Category Archives: General

Xmas Event - 2018 - Welcome first arrivals

The Birchfield Big Local Xmas & Student Awards event 2018

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This year Birchfield Big Local celebrated the end of the year with a Christmas event that took place at the St Mary’s Church Hall in Handsworth. The event was open to all staff, volunteers, partnership group members and friends of BBL.

We were grateful for the voluntary input of Adlin Shorter, Nasreen Reshma and Dean Richards on the day, which helped the whole event to go smoothly.

Catering was provided by Lynda McFarlane and entertainment by Winston Harris.

All those in attendance had a great time, enjoying good food, good company, entertainment and a raffle.

See more images on our Facebook page here >

Andrew Simons (BBL community development worker) said;

“Thanks to all for the Birchfield Big Local Christmas meal at St Mary’s Church Hall, Handsworth. This is the first time we have held it at St Mary’s and were well impressed with the facilities – especially the kitchen!

“Thanks to Lynda (Vegan Vybes) for providing a fabulous Christmas meal and to Winston Harris for the music and entertainment.

“The meal was attended by the Elders group and English Class participants and was an opportunity to celebrate the students achievements in attending 14 weeks of conversational English classes planned and led by volunteer tutors – Mehnaz, Salema and Cherrelle.

“Well done to all. Many thanks to Tippa for organising the event and to all the volunteers who helped on the day.”

Volunteers Colorful hands

We are seeking volunteers @ Birchfield Big Local

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We are seeking volunteers for two of our community projects which support people over 50 years of age, and job seekers within the Birchfield Big Local (BBL) area.

These current opportunities are as follows:

Role: Stepping Forward Job Club Volunteer Assistants
Four role positions available:

Birchfield Big Local (BBL) is re-developing the Stepping Forward Job Club, and is seeking enthusiastic and experienced people who will have a positive and proactive commitment to providing a friendly and relaxed environment in which local people living in the BBL area can improve their employment prospects for the future and explore the opportunities available to them.

Along with relevant experience, skills and knowledge to undertake the role, volunteer assistants will also be required to undertake training in job club principles as part of the induction process. Other training will be made available that is appropriate to the role.

See full details here >

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Role: Role: Elders Activity & Social Group Volunteer Assistants
Three role positions available:

Birchfield Big Local (BBL) is re-developing the Elders Activity & Social Group, and are seeking enthusiastic and experienced people who will have a positive and proactive commitment to providing socialising and informational activities for people aged 50 and over from a range of backgrounds and cultures, living in the BBL area.

Along with relevant experience, skills and knowledge to undertake the role, volunteer assistants may also be required to undertake training in senior citizens support practices as part of the induction process. Other training will be made available that is appropriate to the role.

See full details here >

Please join us and help make a difference!

Article Image Credit : Jack Moreh at www.FreeRangeStock.com

Lonely man

Elders Group & Stepping Forward Resources

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We have compiled a comprehensive range of useful information sheets for people aged 50 and over as well as job seekers that can be viewed or downloaded.

Please Note: These documents may be changed or updated from time to time.

Over 50’s Resources
The BBL Elders Activity & Social Group was initially set up to provide socialising and informational activities for people aged 50 and over from a range of backgrounds and cultures, living in the Birchfield Big Local (BBL) area.

Click here to view >

Jobsearch Resources
The BBL Stepping Forward Project was initially set up to provide a friendly and relaxed environment in which local people could improve their employment prospects for the future, learn or develop their IT knowledge and explore the opportunities available to them.

Click here to view >

Article Image Credit : DEEPU DAS at www.FreeRangeStock.com

Laptop PC

IT Skills for Beginners + and job search skills sessions

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Birchfield Big Local has teamed up with Birmingham City Council’s Adult Education Service to provide FREE training sessions at Grosvenor Road Studios or their premises in Aston. Why not express an interest!

The course is in two parts (you’ll need to attend both days):

Part One: IT Skills for Beginners …
Participants will learn all the basic skills related to the use of computers including;

  1. Switching on and properly shutting down PC’s

  2. How to use a PC keyboard

  3. Using and producing documents

  4. Using online applications

And more ..

Basic requirements:

  • Participants must be on a job related benefit (e.g. Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit)

  • Participants must have at least a basic knowledge of IT and use of computers

  • Participants must have a basic grasp of English and be able to understand and communicate with the tutors

  • Must be able to commit to the full 2-day schedule (9am to 3pm)

  • Participants can bring along their own laptops if they wish

Part Two: Work Skills Course …
This part of the course will help participants to be more effective in their job search efforts.

These sessions will include:

  1. Job searching skills

  2. Completing application forms

  3. Appropriate behaviour in the workplace

  4. Mock interview sessions

And more ..

Basic requirements:
These are generally the same as the above.

Please contact Tippa Naphtali (Volunteer Co-ordinator) if you are interested in attending.
T: 07421 994753 E: tippa@birchfieldbiglocal.org

Article Image Credit : StartupStockPhotos at www.FreeRangeStock.com

Birmingham Adult Education - Get Connected 2019

Birmingham Adult Education : Get *Connected* in 2019

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It’s time to turn your dreams into reality!
We hope you have had an excellent start to the new year, and are looking forward to achieving great things in 2019!

If one of your new year resolutions was to get a better job, then one of our qualification courses could be just the start you need. Perhaps learning a new language would help you achieve your goal to travel, live or work abroad? Maybe this was the year you promised yourself you would make time to do something creative? Whatever you resolved to do take a look in our Term 2 Course Brochure and see if one of our brand new courses can help you reach your new year goals.

Don’t miss out – don’t miss a class. Just a little reminder that classes restart again in January. If you would like to check the time and return date for courses please call 0121 303 4318 or contact your centre.

Let’s make 2019 the year that you fulfil your ambitions!

On Monday 10 December 2018 BAES held its first ever partnership event with other organisations to give learners an opportunity to find out about possible next steps and progression options into further education and training to help them achieve their long-term goals and aspirations.

It was a very lively event with lots of questions being asked and information and advice being shared with learners about a wide range of courses at a variety of levels.

Read full article here >

Uk Sterling Cash

Money Advice Service – The Christmas Money Planner

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How are you planning to pay for Christmas? From presents to food, the costs can add up quickly. Using The Money Advice Service Christmas Money Planner will help you set a budget for the festive season.

Research by The Money Advice Service showed the average UK adult was planning to spend £800 on Christmas last year.

Presents; turkey; decorations; drink – it all adds up. But how much do you think you’ll be spending on these items? Knowing your expenses before you start can help you avoid spending more than you can afford.

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Give the Money Advice Service a call for FREE and impartial money advice should you need it.

Call – 0800 138 7777
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed.

See the Christmas Money Planner here >
See General Money Planner here >

Article Image Credit : Serge Bertasius Photography at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Food Meals Green Papaya Salad

Food Cycle (Meal & Hampers) for families

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As part of its regular meal provision at Birmingham Settlement on 19 December from 1.30pm onwards, Food Cycle will be running a family session where they will also be providing FREE Christmas hampers.

FoodCycle Birmingham runs in partnership with Birmingham Settlement, a community organisation that provides services for vulnerable people in the Aston and surrounding area. They cook a healthy meal at the Settlement every Sunday lunchtime.

FoodCycle Birmingham Aston is only made possible with the great volunteers giving their time, enthusiasm and energy. We have opportunities available for people to come along and cook, host guests and be involved in collecting the surplus food donations from local suppliers.

Read more here >

Please email birmingham@foodcycle.org.uk for more information.

Article Image Credit : mapichai at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net