Breakthrough Mentoring now POSTPONED until August 2020
Hi everyone,
I’m getting in touch to let you know that due to an unexpected change in circumstances since my message last week, I’m having to make more changes for Breakthrough.
As I explained last week, I decided to furlough some members of the Breakthrough team for a temporary period of time from Monday 1st June 2020. Which means that some team members will have time away from work and may not return until the schools reopen in August. By furloughing staff, Breakthrough will be able to receive financial support from the UK Government through the employee retention scheme. This will mean that Breakthrough will be able to come through this difficult period in a stronger financial position as we will have saved a significant sum of our charity’s funding.
At the end of last week, the UK Government announced changes to the employee retention scheme which means that for Breakthrough to save vital funds, I will now need to furlough the remaining senior schools coordinators from 10th June.
This means that we will need to suspend all our mentoring activity until the schools reopen in August. It also means that as Breakthrough Coordinators will be furloughed and therefore taking time away from work, they will not be contactable until they return to work.
I am really sorry if this news is disappointing for you, it was another very difficult decision for me to make but it is necessary for our charity at this time.
Please remember that my colleague Laura and I will still be at work to keep Breakthrough ticking over and I have shared my contact details below and I’m more than happy for you to get in touch if you need support or someone from Breakthrough to talk to between now and the schools reopening in August.
I have amended the FAQs below which I hope will help answer any questions or worries you may have about these temporary changes in Breakthrough.
With very best wishes,
Jenny
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to stay connected with my mentor?
Sadly, this won’t be possible. We have had to take the decision to suspend all mentoring support until the schools reopen in August.
Can I contact my own coordinator?
When will I be able to speak to someone from Breakthrough again?
What if I don’t want to speak with Jenny or Laura?
What do I do if I am feeling worried or feeling at risk?
Who else can I go to for support?
- Call/text/WhatsApp Jenny from Breakthrough on 07983 080921 or email jenny@breakthroughdundee.co.uk
- Schools will be open for some pupils during the holidays and staff there will be available if you need support or are feeling at risk.
- There are a number of organisations in Dundee who support young people who are having a difficult time:
Feeling Strong
Dundee Young Carers
LGBT Youth Scotland
The Corner
Who Cares? Scotland
What does ‘furlough’ mean?
Will Breakthrough be coming back?