Welcome to the fifth edition of LINKnet's new online newsletter. The newsletter will be sent quarterly. In this bulletin you will find useful information about events and opportunities available around Edinburgh. It can also be used to share your experiences and successes of mentoring with other people involved with LINKnet. If you would like to contribute anything please contact Nihat on 0131 225 6284 or email: nkaya@linknetmentoring.com
Talk the Talk
While highlighting that this issue of LINKnet's news letter contains very important internal news under different headings the main focus of the editorial is the black minority ethnic apathy in winning their entitlements.
Time and again BME people have established organisations, fora and initiated campaigns to win their rights. Most of those have ended achieving very little or in failure. In most instances such little success or no success has been attributed to internal politics within the black minority ethnic sector. In other words it has been speculated that minority ethnic communities are divided and their organisations are unable to unite. This has been highlighted as resulting from the competition for limited resources, territory and service provision.
While there is an element of truth in such speculations BME initiatives on collective agitation have failed mostly due to apathy on the part of BME leaders.
The most recent such an initiative is the Black Leaders Network (BLN) which was established by CEMVO and Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance. Most black leaders have subscribed to this initiative. At the inaugural meeting and at subsequent meetings leaders have expressed the importance of such a forum and their passion for it. BLN recently led a consultation on the ethnic classification issue. Poor attendance at this meeting was indicative of the failure of BME leaders to sustain passion and commitment. Promises of BLN members to support each other came to nothing when LINKnet held its first consultation event in Glasgow on 21 September 07. It would be good practice at least to acknowledge a fellow leaders communication let alone the support. It is sad that BME leaders do not see that a lot can be achieved by collective effort rather than by individual gimmicks and back stabbing.
There are leaders who have genuine desire to work together to address BME issues. None the less general apathy in them has become the stumbling block for the collective effort to achieve what BME people are entitled to and what they deserve. Most of them talk the talk. Nothing will change until they walk the walk while talking the talk.
We are grateful to the readership for spreading information about LINKnet. Please visit LINKnet's website for more and latest information including LINKnet's history.
Ranbandara Dissanayaka
LINKnet Project Director
LINKnet's New ProjectsInternational Alliance
International Alliance is LINKnet's most recent joint project with Napier University. Through this project the two organisations aim to encourage Scottish Businesses to expand to other countries with advice and participation from overseas students studying at Napier University. Students who are interested in participating in the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent Initiative will be encouraged to take placements with Scottish Businesses with the medium term goal of obtaining paid employment in those businesses being mentored by LINKnet mentors. Those students will benefit by getting work experience in Britain and an income. The Businesses will benefit from the experience and expertise of the students in their pursuit to expand to foreign markets. The Scottish economy will benefit by both the above.
The project is funded by The Scottish Executive's "Fresh Talent: Supporting International Students Challenge Fund".
Grundtwig Learning Partnerships
Grundtwig Learning Partnerships project is a partnership scheme between Scotland, Spain and Greece to explore different skill development methods used in each country. The partnership project would enable participating organizations to learn from each other. Each participant organization will benefit by learning new methods that are used and popular in the countries of the partners. New skill development methods that have been exchanged would be appropriately applied in the country of residence of the participants later.
The Project is funded by "Education & Culture Lifelong Learning Programme Grundtwig".
LINKnet's resource centre is operational now with 10 brand new computers with broad-band internet facilities. Resource centre also holds other relevant information regarding further /higher education and employment. All black minority ethnic people can use the resource centre free of charge on Mondays and Fridays. The centre is available for hire on the rest of the weekdays .Those who cannot afford internet cafes or private computers to improve their employability LINKnet offers a tremendous opportunity within the resource centre at no cost. |
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The project is funded by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Trust, Castle Rock Housing association and Awards for All". |
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Expanding to Glasgow
On 21 September 2007 LINKnet held its first consultation event at Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance offices regarding its future plans to expand its services to Glasgow. 17 representatives of public and voluntary sector organisations took part in the consultation meeting.
Staff Changes
Jess Buck former Outreach Development Officer left LINKnet at the end of July 07 for a Job in Manchester where she used to travel every week to attend a course .Linda Quigley former Mentoring Development Officer left LINKnet at the end of August 07 for a permanent job with West Lothian Council. Manjula Dissanayake former Information and Communications Technology Officer left at the end of September 07 for further education at Heriot Watt University with the view to doing a PhD. LINKnet will greatly miss all three very talented and dedicated staff members who have performed extremely well for the development of the organization and for the benefit of its service users. Management Board of Directors and staff of LINKnet wish the very best for them for the future.The three posts now have been offered to Lisa Lam, Deborah Byrne and Nihat Kaya respectively. All three have assumed duties by the 01 Oct 2007. Management Board Directors and staff warmly welcome all of them into LINKnet.
To Linda
A supportive colleague
It is with joy and sadness that I learn that Linda has decided to move on to pastures new. Linknet and the Edinburgh BME voluntary sector's loss is West Lothian's gain.
I had dealings with Linda through my work with 'The Welcoming - The Adult Learning Project'. She often referred clients to our project and would come along to offer job opportunity advice and information to our clients during our Wednesday drop-in sessions at the Methodist Central Hall.
I found her always to be a helpful and supportive colleague. Full of good advice and a warm smile for everyone.
I wish you all the very best Linda, and urge you not to forget the links you have made within Edinburgh's Voluntary Sector when you become fully engrossed in your work with West Lothian's Public Sector.
Nahid Aslam
Adult Learning Project
We will miss You
I am very sad that Linda has left Linknet. She has been of enormous help and encouragement. Linda is all about enabling people. She is kind, diplomatic and sincere. Nothing was ever too much for her to do. She is a professional in the best sense of the word and more. As a fellow professional I never felt any hesitation in asking for her support. I will miss her and her sunny smile al lot!!
Kokumo Rocks
LINKnet mentee
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LINKnet has been successful in accessing funding from the following sources for its new projects.
| Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Trust | £500.00 |
| Castle Rock Housing Association | £1000.00 |
| Awards for All | £5690.00 |
| Grundtwig | €17,000.00 |
| Fresh Talent: Supporting International Students Challenge Fund | £30,000.00 |
| In collaboration with Careers Scotland LINKnet held a workshop on 16 September 07 on CV building and Application process and a second workshop on 26 September 07 on Job search and Interview skills. Sally Goudie and Clare of Careers Scotland facilitated the workshops. An open invitation was sent to all LINKnet contacts to participate in these free workshops. Many thanks to Careers Scotland! | |
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| LINKnet Mentoring Ltd. is organising a training for mentors on Saturday 27th October at Linknet’s resource centre at 17 Guthrie Street. The training provided will give more information on how to be an active mentor, race equality and discrimination in the workplace. For further information and booking please contact Deborah or Lisa ASAP in order to secure a place. Lunch will be provided by LINKnet Mentoring Ltd. |
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| Address LINKnet Mentoring 31 Guthrie Street Edinburgh EH1 1JG Phone 0131 225 6284 Fax 0131 225 6367 |
Training Date &Time: 10am – 3.30pm |
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LINKnet's "16-24 Job Ready" project has become highly popular. So far 110 mentees have enrolled with the programme. LINKnet staff are persevering to recruit suitable volunteers to support these mentees. We would like to recruit people to join our pool of volunteer mentors from a range of careers (both qualified and unqualified) who will be willing to attend a one-day training session and have:
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As a mentor you will be rewarded by having the opportunity to:
If you are keen to help a black minority ethnic graduate through the process of getting a job we are looking for you. Improving the quality of life of another person will give you so much satisfaction.
People from different ethnic communities coming together and getting to know each other is essential for a peaceful and harmonious society.
If you or any of your friends or family are interested in becoming a member please contact a member of LINKnet staff.
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I am a third year Accountancy and Finance student at Heriot-Watt University.
The first time I heard about Linknet was one and a half years ago while I was a first year student. I was walking pass the bridgelink in Hugh Nisbet Building which is one of Heriot-Watt's main academic buildings and I got a leaflet from a stall. At home I read through it and found the mentoring project to be very interesting. As an international student just arrived in Scotland, I felt everything is uncertain and I felt that I needed some help which is some times very hard too get nowadays, may be people are a bit reserved. So I wrote to the email address on the leaflet and I got a very prompt and welcoming reply.
Several days later, I went to Linknet's office and met my mentor Jess. She is a very lovely girl and really wonderful!! I got lots of help and also learnt a lot from her. Under her help, I got a part time job last summer. I participated in many workshops Linknet organised that I found extremely helpful,(such as CV building and interview skills).
The difference I feel at Linknet is compared with other places, people are extremely friendly and they always try their best to help you and I always feel very welcome at Linknet.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks very much to all the staff and mentors at Linknet and I feel that I really have made progress and I am a lot more confident to compete in the labour market and to associate with other people.
The name of the mentee has been changed to protect anonymity.
I first heard about the Linknet through a friend then I approached them they were very friendly and sympathetic with me explained my situation at the time. My mentor she was very friendly indeed gave me all the confidence to get the job I always wanted in office environment because before I came to Edinburgh I was secretary but each time I went to interview I never managed to secure one also because of language barrier each time I attended was not successfully we start to meet once a week and had several discussions about my career, long term goals, barriers to reach these goals and methods to approach my difficulties etc she encouraged me to apply for jobs and had several mock interviews until recently when I managed to secure a permanent position.
I would like to thank my mentor and Linknet for its services especial to Linda, for all her dedication and supportive when I was unemployed.| Back to Top | |
Ethnic minorities get helping hand on job ladder
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An innovative outreach programme by Trust, Hanover & Bield Housing Associations is achieving success in opening the door to new career opportunities for black and ethnic minority (BME) people in Edinburgh & Lothians. The programme, led by Job Opportunities Development Officer Nasreen Amjad, has already assessed or worked with almost 200 BME people seeking to overcome barriers to both employment and career advancement in housing and the public sector. Nasreen Amjad said: “We’re helping to equip BME people with the knowledge, skills and contacts they need to get into housing and the public sector. We’re very encouraged by our progress. So far we’ve assessed 191 people and 20 of them have secured jobs.” The programme, which received funding from Communities Scotland and Capital City Partnership, provides individual support and also workshops to build confidence and teach interview techniques. |
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| For more information on the Job Opportunities Programme please contact Housing Equal Opportunities Manager Rohini Sharma Joshi on 0131 444 4950 or  RSharma@trustha.org.uk |
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Diwali Celebrations |
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A Dinner, Bhangra Dance with a short cultural progrrame is being organised. Everbody are welcomed. |
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Diwali in India is a festival to be celebrated with much fervour, enthusiasm and excitement. A time for indulging in splendid feast of Diwali sweets, it is also a time to embellish your homes with lighted Diwali lamps. |
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Fireworks are associated with the festival. Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali in South India. Diwali is celebrated for three consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Ashwayuja. It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. |
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FIND OUT ABOUT…RETAIL
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| If you have any contacts within the retail sector and you think they may be interested in this event, can you please ask them to contact me at nikki.murray@careers-scotland.org.uk and I will provide them with more information. |  |
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HealthWise - NEW HEALTH GROUP STARTING OCTOBER 2007 |
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The Underground has teamed up with Active Futures to design HealthWise - a 12 week health programme covering a range of mental health and physical health topics. We sought to get as much feedback from young people as possible before we designed the programme to provide an opportunity for them to have a role in deciding the structure and content of the Health Group.
We are working with specialised agencies all over Edinburgh to help deliver individual sessions. The sessions will be fun and informative, promoting discussion and interaction. Young people who sign up to the programme should be willing to attend for the duration of the 12 weeks. For those who do attend the whole programme, there is an opportunity to gain the skills section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. This award is well respected amongst employers and colleges and shows the ability to commit. HeathWise will run on a weekly basis at The Underground every Thursday from 2-4pm. It is open to all young people aged 16-25. The first session is on the 4th October. If you are interested in HealthWise, or would like to refer anyone, please contact Jo or Stevie, Youth Development Team, T: 0131 557 4059 |
Daytime Classes
| Baby & Toddler Drop-In (0 -preschool) | Tues & Thurs | 1.45 - 3.15 |
| Wed & Friday | 10.00 - 11.30 | |
| English as a Second Language | Mon, Tues & Thurs | 9.00 - 12.00 |
| Afternoon Yoga | Monday | 1.30 - 2.30 |
| British Sign Language Level 1 | Wednesday | 9.30 - 12 noon |
| British Sign Language Level 2 | Thursday | 9.15 - 12.15 |
| 50 + Keep-fit | Wednesday | 10.00 - 10.30 |
| Pottery | Thursday | 9.45 - 11.50 |
| Woodwork | Day and time to be confirmed | |
| Daytime Aqua-fit | Wednesday | 9.45 - 10.30 |
| Getting through the day | Details available from Reception | |
Evening Classes
| Flower Arranging & basic Floristry | Monday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Gaelic | Monday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Belly Dancing - Beginners | Monday | 7.00 - 8.00 |
| Belly Dancing - Improvers | Monday | 8.00 - 9.00 |
| First Aid Course | Monday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Holiday Italian | Monday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Tai chi | Monday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Card Making for beginners | Tuesday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| French 1 | Tuesday | 6.45 - 9.15 |
| The PC "Who is in Control" | Tuesday | 6.45 - 9.15 |
| Cooking for Fun (Adult) | Tuesday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Pottery | Wednesday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Musical Instrument Making (woodwork) | Wednesday | 6.30 - 8.30 |
| Spanish 1 | Wednesday | 7.00 - 9.30 |
| German Int 1 | Wednesday | 6.30 - 8.30 |
| Life Drawing & Portfolio preparation | Wednesday | 6.30 - 8.30 |
| Yoga | Wednesday | 6.30 - 7.30 |
| Belly Dancing | Wednesday | 8.00 - 9.00 |
| Junk Jewellery & Accessories | Thursday | 7.00 - 9.00 |
| Spanish 2 | Thursday | 7.00 - 9.30 |
| Introduction to Computer Applications | Thursday | 6.30 - 9.00 |
| Aqua-fit | Friday | 6.30 - 7.15 |
Children's Classes
| Craft Class P5 and Up | Thursday | 4.00 - 6.00 |
| Kidz Cool Cooking | Saturday | 10.00 -11.00 |
| Swimming Lessons | Tuesday | 4.15 - 5.45 |
| Swimming Lessons | Wednesday | 4.15 - 5.45 |
CV WORKSHOPS & INTERVIEW SKILLS WORKSHOPS |
September to October dates |
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FREE Information Sessions available from Careers Scotland These brief sessions will give you the basic skills to begin preparing your CV (CV Workshop) or prepare for interviews (Interview Skills Workshop).
- Prepare and review your own, competitive CV - Preparing for questions |
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BOOKING ESSENTIAL Please speak to a member of Careers Scotland staff to book, or email apexhouse@careers-scotland.org.uk with full details: Name, address, and postcode, telephone number, your preferred course and time
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| LINKnet Mentoring Ltd. is organising a training for mentors on Saturday 27th October at Linknet’s resource centre at 17 Guthrie Street. The training provided will give more information on how to be an active mentor, race equality and discrimination in the workplace. For further information and booking please contact Deborah or Lisa ASAP in order to secure a place. Lunch will be provided by LINKnet Mentoring Ltd. |
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| Address LINKnet Mentoring 31 Guthrie Street Edinburgh EH1 1JG Phone 0131 225 6284 Fax 0131 225 6367 |
Training Date &Time: 10am – 3.30pm |
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FIRST AIDInclusive access to first aid training |
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Emergency response and resilience is a central part of Red Cross activity and first aid education is an essential part of that work, both in the UK and internationally.
For further information contact to : Sharon Reader |
| Public Sector Academy Inspiring People |
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• Work Placement within the City of Edinburgh Council • Ongoing job related support The training will be taking place on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, starting on Monday the 7th of January until Friday the 8th of February 2008, at the City of Edinburgh Council premises on Waverley Court, 4 East Market street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG. A suitable 210 hours work placement will be organised at the end of the training period. |
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Closing date for applications: Friday 23rd of November 2007 Interviews will be taking place between the 10th and the 14th of December Eligibility criteria: Candidates need to be entitled to work in the UK and be residents of the City of Edinburgh Council |
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| For further information and to apply please contact Maria Paredes at 0131 529 3106 or maria.paredes@edinburgh.gov.ukText messages at 07824476161 |
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A FREE 12 weeks training course of 3-4 days a week. Running from 10am to 4 pm incorporating PC Skills and employability to increase individuals' desirability within the labour market. |
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| The course is open to individuals from a Black and Minority Ethnic background between the ages of 18-50. People who are interested in the course can fill in application forms and have an informal meeting with members of staff at the open day on Wednesday, 12th of September at WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, Edinburgh EH14 2SA Chaitali Sheth Development Worker Voluntary Sector Forum 30, Westburn Grove, Edinburgh EH14 2SA t: (0131) 4536248; 07974390231 chaitali.sheth@evoc.org.ukEdinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council is a company limited by guarantee - No: 173582 and is a recognised as a charity in Scotland: Ref SC 009944 Registered Office: 14 Ashley Place, Edinburgh, EH6 5PX |
Working with People – Professional Boundaries Voluntary: £45, Private: £75 Thursday 25th October, 1:30pm – 4:30pm Due to demand, we are very pleased to offer a second session of the above course. |
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This half-day course is for anyone new to working with individuals and groups, or those who want to brush up on their skills and reflect on their current practice.
The course covers:
For more information or to book, please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=204
If you have any enquiries about the course content, please contact Jenny Haines at jenny.haines@evoc.org.uk |
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(Spring & Summer 2007)For further details, or to enrol on a course call: 0131 225 6662 or email spectrum@foursquare.org.uk |
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| Week | Date | Session Details |
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| 1 | Thursday 2nd August | Introduction to the John Muir Award |
| 2 | Monday to Thursday 13th - 16th August (inclusive) | Four-day residential at Tweedsmuir Outdoor Centre in the Scottish Borders |
| 3 | Wednesday 22nd August | Introduction to IT, research and preparation |
| 4 | Thursday 23rd August | Preparation of John Muir presentation materials |
| 5 | Thursday 30th August | Completion of award and delivery of presentations |
Materials, travel costs, lunch vouchers and certificates of achievement will be provided
This pre-employment training programme, designed by employers, is open to all short and long-term unemployed people living in the Lothians, who will be ready to work following 6 weeks sector skills training. There are full and part time jobs and some employers require shift work. You could be supporting someone who has Learning Disabilities, People with Drug/Alcohol problems, People with Mental Health problems, or complex needs, and the work can be in their own home or in supported accommodation. It is practical work offering help and support involving for example, personal care, social activities, looking after home, helping through difficult times. The Training Course - 19th November 2007The training will last 6 weeks (part time) and the kind of topics we will explore on the course include:-
Work Placements Support Next Steps
If you are offered a place, full details of the course, times and venues will be sent out to you and you will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland form. Contact Details: |
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| The EVOC Learning Autumn programme has started and got off to a flying start. We're two weeks in and have been receiving some excellent feedback about our courses. | |
| The following courses still have places available on them, so book now to avoid disappointment: | |
| Managing Critical Incidents | Volutary: £80, Private: £135 Tuesday 09/10/2007, 9:30am - 4:00pm |
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This course is designed for managers in the care sector who wish to develop their skills in supporting staff who are required to deal with challenging, angry or aggressive behaviour in the their day to day work. It will place particular emphasis on the analysis of critical incidents and appropriate responses to events of this nature. For more information or to book, please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=195 |
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| Working With People – Confidentiality | Volutary: £45, Private: £75 Thursday 11/10/2007, 9.30am – 12.30pm |
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This half-day course is for anyone new to working with individuals and groups. The course covers:
For more information or to book, please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=198 |
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| How to Win Contracts and SLA's | Volutary: £135, Private: £225 Day 1: Tuesday 16/10/2007, Day 2: Tuesday 23/10/07, 9:30am - 4:30pm, |
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This two-day course is aimed at managers and committee/board members in the voluntary sector with responsibility for tendering for and negotiating contracts and SLAs from the perspective of the provider. For more information or to book, please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=199 |
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| Social Networks Trainers Pack: An Introduction |
FREE Wednesday 17/10/2007, 10.00am – 12.00pm |
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Working with people who are socially isolated presents staff with an assortment of challenges not least how to reduce dependency and increase social networks.
For more information or to book please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=220 |
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| Proud of What We Do - Involving Service Users in Service Evaluation | Volutary: £80, Private: £135 Wednesday 24/10/2007, 10.00am – 4.00pm |
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This course is for anyone concerned with providing evidence of what you achieve in your work with service users. It will suit workers/ managers new to self-evaluation, or who wish to develop creative approaches to seeking the views of service users. For more information or to book please visit: |
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| Partners in Mental Health | Volutary: £45, Private: £75 Wednesday 24/10/2007, 9.30pm – 12.30pm |
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Saheliya, a unique Edinburgh based organisation, introduces a programme which aims to build ability and confidence in mental health care of black, minority ethnic and migrant communities. For more information or to book please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=221 |
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| Mental Health First Aid | Volutary: £135, Private: £225 Day 1: Tuesday 30/10/2007, Day 2: Tuesday 06/11/2007, 9:30am - 4:30pm |
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This course teaches participants how to give initial help to someone experiencing a mental health problem, how to deal with a crisis situation or the first signs of someone developing mental ill health and how to guide people towards appropriate professional help. At the end of it you will receive a recognised certificate of attendance. For more information or to book please visit: http://evoc.org.uk/learning/programme/detail.asp?id=205 Please contact Jenny Haines should you require more information about course content. You can email her at jenny.haines@evoc.org.uk Our full training programme can be found at: http://www.evoc.org.uk/learning/programme |
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The SWAP Access to Nursing Programme prepares adults for entry to Nursing degrees with the opportunity to specialise in Starts 28th January 2008 at Edinburgh's Telford College and Jewel & Esk Valley College. |
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| Colleges are enrolling now! Call Freephone 0800 7310949 swapeast@ed.ac.uk |
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Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) open the door to opportunity by preparing adults with few or no formal qualifications for entry to higher education. |
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This pre-employment training programme, designed by employers, is open to all short and long-term unemployed people living in the Lothians, who will be ready to work following 6 weeks sector skills training.
There are full and part time jobs and some employers require shift work. You could be supporting someone who has Learning Disabilities, People with Drug/Alcohol problems, People with Mental Health problems, or Homeless People, and the work can be in their own home or in supported accommodation. It is practical work offering help and support involving for example, personal care, social activities, looking after home, helping through difficult times.
The Training Course
The training will last 6 weeks (part time) and the kind of topics we will explore on the course include:-
Work Placements
Placements will be for 4 days and may be with one or more employers, giving a chance to try different work settings.
Support
There's practical support and advice whilst on the course and for a limited period you will receive support during your first job, to help you settle into the work.
Next Steps
If you are offered a place, full details of the course, times and venues will be sent out to you and you will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland form.
Contact Details:- Pauline King, Social Care Academy. Phone:- 07929 161716
SPACE 11 Harewood Road. EH16 4NT
English Classes
The English classes will be running on a six week programme, dates and times as below:
Beginners’ English Classes:
Every Monday till 29th October 2-4pm
Improvers’ English Classes:
Every Tuesday till 30th October 5-7pm
We can pay your bus fare for the classes.
Scottish Refugee Council
The Refugee Centre now has 2 computers with internet connection and a printer that you can use for free! Come along to use them on |
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Edinburgh Refugee Centre Tel 0131 2261499 |
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We know many people struggle with interviews though they are the most experienced and best qualified for the job.
When you are invited to an interview it means that the hiring manager believes you may be a good match for the job opening, and he or she wants to know for sure. The interview is used to determine whether you are qualified for the position. Also one important thing as the job seeker is, you should make use of the interview to determine whether you can be successful in the available position.
A candidate who can answer questions in a way which is acceptable, but not necessarily right, to the interviewer, someone who knows something about their potential employers business and the post they hope to fill. These are really the basic components of any candidate who 'interviews well.
Do not see interviews as the chance; think it as an opportunity to present you to a company. It is a chance for you to prove yourself in front of the interviewer, so you should come with full preparation of questions you need answers.
You can search for the company profile. Also gather the latest information on that company. If want all information about the company then a good option is to check their website which may have more background information. If you want to do well at the interview, you will need to convince the interviewer that you are technically qualified to do the job.
Do's
1. Preparation and confidence
Preparation and confidence are very important tips. Good preparation always creates confidence. So the important thing to an interview is to be well prepared.
2. Checklist
While going to interview you must consider the following things:
• You have to confirm about the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewee where appropriate.
• You have to plan to get there no earlier than half an hour before the interview time.
• You must ready with your dress which is professional.
• Concentrate on the interview at the interview.
• If you are asked to bring certificates, references etc., get them ready before the day. Your interview letter must be with you.
• On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there.
3. Be on time!
Public transport may be useless if the traffic is heavy. Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So be on time at the particular location of interview
4. Write down and practice possible questions!
5. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
First keep in mind that you never the second chance to make a first impression so be careful.
Some points are here to remember:
• Smile is one of the things which may matter in your impression. Good smile always please people.
• Dressing also an important thing. You should be in professional dress and must be looking formal.
• Do not forget for firm handshake.
• Eye contact without glaring is showing your confidence.
6. Do not talk too much!
7. Answer Briefly!
8. Be enthusiastic and positive!
During interview always be enthusiastic. Do not say bad points for the previous employers. Focus on positive achievements and views.
9. Look Them in the Eyes!
Eye contact is showing your confidence. Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. So always answer the question with eye contact to interviewer.
10. Look Better, Feel Better !
11. Talk about specific achievements !
12. Explain Why You Left !
"Why did you leave your company?" Carefully describe the reason for your departure, and do not go into details unless asked. Provide references to support your reasons for leaving and job performance. Stay with the facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you learned. Then describe how you will handle things differently in the future.
13. Know What You Offer !
Prepare answers for open-ended questions, like, "Tell me about yourself," by making a list of your skills and traits that match the employer's requirements.
14. Sell Yourself
Interviewing is about selling yourself. The product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position. Convince them that your product is better than the competition's
15. Do not forget to listen
• Listen through eye contact.
• Listen with nonverbal expressions.
• Listen until the speaker is finished.
• Do not interrupt
16. Ask Questions
There is always the opportunity to ask them questions at the end of the interview, remember the interview is a two-way process, you need to be sure you want to join them.
17. Check your CV for possible gaps!
If there is any gap between your academic then make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.
Don'ts
Following are the points which we have to avoid during the interview:
1. Not preparing for the interview
2. Showing up late or too early
3. Treating the receptionist rudely
4. Talking too much
5. Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was not good, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
6. Not enough / too much eye contact:
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Scottish Executive Diversity Scheme
Congratulations to the 5 LINKnet mentees who have been successfull in obtaining placements on the Scottish Executive's Diversity Scheme. These mentees will get 6 weeks valuable work experience in the Scottish Executive over the summer months. We are sure that this will be an enjoyable and enriching experience for our mentees and their new colleagues at the Scottish Executive and hope that this will help them to achieve their goals of finding permanent jobs in the future.
