Page 14 - link magazine

Competitive ducks Could you help change a life by becoming a mentor?
take to water in aid “The best thing about being a some time, a little worldly wisdom
of Rotary charities SMASH mentor is seeing the effect and the desire to help someone to
The famous Swindon Duck Race it has on the young person; you change their life for the better.
takes place again on Bank Holi- soon notice a dramatic change in The next mentor training course
day, Monday 25 May, on the field their confidence, the way they talk begins in June. If you think you
opposite The Runner on Wootton to you and relate to others,” says could be a mentor, call 01793
Bassett Road. Mike Johnson, volunteer SMASH 729748 or see details at: www.
Organised by the Rotary Club of mentor. ing about my future and I wanted smashyouthproject.co.uk
Swindon Old Town since 2001, the “My worry was how I was going to to do well at school. I managed
event has raised over £200,000 to relate to a 15 year old, but it’s been to get decent GCSEs and I went • If mentoring is not for you, how
date. so easy to strike up a relationship. from almost being permanently about making a dash for Smash on
With continuing sponsorship from What all these young people want suspended to going to college for A 6 September - run, walk or cycle a
Nationwide, this year’s chosen and need is an independent adult levels – I couldn’t believe it.” 11.5 or 5 mile countryside course?
charity the Swindon MS Therapy to talk to – that’s what they all say. You don't need any special skills For details call 01793 729748 or see
Centre will receive a minimum of 50 Someone who turns up when they to become a SMASH mentor, just www.smashyouthproject.co.uk
per cent of the funds raised on the say they will and listens.”
day, with the remainder donated to SMASH has matched over 1,000
other Rotary charities. young people at risk with willing Educational trust governors sought
Duck race tickets can be pur- and committed volunteer mentors Uplands Educational provide avenues to
chased on the day or from: who can support, advise and listen Trust (UET) is in the work for the students.
Lalbagh Restaurant, Rodbourne to them in a sustained long term process of setting up Recent changes to
Road; relationship. It’s a winning formula a governing body to the special education-
Holmes Music, Faringdon Road; that really changes lives. comply with Ofsted al needs and disability
Sainsbury’s Bridgemead: Darren’s story is an example of requirements. (SEND) reviews means
26 April; 9 and 10 May the power of SMASH mentoring. The trust is a partnership with UET is set to grow as there is a
Swindon Town Centre: 2 May. He said: “At 13 I was getting Uplands Special School and provides severe shortage of Sixth Form provi-
suspended from school and didn’t a stepping stone for young people sion for disabled students; UET is
Duck Race Day starts at 12noon on really care about my future. My aged 19 to 25 years with complex one of a kind in the area.
25 May with fun fair rides, charity mentor and I talked about anything learning needs. To find out more about what
stalls, food stalls and an RSPCA and everything. As we chatted we The trust is looking for people with becoming a governor entails,
sponsored dog show. would come up with ways I could HR, finance, health & safety experi- contact Heather Large, clerk to the
See more details at: try and make things right. That year, ence and business skills, as well as governors, on 07746 359827, or
swindonoldtownrotary.org everything changed. I started think- links with businesses which could mail: [email protected]

Fiat with

FIAT 500X IS COMING.

IN DEALERSHIPS 24TH APRIL 2015.

NEW FIAT 500X. THE ALL NEW CROSSOVER BY FIAT.
AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM T H WHITE FIAT GROUP BRAND CENTRE

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TEL: 01793 222816 WWW .MO T ORS .THWHITE.CO .UK

Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500X Range, available at launch in mpg (l/100km): Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 60.1 (4.7); Extra Urban 56.5 (5.0) –
74.3 (3.8); Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 68.9 (4.1).CO 2 emissions 144 – 109 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO 2 figures based on standard EU tests for
comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Vehicles coming soon, available to order now.

14 swindonlink.com n May 2015

Filename IDF00192 Q215 500X In Dealerships TH White 133.5x190 ON6445
Size (hxw) 133.5x190 Operator Paul
Creation Date 05/07/13 Modified 16 April 2015 12:51 PM www.rla.co.uk