different approach, establishing a charity independent of the Probation Service. He submitted an application to the Charity Commission, choosing the name ‘Mayday’ to symbolise the image of distress and the call for help.
Kate Varah, Michael's daughter, concludes: “Life is measured by thought and action, and not by time. One of the lasting legacies of these two men is Mayday Trust which, almost 30 years on, now supports over 500 people every year”.
To read the full story please visit Mayday Times Summer 2007
July 2007
New 'Future Proof' Structure For Mayday Trust
Following her appointment as Chief Executive earlier this year, Caroline Ward has been overseeing a senior management recruitment drive. Jim Arnold and Lyn Stacey have been appointed to the Board of Trustees with Gordon Armstrong, Jayne Simmons and Lalitha Webb joining the Trust as Visiting Representatives. The trio will provide a link between Schemes and Trustees as well as contributing to the strategic aims of the charity. Completing the new Management Structure are Head of Corporate Services Gill Jackson and Head of Operations & Property Services Stuart Sullivan.
On her arrival Miss Ward initiatied a detailed independent, financial and operational audit of the charity. Cconsequently, and with full co-operation from the Board of Trustees, a restructuring programme was announced on 12 July 2007. The audit identified that existing staffing structures were no longer appropriate to meet current and future demands. Commenting on these changes, Caroline Ward said: “Our clients and our capacity to support them are the driving force behind these changes. The welfare of clients will, in line with our core values, remain our strongest priority throughout this process”.
Consultation with staff will run until late August, with completion of the restructuring programme targeted at October 2007. The overall headcount will not alter
dramatically although a limited number of existing roles will not feature in the new structure. Miss Ward said: “It is unfortunate that the necessary changes will lead to some job losses. However, this decision to restructure has not been made lightly and has been in response to changes in our core funding streams”.
Following the restructure, the Trust will be better positioned to develop new business, build strategic alliances and enhance the service provision to clients.
Mayday Trust Joins The World Wide Web
Mayday Trust’s long-awaited website www.maydaytrust.org.uk went live on Friday 6th July 2007. The site includes downloadable newsletters, reports and articles written by Mayday clients and details of how to support the Trust’s work with vulnerable people.
Residents, staff and stakeholders have been actively involved during the design and testing of the website, helping to make the site as accessible and user friendly as possible. Designers have responded well to this feedback and are keen to include further suggestions into a phase-two site in the future.
Chief Executive Caroline Ward said: “Mayday is thrilled to finally have a presence on the web. The charity has a strong reputation within the field of Social Housing and we are keen to build on this. I am confident that this site will help the Trust to raise its profile amongst prospective and existing clients, stakeholders and funders”.
Mayday Trust is a regional registered charity, which provides temporary supported accommodation and life-skills training for homeless people and those with special support needs. The Trust was established as a Charity in 1979 and now runs Projects across Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Bedfordshire. Last year Mayday supported over 500 people to achieve greater independence.
The website has been produced by Hello Design, in conjunction with Webstars.
June 2007
Rugby Activities Funding
Residents at Mayday Trust’s Rugby Supported Housing Schemes will be enjoying a host of new activities this year thanks to a series of generous donations. Warwickshire County Council’s Rugby Area Team has funded a yearlong art group, in partnership with Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Residents are taking part in 12 art sessions covering a variety of mediums including textiles, woodwork and dance. The workshops will culminate in a two-week exhibition in 2008.
In addition, residents at Mayday House will be embarking on a ‘Healthier way of Life”, thanks to a series of donations. The group have begun work on the garden and will soon receive a selection of sports and recreation equipment. As well as brightening up a drab space, and encouraging residents to be healthier, the “Healthier way of Life” group will allow residents to develop their social skills, take responsibility for a communal space and discover new interests.
Wellingborough’s Top Politicians Get Sneak Preview Of Housing Charity’s Major Refurbishment
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone and Mayor Tim Allebone visited Bassetts Court on Friday 23 February 2007. During their visit the pair saw the results of the scheme’s £2.5 million Refurbishment. The building owned by LHA-ASRA was refurbished thanks to funding from the Housing Corporation and LHA-ASRA. Mayday Trust raised a further £54,000 towards white goods and furnishings.
The visitors had a tour of the scheme, explored the new communal facilities and chatted to residents about their experiences. They also found time for a quick game on the scheme’s new football table.
Councillor Allebone said: “I found it very interesting and it was a super set-up. The residents I spoke to were delighted with the improvements. I thought the staff were all first class and provide a first class service.”
Mayday Trust’s Chief Executive, Caroline Ward added: “We are thrilled with the recent redevelopment work at Bassetts Court and are confident that these refurbishments will stand us in good stead for the future. We were only too pleased to show our visitors around the new facilities.”
Press Releases
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Mayday Trust Chief Exec Becomes Project Worker In Leighton Buzzard - January 2008 >
Chief Executive Spends Day At The Deep End - November 2007 >
Daventry MP Visit - Octover 2007 >
Leighton Buzzard MP Visit - September 2007 >
Mayday Trust Restructure Setting The Record Straight - July 2007.pdf >
Mayday Trust Restructure and Appointments - July 2007.pdf >
Rugby Activities- May 2007.pdf >
Wellingborough Politicians Visit - February 2007.pdf >
Trust Appoint New Chief Executive - January 2007.pdf >
Mayday Trust Art Exhibition - January 2007.pdf >
Christmas Card Competition - December 2006.pdf >
Wellingborough Christmas Appeal - November 2006.pdf >
Indulgence Day - November 2006.pdf >
Open Gardens Event - June 2006.pdf >
Wellingborough Lions Donation - June 2006.pdf >
Pottery Exhibition - June 2006.pdf >
Pertemps Half Marathon - May 2006.pdf >
Daventry Allotment - February 2006.pdf >
