Esther Outreach
Overview
Esther Outreach is a voluntary department of the church that provides practical support, advice and advocacy to Children Looked After and Care Experienced young people, working in conjunction with Croydon Council.
We provide support within a friendly and safe environment, where young people are equipped with the right tools and skills to develop their independence.
Background
A church member who works for Croydon Council’s 16+ Service approached the ministers of the church and highlighted a gap in support for young people who were preparing to leave the care system.
Many young people were struggling to develop the practical skills needed for independence, with limited resources available to them once they reached the age of 18.
We looked at how the church could respond to this need and provide meaningful support.
Esther Outreach was launched in November 2016.
The Team
The Esther Outreach team are all members of the church and bring a wide range of professional skills, knowledge and expertise.
Our team includes:
- Social Workers specialising in Children in Care and Care Experienced young people
- Mental Health Professionals
- Teacher
- Educational Psychologist
- Qualified Chef
- Family Support Worker
- Engineer
- Drugs Worker
- Medical Doctor
- Careers Adviser
- Accountant
These professionals work to an exceptional standard and bring significant aptitude, skills and expertise within their respective fields.
Services We Work With
Esther Outreach currently works with young people from all cultural backgrounds, aged 16–25 years, from the following services:
- Early Help Service
- Children in Care Service
- 16+ Young People’s Service
Vulnerable young people living outside the borough are also welcome to attend.
Monthly workshops are delivered on the third Wednesday of each month at the Cherry Hub in Croydon.
Meals
Young people are provided with snacks and nutritious, home-cooked food, including dessert, at every session.
Sharing meals together also creates an opportunity for young people to connect with one another in a relaxed and welcoming environment, helping to create a sense of family and belonging.
Workshops
Our workshops cover a wide range of practical, educational and wellbeing topics, including:
- Benefit Advice
- Housing Support
- Cooking Skills
- Renewing Your Mindset
- Surviving Prison
- Mental Health
- Culture: An Understanding of Afghanistan
- Transition to Adulthood
- The Effects of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Young People in the UK
- Career Resilience in Times of Uncertainty
- Cooking on a Limited Budget
- Rights on Arrest, Stop and Search
- Welfare Rights Overview and Q&A
- Goal Setting and Motivation
- Health: Sleep Hygiene, Diet and Exercise
- Dependency and Addiction
- Mental Health: Protecting Your Mind and Your Emotions
- Crime and Criminal Justice
- Money Management – Part 1
- Money Management – Part 2
- Careers Advice
- Keeping Yourself Safe Within the Knife Crime Agenda
- Arts and Crafts
Listening Ear and Advice
Esther Outreach provides ongoing support to young people through:
- Monthly telephone calls to check on their wellbeing
- Advice and signposting to appropriate services
- Liaising with allocated workers regarding any concerns or issues raised by young people
Practical Support
Esther Outreach provides practical, one-to-one support to help young people develop their skills and achieve their goals.
Examples include:
- Supporting a young person to complete their CV and college application form
- Supporting a young mum with food shopping during lockdown
- A volunteer meeting a young person at Bromley Library to provide support with an assignment she was finding difficult
- Supporting a young person to complete their personal statement for university
- Providing a character reference to support a young person with their immigration status
- Setting up a play area for young children while young mums participated in the workshop
Friendships and Social Connections
Young people have opportunities to socialise, build friendships and develop meaningful relationships with others.
Esther Outreach brings together young people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, creating a beautiful picture of unity within the community.
The sessions provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people can meet others, share experiences, develop friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
Good Outcomes – Overcoming Obstacles
Young people with additional learning needs have gained confidence in communicating and engaging with others and have developed a greater sense of belonging.
For example, one young person with learning needs would not engage when he first joined Esther Outreach. He now regularly joins the sessions early and engages positively with everyone. Feedback from his Staying Put carer highlighted that he looks forward to attending every month.
We also have young people who joined our first workshop and have remained involved with Esther Outreach.
Some young people were unable to speak English when they first joined. We have supported young people to access ESOL courses, while those who are unable to speak English can be provided with an interpreter.
We also encourage and equip young people to become mentors and positive role models to their peers.
Work Experience
Through Esther Outreach, one young person had the opportunity to gain work experience in an elderly care home. Following this experience, the young person was successful in securing full-time employment.
Esther Outreach also arranged for another young person to gain work experience in a hair and beauty salon.
Another young person, aged 22, whose case was closed to the service, was invited to join one of Esther Outreach’s online workshops. The young person required support to return to education.
Esther Outreach supported the young person to complete an online college application form, and they were successfully enrolled onto a Health and Social Care course.
Feedback from Young People
“I enjoy coming to Esther Outreach, socialising and meeting new friends.”
“I find the workshops informative, and they will help me in the future.”
“I love the good food.”
“Sitting together and eating is like sitting with family. I haven’t experienced this in over two years.”
“The volunteers are friendly and caring.”
“I am so glad my worker referred me. I’ve made some good friends. We are both from the same country, Albania.”
“I don’t have any childcare. I was glad I could bring my son.”
Trips and Outings
Esther Outreach provides opportunities for young people to enjoy social activities and experiences outside of the monthly workshops.
Activities and outings have included:
- Eastbourne
- Bognor Regis
- Picnics in the park
- Bowling
- Board games
- Restaurant visits
- Other social activities
These outings provide young people with opportunities to socialise, build friendships, experience new activities and create positive memories together.
Croydon Local Offer
Esther Outreach is also listed on the Croydon Local Offer for Care Experienced young people and Children Looked After.
How to Make a Referral
To make a referral or find out more about Esther Outreach, please contact us:
Email: estheroutreach@wwmf.org
Mobile: 07847 844269