Learning Space – A Children’s Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Charity.

It is said that good things come to those that wait and perhaps also those who preserve. Having endured a car breakdown, delayed trains and a near vertical route-march from Redhill station, I eventually arrived at the haven of Learning Space and enjoyed a wonderful couple of hours in the company of CEO, Mark Lister, Head of Trustees, Stefan Nahajski, fellow trustee Mike Lightfoot and head of fund-raising Rebecca Wheaton.

Learning Space is a children’s emotional well-being and mental health charity that provides individual and group support for 5 – 18 years olds in Surrey. They offer a strengths-based, therapeutic mix of solution focused support together with a variety of creative activities customised to the individual needs and interests of the child, young person or adult. They are an alliance partner of Mindworks Surrey, a group of organisations working together to deliver the new emotional wellbeing and mental health service for children and young people in Surrey.

Whilst I was there I was delighted to be asked to join a Youth Voice session with a number of young people. Sitting in the round everyone was encouraged to participate and open up through friendly conversation and games. It was wonderful to see how the young people started to relax and laugh in the safe space that was generated, and I felt very privileged to be allowed into their circle.

Learning Space is looking to expand it activities and the number of young people they can support, and they would particularly like to hear from any local people and businesses in the Redhill area who would like to become involved in helping them help young people in their local community.

Find out more at https://www.learningspace.org.uk

The Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2025.

Suzanne and I together with my police cadets, Imogen and Grace, thoroughly enjoyed a celebratory evening at the Dorking Halls recognising the achievements of a number of individuals at the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Awards and Commendations Ceremony.

I was delighted to part of the awards team which also included Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Latham, Chief Fire Officer, Dan Quin, Vice-Chair of Surrey County Council, Bernie Muir, and the Cabinet Member for Surrey Fire and Police and Resilience, Kevin Deanus. I was also kept on my toes by being informed I was making a speech only after I had arrived, but fortunately I was provided with some words of wisdom to help me thank those present for their unwavering commitment. Awards were given for years of service and meritorious actions and conduct. Dan Quin said that they were not just a service but a community and acknowledged the families and loved ones also present and the dedication of all the teams from frontline firefighters, control room staff, support teams, volunteers and everyone who plays a part in keeping Surrey safe.

The Green Hub at Witley.

It is not often you have a meeting in an old stationmaster’s house on a station platform, but Suzanne and I were delighted to meet up with Green Hub at their charity’s headquarters on Witley station. We met with Vanessa Lanham-Day (Chair of the Management Board), Flo Headlam (Patron) and other members of team and heard how Green Hub is a local community charity based in Milford, Witley & Godalming supporting teens (10-18) in Waverley, Surrey and NE Hampshire, who are facing social, emotional & mental health challenges. They provide ‘social therapeutic horticulture’, and they come along to their Green Teens programme for a couple of hours each week for 12 weeks, working in one of their local Green Hub gardens, whatever the weather. The idea is to teach them strategies that they can use for the rest of their lives, based on their ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. It was great to hear how the charity is growing and their enthusiasm to help young people in the local community. They have the capability of helping more young people and details of how to join in can be found on their website. – https://greenhub.org.uk.

An Award for ‘Sparkfish’ – Providing Valuable Support to Schools in East Surrey.

Sparkfish – A Redhill Christian organisation that engages with young people in schools across Reigate, Redhill and Merstham, offering support in important areas of the curriculum and school life was awarded a grant from the High Sheriff Youth Awards last year and this week Ron Enticott from the HYSA, went along to the Sparkfish offices to present Director – Harriet Pearce, and helper – Tim Hills with a certificate from the High Sheriff in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.

The High Sheriff Youth Awards are an organisation who provide funding for a project or initiative for young people that will help reduce or prevent crime – and make communities stronger and safer by reaching out and helping others. Groups can apply for funding for a new or existing project provided that it meets the funding guidance set out on the HSYA website (http://www.surreyhighsheriff.org/willyouqualify.html)

SparkFish was launched in Autumn 2010. It soon became an independent charitable trust, supported by many local churches. Since then, the team has grown and their work has expanded to include the great majority of local schools, primary as well as secondary. The work of volunteers in a range of roles is also vital to their work. Some help in schools on a weekly basis, or get involved in special projects once a year. Others act as our Champions in local churches, raising the profile of schools’ ministry and encouraging practical support. SparkFish also offers opportunities for gap year volunteers who are interested in schools or youth work.

Congratulations Sparkfish on your many achievements and thank you for your contribution to the community.

Find out more by visiting the website – https://sparkfish.org.uk

A Visit to LinkAble in Woking.

I previously had the pleasure of meeting members of the LinkAble Team at the Sheerwater Community Day with Suzanne; so we were delighted to be invited to their main centre in Woking earlier this week to meet with CEO, Sue Stockman, and the rest of her team. We arrived just as the minibuses pulled in, Some bringing young people from school and another returning adults who had been out on a day trip.

LinkAble is a charity which supports people with a learning difficulty and autistic people and helps them lead the life they wish to live. Their weekly groups and holiday schemes offer engaging experiences for people with additional needs, along with essential short breaks for exhausted parents and carers. From sensory activities and days out to performing arts, socialising, and life skills. They are about to launch a new service called Livablity which will enable people to gain the skills and confidence they need to live independent lives and put them on a pathway to paid work or regular volunteering opportunities. Sadly, only about 7% of people with a learning disability are in work, when the majority aspire to have a job and this programme is intended to help them on their journey.

All the staff were amazing and the photo shows me with Sue, Millie (a team leader) and one of the youngsters enjoying the after school activities.

Walton Firs Activity Centre – 50 Acres of Outdoor Activity.

Suzanne and I were amazed when we were invited to visit Walton Firs Activity Centre and encountered over 50 acres of outdoor activities just outside of Cobham. Originally a scout camp, it was acquired in 2008, and since then has grown as a charity offering a wide variety of things to do for many different user groups. Last year over 32,000 young people used the space. They deliver outdoor education activity programmes for youth service providers (Scouts, Guides, Cadet Forces and informal youth groups), education providers (early years, primary, secondary and SEN schools) and young and adult volunteers (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, National Citizens Service, individual work experience and volunteering activities). 

The Walton Firs Foundation Lead Patron, Derek Pollard, his wife Heather and the CEO, Chris Scott gave us a tour of the facilities and outlined that they are keen to find donors to help fund a new residential lodge and training centre on site. More information can be found at www.waltonfirs.co.uk

Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets Parade.

On Sunday October 12th Suzanne and I were treated to a parade by the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets ahead of their Awards Ceremony. Deputy Lieutenant, Bridget Bidell and Chief Constable. Tim De Meyer and I inspected the cadets and then awards were given for Voluntary Service Recognition, Endeavour, Community Impact, Cadet of the Year and Cadet Leader of the Year.

Both my High Sheriff Cadets played an important part in the event with Grace handing out the winning envelopes and Imogen giving an excellent account of her time with the Police Cadets. 

Joining the Volunteer Police Cadets is free and offers amazing opportunities for young people. More information can be found here https://www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/surrey-police-cadet-scheme/

My Night as a Street Angel

Having lived in Guildford for over 25 years I have been aware of the wonderful Street Angels and the part they have played keeping people safe and with their presence helping to prevent incidents from occurring. Last night Suzanne and I joined them on their patrol. They go out every Friday and Saturday night from 10.30pm to 4am in two patrols of two or three volunteers, covering all areas from the station up to G-Live checking in with the pubs and clubs and looking out for people who may need assistance.

Friday night was especially busy with many people coming into town from the Oktoberfest event in Stoke Park. A number of friendly greetings and words of thanks from people out enjoying themselves demonstrated the respect the Street Angels have and a recognition of the good work they do especially towards the end of the night as people start heading home.

I learned that lollipops defuse a lot of aggressive or emotional situations, everyone likes being offered a lollipop and also offering flip flops to young ladies who have removed their painful heels is especially welcome. It was sad to record that there were five people we came across sleeping rough but the Street Angels offer them blankets if they do not want other support. 

Everyone is a volunteer and the Street Angels are always on the look out for more volunteers. The commitment is to be available one Friday or Saturday a month after having undergone some training sessions. It is very rewarding when you know you have helped someone and frequently letters or social media posts praise the Street Angels for their interventions. The camaraderie is great and McDonalds even offer you free food! 

If you would like to enquire about volunteering please email streetangels@gtcc.org.uk or call 07717 876853

Photo from left to right – me, Tony, Sharon, Susanna, Suzanne and team leader Jo

A Visit to The Meath Epilepsy Charity.

Suzanne and I had a wonderful time meeting the residents at The Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming either this week. Lucy Miguda, Head of fund-raising, was our guide and we were engrossed by her knowledge of the history of the Meath, her ability to explain the complexity of the medical conditions, her recall of the names of every resident and member of staff we met and her compassion and respect for all. There are 80 residents and over 200 staff who deal with over 7,500 epileptic instances a year. Most of the residents had become epileptic due to being involved in serious accidents and whilst many still retained strong mental faculties, there is a need for constant monitoring and supervision.

The Meath is a beautiful Grade II listed property in wonderful grounds which the residents can enjoy. We enjoyed meeting Michael who spends most of his days maintaining the gardens. We were also delighted to meet a family friend, Phoebe Gayden, who comes in weekly to lead the Meath Choir, who we joined for some singing and Makaton signing.      

A Space for Young People in Mole Valley – The Leatherhead Youth Project.

I had an enjoyable visit to the Leatherhead Youth Project earlier this week. It must have been about eight years ago that I last visited and it was good to see it thriving. Launched in 2008 they provide much needed services for young people in North Leatherhead and more recently Bookham and across Mole Valley helping young people be safe, resilient and able to make positive changes in their own lives and in the community.

In North Leatherhead they offer an after school hub with a variety of activities, with experienced youth workers and counsellors available to provide guidance if required. They also provide food for those that attend and offer opportunities to go on trips, volunteer and run activities to help with the transition form primary to secondary schools and tuition help.

It was great to be shown around by CEO Jude Crome and Marketing & Community Fundraiser, Laura Dicken and also meet some of the young people having a great time.