Sharing & Learning Day - Invite

We’re holding a sharing, network and awards day called The Big Share on Wednesday 22nd May between 10am and 4.30pm and I’d like to invite you to come along.

The event will take place at: The Sweet Project, 3 Ardath Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 9PL
There will be the opportunity to meet social entrepreneurs, to share your mentoring stories, give on the spot pearls of wisdom, or indeed meet future mentees.

If you could make just part of the day, that would be fantastic! Even if it’s just an hour over lunch to grab some food and have a chat to some of our social entrepreneurs, fellow mentors.

Helen Davies
Volunteering & Pro Bono Co-ordinator, UnLtd
Mobile: 07860595912

Who is your Worcester Sporting Hero?

Do you know a Worcester individual or team who has shown great dedication or excelled in sport over the last year? Now’s the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are open for the 2013 City of Worcester Sport Awards – your chance to make sure the people who are keeping the Olympic legacy alive in the Faithful City are rewarded for their work and dedication.

Whether it’s a team, a coach, a volunteer or a single sportsman or sportswoman who you think deserves an honour, there’s a category for them all in these prestigious annual awards.

And the winner of the Unsung Hero Award at County level will have the opportunity to progress up to the National BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards.

Worcester City Council and Sport Worcester jointly run the awards, and last year’s ceremony attracted big names in the shape of Olympic medallist Zac Purchase and Paralympic medallist Mel Clarke.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Worcester really embraced the Olympic spirit last year and since then many local people have been working night and day to keep the flame alive. This is their chance to be hailed as the community heroes they are.”

The Awards ceremony will be held on 18 September, with the winner of each award receiving a trophy. The winners will then be put forward for an award at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire County Sports Partnership Awards Ceremony.

To make your nomination, download the form from www.sportworcester.org.uk or call 01905 722331.

Please complete and return the forms by the deadline of Friday 30 August 2013 to: FAO Sport Worcester, Sports Development, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB or email sportsdevelopment@worcester.gov.uk with the subject title Sports Awards.

A shortlist will be drawn up and finalists will be selected for each award.

Marketing courses for the 3rd Sector

The Change Consortium based in West Bromwich is holding 2 half-day marketing courses for 3rd Sector organisations in May. Would you be able to able to publicise these to your networks?
May 14th - Using Social Media effectively to add value to your marketing
Social Media, it’s all the rage!

The explosion in the use of Social Media has left many organisations with a skills gap in using this important marketing tool effectively. This in-depth course addresses how to effectively use Google +, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest & other funding raising web and social media sites.

Get you organisation up to speed with all the latest Social Media developments, to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/01/24/216-using-social-media-effectively-add-value-your-marketing-midlands

May 16th - 61 ways to Improve your copy

In a morning, we can't promise to make you an award-winning writer, but this action-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining course is guaranteed to improve your copy.

Effective writing and attention grabbing in this fast-paced world is of upmost importance – give yourself the edge - to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/04/16/221-61-ways-improve-your-copy

Equality & Diversity Week 13th - 19th May - Dudley and Walsall

We are delighted to present a series of events, activities and learning opportunities during Mental Health Awareness Week and Equality & Diversity week 13^th May to 19^th May. Information on these events can be found on our website or you can download the poster here.

The events are designed to raise the awareness of equality and diversity and mental health and are being held at variety of locations within Dudley & Walsall; we look forward to seeing you there.

· Monday 13^th May in Dudley town centre in Stone Street Square from 10:00 to 15:00

 · Tuesday 14^th May Russell’s Hall youth club from 18:00 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

 · Wednesday 15^th May at Lower Gornal youth club from 18:00 – 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

· Friday 17^th May at the Saddlers Centre, Walsall from 10:00 – 15:00.

 If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01384 324531

ChildLine offers advice to young people in Birmingham as exam pressures build

ChildLine is reminding teenagers that help is available if they feel anxious or worried about exams. Young people in Birmingham and across the West Midlands will be amongst the millions of under 18s who will sit exams this summer. Last year, (2011/12) the ChildLine base in Birmingham received 1,016 contacts* from children and young people about exam pressure**.

Elaine Chalmers, Area Manager for ChildLine in the West Midlands said: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision. We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

To help children and young people cope with exams and combat anxiety, ChildLine is offering the following advice for young people to overcome pre-exam nerves and help them if they have any concerns.

• Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise
• Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep
• Getting a good night’s sleep will help you much more than trying to revise all night – you will just end up very tired the next day
• Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision
• Take some water into the test with you, if you can. Keeping hydrated by drinking water will help you concentrate.

The ChildLine website has a special ‘Beat exam stress’ section for children and young people to visit. As well as calling ChildLine’s free confidential helpline on 0800 11 11 or visiting www.childline.org.uk, young people can also send emails to trained counsellors or receive support online via one-to-one chat.

ChildLine is also offering the following advice for parents and carers to help ease young people’s exam stress and anxieties during the summer months:

• Don’t place unnecessary pressure on your children to gain certain grades. They may feel they have failed if they don’t achieve what they thought was expected of them.
• Encourage children to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise.
• Help them revise by leaving them the space and time to do so.
• Be relaxed about chores or untidiness and understand they might be moody. Allow your children to revise at nights if that’s what works best for them however do make sure that they get enough sleep to keep their energy levels up in the day.
• Be supportive and help alleviate their worries by talking to them.

Passionate support for The Public

Today, The Public received messages of support from passionate fans in light of the shock announcement by Sandwell Council into reviewing the building’s use.

Since opening in August 2009, The Public has seen steadily increasing visitor numbers, with over 380,000 in 2012-13, and its one millionth visitor expected this June.

 Playing a valuable contribution in the regeneration of West Bromwich, over half of the people who visit the Black Country venue are Sandwell people and come for a diverse number of activities from music and comedy to annual celebrations such as St Patrick's Day and regular events such as tea dance and Zumba. Their comedy line up is attracting well known stars of the calibre of Al Murray, Alexei Sayle and Jenny Éclair to West Bromwich and May Bank Holiday sees the return of the popular Now We Are Weekender - a two day music festival featuring 24 bands from the West Midlands and further afield.

During school holiday periods hundreds of families from across the region choose The Public as a great day out, attending sell-out workshops and children theatre, and exploring the gallery’s free exhibitions. Throughout 2012-13 venue also welcomed over 100 work experience placements from across Sandwell, providing young learners with a high quality experience that enhances their lives and gives them a platform to develop skills and opportunities.

The Public continue to nurture new and young artists and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work alongside established, highly regarded artists. In 2012 their annual Summer Show received over 300 submissions, and in 2013 the open exhibition will provide Sandwell people with an opportunity to display their work alongside work by Tracey Emin, Martin Creed and recent Turner Prize nominee, David Shrigley.

The Public is home to 27 businesses employing over 60 people and offering 100 plus creative apprenticeships, in addition a number of community organisations regularly use the venue.

Whilst Sandwell Arts Trust acknowledge Sandwell MBC and Sandwell College are currently engaged in talks which could see the college turning The Public into a sixth form facility for 500 'A' Level Students, SAT see the future of the venue as an arts centre, continuing to build on the success of the previous four years.

Jan Britton, Chief Executive of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said,

“The review by the Council of the future options for operating the building has always been part of our agreement with Sandwell Arts Trust. The Council is very pleased with the progress The Public has made in contributing to the lives of Sandwell and West Bromwich people.”

 Andrew Fry, Chair of Sandwell Arts Trust Board said,

 “We are very aware of the difficult financial choices facing the Council at this time. We will continue to operate The Public as normal during these circumstances and work with the Council to provide the best value for the people of Sandwell.”

 

Skills for starting a Consultancy Business

6 & 7 June 2013
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building. G36, University of Birmingham
Consultancy is SELLING your skills in problem solving.
It’s about offering SOLUTIONS which add tangible value,
providing clear BENEFITS to the customer which meets their NEEDS cost effectively.
To join: register at http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html <http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html>
Or contact ei@contact.bham.ac.uk <mailto:ei@contact.bham.ac.uk> expressing your interest.

Who is the course for?
Undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates (from 2007), residing in the West Midlands seeking assistance to START any consultancy business.
Your business could be environmental consultancy, technical, management consultancy – the case studies will vary and range by sector to ensure a tailored delivery.
Description:
Over the two days, you will gain knowledge, tips and advice on:

• Your value proposition - what is my value proposition as a consultant?
• How to plan for consultancy: taxes, formation, legislation and insurance
• How to prospect, win work and retain valuable customers (developing trusting, strong relationships)
• Financials (for non-finance people) to be able to assess and understand a company’s position
• Quoting for work and contracts
• Comprehensive frameworks and methodologies
• How to write an effective proposal using a range of real case studies

Desirable Outcome:
You will have knowledge to set up your own consultancy business and will have gained the confidence and knowledge to seek and fulfil consultancy projects.
Trainer’s background:
Clive Booth

Clive spent most of his career in the computer industry during which time he ran three key UK companies. The last of these three was the UK subsidiary of an American software house which he started from scratch. Having grown the UK company substantially he then participated in the management buyout of the American parent and its UK and Australian subsidiaries.

The sale of the parent company in 2002 resulted in Clive being able to get involved with many diverse business interests and he is now a director of a number of companies. These include a software house, a design consultancy, a strategic planning company and a mergers & acquisitions company. He also owns a business planning company and a property business.

Clive originally obtained a degree in engineering from Aston University. His first job was in corporate finance for a large engineering organisation as part of which he undertook accountancy training. An early move into the newly emerging computer industry with further training and roles in sales & marketing led ultimately to general management / Managing Director positions. He is now a member of The Institute of Directors.

Today he spends a lot of time helping entrepreneurs and start-ups with advice on business planning, finance and funding and sales & marketing. He does this through his own business planning company, Escal8or.
Further help:
Join BSEEN, ei’s start up programme which provides you with additional 12 month support, including: a start-up grant, mentoring and further workshops:

• Setting up and legals
• Finances
• Business planning
• Sales
• Marketing
• Funding & Investment
• IP

Start dates 26th and 27th June 2013.
For an application contact ei@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Informal interviews: 17th June.
This event is managed by Alison Sharp, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Birmingham. It is part-funded by erdf (European Development Fund) through BSEEN.

Social Enterprise Training

Wednesday 1st May 2013 (Room 29)
9:30 – 1pm
St Paul’s Community Development Trust
Initiative Centre
Hartford St
Balsall Heath
B12 9NJ


The training will cover:
· Understanding Social Enterprise

· Understanding the Programme of Support available for Social Enterprise

· Wider Support for Businesses

· Q&A Session on Enterprises by a Experienced Social Enterprise Advisor


There are four possibilities of Funding:

· Individual residents can access Kick Start Awards of £250 which enables them to get going in addition there is up to three days enterprise support.

· A start up enterprise [1-3 months old] then can access £1000 Acorn funding and further business support to apply for the funds and get the business plan etc done

· If it’s a business [or enterprise] that has traded for less than 12 months [but more than three as above] then there is a seedling fund of up to £2,500

· And finally those that have traded for more than a year can apply for a Business Booster of up to £10,000

· The three grants [Acorn, Seedling and Booster] are all match funded so – for example the business in order to get a full £1000 Acorn fund the project / development would cost overall £2000.

To book a place please email me ASAP with the following information;

Name:
Organisation :
Email:
Telephone no:

Hafizun Nessa
Development Agency Support Worker

www.stpaulstrust.org.uk

 

MENTOR ON THE MOVE BOURNVILLE COLLEGE 2ND MAY BOOK NOW!

MENTOR ON THE MOVE – BOURNVILLE COLLEGE, 2^ND MAY 2013

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!

EVENT FAST APPROACHING!

SEWM and Social Enterprise Mentor hosting this informal networking event in Birmingham soon! This FREE event will take place at Bournville College and will bring together anyone interested in social enterprise, social entrepreneurship or supporting the sector.

When – 2^nd May 2013, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Where – Bournville College, Longbridge Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2AG. Sat Nav ref: B31 2TW.

 HURRY! The event is nearly here – book your place here.

Find out more about the event by also clicking that link!

 Mentor on the Move is a series of regular networking events helping organisations and business to exchange ideas, best practice and expertise. So come along, make new contacts, meet the SEWM team and hand out those business cards!

This networking event is open to all with an interest or an involvement in social enterprise – ideal for start ups, entrepreneurs, enterprises, funders and supporters. It is also a great way for people wanting to take their first steps towards social enterprise, such as, students, graduates, community projects or SMEs.

SEWM and Social Enterprise Mentor look forward to seeing you there!

The SEWM Team.

Claire Reynolds SEWM Marketing and Administration Assistant Social Enterprise West Midlands | Suite 2, Trident Training Centre | 1 Rake Way | Birmingham | B15 1EG t | 0845 450 7515 e | creynolds@socialenterprisewm.org.uk Twitter | @_SEWM www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk

EU funding 2014-2020 - a new dawn? Mon 29th April, London

FREE event from NCVO

At this crucial moment in the future of the EU Structural funds, this event will be a key opportunity for the sector to engage in the detailed guidance of the new programme.

It continues NCVO's dialogue with the government that started with their consultation event a year ago, and will help bring the sector together to develop specific recommendations on delivery options including through partnership, social innovation, social investment and capacity building.

Full details here: http://www.rawm.org.uk/news-events-jobs/events/eu-funding-2014-2020-new-dawn

Crematorium recycles metals for charity

Left to right:  Councillor Paul Rone, Coline Grover, Chair of the South Hereford fundraising group and John Gibbon, Herefordshire Council’s bereavement services manager.

 

Herefordshire Council’s crematorium has donated £4,333 to a local charity, the South Hereford branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The money has been raised by recycling metals left behind from cremations such as orthopaedic implants such as hit and knee replacement joints, and those used in the construction of coffins.

Hereford Crematorium is part of a national recycling scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management. Left over metals are gathered from participating crematoriums, sorted and smelted in Sheffield then send to companies that manufacture new orthopaedic implants.  Nominations are then made by crematorium for local charities who could benefit from some funding. 

John Gibbon, Herefordshire Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “We only recycle metals resulting from cremation after receiving written consent from each bereaved family. This metal used to be buried in the grounds of the crematorium until the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) set up this recycling scheme.

“We are delighted to be able to support Marie Curie Cancer Care. Their nurses provide care to terminally ill patients in their own homes or in our hospices, and offer support to their families.”

The Hereford Crematorium has donated more than £12,800 to three charities since 2011.

Kerry Thomson (01432) 260006

Sooty’s birthday celebrations at Cadbury World

 

Sooty, Sweep and Soo are heading to Cadbury World this month to treat visitors to a spectacular birthday celebration.

The Sooty Show will be hosting Sooty’s Birthday Bake Off at the popular Bournville attraction from Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 April. Come and join Sooty, Sweep and Soo as they bake a chocolate cake with a sprinkle of Cadbury magic for Sooty’s birthday. The Sooty Show, which comes direct from CITV, will be at Cadbury World on selected dates from April until October 2013.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager for Cadbury World, said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome The Sooty Show back to Cadbury World this year for another fantastic season of fun and games for all the family’. Sooty’s Birthday Bake Off provides interactive entertainment for our family visitors and is a great addition to their journey through our 14 zones.”

In addition to Cadbury World’s seasonal activities, visitors will also have the chance to explore Cadbury World’s 14 amazing zones. Climb on board the magical Cadabra ride for a gentle journey through a chocolate wonderland before having a go at writing your name in smooth liquid chocolate in the Demonstration Area. Finally, finish your journey in the Essence zone where you can choose your favourite treat to be smothered in warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.

For more information about a visit to Cadbury World go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk.

'Calendar Girls' - The Hampton Players - 15th-18th May 2013

'Calendar Girls' - The Hampton Players - 15th-18th May 2013

The Hampton Players are now in rehearsals for their forthcoming production 'Calendar Girls' by Tim Firth.

Professional 'Alternative' Calendar 2014 being produced for sale during production week
and in outlets in Hampton in Arden thereafter. (We definately need bigger buns!) Proceeds to Leukeamia Research.

Production Dates: Wed 15th to Sat 19th May 2013. 7.30 p.m.
Tickets: £10.00 & Conc £8.50 (Concessions - Snr Cits and unwaged)

Synopsis: Based on a true story: When Annie's husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow W.I. members to pose nude with them for an' alternative' calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire and hordes of press soon descent on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of ther new-found fame.

"It's marvellous theatre, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and come out singing Jerusalem'....Mail on Sunday.

Cast:
Chris: Chris McDermot
Annie: Maureen George
Jessie: Pauline Peach
Cora: Rebecca Kear
Celia: Sue Evans
Ruth: Christine Gough

John: Charlie Barker
Rod: Brian Morris
Lawrence: Christian Jones

Marie: Helen Wood
Lady C: Vikki Reynolds
Liam: Gary Wood
Elaine: Catherine Sharkey.
 

Pauline Peach (Jessie) Maureen George (Annie) Christine Gough (Ruth)
Rebecca Kear (Cora) Chris McDermott (Chris) Sue Evans (Celia)

BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ 2013

So we are back

Yes the Big Brum Open Top Buz Sightseeing Tour will be launching again for its 5^th year on Saturday 27^th April

 Big Brum Open Top Buz Sightseeing Tour – chocolate, custard, cars, whistles and bangles to the best in the world for science, medicine, education, culture, art and sport – Birmingham has it all! Every weekend from end April to end September at 10.30, 12.30 and 2.30 from Victoria Square.

2012 ticket prices have been held which is great news. Tickets can be purchased on the bus on the day, through the Central Library, through Oxboffice on 0845 681926 or online via www.birmingham-tours.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS YEAR

As part of the ST GEORGES DAY CELEBRATIONS on Saturday 20^th April we will be running FREE half hour taster tours at 12.30 and 2.00pm from Victoria Square.

Launch of the Big Brum Open Top Buz Book Saturday 27^th April – books available for purchase at special launch day price of £5

Museum Heritage Bus – first Sunday of the month from May to October plus Summer Holiday specials of Friday 2^nd August, 9^th August, 16^th August and 23^rd August

Tolkien Hobbit bus tour – an unexpected journey – 12^th May 2013

Heritage Open Days – FREE tours at 12.30 on 14^th & 15^th September 2013

Ghost bus tour – 27^th October 2013

Christmas Lights bus tour – 9^th December 2013

THE BIG BRUM OPEN TOP IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE ALL THE YEAR ROUND.

As a not for profit organisation aiming to promote and unite the people of Birmingham we need funding to keep the bus on the road. If you believe Birmingham should have a bus and would like to become a Friend of the Big Brum Buz join us on Facebook www.facebook/Big BrumBuz (please like our page) and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/BigBrum Buz.

For further details ring 0121 427 2555/078051 15998, check out www.birmingham-tours.co.uk or email Sue at enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk

Villa & Blues night at Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich

80,000 ATTEND GADGET SHOW LIVE AT THE NEC

 

The fifth Gadget Show Live pulled in 79,775 attendees last week, leading Upper Street Events to hail the show, held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), a major success.

Gadget Show Live took place across six halls at the NEC last week (2-7 April 2013). 241 companies exhibited over the six days – one trade and five public. VIP packages and Saturday and Sunday tickets sold out in advance.

“Our fifth Gadget Show Live has been a fantastic success for both exhibitors and visitors,” commented Sally Bent, event manager. “We’re thrilled with visitor figures, which were exactly on target following our decision to limit daily numbers to improve visitors’ experience and overall enjoyment of the show.  The best news is that this had no impact on retailing, which remained high for our exhibitors.”

As part of the show returning features were refreshed and as popular as ever, with crowds flocking to see video games stars Ali-A and KSI on the Game Zone Stage. Sessions in The HUB, Showcase Stage, Toy Arena and Photographic Stage were jam-packed.

The products featured in the Future Tech Zone were a massive draw to visitors and media – the demonstrations of the Jetovator and Flyboard on the NEC lake proved hugely popular.

The Super Theatre, featuring Gadget Show presenters Jason Bradbury, Pollyanna Woodward and Jon Bentley, was as busy as ever with the majority of sessions selling out. The new Gadget Show presenter – Rachel Riley – made her debut on the Super Theatre stage on Saturday.

Consumers also flocked to the show’s new features: Battlefield Live and the Toy Arena.

Battlefield Live posted a message on Facebook straight after the show: “Thank you to everyone who visited and played on the Battlefield Live and Kids Laser Tag attraction – we really enjoyed entertaining you all.”

Hosted by Toylogy.tv’s Peter Jenkinson, the Toy Arena allowed 4,000 children to get hands on with a wide range of toys.

Bhav Patel of the show’ exclusive toy retailer ToyGalaxy, said: “What an amazing show, sales were way above expectations and we were able to build our brand, too.

Simon Pilkington, managing director for new exhibitor John Adams, commented: “Launching HolograFX at Gadget Show Live has projected the company into the growing entertainment toy sector, by embracing new technologies and opening new doors at retail in this developing market.  We have already signed up for Gadget Show Live Christmas in London.”