Brand New Website for BVCT
Over the last few months, BVCT has been working with web developers to design a brand-new website for the Trust. The new site provides information on the exciting projects being supported, Residents Newsletters, information on upcoming events and activities and a gallery of photos from past events.
The site also provides access to the Grant Application Form and Guidance Notes, which enables groups and organisations to apply for funding to support community projects for the benefit of Beechwood Village and Craylands residents.
If you would like to learn more about the work of the Trust and find out about opportunities open to residents, have a look at the new web site, which is available at: https://beechwoodtrust.org.uk/
Putting Parents 1st
The Beechwood Village Community Trust has approved an application for funding to support a local community group, Parents 1st, to hold two informal information events and a 10-week programme called ‘Me & My Community’. The project is a Community Parent Volunteering Programme, which will be held at the Beechwood Village Community Hub over the Summer 2020 (Dates to be confirmed).
The project will provide support, information and guidance to parents and grandparents on how to become a Community Parent Volunteer, which helps young and often inexperienced mums and dads to get to grips with the basics and sometimes daunting responsibility of looking after children.
If you would like to know more about the work of Parents 1st you can go to their website, which is: https://www.essex.parents1st.org.uk/
Things to look forward to after Lockdown
A new Youth Club, run by Essex Boys and Girls Club, was due to start at The Beech Community Hub on Wednesdays, between 6.00pm and 8.00pm. The centre is currently closed due to the Coronavirus, but when the centre re-opens, the club be a great place for young people aged 10 – 25, to come.
Young people from across the neighbourhood will be able to take part in a range of physical and sporting activities such as Dodgeball, Rounders, and other team games. The aims of the club will be to help young people build self-confidence and self-esteem, to improve behaviour and self-discipline. Other outcomes anticipated are that the club will help to reduce crime within the locality and help to reduce anti-social behaviour, as well as delivering a range of improved health benefits for young people taking part.
Our Focus for the Future
These past weeks have been a testing time for everyone. The Trust recognises that many people may have been placed on furlough or lost their jobs during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Over the coming months we want to deliver a programme of training and learning, which supports those people affected by loss of employment or furlough, to re-enter the workplace. As part of our commitment, we will be commissioning a range of projects, which support peoples to return to work.
Whether its learning new skills, help with CV’s and application forms, or developing interview techniques, this package of support will help residents access new employment opportunities.
All new skills and learning opportunities will be advertised through our new website: https://beechwoodtrust.org.uk/. If your organisation can help us to develop our offer in relation to access to jobs and employment support, please do let us know, we will be happy to hear from you.
Have you been inspired?
We have seen some amazing stories emerge during the last few weeks, with the community rallying round and supporting each other during these difficult times. Has this experience prompted your organisation or group to come up with a great idea, tool, or suggestion for support that can be offered? Do you know local residents who could work with your organisation to set something up? The BVCT has a special ‘Participatory City’ Funding Pot that can be used to support activities led by members of the local community.
To find out more about the ways in which we can help, please contact woldham@swan.org.uk or call 01277 314391.