Posts Tagged ‘active citizens’
Posted on 16th March 2011 by colinhanno
I really enjoyed the Soho Finger Forum “Community Recognition Awards” last night , the event was an extension of the forum bi- monthly meeting and was well attended by local residents, Ward Cllrs, Police, constituency staff and other key partners and stakeholders.
Guest speakers included representatives for the 2011 Census Birmingham Team who provided residents with invaluable information on the significance of completing the 2011 census form and the type of help available . Additionally, a representative fromDigital Uk gave a presentation on the big switchover from analogue to digital TV informing residents of the processes and benefits.
Local Residents
The highlight of the night was the Community Awards which commended residents , key stakeholders and staff for their commitment and hard work in making Soho a safer, cleaner , healthier and greener place to live.
Street Champions receiving awards from Cllr Spence
The awards ceremony was also a celebration of the Soho Finger Forum achievements and successes over the past 3 years the chair mentioned that this “was an opportunity to show residents and key stakeholders appreciation for their hard work, and we hope to make this an annual event for the people of Soho Finger and the wider soho ward”
- Forum Secretary receiving award from Cllr Lal
I was really touch at receiving 2 very prestigious accolades for work carried out as Neighbourhood Manager in the Soho Finger and Gib Heath locality. Soho is a place close to my heart, having spent my formative years in and around Soho and Handsworth ward it was always my ambition to work with the people of the area and with my post coming to an end in April , I will look at volunteering my services where possible in the future.
Neighbourhood Manager receiving awards from ward councillors
The past 18 months has been very challenging but rewarding period , I really enjoyed working with Residents, Cllrs and key stakeholders in delivering activities against key strategic objectives such as environmental, crime related and worklessness issues in making Soho a cleaner, safer , greener and prosperous place to live.
- Soho Finger Forum Chair receiving award from Ward Councillors
Local organisations such as the Matthew Boulton Forum and Soho Finger Forum have developed their organisational capacity and now in a position to play an integral role in Soho.
Posted on 16th March 2011 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, community, engagement, making a contribution, Recognition of local acheivement and successes, Soho Finger, Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum
Posted in Events, High quality of life, Make a contribution, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 17th February 2011 by colinhanno
Residents that generally used the public walkway between the Booth St Metro Station and George St in the Soho Finger locality of the Soho Ward have commended the Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum for their efforts in making the area a safe place once again. To quote one resident ” the forum members have always been proactive at addressing our concerns, the walkway feels much safer with improved lighting and now that the bushes have been cut back I feel much safer”
Over the past twelve months there has been an increased in robbery and other anti social behaviour in this area, working in partnership British Transport Police, West Midlands Police, Centro, Ward Councillors, Residents and Soho Neighbourhood Management team have put in place measures that have now seen a reduction.
In the Summer of 2010 , residents attending the Soho Neighbourhood Forum meetings raised concerns about mugging and assults that has taken place along the walkway and had demanded that something is done immediately to alleviate the problem in hand. Measures to tackle these issues was then implemented by both of the police team mentioned above, and also the Soho Neighbourhood Tasking Group.
Overgrown area along Walkway
Hotspot
Following a series of meetings between the Neighbourhood Manager, Forum Chair, BCC Planning Officer and Centro team, action was taken to cut back overgrown bushes which had become hotspots for criminals to lay wait their victims.
The clearance of the land was the responsibility of Centro who have work closely with key partners and residents to put measures in place toward addressing residents concerns.
Transformed Area
Ongoing surveillance will be carried out in and around the Metro station to ensure safety of local residents, the Police have identified the area as a priority and is working with key partners to make the area safe. To quote the Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum Chair ” we will not tolerate criminal activities or anti social behaviour in our neighbourhood , so through our actions we will continue to give crime the Soho Finger”
Transformed area -2
Posted on 17th February 2011 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, Booth St Metro Stataion, community safety, Partnership, Soho Finger, Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum
Posted in High quality of life, Make a contribution, Safe clean and green, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 31st January 2011 by colinhanno
Soho Neighbourhood Management in conjunction with the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust will be facilitating a two day course on Mental Heath First Aid at Soho House on 17th and 18th February. The course is designed for 20 people, places can only be reserved on a first come basis so if you would like to attend or know someone that might be interested please contact me on 0121 675 2683 or email colin.hanno@birmingham.gov.uk to book a place.
Mental Heath Awareness
Who will benefit from this training?
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course will benefit anyone who might encounter someone (either in the workplace or in their life outside of work) who needs ‘first aid’ assistance because of a mental health problem. That is potentially any one of us.
The course is relevant to all staff in all types of learning provision, whether frontline, management or support staff; working with learners, staff or partners, including:
- employers:who are recognising the benefit of training their frontline and human resources staff in MHFA
-
key people in communities: (e.g. community activists; the local post worker; and staff in the GP, corner shop and library) so that they can offer a better initial response to emotional distress
-
health service providers:including mental health services
-
police and other emergency services
-
voluntary, Community and Faith Groups and families affected by mental heath difficulties
Posted on 31st January 2011 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, Heart of Birmingham teaching Primary Care Trust, mental health, Mental Heath First Aid Training, nhs
Posted in Be healthy, High quality of life | No Comments »
Posted on 30th January 2011 by colinhanno
I had to share this information with you as I think it is a good example of residents taking a proactive stand to make a difference in their neighbourhood,
In October 2009, I was contacted by a very irate resident over a derelict land next to her house which was vermin infested and had become a regular spot for fly tipping. After visiting the site it became apparent why residents from Milton Grove was livid with the Council Housing team. It is evident that while the land had been cleared annually a long term strategy was needed to reduce the problems experienced by residents living in close proximity of the derelict site.
Overgorwn Site-Milton Grove July 2010
Following continuous campaigning from residents, particularly Sheila Edwards, who went as far as bringing this issue to the attention of local Councillors and Senior Officers, I can gladly say that all her hard work have paid off, the Soho Housing Liaison Board has since invested in the clearance, turfing and fencing of the area.
Transformed Milton Grove Jan 2011
This is a good example of residents playing an active role to influence change in their locality. The actions of these residents not only help to tackle environmental issues but also contribute to making the area a cleaner and safer place to live, I suppose this is one aspect of social capital which fit nicely with the concept of “big society” in the sense that it is partnership working between service providers and residents in tackling local issues.
Posted on 30th January 2011 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, community safety, environmental enhancement, Resident Involvement, Soho Finger, Soho Housing liasion Board
Posted in High quality of life, Make a contribution, Safe clean and green, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 17th January 2011 by colinhanno
Birmingham City Council in-conjunction with Urban Living and Key Partners will be staging a Funding Fair at the Aston Villa Football Club (Holte Suite) on Wednesday 2nd February 2011, 9:30 – 4:00. The intention of the event is to provide voluntary and community organisations and individuals the chance to find out about the ongoing sources of support and funding opportunities and look to the future. This is an opportunity to:
* Find out what funding is available for community/voluntary organisations/social enterprises
* Find out what funding is available for individuals/social entrepreneurs
* Helpful tips and presentations by key funders
* Opportunity to share good practice: in this period of economic downturn this event will promote joint working and touch upon the ‘Big Society’ theme.
* Opportunity to Network: we will have representatives from Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery, Lloyds TSB, UnLtd, European Funding Team, West Midlands Police, PCT, Regional Development Agency, Sandwell and Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council, Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and many more…
Click on link for flyer -UL Funding Fair
If organisation wish to attend they will need to confirm their attendance by sending a reply email to sue_hall@sandwell.gov.uk .
Posted on 17th January 2011 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, big society, community, Funding Fair, Organisational development, Supporting Local organisations
Posted in Events | No Comments »
Posted on 27th November 2010 by colinhanno
Soho Neighbourhood Management team has funded North Birmingham Development Agency to deliver Step Up Youth Leadership Programme. The is an exciting opportunity to develop and sustain the next generation of community leaders from the Soho Ward and neighbouring communities. Birmingham’s demographic profile has changed considerably in recent years and as well as being one of the youngest cities in Europe it will soon become a diverse city.
The project aim is to begin to develop the next tier of leadership which will give young people an understanding of how and why community leadership happens in practice and its effectiveness in creating positive change for communities.
The programme is free and we are seeking to recruit approx 10 young people (18-25) from the Soho Finger and Gib Heath locality and surrounding areas. We are also seeking mentors to assist who can support the young people. We will provide the training and support.
If you would like to know more on this new and exciting initiative please click onStep_Up_leaflet[1] or give Derek Douglas a call on 07968064081. For application form please click on Step_Up_Application_Form
Posted on 27th November 2010 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, Gib Heath, North Birmingham Development Agency, Soho Finger, Soho Young Leadership project, Step Up, Summerfield, young people
Posted in High quality of life, Make a contribution, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 4th November 2010 by colinhanno
Do you know an unsung hero who takes pride in their local community? Someone who tirelessly works to improve and benefit their area?
The Soho Community Oscars has been organised as part of the Neighbourhood Management programme within the Soho Ward, to acknowledge and recognises the achievements of the local people, partners and elected members who have all contributed to improving neighbourhoods within the Soho Ward of Brimingham
There are 10 categories in which to nominate: Active Citizens Award, Arts & Culture Award, Environmental Achievement Award, Golden Citizen Awards, Local Business Award, Most Developed Neighbourhood Forum, Most Developed Resident-led Group, Partnership of the Year, The Safer Community Award and Young Person of the Year.
Closing dates for nominations is Monday 8th November with the award ceremony being held on Thursday18th November, 6-11pm at the Richardson Suite, West Bromwich Football Club.
“These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the strengths of Soho and highlight the positive aspects of the neighbourhood. There are lots of examples of local residents giving up their time and helping others so it is vital that we acknowledge their work. I hope people will get behind the awards and think of a local individual or group who deserve this recognition and nominate them.”
If you know an individual or a local community group or service that has made a real difference in Soho, give them the opportunity to receive recognition for their hard work.
For a nomination form and guidlines please click on the links below or email Colin Hanno at colin.hanno@birmingham.gov.uk
Soho Oscars Guidance 1
Soho Oscars Nomination Form
Soho Ward Map
Posted on 4th November 2010 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, cohesion, community, employment, engagement, making a difference in Soho, soho acheivements, Soho Finger, Soho Oscars Awards, Summerfield
Posted in High quality of life, Make a contribution, Succeed economically, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 12th October 2010 by colinhanno
Ladywood Constituency was well represented at this year Heart Of England In Bloom Awards , eight resident led organisations from across Ladywood were recognised for thier efforts and hard work.
Ladywood Acheivers
Organisations were entered under the Neighbourhood category and receieved awards ranging from level 1 establishing to level 4 thriving award. This was a major acheivement for the constituency and respective wards
- Mohan Lal Gaddu receiving Award on Behalf of Matthew Boulton Forum
- Soho FingerForum representatives receiving award
Two Neighbourhood Forums representing the Soho Ward were highly commended for their efforts, Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum received Level 3 Developing Award while Matthew Boulton Neighbourhood Forum went one step further by acheiving a level 4 Thriving Award which was the highest award across the constituency. Mohan Lal Gaddu stated that “it is hard work of everyone (reidents and officers) that has made this possible for Soho and I would like to see the positive transformation of the area continue” Some of the key features for the Soho ward include flower garden and tree planting by Children form the Brighter Kids Project at Soho Community Hall, Sensory Garden at St Michaels Church, Under the sun Sculpture on Soho Hill, Soho House and colourful hanging baskets.
-
-
Posted on 12th October 2010 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, Clean and greeen, Gib Heath, Soho Finger, Soho Highly Commended, Soho House, Soho In Bloom 2010
Posted in High quality of life, Safe clean and green, Soho In Bloom, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted on 30th September 2010 by colinhanno
Ladywood and Perry Barr Neighbourhood Managers in conjunction with Partners will be holding a Local residents’ employment and Careeers event on Wednesday 6th October 2010 between 11.00 am-3.00pm.
Employment Careers Plus Fair
The event will be held at the Pertemps Newtown office 40 Newtown Shopping Centre, Newtown, Birmingham B19 2SS
Tel: 0121-359 3024
[mappress mapid="48"]
Posted on 30th September 2010 by colinhanno
Tags: active citizens, Brookfield, Careers Event, community, Employmet, free event, local authority, Matthew Boulton Neighbourhood Forum, skills development, Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum
Posted in High quality of life, Succeed economically, Uncategorized | No Comments »
