Starting Point

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society. Starting a conversation with someone may be the first step in getting the support they need. iasp.info/wspd youngminds.org.uk/young-pers… @TheMustardTree1

🚨⏰ Last chance to book!! ⏰🚨 our FREE week long creative media project, begins next Monday 19 – 23 August, for those aged 11–16 A chance to get out the house, gain some new experiences, create something amazing. *SIGN-UP* and get more info here: startingpoint.org.uk/creativ…

Fantastic time last week as a part of the No. 5 Easter Transitions project, working alongside Rabble theatre, Chris Mitchell and Josh Lines, to help the young people film a music video written by one of them. @RABBLE_Theatre @no5youngpeople @TheMustardTree1

The latest Young Voices project. We have created branding for the Reading CSP, + a yp version of their strategy, with yp videos + comments, here: startingpoint.org.uk/uncateg… Thrilled to be involved in this and working alongside other partner organisations in the #youngvoices group

POV poster 05 The young person POV group chose Racism as an issue important to them. Drawn by one of the young people, this poster is about loving each other, regardless of the colour of our skin. @berkshirecf @TheMustardTree1 #iwill #loveseenocolor

With only a week to go til the Premier League returns, we have set up a Starting Point & Friends Fantasy Premier Mini League? Register your team at fantasy.premierleague.com then join our mini-league with the code: kbf3pi A great way for mentors/young people to connect. Game on!

On Thur 15 June, Deloitte Reading generously hosted the first Starting Point Showcase. “What a wonderful event! Their Programmes reach out and offer a lifeline, allowing new lives to start, for those that need it most.” Read more here: startingpoint.org.uk/uncateg…

It was good to have him involved. Glad he was able to be a part of the unveiling and see the finished piece. 👍 Hope it inspires his own artwork even more. ✏️🖌️🎨

Today marks the the unveiling of the Reading Amnesty Art project – ‘L’armour: The Armoured Heart’. We are super-proud that the young people were chosen to unveil the sculpture. Go along to The Oracle riverside to view for yourself More on the project at readingamnesty.art

In case you missed it! Starting Point Impact Report 2022 Alongside our valuable volunteers, partners, and funders, we remain passionate in our commitment to young people facing disadvantage in our local community. See how we did this last year at startingpoint.org.uk/news/im…

When a young person's parent tells you 'Our son wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the Navigators.' Quite simply, we need more volunteer Navigators. Could that be you? Find out more about what we need here: startingpoint.org.uk/volunte…

Had a great time taking our Young Voices group to Open Hand Open Space gallery. Hosted by Charles & Pavlo who talked us through various art pieces. Our photo inspired by siuwaihang.net I’m sure we’ll be visiting again in the future. #contemporaryart

Working with local school students on the #ReadingAmnestyArt project has been a poignant experience – taking time out to think around the issue of knife crime. This is a poster one of the young people created last week. Can’t wait to tell you more about the project soon.

Starting Point are delighted to be further supported by the @berkshirecf who have recently awarded a grant from the #iwill Fund for our new ‘Starting Point – Young Action’ project. We look forward to sharing more about our project with you and the Reading community soon!

It's National Apprenticeship week.   Apprenticeships are real jobs with real employers, allowing you to earn a salary while gaining qualifications and experience.   We encourage young people on their journey towards gaining apprenticeships and unlocking their potential.

We supported over 300 young people facing disadvantage in 2022, which we could not have done without our amazing team of over 100 volunteers. Looking forward to another year of journeying alongside young people, offering them a starting point to a brighter, more hopeful future.

If you took part in a very cold and frosty Rotary Santa Run at The University of Reading in December – THANK YOU! Supporting local charities, showing every ounce of Christmas spirit. We believe in Santa Claus!

We were recently on the ITV Meridian News – reporting from the Reading Borough Council Safer Streets event. Our Young Voices creative group provided artwork for the event and our videos were featured too. To see the full Young Voices videos, see here: startingpoint.org.uk/uncateg…

Our volunteer Navigators base themselves within the hospital to support young people involved in violence or risk-taking behaviour. This creates a relational journey from a moment of crisis to them accessing support and thriving within the community. startingpoint.org.uk/navigat…

If you don't have the time to commit to one hour a week for mentoring, becoming a Volunteer Navigator could be a great fit - a small amount of time given a month, with the potential to have a huge impact in the lives of young people. To find out more: startingpoint.org.uk/volunte…