Information for Parents/Carers

Information about who we are, what we do and the programmes on offer for your young people.

Informaton icon Information about who we are, what we do and the programmes on offer for your young people.

Location icon Winchester, Eastleigh and Basingstoke.

Clock icon Various

Who are Winchester Hub?

Winchester Hub is a local branch of the national charity, [Student Hubs] (https://www.studenthubs.org/). Our team of volunteers and staff work in partnership with the University of Winchester and support students to volunteer in their local community.

Winchester Hub have been active in the community since 2014 (see our history here).

What youth projects do you run?

Schools Plus is our only youth project currently running, both in the community and directly trhough schools. Schools Plus supports volunteers to run 1-1 and group tutoring sessions on a variety of topics to tackle educational disadvantage.

Is there anything I should be aware of?

Our projects only take place during the university academic term-time so projects do not run for the entire school term. The timeline for projects typically looks like this:

  • Late October - December: Schools Plus, Social Innovation Programme, Give it a Go.
  • December - January: No programme delivery due to holidays and exam period.
  • February - mid-March: Schools Plus, Social Innovation Programme, Give it a Go, Youth Theatre.
  • Mid-March onwards: Volunteering finishes for the year due to Easter holidays and the following exam period.
  • May - June: Schools Plus (virtually).
  • June onwards: No programme delivery due to summer break and graduation.

All of our volunteers working directly with young people or adults at risk are expected to undergo a DBS check. These are processed by ourselves or directly with schools and colleges. Volunteers also receive comprehensive training including: - Project specific skills (for example; being a good tutor/ mentor, communication and teaching methods. - Safeguarding - Managing Behaviour

Who will be my main contact during the project?

Staff will generally be your main contact whenever needed. Our projects are led by students and it is an excellent opportunity for them to lead others, engage with partners in a professional way, and get career-ready experience. Student coordinators will take most of the communication as they will be there in person. In practice this could mean students speaking to you about project logistics, weekly contact and check-ins, making you aware of any volunteer attendance issues or general feedback from students.

Staff meet student coordinators on a weekly basis and support all students coordinators and volunteers with training and issues. The staff team is available to discuss issues either by email, over the phone or in person with you throughout any stage of the project if you need them. You can contact them on the details below: - Liz Alcock, Winchester Hub Manager: manager@winchesterhub.org - Lydia Ferguson, Winchester Hub Programmes Manager: lydia.ferguson@winchesterhub.org

How else can Winchester hub support me and my family?

Student Hubs believes that a child, young adult or adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, young adults and adults at risk, and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

If you have a concern about the welfare of a young person, young adult or adult who is taking part in our activities, our team will be happy to support you. You can contact our local staff team using the details above or our Designated Safeguarding Officer Simran Dhanjal on 07377996754.

There are a number of ways that we may be able to support: - Additional support through Winchester Hub Programmes - Information about additional services in Winchester - Connecting you to your local safeguarding board - Referring you and your family for early help support - Supporting you with an early help self-referral

What is Early Help?

The Early Help service works with children, young people and families where there are indicators of emerging difficulties or additional needs. These needs can include anything that affects the health, development, wellbeing and safety of children and young people. Support is given to children, young people and their families where they have additional needs that aren't being met by the usual services that are available to everyone, such as health and education. In order to benefit from Early Help, families will need to agree to receiving the support.

Please read more information about our safeguarding policies and procedures.