Pg 4 Neighbourhood Forum Pg 5 Events Pg 6 All Hallows Church Pg 7 Credit Union Pg 8 LGBT Bristol Pg 9 A school for Redfield Pg 10 Benefit changes Pg 11 The Severn Project Pg 12 Greenbank WI Pg 15 Youth services Pg 17 Interview with PCC Sue Mountstevens Pg 23 Say no to dog poo! ne n BCfm O We are o fm kfast 93.2 Love Brea nesday at d every We m .4 8 5a
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Farewell Franรงois Thank you Dom JOIN OUR EMAILING LIST
Goodbye to our fantastic Neighbourhood Facilitator Franรงois Jensen who is leaving us in July. Franรงois is moving to London and will be missed by us all. We want to say thanks for all his hard work making Easton and Lawrence Hill a better place. Good luck for the future Franรงois! Meet his replacement soon.
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After seven years, Dings resident Dominic Murphy has stepped down as Chair of our Board. He has done an amazing job leading Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management and Community at Heart before that. We want to thank him for everything. He is replaced as Chair by Sally Caseley but he remains very much involved in our work as a Board member.
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We have been working with officers from the Council and the police to tackle the issues you raise.
We produced a leaflet about parkin g considerately. We were out and abou t talking to resident s during busy times in parking hotspots, in particular mosques during Friday prayers.
Neighbourhood Partnership consultation - we cracked it! Thanks to the 425 residents from Easton and Lawrence Hill who completed the Neighbourhood Partnership consultation. It was the best response in the whole city! The NP has put forward its response to the consultation which can be viewed on www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk The results will be considered by Councillors and Mayor Ferguson this summer.
Read what we have been doing to tackle dog poo on page 23
We taught children at Bannerman Road Community School about litter and recycling with a po ster competition.
cal nderstand lo u n so u rg e F awrence Hill. ayor George L M d d n e a lp n e o h st e a W ley, E a visit to Ash issues during
Has this whet your appetite to get involved? Together we can build a strong community for all of Easton and Lawrence Hill. It is easy to be disheartened by doom and gloom in the media but this area is home to many committed and caring people. Why not join them? Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Forum Mon 8 July, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Trinity Centre Tues 3 Sep, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Easton Primary School Thurs 17 Oct, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Stapleton Road Chapel
Be the change you want to see - Gandhi
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Forum is organised by Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management
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GAUNTS HAM GOES WILD SATURDAY 8 JUNE 12PM TO 4PM GAUNTS HAM PARK, LAWRENCE HILL DOG SHOW AND FAMILY FUN DAY Children’s theatre, face painting, circuits by Barton Hill Boxing Club Contact François Jensen on 377 3640 Organised by residents, Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management and Community Organisers
Bristol City Council’s Celebrating Age Festival
Monday 24 June to Saturday 7 July Activities for older people will be taking place across Bristol. Contact agefestival@gmail.com
Up Our Street 5
with all kinds of rubble. Over the last 20 years the building has been noticeably moving as water has washed away soil underneath. The building was actually in quite a dangerous state so we applied for a grant from English Heritage and we’ve spent the last six years sorting it out” says Simon. So far the project has totalled some £200,000 with more money still needed. “Now we have fixed the guttering, arches and drainage we want to move on to the next phase which is modernising the building inside to make it better for the congregation and to open it up to community use.” “It needs heating that’s for sure!” adds Di. Di is one of a small team driving forward the work. As one of the church wardens she has been helping oversee this massive structural restoration project. “The building is just so amazing we had to save it. When the sun comes through the windows at the front it’s just so beautiful.” Another member of the group, Don has got a strong personal connection to the church. His grandfather helped found it in the early 1900s and his family have been linked to the building ever since. “I was born on All Hallows Road and grew up here. The church has had 100 It was a slightly damp afternoon as Up Our Street years of serving the community and once the headed over to All Hallows Road. We were off to building is ready we want to build up a strong meet Di Rowe, Don Box and architect Simon congregation again.” Despite the slightly chilly Cartlidge who are leading the restoration of a local conditions, the church has remained open during hidden gem. All Hallows Church dates back to the restoration and they hope to provide tours of 1901 and was designed by famous Bristol architect the building in the future. “We had a terrible shock George Oatley, whose other iconic city landmarks in 2008 when we realised that one of the main include the University’s Wills Memorial building. arches was nearly about to collapse!” says Di. “But The Grade two listed church is tucked away from we will be ready for new visitors soon. We’d really the road opposite Baggator youth centre and it like to hold concerts in here as the acoustics are would be easy to miss the beautiful building that amazing and we want to open the building up for lies there. Over the past five years, the church has everyone to enjoy.” To find out more about the been undergoing a massive restoration project so All Hallows Church restoration project contact we stopped by to find out more. Kay Sarpong, Church Warden, on 07944816234 “The church was built on a disused quarry so or kgyimsarp1@yahoo.co.uk effectively on a massive hole in the ground filled
Historic All Hallows
ADVERT
The Walled Garden is a community garden in Barton Hill. It is developing its Friday open day to make it useful and accessible to local residents. If you'd like to volunteer your time to help create a vibrant community space, come along on a Friday between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Call Zoë on 07908171789 for more information. The Walled Garden, 60 Barton Hill Road, BS5 0AW. 6
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Stapleton Road Chapel is 150 years old! “On 26 February 2014 the chapel will celebrate its 150th anniversary. We will be holding services and events throughout the year and we are beginning to plan for this. If you have information or artefacts that you feel would be of use contact me on 941 3343 or at the chapel office.”
Mike Pickering
Credit where credit’s due We have all read about banker’s bonuses and the growing mistrust of the high street banks, and many people are worried about their finances as changes to benefits start to take affect. Up Our Street met up with Bristol Credit Union’s Claire Chippett to find out a bit more about what they do and how they can help. “The Credit Union is for everyone” says Claire. “Some people think we are only for people on benefits but anyone can use our services. We have seen a growing interest since the economic problems started. We are about promoting a savings ethic and giving everyone the opportunity to access fair banking.” With around 8000 members, capital of over £1.2 Claire Chippett from Bristol Credit Union million and savings balances exceeding £2 million, Bristol’s Credit Union is proving more and more popular. The Credit Union is based on Stokes Croft but runs a weekly outreach session at Barton Hill Settlement. Find access your cash from Link cash points. There are no high out more at www.bristolcreditunion.org or call 924 7309. bank charges and it is run with its members best interests in Can Credit Union help you? YES, if you... ...Need a bit of top up cash and are thinking of a pay day mind. Support your local economy and bank local! ...Have trouble opening a bank account. loan (like Wonga). Credit Union can help people who are new to the UK or who Credit Union can offer low interest rate loans for people who need an extra bit of cash for a special event or occasion. It is have been refused an account from other banks. ...Are worried about managing your money when MUCH cheaper than one of the pay day loans you see Universal Credit comes in. advertised on TV so visit Credit Union first. For those on benefits, the new Jam Jar current account will ...Are disillusioned with the big high street banks. Credit Union is a cooperative which is owned by its members. help you manage your money from weekly to monthly expenses. Now is the time to get help and make sure you don’t It is an ethical alternative to high street banking with all the get into debt. same facilities. You can open a regular current account and helping run Borderlands out of the community centre of St Nicholas of Tolentino in St Judes. The organisation runs a drop in where it offers socialising and a hot meal to some 100 refugees and asylum seekers. “It was very difficult setting up in the beginning but we have seen demand grow. We help people learn English so they can integrate and we offer them a safe space, but we need more funds to continue to help people” says Bernard. And this is where Dan comes in. As a local music Volunteers at Borderlands in St Judes promoter Dan felt he could help Borderlands by putting on some fundraising concerts. “I chose musicians which I thought Music beyond borders would be interesting to local people. On Saturday 15 June we are hosting a night of Stand Up Philosophy by Back in March we met up with Bernard Kamtcheu from the Borderlands charity and Dan Ashton from Ash Matthew Hammond which is guaranteed to be an interesting event. It’s a mix of comedy and performance Keys Music to find out about some local gigs to raise art on the subject of standing up for freedom.” To find much needed funds. “Borderlands helps the most vulnerable people in our community. I came to Bristol out more about Borderlands and the gigs contact as an asylum seeker from Cameroon. The people at St 07888398595 or visit www.borderlands.uk.com To book a ticket for Stand Up Philosophy contact Dan on Nicks helped me and I wanted to help others” says 07855826228 or www.ashkeysmusic.com Bernard. For the past two years Bernard has been Up Our Street 7
LGBT Bristol is Bristol’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum. The Forum has been running since 1994 and is funded by Bristol City Council. The group was set up to challenge homophobia and transphobia and to promote services and events for LGBT communities in Bristol. We caught up with Ross Harrison to hear about their latest project, Diversity in Schools. “Our Diversity in Schools project was launched in LGBT History Month in February 2013, and aims to help Bristol primary schools to step up to the mark in addressing equality and inclusion for all, both in the curriculum and in the wider school. We want to hear from Easton and Lawrence Hill families who want to help or find out more about the project, or who are interested in forming groups of likeminded people to support their school in becoming happier, better places for diverse families.” Did you know? 40 % of primary school teachers say children experience homophobic bullying in their schools.
75 % of primary school teachers hear children use expressions such as that’s so gay or you’re so gay. 40 % of primary school teachers hear children using homophobic language such as poof or dyke. “Homophobic bullying and language affects all children, including those who have LGBT family and friends, and children who are perceived to be different in some way – for example, if they are more academic, or less good at sports. It can create an environment where children feel less valued for who they are and where they come from, affecting their happiness, achievement, progress and pride in themselves. We believe that schools are more successful when everyone in their community, whatever their identity or background, is able to express who they are and celebrate their diverse heritage.” To find out more about LGBT Bristol visit www.lgbtbristol.org.uk, contact admin@lgbtbristol.org.uk or call Sarah on 353 4621.
designing murals with graffiti artist Mr Riks. The project came about as a result of dealing with anti-social behaviour from young people coming into the centre. I wondered why they weren’t going to youth provisions already available to them. Currently Easton Community Centre hasn’t got much for young people to get involved in. I went and talked to the young people and they said money was the main reason, but also that they just like being at Easton Community Centre and feel Spraying the way to answers comfortable here, but because there aren’t any activities for them here In March, Lorena Alvarez from Easton Community Centre they start to mess around. Anyone who would like to get organised a graffiti project for young people who used the involved in future projects please get in contact. The more centre. Some of them had been messing around and causing support the better, I would like to see the centre doing more for disruption and Lorena wanted to find a way to talk to them our local young people on a regular basis.” about why they did this and to encourage them to behave properly when using the centre. “The project was a real Contact Lorena on info@eastoncommunitycentre.org.uk success with local children taking part in discussions about or 954 1409. The project was funded by the what they like and don’t like about Easton and sketching and Neighbourhood Partnership’s Wellbeing Fund. 8
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Are you interested in your street becoming a traffic-free 'play street' for a couple of hours a week or month? Playing Out is a Bristol-based organisation which promotes neighbourhood play for children. Get in touch to find out more about how to get Playing Out started in your street and the benefits it can bring to local children and residents of all ages in Easton and Lawrence Hill. Contact Ellie Freeman at Playing Out hello@playingout.net or 0117 953 7167 http://playingout.net/
Playing Out
SUMMER COURSES Sewing & screen printing Creative cooking, salads & bread making Yoga & meditation Sewing & cooking for 8 - 12 year olds at Wellspring Healthy Living Centre Beam St, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 9QN
REDFIELD PARENTS’ CAMPAIGN
to put forward their view. The Council agrees Back in 2012 parents in that there is a need for a school here and in April Redfield got in touch it commissioned Skanska with us about their to carry out a feasibility concerns over primary study on the Avonvale school places in the Road site to find out area. We organised a local opinion and assess meeting between whether it is a suitable parents and Council building for a school. On officers to discuss the 25 April there was a future. Parents were public meeting to keen to see Bristol City discuss the proposals Council’s building on and next steps. If you are Avonvale Road interested in being kept converted back into a primary school to meet informed about the demand for places from possibility of a new primary school in parents who live in Redfield but are outside Redfield contact Stacy Yelland on 377 3638. the catchment area of Follow @redfieldschool the closest schools. In on Twitter or Redfield March parents met Mayor George Ferguson Parents on Facebook.
For more information 0117 304 1429 sarah.winch@wellspringhlc.org http://www.wellspringhlc.org ADVERT
The proposed site for a new school between Avonvale Road and Victoria Avenue in Redfield
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In 2012 we saw the biggest shake up of the benefits system since it was introduced. This year brings cuts to disability benefits which will mean up to 51,000 people (over 20% of claimants) will no longer receive support by 2018. Thousands of Disabled people are facing the bleak future of losing some or all of the financial support which enables them to work, live independently and cope day to day. The Government and media portray this as a rightful attempt to get benefit cheats into work instead of living off taxpayers’ money and cuts are presented as part of the solution to our economic problems. But who are these people labelled as scroungers? What is the real cost of targeting those who most need support?
Liz Crow
Liz has experience of the appeals process. It is a long and distressing time. It is estimated that the appeals to date have cost £80m to administer. “This isn’t about whether people need social support to manage, it’s about something else. We can call it cuts but it’s not about saving money. It’s something much deeper than that. What I relied upon has been stolen away and it’s about justifying your existence all the time. The presumption is you’re lying. You can’t have a reasonable conversation adult to adult as they think you are a liar or a cheat.”
Laura Welti
Laura is manager of Bristol Disability Equality Forum. She is at risk of losing some or all of her benefits which enable her to work. She calculates the cost of her impairments is far higher than any benefits she receives. “I don’t know if I will be able to continue working. When you are not able to get out of the house and work, volunteer or socialise then it really messes with your head. It won’t save much money it will simply move cost on to the NHS as people suffer from depression, poorer health and other impacts.”
Mark Williams
Mark is a disabled rights campaigner and CoChair of Bristol Disability Equality Forum. “We are campaigning against these cuts. David Cameron should get companies to pay proper taxes rather than taking away Disabled people’s civil rights.” The find out more contact Bristol Disability Equality Forum on bristoldef@gmail.com or 914 0528. Watch the full interviews with Liz, Laura and Mark on www.thetallestorder.co.uk To read more about the impact on Disabled people of welfare reform visit www.wearespartacus.org.uk 10
Up Our Street
growing in an urban space......but we need cash to back it up. We are proving a new model of how to treat people who are suffering from the effects of substance misuse. Welfare dependency and drug On a breezy Thursday, Up Our Street visited an addiction so often go hand in hand – we are about exciting project based near Temple Meads which creating jobs and we get results so we say to our has been doing amazing things. The Severn Project ‘supporters’ - put your money where your mouth is the brain child of Steve Glover and is a is.” Community Interest Company set up in 2010 to If you want to know more about The Severn Project help people who are socially isolated and in or if you can offer any support with fundraising or particular recovered addicts and ex-offenders. sponsoring the project contact Steve on “I did a degree in addictions counselling and 07960290943 or visit www.thesevernproject.org worked in residential treatment. Rehab is good but it’s what happens after that’s the problem. If you Polytunnels at Temple Meads are going to recover from an addiction you need your life off drugs to be better than your life on drugs” says Steve. And that’s where The Severn Project comes in. The project has three growing spaces across the city, one in Keynsham, one in Whitchurch and a group of polytunnels here in Lawrence Hill. The project grows salad leaves which it sells across the South West including to some of Bristol’s biggest named restaurants. “At the moment we produce about 140kg of leaves a week. We supply loads of places like Glass Boat, Lido, Canteen, Arnolfini and River Cottage. Salad leaves are the most valuable thing we could grow” adds Steve as he hands me a lovely bag of green leaves to take home and taste. The project is based on the concept of biophilia, Easton’s Youth Mayor Ramal Royal which is the belief that humans have a bond with nature and that connecting with plants is good for "The best thing about being youth mayor so far has our wellbeing. “There are loads of health benefits in been the positive and supportive response I have received within my community. Over the next year gardening. That’s why I chose this kind of project. I hope to get young people’s views across to the people The idea of planting and nurturing something in power and change the representation of youth in the which grows ... that’s all good stuff.” media. I want to push for lower bus fairs for students The Severn Project uses volunteers who have finished some form of treatment for substance and to get the minimum wage of young people raised misuse and it offers paid gardening so it is equal to that of adults. Young people should apprenticeships. At any one time a team of around care about politics because we like to complain about 10 volunteers help over the three sites and since how unfair society is 2010 the project has helped around 80 people. to us, but by getting There is no doubt that Steve is the driving force into politics we have behind the project, spending up to 70 hours a week a real chance of overseeing everything. He puts the project’s changing this. Every success down to sheer hard work and it’s clear from aspect of our talking to him that he believes totally in the value everyday lives for money of a project like this. Although the includes politics up to growing has gone from strength to strength it only some point.” just pays the bills. “We desperately need more Contact Ramal with funding to grow and develop. We have a farm shop views or issues on which is half built. We want to offer more sustainable apprenticeships. The work we are doing Twitter @RamalRoyal" here ticks so many boxes - helping vulnerable people and ex-addicts reintegrate, sustainable food Up Our Street 11
Tenant Management Organisations in Housing Solutions Following the resignation of the Chair in March, Housing Easton and Lawrence Hill Solutions Board has been considering its next steps. All In the last edition we included an article about Housing Solutions in Barton Hill. Following feedback and changes locally we bring you a brief update:
EARTH
EARTH hopes to become the Tenant Management Organisation for St Judes and Easton. At the time of going to press they had passed their final assessment and an 'offer document' is being worked on. If you live in a Council home in this area you should read this and look out for a ballot paper to vote in the summer. Contact 955 0433 or www.earthtmo.co.uk for details.
Not just jam and Jerusalem
residents in the area of benefit received a letter informing them that the Board will be calling an Extraordinary General Meeting shortly to recommend ending the Right to Manage investigation. Visit www.housing-solutionstmo.co.uk
Being fair
After the last article we received feedback that we had not presented the idea of a TMO objectively. We apologise for this and would like to acknowledge that there are residents who are not in favour of a TMO and do not agree that it is the best way to manage services for Council tenants.
likes of Mary Berry, making jams and chutneys and baking cakes is actually all the rage so the WI is The Women’s Institute (WI) was formed in 1915 to very on trend! They also have speakers talking about a range of issues as well as more active revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food pursuits like can can dancing with Easton’s Red during the First World War. Since then the WI has Hot Frilly Kickers. Nationally the WI campaigns on become the largest voluntary women’s organisation issues such as domestic abuse, saving the high streets and library closures and local groups raise in the UK with over 210,000 members in around th money for charities and support these campaigns. 6,600 WIs. In 2015 the WI will celebrate its 100 The WI’s motto is ‘inspiring women’ and Cathryn year. We caught up with the members of Greenbank WI who would like to encourage more feels this is a good slogan: “I think it works both women to join them. Cathryn Holmes from Easton ways, the WI inspires us to try new things but also the women who are involved are inspiring too.” has been a member for nearly three years. “I started coming as I wanted to meet other women where I live that are different to me. All my friends are the same age as me with similar lives and I wanted to meet other local women who were different. We have got about eight of us on the committee and about 20 members but we want more.” Becky Dean agrees: “the WI has got the reputation of older women making jam and singing Jerusalem but WI’s in the city Greenbank WI meets once a month on Wednesdays tend to be younger. It’s really from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at Easton Community Centre. relaxed and informal and there is Annual subscription is £33 or pay per session. no pressure.” “It’s nice socialising Summer dates: 3 July, 7 August, 4 September. with other women” says Linda Tea and yummy cake provided! McLaughlin and thanks to the 12
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Building Easton and Lawrence Hill
There have been a lot of rumours and speculation about many of our area’s buildings over the years. At the time of going to press this was what we know about some of our key derelict landmarks.
Chocolate Factory
All Hallows Hall
This building is owned by Clydesdale Bank. They have recently appointed developers The Generator Group to advise on the best use of the site and have asked Architecture 519 to come up with possible plans. Following a survey there will be a public consultation. Suggestions for the site include a school and an old people’s home. Residents applying to set up a free school Steiner Academy are also interested in the site. The site is expensive for the bank to maintain each year but it has been difficult finding a developer who wants to buy the site and devise proposals local residents would want. We have spoken to Meeting Place Communications who will be organising a consultation event this summer - we’ll keep you posted.
This is a Grade two listed building which had been derelict for seven years. A group of people wanting to set up a community co-operative started squatting the building and renovating it and they have turned it into a busy hub of community activity. On seeing the work done by the group, the owners gave them a lease and a right to buy at the pre-work market value. The building is now being used for music and arts. You can follow them on Facebook: All Hallows Community Co-op.
Old Barton Hill Primary School
This is owned by Sikh Resource Centre. They bought the building in 2011 with a view to relocating here. They are in the process of renovating it using volunteers and hope to fundraise for the larger improvements. This is ongoing. To find out more contact Sikh Resource Centre on 0117 952 5023. To keep up-to-date about any of these developments join our mailing list by contacting stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk or coming along to the Neighbourhood Forum (see page 4 for details).
Introducing...... Sierra Women Independence Group SWIG is a group of women who want to help people who are lonely or who are struggling to cope. They met through St Nicholas of Tolentino and mostly help refugees and asylum seekers but are happy to help anyone who needs them. How can SWIG help? They can help people by cooking in their home or they can cook for organisations. If you are elderly, Disabled or unable to care for yourself, they can come and help you around the home. They organise day trips out and holidays for families. If you or someone you know are lonely then they can come and talk to you. It is hard when you are new to a place and you don’t know anyone. Rebecca Soniama - 07505237782 Up Our Street 13
Now in its sixth year, Redfest is an independent arts and music festival which brings music, film, cabaret, comedy, art and children's events to the communities of Redfield and east Bristol. St George’s Park will host the FREE All Dayer on Saturday 3 August, where a stage will host bands from Bristol and beyond from the middle of the day till late. Redfest is extremely
Redfest Bristol 2013
excited to have Bristol’s own Babyhead as the headline act this year! In the kids’ tent there will be a wide selection of entertainment and workshops from local organisations and performers during the day. In the evening, as a new addition to the festival, this area will become the cabaret tent, showcasing the best in local dance, theatre, standup comedy and cabaret. They’re also planning much more entertainment in the park this year to include walkabout performers. As before, there will be stalls selling clothes, gifts and art, and the bar will be bigger than ever serving local ales and refreshing drinks. Redfest takes place during the
week of 29 July and the latest news can be found on www.redfestbristol.co.uk
LPW thinks the adventure playground is a great place for play work and will be using some of their staff to open up the playground for local children. They will pay towards running costs, but do not want to take on the day to day running of the adventure playground. It is unlikely that the playground will be open as much as it has been in the past. At the time of going to press, the Council was talking to residents on a steering group about the long term future of the playground. At the end of May a Community Asset Transfer process will begin. This means any interested groups can express an interest in taking on the playground and the running of it (this could be a There have been a lot of rumours over the past few group of local people for example). They will be months suggesting the Council is planning to close asked to keep it available as a playground, but Felix Road Adventure Playground. The Council has might want to use it in other ways at other times, said it does not want to close the playground and to raise money. An advert will be placed that wants to work with local people and organisations explains what people need to do. Groups to find a way of making the playground pay for interested in doing this must express interest itself in future. It is always unsettling when change around the end of August (date to be finalised). happens and everybody wants to see a long term The Council has committed to paying the bills and future for this valued community space. However, letting people use the playground until December with less resources for services across the city, 2013. At the moment the playground is open difficult decisions have to be made. The Council Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and wants to hear from organisations with ideas about on Sunday from 11.30am to 5pm. how the playground can be used to pay the bills The details are subject to change and we will stay and raise money so that any surplus will provide in touch with the Council so we can let you know services to you as local people. Here is what we any news as soon as possible. We appreciate many know: of you will be concerned about the future of the Together Learning Partnership West (LPW), 1625 playground. We will be hearing from LPW about Independent People and Barnados won the their plans for services in the area at the contract to organise youth and play work in Easton Neighbourhood Forum in July. and Lawrence Hill. The Council transferred the budget and the staff team to this organisation to If you want to be involved in plans to run the deliver a service across the whole area and did not playground, contact Zaena Barnard who is working want to tie them down by saying where they must with the steering group. Zaena can be contacted deliver services from. on 352 1308, or zaena.barnard@bristol.co.uk 14
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areas of the city, including ours. LPW staff have a lot of experience working in our neighbourhood and nearly 40% of the 70 strong Bristol workforce come from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The bid was a partnership between LPW, Barnardos and 1625 Independent People. This is all part of Bristol Youth Links, a review which aimed to save money and make services more efficient. The Council wanted an outside organisation to run youth services. The process has been contentious and although the Council committed £20m over five years it still represents a cut. People are concerned about cuts how would you respond to this? “Before we won the bid we did a lot of research about what was out there already. We looked at what was running and how many kids were attending. The model of open access youth clubs is not really that effective. Yes you need some open access provision but actually what you need is to be out there where young people are, knocking on the doors of those who drop off the radar, and that’s what we are all about” says Adam. “You can open a club every night of the week but it doesn’t mean young people will go.” How will LPW run our youth services? LPW’s model is all about people not buildings, as Adam says “no one’s life has been turned around by a building. It’s the people that make a difference.” That is why LPW has not taken on any of the Council’s youth clubs at present. They are not committing themselves to having buildings open regardless of need. They want to come up with a plan for what will work and what will help as many young people as possible. The Council also has an officer who will be helping LPW link with the many community groups that run activities for young people in our area. “We want a really coordinated approach so we all compliment each other and offer the best for young people. I feel really confident we can offer a decent service and I believe it will be an improvement. We really wanted to win the contract for Easton and Lawrence Hill as I know we can really help young people here. We’ve already seen about 600 young people between February and March. By the summer we will have agreed all the staff and will have a programme of activity in place. We plan to come along to the Neighbourhood Forum on 8 July to meet local people and publicise our work.” Find out more at www.lpw.org.uk
A partnership for young people
In the last issue we promised you an interview with the organisation who has been awarded the contract for youth services in Easton and Lawrence Hill. We met Adam Carter, Operations Manager for Learning Partnership West (LPW), to get the low down on the organisation and the changes we are likely to see. Who are Learning Partnership West? “The first thing I want to get clear is we are a notfor-profit organisation. This contract from the Council does not make us any money. Any surplus from our work goes straight back into delivering services. I think there is a misconception that we are some big corporate but we’re not” says Adam as soon as we sit down. It is an interesting point as I had been looking at the plush offices and smartly dressed staff and thinking how far removed this seemed from my idea of youth work. “We invest in our staff so that’s why we have a nice office. We want the best people to be working for us and helping young people and we’ve got 20 years experience of doing it and doing it well.” LPW started life as a Government agency offering careers advice in the old Avon area. In the 1990s the careers service was privatised so LPW set up on its own. Over the years it has undergone several changes as contracts come and go (for example the Connexions service) but LPW has always worked supporting 13 to 19 year olds in all aspects of their lives. “What people don’t really know about us is that we have always been working with young people. We have a database of every 16 to 19 year old in Bristol and we check in with them to find out what they are up to and if we can help.” Back in 2012, LPW won the contract from the Council to deliver youth services in five of the seven
Up Our Street 15
BRILLIANT BELMONT, Easton
The improved Belmont Park in Easton
Knightstone Housing Association teamed up with the Council and local Easton residents to improve the communal area of Belmont Park. Children and pupils from Whitehall School produced designs for use on walls and the Council helped to clear overgrown trees and shrubs, plant new trees and install signs and bins. Everyone is happy that the park is a much brighter, clearer, safer space and the success of the project has been that fly tipping and criminal activity in the park has significantly reduced.
POUNDS FOR PLAYBUS Barton Hill
R-L: Mark Hatcliffe from Barclays, MP Stephen Williams and Bristol Playbus Chair June Aland enquiries@pc-dial-a-fix.co.uk
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Barclays Bank has raised £4088 for Barton Hill based Bristol Playbus. Project Manager Ruth Cornish said: “We are so happy to get this much needed money. Our beloved bus broke down and we needed the engine repaired. It’s not cheap when things go wrong on a bus so we approached businesses to help. Barclays came forward and staff did lots of fundraisers and the company matched the money so we were able to get the bus back on the road as quickly as possible.” Bristol Playbus will be out and about during the summer offering children’s outdoor play activities. To book the bus or find out more contact Bristol Playbus on 955 1561 or www.bristolplaybus.org
Thanks to volunteers from Community Space Challenge who cleaned our notice boards in April.
The Interview: Sue Mountstevens, Police Crime Commissioner
Hello Sue, thanks for giving some of your time
to speak to us. You cover a massive area as part of Avon and Somerset. What do you know about Easton and Lawrence Hill? It is a large force area but I am becoming more and more familiar with the places and the communities as I travel around in this role. I love coming back to Easton, the people are always so welcoming. I have visited Easton and Lawrence Hill a number of times now and I should probably have a second office at Easton Community Centre! In my role I have developed an awareness and appreciation of the area’s diverse nature, culture and over-riding sense of community, which is really important. You have been in post now for over 100 days, what has been your highlight so far? The people that I get to meet on a daily basis. Everyday I feel fortunate to meet and engage with the people I do, people from all walks of life. They all help me to do the best job I can as PCC and as the people’s voice in policing. What has been the biggest challenge? Much has been said about my first few days in office and obviously the appointment of a new Chief Constable has been the biggest challenge I have had to face to date. I was a few hours into the job and any PCC in Avon and Somerset that had been elected would have faced the same situation with the Chief Constable’s contract expiring in 9 weeks. What is your vision for the next 100 days? I will be speaking with local communities regarding their views on speed cameras. The Chief Constable is looking into the evidence of speed cameras and if people have a view too they should respond to the poll on www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk I will also be launching a £200,000 Community Action Fund, where communities can apply for a grant of up to £5000. The fund is to enable communities to come together and tackle issues in their local area relating to the Police and Crime Plan priorities.
I know that balancing the budget has been difficult. If you had no budget constraints, what would you do as a first priority? I would acquire the latest and most brilliant technology so police officers and staff could do their jobs anywhere enabling them to be more visible and out in the community. We have made some progress with technology such as the mobile kits we have in some cars where statements can be taken electronically but I am sure we could go further. Anyone have Bill Gates’ number? Generally speaking, crime is going down, but the perception is often worse than the reality. Why do you think that is? In a nutshell fear sells papers. I am not being critical of the media, they do a great job but positive news does not make the front-page or the top of a news bulletin, it’s always the and finally... And it does make a difference, for example when we look at something as complicated as the public’s confidence in the police it can be altered by something that has been highlighted in the media and can change people perceptions of what is going on locally. It is not the only factor but it is an ever increasing factor especially when our lives are so dominated by 24/7 news and social media. Some people feel that the laws are not enforced as robustly in this area as in others and that people get away with things in Easton and Lawrence Hill that would not be tolerated elsewhere. What is your view on this? I believe that no one is above the law and all should be treated fairly and courteously. If people are dissatisfied with the quality of the policing service they can make a complaint; they can contact the Police or me (www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk). There is a growing trend in Bristol for independent candidates for political positions. Why did you stand as an independent? Being independent is very important to me; people in positions of power and influence in policing should not have political agendas that could influence the nature of their decision making. The role of PCC is not party political and never should be in my eyes. The decisions I make are unbiased and based on information I have received from speaking with and listening to local communities. To be the true voice of the community you have to be independent of political views. The role of the PCC is very high pressured. What do you do to relax? I really enjoy running and try to as often as I can. It may seem like a chore but I always find mowing the grass always seems to relax me.
Up Our Street 17
An Oscar for Oscar
cells change into a sickle shape when they release oxygen thus blocking blood flow around the body. Our resident reporter Emma Russell introduces a It can be very painful. local charity you may not have heard of based on Thalassaemia is a blood disorder, which leads to our very own Stapleton Road. diminished production of haemoglobin. The “There are smaller charities in Bristol which don’t disorder requires lifelong blood transfusions and receive the media coverage and publicity of the continuous treatment. larger organisations but are just as deserving. One OSCAR provides counselling, advice and support of these is OSCAR, located on Stapleton Road, for people diagnosed with these disorders and between Kensington Baptist Church and Stapleton while partially funded by an NHS contract and Road railway station. grants from organisations, they welcome OSCAR stands for Organisation for Sickle Cell fundraising and donations. Anaemia Research and was founded in 1984 to Rudi Springer the Chair of the management raise awareness of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia in committee says that people and volunteers are the Bristol area. The important thing to note here is welcome to drop in at any time during their that Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia are not diseases opening hours. If you or a member of your family one can catch. They are blood disorders that a suffer from Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia, please drop person inherits. by the centre and see how OSCAR can help you.” Sickle Cell is a blood disorder where red blood If you would like to volunteer, donate or think up fundraising ideas, please contact the centre on 951 2200 or visit www.oscarbristol.co.uk
Hello to Hawks If you live in Easton or Lawrence Hill chances are you will have passed Hawks Gym on Roman Road. Up Our Street popped in to say hello. Helen Potter has been running the gymnasts club from the building since 1992. “Gymnastics is our family passion. I’ve been involved in the sport since I was 11 and my parents and I ran a club in Devon before opening Hawks here in Easton. We love being here, it’s such a great community and we feel a real part of it” says Helen. The club is called Hawks which comes from the name of the motel Helen’s family ran in Devon. Hawks offers open access gym sessions, parent and Head coach Rory Weavers, GB toddler groups International Gymnast Claudia Fragapane and Head coach and and club Hawks owner Helen Potter gymnastics for 18
Up Our Street
people who want to take part in competitive sport. Anyone age 18 months and up can get involved. “We see about 500 people a week through the doors. Gymnastics is a great grounding for any sport so a lot of parents come here with their kids. I’m really proud of the high quality status of the club and we have produced many home grown champions.” This is all despite a disastrous start when the club accidentally burnt to the ground days before opening. “That was really hard for us but we were so touched by how the community pulled together to help us.” Today Hawks is a popular club with a waiting list for classes which was boosted further still by the Olympics. “Gymnastics is about fitness, health and flexibility but also confidence as you can achieve improvements in every session” adds Helen. “I get the greatest buzz from the fact that we give young people an opportunity to take part in gymnastics here. Someone could walk through these doors and go on to international level.” The club is funded by class fees with occasional grants to replace the equipment. It’s obvious Helen and her family put their heart and soul into the club. Any profits go back into Hawks and Helen and her husband even live on site! Whatever your ambition or ability you’re welcome at Hawks. Contact Helen on 935 5363 or www.bristolhawksgymnastics.org
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Discretionary Licensing of Private Rented Properties in the Stapleton Road area
From April 15th 2013 owners of most privately rented properties in Stapleton Road and the surrounding area will need a license to continue to rent out their properties. Applications must be made by the 15th July 2013. If an application is not received by this date a higher fee will be applied.
For more information please visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk/ discretionarylicensing or ring the Private Housing Service on 0117 3525010 or email private.housing@bristol.gov.uk 20
Up Our Street
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Contact: Tel: 0117 230 5593 / wn@bristolspanishcentre.com
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When you get the call: GO! Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease but these diseases can often be prevented. An NHS health check can help you by assessing your risk and giving you personalised advice on how to reduce it. Even if you’re feeling well it’s worth having your free NHS health check now. The check normally lasts around 20 minutes. You will be asked a few questions and a simple blood test will be taken. After that your GP Practice will work with you to help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing future problems. Just by having the check you can improve your chances of living a healthier life. If you receive an invitation letter to an NHS Health Check, go to your GP Practice and get checked. For more information please contact your local practice or go online: www.bristol.nhs/uk/your-health/nhs-health-checks.aspx ADVERTS
Up Our Street 21
Grab a bargain ! Bristol’s biggest choice of quality donated items BEDS
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0117 954 0886 Secondhand Superstore Barton Manor, off Midland Road St Philips Bristol BS2 0RL
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Up Our Street
0117 963 3033 Secondhand Superstore 72 Bedminster Parade Bristol BS3 4HL
DON’T DUMP IT DONATE IT Registered Charity no: 1071538
0117 955 1893 Barton Hill Community Shop Unit 3, Avonvale road Barton Hill Bristol BS5 9SX
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We have been hearing frustration from a lot of you about the amount of dog poo on our streets. It is a real blight on our pavements and in our parks and we would encourage everyone to report it when they see it. Unfortunately it is hard to catch the culprits but we do take the problem seriously and are working together with the police and Council to stamp out the problem as much as we can.
Days of Action
Report it on 0117 922 2100
In March and April police and Council officers carried out three ‘days of action’ to clamp down on dog fouling. They spoke to residents and the RSPCA offered low cost micro chipping of dogs in Easton.
400 flyers handed out 480 homes visited 251 people spoken to 150 dog bags handed out 31 dog poos reported for removal 100 stickers put up in public places Souvichit King lives in Whitehall and has a five year old daughter and a ten month old son. She has had enough of irresponsible dog owners making her street a mess.
“I am just really fed up of it. I keep reporting it but it never gets cleared away. It only goes when the rain washes it or somebody steps in it and wipes it away. I have started circling the poo and writing a message that I hope dog owners will see. I want them to stop and think how horrible it is for everyone. And it’s dangerous for children as well. My daughter gets very angry every time she steps in it. She made a poster to put outside our house. Other local mums complain about it too but we don’t know what to do. If I saw someone doing it I think I would be scared to say something as they are intimidating. No one seems to be taking it seriously. I want things to change.” Up Our Street 23