COMING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COMMUNITY page 3
up our street Easton + Lawrence Hill + Redfield + St Judes + Whitehall + Old Market + The Dings + Barton HIll + Newtown + Greenbank
Secondary school shortfall page 17
celebrating women in our community Page 4 - 6
www.upourstreet.org.uk
Your free community magazine
spring 2020 Up Our Street Spring 2020
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up our street
Contact the team
0333 023 5460 (calls charged at local rate)
Director Stacy Yelland Email: stacy@upourstreet.org.uk Business Development Officer Emily Fifield Email: emily@upourstreet.org.uk Community Engagement Officer Patrycja Pinkowska Email: pat@upourstreet.org.uk Finance and Office Manager Tracy Parsons Email: tracy@upourstreet.org.uk Communications Officer Becky Whitmore Email: becky@upourstreet.org.uk Place Maker - St Judes Leila Gamaz Email: leila@upourstreet.org.uk
Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW
Did you know?
Up Our Street is hand delivered to 13,500 homes in Easton and Lawrence Hill. Each copy costs us 46p to produce and deliver, but we are committed to making sure it’s available to all Easton and Lawrence Hill residents for free. Paid advertising offsets some of the costs. Up Our Street is a registered charity that relies on grants and donations. If you like what you read, and want to support our work in Easton and Lawrence Hill you can donate online:
www.upourstreet.org.uk/donate Up Our Street would like to thank our funders for supporting our work in Easton and Lawrence Hill
Place Maker - The Dings Melissa Derricourt Email: melissa melissa@upourstreet.org.uk
OUr Trustee Board Ricardo Sharry (Chair) Amy Harrison (Vice chair) Jessica Moody (Vice chair) Noelle Rumball (Treasurer) Saed Ali Sally Caseley Joyce Clarke Nic Ferris Thom Oliver Poku Osei Charity no: 1081691 Company no: 04023294
Stay in touch Join the Up Our Street Facebook group. 1,415 members and growing! Find us on Twitter @upourstreet And follow us on Instagram!
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drop in and see us
Hear Up Our Street on the One Love Breakfast Show every Wednesday at 8.45am on BCfm 93.2 and online at bcfmradio.com
Up Our Street Spring 2020
Printed by Whitehall Printing with vegetable-based inks on recycled paper.
HAVE YOUR SAY
pages 8 to 0
The stories in this section are all about having a Political Voice. Voice That is not about supporting a particular political party, it is about having influence over decisions that affect your life or your community.
GET INVOLVED
pages 10 to 12
The stories in this section are all about Civic Participation. This means the different ways Participation that people can and do get involved in their community.
WORKING TOGETHER
pages 13 to 15
The stories in this section are all about Social Capital. This means the way that people work Capital together to share skills and experience and build strong networks. The opinions and information contained in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Up Our Street. Advertisers are not endorsed.
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Welcome
Welcome to the Spring 2020 edition of Up Our Street. This is a significant issue, in that is will be our final edition before merging with Easton Community Centre and Felix Road Adventure Playground (read more below). Our community researchers have been speaking to people and gathering thoughts about what type of community they would like to live in. We’ve been asking how we can create spaces where everyone feels welcome and connected.
We will use the communities input to shape how the organisation will look and how our spaces will operate. This issue will reach you just as our celebrations for International Women’s Day are about to commence. We have given space in this issue to celebrate some of the fantastic women in our community, we are so proud. We look forward to sharing our vision for the future in the coming months, and hope it’s one you will all be apart of. Ricardo Sharry, Chair of Up Our Street
The times they are a-changin’ in East Central Bristol It is in the spirit of collaboration, trust and friendship that Up Our Street, Easton Community Centre and Felix Road Adventure Playground have been working tirelessly towards a full merger on 31 March 2020. We are delighted to announce that Stacy Yelland has been appointed as CEO of the new organisation and will begin in her new role on 1 April. At a joint staff and trustee gathering in January, the teams shared hopes and aspirations for the area and for the new organisation. It is an exciting time with lots still to be done. Our goal for this merger is to bring three organisations together as one bringing greater benefits for local children and adults. We want to have impact in Easton and Lawrence Hill where it is
most needed. We believe our combined skills will lead to exciting new possibilities while protecting much loved existing services. Over the coming months there will be a lot more to say as things develop, but we wanted to share our news and we will be welcoming you and others to be part of this journey with us. “My dream is that this feeling of mutual admiration and support continues so that the organisation can grow healthily to support the community it Team member’s aspiration for the area serves.”
“Harmonious, healthy community that honours the wellbeing of citizens and the planet. Children are cherished, adults follow their dreams and the elderly are honoured and connected.” Team member’s aspiration for the area
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UP OUR STREET
Celebrating women of our community This year we are celebrating International Womens Day with a fun filled women-only event at Hannah More Primary School. Join us on Saturday 7 March at 10am to 3pm for yoga, henna, zumba, collaborative art project, cycling, hula and lots more.
Since this event is happening as the magazine hits doorsteps, we wanted to showcase the work of some amazing women in our community.
Coexist kitchen Ari and Claudia run COEXIST COMMUNITY KITCHEN in the heart of Easton. They aim to use food as a vehicle to work with people who experience social marginalisation in our society. They run cookery classes for drug and alcohol services, mental health organisations, refugee and asylum seeker groups amoung others. They also run events, catering and hire out their space in order to support their social outreach work. They believe “everyone should have spaces in which they can share food together, learn and teach skills and create strong connections with others. Eating, laughing, learning and sharing.”
Congratulations to Ari, who won the Community Leader Award at this years Voscurs in February. Come check out their space and have a ‘pay what you can’ lunch every Thursday at 12.30 - Mivart Street, BS5 6JF Somalia, Sudan, Jamaica, more open-minded and more Poland, Yemen, Senegal, the confident to speak to people Philippines, Morocco, Algeria from different backgrounds. Bridging Gaps is a group of via Cyprus, parents from Hannah More “I’ve been to places where I’m the only Holland, and Primary School. They run Black, hijab wearing person there and it feels the UK. Each cultural competency training like people don’t know what to say. That’s bringing their for schools, local what motivated me to be part of this group.” own personal organisations and “Through experience businesses. Each person brings their own talking and and cultural heritage experience to the training The group is made listening, we can with them. they deliver, which is key up of women from all celebrate and Having grown out to it’s success. “We share across the globe; accept difference.” of some cultural our personal stories and awareness training the experiences, and ask others to school initiated two do the same. We encourage years ago, the group those attending the training to now delivers training ask questions in a welcoming across the city. The safe space.” training sessions are If you would like to find out designed to help more about the training people be more contact: culturally aware, wearebridginggaps@gmail.com
Educating the city!
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Up Our Street Spring 2020
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Aisha Thomas Former Up Our Street trustee Aisha Thomas is a trailblazing education and equality activist. She is City Academy’s Assistant Principal and Specialist Leader in Education for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Community. Aisha presented a BBC documentary about the lack of Black teachers in Bristol and collaborated with city partners to launch the ‘Bristol One Curriculum’. This aims to create a more equitable representation of Black history, achievement and culture in Bristol, Britain and globally. Aisha delivered a TEDxBristol talk last year. ‘Why Representation Really Matters’ and challenged us all to consider how our decisions and journeys could inspire the next generation - not just as teachers or mentors, but representatives from diverse backgrounds in all professions. Her strap line is simple ‘Representation Matters’. She is the co-founder of Culturally Educating, a social media campaign set up to empower, support, represent and celebrate achievements of under-represented groups.
, d u o r p e B “ , g n o r t s e b ” . . . d l o b be
Up Our Street asked Aisha what her aspirations were for women in our community... “Imagine a world where you are taught the value of all races. Racial superiority is stripped of its crown, and instead all races are sworn in with equal importance. Children will grow with a sense of value and connection. This is the world that I want for the women and girls in our community.”
HORUMAR HORUMAR is a new initiative to support Somali women into careers of their choice. It has emerged from the Stepping Up to Leadership programme that is part of Bristol City Council’s One City Plan. It is aimed at improving the representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, people with a disability and women in senior leadership roles within Bristol and the wider region. Stepping Up participants decided they wanted to share their learning and new skills with other Somali women. As the result, HORUMAR was set up by Christine, Nadia, Zahra, Debra, Moestak and Sayidali. The group meets regularly and is open to new members to join and learn.
13 Somali women collected their Stepping Up graduation certificates from Mayor Marvin Rees and Councillor Asher Craig in January at City Hall. “There are already many challenges and constrains for women but there are also other intricacies Muslim women face that contribute to low social mobility that need to be addressed and tackled....Opening up doors for others and making positive changes to the city is my passion and cause in life, I have had the same support from my role models who have created opportunities and conditions for me to take and flourish in.” Moestak Hussein (Co-founder)
“Leading the development of Horumar Somali women has increased my skill set and enhanced my creativity and vision to make a positive contribution to my local communities and beyond.” Zahra
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Celebrating women continued... SPAN: a hands-on history project SPAN: a hands-on history project is a participatory research project that involves members of the public in researching and sharing the history of SPAN. It is a collaboration between Barton Hill Settlement, the Feminist Archive South, and the University of Bristol.
Members of the history group speaking at a contemporary history conference in Birmingham
The research focuses on the impact of SPAN and explores its story by looking at how it supported single parents, its culture, and the political and social context the organisation worked in. The group have been exploring the SPAN archive, conducting interviews with ex SPANNERS, and have been planning how to tell the story of the organisation. The group is made up of local women, mothers, single parents, volunteers, campaigners, activists and business owners. The group hope that they can use the history of SPAN
to draw comparisons with how things have or haven’t improved for single parents and use this work as a spring board to action. Artist Carrie Reichardt has been commisioned by the group to create a ceramic mural depicting the activism and campaign work of SPAN. A film featuring interviews with former members of SPAN, archive footage and experience of members of the history group will also be showcased at an event in the spring. To find out more about the project visit: www.thespanproject.org.uk
Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) was formed in 1990 by a group of women from St Pauls and Easton who wanted to support each other and make life better for single parents. They declared “We are against discrimination. Against racism and sexism. Proud of our families. Proud to be parents. Welcome to a network which aims to defend each other’s rights and the rights of our children to a positive, loving and fruitful future.” “The 1990s was a difficult time for single parents who became scapegoats for many of society’s ills. The Conservative government at the time, demonised single mothers in particular and the press lapped it up. SPAN ran a number of successful campaigns to fight this stigma and retell the story of single parents.” - History group member During its 26 years SPAN grew into a national network of organisations who worked with single parents across the UK bringing communities together to campaign and work to improve the life of single parents and their children. >
Campaign material from the archive. Some newspaper headlines from the 1990s. Illustrating the stigma that single mothers faced. >
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UP OUR STREET
Nursery development secures bright new future for Felix Mandy Watson Road Adventure Playground Chair of Felix Road Adventure Playground “I would like to share an exciting new development for children and families at Felix Road Adventure Playground. Over a year ago Felix Road invited Raised in Bristol, a not-for-profit social enterprise with a successful nursery at Eaton Community Centre, to explore the possibility of building a brand-new nursery at Felix Road. The new nursery will not only provide much needed high-quality childcare for children aged 6 months to 4 years, but the profit from the nursery will help Felix Road sustain its existing adventure playground and future services for children and young people.
BOUNDARY
EXTENDED PAVEMENT
With cuts to public services in the last ten years the management committee have found a way to make the playground financially independent. We would like
to reassure everyone who currently uses Felix Road that the adventure playground will continue to be a free open access play space for everyone. Over the next few months you will start to see the new building take shape and it is hoped that the nursery will be ready to open on 1 June 2020. We would like to thank all our partners, supporters, funders and most of all you the local community who have stood by us and made this exciting new chapter in Felix Road’s long history a possibility.” If you want to find out more Raised in Bristol will be holding open days at Felix Road on Saturday, 21 March 10am to 12pm Saturday, 25 April 10am to 12pm Saturday, 16 May 10am to 12pm Or if you want to register for a place at the nursery visit the Raised in Bristol website www.raisedinbristol.org.uk
Thank You Iris - You’re a Star! Easton Community Centre’s (ECC) outstanding outgoing Executive Officer, Iris Partridge, is stepping down later in the year after overseeing the completion of ECC’s merger with Up Our Street and Felix Road Adventure Playground. During her tenure, she has led the building retrofit to open the wonderful Raised in Easton nursery, as well as navigating the organisation through some difficult situations including recovering from a fire in the building in 2019. Since joining the centre in June 2017, Iris has shown herself to be an altruistic, professional leader full of warmth and wisdom. Her departure is a sad moment for the centre. During her tenure, she has managed a number of challenging circumstances with great humility, and been instrumental in securing the financial future of the building. Local resident, Diana Batterham, who has been in the area since 1940 and plays bingo at the centre, said “She is a lovely, charming lady and we will miss her smile!”. The ECC Board of Trustees, staff and the wider community wish to thank Iris for her incredible service and they look forward to sharing many drinks and nibbles with her in the months and years ahead. www.upourstreet.org.uk
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HAVE YOUR SAY
hey, st judes Bristol City Council are in the early stages of considering how the area surrounding the River Frome in St Judes, which has been termed ‘The Frome Gateway’ can be improved and they want to take account of things that are important to local people living and working in the area. The area has been identified for regeneration over the next five to ten years. The hope is that any proposed regeneration will benefit and enhance the neighbouring communities and surrounding areas. ay me Gatew n The Fro io the sect area, is longside sa that run iverside ,R the M32 unction 3 om J Park, fr industrial to Library ouse Broad tH a h units t ct and th Proje u o Y in a l P Coffee. Wogan
Around 20 local people and organisations attended a community meeting at Pennywell Studios in January. People who attended walkabouts and events in November and December 2019 shared their ideas about improving the area. People worked together to group the ideas for improving the area into the following themes – children, young people and families; Riverside Park; housing; employment; transport; spaces and places. The Council has committed to continuing to listen to people’s ideas to inform future regeneration, through conversations with local people, both directly and through events.
Barry a local resident attended the meeting in January, he kindly shared his thoughts about the development with Up Our Street. “I learnt a lot about the council's plans for the area. I've some worries about student housing or inappropriate high-rise development bringing large numbers of people and large amounts of traffic into the area. However, plans for the environmental impact are encouraging. This development needs to involve zero emissions, a increase in active travel, passive heating for all new buildings, local renewable energy generation and reuse of existing structures wherever possible. Being so close to the city centre, I can see the Frome Gateway becoming a car-free neighbourhood with lots of green space, walking and cycling routes. There is the potential in this development to do something for families, children and young people in the area. More places to gather, improved amenities, affordable family housing, new community spaces, play facilities for children, possibly a school and a new GP surgery.”
April Richmond is Bristol City Council’s Community Development Worker on the project. She will be knocking on doors and talking to people on the streets of the surrounding area over the coming months. April is also happy to talk to community groups and to be contacted directly. april.richmond@bristol.gov.uk 07810 506964
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Up Our Street Spring 2020
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Knife crime continues to hit the headlines, with a number of high profile cases taking place in Bristol recently. Some of these incidents have involved young people, and it may seem that carrying a knife is normal. Thankfully it’s not – in reality 99 per cent of young people don’t carry knives, and the cases you read about are usually isolated involving people who know each other. However young people can face pressure from their peers. They may start carrying knives to feel safer or because they hear groups boasting about carrying and feel they need to do the same. But carrying a knife doesn’t keep you safe. If the people involved in recent incidents hadn’t been carrying a knife then the situations could now be very different. The local neighbourhood police team are working hard to build trust and confidence
HAVE YOUR SAY
Starting the conversation about knife crime
by Sergeant Jim Wilson
with young people. Barton Hill Academy, Bannerman Road and Easton Primary Schools are all taking part in the Mini Police scheme. The year 5 students in the Mini Police help their communities with litter picks and visiting elderly people in care homes. They learn about some of the wider issues in their area and work with other professionals such as the Fire Brigade and RNLI. These activities help the police to build relationships with young people and helps them to see beyond the uniform. If you are a parent, carer or someone who works with young people, you can talk to them about knife crime, offering facts and support to help them make safe choices.
Most people do not carry knives You are more likely to come to serious harm when carrying a knife and it doesn’t keep you safe There is no ‘safe’ place to stab someone. If a knife punctures an artery anywhere on your body you can bleed to death within five minutes The impact of knife crime goes beyond the victim and the offender. It affects parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends. People’s lives are ruined forever. Talking about knife crime is difficult but it could save a life. More support and advice is available from: Childline has information specifically about knife crime and young people can also call the confidential helpline for advice- 0800 1111 The Mix has some straight talking advice, specifically aimed at young people already affected by knife crime You or your child can report knife crime anonymously at Fearless The #Knifefree campaign has stories from young people who used to carry knives and now don’t as well as information about talking to and supporting young people
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GET INVOLVED
Nourishing Communities using surplus food FoodCycle is a national charity that uses surplus food to cook nutritious food for 42 communities across the UK. Barton Hill Settlement is the location for Bristol’s community meal and provides a three-course meal to 40-60 guests each week. Each week the group of dedicated volunteers collect, cook and host a diverse group of people. The project serves regular diners, monthly visitors, and those that are just passing through. No one is turned away, and everyone gets the special treatment. It’s an opportunity for guests to eat a hot meal, chat and be waited on. The hosts’ role is to welcome people, make them feel welcome and treat them respectfully. Everyone eats and chats together. We spoke to Alex who is the South West Coordinator, she manages projects in Bristol, Weston Super mare, Exeter and Bath. She is a nutritionist by trade and used to work for a cookery school that taught community project how to make the most out of the free food that is donated by projects like FareShare. She said, “Bristol is a unique project, it the only one where volunteers collect all surplus food by bike. Bike trailers are stored in St Pauls Learning Centre. Once collected, two teams of cyclists do a route that takes them down Gloucester Road and Stapleton Road collecting surplus fruit and veg from local businesses, and delivering them to the Barton Hill Settlement for the Saturday cook.”
The project is always looking for volunteers, in particular hosts and project leaders. If you are interested drop Alex an email and find out how you can get involved AlexH@foodcycle.org.uk / 07377 866335
Peer mentoring - community helping community Our neighbours at Easton Community Centre, Brigstowe run a peer support programme for individuals with type 2 diabetes. All mentors are living with type 2 diabetes, and are trained in befriending, advocacy, coaching and basic counselling skills. Meetings normally take place in the community, usually at a café or other public space. During this time mentors will listen to the challenges and obstacles that the individual is facing. By sharing their own experiences and struggles to overcome similar barriers and obstacles they offer guidance and a listening hear. The ultimate goal of the service is to help individuals self-manage their condition and equip them with the knowledge to confidently live with their diabetes. 10
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The programme, has been running since October 2018 and has had 100% positive feedback from people who have taken part, with everyone who has completed the programme gaining a greater understanding of their condition, improvement in mood and feeling less isolated as a result. “I mentor because I wish a service like this had been available for me when I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I had a lot of false starts in managing it. Now that I feel I am, I’m really happy to be able to help others do the same” Mentor If you are or know people who may be interested in accessing peer mentors, please contact: Sean Hourigan 0117 9555038, or email diabetes@brigstowe.org
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GET INVOLVED
Fun and theatre for all the family On Saturday 2 May Travelling Light will open its doors for a fantastic FREE day of family theatre and activities, delivered in partnership with the University of Bristol. You are invited to come along to Barton Hill Settlement to enjoy performances from University of Bristol students, drop in creative activities, cake and craft sales, and more. Come and enjoy the variety on offer, with opportunities for children to get involved in creative activities and watch performances that are sure to spark their imaginations. Entry is free and the day is open to all. Cake sales and donations raised on the day will go towards supporting their youth theatre programme and ensuring we can continue to provide subsidised and free theatre opportunities for local children and families. Travelling Light is a theatre company and charity based in Barton Hill. They believe all children have the right to create and imagine and provide creative opportunities for over 18,000 children, young people and families every year. They produce award-winning theatre that is performed in Bristol, nationally and around the world, alongside our projects in schools and
Youth Theatre activities for young people in Barton Hill and the surrounding area. They look forward to welcoming you to Barton Hill Settlement on Saturday 2 May for a day of fun for all the family. For timings and more information as they are announced, visit travellinglighttheatre.org.uk
STOP PRESS...
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Breaking the stigma The association of type 2 diabetes with obesity and unhealthy lifestyle factors related to diet and sedentary behaviour contribute to negative stigma related to blame and stereotyping. It’s important to understand that environmental factor and lifestyle do impact individuals with type 2 diabetes but assumptions shouldn’t be made about a persons lifestyle as there are other factors that can contribute.
Ethnicity and diabetes Global studies on ethnic groups and minorities and the rising incidences of diabetes have revealed one factor in particular; ethnicity can increase or decrease one’s risk of developing diabetes. Whilst in some cases this can be explained by access to healthcare and other socio-economic factors, studies have proved that even with equal access, prevalence of diabetes differs between people of different ethnicity. Ethnicity facts Type 2 diabetes is up to six times more likely in people of South Asian descent Type 2 diabetes is up to three times more likely in African and African-Caribbean people
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GET INVOLVED
Easton Family Centre
The Easton Family Centre has been a hub for the community for over 40 years and housed a local authority nursery for the last 20. When the nursery lost funding and had to close last year the building lost its purpose. Now the space is being repurposed and the community once again is invited to come and meet, eat and learn in this amazing community space. Up Our Street went to speak to Jen who told us about the centre’s history and their plans for the future. We also sampled some of the food in the newly opened Baraka Community Cafe, the homemade cakes and biscuits were delicious! The centre has been on the site for 40 years and is a meeting place for many groups. It was a hive of activity until the nursery closure last year. That was a real blow to the community and left the centre a little bereft. 12
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A new purpose for a much-loved community building
Jen had been coming to the church here and could see the potential. She has a background in business which she wanted to put to good use. Working with the centre and local community she has created a realistic sustainable plan. From her research she established that the area could benefit from and would welcome a space for women and children, and a place to learn and share. The new vision for the centre, reimagines the space as a community space welcoming to all.
Baraka Community Café Baraka Community Café opened in February, with the aim of creating a place for the whole community to be. It is particularly set up for families with a café within a café called the Beehive specifically set up for children and families with a playpen for little ones to roam freely and access to what was the nursery’s playground. The café serves home Volunteers on opening day cooked food at affordable prices with an easy to follow structure. Drink, eat or feast. The menu changes each week as Fareshare supply most of the ingredients used. Examples of the sort of thing you might find on the menu include: vegan chana masala,
samosa, espresso beef chilli, jacket potatoes, toasties, with creative salad and slaw combinations on the side. Opening times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 5pm
Bridges for communities Bridges for Communities has also recently moved into the building. They connect people of different cultures and faiths, enabling them to build friendships and grow in their understanding of one another. Through these connections and experiences, they seek to inspire and equip people to build more cohesive communities where people are better neighbours, newcomers feel more welcome and cities are more inclusive. They host a regular event called Peace Feast bringing people from different backgrounds to share food and exchange cultures. They also work with refugees and people seeking asylum, offering one to one support and social events.
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WORKING TOGETHER
Bristol Hospitality Network Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) works alongside asylum seekers facing destitution by sourcing hosted accommodation and creative community engagement across the city. It is estimated that there are 100 destitute asylum seekers living in Bristol, caught in the loopholes of the system - unable to work and unable to claim benefits. Without an income, these individuals can’t find accommodation. BHN provide full board accommodation for members in host households and in a men’s hostel in Bristol, as well as opportunities in community volunteering and as part of their social enterprise, Moveable Feast. They also provide a drop-in at Easton Family Centre on a Monday, where people can share a hot meal, take English lessons, receive asylum-claim support, get involved in craft activities and connect with others. Want to help? They are currently looking for hosts. All you need is a spare room and a household with children above the age of 16. BHN is very experienced in supporting hosts through an induction, a host and member meetup and providing a dedicated manager to provide oneto-one support during the short-term placement. Hosting can last for 3-6 months, and provides a vital lifeline for those seeking asylum.
Refugee and asylum facts A few things you might not known about people seeking asylum... The UK is home to approx. 1% of the 25.9 million refugees, forcibly displaced across the world. 50% of refugees across the world are children. People seeking asylum are often living on Home Office support equivalent to just over £5 per day. Almost all asylum seekers are not allowed to work. You can find out more by visiting refugeecouncil.org.uk
If you are interested in becoming a host please contact contact@bhn.org.uk
Find out what else is happening at the centre on their website www.ecfc.org.uk Address: Beaufort Street, BS5 0SQ www.upourstreet.org.uk
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WORKING TOGETHER
Year of Can Do is a year-long campaign to inspire and support citizens of Bristol to do what they can to make their city a better place. Running throughout 2020, the Year of Can Do will include a festival, a programme of activities, and a website to link local groups and causes with willing volunteers. There will be lots of opportunities to access volunteering and training opportunities, meet new people, create your own community activities, and celebrate the brilliant things that Bristol can do. Up Our Street is working with Knowle West Media Centre and Bristol City Council to celebrate community action, and those that give their time to their neighbours with the hope that others will be inspired to give, live, and love Bristol.
Refugee Women’s Craft Group The new East Bristol Refugee Women’s Craft Group has been gathering momentum with their activities and arts engagement in Bristol and they have high aspirations for 2020, too! In November 2019 Up Our Street’s Place Maker, Leila Gamaz and local resident activist and coach Kim Prado, brought together a group of local migrant women who had expressed an interest in forming a group for crafting and wellbeing in the Easton area. In their first goal-setting session in early November they developed a calendar of diverse arts and crafts events, facilitator training and opportunities to produce and sell their work around Bristol. After weekly craft sessions, they hosted their first showcase in December at Easton Community Centre. The Christmas craft sale and skill share was a hit with local residents and friends, who bought things for gifts and reported joy and gratitude 14
Up Our Street Spring 2020
for having the opportunity to “mix with people you wouldn’t usually meet.”
“When I come to our group, I feel like my dreams are in reach…”.
The group is uplifting and celebratory of women’s creativity and sisterhood. One member said, “It’s my favourite part of the week!”. After guided visualisation meditation with Kim, another participant said “I don’t know what you did but I didn’t feel like me…My emotions were better”.The coaching part of the group’s activities has really helped motivate the members to commit to their creative goals and champion each other.
In January the group worked with the RWA and exhibited their artwork in the Africa State of Mind exhibition. Coming up this year is a community art project, making a giant woven piece. The first public workshop will happen at Up Our Street’s International Women’s Day event. Plus, many more activities throughout the year. If you’d like to learn more or join the group, please contact Kim Prado on kim@thehouriacentre.com
www.upourstreet.org.uk
WORKING TOGETHER
Give. Live. Love Bristol Year of Can Do is underpinned by three core beliefs: • Give: we believe that everyone can make a positive contribution to their city and community – whether you give time, skills, resources, ideas, encouragement or something else, your act of giving is valuable. • Live: we believe that positive community action can become part of our everyday lives – whether you volunteer once a week or help your neighbours when they need it, every positive action makes a difference. • Love Bristol: we believe that, together, our positive actions can create a better Bristol – for us to enjoy right now and for future generations to inherit. Get involved and be part of a city wide movement for good in Bristol.
Sign up to the Can Do Bristol website at www.candobristol.co.uk
Boxing gym doing things differently Cast your mind back to 2014… remember that youth club that Banksy gifted a doorway piece to? Well that was the Broad Plain Youth Project in St Judes. Tucked away between Riverside Park and the M32 the club has been in existence for over 120 years.
and is now being rolled out across the UK. Dennis says it’s one of the things he is most proud of.
Up Our Street spoke to Dennis who has worked at the club for over 40 years. The project is home to a boxing gym, youth club and cadet group. But it also hosts a number of special groups. Alternative learning provider They provide educational opportunities for young people who have been excluded from main stream education. “Everything we do here brings them up.” says Dennis. At Broad Plain sport is a platform and basis for transformation and learning. “The boxing gym is a great place for anger management” They also emphasise social development and life skills. The young people they work with are used to being turned away, the club welcomes young people with a clean page and a smile. Non-contact boxing for Parkingson’s Dennis runs a pioneering scheme which encourages sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease to keep active by taking part in non-contact boxing sessions. It has been a huge success www.upourstreet.org.uk
Boxing for young people with autism Some people with autism have slower reaction times, have irregular sleeping patterns and can suffer from stress/anxiety especially in social situations. Boxing training provides a very unique platform for children with autism to improve reaction times and movement. The exercise helps with sleeping, and anxiety. It also provides sensory stimulation and they enjoy punching a bag, running around and letting off some steam. If you are interested in any of the work the project does contact: Dennis Stinchcombe MBE: 07973 574091 dennismbe@riversideyp.org
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LOCAL NEWS
Easton Primary rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted Easton Church of England Academy, in Beaufort Street has been rated ‘good’ - just seven years after being placed in ‘special measures’. Easton Church of England Academy, in Beaufort Street, had previously been rated ‘requires improvement’. But Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the progress that had been made when they visited in November 2019. Their report, published in January, states: Staff form very supportive relationships with pupils and treat them with the utmost respect... Pupils thoroughly enjoy their learning.
ST WERBURGHS COMMUNITY centre AWARDED £196,014 GRANt St Werburghs Community Centre is thrilled to announce that it has won a grant from independent trust, Power to Change. The grant, part of the trust’s Community Business Fund, will allow the charity to fund a range of capital and operational improvements. The works will include roof repairs and redecoration of the wooden towers of the Victorian building, a range of works which will enhance provision, health & safety and accessibility for the Centre users, as well as a digital system overhaul to improve administrative and financial operations. St Werburghs Community Centre has been running since 1971 serving the local communities of Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill as well as communities of interest across the city. It hosts a range of affordable and inclusive activities run by around 200 member groups. The centre itself is home to a range of organisations who work within the local community.
“It has been a huge team effort from everyone in our school community; children, staff, parents and governors to make our school the best it can be. We are absolutely delighted that the inspectors agreed that we are ‘Good’ in all areas and Outstanding in the way we nurture children’s personal development.”development.” Head teacher Peter Overton
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Up Our Street 17 April 2020 Send your ideas to
becky@upourstreet.org.uk or call 0333 023 5460
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“I am so pleased that St Werburghs Community Centre will get the funding it needs for repairs, improvements and accessibility features to keep the building at the heart of the community I know so well. Thank you to all the funders supporting this lively community hub.” Thangam Debbonaire MP
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LOCAL NEWS
Secondary school shortfall A group of local parents have come together to form BS5 Secondary Education Forum. The group held a meeting in February about the shortfall in secondary school places expected in East Bristol from September 2021. Parents, councillors and developers came together to discuss the issue.
A new school is proposed to be built in St Philips, but the Oasis Academy is part of a larger development and parents are concerned that the school will not be open in time. Planning permission for the wider development, which includes, homes, student accommodation, retail and leisure facilities was rejected on first application. BS5 Secondary Education Forum are concerned because: “The Temple Quarter School is the only real way to properly meet the significant shortfall of places in East Bristol, if it doesn’t open there isn’t currently any real contingency.”
Photo: Evoke Pictures Lifestyle
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she wanted to be “absolutely honest” with parents: “The advice I have had from some very experienced planners and from our education team at the council is that... the best-case scenario would be [full construction by] September 2023.” There is some hope that a temporary school will bridge the gap but this is subject to planning permission and sign off from the Department of Education. Cllr Keen couldn’t make any promises. If you want to join the campaign and keep up to date with developments join the BS5 Secondary Forum Facebook page.
Councillor Anna Keen said
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OASIS at St Anne’s Church You are welcome to our twice monthly oasis services. Short services with Taizé chants, reflective readings, prayer and silence on seasonal or topical themes. Family oasis on the first Sunday of the month at 4.30pm, where children are welcome Compline Oasis on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 8pm, a calm and prayerful end to the day. You can check days and times on our website http:// www.stanneschurchbristol.org.uk/ or our Facebook page Events at St Anne’s.
WANT TO REACH 13,500 HOUSEHOLDS in Easton and Lawrence Hill? ADVERTISE WITH UP OUR STREET AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
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Could you help to support adults in your area to learn to read?
Read Easy
readeasy.org.uk
We’re seeking a volunteer who can help change lives by connecting adults who want to learn to read with volunteers who can coach them. Call 07554 117763 or email bristol@readeasy.org.uk
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BUILDING POWER, MAKING CONNECTIONS & TAKING ACTION IN ASHLEY, EASTON AND LAWRENCE HILL
sponsored article
If there is something you feel needs to change in your area the Network will connect you with others who feel the same and support you to take positive action. Local people are making change happen in our communities all the time. ST JUDES Local resident networker Halgan has started a new weekly coffee morning in Ropewalk House in St. Judes. Working alongside Lawrence Hill Network Co-ordinator Sarah she held her first one on the 3rd of February. Live in St. Judes and want to join? Come along to Ropewalk House every Monday between 10am and 12pm. Rope Walk, coffee morning
BARTON HILL For the past year a group of residents have met on the first Saturday of every month to clean up their local area. Have you seen them about and want to get involved? The group meets at Barton Hill Settlement at 10am on the first Saturday of the month. Alongside the litter picking it is also a great way to meet new people and exercise at the same time! Next three dates: 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May Want to hear more about these and other local stories? Have an idea and want to talk to us about it? Contact us on: T: 0117 955 6971 E: info@thenetworkbristol.org.uk F: www.facebook.com/thenetworkbristol Or come and talk to us at: Barton Hill Settlement, Somali Resource Centre, St. Werburgh’s City Farm or Wellspring Healthy Living Centre www.upourstreet.org.uk
Before
After
The Network Partners
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COuncillors Corner: by Councillor Ruth Pickersgill How can local people have their voices heard in the Council? A motion was passed at the last Bristol City Council meeting committing us to ‘rebooting democracy’- but what does that mean? It recognised that, for a long time, the loudest voices of certain people, in certain parts of the city, were the ones most likely to be heard and influence policy. I remember starting as a councillor and going to local Neighbourhood Partnership subgroups, where critical decisions were made about local funding, to be amazed that no one was there from Easton or Lawrence Hill. I asked why, and was told ‘they don’t come’. I wonder how many people reading this knew about those meetings or how to get involved? This new motion recommends developing what is called ‘deliberative democracy,’ i.e. new models of involving residents. The Council is piloting a least two different types of deliberative democracy this year; this might be a Citizens’ Assembly, Citizens’ Jury, Participatory Budgeting or Deliberative Polling. The most important thing is not to involve just those who always have their voices heard, but to seek out people from different areas, backgrounds and beliefs.
Local elections on May 7 A range of new and existing candidates from different parties will be standing to be your councillors, and your votes will also decide the Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner positions. In our area, many people aren’t registered or don’t know they are entitled to vote. Others don’t feel informed about what the parties are offering. Nearer the time, there will be leaflets and manifestos available from all political parties, and there will be hustings across the city so you can meet candidates and question them in person.
Make sure you’re registered to vote You can do it quickly online at www.bristol.gov. uk/voting-elections/register-to-vote. If you can’t access a computer, you can call the Council on 0117 922 3400, and they will send you a registration form. Easton and Lawrence Hill Wards Local Councillors’ Drop-Ins 2020 If you have a problem with Council services or other local issues and wish to raise it in person with your local councillors, please come to one of our monthly drop-ins (no appointment necessary): All drop-in sessions (surgeries) will be held between 1pm and 3pm on the second Saturday of the month at alternate venues as follows between now and local elections on 7 May: Easton Community Centre Kilburn St BS5 6AW Saturday 8 February, Saturday 4 April. Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, BS5 0AX Saturday 14 March. Anyone from Easton Ward (Easton, Greenbank, Whitehall and Redfield) and Lawrence Hill Ward (Barton Hill, Old Market, The Dings, St Judes, Upper Easton and St Philips Marsh) can attend.
Bristol uses what they call a ‘Choice Based’ system for council and social housing allocation. They are seeking views from across the city, including people living in social housing or currently on the waiting list. This is an initial survey to gather views on the current system, and full consultation on future options will take place later in the year.
Ruth Pickersgill RuthEaston Pickersgill Easton (Labour) (Labour)
Afzal Shah Easton (Labour)
07584 480583 07775 026 384 (no texts)
cllr.ruth.pickersgill@ bristol.gov.uk
(text only)
cllr.afzal.shah@ bristol.gov.uk
Hibaq Jama Lawrence Hill (Labour)
Margaret Hickman Lawrence Hill (Labour)
0778 6732945
0778 3532216
cllr.hibaq.jama@ bristol.gov.uk
cllr.marg.hickman@ bristol.gov.uk
Printed by Bristol City Council Labour Members’ Services
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Up Our Street Spring 2020
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BARTON HILL ACADEMY
bartonhillbristol.org EDUCATING AGES 3 - 11
“ My child has achieved at Barton Hill and is very prepared for senior school.”
PARENT OF Y6 PUPIL
“..teaching is closely focused on pupils’ needs and is increasingly challenging, resulting in improved progress, particularly in reading and mathematics.” OFSTED 2018 Queen Ann Road | Barton Hill | BS5 9TX | 0117 903 0407 @BartonHillAc | info@bartonhillbristol.org www.upourstreet.org.uk
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sponsored article grandparents who look after their grandchildren, to older people who volunteer through community groups. Catherine has formed bonds with younger people volunteering as a part of BS3 Helping Others. “Lots of youngsters are looking for the company and knowledge of adults and lots of adults are looking for the company of youngsters. We can help each other.” says Catherine. Age Proud Bristol is an awareness campaign that challenges perceptions of older people in Bristol and encourages people to feel proud of their age and experiences. A common misconception about older people is that they do not contribute to society. However, far from being a ‘burden’ or a ‘drain’ on society, older people contribute more resources than they use. Research carried out by the Royal Voluntary Service identified that nearly half of people aged 55-74 volunteer, while figures from the Office of National Statistics show that over 50s make up nearly one-third of the entire UK workforce. As a part of the Age Proud Bristol campaign, Bristol Ageing Better has gathered the views of a variety of inspirational people from across Bristol about their experiences and advice regarding later life. This article features Catherine Wescott (65), Creator of BS3 Helping Others and Zehra Haq (64), CEO of Dhek Bhal. “The average 65-year-old still has an awful lot to offer in terms of wisdom, passion, love, care and, most of all, time.” says Catherine, who set up BS3 Helping Others after asking in a neighbourhood Facebook group whether anyone needed any help. Within 24 hours, she’d received 350 likes and 60 comments. “We must learn to befriend all those whom we meet in our daily lives and never assume that they are ‘OK’. You can do this no matter how old or young you are and no matter where you are - at the bus stop, in a cafe, in a store,” says Catherine. “You’ve got something that someone else needs.”
For Zehra, who works full time as the CEO of Dhek Bhal, supporting the community is her lifelong work. Dhek Bhal means ‘to take care of’, and Zehra has been either volunteering or working in Barton Hill since 1986. Zehra has always encouraged the older women she works with to have their say and to inform others. “I tell them, you are very lucky,” says Zehra. “You have a lot of skills and knowledge you can contribute.” Zehra believes it is important for younger and older people to interact and to recognise the contributions each side can bring to their community. In the past, Dhek Bhal has set up intergenerational activities and events with local schools. “I would like to see older people going into schools more,” says Zehra. “If a school does a cookery class, let older people teach it and show what we can do. Create opportunities for conversations - I think conversations are very important in breaking down barriers and sharing life experience.” As well as the contributions older people make in the workplace and volunteering, it is also important to recognise the unpaid caring roles that many older people undertake. Research from the national charity, Age UK, has shown that one in three people aged over 80 provide vital unpaid care for loved ones in the UK. Find out more about the Age Proud Bristol campaign by visiting www.agefriendlybristol.org.uk or search #AgeProudBristol on Twitter and take part in the conversation about ageism in Bristol.
Many older people develop close, supportive relationships with younger generations; from 22
Up Our Street Spring 2020
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Prepare yourself for work Gloucestershire College runs a range of free workshops to help you prepare for your dream job. • • • • • •
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Jobsmart and Course 2 Career workshops include relevant qualifications, plus the chance to update your CV and brush up on interview skills. Courses run throughout the year.
Book your place: www.gloscol.ac.uk/jobsmartbristol 01452 563278 jobsmart@gloscol.ac.uk
WHAM | Warmer Homes, Advice & Money
We can help you lower your gas and electricity bills, and make your home safe, secure and warm. We offer ...
• Advice on how use less energy and how to switch supplier. • Ways to make your home warmer and less damp. • Help with budgeting and getting out of debt. • Benefit advice. • Access to grants and discounts. For free and impartial advice call 0800 WHAM is funded by Bristol City Council, Warm Homes Fund and Bristol Energy.
Centre for Sustainable Energy, St James Court, St James Parade, Bristol BS1 3LH www.cse.org.uk
www.upourstreet.org.uk
082 2234
Adoption. Not Easy. But oh so definitely worth it … CCS Adoption in Easton is an independent, voluntary adoption agency, rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted four times in the last ten years. We find families for the children who wait – because they have a brother or sister, are children of colour, are a little older or have additional needs. Once your children are found we support you before, during and after adoption – as much as you need for as long as you need.
Find out more. Weds 15th April, 5.30 – 7.30pm, Information Evening at CCS, 162 Pennywell Rd, BS5 0TX
Tel: 0117 935 0005 Email: advice@ccsadoption.org Web: www.ccsadoption.org Registered charity: Clifton Children’s Society no 286814
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Up Our Street Spring 2020
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