Safe & sound€¦ · about Ramadan, Bonfire Night and Diwali 10 Partnership News: Health Update 11 Partnership News: Housing Update 11 Partnership News: Jobs and Enterprise Update

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

www.greetsgreen.net www.greetsgreen.net www.greetsgreen.net

Safe &soundFREE CHILD HOMESAFETY EQUIPMENTAVAILABLE

Safe &soundFREE CHILD HOMESAFETY EQUIPMENTAVAILABLE

Learningopportunities onyour doorstep

Learningopportunities onyour doorstep

welcometo issue 14 of the Greets Green Magazine. Lots of activities took place thisSummer including our first ever Fun Day & Olympics. Take a look at thecentre pages and see if we took your picture!

Greets Green Youth Forum was particularly busy - see their report in ouryoung Greets Green section at the back of the magazine.

Looking forward to the months ahead, we’ve a special community feature onthe three festivals of Ramadan, Diwali and Bonfire night – have a look, youmight learn something new. The Partnership is also welcoming a number ofnew faces who are featured inside. Meet the eight new Community LearningSupport workers in our education feature on page 6.

Read about the local mum who’s benefiting from the free child home safetyequipment on offer. Oh, and if you haven’t noticed, the NeighbourhoodWardens have moved. They’re now based on the High Street almostopposite the Partnership’s offices and are enjoying being more accessible.

Don’t forget, this is your magazine. We want to keep you updated withwhat’s going on. Do you have a story to tell? Are you organising an eventyou’d like us to feature? Are you involved in a new initiative? Do you thinkthings are changing for the better? Get in touch!

Issue 14Front cover: Mum is helping to keep mesafe... thanks to the Child Home Safety Projectwhich provides free safety equipment such asfireguards, stair gates and door catches.

The Greets Green magazine is distributed to every household in the New Deal forCommunities area, and to other NDC’snationally. If you live in the Greets Green NDCarea and do not receive a copy then pleasecall us on freephone 0800 953 0215.

Magazine Contact Details:Call Barbryn direct on T: 01564 741847, E: [email protected] the Greets Green Partnership on T: 0800 953 0215, E: [email protected]

Issue 15 will be published inDecember/January 2005.

Produced on behalf of Greets Green Partnership by

Barbryn Ltd

Team ContactsALLY ALLERSONExecutive Director T: 0121 533 3181

E: [email protected] PADDOCKDeputy Director T: 0121 533 3198

E: [email protected] HEWITTCommunity Empowerment T: 0121 533 3185

E: [email protected] MONRO, IAN JENNINGSHousing Implementation Team

T: 0121 533 3183E: [email protected]

E: [email protected] MASSEYHealth T: 0121 500 1650

E: [email protected] CUNNINGHAMEducation and Lifelong Learning T: 0121 533 3184

E: [email protected] PARKESJobs and Enterprise T: 0121 533 3186

E: [email protected] McKINSTRIECommunications T: 0121 532 6835

E: [email protected] OWEN, SAM WATTS, SIMON WARE AND HARSHAD PATELNeighbourhood Support Team T: 0121 553 5963

E: [email protected]

Or you can contact any of the team on fr eephone

0800 953 0215

Happy reading!

3Greets Green Magazine Oct/Nov 2004

FEATURES

4 Learning on your doorstepNew learning opportunities

in Greets Green

7 New FacesWelcoming new team

members

12 Fun Day SuccessPhoto gallery and meet the

team who made it happen

15 We need You!How you can get involved

with the Partnership

17 Projects UpdateNews of the latest projects

funded by Greets Green

Partnership

REGULARS

8 Community Page:This issue we learn more

about Ramadan, Bonfire

Night and Diwali

10 Partnership News: Health Update

11 Partnership News: Housing Update

11 Partnership News: Jobs

and Enterprise Update

16 Partnership News:

Community Safety Update

18 Greet News: A round-up of

Partnership and Community

News

YOUNG GREETSGREEN

20 Young Greets GreenNews from Greets Green’s

young people

p12 p16

p23

contents

p4

p22

4 Greets Green Magazine Oct/Nov 2004

When someone mentions education and learning, most people immediately think of

youngsters at school and college. But why should learning stop there? Greets Green

Partnership is keen to enable everyone to continue learning as long as they want to - in fact,

right the way through life. Here are some of the ways you can get involved.

LEARNING ON YO

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1 Greets Green AccessCentre T: 525 3909

2 George Salter High SchoolT: 553 4665

3 Ryders Green PrimarySchool T: 553 0658

4 YMCA (from October 04)T: 553 4211

5 Guru Nanak CommunityCentre (from October 04)T: 525 6923

6 Newtown Primary SchoolT: 557 8504

7 Guns Village PrimarySchool T: 553 1427

8 Lodge Primary SchoolT: 553 2389

9 Sandwell WomensEnterprise DevelopmentAgency (SWEDA)T: 525 2558

10 Lyng Primary SchoolT: 553 1480

11 Sandwell CollegeT: 253 6871

12 Central Library T: 569 4906

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You’re never too young ortoo old to start learning!

Learning Centres


UR DOORSTEP

Adam Muflihi “In the summer holidays I learnt how to create my own website. I putgames and pictures of football players on itand wrote about my hobbies. It really helpshaving the centre so near as one day theinternet wasn’t working at school so I wasable to go along and use the computers. I take my homework there - but I also enjoyplaying the computer games!”

Norus Ahmed “I’ve had a lot of fun atthe YCA learning centre. I learnt allabout logo designs and how to createthem. The YCA already had a black andwhite logo but I was asked to design itin colour so I chose the colours of theYemeni flag. I’m hoping to use the newskills I’ve learnt at school in the future.”

Ahlam Saeed “I’ve done lots of differentactivities at the YCA learning centre. Wehave to do quite a lot of research forhomework so I use the computers at thecentre. If I can’t do something, I ask oneof the supervisors and they give me help.I sometimes take my homework down tothe girls’ group on a Sunday. I reallyenjoy it there.”

“The project was planned in two phases,” explained Saleh Saeed, ProjectManager. “Five Click! Greets Green centres would open in phase 1 anda further five would follow in phase 2. However, they proved so popularthat we opened eight during the first phase to enable as many people aspossible to enjoy ICT learning on their doorstep. Now the final twocentres are poised to open.”

Click! Greets Green is a network of facilities at schools and communitycentres. Each works together to provide e-learning to all pupils andcommunities in Greets Green. In addition to improving pupil performance, thecentres encourage new and flexible ways of learning for all ages. People canaccess a range of courses at the centreswhich benefit from broadband internetaccess and email.

The initiative is supported by Greets GreenPartnership, Click! Sandwell, SandwellCollege and the LEA’s e-learning Unit.

“Our final two centres will be at the newlyrefurbished Guru Nanak Learning Centreand hopefully the YMCA,” said Saleh.“Both are due to open imminently andwill complete our Greets Green-widenetwork. You’re never too young or tooold to start learning. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for everyone.”

i To find out more contact any of thelearning centres direct or telephone

525 8060.

Click! Greets Green centres have beenspringing up all over Greets Green andhundreds of local people of all ages havebeen developing their computing skills.

Mr & Mrs Swan “We have completed thebeginners’ IT course and the CLAIT course atLodge Primary School and have reallyenjoyed it. I’d never used a computer beforebut wanted to learn so that when the kids say‘how do I do this mum?’ I can help! All ourfour children have gone to Lodge Primary sowe know the school well. The computer roomis fantastic with stars on the walls. We’realready looking forward to our advancedcourse which is starting soon. We’ve met somany different people on the courses - we’vegot lots of new skills and new friends!”

Marie Parsons“I started the CLAIT course atLyng Primary in the Spring. Youlearn all about how to find yourway around a computer includingword processing, databases andpublishing. I wanted to extend myknowledge and when I heard

about the centre I thought I’d have a go. I work as alearning support assistant at the school and my children gothere so it’s very handy. I’m enjoying it immensely and it’s agreat way to find out about other things happening in thecommunity as everyone chats to each other.”

Francisca Joseph “When I waswalking past SWEDA one day, Inoticed that it was a facility forwomen and realised it was just whatI was looking for. The staff were sofriendly and helpful that I was backthe next day. They showed me howto use the computers to update myCV and helped me create aquestionnaire about children’snurseries. As a result, I’ve now got anew job as a Deputy Manager at anursery. I’m now designing my ownbusiness card. I feel safe at SWEDA.There are lots of other womenaround and everyone shares theirskills. They’ve learnt from me and I’velearnt from them!”


LEARNING ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Eight Community Learning Workers have just been appointed to engage peoplein learning which suits their individual needs. Stinder Johl, new CommunityAccess Points (CAPs) Project Manager, explains what it’s all about.

“Community Access Points are places where anyone can do some kind of learning.If parents value learning, they are more likely to take an interest in their child’slearning and support them as they progress through education.

“The original idea was to place CAPs in schools but community consultationrevealed that many people have negative memories of school so we decided tolook at community venues too. The question was how to encourage local peopleto use the CAPs and so we’ve appointed a team of Community Learning Workers.

“Their role is to create a network of learning. They will map out the types oflearning activities which are taking place in Greets Green and will pass thisinformation onto local people. If someone wants to learn something and there isnot a course running, they can contact a Worker who will ask a service provider tostart one up.”

Stinder comes from a background in community development and projectmanagement, having worked at a walk-in centre in Walsall and for local authorities.“It’s exciting joining a project just as it’s starting,” he says. “Through CAPs I hope thateveryone finds new interests, develops their skills and has plenty of fun.”

i For more information or to contact any of the Community LearningWorkers telephone Stinder Johl on 532 6885.

Community Access PointsGEORGE SALTER HIGH SCHOOL

Maxine StephensonMaxine is used to beingout and about meetingpeople. She waspreviously a healthyeating educator for EastBirmingham and

Solihull. She lives in West Bromwich and islooking forward to working locally.

Manjeet SinghManjeet is keen tomake the communityaware of what’savailable and feels hisbusiness degree andvoluntary community

work experience will stand him in goodstead.

LODGE PRIMARY

Saifa AlkashAn experiencedclassroom assistant,Saifa is hoping to buildpeople’s confidenceand encourage them totry something new.

Shabena BegumShabena also works at the Confederation ofBangladeshiOrganisations adviceand information centrein Carters Green and

feels her two roles complement eachother, reaching out to the hard to reachmembers of the community.

LYNG PRIMARY

To be appointed.

THE EIGHT NEWCOMMUNITYLEARNING WORKERS

A big thank you ...A trip to London in August was a fitting reward for theteam of volunteer Community Learning Supporters,thanking them for their excellent work in encouragingand motivating other local people. And the good newsis the team, including Mirwan Yafai as Team Co-ordinator, will continue under the management ofStinder Johl, linking with the new Community LearningWorkers and the developing Greets Green AdultEducation Support Strategy.

NEWTOWN PRIMARY

Anita EvansAnita already works inAdult Education, teachingher specialist subject,flower arranging. She islooking forward toencouraging more adultsto learn.

Judith EvansJudith was a PrimarySchool teacher and hasjust completed 11⁄2 years asa Homelink worker atLodge Primary. She’s keento get local residentsinvolved in learning.

GUNS VILLAGE PRIMARY

Hannah AlkashHannah is returning towork after the birth of her son and wants to let people know thatlearning can be fun.

Sonya WilliamsCultural Studies graduate, Sonya, haslooked at the theory ofcommunity life and is keen to get out and about and make adifference.


Sally Sandel has returned to her rootsin Greets Green to become the newHealth Development Facilitator.

“I used to live in Borwick Avenue and thenCoopers Close and I went to Guns VillageInfants and Juniors,” she explains.

“I left the area when I was nine and movedto Brierley Hill but the memories havealways remained and it’s great to be back!

“My fondest memories are of SandwellValley, great school dinners, the fair over“The Rec” and the swimming baths!Growing up in the area was very happy forme and I now want to work to improvehealth here.”

Sally will be supporting the Greets GreenNeighbourhood Health Manager to helpreduce health inequalities. She’ll be workingwith local communities, Greets GreenPartnership and statutory and voluntaryagencies to develop, implement and monitora range of health-related projects. The aim isto provide high quality patient-centred healthcare to meet local needs.

Her previous experience includes three yearsas Food Safety Officer at Solihull MBC whereshe inspected food premises, dealt with foodcomplaints and promoted food safety. Shewas also Food Network Co-ordinator forDudley MBC and Community SupportWorker for Dudley Drug & Alcohol ActionTeam. This involved supporting the localcommunity in identifying issues relating todrugs or alcohol and finding solutions fortackling them.

“I think the job will be very challenging but I’m really looking forward to meetingother people who live and work in thearea,” Sally added.

i Contact Sally on 500 2488/07779337145.

Ruphsana Nahar-Qayyum has beenappointed to the brand new post ofDiversity Officer by Greets GreenPartnership to help and support alllocal groups who are faced with somekind of disadvantage so that theirvoices are heard.

With a background in community supportand development, Ruphsana will bedrawing on her wide experience to workwith all diverse groups to identify whattheir needs are and how they can beaddressed.

“My interest in equality and fairness for allstarted at a very young age, largely to dowith my own personal experiences. By thetime I got to university this interest haddeveloped into a passion and it was therethat I wrote a dissertation on equalopportunities. Since then I have alwaysworked with the community,” she explains.“This new role is enabling me to practisepractical equal opportunities by actuallyempowering people.”

Ruphsana’s first priority is to identify thebarriers which local groups face and thento work with them, along with otherservice providers, to overcome them. Shehas already started meeting variousgroups to find out what their plans are interms of future development so that shecan gauge the level of support needed.

“I will be working with all groups who arefaced with some amount of disadvantageand feel that they need their voices to beheard, such as BME groups, people withdisabilities and women’s groups,” she adds.

“As Diversity Officer leading on equalaccess for all, I believe responsibility toensure equality and fairness does not liein the hands of one person. Everyoneworking for and with communities anddisadvantaged groups holds the sameresponsibility, which must be owned andembedded into everything we do. We allhave a part to play in diversity support. I’mlooking forward to the challenge.”

Ruphsana joins the Partnership from acapacity building post in Smethwick whereshe provided support to post 16 learners.

i Contact Ruphsana at the Partnershipon 533 3193.

NEW DIVERSITY OFFICER

SHE’S COMING HOME!

After 31⁄2 years as a CommunityRegeneration Officer, Greets GreenPartnership bid farewell to JillManley in July.

“Jill’s been a wonderful person to workwith,” said Katherine Hewitt, CommunityEmpowerment Manager. “She’s apassionate believer in what she doesand her enthusiasm and honesty hasmade her so many friends - as theturnout at her leaving ‘do’ proved.

“Jill’s work, particularly her environmentalcampaigning, will leave a lasting mark on

Greets Green. There aremany back gardens withcompost binspersonally delivered byJill, but my particularhope is to see theCaroline Street Allotments project, thatJill has put so much enthusiasm andenergy into, becoming a reality.”

The Partnership also said bon voyage to Simon Buttery, Active SportsDevelopment Officer. We wish him allthe best in his new job with BridgnorthCouncil.

NEW FACES JOINING THE TEAM

and a fond farewell to...


COMMUNITY PAGES

Autumn is a time of many communitycelebrations. Here, local people explain moreabout the events which take place at this timeof year and what they mean to them.

Ramadan, the period when all Muslims fast, is often described asa time of spiritual as well as physical purification. It’s a time whenMuslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time thinkingabout their everyday lives.

Physically and spiritually we feel close to God, Allah in arabic,when fasting and there is a strong sense of social harmony. Wecan also empathise with those who are less fortunate than usbecause we feel what it is like to be hungry.

Ramadan is not meant to be a time when people become lazy.Instead, you test yourself. In fact, a lot of monumental eventshappened during Ramadan during the days of the Prophet andthroughout Islamic history. It’s meant to be a time of activitybecause you increase your worship and daily activities.

Fasting means that we refrain fromeating and drinking from dawn tilldusk. Smoking and sexual activitiesare also forbidden during the dayand we refrain from conflict andusing bad language. At the end ofthe day, normally we break the fastwith our families and in the eveningwe get together at mosques andcommunity centres and performprayers. This helps to strengthencommunity ties and togetherness.

For us in the West, Ramadan canbe very challenging because we lead such busy lives.People ask how can you refrain from food and drink, butit’s amazing how you condition yourself. You feel somuch better. You feel that Allah is with you. In a physicalsense it gives your body organs a rest and in a spiritualsense you feel purified.

This year, Ramadan starts on 15th October for onemonth. The dates change each year because it uses thelunar calendar. We celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadan.It’s a happy time for everyone especially children whenwe meet lots of friends and family. We’re planning abreaking fast event in Greets Green when people fromdifferent communities will come together.

RamadanBY SAEED NASSER FROM THE YEMENI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

did you know...did you know...� Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of

Breaking the fast.

� Ramadan is the ninth month of theMuslim calendar.

� More than one billion Muslimsthroughout the world will fast duringRamadan this year.

� The new moon at the end ofRamadan marks the Eid celebration.

Bonfire Night Four hundred years ago in 1605, a man calledGuy Fawkes was a member of a small group ofCatholics who were frustrated by growing anti-Catholicism. They hatched a plot to blow up theHouses of Parliament and kill King James 1st.

Their plan was to light barrels of gunpowder inthe cellar of the Houses of Parliament and GuyFawkes was the man chosen to hide in thecellar and light the fuse.

November 5th was chosen because itwas the day that King James was toopen Parliament. However, theplot was discovered, GuyFawkes was

Greets Green Magazine Oct/Nov 2004

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is the most glamorousand most important of the Indian festivals.

It’s held at the end of October orbeginning of November each yearand celebrates the New Year and,mythologically, the victory of goodover evil.

The ancient story of Diwali variesacross India. For example, in thenorth, Diwali originated on the daywhen King Rama and his wife Sitareturned to their kingdom after hisepic war with Ravana, the demonking of Lanka. Their return wasilluminated by rows of lamps,glittering on the dark nights.

Diwali is considered to be thefestival of the goddess of good luck and wealth, Lakshmi. Shevisits all the homes to bless the people, and to welcome her, allhomes are cleaned and decorated. Clay lamps are lit tosymbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

On the first day, doorways are hung with mango leaves andmarigolds. Rangolis - traditional patterns which and are said tobring good luck - are drawn with different coloured powders.Oil diyas are arranged around the house too. Usually, peoplebuy something for the house, or some jewellery for the womenof the house.

On the third day, Lakshmi herself is revered and doorways aredecorated with lights and rangoli patterns to welcome her. Hindusbelieve that the goddess will visit and bless their homes. The dayis also an important day for businesses, being traditionally the lastday of the business year.

The fourth day is New Year Day or Bestavarsh. Most familiescelebrate by wearing new clothes and jewellery and visiting theirfamilies and business colleagues, giving them sweets, dry fruits andother gifts. Diwali is a time of family life, feasting and shopping. It’sa time of happiness and celebration.

In Greets Green, Diwali will be celebrated by the KrishnaCommunity Forum with a show and fireworks display and at theGuru Nanak Community Centre with the lighting of candles.

DiwaliBY SUNISH PATEL FROM THE KRISHNA COMMUNITY FORUM

did you know...did you know...� The original Ramayana story has a

50,000 word verse to it.

� Diwali is a distortion of a Sanskritword Deepavali meaning row orcluster of lights.

� Diwali is considered a good time for shopping, buying new homes,making business deals and startingnew ventures.

did you know...did you know...� Every year on November 5th, a

ceremonial search is made of thecellars at the Houses of Parliament by the Yeomen Warders.

� Parkin cake and treacle toffee aretraditionally eaten on Bonfire Night.

� Children learn the rhyme: Remember,remember, the 5th of November withgunpowder, treason and plot. I see noreason why gunpowder treason shouldever be forgot.

9

arrested in the cellars and then he wastortured and executed for treason.

Every year we celebrate the foiling of theplot by setting off fireworks and burningeffigies of Guy Fawkes on bonfires.

Until a few years ago, children could beseen on street corners with their home-made Guys, collecting money for fireworks.Nowadays, many places have publicbonfires and organised firework displays.


PARTNERSHIP NEWS Health update

To combat the high number of preventable accidents involving young children in the home, OSCAR, Wednesbury & West Bromwich Primary Care Trust and Greets Green Partnership joinedforces a year ago to launch the Child Home SafetyProject as a pilot scheme.

It made such a difference to local familiesthat £138,000 has just been secured tofund it for the next three years. Thescheme is expanding to include firesafety awareness and giving peopleopportunities to get recognisedqualifications such as first aid.

“Regional statistics show a highattendance of Greets Green children ataccident and emergency departmentsfollowing accidents in the home,” said GreetsGreen Health Visitor, Richard Montague.

“It’s been proven that the number of accidents, especially those involving childrenunder five, has reduced because of the home safety equipment we’re supplying. That’s a great achievement.”

i Free home safety equipment is offered to anyone with a B70 or B71 postcode who has children under five. This includes a stair gate, fireguard and a safety pack

containing door catches, video locks, corners for furniture and socket covers. Residentscan fill in an application form at GP surgeries and collect their equipment from a localcollection point at OSCAR.

Helping other familiesA Steering Group comprising health visitors, representativesfrom OSCAR and local mothers has been set up to ensurethe smooth running of the project and to encourage as manylocal families as possible to apply.

Lisa Locke, a local mother of two children under five, wasone of the first residents to join the group.

“The health visitor mentioned the project to me and said thatthe aim was to get local mothers involved,” explained Lisa. “Ihave a daughter, AlSharna aged two and a son, Kain agedeight months and so child safety is very important to me.

“I went along to the meeting and we discussed how to getthe message out to people that this free equipment isavailable. It’s important that as many people as possibleknow about it. I want to help other families stop theirchildren having accidents in the home.”

FREE EQUIPMENTto stop accidents inthe home

� It’s been proven that the

number of accidents,

especially those involving

children under five, has

reduced because of the

home safety equipment

we’re supplying. �


PARTNERSHIP NEWS Housing update

The Greets Green HousingImplementation Team is here toanswer any queries regardingthe future of housing in GreetsGreen. Give them a call onfreephone 0800 073 0798.

HERE TO HELP

Marianne MonroCommunity Consultation ManagerMarianne leads and co-ordinates theHousing Consultation Team and ensuresthat the community is informed about,and involved in, the development andimplementation of the Housing Plan. She is always looking for new ways toinvolve the community.

Ian JenningsHousing Renewal OfficerIan has recently joined the team asHousing Renewal Officer. He looks at new initiatives and new approaches to housing regeneration for GreetsGreen. He explores various opportunitiesto make sure that the Housing Planmoves forward.

Pat Cashmore (formerly Shermer) &Abdul Monim Khan Community Participation WorkersPat and Abdul’s role is to involve tenants

in the decision making process ofhousing issues. They oversee theHousing Forum and link into the HousingPanel and the Neighbourhood RenewalTask Group.

Christine Davis (not pictured)Community Participation Officer (part-time)Christine co-ordinates and supportshousing for young people and workswith youth groups.

Tara Thomas Administration OfficerTara co-ordinates meetings and deals withday-to-day office management issues. Sheundertakes all the administrative work.

Diane O’Driscoll Administration AssistantDiane will usually be the first voice youhear on the end of the phone when youcall the team. She is responsible for allaspects of reception work and providesadministrative support.

Housing winnersCongratulations to the winners of the ‘YourHome, Your Say’ housing event prize draw,pictured above with John Paddock, DeputyDirector of the Greets Green Partnership.

First prize of £100 Morrisons vouchers was won byMrs Lamsdale of Greets Green Road. Lutfur Rahmenof Emily Street scooped second prize of £75 Asdavouchers. Amraj Khan of Dartmouth Street won thirdprize of £50 WH Smith vouchers. Fourth prizewinner was Mrs Bradley of Wattle Road.

THINKING OFSTARTING A BUSINESS?Business start up grants are now available to residentsin Greets Green to help them get a new business offthe ground or to boost a recently launched business.

If you live in Greets Green and want to start up your ownbusiness or if you have launched a business in the GreetsGreen area within the past 12 months, you could gain agrant of up to £1,500.

Every business receives ongoing support and advice from aBusiness Link Advisor based at the Partnership offices whowill help identify markets and customers, look at cashflowforecasts and provide tax advice and business training. Plus,the Partnership will fund free Chamber of Commercemembership for your first year.

i For more information, call Mel Stokes on 07966 086596or leave a message at the Partnership on 533 3188.

PARTNERSHIP NEWS Jobs & Enterprise update


Local sporting hero, Dave Heeley and his runningpartner Malcolm Carr, got the day off to a rousing startby running from Carters Green Clock, through thestreets of Greets Green, before arriving at The Rec.

Cheerleaders from the Happy Feet Big Voices Group andDhol Drummers from The Krishna Community Forumjoined Dave at The Rec and everyone paraded into thering to the sounds of the ‘Steel & Strings’ steel band.

Dave officially opened the event with Councillor LindaTurton, Mayor of Sandwell and Ally Allerson, ExecutiveDirector of Greets Green Partnership.

For the next few hours, youngsters got sporty at the ‘Olympics’ and families enjoyed displays of Irish, Bollywood and salsa dancing plus plenty ofentertainment including Bhangra music and localband, ‘Quill’.

Janet Sayce from the Events Steering Group, summed up the event by saying: “It’s beenbrilliant. Lots of people enjoyed themselves andwe really want this to be something whichhappens every year.

“We’ve been inundated with people wanting tohelp out at our next event which is great!”

FUN DAY SUCCThe sun shone and everyone enjoyed a fun-packed dayat Greets Green’s first ever Fun Day & Olympics at

The Rec on Saturday 14th August.

CESS!


FREDA JANICKI - Chair“I’m 80 years old and want to continuedoing things which benefit thecommunity. I help with an Over 50sgroup and am active in the communityand when I was asked to be Chair of thisnew group, I was pleased to say yes.”

BALVINDER PAUL - Secretary“Since I took early retirement twoyears ago, I’ve had time on myhands to do new things. Iwanted to do something forthe community and when thisopportunity arose, it soundeda really good idea.”

ANN COLL -Treasurer“I used to organise school fun daysand play groups as I was on the PTA at school when my childrenwere young. My children andgrandchildren are now growing upso being on the Steering Group issomething new and interesting todo which follows on from that. I’mstill a School Governor at GunsVillage Primary and run the HappyFeet dance group.”

LES GREEN - Assistant Treasurer“Organising events such as thishelps people to appreciate what’s available on their doorstep. I also helped at last year’s bonfireand am in the Swan Village Action Group which is helping tomake the environment better to live in.”

FRANCIS GREEN - Trustee“I do quite a lot locally and aminvolved in the Swan Village ActionGroup and the Goldies whichmeets at the YMCA. This issomething a bit different and I’menjoying being involved.”

JANET SAYCE - Trustee“I’ve helped organise thecommunity bonfires for the past

couple of years and wanted to continueencouraging the community to getinvolved locally. I want to see them allhaving a bit of fun and to show what canbe achieved when we work together.”

i If you can spare some time to helpwith forthcoming community events,

please call the Neighbourhood SupportTeam on 553 5963. We’d be delightedto hear from you!

Making it all happenThe Fun Day & Olympics was the culmination of many

months of hard work by the Greets Green Events Steering

Group, which was set up after the success of last year’s

community bonfire. Meet the people who have made the

Fun Day & Olympics possible...


Popular local runner and charity fundraiser Dave Heeley is pictured with his runningpartner, Malcolm Carr, collecting a £250 cheque for Guide Dogs for the Blind from AllyAllerson, Executive Director Greets Green Partnership and Balvinder Paul, Secretary ofthe Greets Green Events Steering Group.

Money raised by a raffle at theGreets Green Fun Day and Olympicswas made up to £150 by the GreetsGreen Events Steering Group andthere was an additional donation of£100 from Greets Green Partnership.

“Dave’s a real example of communityspirit. He’s opened our Summerevent and been available for publicityphotos and never asked for a thingfor himself,” said event co-ordinatorJackie Owen. “He just wants to do his bit towards helping everyone to get along.”

GREETS GREEN BACKS OWN LOCAL HERO

Event co-ordinator Jackie Owen with other Partnershipstaff and volunteers on the day.

The Greets Green Events Steering Group.


The Events Steering Group has organised a big Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza on Thursday 4th November at The Rec. There will be live entertainment, a bonfire and a 20 minute firework display, as well as refreshments and a fun fair.

BONFIRE &FIREWORKEXTRAVAGANZA

Thursday 4th November

...to help deliver the Greets Green Magazine, making sure it goes through the letterbox of everyhousehold in the area, keeping people up-to-datewith all that’s happening

...to help with community events like the CommunityBonfire in November and the Community Festival inDecember

...to help decide how the New Deal for Communitiesmoney is spent in Greets Green by coming along tofuture Partnership Board and Task Group meetings.

We always need more volunteers

and would be delighted to hear

from you. If you’re interested in

getting involved please call Greets

Green Partnership on freephone

0800 953 0215

We need you!We need you!

BONFIRE & FIREWORKEXTRAVAGANZA

Bring yourfamily andcome along andjoin in the fun!

Look out for a leaflet through your door or contact the

Neighbourhood Support Team on553 5963 for more information.

Bring yourfamily andcome along andjoin in the fun!

And...don’t forgetCommunity Festival and

switching on of Carters Green

festive lights, Saturday 4th

December, 12noon to 7pm.

Featuring an outdoor skating rink

in the Memorial Gardens,

an art exhibition, irish dancing

and Manic Mutts line

dancing dogs!


PARTNERSHIP NEWS Community Safety update

The first 5 a-side football tournament organised byNeighbourhood Wardens Simon Hamilton and NaseemAhmed was a great success.

Held at George Salter High School on Saturday 4 September, morethan 100 children and young people aged 7 - 19 took part in theknock out tournament. There were medals for everyone taking partand trophies for the winning teams in each age group.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible,including Sandwell Money Link who awarded £25 to each winningteam, Pertemps for supplying coaches, equipment, first aid andcertificates, Greets Green Partnership for funding the facilities and

medals, GGYF forprovidingentertainment andyouth adviceworkshops, the 5 - aday team for healthyfood throughout theday, McDonalds forsupplying free drinksand Sandwell FieldSports for thetrophies.

WARDENS TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIREFree home fire risk assessments are now beingoffered in Greets Green.

Firefighters from WestBromwich Fire Stationwill come and visit yourhome, highlight accidentand fire risks and provideadvice on how to stay safe from fire. Advice on installingand maintaining smoke alarms, as well as how to make anescape plan should a fire occur, will also be given.

All visits are arranged by appointment at a time to suit you.The firefighters will always be in uniform and will use anagreed password and show an ID card.

i Call freephone 0800 389 5525 or the fire station on553 2222 to make an appointment.

Wardens on the high street

The Neighbourhood Wardens have hit the High Street!They’ve now moved to a new, high profile base at 380 HighStreet, opposite the main Greets Green Partnership office.

“The premises are much bigger and we now have a shop facingonto the High Street so that more people passing by will see usand call in,” said Neil Woodfield, Wardens’ Manager.

A new Warden has also joined the team - Naz Ahmed. Naz, who lives in Greets Green, used to be a customer servicesrepresentative but really wanted to work in the community. “I’mpassionate about giving something back to my own community,”he says. “I get a real buzz from being a Neighbourhood Warden.”

i The Wardens’ can still be contacted on the same phonenumber - 580 4481.

PROJECTSUPDATE


Chamber Of Commerce Providing 100 businesses in the area with Chamber of Commercemembership for a year.

Call Louise Rix on 533 2977

Pilot Retail Training Flexible retail focussed training. Call Stefan Winman on 01922 616997

Piped Services Two classrooms will be equipped in a new gas and electricity trainingcentre in Tipton to enable local residents to train in the gas industry.

Call Valerie Graham on 522 6969

White Goods Recycle Programme A recycling scheme. Call Paul Brookes on 530 5500

West Bromwich High Street Feasibility study to investigate the future possible development of WestBromwich High Street.

Call Pat Parkes on 533 3186

Greets Green Business &Traders Association

Funding to enable Carters Green Business & Traders Association tobecome a legal, not for profit, company.


Maximising HouseholdIncomes

The Citizens Advice Bureaux will employ staff to provide free, independentadvice for residents including debt advice.

Call Harpal Bath on 569 2999

Refurbishment of Premises Assistance towards refurbishing premises for various NDC projects. Call Pat Parkes on 533 3186

Disability Access A disability consultant will help ensure local restaurants comply with theDisability Discrimination Act and will raise awareness of disability issues.


Ground Investigation Drilling rigs will be used to investigate the condition of the ground so thatworks can progress at sites identified within the Greets Green Housing Plan.

Call Craig Sorrill on 569 4078

Hambletts Road LifestyleApartments

To add enhanced design and security features to the BCHA development of33 apartments for people aged 50 and over.

Call Diane Pike on 561 1969

Caroline Street Allotments The project will bring back into use the only allotment site wholly within theGreets Green NDC area.

Call Barbara Carroll on 569 3438

Environmental Pathfinder To investigate how a multi-skilled environmental team dedicated to GreetsGreen could be established.

Call Michael Dixon on 01761 463684

Home Maintenance Project To provide practical, tailored advice, support and training in DIY to residentsand community groups.

Call Mark O’Nions on 525 9277or 07789 480934

Child Home Safety Project Free basic home safety equipment to parents and carers with childrenunder five, plus a programme of activities to promote home safety.

Call Sally Sandel on 500 2488

Care at the Chemist A pilot project in one GP surgery to allow patients asking for anappointment for a minor ailment to see a pharmacist instead.

Call Kate Massey on 500 1650

Greets Green Health Assessment Training

Training for 10 local people to carry out health assessments. Call Helen Brock / Cathy Ferridayon 500 1645

Children & FamiliesDevelopment Phase

The development phase of a children and families programme, based onthe principle of Surestart.

Call Kate Massey on 500 1650

New Deal For Healthier Food To develop, implement and evaluate food projects and activities in GreetsGreen including the appointment of a food worker and the establishmentof local FIGS (food interest groups).

Call Rosemary Kyle /Angela Blairon 500 1650

Street Stars Skating Programme Weekly skating /skateboarding sessions on a Saturday afternoon at GeorgeSalter High School.

Call Paul Arrowsmith on 525 9509

Youth Buzz A double decker bus has been adapted into a mobile youth facility. Call Paul Arrowsmith on 525 9509

Give Us a Break A 5-day residential break for 50 young people between the ages 8-13. Call Paul Arrowsmith on 525 9509

Workwise To introduce young people to the skills required in the workplace. Call Gary Clark on 569 2351

Community Artist To appoint a community artist to work with local people on a series ofprojects leading to the opening of the Public at the end of 2005.

Call Claire Turner on 525 6861

Krishna Community Forum - The Way Forward

To employ a development manager and commission the preparation of adetailed business plan for the group.

Call Katherine Hewitt on 533 3185

Greets Green Magazine To supply the Greets Green Magazine for the next three years. Call Brian McKinstrie on 532 6835

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THEME: Call Katherine Hewitt on 0800 953 0215, or the contact listed, for more information.

EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING: Call Roger Cunningham on 0800 953 0215, or the contact listed, for more information.

HEALTH THEME: Call Kate Massey on 500 1650, or the contact listed, for more information.

HOUSING AND URBAN FORM THEME: Call Marianne Monroe on 0800 073 0798, or the contact listed, for more information.

JOBS & ENTERPRISE: Call Pat Parkes on 0800 953 0215, or the contact listed, for more information.

Greets Green Partnership funds literally hundreds of projects throughout the area and each one isbringing local people together in the community to make a difference. Many new projects arecurrently in the pipeline so watch out for details and why not join in! Since the start of the newfinancial year in April 2004, the following projects have been approved or extended....


FIRST FORLOCAL POETMr PS Azad, GeneralSecretary of the GuruNanak CommunityManagement Committee,has become the first authorto have a book of poemsprinted in Punjabi and Urduand now in English as well.

His vision is to share informationamongst everyone, which is why hisbi-lingual poetry book is now alsoavailable in anEnglish versionentitled “TheFlaming World”.

The book waslaunched on 29August when MrAzad undertook areading at the Guru NanakCommunity Centre.

i You can contact the Guru NanakCommunity Centre on 525 6923

greetnewsa round-up of Partnership and Community news

If you have any news get in touch. Call Barbryn on T: 01564 741847, E: [email protected] or the GreetsGreen Partnership on T: 0800 953 0215, E: [email protected]

Black HistoryMonth celebratedTo celebrate Black History Month inOctober, Sandwell Central Library inWest Bromwich is staging a series ofevents and activities.

Stories from around the world will becelebrated on Tuesday 19th October whenmore than 300 local school children will visitWest Bromwich Town Hall to hear fascinatingstorytellers. Celebrated Cornwall author, E VThompson, will be talking about his booksand his life as a writer on Wednesday 20thOctober, while the Storytelling Café returnson 16th November with a debutperformance by Dave Robertson.

i For tickets, call 569 4911 and for moreinformation call Robert Hazel on 569 4915.

CYBER CRIMESOLVED

Peer mentors from George Salter HighSchool and Year 6 pupils from Lyng, Lodge,

Ryders Green, Newtown and Guns Villageprimary schools have been surfing the internet to

crack a crime.

The innovative ‘Steal It’ internet project enabled youngsters to quiz police officers live onthe web so that they could find out how email can be used as a means of communication.

Workwise Project Manager, ChrisGibbons, explained: “The projectdevelops pupils’ skills and shows themhow organisations use ICT whileaddressing vital anti-social behaviourissues and the importance of being agood citizen.”

i For more informationcontact the Workwise

Project on 569 2347.

Route to retailA new free 60 hour flexible training

course is available to anyone already

working in retail and those who want to enter

the trade. This broad course covers

stock control, selling, buying, consumer law,

displays and customer service -

everything you need to know in the

business.

i Call A4e on 525 4916

or Greets Green

Partnership on 0800 953 0215

for more details.

ON COURSENeighbourhood Wardens, Community Reps and Project Reps recently passed a community empowerment course at Wood Lane Community Centre, run by Dr Wendy Allard, from Newman College. The training looked at all aspects ofmaking a project work such as finance, planning and publicity. They are picturedreceiving their certificates from Ally Allerson, Executive Director,Greets Green Partnership.

i You can contact Newman College of Higher Education on 476 1181 for details of courses. ART GROUP

Would you like to learn to paint? If so,why not come along to the Scout Hutin Westbourne Road on Thursdays6.30 - 8.30pm. All ages welcome. Cost £2 per session.

i Contact Sam Watts on 07919110079 for more details.

Women and children from both the Yemeniand Bangladeshi communities enjoyed aspecial Sports and Health Day at TiptonSports Academy in July.

Sporting activities on offer included tennis, football, netball, hammerand discus throwing, long jump and track events. There was alsothe opportunity to access health information and at the end ofthe day all participants were supplied with ‘goodie bags’containing pedometers, skipping ropes, fruits, fruit bars,fruit juices and relevant health information to encourage amore healthier lifestyle after the event.

i Contact Roqaya Ahmed at the YCA on 525 3909for more details.

SPORTS AND HEALTH DAY

Carers in Greets Green have been enjoying some valuable timeto themselves thanks to a newproject run by CARES Sandwell -‘Carers Get Together’.

They came together at WesleyChurch in July and at Lodge Road in August to chat, meet other carersand try out some crafts. PamBowen, Carer Support andCounselling Co-ordinator for CARES,said: “The sessions provide awonderful opportunity for carers tomeet socially and have a bit of fun.We hope to hold more in GreetsGreen in the future.”

i For more information, call PamBowen on 558 7003.

WOMEN JUMP TO IT! Come on down to the women onlyaerobic classes which run on Fridayevening from 7-8pm at the YMCA dancestudio and on Sunday morning from 9.30-11am at Lodge Road CommunityCentre. All abilities are welcome.

i If you’d like to get involved, telephone524 1950 for more details.

Two individual projects funded by GreetsGreen Partnership have been workingtogether to provide practical help andsupport to a group of local women.

SCIPS (Sandwell Community InformationParticipation Services) which runs the HomeMaintenance Project, joined forces with theSWAN Women’s Group to run four DIYsessions during August.

“While their children are looked after, we teachthe group of 12 women basic homemaintenance and home safety skills such assawing and sanding wood and power tooluse,” said Lindsay Delaney fromSCIPS. “They’ve all reallyenjoyed it and have eachmade their own woodenstorage caddy.”

i For more information contact SCIPS on544 1230 and SWAN on 553 7174.

Carers meet up


PROJECTS JOIN FORCES

MONEY ADVICEON OFFERA new Money Adviser has beenappointed by West Bromwich CitizensAdvice Bureau to help localpeople increase theiravailable income bydealing with theirarrears and reschedulingtheir debts.

In addition to providing assistance withcurrent financial problems, RupinderSomal will also show people how todeal with problems in the future. Regularsurgeries are being set up at the CABand at the new SAM offices.

i You can contact Rupinder on 580 2783.

Flip

magazine

for ‘Young

Greets

Green’

Flip

magazine

for‘Young

Greets

Green’

πØμÆß

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

GET SNAPPY!JOIN THE GREETS GREEN GATORSGET SNAPPY!JOIN THE GREETS GREEN GATORS

www.ggyf.co.uk www.ggyf.co.uk www.ggyf.co.uk www.ggyf.co.uk

ON THE BALL!Youth Worker, Jay Alexander is

an international sporting star.

When he’s not at the Youth Forum

he can usually be found on a

football pitch, but he doesn’t

play for Albion or Villa - he’s

Captain of the Great Britain

Bulldogs. Who are they? We

caught up with him just before

he headed off for a tour in

San Francisco to find out

what it’s all about.

Q. How did you first get interested in American football?

My dad used to play in the mid 1980s when the game was very popular. I used to go andwatch the games and I’ve had the American

football bug since I was six years old.

Q. Do you play much?I play every week for Birmingham University Lions during the Winter and Spring months.

We practice twice a week and play every Sunday. Then there’s all the practice and

games for the Bulldogs.

Q. What makes you enjoy it so much?

I like the fact that it’s a unique sport. I love the controlledaggression as you channel your anger into a positive thing

to create a great team effort. You can lose yourself in the game. It’s my means of escape.

Q. What will you do in San Francisco?

I’m spending 11 days there with theBulldogs. The team goes to the Statesevery other year and this time we’re

playing against Menlo College.

Q. What do you think of the Youth Forum?

It’s fantastic. All the young people are so proactive. They do things off their own initiative and we just offer support. You can teach people skills but they

need the drive and motivation themselves. The Youth Forum has got this.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

I’m studying Community Play & Youth Work at BirminghamUniversity on day release at the moment. Once I’ve completed

my diploma I hope to go onto my degree. I really enjoy youth work - this is my career.

20 Young Greets Green Magazine Oct/Nov 2004

Q. So, who are the Great Britain Bulldogs then?

They’re the national student American football team. I first played for them as Vice Captain in 2000,

then coached them for three years before trying out for the team again this year and being

made Captain.

Jay is starting an American

Football mixed youth team

in Greets Green. If you’re

aged 8 or over, why not

give it a go? Call Jay on

07974 921432


Getting in tuneChildren from primary schools throughout Greets Green really hit the right note when they came togetherfor the first time to stage a concert at the Town Hall.

The event was part of the Vocal Skills project which is based on the UK-wide Singing Communities initiative. “Developing youngsters’ creative skills raises motivation in schools,” explained Roger Cunningham, Education Adviser to the Greets Green Partnership.

“We, therefore, decided to fund a teacher from Sandwell Youth Music who calls into primary schools each week andteaches songs to year 5 and 6 children.”

The first concert at the end of the summerterm drew a huge audience and saw the whole school community working

together for the first time. Theplan is to work with year 7

children and pupils atGeorge Salter High Schoolin the future.

i For more detailscontact Roger

Cunningham at GreetsGreen Partnership on

freephone 0800 953 0215

A group of more than 30 young people from GreetsGreen’s Sikh community went the extra mile on10th July when they joined in Birmingham’sSport Relief mile. Nick-named ‘The OrangePeople’ for obvious reasons, the group set offfrom Centenary Square alongside celebritiesincluding pop star, Rachel Stevens andhelped make the national charity event anhistoric occasion.

i If you’d like to join in other activities, contact the Guru Nanak Community Centre on 525 6923.

We went theextra mile!

A group of budding firefighters learnt moreabout teambuilding and good citizenship whenthey headed to Switzerland in July.

The 24 Young Firefighters from West BromwichFire Station, all aged between 11 and 17, visitedthe International Scout Camp in Kondersteg where theytried out white water rafting, glacier walking, ice climbingand mountain climbing.

“The aim of the trip was to teach them teambuilding and

leadership in a fun and exciting environment,” saidDesmond Lloyd, Station Officer on White Watch andOfficer in Charge of the Young Firefighters.

i For more information on Young Firefighters callDesmond Lloyd on 553 2222.

YOUNGSTERSHEAD TOSWITZERLAND

Up and coming - Youth Forum electionsin October. Interested in representing youngpeople in yourcommunity? Contact Paul or Jay on 525 9509 or 07974 921432.

Imagine getting involved in all the bigsporting and music events at the NIA andother top venues. That’s what YouthForum members, Amy and Sandy Bahatplan to do as they’ve just completed a‘Stewarding at Public Events’ course whichqualifies them to help out as volunteer stewards.

The sisters studied from 9.30am-4pm for four days onthe course run by the Pre-volunteer programme andDudley College at Lodge Primary School. Along withfellow Youth Forum members, Kamjit and Satwant,Amy and Sandy learnt basic first aid, health andsafety, how to use a fire extinguisher and how todeal with an incident.

When volunteers are needed for a public event, thesisters can now be called upon.

“When the course was mentioned to me, I thought ‘whynot?’” said 22 year old Sandy. “First aid is a really

useful skill to have, plus I’ll now get to go to lotsof events.”

Seventeen year old Amy added: “I jumped at the chance to go on the course because

I can volunteer at events at the AlbionGround, fairs, athletics meets andbadminton championships,” she said.

“It seemed like a really good opportunity.”

Making the most of the opportunities providedby the Youth Forum is important to Sandy and Amy.

“I’ve been in the Youth Forum for two years nowand I’ve learnt so many new skills and got involvedin lots of interesting things such as the SK8 park and trips away,” said Sandy.

“Our little brother’s now keen to join the JuniorForum because we do so much.”

i You can contact the Greets Green Youth Forum on525 9509 or 07976 943638.

SISTERS

are doingit

for themselves!

SISTERS

are doing it

for themselves!

The Greets Green YouthForum is funded byGreets Green Partnership


Many months of planning and organisation resulted in a week of

teambuilding, fun, plenty of hard work - and no sleep - at Dunfield

House in Herefordshire.

Youth Forum members and staff visited local primary schools and

explained more about the week and what would be expected of any

children taking part. Each school then put children’s names forward and

a group of 7 - 12 year olds was selected from five primary schools.

� This was my first majo

r

event and it was excel

lent,”

said new Youth Forum m

ember,

Abda Obeed. “When I jo

ined I

didn’t realise I’d hav

e so

much responsibility. E

veryone

is really friendly and

welcoming

which is why I enjoy i

t so much. I like

representing the Yemen

i community and

ensuring that we have

a voice.�


The whole week was designed to build teamwork and

children learnt how to play and get along safely

as a group. Highlights included a beach trip

to Weston Super Mare, a visit to a safari

park and the chance to learn circus skills.

“Youth Forum members are currently

working towards a gold National Youth

Award and this residential week was a key

part of that,” added Paul. “It was a very

testing time but everyone learned

something new from the week which is

what it was all about.”

“We had three aims for the week,” explained Youth Forum

Manager, Paul Arrowsmith. “To provide a challenging learning

experience for Youth Forum members who organised and

ran the week; to enable us to gain some interest from

younger children about starting a Junior Forum and to give

local children a summer holiday.”

Andy Falconer came back from the residential achanged man! “Whilst we were away Ibegan to see how badly I had acted inthe past. You don’t realise the hardwork that goes into organising thingsuntil you actually do it yourself. Ieven apologised to the Youth Forumleaders for how awful I must have been!“This week was a chance for us to put all our traininginto action. I’m really proud of the Youth Forum and what we are achieving.”

� everyone learned somethingnew from the week which is what it was all about.�

GIVE US A BREAK! That’s how one member of the Greets Green

Youth Forum summed up the ‘Give Us a

Break’ residential week which saw 54 local

children taken on a week’s holiday in July by

the Youth Forum members themselves.

“It’s been fantastic butreally tiring!”

Documents

Safe & sound€¦ · about Ramadan, Bonfire Night and Diwali 10 Partnership News: Health Update 11 Partnership News: Housing Update 11 Partnership News: Jobs and Enterprise Update