WHO HAVE WE HELPED THIS MONTH?

Here at STF, our key aim is to promote the mental and physical health of all community groups, which we further extend to those in financial hardship via the provision of grants, resources or services made available to us.

It has therefore been incredibly busy at the Foundation in the last few months, as we have not only been helping community groups via various initiatives and group sessions, but also people on an individual basis who have found themselves in need.

Here are some of the highlights from the last month:

KB

Ex-serviceman Kabelo Moeletsi, former infantry, 3^rd Battalion, Yorkshire reached out to our Chairman of the Foundation Andy, who he served with in Afghanistan, when he found himself in a very difficult situation. He was struggling to find work, and currently sofa surfing in Bristol. Within hours, he was on a train to St. Helens and Andy had found him somewhere to live with the help of one of our Foundation Partners – Cosey Rentals.

Through his close working partnership with Menzies Distribution, Andy was able to liaise with Fleet & Engineering Manager, Anthony Roe, who Andy had served with in Northern Ireland. Their combined understanding of the needs of veterans enabled them to find Kabelo the right role and put support in place.

The following morning, Kabelo went for an interview at Menzies, and we are delighted to report that he not only got the job, but is also now successfully training as a shunter driver at their Ellesmere Port depot.

As Andy says “Veterans don’t need a handout! What they need is a hand up onto the employment and housing ladder and to feel VALUED.”

WALK FOR WELLNESS

At the start of March, we launched our “Walk for Wellness” initiative, led every Thursday, by our physical and wellbeing coach Terry Bates.

The walks are designed to allow you to escape from the everyday stresses of life and dedicate some time to YOU.

These sessions allow you to walk and talk, therefore improving your mental wellbeing, as well as getting you fitter in the process! They are walking routes that explore the local nature in St. Helens, helping you to feel more in touch with the world around you and guaranteed to boost your emotional health.

You can find out more here.

HEALTH, WELLBEING & RESILIENCE BUILDING SCHOOL INITIATIVE

Our Physical Health and Wellbeing Coach, Terry Bates recently delivered a highly successful training course in Health, Wellbeing & Resilience Building to the Year 5 pupils at St. Bartholomew’s Primary School in Rainhill.

The main aim of the programme was to build confidence and mental strength using a range of teaching and facilitating methods. Children’s Health can be affected by many situations and experiences. This course was aimed at developing confidence, a stronger mindset and self – awareness towards the many areas of an individual’s health and wellbeing. The aim was to build pupil resilience for improvement and prepare them to become the best version of themselves.

Our Chairman Andy Reid MBE also contributed to the course by delivering a brilliant introduction on dealing with adversity and Developing Mental Toughness.

We are currently seeking funding in order to be able to roll this fantastic initiative out to more schools in St. Helens and the surrounding areas.

You can find out more here.