Mrs Doubtfire theatre trip, funded by our long term supporter The Jack Petchey Foundation

Isabelle Doves - Ursuline Academy Ilford

“I was overjoyed and really touched when I found out I had been nominated for the Jack Petchey achievement award. It was tough to decide what to spend the money on as there were so many possibilities but in discussion with some others we decided on a theatre trip. For some of the group, this would be the first time they had ever attended a West End musical and so it was amazing to be able to play a small part in that. Many thanks to Cleo for suggesting Mrs Doubtfire and helping us get such great seats. What an amazing show and a great opportunity.”

Faith from St. Angela's

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Cleo and Sr. Kathleen as I had such a good time on Tuesday evening at Mrs Doubtfire the musical. It was truly the first time I had not thought about a-levels and actually enjoyed something guilt free. The show was hilarious with such a great message. I would love to take my family to see it.”

Reunion Retreat Day

Spotlight on Keriane from St. Angela's, as she reflects on our Ursuline Links reunion retreat day!

The mini quizzes that we played were a great way to interact  with the others, as well as to learn new interests about people. There was a selection of volunteers from lots of different years and so it was good to meet new people and hear their experiences

My  favourite aspect of the session was writing down ways to make Ursuline links more inclusive and available to others in the future. Seeing everyone's creative ideas was both inspiring and exciting. I look forward to being involved for many years to come.

Hannah from Wimbledon reflects on her experience with Ursuline Links and of the reunion retreat day.

From the very beginning of my adventure with Ursuline Links, it has always been a joy and blessing to be involved with the them. Ursuline Links have provided me with valuable experiences & opened up beautiful doors in my life, like meeting new people. I also got the chance to be a volunteer & to create wholesome & heartwarming relationships with the kids, which I’ll truly never forget.

At the Reunion Retreat I was greeted with the same lovely character of team. It was a joy to re - kindle friendships & catch up with those I hadn’t seen in years! Even after a few years, I didn’t fail to be surrounded with Ursuline Links’ homey & loving atmosphere at the reunion.

I’ve made some of my most valuable memories through Ursuline Links & I cherish each opportunity I was given by the team.

A Volunteer Story- Ayomide Shangobiyi

I first volunteered for UL in 2019 and have never looked back. I feel that although I am giving up my free time every year, I get so much back from the experience. I have gained new skills such as patience, ways of dealing with people and learnt how to be more professional in my conduct.

I am currently studying psychosocial community work at University which is teaching me about why people react in certain ways and how to help them, and myself, in certain situations. I feel that what I am learning in the course content will also help me to contribute more to Links projects in the future and help me to be an even better volunteer. I am also our course rep which means I have leadership responsibilities and I feel that my volunteering experience at Ursuline Links prepared me for situations like this.

Ursuline Links allowed me to experience a lot of “firsts”. The day trip with the children was to a zoo and this was the first time I had ever been. This was my first experience of having a job and proper responsibilities and Ursuline links gave me the opportunity to experience different types of people and cultures.

I recently worked in a care home and realised I was drawing on my experience and skills from UL in the way that I spoke, carried myself and dealt with the residents.

One of the best things is that the Links family support each other and regularly keep in contact even if it is not face to face. I feel that I have made life long friends with people I would never have met outside of this experience.

I feel that a lot of the bonding happened late at night where we would play cards, have deep and meaningful chats and crochet in to the night. But then everybody would be up bright and early the next morning ready to begin our work again.

One of my favourite memories from my many years of volunteering was actually last year (day camp 2023) where one of the children who had additional needs decided he wanted to be my "friend" and sit next to me on the coach. It made me feel honoured as he specifically wanted me and trusted me  when he wasn't like that with many others. It is such a privilege to be a small part in these children's lives and feel you have made a tiny difference.

Career Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Ursuline Links as the Director to action the strategic direction for the charity’s future.  The ideal candidate will have a personal faith commitment and previous experience of working to motivate and inspire young people. This role will involve working with the Ursuline schools and other interested groups involved in Catholic youth ministry.  

 

Hours - 37.5 hours per week

Location – Forest Gate, London (flexibility for home working)

Contract - Permanent

Salary - £38,500 - £45,500 PA   

Annual Leave - 33 days holiday (pro rata) per year inclusive of bank holidays.

 

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop further an exciting programme of service projects suitable for students aged 9-18+ 

  • Manage existing resources and prepare a budget for new equipment.

  • Ensure that the database information for Ursuline Links students is accurate and up to date.

  • Fundraise for projects as required.

  • Co-ordinate participation of UL students at third party events such as Flame.

  • Manage the website and social media.

  • Devise a plan of keeping contact with past student and arrange reunions.

  • The preparation of liturgical services and parent meetings as required.

  • Complete the annual reports for the Charity Commission.  

  • Regularly review all policies and guidelines.   

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

  • Education to degree level

  • Recent experience of working (for at least 2 years) with young people up to the age of 20, either as a teacher, chaplain or within a youth retreat centre.

  • Experience of presenting to large and small groups of adults and young people.  

  • Experience of delivering prayer and activity sessions for young people.

  • Ability to write Health and Safety Risk Assessments and understand safeguarding requirements for working with young people.

  • Awareness of Social Justice issues.

  • Strong IT skills.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience to fulfil this role successfully, please apply in the first instance with your CV to officemanager@ursulines-ru.uk.   All suitable applicants will be sent the full job description and an application form to complete. If you have any further questions, please contact Elizabeth Durrant on 020 3422 0901.   

 

Closing Date 19th April 2024  

Interviews w/c 6th May 2024

What does the future hold for Ursuline Links?

Due to financial considerations, changes in personnel and the loss of Desenzano House as an available resource, Ursuline Links is now facing change.

Following the projects of Summer 2023, Ursuline Links entered a period of review; further evaluation and planning for the future. Most activities were suspended for the last academic year, whilst a rigorous research survey was conducted across the schools, including an online questionnaire and face to face interviews with students and senior staff.

The trustees have decided the direction of travel for Ursuline Links and are pleased to announce that from Autumn 2024, a full Ursuline Links programme will be available.

'Be The Change' Launch 2022

The ‘Be the Change’ Project is in response to the adverse impact of the pandemic on mental health and well-being of children and young people. This project will give young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and access opportunities that will promote self-esteem, build confidence, increase social skills and foster emotional wellbeing.

Young people in research surveys conducted in 2021 across 4 secondary schools evidenced a significant need to address the current low morale in young adults which has been caused by the Pandemic. In a ‘Private Reflection’ activity the young people were asked to articulate their views on the impact of COVID and Lockdown on their educational, social and emotional development. The results revealed that many young people still feel educationally disadvantaged, socially disconnected, frustrated and hanker after protest. Considering this current landscape, this project will give renewed impetus to the work of the charity by giving young people real opportunities to re-engage with society and to protest in a meaningful way via positive action and ‘Being the Change’ they wish to see in society.

The project was launched in 5 schools in October 2022 and has 80+ volunteer participants thus far which is a clear indication of the desire/need for this project.

Giving Something Back Launch

On 12th February 2020, Cleo Gammon represented Ursuline Links at the Jack Petchey Giving Something Back Launch. Our projects are enabled by grants such as these and we are grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation, other organisations and our many friends and donors for their continued support. 

Discipleship Day

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On Saturday 15th February, 30 year 12 students from our various Ursuline schools gathered at Desenzano House in Ilford for our 2020 Discipleship day.

Our day was co led by Jan and Peter who are CAFOD volunteers and Cleo. The purpose was to introduce the students to the idea of being called and why it was important that they answered that call.

None of us could have predicted how well the day went. Our students were a shining example to their schools and their Ursuline upbringing. Everyone was mixed up and put into random groups.  The  day started and ended with prayer; we had games, talks and activities.

Highlights included a delivery of delights from Subway to feed the hoards, special guest speakers who spoke passionately about why they continue to volunteer year after year and moving stories about the challenges of being a modern-day disciple.

This was a very special group of young women who, we hope, will stay in touch and maybe get their chance to volunteer after their exams are over. We are always blown away by the willingness, energy and wisdom of our volunteers and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! St. Angela would be so proud.

Jack Petchey Leaders Award

On Tuesday 10th March, our Assistant Director Cleo Gammon was honoured to be presented with a Jack Petchey Leaders award at a ceremony which was held at the Kenneth More theatre in Ilford. It was a privilege to be there and witness so much good in our world. Young people as well as adult volunteers were recognised and celebrated for a variety of good works and service to the community. Each group of presentations were broken up by amazing performances from students and young adults which included Street dance, Tai Kwondo, a singer songwriter and an amazing performance of a Frank Sinatra classic.

To begin the ceremony those present heard an inspirational speech from Mark Richardson, a former British athlete, who encouraged everyone not to give up on their dreams.

This message is echoed in one of the Jack Petchey Foundation's slogans of "If you think you can, you can". It is important for young people as well as the young leaders and adults working with them to keep this message close to our hearts particularly when times get tough.

Staff and students of Ursuline Links look forward to the next ceremony when we can celebrate all the work of our young people.

We are 10 years old!

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Yes, Ursuline Links began in January 2010. Our first project to New Orleans was in August that year.  Over the years more than 200 young people have volunteered on a variety of projects.

That first Ursuline Links group which headed out for New Orleans in summer 2010 had no idea how the little seed would grow. These last ten years have been filled with hard work, commitment, joy and friendship.  Although covid-19 stopped our planned celebrations we are not daunted.

The desire to give our young people opportunities to use their gifts and talents for others will continue with even greater enthusiasm.

Watch this space for an 11 year celebration in 2021! 

We look forward to seeing you.