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"Just Drop-In is a vitally important service. It's about improving life chances for young people, enriching lives," said David Rutley MP at last month's hugely successful Annual General Meeting. He praised the 45+ volunteers who help young people find their feet and gain life skills: "It's a fantastic working model - it's great to see the community coming together to deliver such effective support."
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The audience of more than 50 heard first hand from Sammy Gilderthorp, 19, with daughter Ciara, 15 months, who impressed dignitaries as she recalled how she turned to Just Drop-In for support when she became pregnant at 17. Speaking to Chief Officer Ross Thompson, she agreed that life had been chaotic and that there were concerns about her and her baby. "It was great to come to Just Drop-In and offload to volunteers. They were so supportive and helped me de-stress." Sammy is now living independently and looking for a job.
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During 2012-13 Just Drop-In delivered 'Early Help' support for Cheshire East Council, achieving 230 positive outcomes - four times the agreed target - such as completing a CV, unravelling a debt issue or finding emergency accommodation. The meeting heard how over the last year Just Drop-In has improved its data collection to demonstrate the difference it makes - and remains very cost effective because of its committed volunteer base.
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Earlier this year we asked 18 of our young people about their money management. Half spend their fortnightly benefit within 2 days and none plan their spending through to the next payment. Consequently, from January, with funding from Santander, Just Drop-In starts a year-long project to develop and deliver a programme of money advice to at least 20 so-called NEETs (young people not in employment, education or training).
Volunteers will learn to help young people with debt, budgeting and benefits and online banking. As well as one to one work and advice 'weeks' to draw in young people, we will also work with a group of 'peer mentors' from the local community. Over ten weeks they will take up the challenge to develop a computer game which will teach the basics of budgeting and keeping out of debt.
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After 8 years, Chief Officer Ross Thompson is moving on. We asked him a few questions about his time at Just Drop-In.
1. What was Just Drop-In like when you first arrived?
We were based on Chestergate and lots of young people visited but it was used more as a social stopping-off point than a place where in-depth work was done.
2. How did you cope?
I had to learn quickly how to manage over 25 volunteers, social work students, the network of agencies and cope with young people's issues. I really enjoyed working hands on with volunteers.
3. What were the biggest challenges?
Just when I was getting a handle on everything, we had to move to a temporary location in All Saints Church. We didn't get many young people dropping in so we concentrated on peer education in schools. This forced us to work more deeply with fewer young people and set the groundwork for the services we offer today.
4. What has changed the most over the past 8 years?
We work with young people on a deeper level helping them change where necessary and turning their lives around. We are more involved with child protection cases and other social work type issues.
5. What do you consider your greatest achievements?
I'm most proud of our team of over 25 volunteers who deliver the highest quality youth work. Some of our current volunteers were on the first Drop-In shift 11 years ago!
6. What does the future hold for Just Drop-In?
Just Drop-In is small but perfectly formed! Funding will always be a big challenge but I think the future for Just Drop-In is great so long as it maintains its independence, stays true to its values and develops the right partnerships.
7. What are the next steps for you, Ross?
Just Drop-In was my university of life and now I'm off to the University of Salford to do a Diploma and Masters in Social Work. I'd like to thank the trustees, staff and volunteers for giving me so much support and the young people for making my work interesting and inspiring.
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Just Drop-In's second Business Administration Apprentice Melanie Bracegirdle (left) started in September and has certainly made an impression!
Welcome to new volunteers Stacie Cotteril, Francesca Volpato, Boyd Hassell, David Crow, Meredith Barlow-Walsh, Natalie Carvill-Robinson and Miranda Rijks. A welcome to Sarah Booth our new Social Work student who is here with us into the New Year.
Goodbye and many thanks to Mark Hobby, Owen Hilton, Stuart Barlow and also Cat Moore who played a key part in Sammy's story as heard at the AGM.
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Just Drop-In Carol Service
Join our yuletide celebrations at The Salvation Army, Roe Street at 6pm, Friday 13th December. As well as the Salvation Army brass band, there'll be readings from young people with hot drinks and mince pies afterwards.
All welcome!
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