Friday 31st March 2017 - first video on the blog

Posted 10:00pm

Very excited to be posting our first video onto this blog - with the terrific help from Kacper - who has explained everything to me very patiently.

Video recorded on 31st March

Friday 31st March 2017 - Islington Tribune

Posted 3:40pm

http://islingtontribune.com/article/lawrence-bounces-back-into-business

Terrific write up in local paper

A HIGHBURY man’s experience of unemployment inspired him to start a project that helps people get healthy and back into work.

Lawrence Curtis, 50, has worked for much of his life as an accountant in the City but struggled with dwindling motivation when he found himself out of work. His new project, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods, is helping keep him focused and positive – and he believes it can do the same for others too.

“The financial, health and social impact of being long-term unemployed can be devastating,” says Lawrence. “Not only on the person claiming benefit, but also on those connected to them.” Lawrence says his social enterprise offers something new, because help is only given to the unemployed when, often, it’s too late. “By the time people are 12 months unemployed, people are suffering high stress, anxiety, pressure, and health problems. The unemployed are not given access to help to keep them job ready.”

His project is formed of two parts: Izz Walkz, a weekly walk around Clissold Park in partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Practice – soon to be followed by other parks in the area; and Ajani, a nine-week programme where the unemployed get access to a personal trainer, as well as health, nutrition and budgeting advice.

Lawrence has received support from Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn and paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, and he has been in talks with Public Health England and the Department for Work and Pensions, but funding is a struggle and he is calling on local businesses or individuals to support him with basic running costs. “Bad things happen in life, but it’s how you react to them,” says Lawrence. “I’m passionate about this project, I believe it can really make a difference.” Visit www.hmhb2016.org.uk/

Friday 31st March 2017 - lots of news

Posted 3:15pm

It's a glorious day of sunshine outside, and I have already had a couple of meetings today.  In fact this promises to be the longest blog entry for a while, as the list of achievements since Monday is very long.

Let's start with one of today's meetings - with a company called "bags of taste". I really like what they are doing.  We all understand the importance of good nutrition, as well as difficulties when you are on a budget, but they give a four week course (one morning or afternoon a week) and give practical cooking lessons showing you can cook when money is tight.  We are definitely going to be joining up with them for our service users, as nutrition is part of our own program.  I have been looking around for a practical part of it - so hopefully this can happen.

We have definitely finalised start dates for both pilots - with DAI and SHP (yes, I know we did that before, but unforeseen events meant postponement) - and both with be on Monday 8th May - SHP in the morning and DAI in the afternoon.  Exciting times - gives us a further 5 weeks to ensure all is ready.  It also means we can get past Easter.

Our Izzwalkz Clissold Park had its 19th walk yesterday - probably the nicest day weather-wise, and we had our second double figures walk, with lots of laughs.  I really look forward to these now, and get some fantastic feedback from the participants.  I am going to give out a small form next week just asking for some written feedback that we can pass to prospective funders, especially as some of the group come every week.

We are finalising details with the Red Cross to provide a free First Aid class for our SHP group - which will be held on Tuesday 6th June - with a venue provided by SHP, who say they are excited about this.  We are also completing the details of three free gym visits, again for the SHP group, through Camden and Islington NHS Trust and St Pancras Gym, run by the Better Group.  These will be on the mornings of Tuesday 16th, 23rd and 30th May.

We have had to bring in new PTs to cover the loss of Adam, who has decided not to be involved with the project now.  We are very sad to see him depart, but it does give opportunities to others.  Although I held off for a few days, in the hope he may change his mind, we cannot sit back and allow the situation to continue.  With that in mind. we brought a PT called Dean on our Izzwalkz yesterday, and he is very keen to be involved and, in one of those amazing strokes of luck, earlier today I bumped into a PT I knew around four years ago.  After a quick chat I got her email address and she says she would like to see if she can also be engaged with the project.  When one door sadly closes, another opens up!!!

We also met with the local PPG (Patients Group) for Highbury Grange Medical Practice, our Clissold Park partners, and reported back on the success of the walks, as well as discussing the project.  We still have their full support, which is fantastic.

A lot going on. :-)

Monday 27th March 2017 - meetings galore, and moving forward

Posted 10:00pm

After last Thursday's surprise last minute postponed pilot, we are meeting DAI tomorrow to discuss options.  I still am not sure how we will go on - we will, and we will succeed, but let's see in what capacity.

It does show just how strong we are though.  This is business start up - we will get disappointments and there will be lots of ups and downs (hopefully a lot more ups). However, we are still here.  I realise that I have not put the reason for the unforeseen circumstances, but I hope people will respect the fact that we are keeping that internal.

This week we have plenty to get on with - a lot of meetings - and several quite exciting opportunities have come up.

We met up with Highbury Walkers this morning.  They have a healthy walk, mixed with healthy exercises, every Monday on Highbury Fields, meeting outside the Highbury Gym and Pool complex at 10am.  We will be partnering up with them for our new Izzwalkz HF - Highbury Fields.  Starting on the Monday 10th April.  They were a lovely group of people, that had set themselves up last year - almost 12 months ago - after their own walking exercise class with the local gym was moved to a different area.  A mix of ages - and some absolutely inspirational ladies involved.  I really like their thinking and attitude.  I felt that maybe some were a little nervous about the group growing in numbers, but I did point out that as they advertise, and also have received some funding, they cannot expect people not to turn up - and need to be ready for that when it happens.  Maybe some people will leave because they don't want that to happen, which would be sad. We though are excited to be joining up with them.

Friday 24th March 2017 - tonnes of emails - large to do list

Posted 4:15pm

After the fun and games of yesterday, today involved a lot of emails and texts and contacts.

I have been updating our Access database, and following up on various emails.

We have identified a lot of various funding streams over the last few weeks, and this weekend I will be blitzing as many as I can.  We will finish the two we are applying for at the moment, and looking at the applications for the others, checking eligibility etc.  Many ask for evidence, hence the pilots, which are pivotal to our future.  This is one reason we are obviously anxious to complete them, but also know it is imperative we do them right and with proper quality.

I wish we could be paying salaries and expenses, for everyone, not just myself.  Especially as I am currently out of work, and everything we have to pay for is coming out of my money.  With that in mind, I am excited that the article in the local paper - that I thought was going in a couple of weeks ago - has finally gone in - and we are asking people for sponsorship and/or donations that can help us - especially from local companies.  Even if just one gets in contact that will be fantastic - but if we can get two or three that can really take us on through the pilots.  I recently had to pay out for some stationery, a SD Memory card for the video camera for feedback and filming, and insurance - as well as various payments for website/emails/domains.  Some can be small, but it all adds up!!!  And when you have no income it is a definite strain.

We have started on - and will continue adding to - a "to-do list" which is quite extensive.  The run up to the pilots was very involved, especially as I was preparing the content for the delivery, and planning events and visits.  There is a massive list of stuff to do.

We did have a dummy contract/agreement form sent through around three/four months ago by one of my board for a company dealing with another whilst delivering a project under funding.  I know it had been adjusted for different projects, but used several times in the past, and we have adjusted it ourselves for both of the DAI and SHP pilots.  It fills all the needs of the pilots anyway, as there is no funding issues involved.

Thursday 23rd March 2017 - not the day we expected

Posted 9:50pm

Today was meant to be the culmination of years of work, especially the last three.  The build up has been intense.  A huge amount of work and effort, paperwork galore, hundreds of meetings - especially since this time last year.  But in the end we have to be flexible.

Due to very late unforeseen circumstances we postponed the DAI program for at least two weeks, but possibly now to the start of May.  Things can crop up and sadly this happened today.  When it is so late and out of your control it can feel a bit overwhelming, but we will push on.  Part of what we are saying to people, is that life throws things at you, and you just have to roll with it.

DAI have been very understanding, and also keen to start this initial pilot with them, so at least that is a bonus.  It is nice to know we are ready on virtually all fronts too.  It was a shame to the service users who would have started our course, but it is essential we have a quality professional delivery and create positive outcomes by engaging with the different companies, like DAI, by providing a service of which we can be proud.

Wednesday 22nd March 2017 - preparation over

Posted 7:00pm
It's finally here.  Tomorrow we launch our first pilot.  The last few days have been full of preparation. I have printed off all the relevant forms.  It just feels so exciting.

Today I ordered some stationery for next week, as well as a SD Memory card for the camera - we can record some of the first day for posterity.

Luke and I have worked out how we are going to present tomorrow, and I am very excited to see how the group react to the fitness side with Adam.  The Disability aspect does make it slightly more interesting.  We still don't know the exact numbers as yet - we have asked for a minimum of seven - or the levels of disability.  Whatever happens I am sure it will be interesting.

Tomorrow we are giving a quick overview of the course, getting forms signed, and setting targets. The actual nine week with Mindset will start from the 30th.

Tuesday 21st March 2017 - biggest week ahead

Posted 12:20pm

It's a glorious sunny Spring day outside, and am typing this up around thee Marble Arch area.  This is finally our big week.  The first pilot starting in a couple of days.

This first week is a general overview introduction actually - officially the 9 weeks start next week - this an idea from DAI.  I like it.  We will get our consent forms, waivers, pre-outcomes sheets, and any other paperwork completed..  We can impress on them to get a free NHS Health Check - their choice if they do so.  We can also start looking at their targets and how we can help them achieve them.

Luke, my fellow deliverer, and I attended a Recovery College event yesterday on "being kind to yourself" - not to nick ideas I hasten to say, but to pick up pointers on delivery and what we could see as the positives and negatives of the event.  Feedback is really important, especially as we are starting out.

We have approached the DWP to do a pilot with them, and a meeting with them is being organised for the second week in April.  If so, I would like to see if we could manage to start one on the same day as the SHP one on the 8 May - SHP in the morning and a DWP in the afternoon.

We are very busy exploring all finance options.  Adam has come across a terrific tendering site, and that is definitely where we want to be in the near future.  Contracts are our future, and we are confident we can get there - otherwise none of us would be doing this.  It's all good providing a service, but if you cannot pay your bills and have a life it is not worth doing.

We are applying for a small grant from London Catalyst - the application is proving to be taking a little longer than I expected, but it is most important to get it right.  We fit into their funding criteria exactly, and had a great conversation with them on the phone.  It needs to be sent before the end of the month - and I will get Adam, Scott and Rosemary to review it as well before it goes.  This one is around £4000.  We will also be putting in another application with Arsenal in the Community - it would be terrific to have their backing - that is a maximum of £2500.

However, we are overviewing quite a few options with money.  Bigger applications.  Now that we are actually provinding programs and walks it should open more doors.  There are a couple if events coming up to where we will get a chance to chat with influential people.

I am very aware that everyone is following me at the moment with no salary or expenses - and that is a large frustration for me.  I am relied on to get the money - or at least get us together with the correct people. Stress!!!

I am really excited about all this.  My to-do list is massive - in fact tonight I am going to spend a quality hour building up the list - looking at time management and organising it appropriately.

Thursday 16th March 2017 - full throttle once more

Posted 3:05pm

The last twenty four hours have been full throttle - so much going on.  I must sit down and write or a proper list of everything that is happening as it is becoming a blur.

I have met with DAI and it is all go to start next Thursday on their program.  We are approaching it with a small twist.  The nine week program will be fine.  But it may take ten weeks.  We discussed the opportunity of the first week being like an open day - discussing what we will be doing with DAI staff and the service users - giving us an opportunity to ensure all the paperwork we need is completed without it interfering with the actual first proper week, and seeing exactly what people themselves are looking to achieve by the end.  I thought it was a terrific suggestion by Andy, who runs DAI, and I think we will implement it into the program - so now it will be a "ten week programme".  It does go to show that networking, and the ability to be fluid with the project, can be a positive.

I heard back from the Highbury Walkers, and I am delighted to report that they would be happy for us to join up with them.  Their walk is on a Monday morning, and the beauty is it is already up and running, which saves us a lot of marketing.  I am going to go on their walk on the 27th March, meet everyone, and will propose we join up a couple of weeks after - so Izzwalkz HF (Highbury Fields) will officially start on the 10th April - joining Izzwalkz CP (Clissold Park) which had its 17th outing today with much success.

We are talking with SHP - it appears the start date of their program will move again - but I think we are finally getting it down to one we all agree with and are happy with.  It is essential that we can engage 100% with every partner, and understand restrictions that may pop up, so it is just a matter of being patient.  Can be stressful though, especially as we are anxious to prove our outcomes.

Had a couple of very interesting emails following out meeting yesterday with AGE UK.  We are sending them more details about a possible program with them,  They also sent us details of a commissioned Islington initiative between GP Surgeries, the NHS and employment.  I am very happy to say that it does not come even close to what we are doing - and anyone can look at the details online, so it is true to say they are doing nothing new, nothing that is already not provided within the borough, and nothing that addresses well-being and fitness and mindset.

Highbury Grange Medical Practice have amazingly asked me to Chair their internal Patient's Group, which is a privilege and honour.  That is coming up in a couple of weeks and we will bring up Izzwalkz and Ajani.  HGMP have aalso advised me of a couple of other very useful meetings I will be attending in April and July that could also influence future funding.

All in all, we are moving forward.  I just want to finalise SHP, and get one or two other programs up and running of our own too.  I also want to get  Finsbury Park walk going.  If we have three walks, and three programs running, hopefully people will sit up and listen to us.

Wednesday 15th March 2017 - lots to think about

Posted 6:10pm

Been a busy couple of days - a huge amount of emailing, texting and various contacting.  Trying to tie down the courses properly, as well as deal with several outside issues.  I have said it on many occasions, but starting a business can be hazardous to your health.  The stresses and strains involved can be horrendous.

The DAI course should start next week, but I am just ensuring we have a good number of participants.  As we are proving outcomes there is no point in saying we had three people on the course and they all improved.  But if we can say we had 7-10 people that is different.

The same goes for SHP.  Just trying to tie down a proper suitable date with a room big enough to ensure we can provide a quality program is proving to be difficult.  We may not start till May now, but we should find out this week.

Had a very interesting meeting with AGE UK.  They liked what we are doing, and asked about doing a course with them, and that might actually include some money.  We solved the insurance issue, but that money came from myself.

Joe, our journalist friend has spoken with Tanni Grey Thompson and got some quotes for a feature that I believe is going in this week.  We are pleading for some finance - either donations or sponsorship - in particular from a business - and keeping everything crossed that something will come from that.

The biggest thing from the AGE UK meeting was the contacts that we managed to get from them - and some very interesting paperwork.  I don't want to say too much at this stage, but it could prove very profitable in the long run.  There are though a couple of fascinating companies in Islington that I had not heard of that we could, and maybe should, be teaming up with.

I have also made contact with Highbury Walkers - they are a group that do a walk and light fitness on a Monday morning at 9am in Highbury Fields.  I have emailed them asking for a coffee and chat to see if we can join up with them as a partnership and have that as our second walk alongside them. Could be really good.

Monday 13th March 2017 - insurance sorted - massive to do list

Posted 9:00pm
What a first day of the week.  So much to do, and so much happening.

The biggest moment though is getting the Insurance sorted.  It just goes to show the benefits of price comparison sites.  I had not actually realised that business insurance was on there.  I also wanted to really try and keep the business all local, based around community, and using Islington businesses. I have to say the quotes we had been getting were just too high.

Thankfully I found a terrific quote online, and once again lent the business my own money and have paid the insurance, which starts from the 22 March.

We have followed up with DAI, asking about the uptake for the program.  We really need to get a minimum of around 8 people - as we need to demonstrate outcomes.  If that means putting it off for a couple of weeks then so be it.  I would rather have a fair number of participants and provide a quality product.

We have also followed up with SHP.  I think we may have to delay till May with them, because we have to have a good sized room where people can move about and be proactive, and that probably will not be available till May.  Again, it;s about providing a professional program with a company that wants to engage with us properly.

Meeting with Scott today, we are now also looking to produce one or two of our own programs without a company behind - and I will be doing some emails on that today.

I am meeting AGE UK on Wednesday now - which is terrific.  I am also meeting with the prospective Finsbury Park walk partners on Wednesday - and will fill in more after that.  It will be good to get a second walk going.

This has been a productive day - a positive day - and one which has really lifted me up and given me hope. Starting a business was never going to be easy - but we are definitely running the gauntlet!!

Sunday 12th March 2017 - massive week ahead (double figures on walk for first time)

Izzwalkz - 9th March 2017

first time we had double figures - our 16th walk

(the photo to make me lose weight)

Posted 2:45pm

I just realised that it has been a week since my last update.  Various reasons, but not because nothing has been going on.

We still have a worry about insurance.  It is becoming a concern.  Obviously we need money to pay for insurance.  Pleas are out all over the place, and I am still confident we will achieve this goal, but I have to admit it is a frustration.

We have written confirmation from SHP we are starting their nine week pilot on the 20th April, so a month after the first four week starts with DAI on the 23rd of this month.  I am still very busy building the content for the courses.  The great thing with our course is it is fluid, and with different people attending the courses we can use their skills and experience to develop the information we provide.

We are researching a lot of funding opportunities.  We are actually producing one successful weekly walk - Clissold Park 16 times now - and the first time we had double figures was on last Thursday - a great group and we laughed our way round the 3.5km trek.  On a personal note, the photograph was a wake up call on my own weight and fitness struggles - I must improve!!  Now we are doing the two pilots, unpaid, we hope that we will be taken even more seriously.

This really is a crunch week.  We are meeting up with Adam to go over the fitness side - we will have to adjust differently for DAI to what we will do with SHP.  I am following up an email with DAI to see about the uptake for the course.  I am meeting AGE UK to discuss pushing our walks with them. I am also hooking up with a potential partner for the Finsbury Park walk I am eager to start.

Sunday 5th March 2017 - lots going on

`

Posted 3:35pm

This is a monumental month for HMHB - the first of our pilot 9 week programs (as long as we find the money for insurance) will start with Disability Action Islington on the 23rd March. After first coming up with the idea around 8 years ago, this has taken a huge amount of time and effort, numerous meetings, and extreme persistence.

We also got confirmation that we will have the second of our pilot 9 week programs starting on the 20th April with Single Homeless Project, and I am very excited about that. We know we are being watched by the NHS and Public Health, as well as Islington Council, and will be looking for contracts with the DWP too.

With the insurance issue in mind, we will be featured in the local Camden and Islington Journal, with a plea for some small sponsorship of around £2000.  This would also cover some printing and hardware/software.  If we are lucky at least one person/company will get involved - even better would be two of three, which would mean we could provide an even higher quality service.  To be so close is very exciting.  Lady Tanni Grey Thompson has agreed to make some quotes for the feature, which should boost our chances.  Without insurance we cannot start - it is as plain and simple as that!

Luke and myself have been working on the actual content of the program, and it is coming together nicely.  Very important to me is being proactive, interactive and fun - but at the same time providing quality information so that our service users can make good choices.  We are not telling people what to do.  Responsibility for choices needs to be with the service user. But what we want to achieve is showing people how to think about themselves (even being selfish) and deciding what are the better choices for their short and long term health, and quality of life.

We met with Kacper on Friday, going over the website - I am so thankful to have someone that I can rely on, who actually understands the fundamentals of social media.  The website has thrilled me, especially when you consider it has been created for very little cost - although adequate recompense will be made in time.

I am very excited to be working with Adam, and we will be meeting in around ten days time to spend quality time prior to the 23rd March first program day.  He is very professional, and has given me fantastic support and encouragement, with both the project and my own personal fitness struggles.

So this week ahead is going to be vital.  DAI have paperwork for clients, and we need to find out how the uptake is going.  I am adjusting the SHP paperwork to show the new start date - and I want to get posters and flyers to them so that their service users can start getting information about the upcoming project.  I am meeting with SHP bosses towards the end of the month - but I want to ensure their clients are well advised about our project in advance.

We are continuing on the content, and I would like to have all that finished by the 15th - just so we can concentrate on how we are going to deliver it, professionally and informatively.

I am again updating all social media, and making any changes that are necessary.  Part of the project will be encouraging our service users to use our Youtube, Twitter, and Blogs - as these will continue to be updated even after the 9 week (or 13 week) prigrams are over - so users can continue to get assistance from us.  Not only that, they can be aware of any social events we will be running.

Excitingly, the DAI group will be visiting the Emirates Stadium on a special guided tour on the 20th April.  I think this will be particularly uplifting for our users.  The SHP group have a free first aid course from the Red Cross to look forward to - plus three free gym visits we have organised with Camden Council and the Pancras Gym.