A story from one of our learners...

Samina* initially engaged with Connect Lockleaze after seeing an advertisement for a ‘Computers for Work’ course in the locally community centre. As a single parent and a survivor of domestic violence, it is no surprise that when she joined the course, Samina had low in self-confidence and was apprehensive about her abilities. In addition, English is not her first language.

Despite that, Samina was keen to learn, displaying dedication to the computer course with full attendance and a positive attitude.

Following the course, Samina made contact with the local community centre, enquiring about voluntary positions but unsure of what skills she would be able to offer. She was invited to our ‘Volunteering in Your Community’ course in March, during which she spent time reflecting upon her life experiences and considering what she might have to offer others as a result of these. She learnt about the rights and responsibilities of volunteers, and how to apply for a volunteering position.

Upon completion of the course, Samina returned to the community centre and has since begun volunteering with the weekly parent and toddler group. She has also connected with the local MoneySmart Online sessions to continue developing her computer skills, and Buzz Lockleaze Work Zone who are supporting her to explore future employment opportunities.

Both Samina and her course tutors reported a great increase in her self-confidence during this time and she now feels equipped to find opportunities for volunteering and gaining work experience independently.

​*name changed

Introduction to Tablets Workshops

This week is was great to welcome a group of lovely learners to our first 'Introduction to Tablets' workshop at The Hub. It was a fun and interactive session giving everyone the chance to get stuck in and have a play on the tablets, emailing each other, taking photos and trying out different healthy apps.

Everyone who attended left feeling more confident and hungry to learn more! Each one was invited to join us for a series of one-to-one sessions to further their learning.

Get involved. Build your CV. Make a difference!

Following the success of last year's Lockleaze Volunteer Fair community organisations across the Lockleaze area are once again coming together to promote their projects and show the many different ways people can get involved in local activity through volunteering.

From helping at lunch clubs, cafes and IT sessions to driving roles, gardening, play and youth work , the list is endless! You can offer your skills to support groups or use volunteering as a way of picking up new skills.

Some of the benefits of volunteering that people told us about at our last 'Celebrating volunteers' event in June were that getting involved enabled them to meet people, feel valued and make a difference.

On Monday 17th October we held a volunteer fair for people to find out about the wide range of volunteering roles available locally. 

Well done to all our learners!

We held our end of year celebration event on Wednesday 13th July. The event brought together all the learners who took part in courses and training in Lockleaze this year. It was really great to hear stories from different individuals and see photos from the different courses that took place this year. Plus, we had some food provided by Pieminister's #littleactsofpieness project too!

Thank you and well done to all the learners, families, volunteers, tutors and partners who came along and helped make it such a great event!

We hope you all have an amazing summer and look forward to seeing you at more training from September!

Celebration!

We were delighted to be presented with this award last night by Councillor for Southmead, Brenda Massey at Bristol City Council's Celebration of Employment, Skills & Learning for our partnership work with the Learning Communities Team to bring courses & workshops into the local area.

Thanks to all our brilliant learners for making that possible!

Would you like to volunteer in Lockleaze?

We held the Lockleaze Volunteer Fair 2015 at The Hub for people to find new ways to get involved and make a difference. Organisations and groups working locally held stalls, including:

• us!
• North Bristol Advice Centre
• Lockleaze Community Orchard
• United Communities
• Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
• Boing! Soft Play Family Centre
• Stoke Park Children's Centre 
• North Bristol Foodbank
• Creative Crafting Club
• Horfield & Lockleaze Neighbourhood Partnership
• Groundwork South West
• Learning Partnership West / Lockleaze Adventure Playground

We LOVE Volunteers!

Last month we teamed up with our friends at North Bristol Advice Centre and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust to celebrate the fantastic work of all those who volunteer in Lockleaze! We held a tea party and a celebration lunch where many volunteers from different organisations in the area were presented with a certificate as a 'thank you' for all their commitment to the local area.

Check out this video of why people LOVE volunteering in Lockleaze!