On Saturday 18th September, 13 crazy supporters of asphaleia action jumped out of a plane in a bid to raise money for our project in Sierra Leone.

The brave folks travelled all the way to Beccles in Suffolk to be harnessed up and fall from the sky as part of a tandem jump. “It was an amazing day,” says jumper Derek Allen. “I have wanted to do a skydive for ages, and to know I got to do one whilst raising money was a brilliant feeling. What’s next on the list?”

Amongst the jumpers were three members of asphaleia staff, and two boyfriend’s of asphaleia staff unable to do it themselves. Fundraiser Hayley even managed to talk her mum, cousin and fiance to get up there whilst she remained on solid ground - someone had to take pictures, after all!

Huge congratulations and THANK YOU goes out to all our amazing supporters. Not many charities can say they’ve had people risk their lives to raise money for them!

Freddie, Vanessa, Michael, Renee, Derek and Becky get set

Sandie comes in to land

In August, asphaleia care supported two learners into employment. This is the story of one of them.

George* is a young person who was referred to asphaleia by the youth offending team in Uxbridge.

“George was having problems engaging with other professionals and was finding it difficult to get a job as he is an ex-offender,” explains his project worker, Juan.

“After a few months of job searching the situation was affecting George’s self esteem and self confidence. After spending time with him and enrolling him onto our project Pathways 2 Progression (funded by the London Development Agency) I discovered that George had an interest in sport.”

George had previously volunteered as a football coach with children and agreed to go for another voluntary opportunity in the same area, to build up his experience.

“I knew George would love a job coaching football, so I contacted a local organisation who were happy to offer him work experience,” says Juan. “We agreed he would work hard and be punctual during the placement to ensure he made an impact.

“He did so well that many parents of the children taking part gave very positive feedback about George to the lead coach,” he adds.

The great news is, after impressing the staff and parents so much, George has been offered a permanent paid position! George is now spending everyday doing something he loves, and earning money at the same time.

“I am thrilled for him! This opportunity could change his life,” concludes Juan.

*name has been changed

There are now only 50 tickets left for the asphaleia ball on 9th October 2010. Order your tickets now from Hayley on 01903 228094.

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Happy reading!

On 21st August 2010 a group of very brave supporters of asphaleia action are taking to the skies and jumping out of planes (attached to a professional and a parachute of course!) to raise vital funds for our projects in the UK and Africa, to mark the 10th year of our charity.

“We are overwhelmed with the support from people so far, and the number of people willing to literally put their lives on the line for our charity is amazing,” says organiser Hayley Cottrell.

“With 30 people showing an interest in this event, we are set to raise around £4000. That is a brilliant amount of money which will be spent on brand new projects working with the most vulnerable young people, both in our local communities, and in Sierra Leone,” she adds.

For information about how you could join the adventurous group, please contact Hayley on 01903 228094, or hayleycottrell@asphaleia.co.uk by 30th June 2010.

Today marks the penultimate day until the FIFA world cup 2010..and asphaleia staff are using the opportunity to have some competitive fun, whilst raising valuable funds for the charity.

“This year we are hosting a sweepstake for 32 members of staff,” explains Trustee Dave Cottrell. “It costs £5 each and the money raised is going towards throwing a graduation party for the girls in Kabor, our project in Sierra Leone.

“The winning staff member wins a handmade World Cup bag all the way from South Africa,” he adds.

Each of the 32 members of staff have been randomly assigned one of the 32 countries. All eyes are on Becky who got England…or maybe not?!

Even if England have a disappointing tournament, at least the staff at asphaleia are having some fun and raising some much needed money for our colleagues in Africa.

Brook demonstrates the fool proof random selection process

asphaleia staff are getting active this summer and taking part in the Global Corporation Challenge to walk around the world in 16 weeks, starting tomorrow.

Staff have split up into seven teams of seven, and within that team they have to complete a minimum of 10,000 steps each per day, if they are to succeed in a walk around the world by the deadline. As well as competing with one another, asphaleia is competing with thousands of other teams all around the world.

“We have been considering ways to raise awareness and invest in promoting health and wellbeing for staff and service users,” explains Managing Director Laura Thorpe. ”Recently we have been providing fruit in all our locations to encourage five a day. Many people said the provision had stimulated them to be more alert and they felt healthier! So now GCC!

“We thought it would be good fun encouraging some staff to take part but we have been overwhelmed by the response from staff and the interest the project has generated. Everywhere I have been today is a buzz with talk of ‘how many steps …’ or ‘I’ll go and get that for you to add to my steps!’” Laura adds.

Each participant has received a backpack (as modelled by our lovely models!) and pedometer to record how many steps they are taking per day. Steps are registered on the website, and teams can track their progress around the world. asphaleia will be providing a prize for the winning team.

The infamous pedometer

“The most surprising thing in all this is the level of competition between staff,” says Laura. ”Also the questions of cheating - can you believe it! Pretty scary it has been under the surface all this time…. I’m sure in 16 weeks we will be applauding all who took part especially the winning team. My moneys on my team, the Golden girls and Dave!”

Time will tell, eh Laura?

Christine models the lovely GCC backpack

Pip leaves for the week...backpack and all!