April / May 2026

Braunstone Alert April / May 2026

Read the Alert online...

One Call, That’s All (OCTA) updates..

One Call, That’s All: Supporting Braunstone Residents Under One Roof Life can become challenging when you’re facing money worries, health issues, or other personal difficulties. For the past year, b inspired’s ‘One Call, That’s All’ (OCTA) project has been making it easier for Braunstone residents to get the support they need, without the stress of navigating multiple services.

OCTA takes a simple, joined‑up approach.

Instead of sharing your story with several different organisations, you only need to tell it once. From there, b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) works with you to make sure you’re connected to the right help whether that support comes directly from b inspired or from one of our trusted partners.

Over the past year, the NST has seen growing demand for debt and benefits advice, delivered by the Leicester Community Advice & Law Centre (LCALC). Appointments often book up two to three weeks in advance, but the team always works hard to support urgent cases whenever possible.

B inspired is proud to continue delivering this important work - offering practical support, compassionate guidance, and a welcoming space for anyone in the Braunstone community who needs a helping hand.

When I walked th rough b inspired’ s door, I didn’t know whic h way to turn. W ithout Sally’s support, I don’t think I’d be in the place I am now.

B inspired have he lped me with my conf idence, meeting ne w people, encourag ed me to buy bo oks and use new kitc hen equipment.

Some Changes to OCTA Project Staffing ...

With Terry retiring in April, Sally will become our full-time Support Worker. Sally has been part of our Neighbourhood Support Team for the last 3 years and has been working alongside Terry on OCTA since it began.

As she now takes on the role full-time, she will be giving service users one-to-one support, making sure they recieve appropriate advice and guidance, to ensure any challenges they face are overcome in the best possible way.

A story of someone who received support from the NST via OCTA...

A local, single mum-of-three reached out to the Neighbourhood Support Team, after a sudden drop in benefits left her family struggling. She was also experiencing anxiety and low confidence. With just one conversation, this lady was quickly connected to the right help, receiving an emergency fuel voucher, a food parcel, and access to weekly Foodshare; easing the immediate financial pressure. As things stabilised, she gained confidence and joined a Cooking on a Budget workshop, which helped to rebuild skills and connection in the community.

Feel like you or someone you know could benefit from this support?

0116 279 5020

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support@b-inspired.org.uk Neighbourhood Support Base, Gallards Hill, LE3 1QR

Updates from the Neighbourhood Support Team...

Celebrating Terry: A Well-Deserved Retirement This April, we will be saying a fond farewell to Terry from b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team, as she begins her well-earned retirement.

Terry has been a dedicated and much-valued member of the b inspired family since 2007, having first joined the organisation when it was known as b working. Over the years, she has contributed to a wide range of teams and projects; always bringing commitment, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Many residents across Braunstone will have their own memories of Terry and the support she has offered over the years. Whether through a listening ear, practical guidance or simply her reassuring presence, Terry has touched the lives of countless individuals in our community.

As a key member of the current Neighbourhood Support Team, Terry’s experience and warmth have been greatly appreciated not only by residents, but also by colleagues across b inspired. She will be deeply missed by staff from our team and beyond.

While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for her years of service and the positive impact she has had on the Braunstone community. We wish Terry every happiness in her retirement - it is truly well deserved. from the Neighbourhood Support Team Terry said: “I have been a part of the b inspired family since 2007, working on many different support projects within the charity. I would just like to share that although I am looking forward to my retirement, I enjoyed supporting the Braunstone community and wish my lovely team and the residents of Braunstone good luck for the future.“

0116 279 5020 support@b-inspired.org.uk

Terry on

working! reception at b

Delivering a presentation as part of ‘Better Mental Health For All’

Engaging with the Braunstone community

for conference Attending a TA) C (O l Al ’s at One Call, Th

As of April 2026, most residents living in social or council housing will have received notification of their increased rent from their landlord.

Please ensure that you report your new rent amount through your Universal Credit account as soon as possible, to avoid any disruption to your payments.

If you require assistance with this process, please contact the b inspired Neighbourhood Support Team, who will be happy to help.

Neighbourhood Support Base, Gallards Hill, LE3 1QR www.b-inspired.org.uk @BInspiredLeicester

@binspiredleics

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Brew & Banter....

Day Pancake

ing at Parents even imary Pr e on Braunst

Men’s Den....

ion & Percuss n Discussio

National Pie Week

Cooking On A Budget....

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Bowling

Community Consultation with Community Psychology Trainees from Leicester University

Wellbeing Updates...

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Food Hub Updates...

Hub On the next page, our Food e some Coordinator, Kelly, has mad ls people simple suggestions of mea shop... can make using their pantry ember, If you are not a pantry m you can these are also basic things ur put together as part of yo weekly shop!

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Make the most of your pantry shop!

, Steak pie, mash potatoes and veg with gravy, fruit and yoghurt for pudding

Homemade min ced beef & onio n pie, mash potatoes and veg, with gr avy, yoghurt for pudd ing

and , chips, beans rs e rg u b se e Che f with a slash o s, e g d e w to ta po rt uit and yoghu BBQ sauce, fr

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Roast chicken in Chic ken White Sauce, with instant mash and sweetcorn, with frui t and yoghurt

e and asta sauc p , s ll a b t Mea oghurt uit and y r f i, t t e h spag

m, sli, toast & ja e u M s a e Breakfast Id ast, glass of to n o g g e t, as beans on to p off coffee juice, or a cu

Volunteering Bulletin...

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Updates from The Grove Community Hub A Warm Welcome to The Grove Community Cafe We are delighted to announce the opening of The Grove Community Cafe at the Hub. Now open six days a week for walk-ins, the cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold lunches, barista-style coffee, and much more in a welcoming community setting.

In addition, we are pleased to provide corporate buffet services, as well as bespoke food packages for events and parties held at The Grove.

To find out more, please visit: www.braunstonegrove.co.uk Contact Lee on: 07880 024123 Email: cafe@b-inspired.org.uk.

As part of National Walking Month (May), we will be setting up a buggy walking group. If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch with us: support@b-inspired.org.uk

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Inspiring the Next Generation: International Women’s Day at The Grove Community Hub It was a pleasure to welcome 150 year 6 and 7 girls from four local schools to The Grove Community Hub, for our annual International Women’s Day celebration. The event brought together young people for a day full of inspiration, learning and fun; highlighting the importance of confidence and teamwork.

Throughout the day, the girls took part in a wide range of engaging activities and workshops. These included first aid sessions, arts & crafts, cake decorating, dance & drama, gaming, and self-confidence workshops. One of the highlights of the day was our muchanticipated Girls’ Football Tournament, where the girls showed fantastic skill, determination and team spirit - congratulations to Winstanley School for taking the win!

Alongside the activities, we were delighted to welcome special guests; including Blue Watch from Western Fire Station and our local Beat Police Officers, who spent time speaking with the girls and sharing insights into their roles within the community. Their involvement added an extra layer of inspiration to an already memorable day.

A particularly special moment came when the Lord Mayor officially opened our brand-new Community Cafe. We are excited to see this develop into a vibrant, welcoming space for the whole community to enjoy.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the schools, partners, volunteers and staff who helped make the event such a success. Most importantly, well done to all the girls who took part - you made the day truly unforgettable.

We run a variety of activities for girls at The Grove, including girls-only football sessions. To find out more about what’s on, please visit: www.braunstonegrove.co.uk

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Local Updates...

Braunstone History Group...

We’re working to open the Stable Block Museum on selected weekends in 2026, depending on volunteer availability.

Upcoming dates: 1 Apr (2pm) - AGM, Braunstone Town Civic Centre 12 May (6pm) - Celebration Event, Winstanley House Hotel Celebrate 250 yrs of Braunstone Hall and 100 yrs since the first sod was cut for the estate.

13 June (10am-3pm) - Stable Block Museum Open Day 8 Aug (Time TBC) - Braunstone Town Fete, Mossdale Meadows 16 Aug (1.30-3.30pm) - 82nd Airborne Event, Braunstone Park Walled Garden 17 Sept (10am-4pm) - Heritage Open Day, Stable Block Museum 17 Oct (11am-3pm) - History Show, Braunstone Town Civic Centre The museum can be opened to local groups by arrangement.

Contact: geraldinesyrett@gmail.com

Easter Church Services...

St Peter’s Church Maundy Thursday (2 Apr, 6pm) - Sedar Meal Good Friday (3 Apr, 12-3pm) - Reflection Easter Sunday (5 Apr, 10am)

Hockley Farm Medical Practise...

We’re working hard to improve our services for patients. Here’s what’s new: Follow us on Facebook for news / updates www.facebook.com/hockleyfarmmp Reducing Missed Appointments: We’re reviewing ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) figures and completing audits to better understand them.

Please cancel appointments in advance, so the appointment can be offered to another patient.

Please allow 3-5 working days for repeat prescriptions.

Patient Participation Group (PPG): We’re actively working and listening to your feedback to improve our service.

Blessed Sacrament Maundy Thursday (2 Apr, 6.30pm) Good Friday (3 Apr, 3pm) Easter Sunday (5 Apr, 8am) - Latin Mass Friday Pop-in: Weekly sale, 10-11.30am Drop-in: Fortnightly on Weds, 2-4pm Tea, cake & good company 8 Apr - Art & craft session 22 Apr - Talk by Margaret Devlin 13 May - Reflection led by Sister Gabrielle 27 May - Music with John Williams

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Braunstone & Rowley Fields Police You said, we did...

Priority 1: Anti-social behaviour in and around Braunstone Park, Cort Crescent & Gallards Hill Officers continue to maintain regular highvisibility patrols across the park and surrounding areas.

Nightly ASB car has continued to proactively target the location, providing sustained coverage during peak times and reinforcing our visibility.

Priority 2: Road Safety Officers have carried out multiple Pedalfast operations. Since operations began in Aug 2025, 53 e-scooters and 42 e-bikes have been seized, alongside the recovery of a stolen motorbike and bicycle.

Several arrests have been made for a range of additional offences identified during these deployments.

Priority 3: Anti-social behaviour (drug-related) So far this year, officers have executed 14 Misuse of Drugs Act warrants. This has been supported by multiple arrests for drug-related offences.

Upcoming Beat Surgeries 4 Apr, 3-4pm

Rancliffe Allotments

11 Apr, 8.30-10am

Braunstone Parkrun

12 Apr, 10-11am

Rowley Fields Allotments

21 Apr, 10-11am

Neighbourhood Support Base

29 Apr, 10-11.30am

The BRITE Centre

1 May, 6-7pm

The Grove

9 May, 9-10am

Rancliffe Allotments

21 May, 6-7pm

Barbara Road

27 May, 1-2pm

Braunstone Leisure Centre

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Easter Activities...

Thurs 2 Apr, 10am-12pm: Toddlers Learning Together Easter Fun (1-2.5 yrs) Thurs 9 Apr, 10am-12pm: Toddlers Learning Together (1-2.5 yrs) Fri 10 Apr, 10am-12pm: Family Fun session (all welcome)

Fun Easter Fact! bury creme More than 1.5 million Cad day! eggs are produced each

Marjorie Lillian Beighton 24 Feb 1935 - 17 Feb 2026 We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marjorie Beighton. Marjorie passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday 17 February.

Marjorie was a much loved mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be missed enormously. Marjorie was laid to rest on 17 March. The sun was shining as we said our final goodbyes and shared stories and memories of Marjorie together.

Marjorie was a passionate volunteer and longstanding supporter of b inspired’s work. She touched many lives through her kindness and commitment. Some of our team have shared a few words in tribute to her…

Creative Futures - Arts Award Graffiti Project with Voluntary Action Leicester At the end of September 2025, a group of young people from Braunstone began their journey with Voluntary Action Leicester’s Creative Futures programme; initially working towards achieving a Bronze Arts Award. By Mar 2026, all 10 participants had successfully achieved a Silver Arts Award, reflecting the exceptional quality of their work, as well as their persistence and commitment throughout the programme.

The artwork [pictured on cover] highlights the new skills and creative techniques the young people developed during the course. Their pieces will be exhibited at The Grove Community Hub, giving the local community an opportunity to see and celebrate their achievements.

The exhibition also commemorates the 25th anniversary of b inspired, with the artwork serving as a creative tribute to this important milestone.

In recognition of their talent and dedication, two of the young people have also been commissioned by Graffwerk to contribute to projects being delivered on a wider scale.

I met Marjorie at Talk Time in 2019. She was very active - always here, there and T everywhere, attending groups and volunteering at b inspired and St Peters. In 2020, I had my daughter Rosabella, and Marjorie knitted lovely clothes and a blanket which Rosabella still uses today. During Covid, we enjoyed weekly calls, talking about family, life and Marjorie would always ask after my children. After Covid, Marjorie struggled to get back to her weekly groups, although she did attend some Talk Time sessions, an afternoon tea and Christmas lunch; supported by her befriender Lesley who visited and called weekly for the last few years.

Jen Wilson, Wellbeing Facilitator, b inspired

An update on Alan Rosak...

Rememer Alan Rosak, the local artist we featured in the last edition of the Alert?

Alan wanted us to share with you an update on the statue he’s been making of his father Zygmunt Alexander Rosak, using entirely recycled materials.

Here are some photos...

I was sad to hear of Marjorie's passing. She was a real legend - so kind, caring, compassionate and full of a quiet strength.

My abiding memory of Marjorie is her smile and kindness towards people. Right from when we started FoodShare, originally called St Peters FoodShare, back in 2011/12 at St Peters Church. She would volunteer all the time, helping with whatever she could, especially welcoming people with a smile and a sweet treat to make them feel comfortable.

Then when we moved the FoodShare down to Wellinger Way, she would come along there too and welcome people into the reception on food collection days with her lovely smile and a cuppa.

Angie Wright, Chief Officer - b inspired

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Pride in Place - the local improvement project The government’s new Pride in Place Programme is a chance for everyone in North Braunstone to help shape improvements to the local community. This is really good news for the area.

It means that over the next ten years, £2 million will be spent every single year to help this community. This might be on new equipment or bus shelters or you may think the money should be spent tackling issues like health and loneliness.

Over the next few months, we will be recruiting for the neighbourhood board, which will be a panel of local people who will decide how the money is spent. The board will include your local MP Liz Kendall, Councillors, community groups and you. Anyone can put themselves forward to join. If you’re interested, please contact: liz.kendall.mp@parliament.uk for more details.

Chances like this don’t come around very often. With your contribution, the money could be used to build pride in our neighbourhood, deal with problems that have been ongoing for years and help give young people better chances in the future.

This is a proud moment for North Braunstone. We have got this funding from the government.

And now, working side by side, we will make the very most of it.

& CAFE

Preloved@45 Community Shop & Cafe are based at 45 Wellinger Way. We are a non-profit organisation run by local people for local people and we are proud to be based in the heart of Braunstone. Volunteering is a big part of our Community Shop and we are so grateful to everyone that helps us.

We want to know from our lovely customers if there is anything we could do differently or new things we could start offering. Please give feedback when you come to see us.

We receive some lovely comments. Here are a few: “The shop feels like a real community space. Nothing is too much trouble and you always look out for things and save them.”

“The volunteers make us feel really welcome.”

“Who doesn’t love a bargain and there are always bargains here!“ Your donations are vital in keeping the shop open and we thank each donator for your generosity.

One thing we would ask is please do not leave them outside when we are not open. They can either be taken, damaged by animals getting in the bags, strewn all over the floor and with the terrible weather we are having get drenched. We take donations all day every day we are open.

Giving back is a big part of the non-profit Community Shop and this month we have: Donated skates to the local Adventure Playground Donated tennis/squash racquets and a space hopper to a local school Donated some toys for a struggling parent to give their child on their birthday We have some delicious cakes and cookies for sale every week and hot food / snack items in the cafe for eating in or taking away. Opening hours are: 10am - 4pm, Tues - Fri.

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