www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Up Our Street is produced by Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management. Tel: 0117 903 9975 Post: The Old Bank, 108 Church Road, Bristol, BS5 9LJ contact@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter: @upourstreet Facebook: Up Our Street Charity no: 1081691 Company no: 04023294 Neighbourhood Facilitator Lorena Alvarez Tel: 377 3640 Finance and Office Manager Tracy Parsons Tel: 903 9975 Communications Officer Stacy Yelland Tel: 377 3638 Neighbourhood Manager Penny Germon Tel: 903 9879 Up Our Street is printed on recycled paper with vegetable inks and can be composted. It costs Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management 50p to produce every copy of Up Our Street. It is hand delivered to 13,400 homes in the local area. The opinions and information contained in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management.
At the end of 2013, our amazing delivery man, Jeff Francis, retired. Jeff had been distributing Up Our Street for us for years and many of you will have seen him out and about, whatever the weather, making sure you got your copy of the community newsletter. We’d like to thank Jeff for being such a star and we wish him all the best for the future. We have now found a new delivery company. Mike
Ethridge and his team from Bristol Leaflet Delivery will be distributing the newsletter for us. In order for this to work for us financially, there will now also be some flyers and leaflets delivered alongside the newsletter. We hope that you continue to enjoy the newsletter and we welcome your comments. and feedback. Contact Stacy on 377 3638 or @upourstreet or stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
We welcome local businesses and organisations to advertise in the newsletter. We reach 13,400 households in Easton, Lawrence Hill, Greenbank, Old Market, St Judes, Barton Hill, The Dings, Whitehall and Newtown. We haven’t changed our prices since 2010 so this year we have reviewed our charges to make sure we can continue to keep the newsletter going in the future. Our new rates (exclusive of VAT) A4 size £300 A5 size £200 1/4 size £125 1/8 size £75 (10cm x 7cm) Classified £50 (7cm x 5cm) Some concessions are available. Contact Stacy on 377 3638 or stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Listen to Up Our Street on BCfm 93.2, every Wednesday at 8.45am Follow us @upourstreet or find us on Facebook
Inside this issue Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management....page 3 Neighbourhood Forum..................page 4 News round up..................................page 5 Redfest..................................................page 7 Freedom through football............page 8 Same-sex marriage legalised....page 10 2
Up Our Street
Changes with khat.................................page 12 All Hallows Hall.......................................page 13 Life’s leaders, Jo Hook..........................page 14 IT for older people.................................page 15 Dings youth club....................................page 15 The legacy of Mandela.........................page 16 Lawrence Hill shopping centre.........page 18 Advertising.........................................page 19-23
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Follow us on Twitter @upourstreet #ELHNM
“Spring is a busy time in Easton and Lawrence Hill as lots of organisations and residents get back into the swing of things after winter. As you can see from the newsletter, there is so much happening in our neighbourhood and we hope you enjoy reading about all the people and projects that make this area so special. I am particularly looking forward to seeing all the spring bulbs starting to bloom. Over the last year we have worked with Bristol City Council to arrange for wildflower meadows and bulbs to
be planted across our community. Look out for splashes of colour that brighten up our urban area. During Easter school holidays we will be organising an egg and treasure hunt for our young people so we welcome you to that. As always we continue to run our Neighbourhood Forum which I am proud to say is the best attended in the city. So, if you’re reading this and thinking you’d like to help your community in 2014 then come along and get involved, we’d love to hear from you.” Sally Caseley, Chair of Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management
In October Lorena and Penny had the pleasure of judging the Easton Big Draw, a children’s art project at J3 library organised by The Architecture Centre.
Visit www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk and take a look at ‘Our People’ to find out more about us and who we are. We are working with community organisation Playing Out to bring outdoor play sessions to Easton and Lawrence Hill. Contact Lorena on 377 3640 to find out how - it’s FREE!
Thinking space - leadership A space to think about 'leadership' and who has the power to change the world for the better
Thursday 24 April 6.30pm to 8.30pm Silai Cafe, 176 Easton Road Contact Stacy on 377 3638 for more info.
Who are we? Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management is a small, independent community organisation which helps residents make positive changes where they live. We produce this newsletter, organise events and carry out projects. We also organise the Neighbourhood Forum on behalf of Bristol City Council.
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management
Up Our Street
3
Follow the Neighbourhood Forum on Twitter #ELHNF
Neighbourhood Partnership
By Penny Germon, Neighbourhood Manager The room was packed for the last meeting of 2013 including lively debate with the two guests, Farooq Siddique and the Mayor George Ferguson. Some key messages from residents to The Mayor were: Wanting more influence for local communities. Better joined up thinking and planning in the council. NP budgets which reflect the size, population and challenges an area faces. Councillors made decisions about how to spend the NP’s money including: £10,500 for a third round of small grants
for 2013/14. £8,000 for improvements to Bellevue Park, Easton. £5,500 for improvements to Rosemary Green, Easton. £10,218 for general improvements to green spaces across the area e.g. litter bins and benches. The NP agreed its priorities for 2014/15 which included the impact of demographic change, crime and community safety, supporting young people and improving the environment. You can find out what’s going on and how to get more involved at the Neighbourhood Forum or on www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
and Victoria Parade where officers visited all the charity shops at the location to encourage them What has been done to tackle the issues to display better signage letting people know not which are important to you? to leave donations outside the shop overnight. Graffiti Problem parking around narrow streets Ongoing Crimestoppers campaign against prolific In November police and council parking services taggers has had a good response and police were out on the worst reported streets during intelligence is showing much reduced tagging by peak times to talk to people and issue fixed the targeted people. Young people subject to penalty notices when necessary (three issued on court orders for criminal damage have spent Villiers Road). approximately 40 hours cleaning graffiti locally. Problem parking around mosques Dog mess Officers have been working with local mosques to Operation Scoop campaign continues with a reduce pressure at busy times. Some of these are focus on Chelsea Road, Redcliffe and the Railway now running their own traffic marshalling Path. 95% of dog walkers spoken to do carry schemes. Eight penalty notices were given out bags. Audits of incidents and reports are showing around Shah Jalal Lame Mosque by the M32. an average reduction of 48% in dog mess over Flytipping outside charity shops these hot-spots but keep reporting so Focus has been around shops on Church Road enforcement action can be more targeted.
Neighbourhood working
Barton Hill bollard boon Local resident Alan Dando contacted the Neighbourhood Forum about bollards that needed replacing on Marsh Lane to stop inconsiderate drivers from parking on the pavement. We are pleased to report these are now in place. Well done to Alan for being a caring resident helping look after his neighbourhood.
Dates for your diary Neighbourhood Forum Wednesday 26 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Easton Primary School, Beaufort Street Thursday 8 May and Wednesday 2 July Time and venue to be confirmed. Neighbourhood Partnership Wednesday 5 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Unitarian Hall, Brunswick Square Wednesday 25 June, details to be confirmed. 4
Up Our Street
Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Partnership
News New school gets go ahead in Redfield At the end of 2013 it was confirmed that Ireland’s Educate Together would be the provider for the new primary school set to open in Redfield in September this year. The new school will be built on the site of the council’s social services offices on Avonvale Road and Victoria Avenue. The school will open for reception class with 60 places this year and parents are invited to apply for a place up until 31 March.
Amy Mulvihill from Educate Together said: “We are excited about the new school and look forward to working with the community in Redfield to make sure that this school makes a real contribution to the educational landscape of Bristol.” Further information is available at www.educatetogether.ie/redfield To apply for a place visit www.bristol.gov.uk or call 903 7694.
Community plan for Old Market one step closer to reality Work on the Neighbourhood Plan for Old Market Quarter is still underway following the public consultation in November. The resident steering group is collating all the feedback and trying to take on board all the comments in the revised plan. Paul Bradburn, chair of the Old Market Community Association said: “Most of the comments were positive and English
Heritage was very supportive. Now we are working with the council planning team and we hope to have a second version of the plan ready in early 2014. We are also looking for more people to be involved so please get in touch. Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting to find out more.” For more information visit www.oldmarketquarterfuture.org and join the mailing list.
Changes to our local youth services continue Bristol City Council is working with Felix Road Adventure Playground Management Committee to support them towards taking on full management of the playground. As a step towards this, the council and management committee will manage the playground jointly for the next few months whilst the management committee develop their plans for the future. The playground is still open five days a week funded by the council and Learning Partnership West and urgent repairs were carried out in
January. Children will be involved in plans to improve the outdoor play area. Two expressions of interest were received for running The Mill Youth Centre. Empire Fighting Chance (boxing gym in St Pauls) was invited to proceed to stage two of the process and submitted a business plan in February. The lease is likely to be for 25 years. It is hoped that a final decision on the business plan and the future of the building will be made by the end of May. Find out about the club at www.empirefightingchance.org
The future of Trinity Police Station Rumours have been circulating about the future of Trinity Road Police Station. Police Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Chief Superintendent Jon Reilly attended the Neighbourhood Forum in February to take questions. The police are currently undergoing a review of all their resources including staff and buildings in
order to make savings needed by budget cuts. This review will make recommendations about how to best use resources. There are currently no plans to close Trinity Road and both Sue and Jon said they would come back to residents if that pictured changed. You can keep informed by coming to the Forums or by visiting www.avonandsomerset-pcc.org.uk
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
News in brief Residents’ parking zone Don’t forget, if you live off Stapleton Road (near Trinity Road) or The Dings then residents’ parking WILL affect you. You should receive a letter from Bristol City Council telling you what you need to do. Don’t ignore this! If you want to park a car you will need to take action. For more info: www.bristol.gov.uk/rps Tel: 922 4999 Bristol City Council budget plans The Mayor received 3860 responses to the budget consultation in November as well as 190 emails and further comments during public events. A report detailing the responses is available online. During January the proposals were discussed by the full council with a view that the budget and new staffing arrangements will be in place by 31 March. You can keep up to date on www.bristol.gov.uk European Green Capital Bristol is gearing up to host its Green Capital year in 2015 which will see a programme of events and projects taking place across the city. Kris Donaldson has been appointed as Programme Director to lead the project. He comes to us after having delivered a successful programme in Liverpool when it was Capital of Culture. You can find out more at www.bristolgreencapital.org
Not online? Contact the council on 922 2000 or your local neighbourhood team on 903 9975.
Up Our Street
5
Easton Community Cup DO GOOD, GET FIT GoodGym helps you get fit by doing good. You go on a group run to work on a community project, do one off missions to help vulnerable people or commit to visiting an isolated older person. You'll get the help of a qualified trainer and support to achieve your goals. Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 8pm Saturdays, 11am to 1pm More volunteers/runners and projects wanted. Contact Chris on 07857425667 bristol@goodgym.org www.goodgym.org
Two more local primary schools to become academies by the end of the year Barton Hill Primary School and Children’s Centre and Easton C of E Primary School have begun the process of converting to academy status in time for September 2014. This is an important move for both schools following a difficult 12 months which saw them in special measures with interim head teachers. Staff and governors have been working hard and hope to have new head teachers in place soon. The providers of the new academies are not yet known but we will bring you more information as soon as we have it. 6
Up Our Street
Football teams wanted Saturday 24 May 10am to 5pm City Academy
KIDS HOLIDAY CLUB
Contact Andy Thomas on 07824429539 to enrol a team. Organised by Kensington Baptist Church.
If you are a working parent who needs childcare during school holidays why not try Hannah More Holiday Club?
Open 8.30am to 6pm during school holidays (not bank holidays) for all children aged 5 to 11. Cost £22 to £24 per day. Half days available. Arts and crafts, sports, music, games and cooking, includes at least one trip a week. Fantastic outdoor play area. Contact 903 9936 to book a place. Hannah More Primary School, New Kingsley Road, BS2 0LT. New plaque unveiled on Gregory Street in Barton Hill to celebrate the life of community leader Reg Gregory. Funded by Sovereign with support from Barton Hill History Group. BHHG meeting dates Historic photos of east Bristol Wednesday 19 March Off licences of Barton Hill, Redfield, Whitehall and Newtown Wednesday 16 April Both 7.30pm, Bethesda, Church Road, £2 Visit www.bhhg.co.uk
We will bring you an update on the new building and the opening event at Barton Hill Settlement in the next issue. www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
every August. Today a core team of 25 people are responsible for making the event happen and in 2013 over 5,000 people attended on the day. “I think we’ve been able to grow because of the amazingly talented team we’ve got. Everyone is 100% committed and brings their passion and skills to make the festival a success. It’s a testament to what you can do if you put your mind to it” says Dom. Each year the festival is based on a theme chosen by Simon who has the creative overview. “Last year we chose ’wilderness’ and this year we’re toying with the idea of ’garden party’. I think art is important because it brings people together to think and explore emotions. Redfest isn’t a challenging arts event but Home is where the art is it is interesting and there are always some The rise and rise of Redfest surprises.” Dom adds “This area is a real hotbed of creative talent so it’s brilliant to be able to Redfield residents Dom Ljubic and Simon Webb explain more about why they started a community showcase that.” Redfest 2014 will take place on Saturday 2 August arts festival in our neighbourhood. with fringe events in the week leading up to the “We’re in our seventh year this year and it just feels festival. like the event keeps getting better and better” says Dom. Redfest started life when a group of You can find out more residents, who had an interest in the arts, wanted to about volunteering, use their talents and skills to bring an arts event to sponsoring or Redfield. The week long festival in venues around performing by Church Road and has grown into a major music and contacting Redfest organisers arts festival which takes place in St George’s Park Dom and Simon www.redfestbristol.co.uk We know that Easton and Lawrence Hill are the most diverse wards in our city. Those of us who live and work here also know that our communities get along well together most of the time. However this isn’t always the case and over the past twelve months, SARI has dealt with 51 cases of hate crime in Lawrence Hill and 12 in Easton. We met SARI caseworkers to find out more. “Hate crime can be any form of abuse either verbal or physical or damage to property. The most common kind is verbal abuse when hateful language is used. Out of the 395 cases we dealt with, 346 of those happened near the person’s home, which can be even more distressing.” SARI’s specialism is racism but they work with other organisations to deal with all forms of hate crime www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
including prejudice against a person due to their gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. They work with victims of hate crime but also offer education and training about how to treat others respectfully and to increase cultural understanding. Living in a busy urban area can lead to tensions between neighbours, often born out of misunderstanding or ignorance. It is also unhelpful when our media represents certain groups of people in a negative way. “When I first came to the UK in 1967 I remember our neighbours reported us to environmental health because of the smell of curry! Things have got better since then but people still need to think about the language they use or speak up if they know something is wrong. We want everyone to know we are here to help when people are targeted just because of who they are.”
You can report any kind of hate crime to Bristol Hate Crime Services led by SARI on 0800 171 2272. Up Our Street
7
Freedom through football
kids club.
If you live in Easton, you may well have heard of the Easton Cowboys. Last year the club celebrated its 20th anniversary and since the first football team got together, the Cowboys have travelled the world and played countless tournaments here on home ground. We met Nigel Walker, a Cowboy for 15 years, to find out more about the club and its roots in the Easton community.
“Today we are a well organised club with a strong management committee. The teams take their sport seriously and can be quite competitive and we often have teams in the top of their leagues. We are rooted in the community and have a spiritual home at The Plough pub.”
The club’s ethos is firmly grounded in a love of football and its ability to bring people together through the sport. They are strongly opposed to racism in the game, which sadly still exists in some places. “I guess “The Cowboys started out as a group of friends we’re about football with who enjoyed having a kick about. The club was set a smile. We believe in up for people who loved football but didn’t like freedom through some of the aggressiveness and attitude that came football. Our core values with some leagues. We wanted to just play football are about inclusion and in a friendly way. We started playing in Bristol’s creating a club where Sunday league and after about four years we had people can express enough interest to create a second team and it’s themselves through sport. We also always try and just gone from there.” help out teams and clubs that need it. I think that’s The name for the one of the things that makes the Cowboys special.” club comes from the The Cowboys have an international reputation. founding members They have played tournaments with clubs from love of Country and across the world – it is as much a social club as a Western music and sports club. They welcome anyone to get involved was a light hearted even if you’re not into a particular sport. They hold play on the word fundraising music events to raise money for local cowboy to mean causes and are happy to support activity which something a bit benefits Easton. amateur! Today the Having previously shied away from publicity, last Easton Cowboys year the founding members of the Cowboys name has expanded to include several men’s football teams, a woman’s thought it was time to tell their story and a book was published charting the history of the club from football team (Easton Cowgirls), three cricket teams, two netball teams, a basketball team and a its community roots through to its international championing of football which is inclusive to all. “I think there is a unique community spirit in Easton and the Cowboys are a result of that. We are always open to new members – you don’t have to be an expert player as we’re about attitude not ability.” The club has also got plans to expand its activities for younger people. “We are trying to get an informal kids kick about together for under six's and six to nine year olds. The ‘cowfolk’ kids club has been running for seven years as a social group and we want to develop it into youth sports. It’s early stages so anyone interested can contact Marcus Tait on 07952123214.” To find out more about Easton Cowboys visit www.eastoncowboys.org.uk 8
Up Our Street
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management Endowment Fund
You must live within the area marked by the black line
Small grants available for groups and individuals living in the area marked on the map opposite. Deadline Friday 2 May 2014. £300 for individuals For help towards courses or equipment. 17 to 19 year olds can apply for driving lessons. £1000 for groups Groups can apply for projects which benefit people living in the specified area. This money came from Community at Heart which ended in 2010. You MUST live in the correct area. Give us a call if you’re unsure. Contact Tracy on 903 9975 or officemanager@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk for an application pack.
Listen to BCfm One Love Breakfast 93.2fm Your local radio show Every Wednesday Up Our Street is on BCfm 93.2 fm talking about all things Easton and Lawrence Hill. We asked presenters Harriett, Tommy and Leah why you should tune in. Harriett: We talk about the things that other stations don’t cover and we are really committed to local Bristol music. Tommy: We are independent and not the voice of the Government or funders. We are the voice of the underrepresented and people that don’t usually get heard. Leah: We have regular guests, weather, news and travel as well as great music. We talk about all Bristol news and always want to support community groups to promote what they are doing so if you’re running an event then get in touch. One Love Breakfast is broadcast Monday to Friday from 7am to 10am on 93.2fm and Ujima 98fm. Contact the team on 0752882347 or @onelovebrekky or email onelovebreakfast@bcfm.org.uk www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
NEW HOMES FOR ST JUDES AT PLANNING STAGE At our Neighbourhood Forum in October we heard from Elim Housing Association about their plans to build more homes on a derelict site on Wade Street in St Judes. At the time of going to press we had heard that the application has been submitted for planning permission for a total of 20 homes (five houses and 15 flats). If approved and assuming that the sale of the land goes ahead smoothly, Elim hope to start work on site in March. The best place to find out about important developments like this is to come to the Neighbourhood Forum (see page 4 for details). Up Our Street
9
Celebration as same-sex marriage finally made legal Following the passing of the Marriage (Same-Sex) Act in 2013, same-sex couples will be able to get married in the UK from 29 March 2014. We spoke to BCfm Shout Out presenter Mary Milton and her partner Georgina to hear about plans for their big day. What is the difference between civil partnership and marriage? We feel that civil partnership is a compromise option that was taken by the then government to give lesbian and gay people almost the same rights and responsibilities as married different sex couples, without having the debate we have now had in parliament about the meaning of the word marriage. It set a principle of these relationships being viewed as fundamentally different and not worthy of the term "marriage". A marriage is formed when two people make promises to each other in a ceremony, a civil partnership is different in that the union is formed when the paperwork is signed. Civil partnership is in itself about the legal paperwork but same-sex couples have been customising it to make a public declaration of their love to use in the same way as other couples use weddings. The fact it is not a wedding causes clumsiness in the language - can you say you are "married"? or use the terms "husband" or "wife", if you are actually civil partners? Why is this new legislation so important? It's about all unions being equal under the law. This being validated by our government sends an important message to everyone in our communities and abroad about where our country stands on equality. Young people coming out, even those 10
Up Our Street
experiencing homophobia will be able to gain strength from the fact that they are supported legally. UK same -sex marriages will now be recognised all over the world in countries that have same-sex marriage. Civil partnerships have not been recognised in many countries that have same-sex marriage as it's not considered the same thing. This has caused problems for people with UK civil partnerships being recognised abroad as next of kin. Previously married transexual people have been in the situation of having their marriages annulled automatically on receiving a gender recognition certificate, because same-sex marriages were not allowed. Not everyone wants this and it's resulted in some trans people being unable to get a gender recognition certificate or change their birth certificates because they and their partner wish to remain married. While the legal position for trans people is not yet perfect at least they will now have the option of remaining married if they wish. What does it mean to you? Neither of us ever thought we would have a wedding, to be able to do so means that we can publicly celebrate our relationship in the way that everyone else can. It means the same as it would to any couple! Can same sex couples get married in a church, mosque or other religious building? The Churches of England and Wales are specifically banned from holding same-sex weddings. Other churches can opt in if they wish and several have already said
Shout Out’s Mary Milton
that they intend to. The Quakers, Jewish Liberals and Unitarians have expressed intention to. What would you like to see happen next in terms of equality for LGBT people? Are there still places where prejudice exists? There is still inequality on some pension rights for surviving partners in same-sex relationships. Trans people still have some problems with the marriage legislation. However mostly it's more about a general acceptance that is not quite there yet. LGBT people should be able to conduct their normal lives, hold hands in the street or book a double room at a hotel without worrying about unwanted comment or prejudice. How will you be celebrating your big day? We'll be celebrating with family and friends at the registry office and having a celebratory meal, like any couple really! We also hope to be part of a public celebration in Bristol to mark the change of the law. We are delighted to be getting married on the first legal day, but it's really about us and our commitment to each other. Mary is the producer of ShoutOut the local LGBT radio show made at BCFM 93.2. It can be heard on BCFM every Thursday at 7pm or online at www.shoutoutradio.org.uk
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Bringing down bills We spoke to Matt Wood from Easton Energy Group about how they hope to help reduce your fuels bills this year. “We will be working with the Centre for Sustainable Energy this year on a new project, called Less is More. Local residents could earn up to £5,000, to be spent on community facilities or activities, simply by reducing their collective electricity use. Between January and December, households connected to the local electricity substation can earn a community reward for reducing electricity demand, especially at peak times. The less they use, the more prize money they can win for the community. The project is funded by Western Power Distribution, who manage the local electricity network. They have to upgrade their systems to cope with high demand at peak times, so by shifting electricity use away from the busiest times there will be less need to upgrade substations. Better yet, if households can reduce the amount of electricity they use overall, they’ll make long term savings on their energy bills. We’ll be out talking to people about the project in the next few weeks.” You can contact Easton Energy Group on www.eastonenergygroup.org
Advising people on energy at our recent Beat the Cold event
Save a life, help your community
people. I think people don’t really understand what it means and how important it is. I have been Our Easton Councillor Faruk Choudhury is currently working with the NHS and Bristol Multi Faith Forum the Lord Mayor of Bristol. He has chosen to to go out and talk to groups to encourage more campaign to increase awareness of blood and people to register as donors.” organ donation, in particular among Black and To find out more call 0300 123 23 23 or visit Minority Ethnic communities. Every day three www.organdonation.nhs.uk/councils or people die due to a shortage in organ donations www.blood.co.uk/councils and 7000 people need blood. Less than 4% of donors are from BME backgrounds Not only do fewer BME people donate but they are more likely to need an organ as there is a higher rate of diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease. We asked Faruk to tell us more. “In the UK, BME people have to wait three times longer than a white patient for an organ because of donor shortages. I wanted to raise awareness of the need for more people to agree to donate blood and organs. I have signed up myself and let my wife know my wishes. There is no religious reason for not being a donor and in fact in all religious texts the message is to help others and by being a donor you are saving lives. One donor can help nine www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
Up Our Street
11
Changes in the right to chew
integration.
Khat is a green-leaf that has been chewed for centuries by people who live in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula. It is widely used in Europe, including the UK, particularly among emigrants and refugees from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia and the Yemen. Khat is imported into the UK where it is chewed recreationally. From March khat will become a class C drug which means if you are caught with khat for personal use, you may get arrested and get two years in prison. The penalty for supplying khat could be up to 14 years in prison. We spoke to Mohamed Mohamoud from Act 4 Somalia and Bristol Somali Forum about the ban and its impact. What is the effect of khat? Many things including mouth ulcers and black teeth. Khat is a stimulant so you can’t sleep and the sleep deprivation makes you irritable. Khat is chewed mainly by men who chew all night and may have mood swings and then sleep for hours. They can become depressed and irrational. All these things mean that family life can be difficult with the father being absent. A bundle costs £3 but only lasts up to an hour so men can buy up to 10 a day. Many men who chew are not working. Chewing impacts on men’s physical health, their mental health, and their financial situation. They become isolated from their community, and suffer loss of status and khat becomes socially not physically addictive. What is the argument against the ban? Some people feel that banning khat will simply divert use to other drugs like alcohol, cocaine and cannabis since the root problems will still be present. There are concerns about criminalising a large swathe of the Somali community overnight and that this will lead to further barriers to
Mohamed from Act 4 Somalia
What is the argument in favour of the ban? Some community members, mainly mothers, are in favour of the ban because they think there is a strong link between mental health problems and khat usage which contributes to family breakdown, domestic violence and a lack of integration. Unemployment rates among the Somali community are far above the national average and academic achievement rates are far below the national average and khat is in part responsible. What is the difference between khat usage in Somalia and the UK? In Somalia khat was only chewed during happy gatherings like weddings, Eid and social events and between the hours of 14:00 to 18:00. Here people chew khat for hours and almost everyday. Also in Somalia only old men used to chew but here young people who feel isolated and distressed turn to chewing khat. What do you hope will happen after the ban? Personally I think we need to address the Somali community’s trauma, distress and isolation and work together to explore ways of political and social change. Find out more about Mohamed’s work to help Bristol’s Somali community and improve integration at www.actforsomalia.com
****** News in brief ****** ****** Integrate Bristol is thrilled to announce that the lovely women of Redfield WI (WI.RED) voted to support Integrate as their designated charity for 2014. This means they will help raise funds and volunteer to help the group’s campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation and violence against women and girls. ****** ChocBox 2.0 received 122 responses to their consultation about the site of the former Greenbank chocolate factory. News that the proposed free Steiner School is not coming to the site means developers are back to the drawing board. Residents will have their community plan for the site ready in spring and are in conversations with the developers.
12
Up Our Street
****** Rosemary Early Years in St Judes is set to become a children’s centre from 1 April. This will mean more support for families in St Judes, The Dings and Old Market and more places for two year olds. They are also hoping to expand this year. Call 903 1467 for info. ****** Look out for 8000 spring bulbs planted across our area thanks to the Neighbourhood Partnership. You should see flowers in Rawnsley Park, Bannerman Road, Chaplin Road, Albion Road and the railway path.
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Health and wellbeing at Wellspring
number of years and the goal is to bring the men attending different sessions together to build Barton Hill’s Wellspring Healthy Living Centre has bridges in the community. “Although our work been leading the way in providing specialist services starts with ethnicity it doesn’t end there and it’s for the many communities in our neighbourhood. more about the individual’s experiences as men, We met up with Tomasz Podpora and Gosia rather than their culture, that we focus on” adds Piotrowska to find out how they are helping the Tomasz. Polish speaking members of our community. “I work with any Eastern European women who “I run a regular men’s drop in and offer one to one need a bit of help and Gosia and Tomasz in support” says Gosia. support for Polish men who are suffering from Wellspring Gosia, who speaks mental health problems and addictions” says Polish, English and Tomasz. His work is part of a lottery funded programme which offers targeted support to men. Russian, runs a dropin service for women “Our team also includes Somali and Africanwho need help. Both Caribbean support workers.” Since the project Gosia and Tomasz began in March 2013, Tomasz has seen around 40 welcome new clients clients. Some complex cases require long term support but often the men need some advice and to so if you or someone reduce their isolation by coming along to the Time you know needs a Out social drop in where they can relax, have a cup helping hand contact of tea and biscuit and play on the Wii. “The biscuits Gosia on 304 1411 or Tomasz on 304 1433. are very important!” says Tomasz. Wellspring has been running support sessions for men for a From derelict hall to creative communal space
safe and habitable. After a while the landlord of the building found out but when he saw what had been done he gave us a rental agreement” explains Malcolm. The hall is no longer squatted and has You may have passed All Hallows Hall on All recently agreed membership of its cooperative Hallows Road and never noticed it or hurried past which has given it the stability it needs to grow. the dark and forbidding exterior. Now thanks to the “We just want the space to be used by everyone hard work and dedication of local volunteers, the who wants it. We raise money from music events lights are on and the doors of All Hallows Hall are and then we can hire it for low cost to other open, welcoming all kinds of creative activities to people. We’ve got regular classes in aikido, circus take place in a 300 capacity venue. We met skills and theatre. We do a weekly ping pong night Malcolm, Neil, Annie and Gil, some of the key and a monthly Medley Market (see page 20). members of the cooperative running the building, Having a big space like this with high ceilings is to find out more. “About a year ago some people rare so we have circus rigging up” says Neil. Gil decided to squat the building and use it as a space. explains about the future plans. “We are going to They spent a long time doing it up and making it lay a wooden floor and we want to make an accessible toilet. There are loads of people in Easton doing creative things and we want to provide a local space for them to use.” The building is full of character and it’s impressive to think this has all come about because of a group of local volunteers who wanted to make it happen. “Empty buildings are bad for communities, it’s wasted space and they feel threatening. It’s been amazing seeing so many people using and enjoying the space. We’ve had great support from the council and the landlord and we’ve got a good team of people running things so I’m feeling really positive about the future” says Neil. To book All Hallows All Hallows Hall and cooperative members Hall for your event contact Craig on Gil, Annie, Neil and Malcolm with circus 07450882311 or bookings.ahcc@gmail.com skills teacher Kristina.
How volunteers transformed an empty building in the heart of our community
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
Up Our Street
13
30s. 14% of the population are HIV positive which is one of the highest rates in the world. Only 25% of children go on to secondary school. As I got to know more about people’s lives I really felt that I wanted to do something to help. I set up Temwa about ten years ago with Continuing our series introducing a friend. We spent a year fundraising, mainly through music inspirational women, we meet Jo Hook, an Easton resident who set up and arts events. I really feel that Temwa, a charity helping some of the Easton community played a world’s poorest people. part in that – it was amazing how rallied round to support Inspirational women everyone us. I was setting up the charity Jo Hook while working full time and it’s only in the last few months I’ve Tell us a bit about Temwa We work in remote, rural areas of been able to work full time on northern Malawi where no other Temwa. It's just me and one other agencies work. We do a range of person employed full-time in the projects – sustainable agriculture, UK, with a part-time events coordinator. We employ 34 school support, scholarships, forestry and micro financing. We people in Malawi, our team is completely African led, with the do a lot of HIV and AIDs majority employed from the education. We do mobile HIV communities we serve. testing, as most people live a long walk from any medical help, Tell us about Malawi I know people might say why do I as well as films in the local language that try and change the work for somewhere so far away when there are problems in this stigma attached to HIV. All our country, and I do understand that work is about making but the need in Malawi is so much communities stronger. Our ultimate goal is for communities greater. I visited in 1997 when the country was emerging from a to no longer need our support. long, repressive dictatorship. Temwa means love in the local Although it is a peaceful country Chi Tumbuka language. it is very poor. Every year there is How did it get started? a time of famine and people just During my 20s I spent a couple of accept that. I remember someone years travelling. I ended up asking me if it was true that in visiting Malawi and the people I England we had so much good met were the friendliest people. food that we had to pay people They were also the poorest. It was to stop us eating it! He meant shocking to realise how people Weight Watchers and it really didn’t expect to live past their
14
Up Our Street
made me think about things. What are you proud of? All our projects are chosen by the community. Recently we heard from Harry Potter who is a government aid worker who has years of experience. He spent eight years in Malawi and he said that our way of working was the way all aid work should happen – it’s bottom up from the community rather than top down. Often big charities and NGOs choose a project, do it and then move on. Also our microfinancing is so important as it helps people develop a way of supporting their own community. When I first visited Malawi I met a man who was part of one of our projects who told me we shouldn’t bother as he wouldn’t be around in a year when it was finished. People were very fatalistic about the future and expected to die young. Recently I saw that man again and he was talking about the future positively. We serve an area of about 40,000 people and I think everyone’s lives have dramatically changed – Temwa has given people hope and for me that’s one of the most important things. I’d also really like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us. You can find out more about Jo’s work at www.temwa.org
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Edward (bottom right) with learners and tutors at J3 library
Don’t get left behind in the digital age With so many local services being offered online and more and more people using the internet as the main form of communication, it can be worrying for those of us not familiar with computers. In Easton and Lawrence Hill there are lots of people who find using a computer difficult or don’t have the skills they would like when it comes to getting online. If you are over 55 or disabled you can take part in a free course to help you get to grips with computing. We met 60 year old Edward Morris from Lawrence Hill who has just started his course. “I’m not working but I wanted to learn something and get out the house and interested in something. I don’t know anything about computers - I can’t even send a text. My grandkids can so I want to catch up! I love music so I want to be able to find new music online. So far it’s been fun and it’s friendly.” Edward is also using the library to practice between classes. The classes are organised by Citizens Online, a charity funded by BT. The five week course runs at J3 library, Lower Ashley Road on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm. To book a place on the course contact Julie-Ann on 07785462568.
Daisy. Tia, who is 15, adds “I like seeing everyone I know here.” “We’re now open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6pm to 8pm and we get between eight and 12 children coming along” says Tania. Wednesdays are for eight to 13 years olds and Fridays are open to anyone age eight to 19. Wednesday sessions are funded by Bristol Youth Links and Learning Partnership West and on Fridays by the Dings Community Association and volunteers. Children can play games, draw, cook, play the X-Box and take part in outdoor sports when the rain finally stops! The club is a really cosy, welcoming place and everyone is friendly so why not On a rainy January night we coming here and colouring and give it a try? popped into The Safe ‘Ouse in playing outside. I know the others You can contact Rob or Tania The Dings to meet children’s as they go to my school” says on 955 6971 or 07917013253 / engagement workers Tania and Keilee. 07807622272 about play Rob and hear about new activities Seven year old Kieran also enjoys sessions in The Dings and in taking place at the club. Tania the club “I like cooking. My other parts of our area. and eight year old Keilee are in favourite thing to cook is pizza.” The Dings Club is available for the middle of chopping onions “I get bored at home so I like hire at other times. Contact Sally for tonight’s omelette. “I like coming here” says nine year old on 07837068823.
Down in The Dings
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
Up Our Street
15
The meaning of Mandela On 5 December 2013, Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government in South Africa and create an equal country for Black and White citizens. After he left prison in 1994, he became the first Black President of South Africa and retired in 1999. Mandela became a hero to people all over the world. He was respected for his courage and wisdom in bringing people together to live in peace. We ask some of our community in Easton and Lawrence Hill what Mandela means to them. Pat Hart, BCfm One Love Breakfast presenter “The loss of Nelson Mandela has left not just a nation but an entire world saddened and deeply humbled by one man who symbolised so much of what is amazing about human nature. From his quiet defiance, subsequent detention and then victorious campaign to end the barbaric practice of apartheid, Nelson Mandela forever kept a poise and dignity that only a saint could maintain. I never met him yet feel a sense of loss reserved only for those near to me. I never spoke to him yet I feel compelled to want to hear his words, and I never suffered like he did yet I still feel anger at the way the world stood by and watched as he spent so many years in prison. Nelson Mandela’s loss has affected me deeply, I am sad and I am scared that the world now has no father of freedom or
and he gave me the strength and courage to stand up and fight against injustice.”
Follow Pat on Twitter @pgmhart
Asif Khan, Yardstick manager and community engagement manager with Bristol libraries “Since the death of Mandela there have been a number of discussions about the ways in which Bristol might commemorate Mandela’s achievements. On the day of his funeral there was a public march from St Pauls Asif and poet Lorna Goodison to Millennium Square, which also included poetry by Rob Mitchell. Bristol street artists Felix Braun (FLX) and DONES have created a stunning mural in ANC colours of green, yellow and black in tribute to Nelson Mandela, which can be seen in Jamaica Street in Stokes Croft. Bristolians can look to the positive way they have responded to Mandela’s death as part of a global conversation on themes of social justice and race equality. The responses to the commemoration of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 2007 and the more recent events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott show that much of the best art being created today is political in tone, texture and colour.” Follow Asif on Twitter @culturekhan Reetha Desai, Bristol Museums and Easton resident
Pat (right) with fellow broadcaster
“Mandela had the ability to treat you like the great person you could be instead of the flawed human being you felt you were. And no other leader I’ve met did, or could do, that.’
John Simpson, journalist. campaigner on an international scale for justice and For me, this was Mandela’s for good. Mandela was the son and the father of the rainbow nation, but it felt as though he was my unique gift, and I try to do the same every day for the people in my life.” father too, because he guided me, he inspired me
Follow @mshedbristol on Twitter
16
Up Our Street
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Donna with Mandy and Geoff
Support for a smoke free future It is well known that giving up smoking is one of the toughest challenges out there. We have all heard about the damage smoking does to our health as well as our bank balance but giving up is hard. If you have decided you want to give up but are struggling on your own, help is at hand. We went along to a Stop Smoking session at Lloyds Pharmacy on Church Road and met Mandy and Geoffrey Bryant, who are proudly celebrating their 12 week goal of being non-smokers, along with their support worker Donna. “We both wanted to stop as it was expensive and we were ready” says Mandy. The couple from
Shared lives
Introducing a professional service which cares for vulnerable people in our neighbourhood We met up with Jane Wood and Jane MacDonald from Bristol City Council’s Shared Lives scheme to find out more about how this scheme is helping people who most need it. “Shared Lives is based around the idea of providing care for a disabled or vulnerable person in your own home. We recruit people who can offer care on a long or short term basis by opening up their home” says Jane W. Shared Lives provides flexible employment for people with some experience of caring by giving them the opportunity to work from home. For the person in need of care, it means they can be part of a supportive family environment rather than accessing support from residential or institutional care. “We have a real mix of people who come to us as carers. Everyone is fully security checked and trained and we match a carer up with www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
Barton Hill had worked out that smoking was costing them around £7,000 a year and that it had become a part of their routine that they wanted to shake. They contacted the NHS who put them in touch with their local session. “By coming to see Donna we can’t cheat and smoke. We’ve stuck with it” says Mandy. Both Mandy and Geoff had been smoking for over 30 years and although they had tried to stop in the past they had always gone back to it. “This time feels different. Now when I smell another person smoking it smells horrible when before it used to smell nice” adds Geoff. During the sessions clients use a carbon monoxide reader to show whether their breathing has improved and after 12 weeks Mandy and Geoff are both feeling better. “We can taste different foods now. Before everything was tasting the same but now I’m remembering foods I don’t like!” says Geoff. The Stop Smoking support is a 12 week course run for free at pharmacies and health centres. You will receive one to one support and low cost medication. Each session lasts between 15 and 40 minutes. A Polish speaking worker is also available at Lloyds Pharmacy on Church Road. You can call Lloyds Pharmacy on 954 2228 or pop in to 235 Church Road or visit www.smokefreebristol.com
a suitable client” says Jane M. The team already have clients from Easton and Lawrence Hill but welcome more carers to come forward. “If you want to know more about how to become a carer then we’d love to hear from you.” If you think you could provide care for someone in your home contact Shared Lives on 903 6680 or sharedlives@bristol.gov.uk If you or someone you know needs care you can register your interest by calling Care Direct on 0800 002 9227.
Up Our Street
17
NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR EMPTY BUILDING IN LAWRENCE HILL In July last year a new shopping centre full of independent businesses opened in Lawrence Hill. The building had been derelict for a number of years and a local entrepreneur saw an opportunity to bring jobs and help regenerate the local economy of Lawrence Hill. We met up with Liban Abdi, the man behind the project, to find out more. Shopping centre in Lawrence Hill
How did you get started in business? I have been living in Bristol for 12 years. My background was in business and community work. I had my first ever business on Stapleton Road, a phone shop, and then I was working as a director for Local Learning for many years. Local Learning is a charity that helps people to learn English and how to use computers. I helped get the old pub [The Lord Russell on Lawrence Hill] turned into the Local Learning Centre with residential above. What was your idea? I’d seen this empty building and I knew that there were lots of Somalis in the community who would like to start a business but couldn’t afford the rates on the high street. I wanted to open this place up with small units that were affordable and gave people the chance to try running their own business. I approached Local Learning about lending me the money to do the work on the building and we pay them back through the profits from the businesses. We wanted to offer space that was modern and clean, safe and welcoming. We wanted the businesses to help each other. We have a monthly meeting to talk about any problems or changes, it’s a partnership. Why is business important? It gives people the chance to make a success and earn money. Most of our businesses are run by women. It’s important people know that there is a positive impact of immigration, we are contributing and setting up new businesses. The women can pass the skills on to their children. Sometimes there 18
Up Our Street
are barriers for them working in other types of jobs so they like to work for themselves. We had filled all the shops before we’d finished the building so there was a real interest in it. What do you sell? We have 14 units rented out selling Somali food, women’s and men’s traditional clothes, a cafe, money transfer, books in Arabic, a travel agents, a hairdressers and beauty salon and women’s beauty products. The cafe sells traditional food and you have to book to reserve a meal. Our busiest times are at Eid and Christmas and when Somali ladies come in to talk after school. We also try and offer services people need here. We have an advisor who comes to help people fill in forms and make phone calls and she sees people of all nationalities. Part of our agreement with Local Learning is that we help people and she sees up to 40 people a day. On Saturdays a Somali doctor comes to give people health checks in their own language. What would you say to people who haven’t visited before? Come and see what we’ve got. You can try Somali coffee and Somali sweets and you’re welcome to come and look around. I think it is good for Lawrence Hill that we are here. This was an empty building and people used to go away to shop but now they come to Lawrence Hill. What are your plans for the future? We would like to get planning permission to change the use of the floors above. At the moment that is for residential but it is derelict. We’d like to turn it into a modern meeting place where we can hold big events that are important to the Somali community, like celebrating Somali independence day. We’d like a good quality meeting place which we could let all the community use. Lawrence Hill Shopping Centre is open daily from 9am to 8.30pm.
Liban with a business owner in the centre
www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Twitter @upourstreet
Avon Wildlife Trust’s Communities and Nature (CAN) project is working in Easton and Lawrence Hill. Funded by Big Lottery, the CAN programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of groups including young people, adults with mental health or learning disabilities and refugees. It aims to do this through engaging people with nature and involving them in practical outdoor activities, identified by the community, bringing people together and improving the local environment. Recently local residents built fantastic bird boxes which have been put up in Chelsea Road Park, Albion Road Park and Bellevue Park. Look out for them next time you are passing and see if any birds such as blue tits, great tits or sparrows are nesting in them. Together with charity Foodcycle we have been working with volunteers to enhance the community garden (between Easton Community Centre and the cycle path) for everyone to use. We have lots of exciting plans such as growing fruit and vegetables and building a picnic bench. There will be future work days in the garden, so please get in touch if you'd like to volunteer or keep an eye out for posters advertising these sessions. Email: mattharcourt@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk Tel: 0117 0980 0393 Communities and nature
Sumeraz Bristol 44 Chelsea Road, Easton
The Name Of Quality Beauty. We provide Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Threading, Henna, Reflexology, Waxing, Massage, Party make up, and African/Asian Hair styles. To Book Appointments please call: 07513412926. www.eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk Twitter @upourstreet
TO DISCUSS ADVERTISING IN UP OUR STREET CONTACT STACY ON 0117 377 3638 OR stacy@eastonandlawrencehill.org.uk
Up Our Street
19
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, and 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 its 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 reduce your risk of developing future problems and stay healthy. 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.gov.uk/healthcheck
43 Church Road Open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm Just pop in or book an appointment on 07917501352. Friendly barbers offering a range of modern and traditional haircuts. 20% discount for employees on and around the Church Road area. Valid until 31st May 2014. Hairticians Hair and Beauty Salon 41 Church Road Open 5 days a week. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Specialising in Afro and European hair also deep tissue massage and Swedish massage.
To book an appointment contact 0117 941 2362 or just pop on in. Capo Designs - DID YOU KNOW? Well-designed Button Badges have proven to be one of the most impactful and effective promotional items over the years. Button Badges provide an economical give-away solution. And let’s not forget, children absolutely love them! IDEAL FOR: BUSINESS PROMOTION, MEDIA, MUSIC, YOUTH, CHARITY, SCHOOLS AND MUCH MORE. At Capo Designs we produce button badges, fridge magnets, fridge magnet bottle openers, key rings, key ring bottle openers plus much more. Great (low) prices for quality products.
Contact us now on 07503683341 or email info@capodesigns.co.uk
Need a hand at home?
Breathe Express 2014
Homeshare could
be for you . . . If you’re an older person or a younger disabled adult with a spare room. Gain friendship, security and help around the home by sharing your house with someone who can help you, in exchange for a room in your home.
To find out more, contact Elaine Jones Homeshare Coordinator: 0117 9543931 homesharebristol@wecr.org.uk www.homesharebristol.org.uk
Homeshare Bristol is funded by:
and managed by:
The return of outdoor fitness training in St George Park using minimal equipment and body weight exercises as well as boxing drills to burn fat, increase strength and speed...and have FUN! This Spring it is being run in shorter sessions; get in there, get sweaty, get out...Suitable for all. Min 4 participants to run. Saturdays 9am and Wednesdays 9am meeting at Table Tennis Tables in St George Park Cost £3.50 per session; £12 per 4 week block Starts 8th March 2014
THE Latin and world music inspired workout that is all about show casing YOUR individuality and flare. All about music and beats; so much fun it is like a party! NEW class at Trinity Centre Tuesdays 6-7pm Cost £4 for a drop in session Please contact instructor to book on. For more information on this or any other Prowess class/Personal training please contact ELLE on 07870805242 or email me prowessfit@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website www.prowessfit.com or Prowess page on Facebook