About Us
Introduction:
Inclusion Ventures gained charity status in July 2004. Set up initially to tackle high incidence of youth crime on the Percy King estate in West Clacton. After several months of outreach work to build relationships with children and young people it became clear that they felt excluded and disenfranchised. With the commitment of those initial Youth Workers gaining valuable insight into the underlying issues that cause young people to challenge, we expanded into Jaywick in 2009. In more recent years the organisation has become more therapeutic and preventative in its approach. In the last 2 years the rising prevalence of poor mental health among children and young people and the complex issues arising from the county lines culture we are facing complex new challenges. We work from the heart of our communities which ensures we are accessible but also gives us genuine insight into the communities we serve and the unique characteristics and nuances of each area.
Our Aims:
We have 5 main aims:
To improve physical health
To improve emotional health and wellbeing
To improve aspiration for future employment
To provide new opportunities for personal/social awareness
To improve community cohesion
Our Impact:
We have created a supportive environment where we help young people with a number of barriers they may have. We address the underlying issues they may face such as low self esteem, poor mental-health and limited opportunities.
We help them build positive relationships by encouraging young people to connect with others around them. We support young people achieve their goals such as education, training and career aspirations.
We connect with the community in different ways. We currently have 3 main community projects:
Our weekly bike kitchens in which children and families are guided by staff and volunteers to mend their bikes, a valued response for Jaywick in particular where transport into town is difficult and expensive.
Our trishaw project in which young people use their own time to take senior residents from Corner Lodge, a specialist dementia community, on outings along the seafront.
Our community cafe which with the help of our YP currently provides home cooked meals from scratch for senior members of the community.
Our Mission:
We empower vulnerable young people in Jaywick and West Clacton to lift their heads and find the courage to expand their horizons and unlock theire potential
We invite you to help us make a difference in our young peoples lives.
Testimonials
Tammy
Inclusion ventures have always been my go-to for information and support. The staff are genuinely helpful and approachable. Whenever we have needed help, they have responded positively, whether that’s with sign posting, SEN groups or OT input (this is the second time we have received support from the occupational therapist). The drama club was a particularly positive experience for my son. What really stands out, is how they have gone above and beyond any other service we have ever received, in trying to accommodate my sons needs wherever possible. This has made a big difference to us and has helped my son to overcome the barriers he has been experiencing.
It would be amazing to see more opportunities, especially for SEN children and those out of education. Having a safe space where children and parents can come together and having the support of the staff really makes a difference.
Kym
As a parent of a child who was excluded from school due to his needs not being fully understood or accommodated, finding the right support was incredibly important for us. Inclusion ventures have made a big difference to both my son and my family.
Through their mentoring program, he was given the opportunity to get involved in practical projects like building games tables and helping to improve the centre. This hands-on approach really suited him, it gave him a sense of purpose, helped him develop new skills and allowed him to feel valued and included.
Since receiving support, particularly through the input of OT, I have seen a massive improvement of his behaviour. He appears calmer, more engaged and much more confident in himself. What stands out the most is the way Inclusion Ventures truly understands and supports children with additional needs, meeting them where they are and helping them succeed in ways that work for them.
Demi
Demi first came to us at 9-yrs, elder sister to her brother and sister, she accompanied them as a protective instinct.
An introvert by nature she would avoid eye contact sitting on the sofa appearing to read a book for the whole session.
We came to realise she was a young carer and accompanied her siblings to our activities to ensure staff could keep them safe.
Her brother arrived like a tornedo and sister very challenging when her behaviour was challenged – it was over 9 years, before they finally shared that their mother with, was an addict.
All three young people were supported consistently by IV staff for years until eventually, they all gained employment.
Demi’ s potential was not met in her employment, she had sharp intellect and importantly emotional inteligence, and we encouraged her periodically to try new opportunities until finally she agreed to become our Administrator.
It was just two years before she was promoted to Financial Coordinator/PA to the Director. She then moved out of her mother’s house and made a home for herself and her siblings in a soundly built house in quieter, area of the community.
She has become the ‘glue’ for our organisation, everyone’s go-to, a trusted mentor to young people, enthusiastic team player and an efficient problem solver. Now our Youth Support and Service Coordinatorholds a vital role in our organisation.