What service-users have said about RCT, our programmes and staff:
'They are the most friendliest people excellent courses and great support miss u all' - Kelly |
‘Helped me loads, couldn’t thank my counsellor enough for everything she has done with me’ |
'Best place I know, help a lot of vulnerable people and children out, help you in every way they can, love this place'- Leanne ‘I really got a lot form the Male freedom and have continued to work with Jenny on the Strength to Change programme. It has made me see things in a different way and really given me the support I needed to change’ ‘I would like to say thank you to everyone at RCT especially my counsellor as she has helped me through some tough times and difficult issues and I feel I have become a stronger person. She has made me see more clearly and look at myself and my priorities. The Freedom Programme was also fantastic as it has give me awareness of relationships and what to look for so a big thank you go the Freedom Facilitators, I am not sure where I would be without their help' |
‘I was referred to the freedom programme because my ex partner was being abusive towards me, having someone to listen and challenge me really helped me see what I wanted with my life and I was capable of achieving on my own without my ex. I would recommend the freedom programme and counselling to anyone because they really helped me’ 'I want to say thank you for being there for me this year and supporting me with everything that has gone on I couldn’t thank you enough and I am really grateful for what you have helped me through,'- Talent Match Client 'With help from Debra we are in a better place now. The bullying’s calmed down. It was nice to know that Rochdale Connections Trust was there if I needed help too' - Parent/Carer |
'We are the parents of 4 children, one of whom has an inoperable brain tumour, and, over the last 7 years has endured 3 chemotherapy regimes. This has had a detrimental effect on the other 3 children, and, sadly there is little in place to help siblings of poorly children. So the mentoring that RCT has offered to 2 of our children has been a godsend.
Our eldest son has gained in confidence with the help of his mentor Chris. Chris has helped Andrew with revision for his mock exams, and was over the moon when Chris recently took him to a football match.
Our daughter is more relaxed and seems able to deal with her brother's illness with more maturity.
Unfortunately, our youngest son, at 9 years old, is too young for the mentoring, but, we are able to give him more attention while the other 2 are out mentors.
RCT also treated us to a family night out at the cinema to Paddington 2 last year. Due to hospital appointments taking over our lives, going out together is something of a rarity!
We were spoiled at the Christmas party and the teddy (Moz the Monster) that Michael received travels everywhere with him!
Many thanks for this service, Stephen and Jacqui'
What our Volunteers say about us:
Jaymi Matthews- Volunteer Mentor:
"The application process is positive, easy to access forms though I was not fully aware of the organisation and how much support it offers prior to applying. I found the communication and informal interview very beneficial and welcoming. The training is excellent, I like the additional training offered and the variety it gives. Gives mentors a good opportunity to learn and meet experienced and new like minded mentors. The 2 day mentor training is good and covers a range of things. The organisation as a hole and the staff that offer 1:1 support is so reassuring and encourages and promotes confidence in being a mentor. Having had a mentee day experience that has had some challenging parts I feel fully supported. I have only had 1 review meet up with my manager however I feel the ongoing support as and when needed takes just having scheduled support sessions. I also attend the weekly youth group which I think this is excellent programme for a volunteer to build confidence before or alongside the 1:1 mentoring as you have hands on support from staff and meet a variety of YP in a secure setting.
I feel for the YP it has proven to build confidence in themselves and socially as bonds have been made outside the Youth Group (which possibly wouldn’t have happened). The activities that are provided for the YP vary which is good for building new interest and experiences e.g crochet, as well as the staff tailoring activities to support individuals interest e.g artists workshop I think these are beneficial on a number of levels group building and concentration.
I like the fact the YP can get involved in the community and get self satisfaction from what they achieve and this is so beneficial to the YP community awareness and self achievement."
Jaymi Matthews- Volunteer Mentor:
"The application process is positive, easy to access forms though I was not fully aware of the organisation and how much support it offers prior to applying. I found the communication and informal interview very beneficial and welcoming. The training is excellent, I like the additional training offered and the variety it gives. Gives mentors a good opportunity to learn and meet experienced and new like minded mentors. The 2 day mentor training is good and covers a range of things. The organisation as a hole and the staff that offer 1:1 support is so reassuring and encourages and promotes confidence in being a mentor. Having had a mentee day experience that has had some challenging parts I feel fully supported. I have only had 1 review meet up with my manager however I feel the ongoing support as and when needed takes just having scheduled support sessions. I also attend the weekly youth group which I think this is excellent programme for a volunteer to build confidence before or alongside the 1:1 mentoring as you have hands on support from staff and meet a variety of YP in a secure setting.
I feel for the YP it has proven to build confidence in themselves and socially as bonds have been made outside the Youth Group (which possibly wouldn’t have happened). The activities that are provided for the YP vary which is good for building new interest and experiences e.g crochet, as well as the staff tailoring activities to support individuals interest e.g artists workshop I think these are beneficial on a number of levels group building and concentration.
I like the fact the YP can get involved in the community and get self satisfaction from what they achieve and this is so beneficial to the YP community awareness and self achievement."
Cheryl Wilde- Volunteer Youth Mentor
'Before I joined RCT my life was very boring with the same daily routine. Once I joined RCT my life changed as I started to meet new people, fellow mentors and staff. The training opportunities they offer are amazing and so valuable, the skills I learn can be used in my life, family and working life. The charity as a whole has helped the community in more ways than people know about. Whilst I have been working with my young person/mentee, it has given me a new look on life, I thought I knew what the youth of today had to deal with. I thought my role was to teach and guide them in actual fact we have been guiding each other as they have opened my eyes to a world I never even knew existed. I look forward to meeting up and seeing where our adventure takes us. I would urge anyone who is thinking about helping others or their community to come to RCT and make a difference to not just yourself but a wider range of people.'
Jane Rodgers- Volunteer Counsellor
'I started here at RCT in January 2016, as a Volunteer Counsellor on a placement for University. The support I received during this time was excellent, I felt able to discuss any concerns or worries I had after each session, rather than needing to wait until Supervision.
'I started here at RCT in January 2016, as a Volunteer Counsellor on a placement for University. The support I received during this time was excellent, I felt able to discuss any concerns or worries I had after each session, rather than needing to wait until Supervision.
Samina Masood, Volunteer Youth Mentor
'I have been a volunteer for Rochdale Connections Trust since July 2017. This has been an amazing journey and I have gained so much knowledge and skills. I would recommend individuals to volunteer for this great service, offering help and support to young people of Rochdale who may be finding life difficult in one way or another. I initially volunteered, as I wanted to gain skills in working in a community setting. Having been out of work for almost nine years due to raising my children and having previously worked for the NHS as a psychological wellbeing practitioner, I felt it was the right time to have a career change and wanted to give something back to the community. This is definitely a rewarding role. You will gain a lot of satisfaction from helping and empowering a young person. You will never stop learning in this role the staff are supportive; you will receive regular supervision and an opportunity to develop yourself working as part of a professional team. This role has helped me build my confidence and helped me believe in my abilities. The skills gained will help you in your professional and personal life and will help you make a positive change to help yourself, people in the community, families and society as a whole. Become a volunteer today! It is very rewarding, helping local young people and making a positive contribution to your own life and the lives of others.'
'I have been a volunteer for Rochdale Connections Trust since July 2017. This has been an amazing journey and I have gained so much knowledge and skills. I would recommend individuals to volunteer for this great service, offering help and support to young people of Rochdale who may be finding life difficult in one way or another. I initially volunteered, as I wanted to gain skills in working in a community setting. Having been out of work for almost nine years due to raising my children and having previously worked for the NHS as a psychological wellbeing practitioner, I felt it was the right time to have a career change and wanted to give something back to the community. This is definitely a rewarding role. You will gain a lot of satisfaction from helping and empowering a young person. You will never stop learning in this role the staff are supportive; you will receive regular supervision and an opportunity to develop yourself working as part of a professional team. This role has helped me build my confidence and helped me believe in my abilities. The skills gained will help you in your professional and personal life and will help you make a positive change to help yourself, people in the community, families and society as a whole. Become a volunteer today! It is very rewarding, helping local young people and making a positive contribution to your own life and the lives of others.'
Sarah Cooke- Volunteer Youth Mentor
'Being a mentor is an amazing experience, not only to you but also to the young person. I have been mentoring for nearly 2 years with RCT and attending several youth groups, training sessions, supervisions and been paired with 2 young people. While the role is rewarding it does have its struggles but you are never alone, holding the weight on your shoulders. You have many other mentors and staff to help and support you with any issues that might come up. The most amazing part is seeing a young person who may be shy and have quite become a young adult full of confidence, laughing and making new friends. Whilst mentoring you will learn more about yourself, build your own confidence and learn new skills. I have used the skills learned in my day to day life and it has had a positive impact.'