February / March 2026
Updates from the Neighbourhood Support Team...
contact.HavingdedicatedSupportWorkershas helpedusassistresidentsinamoretimely mannerandcreatedasinglewelcomingaccess pointforservices.
InDecember,SallyandTerryattendedthe UtilitaGiving‘OneCall,That’sAll:OneYearOn Conference’,wheretheyconnectedwithother charities(fromLeicesterandLuton)involvedin theprojectandsharedideasforworking together.TheyalsoenjoyedmeetingUtilita Givingpatron,DavidJames.
Astheprojectcontinuesinto2026,Sallyand Terryarelookingforwardtohelpingmore familiesintheirjourneyoutoffoodandfuel poverty.SallyalsohopestocompleteherLevel 3Information,Advice&Guidancequalification, followingthesuccessfulcompletionofherLevel 2lastyear.
Neighbourhood Support Base, Gallards Hill, LE3 1QR support@b-inspired.org.uk www.b-inspired.org.uk
@BInspiredLeicester @binspiredleics 0116 279 5020
Photos from the conference...
Santa reads the Braunstone Alert!
Christmas social
at The Grove & Lunch
Wellbeing Updates...
Weofferthreesocialgroups:
TalkTime:Tues,10am-12pm, Sandyhurst,HockleyFarmRd
Aregularcuppaandaproperchat
Brew&Banter:Mon,10am-12pm, BlessedSacramentChurchHall,GoodingA Food,fun&feelingbetter(withouttryingtoo hard)
Men’sDen:Weds,10am-12pm, TheGroveCommunityHub,CortCrescent Lowpressure.Highbanter.Noawkwardcircle sharing.
Overthelastcoupleofmonths,thesegroups havebeengoingfromstrengthtostrength.The Men’sDencontinuestobeasafe,relaxed space,wheremenfeelcomfortabletalking openly(sometimesafterpretendingthey ‘justthereforthetea’).Brew&Banterhas becomeaconsistenthighlightoftheweekfor many,offeringconnection,laughter,and routine.TalkTimecontinues,forsomeolder residents,tobetheironlychancetobearound otherpeopleallweek.
Someoftheactivitiespeoplehaveenjoy allthreegroupsrecentlyhavebeen:
Openconversationsandpeersuppor
Creativeactivities
Games&quizzes
Justhavingspacetotalkwithoutpressure
Anopportunitytofeelthatlittlebitless lonely
Oftenoneofthemostvalued‘activities’is simplybeingabletositwithotherswho understand.
Vee’s wellbeing tip...
It’s completely normal to feel unsure Winter already makes everything feel heavier, and stepping into something new can feel like a lot But you don’t need to come feeling confident, chatty, or ‘on form’ Just turning up is enough
From a brain point of view, the part of the brain that worries about new situations is trying to keep you safe - not stop you Once you’re in a warm, welcoming space, your nervous system usually settles, making it easier to relax and feel part of things
Dance & Health with Moving Together and b inspired...!
What is Dance & Health?
The Dance & Health programme for adults in Braunstone brings people together through movement, music, and conversation. Each session features a lively one-hour dance class, exploring a range of styles to increase physical fitness and mobility, followed by a 30minute social space to connect, share, and talk about health and wellbeing. The sessions take place every Tues, 10-11.30am at The Grove Community Hub. Join us for a free trial and then £4 pay as you go thereafter, including hot drink and biscuits!
The Tues morning classes are for all abilities, you can go at your own pace. I really enjoy the dance-based routines. The cool down gives us great stretches and improves balance. Teachers are lovely, friendly, understanding and motivating! The classes have improved my stamina and also mental wellbeing, as they challenge my memory, coordination and just make me smile!
I like coming because it’s great for my fitness. I love the community element. Everybody is very friendly and welcoming, and I also like the talks at the end, which allow us to consider our health across our everyday lives.
I have recently joined the class and I was really welcomed. It feels like a bit of a community, and I enjoy the exercise as well so it’s a winwin, and certainly very good value for money!
Food Hub Updates...
What members can expect during their visit...
Our approach: We understand that asking f isn’t always easy We aim to offer practica a friendly, welcoming space where everyon treated with respect and dignity
Shining a spotlight on some of our wonderful volunteers!
Simon...Braunstone Alert Volunteer Delivery Person
whether it s simp y p g about the support the Neighbourhood Support Team offer by delivering Alerts, or having fortnightly phone catch-ups with service users (aged 50+), as part of telephone befriending. Volunteering also helps me to improve my own general wellbeing and has a positive impact on my day-to-day work life.”
“I’m Steve, a Braunstone resident and recent volunteer with b inspired. I help out as the ‘handyman’, working through a list of odd jobs. Being retired, it’s great to get out of the house stay active, and give som Ever makes volu
“My name is Leila and I am currently studying full time at college. I have Thursdays off, so I chose to spend this time volunteering at my local charity, b inspired, where I help support the food pantry. I really enjoy giving back to the community and seeing the positive difference it makes to people in need, as well as being part of such a welcoming and supportive team.”
canappreciateboththeirartisticdetailand historicalsignificance.
Local updates...
ForAlan,thesecreationsareaboutmorethan remembrance-theyareaninspiration.By transformingrecycledmaterialsintomeaningful art,hehopestoencourageothersinthe communitytoexploretheirowncreativityand, perhaps,tomaketheirowncontributionsto celebratinghistoryandimagination
Inaworldwherehistorycansometimesfeel distant,AlanRosak’sworkremindsusthat memory,artistry,andsustainabilitycancome togetherinwaysthattouchheartsandspark ideas.
heartoftheBraunstonecommunityandt friendlyvolunteerswillalwaysofferhelp.
Ourvolunteersreceivefulltrainingandth beusedtomoveintopaidemployment W lookingformorevolunteers,ifyouhavea hourortwotospare:10am-4pm,Tues-F
Weoffer1-2weekworkexperienceto school/collegestudentsage16+.Please contactusifyouknowofanyonewhowo benefit.
Asanon-profitcommunityshop,wegive by:
Supportingcommunitygroups(crafts, activitiesforadultsandchildren)
Donatingtopeoplesign-postedbysoc services
Donatingtofoodhubs
Providingschooluniformsforthosein
Providingtrainingtovolunteers
Ourcafeisamorerecentpartoftheshop offerings Wehavedeliciouscakes,hot& cobs,fullEnglishbreakfasts,paninis,jack potatoesandmore.Youcanordercakes, cheesestraws,cheesecake,triflesetc.,w fewdaysnotice.Openinghours:10am-4 Tues-Fri.
Wecanonlykeepthecommunityshopopen withthesupportofourvolunteers.Thereare manydifferentwaysyoucangetinvolved, including;creatingwindowdisplays,sorting donations,servingcustomers,cleaningor ironing,makingcakesandfoodinthecafe, carryingoutDIY,sellingonvintedforusand more.
Pleasecontact...
Marian.Prelovedat45@outlook.com 07908169918
Enjoyacupofteaandachatwhilesupporting localcharitiesandCAFOD.
Wedsdrop-inBlessedSacramentHall,2-4pm Tea,cakeandgoodcompany.
Specialdates/activitiesinclude...
Fri6Feb,1pm:Fish&ChipLunchforSeniors
25Feb:TalkbyBerni&Patonvolunteeringat LeicesterCathedral
11Mar:Gamesafternoon(bingo,quiz,board games)
25Mar:LentreflectionbySisterGabrielle Moredetailsat:wwwwestleicestercatholicorg oronchurchnoticeboards. Ifyou’dliketolearnmoreabouttheCatholic faith,wealsohostmonthlyfriendlydiscussion meetings.Email:ourcatholicfaith@proton.me
Terry from b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team will be attending the Mental Health Cafe monthly on Tuesdays, starting 3 Feb...Why not say hello to her!
