October 2005
LOCAL PEOPLE CHALLENGE FEARS TO FUND BUILDING WORK

Two Members of staff at Island House have been challenging themselves to raise money through sponsored events. The money will go to help renovate Island House, bringing new facilities and services to the public.

Island House Community Centre manager Louise Pears has ran the “Nike RunLondon” 10k run in Hyde Park. The run on the 16th of October has raised nearly £600 to help towards the cost of building work that will be taking place at Island House, “I don’t normally run for a bus and I now ache all over, but it was worth it” said Louise.

Also, Playgroup worker Carmen Galea has just thrown herself out of a plane in a tandem parachute jump to raise funds for new equipment at Island House’s playgroup. Carmen did the jump at Chatteris Airfield, Cambridgeshire.  

Island House is based on Roserton Street off Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, and houses an advice centre, playgroup and classes for local residents. The building work is starting next month and will be done in phases with most of the £280,000 of funds raised. The work carried out will include a lift for disabled access, an improved reception, training room and a community kitchen. 

So far we have raised 80% of the £280,000 final cost. If anyone would like to help Island House reach the total by either donating or doing a sponsored event they can contact us on 0207 987 3679

October 2005
YOUNG PEOPLE REPRESENT THE ISLE OF DOGS AT YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT EVENT

Khaher Miah (17) and Rashna Begum (16) were invited to a national Youth Achievement Awards event at Lords Cricket Ground in London where they met the chairman of UK Youth Nigel Mansell OBE and members of the business community. The event organised by UK Youth was held on the 19th of October to celebrate the Youth Achievement Award scheme.

Both Rashna and Khaher are participating in the nationally recognised Youth Achievement Award scheme, which allows young people the chance to make a personal achievement out of school. Rashna has completed her silver award and Khaher is working towards a gold award. They are also part of Island House's young leader programme. In order to complete this, they have been volunteering and supporting younger children helping to organise trips and events. They have also been running a recycling project.

Interviews can be arranged with Rashna and Khaher via their youth workers Angela Greenaway and Louise Pears.