Creative Writing Course - book now

Connect <> Lockleaze in partnership with Workers Educational Association are running a fabulous Creative Writing Course after Easter.

Starting on Wednesday 24th April 2013 Words for Wellbeing: an Introduction to Creative Writing is going to be great fun so don't leave it too late to book your place.

The course aims to give an informal introduction to writing techniques aimed at enhancing well-being and combating feelings of stress, low self-esteem and social isolation.

As well as discussion and study of examples of published writing – poems, extracts from novels, autobiographies etc, the course uses pictures, photographs and objects as writing prompts. A very relaxed atmosphere will encourage you to write small pieces which may be read out and shared with the group, but this is not compulsory. 

So... if you fancy tapping into your hidden creative talent and having fun with others... this is the course for you.

Date: 8 sessions starting Wednesday 24th April (no sessions on 8th & 29th May)
Venue: The Langley Centre Gainsborough Square BS7 9XA
Time: Wednesdays 10.00-12.00
Cost: £76 but FREE to anyone in receipt of a means tested benefit.

For enquiries and to check if you are eligible for a full discount, please call 0117 916 6500

To enrol call 0845 458 2758 or visit www.wea.org.uk

Connect <> Lockleaze to host a Work Club

Two great meetings in one day... what a result!

After Gail's earlier meeting with about the 'Introduction to Skills for Work' course (see other blog entry), she has just had an equally good meeting with Kevin Byrne of Pluss about them running a Forwards Work Club at the Langley Centre.

 

Forwards Work Clubs aim to help people with learning disabilities find and stay in work. Friendly, supportive there is no pressure to rush into work - rather they give you advice and support to help with your specific needs. This includes:

- confidence

- volunteering

- preparing your CV

- interview skills

- job search

We are aiming to start the Work Club sometime during the week commencing 29th April 2013 and will let you know as soon as all the details are finalised. In the meantime, if you would like to register your interest or ask questions, please contact Kevin on 0117 202 0965 or email forwards@pluss.org.uk

Introduction to Skills for Work Course starts 15th April

Our Training Development Coordinator, Gail Bowen-Huggett just had a great meeting with Roger Parnell from Workers Educational Association, and is really excited about the 'Introduction to Skills for Work' course he will be running from 15th April 2013.

The course aims to build confidence through recognising and using our natural skills and qualities to find work. Learning to appreciate the skills you have to offer. It includes topics such as building self-esteem; dealing with change and gaining confidence for job interviews.

The course comes highly recommended by past participants:
"This course is really excellent. Everyone should get this to build their confidence, like me."

"The course was better than I expected and I learnt a lot of new skills.  It has really improved my confidence and I felt happy throughout."
"The tutor was very informative and made the course interesting."
"The course was very easy-going and relaxed and friendly. I’m glad I did it."

So... if you are actively seeking work, or perhaps just thinking of returning to work ...this is the course for you.

Date: 8 sessions starting Monday 15th April (no sessions on 6th & 27th May)
Venue: The Langley Centre Gainsborough Square BS7 9XA
Time: Mondays 10.30-12.30
Cost: £76 but FREE to anyone in receipt of a means tested benefit.

For enquiries and to check if you are eligible for a full discount, please call 0117 916 6500

To enrol call 0845 458 2758 or visit www.wea.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you on 15th April.

Jo Earl reflects on Connect <> Lockleaze to date

Jo Earl (Student Services - UWE) has been associated with Connect <> Lockleaze from the very beginning. Here she reflects on the success of the intiative to date...

From UWE’s current community outreach projects we were aware that the most basic IT tutoring and support is much sought after, particularly amongst older people. Getting people engaged in a new community initiative can be hard, so we started by trying to meet a clearly identified need. We took a dual approach: UWE student volunteers were recruited to lead both a semi-structured course in basic IT skills offering one to one help for 6 weeks, and the more informal Community IT Hub drop in service, where people can just turn up and give it a go. Through these student-run activities, we started supporting the tentatively interested as well as those who had a little more determination to get digitally updated. The focus is always on person centred support: tailored help is crucial for beginners, those with a lack of confidence or negative past learning experiences.

The basic IT skills sessions are helping local people to tackle their IT fears and get specific help with what is useful to them. This could be anything from polishing up on Microsoft Office skills for the workplace to web browsing around personal interests. or making the most of email and social media to keep in touch with friends and family. 

Bogdan, a UWE student studying for a foundation degree in Science, volunteers each week as a tutor. 

He finds both challenges and rewards in this role: “I wanted to give something back and it is very rewarding to see others happy. I always feel that I have made a difference in their life. Tutoring involves loads of patience and definitely empathy.”

Meanwhile, at our Community IT Hub drop in, residents have been stopping by to get help with everyday things like email, using a printer and designing flyers. 

Elaine has become a regular, and has found the informal support and space to practice useful after going on an IT course. “I love the lessons on Fridays, and feel so lucky that I am able to attend, and to have wonderful tutors, plus really good equipment all for free.” 

Justin, a BSc Psychology student from UWE helps out each week: “I chose this role to give something back to the local community and to help those that may not have the opportunity to use what I have taken for granted for most of my life. It is not just learning about IT but also a social experiences.” Justin has helped Robert, a job-seeker, who needed some support using the internet to search and apply for jobs. “I’ve never used a computer before as I have always done manual work, but now I need to find a new job, everything is online and I don’t know how to access it”. 

To date, 25 student volunteers have been involved with direct delivery of tutoring and have worked to maintain and update the PCs and laptops.

In addition to UWE-led activities, the new IT facilities in the community venues have also provided an impetus to develop more learning and training opportunities in the area, both IT and non-IT related courses and workshops. One of the community partners involved has recruited and trained volunteers to run ‘Get IT Together’ classes for older people to get a taste of computers and the internet. 

External training providers have booked the facilities to run both IT and non-IT related sessions, among them ICT for Community Engagement, Digital Photography, Manage Your Money and Stress Management. Amy attended a confidence building workshop and was impressed with the session and the facilities: “The venue is good, well equipped and easy to get to. I would like to do more courses here."

Taster days are a great way to hook people in, and there have been a number of one day workshops and events to encourage people to have a go...

Through collaboration with a Bristol museum, local residents uploaded their images of their neighbourhood to a website and participated in developing their very own ‘Greetings from Lockleaze’ postcards as part of the MShed postcard project. 

With one of our community partners, ‘Boing!’, a local soft-play centre, UWE student volunteers worked with parents and children to design and create 30 t-shirts using desktop publishing and t-shirt transfers.

The PCs and laptops donated by Hewlett Packard (HP) have greatly increased the capacity at the community venues, not only providing the space and technology for a variety of courses, but also creating a place to support community driven initiatives and local volunteers. 

6 local residents have utilised the open access facilities to coordinate their own groups through social networking and creating publicity materials. They include ‘Scrummy Mummies’, an informal and non-subscription weight-loss club and the Honeysuckle Café Breastfeeding Support Group. These two groups alone have benefited over 30 centre users at Boing!

A fringe benefit has been better networking between service providers in the area. The three centres can now offer hot-desks and a wireless network for local practitioners, such as advice workers and NHS staff who are working across North Bristol. This brings with it greater opportunities to share information and good practice and encourage collaboration, all of which in turn benefits local residents.

A key aim of the project is to make the IT Hubs in the community venues self sustaining. This will in part depend on support from local people who can encourage others to have a go. Demand for basic IT skills support way outstrips supply – we will need to be creative with the ways we involve volunteers in order to grow the support we currently offer. Our current volunteer base is mainly students who are only here for part of the year. This leaves gaps in provision, particularly during the summer. We are aiming to involve more staff from both HP and UWE and hope that over time local residents can take on more roles and encourage their friends and neighbours to get involved.

Resources for Maths Entry level 1 & 2

A recent national Skills for Life survey showed that around a quarter of adults have maths skills at entry level 2 or below - roughly speaking the level expected of a nine-year old - and this figure is rising.

BBC Skillswise has just launched a new range of maths resources, aimed at adults working at entry level 1 & 2 or equivalent, which you can use to support your adult learners who face barriers in relation to their numeracy skills.

If Connect <> Lockleaze ran a basic maths course, would you be interested in attending?

We learnt something new...

Connect <> Lockleaze  learnt something new earlier this week...

One of Lockleaze's long standing residents told us that the name Lockleaze comes from the Old English Loc Léah which means a fold or enclosure in a meadow.

No wonder the community in this area is so strong if it can trace it's history back that far!

If you'd be interested in tracing your own family history, email us at connectlockleaze@gmail.com

If we get enough interest Connect <> Lockleaze will run a course at the Cameron Centre after Easter.

Silver Surfers of the Net

Check out our latest volunteer's new blog - this entry about how he is using Connect <> Lockleaze to help older people to get online...
Silver Surfers of the Net

Help wanted, please

Connect <> Lockleaze are delighted to have received our first comments on blog posts - nice to know someone out there is reading our ramblings!

We really want this blog to be an active document full of news, thoughts and ideas so whatever your involvement (student, participant, tutor or volunteer) we'd love it if you would like to share your experience with others…

…write a short piece for us – after all we have called our blog 'In this Together'. And when we say short, we mean it - just a single sentence if you like!

We are interested in hearing about:

• Where you heard about us?
• What made you come along and join in?
• What has been most useful, interesting and/or fun thing you’ve done?

Anything you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Please email connectlockleaze@gmail.com

 or talk to us at when you’re next in.

Proud to announce two IMA Award Nominations

The closing date for nominations for the Institute of Money Advisers (IMA) Performance Awards is today and we are delighted to hear that North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC) and Connect <> Lockleaze  have been nominated in two categories:

• Best Partnership Award
• Best New Initiative Award

As the professional body for money advisers the role of the IMA is to celebrate excellence and reward good performance, and these awards are designed to do just that. We are so proud to have been nominated and can't wait until 31st March 2013 when we find out if we have been selected as finalists.

Then we have to be patient until the IMA Annual Conference on 20th May 2013 to see if we have won. Fingers crossed!

Spring Online Week - suggestions please!

Yes, we are planning ahead for Spring Online Week between 22nd and 26th April 2013.

Connect <> Lockleaze  plans to run a number of  event and taster sessions throughout the week at the three IT hubs around Gainsborough Square (Cameron Centre, Langley Centre and Boing!) so what we would like is for you to tell us what you'd like to try...

We've been thinking about a bit of comic book making... some t-shirt printing...maybe a bit of online job seeking... and definitley some silver surfing! What other ideas do you have?

Email us at connectlockleaze@gmail.com with suggestions.

The week will culminate in a fabulous Community Event in Gainsborough Square on Saturday 27th April 2013. Put the date in your diary and we'll let you know more nearer the time.

The 'Eye' Team?!

Technology can help blind and partially sighted people to live more independently, but sometimes setting it up can be challenging. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has a Technology Support Squad, a free national service that can set up and help blind and partially sighted people use technology.

There are thousands of gadgets designed to make living with sight loss easier, but it's hard to know where to start once you get them home. If you're having trouble setting up or getting the most out of your technology, this Technology Support Squad is available to help.

RNIB have 1,000 volunteers across the UK ready to give advice over the phone or visit you at home. Call their Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk for help with:

• getting to grips with a new computer or laptop
• setting up your internet
• getting the most out of your TV, such as installing a DVD player, setting up your Freeview box and helping you use audio description

 and much much more.

To find out more, visit their website.  

Lockleaze Regeneration Starts

It is an exciting time in Lockleaze - after years of discussion, plans to develop 14 flats, 12 houses, two business units and a community building were approved for Gainsborough Square.

Bristol Community Housing Foundation and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust have drawn up this scheme to develop a corner of the square that has been empty and overgrown for almost 20 years.

And today, Connect <> Lockleaze joined local residents and other community groups for the 'Breaking Ground' ceremony on the new site.

Construction starts tomorrow so take a last look at how the Square looks now...

Other local developments are also underway, all of which will bring new opportunities and new life into an area that can sometimes feel isolated and unloved. Already it is clear that some residents feel disconnected and it is hoped that these feelings do not intensify while work on the new developments in underway. The needs of new arrivals into the area will need to be balanced with those of existing community members.

Connect <> Lockleaze hopes to play a part in this by providing facilities that offer benefits to all members of the community, by encouraging groups to use the IT hubs for their own activities and by working in partnership with other local agencies. 

More information on regenration plans can be found on Bristol City Council's website.

Love could be in and on the air!

Connect <> Lockleaze hubs are a community resource and we are keen to enourage local residents to use them during our regular open sessions.

Is there something you'd like to try?  Maybe exploring the romantic or companionship possibilities that online dating could have to offer...

And while you're embarking on one new adventure why not make it two!

Consider taking part in a new Channel 4 mini series that wants to follow new daters as they navigate their way through the world of online dating.

Find out more by emailing your details to loveonline@thegardenproductions.tv

This week is National Apprenticeship Week!

Welcome to National Apprenticeship Week - 11th to 15th March - all about celebrating Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a real job with training so you can earn while you learn and pick up recognised qualifications as you go. If you live in England, are over 16 and not in full time education you can apply - there is no upper age limit. They take between one and four years to complete and cover 1,400 job roles in a wide range of industries, from things like engineering to financial advice, veterinary nursing to accountancy.

What types of apprenticeship are there?

Apprenticeships are available in all sectors and industries.There are more than 250 different types of Apprenticeships available offering over 1,400 job roles, in a range of industry sectors:

• Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care
• Arts, Media and Publishing
• Business, Administration and Law
• Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
• Education and Training
• Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
• Health, Public Services and Care
• Information and Communication Technology
• Leisure, Travel and Tourism
• Retail and Commercial Enterprise

Where can I find information on Apprenticeship Vacancies?

• There are 15,000 apprenticeship vacancies available on the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website at any time. This is a free system where employers and learning providers can advertise and manage vacancies, and potential apprentices can search, apply and then manage their applications.
• The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has developed a new smartphone mobile application called ‘AV Search’ - it’s free to download and is ad-free:
• Android – AV search, via Play store
• iphone-AV Search via the App store
• Some apprenticeships are also registered on Universal Jobmatch.

How can Connect <> Lockleaze help?
Come along to an Open Session at one of our IT hubs (Cameron Centre, Boing! or Langley Centre) and use our computers and free internet access to browse the NAS website.

Connect <> Lockleaze helping people 'Get Hired'

This afternoon, Connect <> Lockleaze had a stall at the ‘Get Hired’, an employability event held at Filton Community Centre.

Organised by Southern Brooks Community Partnership, it brought local businesses, organisations and employment agencies under one roof, making it easy for local residents to see available vacancies, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

Connect <> Lockleaze promoted our IT centres in Gainsborough Square as places people can come to browse the internet for jobs, build cvs and make online applications.

We were also keen to advertise our forthcoming Employable Skills Workshop (starting 24^th April at the Langley Centre) as well as finding out how much interest there is for a work club based in or around Gainsborough Square in Lockleaze.

Although the event was quieter than we would have liked (maybe due to the weather), we still spoke to quite a few residents, all delighted to find out that such an extensive IT resource was available in their area. We also discussed co-operative working with other exhibitors (Airbus, South Gloucestershire Vocational Service, Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust etc).

Connect <> Lockleaze gets a boost from Vodafone

From thousands of applicants nationwide, the Vodafone Foundation have chosen local resident, Edward Morgenstern to pursue his dream of making a difference for older people.

Thanks to Vodafone’s World of Difference Programme he is now able to give two days a week to help run computer courses and social activities for anyone over 55 living in north Bristol.

He has joined the North Bristol Advice Centre’s Community Support at Home team and his first task is to use the Connect <> Lockleaze facilities at the Langley Centre to plan and run a very basic computer course especially designed for older beginners.

Edward says “It will be simple, non-threatening and most of all fun.”

Participants will learn to use a keyboard and mouse, send email and browse the internet. “We want to use social media, skype etc to reduce isolation and encourage older people to work together to embrace change!”

If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Edward on 0117 951 5751.

Our First Focus Group

Earlier today, Connect <> Lockleaze held it’s first focus group.

We believe it is vital to the success of the project that the community be able to influence how the three IT centres are used: the type of activities and courses run, how much hand-holding is required, opening hours etc.

North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC) kindly organised a meeting at the Langley Centre this afternoon. Sadly, the turnout was lower than we would have liked however we did receive excellent feedback.

None of the participants had heard of Connect <> Lockleaze so, despite our sessions being fully utilised, we still need to make more of the community aware of the wonderful resources they have around Gainsborough Square!

A few other things we learned were:

• 33% did not own a computer but knew you could access them at a library.
• 33% had never used a computer before but were interested in learning.
• 100% expressed a desire to access our computers either alone or with informal assistance only – not structured courses.

We will be taking these and their other comments on board as we design our next set of sessions.

As well as ideas for Connect <> Lockleaze, the participants were keen to sing the praises of NBAC’s dedicated advice workers and the huge difference advice service made to their lives.

We plan to hold more Focus Group sessions throughout the year so if you would like to come along (just a couple of hours) to make your voice heard, please contact Katherine Tanko at North Bristol Advice Centre on 0117 951 5751.