Speaker Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

Unfortunately the speakers from Recycles arranged for this meeting did not arrive. Instead, with us to receive a cheque from the proceeds of the Swimathon, Andy Malcolm and Rowan Kikke from SMASH (pictured above),were more than willing to fill the breach.

What does SMASH do?

SMASH, a charity based in Pinehurst Swindon, offers three strands of mentoring for 8 to 19 year-old youngsters who are struggling. 

First, is a one-to-one wellbeing programme that supports children and young people aged 9-16 to help them build their resilience, motivation and self-confidence.  Twelve weeks of one-to-one mentoring sessions with a wellbeing mentor.  Mentoring acts as an early intervention to boost wellbeing and help prevent wellbeing concerns from resurfacing again in the future. It takes place at school or in the community. 

Their NEET (not in education, employment or training) Programme supports young people aged 15-19 who are currently NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.  It’s twelve weeks of one-to-one mentoring in a community environment, potentially including visits to schools, college or workplaces. The NEET Programme incorporates practical skills such as CV and covers letter writing, interview preparation, and in work job support, alongside finding the right pathway for the young person.  

Thirdly, ATLAS Group mentoring.  ATLAS group mentoring takes a relational approach to mentoring, encouraging young people to explore their sense of identity and promote their wellbeing in a holistic space.  Group sessions can take place in the community or in schools.  It’s  a responsive mentoring programme that runs across several ‘tiers’ meaning SMASH can match the level of intervention to the need of each group of young people.   

Andy Malcolm, the CEO, has worked with young people throughout a career in a variety of settings. He says working with young people is fantastic, he loves their enthusiasm, their energy and their belief that they can change and influence their future. He has 15 years’ experience working in leadership positions in the voluntary sector and has seen the impact that good mentoring can have.

Rowan Kikke, their Senior Youth Engagement Worker, has worked with young people across a myriad of settings as a teacher, mentor and youth worker. Her passion as a practitioner stems from the belief that with young people all behaviour is a form of communication.

We hope to have representatives from Recycles speak to us on another occasion.  Recycles is a social enterprise run by the Salvation Army at Booth House, Spring Close, Swindon, SN1 2BF.  They restore bikes and rebuild lives.  As a Social Enterprise it also creates opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness to turn their lives around, recognise their full potential, learn and develop enabling them to transform their own lives.  Its team of volunteers have experienced homelessness and are ready to support others to turn their lives around. Recycles provides the opportunity to get involved in running a small business and gain valuable work experience in a safe environment. 
Recycles website