December 2024 / January 2025

Braunstone Alert December 2024 / January 2025 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers!

Read the Braunstone Alert online…

No. 1 for news in Braunstone

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Neighbourhood Management Board (NMB) headlines from meeting on 29.10.24

B inspired hold relaunch event to showcase the newly refurbished Grove Community Hub

Neighbourhood Support Service Foodshare open Mon 23 & 30 Dec, instead of normal Tues & Weds. Befriending Team door-knocking opposite side of the park to promote our services. Warm Packs distributed [More Pg 5].

Braunstone Mental Health Network meeting in Sept focussed on children’s mental health in schools [More Pg 6].

PA Housing have a new Neighbourhood Coordinator for Braunstone and surgeries will return to Neighbourhood Support Base (NSB), Gallards Hill.

Turning Point have a Polish speaking Outreach Worker who holds fortnightly drop-ins at the NSB. Voluntary Action Leicester offer Creative Futures (16-24yr olds) award in arts. Age range extended to include employability for adults. One stop shop for people looking for employment / training.

On Thursday 10th October, b inspired held a relaunch event, to showcase the recently refurbished Grove Community Hub. These refurbishments have taken place, thanks to a Government Youth Investment Fund Grant we were awarded in Summer 2023.

Local residents and visitors to the area may have noticed the recent changes to The Grove, which b inspired hope will assist us in our mission to make it a hub that other stakeholders can benefit from; including mental health organisations, youth groups, football clubs, dance groups, arts and others.

The developments include a major upgrade of the hall and dance studio to create a community theatre space, as well as the introduction of a brand-new gaming room and 3v3 basketball court. Other upgrades will improve the energyefficiency of the building.

The relaunch was a chance to showcase the newly refurbished Grove to stakeholders, funders and other visitors. Dignitaries also attended the event, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leics. (Mr Graham Smith), the Lord Mayor and High Sheriff of Leicestershire. The event was a great success and included presentations about the facilities, activities and our ongoing work, as well as a tour of the newly modernised Grove Community Hub [pics Pg 2].

Keep an eye on the ‘News’ section of b inspired’s website and on social media for the latest information about what’s going on at The Grove.

Next NMB: Tues 10 Dec, 2-3.30pm, The Grove

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Community Updates…

Braunstone Estate & Rowley Fields Neighbourhood Police Team

A massive thank you from Braunstone Foodshare…

What Matters to You and what we’re doing…

Priority 1 Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area of Braunstone Park • Investigating ASB calls, working with partner agencies and imposing sanctions.

Priority 2 Drug use and dealing • Obtaining and executing warrants at hotspot addresses.

Priority 3 Theft from motor vehicles • Completing proactive patrols of the Narborough Road area, as this has been identified as a hot spot.

B inspired would like to thank the community for the kind donations we received over the Harvest Festival.

Organisations such as schools, churches and community groups came together to organise collections for Braunstone Foodshare.

These included: • Christ the King Academy • Fossebrook Primary School • Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church • St Peters Church • Queensmead Primary School • Kirby Muxloe Primary School • Stafford Leys Primary School • St Bartholomew's Church, Kirby Muxloe • Friar Lane & Braunstone Baptist Church • Braunstone Community Primary School • Midlands Care • Busy Bees Nursery • Little Fir Trees Preschool We are very grateful for all of these donations.

You can see pictures of them on Pg 2.

In November, we also received a large donation of food from Oadby Plastics Group [pics Pg 2].

We very much appreciate this!

@LPWestLeics WestLeicesterPolice leics.police.uk

Blessed Sacrament December is the season of Advent, when we prepare ourselves spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ, through acts of penance, going to confession and supporting local projects helping others, including the Christmas Dinner Campaign.

Details of services and Mass times in December and on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day will be in the newsletter www.westleicestercatholic.org, on the noticeboard and on Pg 8.

During Dec and Jan some of our social events will be paused, but here’s what’s happening: Friday Pop-in Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, 10-11.30am. Items for sale and Christmas stall.

Pop-in closed - Fri 20, 27 Dec 24 & 3 Jan 25.

Reopening as usual from Fri 10 Jan. Everyone welcome.

Drop-in & Drop-off Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, 2-4pm.

Weds 11 Dec Reflection led by Sister Gabrielle and shared lunch.

Weds 8 Jan Games and general social.

Weds 22 Jan Midday Mass & birthday celebration!

See our website for details of the activities taking place in the Parish.

Wishing everyone joy and peace at Christmas and in 2025.

Want to see your letter / update included in the next edition of the Braunstone Alert?

Send them to us… communications@b-inspired.org.uk

A fond farewell to our Foodshare Coordinator…

In December, Nigel Gordon, our Foodshare Coordinator, will be leaving the Neighbourhood Support Team. Since coming into the role in Sept 2020, Nigel has done a lot for the Foodshare and local community; navigating us out of the pandemic and then going on to develop the Foodshare and Pantry schemes. Nigel has been a vital source of support for many of the Foodshare members, the wider community and the rest of the Neighbourhood Support Team.

Everyone at b inspired would like to thank Nigel for everything he has done for the community over the past 4 years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Look out in the next edition of the Braunstone Alert, for an introduction to our new Foodbank Coordinator.

by Mon 6 January

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and News B inspired's Neighbourhood Support Base Becomes Official 'Mental Health Friendly Place' in Braunstone B inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Base has always prided itself on being a place where people in need of support can get the help they need, when they require it. In recent years, our Getting Help In Neighbourhoods ‘Get Connected, Stay Well’ programme (launched 2022) and ‘Better Mental Health For All’ (launched 2023) became a catalyst for us to achieve these goals; including launching Braunstone Mental Health Network (June 2024).

Although we have always strived to be a place that supports and champions the mental health and wellbeing of people in Braunstone, we wanted to put an official stamp on this. That’s why, as part of the 2024 World Mental Health Day, we were proud to announce that we are now a ‘Mental Health Friendly Place’.

This means that b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Base has become one of almost 80 organisations across Leicestershire, that are committed to the mental health and wellbeing of local residents. In practical terms, it means our Neighbourhood Support Team have completed specific training, which gives us the skills and confidence to have a chat with you about your mental health and wellbeing and let you know where you can go for further support.

Further information and resources for people who may be struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, can be found on the ‘Start a Conversation’ website.

www.startaconversation.co.uk

B inspired distribute Warm Packs to the community in Braunstone…

Thanks to funding from National Grid, b inspired have been able to distribute Warm Packs to vulnerable members of the community in Braunstone.

Last winter, we distributed Warm Packs to people who already use our services. This winter, we have been able to continue this, but we have now extended this offer to community groups who work with people in Braunstone, enabling them to refer vulnerable people within their networks to receive a Warm Pack.

Since October, we have been able to distribute Warm Packs to 48 households.

The Warm Packs were put together by volunteers from b inspired’s Men’s Group [pics Pg 2].

A typical Warm Pack can include the following: • Fleece Blanket / Weighted Blanket • Adults & Children's Oodie (hooded blanket) • Light Bulbs • Radiator Key • Radiator Foil • Hot Water Bottle • Microwavable Heat Bag • Draught Excluder

A message from Trinity Methodist Church…

Dear Friends, As we move towards the colder weather, we’re all aware of the escalating cost of heating our homes.

Unfortunately, these costs are multiplied in a church building. However, if that were the only cost we were currently facing, it wouldn't be too bad. Sadly, this isn’t the case. A few weeks ago, one of our church boilers was condemned and we are now faced with a bill of around £17,000 to replace it.

We are inviting you to help with this major expense. Please would you consider either lending the church some money or making a gift to us to meet this necessary expenditure. If you would like to give a donation and are a tax payer, you could increase the value of your gift by completing a Gift Aid form.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this letter.

Rev’d Joy Langford, Trinity Methodist Church

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Health & Wellbeing Highlights from Braunstone Mental Health Network Meeting on 30.10.24 In October, Braunstone Mental Health Network met for the 3rd time. The Mental Health Network is a consortium of agencies, who come together to discuss how to improve mental health outcomes for local people. The network was launched in June, as part of b inspired’s ‘Better Mental Health For All’ project. 26 people attended the October meeting, from various agencies across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

At each meeting, the agencies come together to discuss a case study; with this months being from Mental Health Support Teams in Schools for Leicester West.

Feedback from the meeting was positive, with participants praising the case studies as an opportunity to input and collaborate. Participants find the meetings to be a useful means to network with likeminded people, who are passionate about supporting people with their mental health.

If you are part of an organisation who would like to be involved in the Mental Health Network, please email: support@b-inspired.org.uk.

Please note, the Live Well walks will not be taking place on the following dates…

Braunstone Neighbourhood Mental Health Café

Thurs 19 Dec, Thurs 26 Dec, Thurs 2 Jan

Drop in support for when you’re struggling to cope

Provided by LLR Mind & Leicester City in the Community

Tuesdays, 1pm - 4pm Sundays, 4pm - 7pm The Grove Community Hub, Cort Crescent, Leicester, LE3 1QZ Email: nmhc@llrmind.org Phone: 0116 216 4340 www.llrmind.org

V1 MAY - BRAUNSTONE NMHC Poster A4.indd 1

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28/08/2024 13:39:45

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Weekly Activities Calendar Mon What Pie Lunch Seniors Fitness Golden Gloves Playgroup Adults Ballet Dance 11+yrs Adult Dance Cubs 8-10yrs Tues Playgroup History Group Talk Time Men’s Group Knit & Natter Dance 3-5yrs Dance 5-11yrs Gaming 11-17yrs Rebounding Fitness Beavers 6-8yrs Scouts 11-14yrs Knit & Natter Job Shop Weds Free Football 8-12yrs Free Football 13-16yrs Youth Club 13-17yrs Adult Dance Class High Heels Class Gardening 3rd Weds Golden Gloves Slimming World Thurs Walking Group Stay & Play Playgroup Lunch Club 1st & 3rd Thurs Football 8-11yrs Street Dance 9-12yrs Football 12-15yrs Resist Beyond Fitness Fri Playgroup Guides Stay & Play Baby Group Pop-in Art Group Lets Get Active Basketball 11-14yrs Football 5-14yrs Basketball 15-19yrs Football 16+yrs Karate Karate Sew ‘n’ So’s Seniors Fitness Golden Gloves Sat Braunstone Parkrun Children's Ballet Football 5-14yrs Girls Football 5-14yrs Street Dance 8-14yrs Children’s Chess Sun Dance 3-6yrs Dance 7-10yrs Dance 11+yrs Football 16+yrs Golden Gloves

When 10am 11am-12pm 6pm 9am 5.30pm 5-7pm 7.15-8.15pm 6.30-8pm

Where

9.15am 10am-12pm 10am-12pm 10am-1pm 11am-1pm 5-6pm 5-7pm 6-8pm 7.45-8.45pm 5.30-6.30pm 7-8.30pm 12-3pm 1.30pm

0116 289 8177 Trinity Methodist 0743388727 Stable Block Sandyhurst Neighbourhood Support 0116 279 5020 0116 279 5154 07876498592 The Grove 0116 279 5154 07917457455 nd 0116 473 7358 2 Leics Scout Hut

4-5pm 5-6pm 6-8pm 6-7pm 7-8pm 6pm 6pm 7.30-9.30pm

Oak Centre Trinity Methodist The Grove 2nd Leics Scout Hut

BRITE Centre

Contact 0116 3260269 lynchclare@sky.com 0116 289 8177 0116 289 8080 07876498592 07538489967 0116 473 7358

0116 454 0280 0116 279 5154

The Grove BRITE Centre Oak Centre

07876498592 07783808591 0116 2995476 lynchclare@sky.com 07710956987

10am 10-11.30am 9.15am 12pm 4-5pm 5-7pm 5-6pm 7-8pm

Neighbourhood Support 0116 279 5020 07710956987 Oak Centre 0116 289 8177 Trinity Methodist 0116 289 2182 0116 279 5154 07876498592 The Grove 0116 279 5154 07917457455

9.15am 7.15pm 9.30-11.15am 1-3pm 10-11.30am 10am 1-2pm 4-5pm 4.30-6pm 5-6pm 6-7.30pm 6.15-7.15pm 7.30-8.30pm 11am 11.30am-12.30pm 6pm

Trinity Methodist

9am 9.30am 9-11am 11am-12pm 10am-12pm 2-4.30pm

Braunstone Park Trinity Methodist

9am 10am 11am 5.30-7pm 10am-1pm

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Family Hub Blessed Sacrament BRITE Centre

The Grove

Oak Centre

0116 289 8177 0116 289 8177 0116 454 3890 0116 285 8795 0116 454 0280 0116 299 5476 0116 2795154 07393285177 0116 279 5154 07855016775 07855016775 0116 326 0269 lynchclare@sky.com

Oak Centre

braunstone@parkrun.com 0116 289 8080 07393285177 07876498592 0116 326 0269

The Grove

07835612730

Oak Centre

0116 279 5154 lynchclare@sky.com

The Grove

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What’s

Braunstone Parkrun Christmas runs…

Knit & Natter

Sat 21, Weds 25, Sat 28 Dec, Weds 1 Jan

3rd Thurs of the month, 2-3pm, 19 Dec & 16 Jan St Peters Church, Woodshawe Rise

Braunstone Park, 9am A free 5k run - starts on the grass between Gooding Avenue and Braunstone Hall, with 2 clockwise laps of the park.

Want to see your event or activity included in the next edition?

Email: communications@b-inspired.org.uk

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Happening?

YMCA Carol Concert

Live performances, bible readings and carol singing.

Our cosy carol service is a great time to meet with friends and celebrate Christmas, with mulled wine and mince pies.

The event is free and open to all. However, if you wish to give a donation you could help give a homeless young person a safe place to call home and the support they need to create lasting change in their lives.

www.wackywarehouse.co.uk

Weds 11 Dec, 7pm, The Y, 7 East Street, LE1 6EY

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Festive

How to save money this festive season…

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Savings Guide

Crossword Answers Across 1.Sven 3.Paris 6.Leaping 7.Mincemeat 8.England

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Down 2.Narnia 3.Poult 4.Cracker 5.Indian

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New Year, New You

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Age UK Last Orders Project What is the Last Orders Project? Age UK are working in partnership with Turning Point, to raise awareness of responsible drinking and provide extra support to individuals in their recovery.

How the Last Orders Project works They deliver workshops and interactive sessions in the community to discuss alcohol use and promote wellbeing. They offer both one-to-one and peer support.

They will always listen, guide and support in a professional, non-judgmental way & can link individuals, their carers and families to other support services where necessary.

If you are worried about your own or another persons alcohol or substance intake or would like to arrange an alcohol awareness workshop, please get in touch with them on 07738 820978 or lastorders@ageukleics.org.uk.

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Activities Page

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Traders Corner

Alert Advertising Prices Business Card (5x9cm) £40+VAT Quarter Page (14.75x10.5cm) £105+VAT Half Page (21x14.5cm) £175+VAT Full Page (21x29cm) £210+VAT

YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise in the Braunstone Alert?

Please contact b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team…

0116 279 5020 communications@b-inspired.org.uk Deadline to advertise in the Feb / Mar edition

Mon 6 Jan