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for previous news pages ) ART OF SHARING
Min Hi supports tenants in their own homes and on trips out into the community. She used photographs of her experiences to make into collages that she printed and gave to the individuals featured. When Hilt staff saw the collages they were so impressed that they persuaded Min Hi to mount a small exhibition of her work in the Central Office Reception.
Min Hi will volunteer in another country after completing her placement with Hilt. She may then return to her native Korea and begin work as an architect. STEPPING OUT
Personal hopes and ambitions formed the basis of a discussion that Hilt’s Autism Service had with Hackney Social Services, Yasmin and her family looking at the support she’s received so far. Being frightened of people and crowds and anxiety about going outside meant that Yasmin stayed indoors for almost a year. With support from the Autism Project and Occupational Team she has begun visiting places around London of her own choice. As well as simple short trips out to the shops, Yasmin has been on more ambitious journeys to tourist attractions like Kew Gardens and the London Eye. EASY RIDER
Savaas enjoys watching The Bill on TV and has always been really into cars and motorbikes. Staff at the project researched a way that Savaas could further his interest. Support Worker Paul Soodeen said “Savaas is really into the whole biking experience. He likes the machines and all the accessories that come with riding a motorbike – helmet, gloves jacket etc. He's a real biker at heart.” After making some enquiries and carrying out risk assessments, it was possible for Savaas to start revving up his ambitions. He’s now able to go on a motorbike outing every two weeks using the Taxybike Service. On each trip he’s accompanied by a trained instructor and is able to visit different locations around town. He’s been to Docklands and the South Bank and many of the London landmarks. STAND AND DELIVER
The Service User Group is important in helping Hilt to improve things for Service Users. The group meets every month with Susan Storrar, Hilt's Director. The group have employed an advocate called Adele to help them have their say. The election is to choose six people to speak up for Service Users in Hilt. Those chosen will take part in the group for the next two years. All Hilt Service Users have been sent a form so they can put their name forward to stand for election. Candidates will make their election speeches and votes will be cast at the Hilt party in September. Anyone who needs support in applying to stand should speak to one of the Mangers or Support Staff . Your service needs your service. VOLUNTEERS DONE WELL
The Museum of London provided a historical backdrop to the event this year. Hilt volunteers received a number of Special Appreciation Certificates. Pauline Kasune & Kamil Krawiec won runners up in the category of Volunteer of the Year and Frank Hofmann was runner up in the Young, Gifted and Volunteering category. Rosie Lee, who is now a member of Hilt’s Sessional Bank Staff, won this award last year, and was on hand to present the award to this year’s winner and runners up.
A great buffet and free wine helped oil the wheels of conversation at a post Awards bash where recipients were also able to have a rare private view of the Museum’s many treasures. LIVING HISTORY
This 24 hour project brought together objects and people who were around at the time of the Second World War. Its’ staging coincided with celebrations in London marking the 60 year anniversary of the end of this war. Older people who could share a wealth of memories about their personal experiences of the war years were employed as guides in the Museum. There were also exhibits of photographs and machinery and weaponry used during the war. French and British allegiances were explored in conversation when Outreach Service User Chris attended with French volunteer Franck Ribes. BARBARA'S BEST CHALLENGE
Barbara was originally employed as a Support Worker. She spent many years in the Outreach Service before becoming Deputy Manager at a project in Islington last year. Barbara has now accepted the role of Acting Manager at a large Supported Housing project in Hackney. “I’m very excited and looking forward to a new challenge” said Barbara. This project is based on three separate sites and provides support to nine service users. “It’s a challenge that Barbara is more than capable of meeting and her experience will benefit staff and service users alike”, said Service Manager Michelle O’Neill. Everyone wishes her the best of luck. GUIDANCE FROM ABOVE
Henba, as she’s known for short, is very healthy with lots of freckles. She has been enjoying the care and attention of her two brothers. Best wishes to Sade and family from all Hilt staff. HIGH FLYERS
The lucky learners include Outreach Manager, Ian Bond, Senior Support Worker Alan Weekes, Occupational Team Manager, John Cahill, Autism Project Co-ordinator, Shane Trimble, Acting Project Manager, Barbara Sawyer and Deputy Project Manager Lauren Davies. All have learned new skills that they’re busy sharing with
their staff teams. |
Visitors
to Hilt’s Central Office may have noticed a startling exhibition
of collages by Hilt volunteer, Min Hi Chun.
These
collages are full of intimacy and humour. The empathetic relationship
that Min Hi and project staff share with the people they support
is evident in the images. Visitors are encouraged to take a look.
“Yasmin
hopes to get a computer and learn how to use it for drawing and
writing” said Yasmin’s mum, talking about her daughter’s
ambitions for the future. “I’d like her to be able
to go to college and mix with other people.” 
You
can’t talk to Savaas about motorbikes without a broad smile
crossing his face. Savaas has been living in one of Hilt’s
Supported housing projects for several years. Sharing a flat with
his friend Matthew and getting support from the staff team enables
him to live a lifestyle of his own choice. 
Hilt's
Service User Group will be holding elections in September. The
call has gone out for candidates to stand.
A
string of successes were stacked up by Hilt volunteers at 
Cheol
Hee Yoon, Sang Eun Song and Taras Lischke received awards for
their participation in the Millennium Volunteers Scheme. The British
Government set up this scheme in order to recognise the achievements
of 16-24 year olds in volunteering.
History
is constantly rewritten, debated and contributed to by people
from all walks of life. An exhibition held at The Living Museum
on Hyde Park in July helped to demonstrate how the past and the
present are linked.
She’s
seen a lot of changes in the10 years since she joined Hilt. Most
recently Barbara Sawyer’s own role in the organisation has
been affected by change through a promotion.
A
new arrival in the house of Hilt Service Manager, Sade Kur, has
caused much excitement and celebration. Sade gave birth to a baby
girl in July.
After
a gruelling year of study, 6 members of Hilt staff have successfully
completed the NVQ Level 4 in Health & Social Care Management.