We are funded by the Big Lottery Fund and we use these resources to focus on six key areas in our community.
Health | Environment | Training and Education | Community Services and Facilities |
Community Representation | Children and Young People |
We run short courses from time to time to improve people’s health and increase their access to information about health:
NHS – We represent the community at NHS meetings, keeping up to date with new information and new initiatives which our community can benefit from.
Gentle Exercise - We run weekly healthy walks and Chairobics classes in the community - gentle exercise for all and a great way to meet new people. See News and Events for more information.
Air Pollution – We regularly monitor air pollutants in Handsworth and work with East End Quality of Life to produce bar chart results on the local area.
With excellent volunteer support we are able to make improvements to the local environment:
Flower planting – We plant bulbs and flowers around Handsworth, especially in the 7 planters down Handsworth Road. It’s a simple and effective way to make Handsworth a nicer place to live.
Litter Picks & Rubbish Clearance – From time to time we organise litter picks, and arrange for the council to target sections of Handsworth with the “Bring out your rubbish days”.
Handsworth Recreation Ground – We have made real improvements to the Recreation Ground on St Josephs Road and we continue to work towards changing this area into a community park. See News and Events for more information.
We put lots of effort into making sure local people get chances to learn new skills.
Adult Learning Courses – We work closely with Handsworth Grange School and the city council to make sure that the wider community benefits from their resources. For information on current courses/opportunities see News and Events.
Learning Worker – The city council give us funding to employ a part time Learning Worker. This worker helps to spread the word about new classes and help people access local opportunities.
Notice boards - We have a notice board on Handsworth Road for all the community to use and keep updated on local information. We will soon have another one on the recreation ground.
Christmas Tree –Every year local people and businesses help fund the purchase of a Christmas tree which Forum members help decorate with lights.
Bins and benches – To date the Forum have managed to install 3 new benches and 4 new litter bins. These small improvements make a big difference.
Newsletter – Every quarter we distribute a free full colour newsletter updating local people on events, activities, issues and happenings in the area. All community groups are welcome to publish articles in the newsletter for free. See Information for back issues.
Community Directory – We received funding to produce a community directory listing activities taking place in the local area. This information can also be accessed on the Information page.
Handsworth Fun Day – This is a great family day out in July. There are lots of attractions and activities for children and adults. It is based on the recreation ground and also features the www.onebigballoonrace.com
Car Boot Sale – We organise an annual car boot on the recreation ground which helps to raise money for local causes.
Planning Applications – We monitor planning applications in Handsworth and inform local people of major applications which may affect them.
Affect decision making – Our local area is shaped by decisions made at a number of key meetings, which we attend and represent the community. See the Information page for documents/updates of interest.
Monthly Meetings – We hold monthly public meetings for local people to voice opinions on local issues and to help influence our project work.
We work in partnership with the city council and local schools to offer a variety of activities for local young people.
ENERGY! - This is a Tuesday night sports activity for young people
aged
8-16years old. Using the facilities at Handsworth Grange Sports Hall, you
can choose a different sports activity each week. See News and Events for
more information.
Activity Camps - We work with the local schools and the city council to provide Activity Camps in the school break. The two-day sports camps are very popular and are part funded by Awards for All which helps reduce the cost for parents. Children are offered a wide range of sports including table tennis, street dance, bowling, basketball, trampolining, football and many more. See News and Events for more information.
Work Placements - In partnership with Handsworth Grange School, we offer annual work placements for students looking to get involved in community work. |
