Latest Wave Hub news
We're Hiring - new "Hub Support Assistant" role
NOW CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS
We’re looking for someone to join our core team to help our busy Wednesday and Thursday Hub days run smoothly. This is a new role in response to our growing activities and the increased number of people visiting the Hub and taking part every day we open.
This is a practical role for someone who keeps their eyes open, uses their common sense and notices where they can be most helpful. You might be welcoming people, showing newcomers around, directing people to classes, setting up activities, serving food, clearing tables or helping with the washing-up - whatever it is that is needed on the day. At Wave, nobody is above the practical tasks. We all chip in, and we are looking for someone with that same flexible attitude.
It is an active, hands-on role. You will spend much of the day on your feet, moving around the Hub, setting up and clearing away, maybe lifting and carrying supplies. You will need to carry out these duties safely, with reasonable adjustments where required. You will also need to take initiative and work independently without waiting to be prompted, and to adapt your communication when working with people who have different needs and abilities.
Importantly, you will be joining a close-knit mixed-ability team comprising paid staff and vollunteers, and a community built on strong relationships. We offer training and personal development opportunities, a friendly working atmosphere and a free lunch (delicious, of course) on every Hub day. Experience of working with people with learning disabilities would be helpful, but it is not essential. We are more interested in finding someone with the right attitude, warmth and willingness to learn.
Hours: 14 paid hours per week
-
Working pattern: Wednesdays, 7.30am–3.30pm, Thursdays, 9.30am–4.30pm
-
Pay: London Living Wage, currently £14.80 per hour (annual salary: £10,774.40)
-
Location: Wave Hub, United Reformed Church, Queens Avenue, London N10 3NU
-
Additional hours: Occasional opportunities for paid overtime
-
An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
-
Contract term: Six months
On 20th August, our recently formed Young Leaders Group hosted its first event - a community discussion at Wave Hub on how to better promote healthy living in Haringey. They were joined by a panel including Benjamin Seifert, Healthy Schools Programme Lead at Haringey Council.
A report of the discussion will be published shortly.
This will now be followed up with a second event - in fact a day at Wave Hub (Thursday 17th September) focused on practical ways to improve health. Click here for details
On 10th September, a new weekly Wave Hub activity was launched. Running from 10am to midday on Thursdays, and led by postpartum doula Melanie Appleby, the session is for new parents, offering practical support and introductions as you find your feet with a new baby. It is designed as a drop-in, so you can come at any time and stay as long (or short!) as you wish.
Places available for next year's Half Marathon
We are pleased to have secured places in next year's London Landmarks Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 4th April. Click here to register interest
We had a great fun week at Wave Hub from 13-20 June, incorporating our annual Sposored Walk on Saturday 13th, our Summer Fair on Thursday 18th June, and an array of sponsorship and fund raising opportunities.
As part of the Sponsorship Week, Graham, our Chair, committed to a "Full Wave Hub Day", spending the whole day at the cafe and participating in every single activity. The big day was on Thursday 2nd July, and he duly joined the fitness session, yoga, dance, and Community walk in the morning (to Coldfall Wood and back) - then, after lunch, a craft project in the artroom before concluding with embroidery. Not to mention coffee, cake and ice cream along the way, and a Trustees meeting that evening!
"I really enjoyed my day at Wave Hub. Thanks to all the class leaders and regulars for having me. It was great seeing so many people taking part in everything, and the food and company were both terrific. I only wish my art and craft ice cream creation had been real – it was a really hot day so that would have been ideal!"
Click here to see the highlights of Graham's Full Wave Hub Day
NB. It's not too late to contribute to the sponsorship - Click here to add your donation
As part of a programme promoting workplace training, DWP sent a camera crew to Wave Hub and CJ's Bakery to profile James Chadwick (Chef James of "CJ's").
Fronted by Bake Off Winner Matty Edgill, the video shows James at work in the kitchen, teaching Matty how to bake a Victoria Sponge, and delivering that very cake to Wave Hub.
Yum!
Wave Hub venue update
If you have heard rumours that we will be closing, don't believe them! Muswell Hill United Reformed Church, whose building we use, stopped holding services at the begining of June, but we have arranged to continue to use the building. Rest assured that it should make no difference to Wave Hub and all our activities.
Charity café with unique philosophy doubles opening days
Wave Hub, Muswell Hill’s landmark charitable endeavour, has added an extra day to its timetable. Previously only open on a Thursday, the organisation is aiming to capitalise on its success and is now open to the public on Wednesdays too.
The café, which is based out of the United Reform Church close to the Broadway, is a social enterprise run by local volunteers that brings together those with and without learning difficulties.
“There is a real buzz when the café is in full flow,” says chair of the trustees, Graham Wright. “Where else in The Muswell Hill environs could those with and without learning disabilities mix together, completely at ease? It is a setting that is both valuable and unique.”
The Wave Hub schedule includes dance, fitness, yoga, arts and craft, and walking, and acts as an essential resource for local people with learning difficulties. It recently landed the Haringey Community Collaborative Award in the Employment, Training and Education Category.
“Everyone benefits when individuals of different abilities work and socialise together, but there are limited opportunities locally for this to happen,” adds Graham. “So, we have worked towards establishing spaces and events that bring together those of all backgrounds and abilities to create a genuinely inclusive community. Wave Hub’s work promotes a society-wide change of attitude towards disability and difference.”
As well as increased capacity for more attendees, the new two days a week format will allow additional student placement partnerships, creating more opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities to gain real-world experience in an inclusive workplace. This expansion will demand additional staffing, volunteers and funding.
Enquiries to Saul Wordsworth, Journalist/Author/Podcaster
e: saul@saulwordsworth.com ; w: www.saulwordsworth.com ; t: 07974 207829