SYCAMORE COURT ST MARTINS CHURCH CENTRE URBAN DEVOTION 46 Buxton Road, Perry Common. B23 5GA 140 Witton Lodge Road, , Perry Common, B23 5AP WHAT’S ON Tel: 0121 386 4724 www.wittonlodge.org.uk Tel: 0121 382 7555 www.ctheking.co.uk *Activities need to be pre-booked, unless stated. 148 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common, B23 5AP Please call if you are interested in an activity Tel: 0121 350 9370 Email: [email protected] Facebook / Twitter: @urbandevotion PERRY COMMON Insta: @udbyouth COMMUNITY HALL 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common. B23 5JD Tel: 0121 382 1930 www.wittonlodge.org.uk MONDAY Spring 2019 MONDAY St Martin’s Parent & To Group 9:30 – 11:30am Massage Therapy Perry Common Men’s Work Shed 12:30pm – 2:30pm 10:00am – 2:00pm Wellbeing Surgery (Drop In) MONDAY With Tea and Cakes – as healthy as possible! TUESDAY 1:30pm – 3:00pm The Underground – School Years 3-6 Brew’s Up Coffee Morning From 3:20 – 4:45pm (at The Underground, St MONDAY TUESDAY 10:00am – 12:00 midday Martin’s Church Centre, 140 Perry Common Road, B23 5AP) Welcome Red Hot Chilli Steppers Walking Group Perry Common Men’s Work Shed 10:00am – 2:00pm 11:00am Bingo – All welcome. Please support this event The Underground – School Years 7-11 which is in danger of closing due to low numbers. From 5:00 – 6:15pm (at The Underground, St WEDNESDAY St Martin’s Lunch Club Martin’s Church Centre, 140 Witton Lodge Road, Welcome to the latest edition of the Perry Cash prizes. Please book using the details above. 11:30am – 2:30pm Aikido 6:00 - 7:30pm B23 5AP) Common Matters newsletter featuring 7:30pm - 9:30pm Kick Boxing (under age 16) Ring Of Sound Choir 6:00 – 7:00pm TUESDAY news, information and stories and from THURSDAY 7.15pm to 8.15pm Girls Group – School Years 6 For more information please call Linda on 07960 Kick Boxing (age 16 and over) From 3:20pm – 4:30pm (at the Velvet Community across your community. 7:00 – 8:00pm Pain Clinic 386252 or email [email protected]. Orchard, Witton Lakes, B23 7XX) 10:00am – 1:00pm (by GP appointment only) WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Family Play (Primary School Children & Parents) Slimming World 4:30pm - 9:00pm From 3:20 - 4:30pm (The Underground, St Martin’s It’s been a busy few months since our last 5:00pm (1st Session) Knitting Group St Martin’s Parent & Toddler Group Church Centre, 140 Witton Lodge Road, B23 5AP) 9:30 – 11:30am issue and with 2019 now well and truly in 1:30pm – 3:00pm WEDNESDAY Film Club Creative Moments Craft Group full swing there’s already a lot to reflect on FRIDAY 12:00 – 2:00pm 1:30 – 3:30pm Junior Club – School Years 4-6 and look forward to. Slimming World THURSDAY 4:00 – 4:45pm (at Lakeside Children’s Centre, Lakes 10:00am THURSDAY Road, Wyrley Birch, B23 7UH) Housing Advice Surgery Film Afternoon Senior Club – School Years 7-8 Extend Exercise Class 1:00 – 4:00pm (Monthly) Many of you will know this year is our 25th 2:00 – 4:00pm 10:00 - 11:00am 5:00 – 5:45pm (at Lakeside Children’s Centre, Lakes Please enquire for dates Road, Wyrley Birch, B23 7UH) Anniversary and to celebrate we have a Councillor Surgery Arts & Crafts Tea Dances (Councillor Bob Beauchamp) 12:30pm to 1:30pm THURSDAY range of exciting activities planned. Watch 6:30 – 7:30pm 1:00 – 4:00pm (Monthly) Please enquire for dates this space for further details. 2nd Friday of the month FRIDAY Ladsville – School Years 5-6 FRIDAY From 3:20pm – 4:30pm (at The Underground, St Quiz Night Martin’s Church Centre, 140 Witton Lodge Road, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Please check our website and Wellbeing Support B23 5AP) notice boards for dates and times) 2:00 – 4:00pm Perry Common Men’s Work Shed In the meantime if you have anything you 10:00am – 2:00pm – School Avon Bingo Football at North Birmingham Academy would like included in the next edition 6:00 – 8:00pm (every two weeks) 30pm Years 6 to 11 PERRY COMMON LIBRARY Extend Exercise Class Please check in advance for time and venue details please telephone Steve Sharma on 0121 11:00am – 12:00 midday College Road, Perry Common, B44 0HH Quiz Night Tel: 0121 464 0481 Every 3rd Friday of the month 7:00pm - 9:00pm St Martin’s Lunch Club 382 1930 or send an email to Email: [email protected] 11:30 – 2:30pm ORCHARD TEA ROOM [email protected] www.libraryofbirmingham.com At The Velvet Community Orchard NEW VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING THE NET SATURDAY (through the green gates by the dividing path 159 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common. B23 7AR between the two lakes) Witton Lakes, B23 7XX Little Stars Dance Studio Tel: 0121 382 1930 www.wittonlodge.org.uk Happy reading! Tel: 0121 373 7406 www.thenet-church.co.uk 10:00am – 5:00pm A group of community spirited residents are one step closer to becoming volunteers with Witton Lodge Community Association. LIBRARY Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, B44 9ST AN OPEN BOOK The dedicated eight completed their training under the guidance of Wellbeing officer Fauzia Begum and volunteer Tel: 0121 464 5193 coordinator Paul Tse. Email: [email protected] www.libraryofbirmingham.com Children from Story Wood School and Wilson Stuart School let their creative instinct shine for World Book During their inductions, held over two weeks, they learned about different volunteering opportunities at Witton MONDAY Lodge and our values and ethos. They completed in-house training on safeguarding, effective listening and The Orchard Tearoom is open Day. See their favourite characters brought to life on Perry Common Pensioners Club (Age 55 and Over) Monday’s 12:00 – 4:00pm page 3. communication skills, equality and diversity, professional boundaries and many more. 10:30 - 12:30 (3rd Monday of the month) Friday’s 10:00am – 1:00pm Knit n Knatter 1:00 - 3:00pm MONDAY Times and dates of all listings are subject to change. “The group was very focussed during their induction training and showed great enthusiasm for the role of wellbeing Please check with the individual venue to confirm. volunteer” said Fauzia. THURSDAY The Net Chat Club 12:00 – 2:00pm Ancestry Group “Developing your own skills while helping others to lead happy and productive lives is such a rewarding and valuable 11:00am – 12:00 midday TUESDAY TUESDAY experience.” Job Club The Net Lunch Club 2:00 – 4:00pm 12:00 – 2:00pm Computer Support 2:00 – 5:00pm (Drop In) Lisa Carter, from Wyrley Birch, was one of the eight who took part in the training. Reading Group 3:30 – 4:30pm (3rd Thursday of the month) Job Club “I decided to become a wellbeing volunteer to improve my potential and meet new people,” she said. PERRY TREE CENTRE 2:00 – 5:00pm (Drop In) GET IN TOUCH FRIDAY College Road (at the junction with Dovedale Road) Perry Common, B23 5BX Tel: 0121 675 5571 Wellbeing Support The information given here is just a flavour of the “I found the training to be very engaging and it really opened my eyes, I learned a lot. The other candidates were so Employment Advice 2:00 – 5:00pm (Drop In) services and activities taking place in the area friendly, we all enjoyed the experience together.” 9:00am – 1:00pm (Drop In) Housing Advice Surgery every week. If you would like to find out more, or 2:00 – 4:30pm (1st Tuesday of the month) sign up for any of the activities mentioned in this Housing Advice Surgery newsletter, you can: We value everyone at Witton Lodge, so if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer please call 0121 382 1930. 2:00 – 4:30pm (Last Friday of the month) Call us on 0121 382 1930 Wellbeing Support Lakeside Children’s Centre or email Paul on [email protected] Lakes Rd, , Birmingham, B23 7UH 2:00pm – 5:00pm Alternatively see our website Tel: 0121 386 6150 Computer Support www.wittonlodge.org.uk. 3:00 – 5:00pm (Drop In) You can also find us on WEDNESDAY Facebook @wittonlodgecommunityassociation MAKING A SONG AND SATURDAY TUESDAY and on Twitter @wittonlodge Job Club Young People’s Tuition Extend Exercise Class 10:00am – 1:00pm (Drop In) 2:45 – 4:45pm 10:00 – 11:00am DANCE ABOUT IT

Our live music event, Track Friday 2, was a smash hit with local residents. Turn to page 6 for a review of the Become A Resident Director And Make A Difference To Your Area night Witton Lodge raised the roof! What’s in this newsletter is just a flavour of what’s going on locally. If you like what you have seen and want to make a real difference to our local area – then why not become a ‘Resident Director’ with Witton Lodge Community Association. OUR MARY’S You could make your ideas a reality and at the same time learn new skills, meet new people and have a really positive impact on your local community. QUiTE CONTRARY For more information please contact: Chair, Linda Hines or Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain on Tel: 0121 382 1930 or Email: [email protected] Chances are, if you live or work in Perry Common, you’ve seen Mary Harvey. Find out why our much-loved volunteer is so cherished on page 2. PUPILS ARE INSPIRED FOR WORLD BOOK DAY

Pupils at Story Wood School celebrated World Book Day in a very creative way. The children were asked to represent the title of their favourite book in a jar. There were some amazing contributions with the most popular story jar being for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Pupils really enjoyed the challenge that was set them and it made a nice change from dressing as a book character.

One commented: “I did my story jar at home with my Mum and really enjoyed making all the tiny flowers for the Secret Garden, although it was tricky fitting it all into the jar.”

MEANWHILE - World Book Day at Wilson Stuart HELP US TO HELP YOU School began with a visit by a professional theatre company who treated the pupils to an amazing PREVENT CRIME performance of the Wizard of Oz. The pupils were enthralled by the whole experience. Let’s start with some really positive news. The number of burglaries and vehicle crimes reported to us in This was followed by a theatre workshop for some recent months has dropped considerably. of their secondary pupils. Lots of the children’s MARY - Our ExtraorDinary Volunteer But we can’t rest on our laurels. favourite books were read out and shared in lessons and everyone dressed up as story characters or Mary Harvey turns 98-years-old later this year. But on this occasion things were different. I As the weather continues to warm up it can be easy superheroes - including the staff! Following our previous introduction to the incredible started talking to her and told her that I was SOWING SEEDS to forget to double check if we have closed all our lady, here is the second part of her story, in her own bored, frustrated with being at home all the time. windows; not just at home but in our vehicles too. At the end of the day pupils took part in a parade of words. Linda invited me to join her and a few of the other We joined over 100 school pupils, volunteers and local Something else to remember is, when outside costumes in the assembly hall. ladies who were involved in Community Watch. They residents at Perry Common Recreation Ground to help gardening, remember to put your equipment away, Ever since I arrived in Perry Common in 1945 I’ve needed people to help deliver leaflets to the houses plant 1,500 saplings in support of Birmingham Trees inside, when you’re finished with it. It only takes a few found the people to be very friendly and welcoming, across Perry Common; this is when I learned all about for Life. seconds for someone to snatch your tools and make a wonderfully so. I must admit, at the beginning I found Witton Lodge Community Association. run for it. it hard to understand the local accent, it’s not so much With the sun shining, children from St Margaret Mary’s they have a Brummie accent, it’s more a Black Country Linda was very honest about it all and said if I enjoyed RC School and St Bernadette’s Catholic School got to If you’d like to be ‘in the know’ when it comes to one. it I could do it again but if it wasn’t my cup of tea then work with their spades to unearth a new chapter in crimes news and trends in our community, you can I didn’t have to do another one. As it turned out, I conservation for Perry Common. sign up for our Neighbourhood Alert emails. All When I got married and moved to the I loved it. It was awesome, everyone was so friendly messages are sent within a secure system (from alert@ stopped working, my husband didn’t want me to work. and talked to me, it made me feel wanted, it made me neighbourhoodalert.co.uk) and are clearly branded But meeting people and engaging with others comes feel like I belonged. as being issued by West Midlands Police and you can so naturally to me, I missed that. reply securely to a message. I thought to myself, now I have lift off. Not only was I A friend had a market stall in Erdington and said I helping other people but I was helping myself, making To register just follow this link: could go along and help out on the stall whenever new friends and getting the exercise and activity I https://www.wmnow.co.uk/ I wanted, so I did, a couple of times each week. It needed and wanted. helped me get out of the house as I’m not the sort I’ve always been a pro-active person and I love talking Our communities play a crucial part in helping us to of person who can just at home watching daytime to people. So, when, shortly after Linda suggested prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour. TV. Getting out there and meeting people, making a I become a volunteer for Witton Lodge it was an We are constantly working to improve the flow connection, it’s a real passion of mine. opportunity that was too good to miss. of information from West Midlands Police to our communities, in order to make a greater impact in the When they (the council) were threatening to pull down It’s given me a whole world of new experiences. It prevention and detection of crime. all the houses on the Perry Common estate it was a makes me feel alive, wanted, like I’m doing something very traumatic time, for everyone. that matters. When I’m around other people I’m at my If you have any concerns or queries please get in touch best and being a volunteer is the best thing I could with us via email at: When my husband died 17 years ago I didn’t know have chosen to do. [email protected] what to do with myself. I’ve seen so many changes over the last 25 years and Alternatively you can telephone 101 extn 8466003 One day I was out walking and bumped into Linda the community has changed so much, for the better. (Hines). I knew Linda from the neighbourhood, we It’s such a lovely and warm place and the people here, To report crime, please still use 999 for emergencies. lived just doors apart and I often saw her in the street, I wouldn’t swap them for the world. Our online webchat and 101 should be used for all she always said hello and asked how I was. non-emergencies.

SUPPORT SUITS EMMA TO A TEA

Expert advice and guidance provided by employment coaches at I would have got this job without it,” she said. Witton Lodge Community Association has given one Birmingham Mum a new lease of life. Haleema paid tribute to her client’s positive attitude and outlook. Emma Sheffield approached us for help with her benefits in a bid to find a job that considered her personal circumstances. “Emma was and is a pleasure to work with,” she said.

With a young son at home, Emma, who is also a carer for her “She gives me all the glory but it was her hard work and own Mother, needed to find a role which worked around the commitment that secured her employment. youngster’s school hours. “Any organisation would be very lucky to have Emma. She would be a valuable asset to any team as she has a great sense of Following a series of one-to-one sessions with Employment humour, is always punctual and never gives up, no matter what Coach, Haleema Khathoon, Emma has now secured a job at The comes her way she pushes through it all. Little Tea Shop in Birmingham City Centre. Working 16-hours a week, the role gives Emma, who previously “Seeing her in her new role at The Little Tea Shop brings me worked as a cleaner and kitchen assistant, the opportunity to great joy. I wish her all the best for her future.” develop herself and acquire the skills and experience she needs in order to fulfil her ambition of becoming a team leader. For more information on employment support services and training available with Witton Lodge Community Association “The support I received from Haleema was brilliant, I don’t think please call 0121 382 1930. TAKE A BREAK - READ A BOOK TAKE A WALK A new initiative which aims to integrate communities it particularly relevant to the aspirations of social AND GET HEALTHY through reading has been launched in Kingstanding. prescribing.”

Book Break takes place every Monday (during the school Those attending Book Break are offered pages and As we stride deeper into 2019, local fitness guru term) at St John’s Centre on Warren Farm Road. passages for them to read out loud so people can relax Linda Hackett is imploring local people to put their and savour the experience of listening. However, there’s health first. Co-ordinated by Tony Manville, sessions encourage no pressure to read and people decide their own level of As a keen walker herself Linda knows better than people to connect through literature and shared involvement. most the benefits of regularly stepping out. experiences. Teas, coffees and biscuits are provided. And her message to anyone who is looking to boost “Shared reading is known to improve well-being, reduce their health and wellbeing this year is clear and simple isolation and strengthen communities with thousands of Book Break started at St John’s Centre on Monday – take a walk! people across the country taking part in shared reading February 25. For more details contact Tony Manville on groups,” he said. 07756 432024 or email: [email protected] “It’s not just about the walking,” she said.

“They come together to enjoy stories and poems and Shared Reading is based on the values of The Reader “The group was established to help connect people so share the thoughts and feelings which are prompted by Organisation. If you are interested in knowing more they form friendships and find others with common them.” about the concept visit the website at: https://www. interests like cooking or gardening. thereader.org.uk “On top of that, the health benefits of regular walking Stuart Adams, Senior Development and Performance are fantastic. It can boost both your physical and Manager at Witton Lodge Community Association, For more information on social prescribing and how SUPPORT FOR JOB mental health and improve your wellbeing, giving you echoed these sentiments. it could benefit you, contact the Living Well Team at the energy and confidence to try new things and do Witton Lodge Community Association on 0121 382 those things you may have let go of.” He said: “Shared Reading is a powerful group experience 1930. SEEKERS that improves wellbeing and builds community, making Linda now leads the Red Hot Chilli Steppers walking Job seekers across Wyrley Birch can now receive group who meet every Monday and step-out together tailored support to boost their search for employment for 4.2-miles of exercise and fresh air. thanks to Witton Lodge Community Association. “The route we take is the equivalent of 10,000 steps People attending the weekly Work Smarter workshops and takes in Witton lakes and ,” she at Perry Common Community Hall will have their said. employability status reviewed in order to strengthen ACADEMY STUDENTS EXPLORE ART their potential for work. “There are 12 of us at the moment, men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds, we have one AND HISTORY walker who works with the Salvation Army. Anyone Delivering the information and guidance is Haleema can join and all are welcome.” Khathoon, Employment Coach at Witton Lodge CA. A year 10 Art trip to Unit 12 Gallery Stafford saw The trip included a visit to the Lijssenthoek Cemetery North Birmingham Academy students helping artist and a look at how first aid was used on battlefields. The The walking group meets at 11am every Monday “Taking place on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm Jennifer Collier. cemetery was directly linked to a hospital established at (except bank holidays) at Perry Common Community at Perry Common Community Hall we look into aspects Hall. If you would like to join them please call 0121 the start of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. of the job search process, from creating CVs and cover 382 1930. The group has also started doing evening The students were split into two groups learning six letters to perfecting interview skills. walks on Thursday evenings from 6pm. new skills such as encapsulating items within teabags This was followed by a visit to the museum to see the and tissue paper with wax. Memorial of the Battle of Passchendaele. It was here “As we adopt an holistic approach to our work, the that students got to experience what it was like to health and well-being of clients is also considered occupy a real trench and saw memorabilia from the so referrals for additional support can be made as actual battle. necessary.” The highlight of the whole trip was the laying of a Call Haleema on 0121 382 1930 for details. wreath at the Menin Gate Memorial with Raba and Joah both being in school uniform. At the formal ceremony that followed, bugles played the Last Post and Reveille.

Students also re-enacted the Battle of Sunken Lane, each were given numbers which aligned to real soldiers. On the blow of a whistle, a total of 45 students started to move forwards as if climbing out of the British IT's good to talk trenches into what would have been no-man’s land. The trip ended with everyone assembling at the If you’re feeling down or frustrated, want advice or The focus was on implementing these new skills as Thiepval Memorial Cross, a tribute to a local soldier guidance or just need someone to listen, we are here well as learning how to make a variety of paper flowers who fell during the battle. The memorial site is home to to help. through origami and general twisting techniques. The 72,000 Commonwealth and British soldiers who have objective to make at least 14 flowers to decorate a no known grave. Our free drop-in sessions take place from 2-4pm wreath. every Monday at Erdington Library, Orphanage Road, Finally, the students visited the Langemark Germany Birmingham B24 9HP. Meanwhile, a group of North Birmingham Academy Cemetary to compare the differences between the students have taken part in the Legacy 110 project. German and the Commonwealth War Graves and the Why not join us for group workshops, there’s tea & tour ended at the British and Commonwealth cemetery coffee too. This involved students from across the country at Tyne Cot. visiting First World War battlefields to understand Call Fauzia on 07967 635393 for more details. the loss suffered by UK communities and the wider Commonwealth and to keep the memory of their sacrifice alive. free advice on BENEFITS INSPIRED TO CHAMPION COMMUNITY LED HOUSING Our weekly Job Cub sessions at Lakeside Children’s Centre equip you with everything you need to find work. And now there’s even more. Some of the region’s leading community groups and the Niskham Centre, Stirchley Co-op, Harborough housing organisations attended a special conference Housing Association, St Albans Community Association, We can help you check your eligibility for a range workshop hosted by Witton Lodge Community Impact Hub Birmingham and Catalyst Mutual Enterprise of benefits and how much you may be entitled to Association. CIC. when it comes to Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Employment Support and Co-ordinated by Birmingham Community Homes, Targeting those organisations with a vested interest Child Benefit. ‘Inspiring More Community Led Housing (part 2)’ gave in creating community-led housing solutions, the some of the sector’s most proactive advocates a chance event followed hot on the heels of the ‘Inspiring More Sessions take place from 10am to 1pm every to share best practice through tailored engagement. Community Led Housing’ launch conference held in Wednesday, call Paul now on 0121 382 1930 to January. book an appointment. Those in attendance included Locality, Homes , TRACK FRIDAY ROCKS THE HOUSE let's hear it for the girls

An evening of live music and entertainment tuned Track Friday 1, held in August 2016, was a huge success Last October six women enrolled on our Level 2 “What this course has done for me is difficult to put into local youth into employment, training and education with more than 50 people attending. Employability course ‘Promote Yourself’. They came to words really. It has given me so much confidence, just opportunities. Witton Lodge seeking help to boost their job prospects. knowing that I can do things, I can do whatever I want to “People found the first show a great way to engage with do, it’s amazing to have that self-belief and motivation to Organised by Witton Lodge Community Association, each other and discuss ways of looking for and finding Alice Ion and Jean Ellis have done just that. achieve something. ‘Track Friday 2’ took place at Perry Common Community work,” added Dellano. Hall. The event was co-ordinated to provide young “I didn’t know where to start and although I tried to get “It has really brought the best out of me. It’s not just people with a platform to showcase their skills and talent “Employment and training workshops run by Witton help from different places it was a struggle, said Alice. about achieving a certificate and passing a course, it’s while providing them with access to services and support Lodge can help with everything from creating CVs to about personal discovery and growing as a person, as an which can boost their job prospects. filling out online job applications and honing interview individual. The whole experience was something that has techniques. They are also delivered to help people gain made such a positive difference to me and my life. Dellano Lewis, the Association’s Youth Employment confidence and encourage a pro-active approach to the Worker, organised the show. job search process.” Both Alice and Jean – alongside course companions Emma, Shnw, Theresa and Bridget – are now enjoying a “For various reasons, young people in this area are The list of performers who appeared at ‘Track Friday new lease of life. The hard work they put into ‘Promote finding it really difficult to get into employment,” he said. 2’ included Beeniice, Elektric, Luke Masih, Sophia Lee Yourself’ is paying dividends for the sextet. Soul, Jay L Booth, Judah James, Glanvan, Iamsheddy, “This event, while giving them a chance to do what Trill Orthodox, Jamie-Lee, Kaycee Squared and Jake Brigit has started working in hospitality, Teresa is now they enjoy in front of a live audience, was also a chance Valentine. Music came courtesy of DJ Gaz H and the volunteering as a Business Administrator, Shnw is getting for them to learn about the services Witton Lodge show was hosted by Kaycee Light. lots of job interviews and Emma, with further help from Community Association offers, solutions which can help Witton Lodge, is now pursuing an industry specific them develop the skills and knowledge they need to find qualification. work.” THE ELIM LIFE For more information on employment training Elim Life Church is made up from a wide variety of “I learned about the ‘Promote Yourself’ course. While my opportunities with Witton Lodge Community Association nationalities and backgrounds currently based at English was okay, it needed developing. I was also very please call the Employment and Skills team on 0121 382 three locations in North Birmingham (Wyrley Birch, self-conscious and didn’t have much confidence. This 1930. Kingstanding and Pheasey. course sounded like it could help me. Alternatively log onto our website at: www.wittonlodge. We seek to transform our community with the love “But all these aspects have improved dramatically since I org.uk where you can also find out about our housing and SOMETHING FOR All AT and life of God. started the course. It has given me a real sense of stature wellbeing services. and self-respect. My English is much better and my URBAN DEVOTION Each week we host a wide variety of activities and confidence is now sky high. groups including Little Seeds Toddlers, Elevate Youth “I am now actively seeking new opportunities to work Tucked underneath St Martin’s Church on the Ring is Group, Oasis Luncheon Club for the over 55s plus lots with people and have already had three job interviews.” The Underground – a giant youth centre with a three- more. We also have a Foodbank at our Kingstanding quarter length basketball court that also features a Community Hub at Kingstanding Circle offering food The ‘Promote Yourself’ course was delivered over a bouldering wall. There’s also a large lounge space with parcels, help, advice and a place to chat to anyone that period of six-weeks with sessions taking place at Perry PS4, table football, air hockey and a tuck shop. finds themselves in need. Common Community Hall and Perry Common Library. The Underground is a great space for children and We believe that we have been called to multiple “I decided to enrol on the course as it sounded like it young people to relax in, to be themselves and to make locations and encourage each person to be witnesses could help me in what I wanted to do,” said Jean. “I never friends. It is a safe and fun environment facilitated by a for God on our frontlines. We realise that the world is expected it to have such a massive impact on my life. team of skilled youth and children’s workers. full of different people and strive to cater and make space for all to connect with God and each other; from We run drop-in sessions so you can arrive at any time. babies to teenagers, men and women, married couples Entry is completely free the first time you visit and then to single parents, young adults to senior citizens, from just £1 thereafter. Our top tip is to bring a friend for the youngest to the oldest! the first time and you’ll both get in free! We also sell LIVE WELL WITH THE LIVING WELL TEAM snacks and drinks at affordable prices. Service Times at Elim Life Church are: 9:30am & 11:30am at Kingstanding and 4pm at Pheasey. We are open: Visit our website at www.elimlifechurch.co.uk or call FIZZICAL EDUCATION The Living Well Team at Witton Lodge Community Credit, Pension Credit, Attendance allowance, Tax the Church Office on 0121 350 9650 for more details Association deliver a range of services designed to Credits) Monday 3:20pm-4:45pm: School Years 3-6 and to find out what’s on. support people in all aspects of life. Mondays 5:00pm-6:15pm: School Years 7-13 Parents and their young children are invited to enjoy Staying Connected (support groups, tea and chat, Tuesdays 3:20pm-4:30pm: Primary School Children the thrill of learning at Perry Common Community Hall. Our trained and experienced staff can offer advice and special interest groups, counselling, holistic therapies, with a Parent/Carer (this is FREE!) guidance on issues relating to finance, stress, sociability volunteering and training) Every Wednesday, from 10-11.30am Physical Fizz and health and fitness. Find out about all the other activities UDB run by liking caters for children aged up to five-years with sessions Keeping Active (exercise groups, walking groups, our Facebook page – facebook.com/urbandevotion – that are co-ordinated and delivered by highly trained, Activities are scheduled on a daily and weekly basis to signposting clients into other groups and organisations and take a closer look on Instagram by searching for knowledgeable and friendly staff in a warm and encourage people to enjoy new experience and receive who deliver fitness and sports training). udbyouth. welcoming environment. the support they might need. If you require any further information please call Sarah, Children can develop different skills from activities like In summary, provision is tailored to help with: Fauzia or Rebecca on 0121 382 1930. tummy time, jumping, skipping, crawling and balancing while finding different ways of moving around using Money Matters (budgeting, basic debt advice, support to their motor skills. Children are also encouraged to learn access all Benefits (PIP, ESA, Housing Benefit, Universal the routine of tidy-up time and singing active nursery rhymes altogether.

Physical Fizz helps promotes physical activity as part of the Startwell-obesity prevention programme that is delivered for Spurgeons (one of the UK’s leading children’s charities) across four districts in Birmingham.

For more information please call Lakeside Children’s Centre on 0121 752 1970.