We are looking to recruit a new Board member who shares our vision and has the energy and time to give. The Board is the catalyst for the direction of the organisation and is made up of a small group of Directors that bring specific skills. The current skills we are looking for include marketing…
Here at R2W – like every organisation we like to know how we are doing – be it good (yes please) or bad. Well our parent organisation – The Oaklea Group, have made some changes to their policies and various other updates and as a result have produced a new ‘Compliments & Complaints’ leaflet for…
Dear customers, employees, supporters and stakeholders. Following the announcement by the PM of a 3rd England wide lockdown we have had to make the following further changes to Right2Work operations. The Furniture Warehouse will be closed to members of the public. Bulky Waste collections within the SLDC area will be reduced to three days per…
As you will be aware Cumbria entered Tier 4 Covid regulations just before the New Year kicked in – so please be aware of what is and isn’t open at R2W (and do bear with us as this is an evolving situation over the coming weeks and will be subject to change). The changes announced…
Do you recall a few weeks ago we told you R2W would be featuring in a big book this Christmas created by the NCF – National Care Forum? Well the ‘Caring in Covid’ EBook is launched today and is a perfect stocking filler says our good friend Father Christmas (and he knows a thing or…
Tis the season to be jolly (careful) – and they definitely take it seriously at our South Lakes wing of the ‘Work & Learn’ Team. We’ve just had some exceedingly “tasty” images incoming to a rather famished nerve centre celebrating the end of term with their Learners. Above – ‘Stick-ing with it’ – party food…
Our Eden based Job Coach Sarah Richardson has had an interesting challenge of late. She has been working with an autistic young man with significant issues in the Eden Valley. Sarah: “We have been doing our utmost to encourage him to attend the Appleby Hub with little success so far. But he does love the…
The team at The Furniture Warehouse and the “Work & Learn” gang have really been busy elves of late (we know….first time for everything lol!)…they’ve been dressing the premises at the Kendal Mintsfeet nerve centre with a most definite seasonal feel! So are we led to believe there is an ulterior motive? Sure is –…
Do you recall a last month we told you about R2W (as part of Oaklea Group) being highlighted by the National Care Forum ‘Caring in Covid’ book?(background here http://Heart of the community – tis wot Oaklea/R2W does – and we can give you a special “window” on this world today.) Well in addition to this, NCF…
Our parent, the Oaklea Group, has just released it’s Annual Report for 2020 – and of course we at R2W feature! It reflects March 2019-March 2020 but of course also takes in the momentous events of the past year too, as that has had such an impact on our work and those we support. The…
Our ‘Work & Learn’ team have been busy throughout 2020 this despite Covid19 restrictions on their day to day work. Employment Team Manager Claire Westmorland in particular is keen to demonstrate how much has been achieved and as a result was left alone for a bit in a darkened room and went all creative in…
“Caring in Covid” – you saw us – soon you can read about us! As part of the wider Oaklea Trust charity you will be aware we’re all about ‘supporting stronger communities’ – as a result Oaklea (and R2W) have been recognised by the National Care Forum thanks to their ongoing work during Covid19. We…
We all know the benefits to our mental health and overall wellness that Craft has – well now R2W parent, the Oaklea Trust charity will benefit too from our latest offer from The Eden Workshop. The Eden Workshop at the R2W Appleby Hub has a very varied schedule of Craft & Cooking workshops using local…
We love to celebrate any positivity here at R2W – and how about these top chaps. They’ve just received their certificates from our ‘Work & Learn’ Team after our team ‘doorstepped’ them – socially distant of course- to give out the good news! A round of applause for….. Joe Karl Jenssen Domonic They were…
Today mark’s an exciting milestone in both the Football Foundation’s 20-year history – and our national game’s 150-year history And R2W have played their part – as you are aware (if not….pay more attention!) our Community Works team spent much of the summer with the “goal” of revamping the facilities at Appleby FC – their…
The Furniture Warehouse are very much open virtually for the sale of items during #Lockdown2 That’s partly down to the crack team of Learners and employees at the Work & Learn Suppoerted Internship team. Here’s learner Sam Dewhurst, explaining why: “Since 2011, R2W has worked in partnership with South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to provide…
Our brand new Annual Report for 2020 is now available to view online. To download the Annual Report click here https://indd.adobe.com/view/4ce44f34-659a-4639-9c6e-da14ca0dbed6 or click here for a web friendly PDF R2W AR 2020_101120WEB friendly It has been quite a year to reflect upon (understatement warning!) -though remember this report is mainly looking at March 2019 to March 2020.…
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 31st October 2020 of a second England wide lockdown coming into effect on 5th November 2020, Right2Work CIC is affected in the following ways: Appleby Hub community centre and café will be closed from 5th November 2020. This includes The Eden Workshop. Our other social enterprises, e.g. The Furniture…
It’s been all go with our Supported Internship team in Furness (was ever thus I hear you cry…!) Employment Advisor Claire Round is still picking herself up off the floor after exclaiming ” What a busy term we have had!” In fact here’s Claire to explain why…. “It has been a little different for us…
Our brand new Community Works brochure has landed. As previously mentioned in our news feed -this is our first ever CW brochure and is aimed as a ‘thank you’ to those who have used the team -and of course as an invitation to potential new customers! We’re really pleased with it -as are some of…
“One thing that stands out above everything is they are always smiling, very polite and happy to help in any way they can. Employing them has been one of the best decisions we have made and has helped us to improve the School vastly over the last 2 years.” Alyssa Dobbs Headteacher, Kendal Nursery School…
It was a momentous day at R2W Community Works on Thursday 10 September – our first 2 learners from the project received their Open Awards Certificates for their hard graft. This was a big moment as the project only started a year ago -so great to see the first learners ‘roll off’ the production line!…
Our ‘Work & Learn’ team have been beavering away ready for the new term and will be visiting settings and Colleges across Cumbria over the coming weeks – armed with our updated Supported Internship brochure. Click on the link here I can do it updated sept 2020 You can get hold of a copy by…
As you are aware Right2Work are part of the wider Oaklea Group – and the latest edition of their Magazine, “Branching Out” is now available. For the first time it is virtual only -to minimise contact and ease distribution during the current pandemic. Inside you will find what the Oaklea charity have been up to…
In these strange times – here’s a heartwarming tale straight from the ‘how did that happen’ book! It’s not often you turn up to work and find you are working alongside someone you helped get on the social care career ladder! Well that’s exactly what’s happened to Right2Work “Work & Learn” Job Coach Grant Huck.…
Work well underway at Appleby FC in the Eden Valley to upgrade the changing room facilities -all thanks to a big grant from the FA, Football League and Eden District Council. The Community Works team have been ripping it up -the old floors and tiling and taking out the showers and sinks. They’ve also had…
The R2W ‘Work & Learn’ team have got funding worth up to £5,000 to assist young people in Cumbria (£4,997 to be precise!). The money has been awarded by Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s, new COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund for local charities and communities (to help cope with the financial impact of COVID-19). R2W…
At Oaklea/Right2Work everyone undergoes regular First Aid training – to protect ourselves and our customers….it is very rarely called upon – but Sarah Coates from Appleby Hub actually put the skills to good use in July for a neighbour who wasn’t too well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzj_BhQm65E Well done Sarah! Not just there for the top baking and…
At the beginning of 2020 Community Works had the challenge of creating an outdoor space for the children at Brantfield Nursery in Kendal. Here’s what it looked like back in January – basically rough ground on a steep woody hill on the edge of town when we filmed CW Apprentice Sam and Learner Trevor https://youtu.be/aozHhMQ7gbo Dig…
Our groundworks and property maintenance division – Community Works, started the big job at Appleby FC this week. The club received a substantial grant to re develop their changing facilities and bring it into the 21st C -see earlier news post here for full details http://www.right2work.org.uk/news/winning-team-at-community-works-burst-the-onion-bag-with-latest-job/ Big Jim Green from Community Works knows it’s a big…
On Wednesday 8 July the Appleby Hub Cafe re-opened after closing due to government imposed Covid19 restrictions in March. After a gentle start – easing in for both the Hub team AND customers as the week progressed more and more regulars (and new customers) came to sample its delights. The Main Hall layout is well…
The government have now given the go ahead for Cafe’s to re-open – with social distancing in place. As a result the Appleby Hub cafe will be back on Wednesday 8 July. Normal opening hours 1000-1500 Wednesday-Saturday. We look forward to welcoming you back -we know many of you have missed us and we have…
R2W Community Works have scored again! Thanks to a successful bid by parent club the Oaklea Trust, they have beaten off other bidders to win the contract to revamp a sporting club in Cumbria’s Eden Valley. Oaklea Trust assisted Appleby FC with a big grant bid that will help young people stay fit and healthy…
Big thank you to local businesses from the Appleby hub. Eden Renewable Innovations Ltd/Thermafleece from Dacre near Penrith have donated rolls of recycled insulation for the Hub. Joy Batey from the firm rolled along to help unwrap the fab donation. Local Appleby joiner Nathan Richardson and son Jude have kindly put it in place. This…
We’re celebrating Learning Disability Awareness Week – and what better way than to tell you about a big success story we have had with a project in the Furness area of Cumbria kindly funded by the Sir John Fisher Foundation. Our R2W “Work & Learn” team secured a 12 month grant to pay for a…
The R2W “Work & Learn” Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) funded jobs & training advice service for residents in Eden District is back up and running again – it was on hold due to challenges of corona. Here’s Sarah Richardson to explain how you can access her if you are 16+ and have barriers to employment.…
Amanda Andrews Employment Adviser on the G4S J2W programme has been nominated for the ERSA Employability Adviser of the Year Award by G4S “G4S has nominated Amanda Andrews for the ERSA Employability Adviser of the Year Award 2020 due to her outstanding contribution to the success of the Journey2Work programme during 2019. Amanda’s positive can-do attitude and her enthusiasm to…
Clive Wigley, Director at R2W and CEO of Oaklea Group “We will be sharing relevant stories and updates via the Oaklea Trust main webpage – go to this link to stay informed.” http://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/what-we-do/corona-virus-oaklea-response-and-other-related-updates Plus go to this page to see R2W/Oaklea community response to Corona – lots of great examples of what we are up…
R2W, as part of the Oaklea Group, will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding Corona virus. We are aware that the situation is likely to change on a daily basis and we will continue to follow the lead guidance provided by Public Health England to minimise the impact on our employees, customers, learners/partners. Business…
Following the sad news of the closing of the Appleby Heritage Centre, in Appleby, Cumbria. The Oaklea Trust through its subsidiary, Right2Work, have been approached to work alongside the Heritage Centre with a view to offering alternative options for learners who are now without provision. Some of the activities will take place at the R2W…
R2W Director, Sue Wigley was invited to present at the recent Cumbria Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board at Cumbria House in Carlisle. The theme was Getting and Having a Job Other presenters were People First Hospitality Academy; 4Eden and Westhouse as well as many individuals talking about their experiences both good and bad, of…
This week is National Apprenticeships Week. Here at R2W we are fully on board in delivering Apprenticeships – in fact a great example is Sam. He’s our Apprentice at Community Works. He works full time at R2W/CW -and spends 1 day at Kendal College. There’s no need for us to tell you more as Sam…
National Apprenticeship Week starts next week – so lets get it off to a ‘tasty’ start. This is Jenssen, one of our Supported Interns with the Furness “Work & Learn” Team. Here you can see the proud moment Jenssen had his first day in the Kitchen at The Roundhouse Hub Cafe in Barrow. The newly…
Busy morning at Right2Work HQ in Kendal this morning with some VIP guests getting the grand tour of the Mintsfeet site. Members of the Westmorland Ltd Family Group (the largest private employer in Eden District and a well regarded Cumbrian business) were coming to see first hand what R2W is all about. (Many of you…
A highly successful support group for those who have been bereaved in the Eden valley has been given a further year’s funding thanks to Cumbria Community Foundation & The C&W Herald Fund. Up to 140 people (including family members) benefited from the support (4 volunteers involved) and attendance exceeded expectations over 12 months. Oaklea Trust/Right2Work…
You will recall earlier this week Robert was one of 5 Right2Work customers who were recognised at the Ernest Cook Trust “Employability” Awards held at Lowther Castle near Penrith. Robert is a well known face at The Furniture Warehouse and has been calling in to various Oaklea/R2W settings all week showing everyone his certificate – demonstrating…
Right2Work has just got another accolade. R2W have just been accredited as a “Green business” – as we’re all about sustainability. Officiator Tim Maiden (pictured), from Green Small Business: “I’m delighted to attach your certificate. Right2Work CIC is now Green Small Business certified until 22 January 2021. Congratulations! It covers the whole of the R2W…
As you are aware R2W is part of the wider Oaklea Group. Oaklea Trust is a registered charity covering the north of England (more here http://www.oakleatrust.co.uk ) Twice a year the Trust produces a magazine called ‘Branching Out’ – the latest edition can be downloaded here. http://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/news/branching-out-celebrating-with-first-edition-for-2020 Inside you will find updates and features on R2W and…
The ‘Work & Learn’ Team were busy at Lowther Castle on Monday 20 January for the ‘Employability Awards’. This was joint venture with the Lowther Estates and the Ernest Cook Trust ( a Trust formed by the brother of famous travel impresario Thomas Cook -Ernest wanted to encourage rural development) The awards were given out…
Our Community Works team have been busy by the ‘bucketload’ since the festive period working in the grounds of Holme Primary School in South Lakes. They’ve been creating a safe woodland play area for the infants. It’s been hard work but as you can see we’ve also been having some fun with a Mini Digger!…
The R2W Board and Management team met to discuss strategy for 2020 and beyond at an awayday on Wednesday 18th December. The full day session at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal involved Managers of the main strands of R2W (Regional R2W Manager Pete, Chris from Furniture Warehouse, Sarah from Appleby Hub, Claire from Work &…
Furniture Warehouse (FW) supremo Chris(mas) Pantechis can be seen having a cracking read of ‘Lakeland News’ – this publication goes to every house in South Lakeland (54,000 homes) -and this edition the big focus is on recycling for Christmas. The FW of course feature heavily thanks to the work we do in partnership with SLDC…
The Team from Community Works out making a ‘stand’ for ‘remote’ working! They’re always ‘on the level’….. Sam and the boys busy installing a TV and monitor in an office – as the CW mantra goes – no job too small As you can see they even had time to channel hop! If you want…
This little tale will have you ‘bowled over’. Yet another success story thanks to our Supported Internship programme. To tell us more – here’s R2W Employment Advisor in Furness, Claire Round approaching the crease: “This is Joe – he started the internship programme in September. He has many qualifications within media and sports coaching. Originally…
Another nice success story to share with you from our Work & Learn Team on the Supported Internship programme. This time we’re on traffic duty…with Cumbria Police! Hon Inspector Jim Thorburn from R2W Special Branch explains: “Tom joined the SI programme in September and was doing well at ATS tyre fitters in Carlisle until an…
All this week we’ve been looking at the superb work our R2W ‘Work & Learn’ Team do with young people across Cumbria. It’s also a great way of marking ‘Learning disability work week’ (18-22 Nov). A few days ago we told you about Dom – well he’s been a busy lad. On Monday he attended…
Today marks the start of “Learning disabilities work week”. (18 to 22 November 2019). And as you know we work extensively with young people to help get them into the world of work. So here’s some great current examples from our R2W ‘Work & Learn’ team. R2W Employment Adviser Claire Round: “Karl has started at…
We’ve just welcomed 2 special guests from Africa! Teachers, Brian and Joab from Kenya, were given a grand tour of the R2W HQ by Furniture Warehouse boss Chris Pantechis accompanied by R2W Director Andy Blackman. They’re visiting South Lakeland this week to see for themselves how social enterprise can make such a difference to communities.…
R2W ‘Work & Learn’ team are always cooking up a perfect recipe for success! Across Cumbria they support young people to enter the jobs market or training. A recent tasty example is Jenssen from the Furness area. Claire Round, R2W Employment Advisor in Barrow/Furness explains:”This is Jenssen, one of our Furness learners. He has started…
Our Work & Learn gang have had a really good catch up with members of the DWP (Department for Work & Pensions) team they work with in Cumbria. The rather convivial catch up was held in the lovely surrounds of the R2W Appleby Hub Cafe. Julie, a Disability Employment Adviser from the DWP (Department for…
Right2Work is part of the wider Oaklea Group – The Oaklea Trust charity. The Trust has just released its Annual Report for 2019. It’s packed full of what the Trust have achieved over the period 2018-19 and also looks to future developments. Key to that success has been the part played by R2W. There’s some…
We mentioned a week ago the online version of our Annual Report is available to download – well today the hard copy version has arrived. Some of the R2W team can be seen ‘holding their own’ …was ever thus. If you would like a copy get in touch with the team here OR save paper…
It’s always nice to receive really positive feedback on the projects we do. Our newest enterprise Community Works has just had some lovely praise from a key customer – Ambleside Parish Centre for the work the team have been doing. Here’s a quick video of CW Project Co-ordinator, Jim Green: https://youtu.be/0u6dPsdZFzQ The feedback from Ambleside Parish…
Regulars at R2W may recognise a familiar face. This is Richard – he’s getting ready to have a placement at Oaklea Group HQ in Kendal – it’s part of his University Marketing & Business course at UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire, Preston). Richard is pretty well versed in all things R2W as he was supported…
Regulars at the R2W Furniture Warehouse will recognise this very familiar face – Kelvin! He’s busy limbering up for the Taekwondo Championships in Italy next week. Kelvin is part of the GBR team – a massive achievement. There’s 8 in the team from across Britain – representing different heights and ages. As you can see…
Our Annual Report 2019 is now available Chair Phil Shea: “It has been another dynamic and successful year as we continue to grow and develop further….The challenges that lie ahead rest in ensuring that we remain a profitable and ethical business whilst continuing to enhance the learning, well-being and involvement in the community of…
The Hub Cafe team pulled out all the stops at the weekend for a highly successful “Curry night” fundraiser in a packed Main Hall. R2W Director Clive Wigley was there, and in between tasty mouthfuls- managed to take these ‘delicious’ snaps. Clive says: “Great food, great music, great company. All In aid of Oaklea Trust and…
Further to Friday’s visit by High Sheriff of Cumbria, Marcia Reid Fotheringham JP + assorted VIP’s from key funders like CCF (Cumbria Community Foundation) -we have just received delightful correspondence from Marcia. “A terrific visit – even though too short. I must say, I was totally impressed with all of the work being done. You…
The Mintsfeet HQ of R2W had a special visit this morning – the new High Sheriff of Cumbria, Marcia Reid Fotheringham JP plus dignitaries from key funders like CCF (Cumbria Community Foundation). They were seeing first hand how R2W teams make a difference to people’s lives across Cumbria. The delegates got to see the team…
Our “Work & Learn” team set up a new service for Cumbria’s very rural Eden Valley earlier this year thanks to funding from Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF). Job Coach Sarah Richardson explains: “Since starting with the scheme in the spring, it soon became apparent that there was a need for employment support within Eden District.…
The team at Appleby Hub Cafe pulled out all the stops at the weekend to assist with a fundraiser for the Oaklea #ProjectEdenside (Oaklea aims to create Extra Care Housing for local elderly people in the Cumbrian town but needs to raise £250k to make the plans a reality – Edenside is just round the…
Today – Wednesday 11 September, 2019 – we have launched our new website! The aim is to better reflect what Right2Work does. Chair Phil Shea: “It’s an exciting development that captures the dynamism of the company well. It offers good access not only to those who might commission the service but equally to those customers…
Our colleagues at Community Works spent time in the summer getting the new Oaklea Group HQ ready – Station House (above Kendal Railway Station) will be the new Headquarters after many years on Stramongate. Learners from CW have been getting real hands on experience fitting out the offices – everything from painting & decorating to…
We have a new initiative based in the Eden Valley. If you are over 16, living in Eden and have a barrier to employment? The Employment Advice Service for Eden District could be for you! This free service, made possible by funding from Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), is currently running in Eden. Are you struggling to…
The latest edition of Oaklea Group magazine “Branching Out” is now available and has lots of items on what we’ve been up to at R2W -and how we fit into the wider Oaklea set up! Features on the launch of the new Community Works, the rebrand of R2W, SI’s going from strength to strength and…
Oaklea CEO & R2W Director Clive Wigley & R2W Director Sue Green are back from a weekend spent in Leicester with one of our major funders – Forbes. Sue says; “It was an excellent and exhausting weekend of networking with 7 other organisations who had received grants from Forbes Charitable Foundation. Oaklea Group is one…
Right2Work’s Employment Team always like to bring you the finest cuts and recently job coach, Grant Huck has been working with Keiron Goodwin from Cumbria. Keiron, one of the Furness students with the Right2Work Supported Internship team, recently undertook a taster day with specialist commercial butchers, Ulverston Meat Company. Daniel Weston and John Gray, directors…
The latest edition of the Oaklea Group magazine, ‘Branching Out’ is now available and, of course, Right2Work features in a lot of articles! There are features covering the annual Right2Work celebration in November and the recent awards Right2Work have been nominated for. There’s also plenty on what our people have been up to – they’re…
This is how we do it – promoting social enterprise, that is! Right2Work have been hosting visitors from Northumberland County Council, specifically commissioners from the Northumberland Adult Services team who were on a fact-finding mission to the Right2Work offices and Furniture Warehouse in Kendal. Right2Work Regional Manager, Pete Bradbury: “Tonia and Alan were keen to…
Never let it be said that the Employment Team at Right2Work are not perfectly cast…! Employment Adviser Claire Round explains: “Rachel from Barrow has had a few sessions in the plaster room at Furness General Hospital. Firstly she observed a cast being put on by having it put on her own left arm. Each section…
Right2Work’s Annual Report for 2018 is now available. Right2Work Chair Phil Shea is incredibly proud of what has been achieved by the team and partners and those we support: “R2W is a growing and thriving organisation that carries out an increasingly diverse range of activities from a well organised and bustling centre.” “We are a…
Right2Work has been shortlisted for yet another award! We have been entered into the Local Government Chronicle ‘Best Service Delivery Model’ category for Right2Work’s bulky waste collection service which we run on behalf of South Lakeland District Council (SLDC). The shortlisting nomination is a joint one for both SLDC and Right2Work. Right2Work Director, Susan Wigley:…
Right2Work held its Annual Awards and Celebration with more than 150 people packed into Kendal Rugby Club’s Mintbridge Stadium to recognise all the achievements of the past year. It was an afternoon all about our staff and customers, and a chance to thank them and our key partners. The celebration began with a keynote speech…
Right2Work have just been told one of our customers has been shortlisted for a national award which, along with two customers from Oaklea Trust, means we’re on for a hat-trick! There were more than 600 entries for the Learning Disability & Autism Leaders List 2018 which have been whittled down to 15 in each category,…
Our new Job Coaches have been inducted into the R2W way of doing things. 8 new Job Coaches who will cover the whole of Cumbria began their induction at the R2W nerve centre in Kendal this week (4 September 2018).They will work with the 4 FE Colleges in the county with identified learners . It…
Council praises R2W thanks to waste contract that transforms lives. R2W have recently secured the contract to remove unwanted furniture and household goods and at the same time continue helping disabled and disadvantaged people. South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has extended its bulky waste contract with R2W, which offers training, learning and work opportunities. Today…
R2W have been given a big boost thanks to the Cumberland Building Society. The Society, through their Community Fund, have handed over £726 to provide essential safety equipment like high vis vests in the bustling warehouse. Furniture Warehouse Manager, Chris Pantechis can be seen with local Cumberland Branch Manager Rebecca and Assistant Branch Manager Lynette…
The Appleby Hub was selected by the Co-op Local Community Fund in September 2016 to receive funding to support the work it’s doing in the community. Co-op Members were offered the opportunity to choose which local organisation will benefit from a 1% donation available from the Co-op. The more members spend, the more money goes…
Our Employment Team have come up trumps again! Employment Team Tutor Jim Thorburn explains: “Our colleagues in Furness have been nominated for a Healthcare Award in the 2018/19 Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) in the category of Partnership Working.” “This is further evidence of the excellent work delivered by the team in supporting Danielle and…
