Moulsecoomb & Bevendean Winter Newsletter 2023

WINTER 2023/24

MOULSECOOMB AND BEVENDEAN

WINTER NEWSLETTER WHAT'S ON We have been busy giving out the Healthy Neighbourhood funding to community-run projects. More details on page 6. Get involved in the many fun and meaningful activities on offer!

If you are interested in influencing local health issues, come to our first Health Forum meeting in January.

Interested? Email ankethurm@trustdevcom.org.uk or text 07449 464695.

Did you know that you can borrow litter pickers from the storage box in front of Moulsecoomb Library to organise your own community litter pick in the area? Get the code inside the library!

This issue is packed with information about local services, useful contacts and winter activities! Enjoy!

Higher Bevendean Advent Window Trail

From 1st December until Christmas Eve, each night a new window will appear in Higher Bevendean to celebrate advent. Kick off event at The Bevy on 1st Dec at 7pm with the mayor.

Mince pies and warm drinks served. There will also be a guest appearance by Father Christmas.

WHO WE ARE

Moulsecoomb Local Action Team & Action for Bevendean Community are acting as the local community forum for their area, helping bring people together to discuss community priorities. please contact us on for more info & meeting dates moulsecoomblocalaction@gmail.com and action4bevcomm@outlook.com If you are interested in developing this newsletter please contact esmeyoung@trustdevcom.org.uk.

TO FIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE BRILLIANT ACTIVITIES GOING ON IN MOULSECOOMB AND BEVENDEAN GO TO WWW.ISSUU.COM/MANDBWHATSON OR SCAN THE QR CODE.

MOULSECOOMB AREA NEWS

Volunteers needed The Bevy Seniors Lunch Club - Fridays 122pm. Come along and help out at our friendly lunch club. For more information contact Esme 07367 360134 esmeyoung@trustdevcom.org.uk

BEVENDEAN AREA NEWS Action for Bevendean Community is your friendly community forum in Bevendean. Come join us to discuss local issues, join our public meetings about health, buses, roads, events and community projects in 2024. To join us or learn more contact: action4bevcomm@outlook.com or phone 07449 464695

Table Top Sale - 1st Sat of month 10-12pm Salvation Army, Leybourne Road (prebooking needed - 07722189477)

What's on at Bevendean Community Garden?

The community garden hosts regular Forest Club activities, Mondays 10-12pm Forest School for children up to 5 years.

Cooking workshops and Feel-Good Friday events for the local community. It can also be used as a venue for other activities.

Find out more: facebook.com/bevendeancommunitygarden Our regular gardening volunteer sessions are on Saturdays one a month 1-3.30pm and Thursdays.

Everyone welcome!

Text ahead if you plan on coming along: 07748 140486 For information on the history of Bevendean www.bevendeanhistory.org.uk

AREA WIDE NEWS Adult and Community Learning Bevendean & Moulsecoomb, January - March 2024 Our Adult & Community Learning programme continues in January 2024 with a new round of classes in Bevendean and Moulsecoomb. Whether it’s for leisure, personal development or to get fitter and healthier, research shows that joining an adult education class has a positive effect on mental & physical health as well as overall well-being.

We will be running the following courses from St. Georges Hall in Moulsecoomb: · Art for All, Pilates for All, Introduction to Meditation and Mindfulness, Introduction to Creative Writing On offer at The Bevy, we have: Restyle and Upcycle your Clothing Courses are between 9 and 10 weeks long and have a concessionary rate of just £1 per hour for people aged 65 or over, or for those on a means tested benefit / low income. Full cost is just £4 per hour. Our classes are amongst the cheapest on offer in Brighton and Hove!

Please get in touch if you would like a brochure. You can also keep up to date with local learning opportunities by checking in on the Community Learning facebook page ‘BrightonCommunityLearning’ For further information contact Varndean College, Adult Education 01273 546602 / dem@varndean.ac.uk / commed@varndean.ac.uk

NEW PROJECT COMING SOON Forest Bathing – Mindfulness In Nature Would you like to join a small group for Mindfulness In Nature, (based on Forest Bathing* Principles) sessions in the spring/summer 2024?

If you're interested please drop Hannah a message or a call: 0781 451 7943 The sessions will be free. *Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan, the practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve well-being.

Our session will take place locally in the woods.

They will be approximately 2hrs long with refreshments.

Aiming to promote a connection with nature, encourage us to spend time in nature, and develop a deeper appreciation for the nature around us.

XMAS AND WINTER ACTIVITIES Christmas dates St Andrew’s Church has its winter fair on Saturday 2nd December.

Starting at 10.30a.m. until 1.30p.m.

Buy some presents and meet new friends.

Christingle on Christmas Eve 24th December in Holy Nativity, Norwich Drive. Starting at 6.30p.m.

All are welcome to sing carols and have some fun

HEALTHY NEIGHBOURHOOD FUNDING The following local groups have been awarded Healthy Neighbourhood Funding to benefit their local communities. For more information or if you have idea to start your own community activitiy, get in touch with your local community development worker Esme 07367 360134.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Activities Sunflower Support Group for parents of children with special educational needs. Coffee mornings take place every 2nd Thursday of the month at The Bevy from 9.30 to 11.30am. Email sunflowercarers@gmail.com. Visit facebook.com/SunflowerSupportGroup Metamorphosis Art Group meet weekly on a Friday 12.30 at Broadfields Lounge, Moulsecoomb Way and enjoy Arts and Crafts and a social meet up. For more information call 01273 606345 Bates Estate Orchard Community group supports gardening on the estate. Check notice boards for updates.

Moulsecoomb Bangladeshi Women’s Group is a social group for local women running various activities. For more info contact anitajohal@trustdevcom.org.uk Bevendean Buddies W.I. host various activities for local women in a welcoming environment. Get involved: facebook.com/bevendeanbuddies Moulsecoomb & Bevendean Arts & Crafts Project at St Andrew’s Church meet every other Wednesday. Offering a range of led arts and crafts workshops.

Friends at Bevendean School organise a Christmas event for everyone to join on 8th December: fabs@bevendean.brighton-hove.sch.uk Outdoor Wellbeing Activities One for All Forest School offers a safe space for neurodivergent adults. Find us on Facebook!

Forest Bathing/Meditation group for people to get together and enjoy mindful walks, ‘bathing’ in the forest, in the lesser-known local outdoor areas. Starting in SPRING 24!

The Bevy Garden hosts weekly gardening sessions Wednesday 9-11.30 contact 07722189477 Dave/Shirley Bevendean Community Garden run a range of activities for everyone in a beautiful outdoor space.

For more information check out facebook.com/bevendeancommunitygarden Fernee Forest Club offers weekly forest school for under 5’s and more at Bevendean Community Garden Advent Window trail in Higher Bevendean . See map on front of newsletter Physical Activities for all ages Communitas Dance & Yoga group. Weekly affordable activities. communitasdance@outlook.com Flamenco Dance sessions held on a Thursday at Student Castle. Call for info 01273 606345 Boys Brigade and Girls Association offers weekly sessions on Tuesdays for 5-18 year olds. Contact: stephengeorge5@hotmail.co.uk Lotus Yoga on Tuesdays 6.15pm at Holy Nativity Hall. Email: bugslug69@uwclub.net Food Projects The Bevy Seniors Lunch Club serves Fridays lunch and activities at The Bevy from 12-2pm Bevendean Foodbank & Coffee Morning on Wednesdays at The Holy Nativity Church Winter Feast Cook along at St George’s Hall family cook along on 16th December 12-4pm and another in Bevendean date tbc – contact trailertrash100@gmail.com Very Local Food Hubs offer affordable veg boxes, growing workshops, farm visits and more: www.facebook.com/verylocalfoodhubs

COUNCILLOR UPDATES Moulsecoomb & Bevendean (with Bates Estate) The 48 bus service is not good enough. That's why we organised a petition to demand it is improved, which has been signed by over 300 people. At the end of August we held a public meeting with the head of Brighton & Hove Buses, attended by over 100 people.

We are clear - as councillors, we will keep fighting in this issue until the service is improved.

Amanda Evans amanda.evans@ brighton-hove.gov.uk 07562437629

Ty Goddard In October, Councillor Ty Goddard led a walkabout in ty.goddard@brightonMoulsecoomb with key council officers. They documented key hove.gov.uk areas that need improvement: broken pavements, overgrown 07745210046 hedges, fly-tipping hotspots. We are clear that the council hasn't given Moulsecoomb and Bevendean the right level of service and attention over the years, and we are fighting to change that.

Jacob Taylor jacob.taylor@ brighton-hove.gov.uk 07745742048

In August, Cllrs Amanda Evans, Ty Goddard and Jacob Taylor held a surgery at the Bevendean Foodbank on Norwich Drive, where a number of important issues were raised by residents. A big thank you to the Bevendean Foodbank, who continue to do amazing work in supporting local families.

In October, Cllr Jacob Taylor was pleased to join Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP for a visit to Moulsecoomb Primary School, to observe the wonderful work done by the ‘Little Green Pig’ charity in providing after school clubs to encourage reading and creative writing.

Following discussions with a resident, we were pleased that the council were able to install a proper baby changing facility in Moulsecoomb library.

In November, Councillor Goddard attended a wonderful event organised by ABC with a 'Dragons Den' style panel that heard pitches from a range of community groups for funds from the Healthy Neighbourhoods pot.

North & East Moulsecoomb (Coldean & Stanmer Ward)

Mitchie Alexander mitchie.alexander@ brighton-hove.gov.uk 07745210034

Tobias Sheard tobias.sheard@ brightonhove.gov.uk 07745210040

The councillors are working with residents and Council Officers to improve ‘grot spots’, where fly tipping has accumulated for a long while.

Cllr Mitchie has been meeting with members of the Moulsecoomb Community Market to help them with any local or housing issues. Cllr Tobias has been meeting with local student residents to help them be responsible neighbours of our long term residents.

Cllr Mitchie was part of the recent Moulsecoomb Healthy Neighbourhood panel, where local community groups receive funding for various activities for local people, including low cost Yoga, senior lunch projects, arts & crafts and even free Forest Mindfulness sessions in Moulsecoomb Woodland!

Cllr Tobias is part of the Housing Committee and he is busy working on the new landlord licensing scheme that will soon cover Moulsecoomb & Bevendean ward.

Cllr Mitchie is part of the Our Place Moulsecoomb & Bevendean steering group and work has begun on next year’s outreach Arts project, which will bring the Brighton Festival to our community.

Watch out on the local Facebook forums for details and the date for a free CHOMP Christmas session for families to take place in Moulsecoomb in the Xmas holidays.

USEFUL CONTACTS Anke Thurm - Trust for Developing Communities Community Development Manager (Group support, governance & fundraising) ankethurm@trustdevcom.org.uk 07449 464695 Esme Young - Trust for Developing Communities Community Development Worker (Healthy Neighbourhood Funding & Group support) esmeyoung@trustdevcom.org.uk 07367 360134

Free / affordable food projects Bevendean Foodbank (Bevendean, Avenue & Meadowview residents) at Holy Nativity Hall, bevendeanfoodbank@gmail.com or 07856408522 Moulsecoomb Community Market (Moulsecoomb & Lewes Road residents) - affordable food market at St George’s Hall - info@ourmcm.org.uk or 07925 523924 Very Local Food Hubs (various dates, locations, activities) Contact: verylocalfoodhubs@gmail.com Bevendean Chomp, various locations Bevendean.

Contact: bevendeanchomp@gmail.com The Bevy Community Pub, Friday lunches (Bevy Seniors Club) Tel: 01273 281009 For further food support go to: www.bhfood.org.uk

Brighton University Community Liaison. Andy Keefe CommunityRelations@brighton.ac.uk

National and local resources to help you save money • Turn2Us (National website, benefit calculator, grant search…) www.turn2us.org.uk • Money Advice Plus (local money & debt support) www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk or advice line 0800 988 7037 • Citizens Advice -www.cabrightonhove.org/get-advice • Healthy Start Vouchers (vouchers for milk/fruit/veg for under 4s) – www.healthystart.nhs.uk • Free School Meals – www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/free-school-meals or 01273 293497 Help with energy bills • Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) applyforleap.org.uk or freephone 08000607567 • BHESCo (energy & switching advice, community energy etc) – www.bhesco.co.uk • The Energy Saving Trust (tips for energy saving) - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk • Southern Water Advice – www.southernwater.co.uk/account/help-paying-your-bill Mental health support • UOK Brighton & Hove (Mental health & wellbeing support) – Free phone 0808 1961768 (open Mon-Fri 9-5) • Sussex Mental Healthline (urgent support) – 0800 0309500 www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/sussex-mentalhealthline