Children and young people

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Sport England – Join the Movement

April 3, 2020by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Children & Young People tagged ,

Sport England is running a national campaign called ‘Join the Movement’ which seeks to bring greater attention to their social media campaign #StayInWorkOut – and inspire and inform the public about the many fun, and creative ways they can keep moving.

Take a look at their website by clicking here.

We’re all now spending a lot more time at home than we might like, which is why staying as physically active as possible is more important than ever.

Join the Movement is our brand-new campaign, funded by The National Lottery, giving you the advice and tools you need to help you do this while the country deals with the coronavirus outbreak.

Official advice is to stay at home, and to only go outside for one form of exercise a day, to shop for basic necessities, if there’s a medical reason and travelling to and from essential work.

Source: CBC

The Breastfeeding Network Sandwell

March 27, 2020by Debra Hill in Blog, News and Events tagged ,

It’s a strange and unsettling time for everyone right now, especially new parents.

We’ve had to make some changes to our service to fit with venue closures, infection control measures and sensible distancing precautions, but there’s still lots of support we can offer you.

Here’s what you can expect from us over the coming weeks:

At any time (before or after birth) … Call us on: 07505 775357 and leave your details — our answerphone will be updated with any changes in service, and we will get back to you as soon as we can (between 9am -1pm daily).

If you have any issues with feeding, such as pain, difficulty getting baby to take the breast, or worries about how much or how often baby is drinking, our first step will be to offer you a call back for telephone support.

While you wait for us to call you back you can look here for general breastfeeding information.

For further info click here – https://www.scvo.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Breastfeeding-Peer-Support-Sandwell_Final_v2.0_AC_26032020.pdf

The Prince’s Trust: Speak Up Sandwell

March 5, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Children & Young People, News and Events tagged , ,

The Prince’s Trust, in partnership with Outspoken, will soon be delivering sessions in West Bromwich for the ‘Speak Up Sandwell’ project.

‘Speak Up’ and join the Prince’s Trust to make a short film or podcast about issues that impact you and your community! If you are aged 16 – 30 and feel passionate about your community and young lives, the Prince’s Trust want to hear from you. You may be an artist, musician, film maker, social media influencer or just want your voice heard, this is the project for you.

Go and meet representatives of the Prince’s Trust at the first session on Tuesday, 24th March, 2.00 pm at The Arts Café West Bromwich.  They want to hear from you about the issues you care about and the project you want to be part of. Subsequent sessions will also be on a Tuesday, between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm, on the dates listed below, at The Arts Café in West Bromwich.

Gain a fun insight into the performing industry, develop your performance skills. Create a short film or podcast showcasing your skills. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and taking part will not affect your benefits.

Subsequent sessions will also be on a Tuesday, between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. on the dates listed below, at The Arts Café in West Bromwich.  Take part in all, or as many sessions as you can.

Tues 31 March
Tues 21 April
Tues 28 April
Tues 5 May
Tues 12 May
Tues 19 May
Tues 2nd June

If you’re interested in taking part or have any questions, send a text to 07534 556 859, or call the Customer Services Team on 0800 842 842.

Young and You Launch New Literacy and English Support Service

February 25, 2020by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Training Support and Resources tagged , ,

Young and You are a newly formed organisation offering English Language and Literature lessons for GCSE students. Who may need extra support in preparation for their GCSE exams, revision or general support with the aim of helping participants to catch up or keep up in core areas of English.

The tutor has over 30 years’ experience as an English teacher which, enables them to adapt their teaching style to the student’s needs and boost confidence. The tutor is able to identify a student’s support needs and help them to fill in any learning gaps they may have prior to their exams.

Tuition takes place on a Saturday between 10.30am till 1pm at Jack Judge House, Halesowen Street, Oldbury, B69 2AS and costs £10 per hour to access this support.

For more information on how to access this service contact Chipo Mudere on 07713930978 or email yay.literacy@gmail.com

Sandwell Young Carers: What they Offer

February 3, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog tagged ,

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Sandwell Young Carers provide support to young carers, aged 5 -18 in Sandwell. They work with various local agencies, including local schools, GP surgeries and social services, to identify young carers in the local community.

Many young carers, some as young as five, are so fearful of the consequences of others finding out about their caring role, that they try to hide their home lives from their friends and teachers. Sandwell Young Carers offers them the opportunity to talk openly about what they are dealing with at home with other young carers and Sandwell Young Carers specialist caseworkers.

The service provided by the charity, aims to improve the well-being of young carers, primarily by being able to take a break from caring responsibilities and interact with other young people in similar circumstances.

Sandwell Young Carers also aim to allow young carers to have improved levels of education attainment, reduced levels of social isolation and increased levels of self-confidence and resilience, to be better equipped to manage their caring responsibilities.

The organisation offers:

A Short Breaks Programme
A Study Programme
Family Events
A Support Package.

Do you know some under 18 who is a young carer? Would they be interested in accessing the services provided by Sandwell Young Carers, or perhaps to speak to someone, please call 0121 525 8667 or visit www.sandellyc.org.uk.

Youth Social Action – Opportunities Required!

January 24, 2020by Stuart Ashmore in Safer, Stronger Communities tagged ,

Young people accessing Nova Training are looking for ways to make a positive impact on Sandwell communities.

As part of the organisation’s Youth Social Action programme, they’re asking for local voluntary organisations to set them tasks that will be of benefit to their community.

In small teams of young people aged between 16 and 24, they’re willing to tackle a variety of challenges such as gardening and clearing, and can offer anything from a day’s work to a six-week programme.

Co-ordinator Kelly James is keen to build up a list of opportunities, particularly in Oldbury and West Bromwich where courses are based, so that young people have a choice of where they go.

“Having that choice means they do something they’re interested in, which in turn means they can be inspired to do more in the future and develop further skills,” she said.

If you have any opportunities please email kellyjames@novatraining.co.uk

Princes Trust Team Programme Smethwick

January 14, 2020by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Children & Young People, Did you know...? tagged , ,

The Princes Trust Smethwick is now recruiting for its next team Programme, due to start on the 17th February. The 12 week course,  for 16 – 25 year old, is aimed at increasing confidence, communication, leadership and employability skills, alongside gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

Learners gain a first aid and food safety certificate, a new CV, two weeks work placement and much more. Learners are also provided with a bus pass. The course will not affect benefits.

To refer a young person, please email or text Jack Dytor, Prince’s Trust Team Leader, with details. Jack will contact the individual to arrange a meeting.

If you would like further information or would like Jack to come and speak to your staff or a group of young people, it can be arranged.  The Prince’s Trust is also available to attend any events.

Email Jack at Dytorj@wolvcoll.ac.uk or call 07787 245 832.

Queen’s Speech Commits Government to Online Harms Law

January 6, 2020by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Children & Young People tagged , ,

The Government has committed itself through the Queen’s Speech to bringing in online harms legislation to protect children and vulnerable adults from digital threats.

The protection measures, outlining tougher checks on social media platforms to prevent online abuse, had been introduced by the government in April 2019 through an online harms white paper.

In this week’s Queen’s Speech the government has confirmed that it “will develop legislation to improve internet safety for all”.

“Britain is leading the world in developing a comprehensive regulatory regime to keep people safe online, protect children and other vulnerable users and ensure that there are no safe spaces for terrorists online,” states the Queen’s Speech, which was introduced into parliament on Thursday following the Conservative Party’s general election victory this month.

It adds: “ The April 2019 online harms white paper set out the government’s plan for world-leading legislation to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. The government will continue work to develop this legislation, alongside ensuring that the UK remains one of the best places in the world for technology companies to operate.”

The white paper measures had received the backing of a number of charities supporting vulnerable people from internet harm, in particular relating to children at risk from sex offenders.

The proposals include appointing an independent regulator to ensure tech companies have a duty of care towards their users.

To read the full Charity Digital News article click here.

Source: Charity Digital News

What Matters to Young People Roadshow – November 2019

November 21, 2019by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Children & Young People, Health & Wellbeing tagged , ,

During November (Monday 18 – Friday 30 November), Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), are asking young people, aged 16 – 25, “What matters to you, about your healthcare?”

Young people have already said their mental health and wellbeing is an important issue.  The CCG want to hear their views on the area of healthcare.

Staff from the CCG will be visiting local colleges, universities and other venues to speak to young people to canvass views.

To take part in this survey click here. If you would like the survey forwarded to you in an alternative format, please contact swbccg.engagement@nhs.net.

Information provided will be confidential and will used to plan and improve patient services for the future.

Spotlight on Girls Friendly Society

November 21, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Children & Young People, Local Impact Spotlight, Volunteering tagged ,

Tell us what you do
Girls Friendly Society (GFS) recruits women volunteers to run groups where girls can go make friends, build confidence, have fun and be inspired. At the groups, girls focus on six key themes; feeling a part of their community, being creative, getting active, learning to be happy with who they are, developing skills for life and having a lot of fun.

What is your proudest achievement?
We are a really long-established organisation – we were founded in 1875! – and we are proud of our ability to keep changing with the times while holding the core value of supporting and empowering women. We have a number of volunteers who have been with us for 40 or more years, and their willingness to develop and grow with us to provide something that is relevant for today is something we are also, extremely proud of.

What is your experience of support received from SCVO?
From the first contact, we had with the SCVO a couple of months ago, we received lots of support in terms of local knowledge and useful contacts. Staff have been really helpful and welcoming to Jennie Crosby, our Midlands Regional Development Coordinator.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
Everyone Jennie has met have been really friendly and interested in finding out what Girls Friendly Society is about and what we can offer in local communities. Organisations and community groups have been keen to share information about us, putting Jennie in touch with lots of people. We are also finding out what a large and diverse Metropolitan Borough Sandwell is.

What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
We are just about to launch two new groups for girls aged 7-12 in the area – one in Cradley Heath and one on Hurst Road, Smethwick. Recruiting volunteers who are passionate about empowering girls and can commit to running the groups for a medium to long term is the challenge. While short term volunteers are welcome, we’re particularly interested in people who can commit to helping us maintain some consistency within the group.

How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
Your knowledge of the local area (especially venues) is really useful, as we plan to continue to open groups nearby. Our goal is to establish a reputation for providing amazing opportunities for girls in this area.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Then why not check out their volunteering page by clicking here.

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