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Success Stories
Manjit Kaur
Community Links nominated me for a Jack Petchey Award because of all my volunteering – I help out with Education at the Squash Club and New Canteen and Forest Gate Youth Inclusion as well. But I have even set up my own little projects within these schemes, with a small group of girls and we have been writing and taking photographs. At Community Links, Candy worked with me one to one, helped me with my CV and gave me opportunities. I am now doing an ‘Introduction to Youth Work’ course and next year plan to do a degree. I wouldn’t be where I am without Candy.
Jason Forde
It was hard to avoid trouble around on the streets. But I felt it was in me to do better. One day, two people from Community Links asked who wanted to make music. I joined in at the Youth House and got a certificate and stayed involved with their activities. I wanted to work – but my CV was blank! Then the youth house offered me volunteering. I became a Young Leader, took diplomas in youth work then became a deputy at the youth house. When temporary cover of running the Asta Centre came up they said ‘Go for it Jason’. I got it and now it’s permanent. I am so grateful to Community Links for giving me the chance when I was young. I’ve got loads of ideas for Asta to reach kids like I was. Already I feel like we are making a difference to young people’s lives.
Terry Hawkins
I had a nice upbringing but since leaving school I’ve had a colourful background, you know what I mean? It would be good to work with troubled young people as I have had similar experiences as them. I am doing a sports leadership course through our S-Team programme in a couple of weeks and I want to set up a football team and teach others, especially troubled youths. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.