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BGU students “improve their self-confidence and broaden their perspective on life” through MOVE Project befriending programme
BGU students have been supporting MOVE Project participants via the befriending programme, created by advisors working on the project, to support the well-being of participants and BGU students, as well as providing meaningful opportunities for students and participants to develop themselves personally and professionally. MOVE Project aims to help people who are unemployed or economically inactive back into employment and learning. The project treats everyone as an individual and therefore, every person’s pathway through the project will be different. Participants and students have been meeting on a weekly basis, enjoying activities such as arts and crafts, as well as just enjoying a general catch-up over a cup of tea. MOVE project participants and BGU students alike are learning about themselves and each other, forming mutually rewarding friendships. Students are able to record their time on the befriending programme on BGU's Graduate Attributes Excellence Award, as well the BGU Volunteering Award. Matthew, BA (Hons) Applied Drama in the Community student, and Thomas have been working together since September 2021. Talking about the befriending programme, Thomas said: “I've enjoyed having conversations with Matthew about topics I don't normally get to talk about.” “Being on this scheme has allowed me to come out of my shell a little, as well as becoming more comfortable with talking to new people. I would highly recommend the scheme for anyone who might need that little extra help with their social life or to break out of their shell." Matthew added: “The buddy scheme is fantastic; it enables students to connect with others in order to improve their self-confidence and broaden their perspective on life within and outside of the university experience." "Through working as a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to work on my interpersonal skills and learn about the challenges others and I myself may face later on in life." Amy, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies student and Emma have benefitted from the befriending programme in a variety of ways. Talking about the buddy system, Amy said: “I really enjoy volunteering on the MOVE Project’s buddy scheme, it has improved my work experience and given me confidence to pursue a career in social work once I have completed my degree”. Emma said: “I really enjoy being on the buddy scheme as I get to meet new people and I like feeling part of the BGU Community, it has boosted my skills and my confidence”. Lauren West, Careers and Employability Adviser on the MOVE Project at BGU, and coordinator of the befriending programme said: “The MOVE buddy scheme has been a joy to work on. It is an excellent opportunity to provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop personally and professionally via a funded programme based at BGU, all whilst supporting individuals in the local community. Not only does volunteering look good on individuals CV’s and future job applications, but it also enables individuals to get a better understanding regarding future career goals, broaden their perspective on life, develop new skills and meet new people. I can see improved confidence and wellbeing in both students and individuals on the MOVE Project. All that have been involved have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has been a great success.” MOVE at Bishop Grosseteste University is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund and is part of the Greater Lincolnshire MOVE project and is now in its sixth year. The project is designed for anyone aged 16 and over in the Greater Lincolnshire area eligible to live and work in the UK but currently unemployed or out of paid work. Here at BGU we are offering ongoing 1:1 support to explore career and learning goals and help those struggling to overcome issues that are preventing them from moving forward. The project is due to end in December 2022. If you’d like to find out more about how MOVE at BGU could support, you or someone you know: Visit the Move Project webpage for more information. Call the team on 01522 583900 Or email the team at move@bishopg.ac.uk Are you an employer interested in opportunities to engage with our students and graduates by offering a placement, setting up a focus group, or research project? Please complete a short enquiry form at: https://www.bgu.ac.uk/about-bgu/bg-futures/recruit-student-graduate-talent -
Bishop Grosseteste University launch new hub and academy to support social economy businesses
Part of the hub’s community offer is the Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy, which has been launched with support from Lincolnshire County Council and Business Lincolnshire. The academy offers a blend of practical and academic workshops delivered by a range of partners, and a series of debates and is open to charities, social enterprises, cooperatives, community groups and students. The need for an academy was identified following the development of a Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Strategy and evidence gained from an extensive research report to unlock the full potential of the county’s people and communities. The report highlighted the benefits of social economy businesses and the challenges the sector faces. As a result, BG Futures has relaunched to focus efforts on supporting organisations which create a social impact. Based on the BGU campus, BG Futures was originally opened in 2012 as a business and enterprise centre and has supported hundreds of businesses across Greater Lincolnshire. The relaunch to focus on social enterprise demonstrates a commitment to developing a vibrant, innovative and sustainable community, particularly from those underrepresented in the business sector. The new Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub was officially opened by Ursula Lidbetter OBE, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Co-op, in a ribbon cutting ceremony, exactly ten years after she cut the ribbon for the BG Futures centre in 2012. Ursula said: “Having a base for social enterprise is more than just a building, it’s a place to bring people together, where ideas spark and wonderful things can happen “The relaunch of the Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub will create more opportunities for social enterprise in Lincolnshire at a time when the sector needs it the most and I’m excited to see where it will lead.” The Rev Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice-Chancellor at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “The relaunch of BG Futures as the Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub, and the launch of the brand-new Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy reaffirm Bishop Grosseteste University’s commitment to supporting organisations with clear social or environmental missions. “This year is a significant milestone for the university as we celebrate our 160th anniversary and a decade since we were awarded full university status, and as an anchor institution for Lincoln we are proud to be able to support organisations that make Lincolnshire a better place to live and work.” -
BGU alumni launches new nursery in Lincoln
Alice Anders new start-up is dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment for all children. -
Calling local social economy organisations! We want to hear your views
Ursula said: “Having a base for social enterprise is more than just a building, it’s a place to bring people together, where ideas spark and wonderful things can happen. The Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub will help create more opportunities for social enterprise in Lincolnshire at a time when the sector needs it the most and I’m excited to see where it will lead.” In support of this, Bishop Grosseteste University’s business facing Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre team are working to build on previous research in to the social economy sector which helped to inform the Social Economy Strategy for Greater Lincolnshire: 2021-2031. They are calling for input from all local social economy organisations, including social enterprises, community interest companies, charities, mutuals, co-operatives, community land trusts and un-incorporated groups. The views of the sector are being sought via a short survey to gather information on the state of the sector locally, and also what it needs in order to develop. The Rev Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice-Chancellor at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “The launch of BG Futures as the Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub, and the launch of the brand-new Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Academy reaffirm Bishop Grosseteste University’s commitment to supporting organisations with clear social or environmental missions. “This year is a significant milestone for the university as we celebrate our 160th anniversary and a decade since we were awarded full university status, and as an anchor institution for Lincoln we are proud to be able to support organisations that make Lincolnshire a better place to live and work.” The survey can be completed here or through the tile below. -
BGU graduate sets up a social enterprise
Denise has over 40 years’ experience of teaching music and is a BA (Hons) Health and Social Care graduate from BGU. Denise explains “I have been employed for many years in the health and social care sector, working with young people in rehab, supported living and care home residential settings, young people and adults with learning difficulties and those suffering with mental health problems. I am passionate about helping them achieve their goals. I had thought about studying for a degree for years and after a change in personal circumstances decided that it was the right time to embark on the journey. I chose to study at BGU as the location is ideal and the group size relatively small. Any feelings of apprehension about going to university and worrying about being too old or not being able to cope with the work were soon dismissed. I had excellent teaching staff, was made welcome and put at ease. The student group consisted of a variety of ages, and I never once felt out of place. It was a friendly and supportive group. Admittedly at times it was difficult fitting everything in, work, an elderly parent to care for and the ongoing demands of family life; a husband, grown up children and grandchildren! I was determined to get through the whole experience and so pleased I did. I would not have missed it for the world. "Throughout the years I have used music, art and craft to improve wellbeing, build confidence and self-esteem, enabling people to perform and entertain. I believe that the arts can have a lasting and powerful effect on an individual's health. They can be a fun way to socialise and make friends.” Denise said “the support I received from Sarah at BG Futures has been extremely valuable and important. It has helped and encouraged me to continue and develop the confidence needed to run my own business. OUR ECLECTIC ARTS is available for anyone aged over 18 years and caters for all abilities. The service is bought to clients whether in their own home, residential or community setting. At present I am concentrating on a 30-mile radius covering Lincoln to Louth as well as coastal areas. "Regardless of age, if anyone is thinking of starting their own business my advice is to ask for help and advice and to talk through your ideas with friends and family. Do your market research to offer something different and go for it. To encourage others, I always say, if I can do it, so can you.” Sarah adds “Denise’s market research revealed that there are a limited number of organisations delivering wide-ranging art activities, in the community, to individuals that have difficulties accessing services. OUR ECLECTIC ARTS is dedicated to offering a broader range of activities within the Arts. Denise has a client centric approach and a genuine interest in improving people’s lives. This has been reinforced by choosing to operate as a social enterprise whereby trading profits will be reinvested to do more of this good work.” For more information about OUR ECLECTIC ARTS contact Denise on dpopple8@gmail.com Instagram: oureclecticarts Facebook: Our Eclectic Arts If you are a BGU student or recent graduate and are interested in finding out what support is available from the BG Futures team click here. -
Carers Week at BGU
In celebration of Carers Week (6-12 June), BGU is sharing the ways we support our staff and student caring community. -
New partnership between Bishop Grosseteste University and Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Services
Bishop Grosseteste University has secured its first ever Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with local charity Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service. -
BGU students train for school mentoring programme
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently hosted a training session for its students involved in the Future Focus Mentoring Programme. The programme – funded by LiNCHigher - connects undergraduate students with mentees from local schools. The mentors will work with a selected group of Year 10 students, who have either volunteered or been identified by the schools in advance, to help them explore their interests and goals and support their personal and academic development. The training session was delivered by BG Futures and aimed to prepare the mentors for their role in supporting students with their employability and career management skills. They were trained in mentoring best practices, effective communication strategies, and the importance of building strong relationships with their mentees. They were also equipped with the necessary skills to guide their mentees in setting achievable goals and developing a clear plan to reach them. The Future Focus Mentoring Programme is an important initiative that demonstrates Bishop Grosseteste University’s commitment to supporting the local community and helping young people achieve their goals. It provides an excellent opportunity for university students to make a difference in the lives of young people, develop their own skills, and gain valuable experience in mentoring and leadership. This marks the start of an exciting journey for the mentors and the mentees, who will work together over the next few months to achieve their goals and build a brighter future. The university is confident that the mentoring programme will make a lasting impact on the lives of all involved, and it is looking forward to reporting the results of the programme in the future. To find out more about the Future Focus Mentoring Programme, please contact aggi.doughty@bishopg.ac.uk and linchigher@bishopg.ac.uk -
BGU inaugural Health and Social Care Fair Success
BGU recently hosted the inaugural Health and Social Care Careers Fair. Health and Social Care students, staff and the team at BG Futures worked together to organise and run the event. Students from across all H&SC programmes were invited to attend and learn more about the possible next steps in their careers in Health and Social Care. A variety of health and social care organisations from across Lincolnshire attended the event, including: NHS Neighbourhood Working Team, Market Rasen General Practice, Lincolnshire County Council Adult and Children’s services, With You, One You Lincolnshire and KIDS Lincolnshire. The event provided an opportunity for students to network with sector providers; with a focus on individual experiences of working in the sector and an interactive seminar exploring “A day in the life…..”. Further opportunities during the event included: a marketplace and discussions around both current vacancies and career development opportunities. Feedback from students reported an overwhelming success and more of the same: “My experience was really enjoyable; everyone was very chatty and helpful” “Really good: I thought it was brilliant being able to sit down and chat, in more depth about services” “Made me really think about where my BSc (Hons) will take me in the future”. Service providers reported that the students were “so enthusiastic and interested in what we do”, where they might fit within service and future career opportunities. Following the day's success, organisers hope to run the event again next year with a view to expanding and inviting even more service providers. -
Local schools attend BGU charity sports day
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently hosted the first free BGU Sports Day Project in June. Welcoming more than 250 children from a local school to the university's sports grounds, the event offered a day filled with excitement and sporting activities. Around 250 Year 5 and 6 students from Westgate Primary Academy were welcomed onto BGU's campus. The session provided a free and exciting opportunity for local children to get active, enjoy sports, and take part in some healthy competition. The event featured a variety of sports activities including javelin, long jump, hurdles, and relay races. The volunteers who contributed to the BGU Sports Day Project included Initial Teacher Education (ITE) trainees, staff volunteers, ITE academics, and representatives BG Futures and the sports centre. By opening its doors to children from neighbouring schools, BGU demonstrated its commitment to promoting physical well-being and active lifestyles among the younger generation. The BGU Sports Day Project was created by Samuel Willis-Dixon, a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship student at BGU. Sam said: "Having worked as a primary teacher previously, I recognised the limited space available in city schools, particularly for physical education. "As part of my apprenticeship, I had to co-ordinate a work-based project. Creating the BGU Sports Day was not only a chance to be part of an exciting new initiative, but it was also an opportunity to give back to the community and showcase our excellent sport facilities. "It's taken the collaborative efforts of lots of individuals, teams, and departments to make this happen, but seeing how much fun the children had makes it all worth it!" Samuel Willis-Dixon at the Sports Day event
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