Bringing it all together! The Local Trust invited Big Local partnerships across the country to attend the Spring Event in London. This was an opportunity for everybody to meet, learn and share their Big Local stories.

Saturday 9am: Team Heston West (Debbie, Sharnjeet, Taz and Zeenat) arrived at Hounslow West Station – raring to learn more about the Big Local. An hour later we arrived at Friends House (in Euston, Kings Cross) – after a few teas and coffees, Debbie Ladds – the chief executive of Local Trust – warmly welcomed everybody. Debbie then led a very informative presentation about the Local Trust and how the Big Local process, partnership and progamme works. Using jigsaw pieces we were then invited to tap into our creative minds – when asked: ‘What do you bring to your Big Local area?’

Using the pieces we drew very elegantly (with stick men) our personality, our passions and our goals. This was a fantastic fun exercise that got us thinking about how we can make a difference to our area with the skills and ideas we have.

                                               ‘Make your mind up!’

Next week (May 3rd) our committee will be meeting to discuss ideas for our second year – so we thought we’d take the opportunity and attend the ‘Make your mind up!’ workshop led by Helen Garforth from Just Ideas. Through a series of engaging activities we were able to pick up practical techniques for prioritising our ideas, developing them into an action plan and learning how to explore and interrogate our ideas further. Committee member Zeenat said: “I really enjoyed this session. It gave me a greater understanding of exploring priorities and needs in the local community.”
                                     ‘Community Wellbeing’

We next attended the ‘Community Wellbeing’ workshop presented by S018 Big Local from Southampton – from Helen Pain and Suzanne Gee. They explained (through community fun day events) how they enabled local residents to try out new activities. They also explained how they created a community hub (from an old shop) for people to come together to spark ideas and set up new resident-led projects. During this session we also explored methods and techniques to better understand peoples ‘agenda’ and how to get people to sign up for activities.
 
                        ‘Cracking the Communication Code’

After a fantastic lunch – the final workshop we attended was ‘Cracking the Communication Code,’ led by Chrissie Wright from Directory of Social Change. In this fun and stimulating workshop we were taught about assumptions (treating people equally yes, but the same, probably not) and new approaches to developing our communication styles. We learnt that communication isn’t just flyers, newsletters or banners – it’s about understanding and tailoring our communication approach to each individual. 

                       ‘I was able to feel a sense of community’

After the event committee member Debbie said:  “I found the Local Trust Spring event to be extremely informative. The workshops gave the opportunity for us to learn and explore new ideas. Coming here today I was able to feel a sense of community. It was good to meet other partnership members as well.”

  ‘Better understanding how Local Trust and the Big Local work’

If you are a young person (14-19yrs) living in Heston West and have a few hours spare for the next 8 weeks – why not get involved with our exciting, engaging and educational Life Skills Workshops aimed to give you the life tools and guidance to make a positive difference to our Big Local area.
 
The programme will start on Wednesday 18th May from 5 to 7pm and will run for 8 weeks at the Brabazon Community Centre.
 
Working in partnership with local charity Riana Development Network, these workshops are designed to: empower young people through series of interactive and creative and quick-fire activities to build confidence and leadership skills.
 
During the programme young people will be encouraged to use their inner-creativity and local knowledge to help develop and deliver a community event and activity. Working together with the young people we will explore techniques how to run successful community projects, how to present and pitch ideas and how to effectively use social media to engage, educate and inform local people. Young people will also be invited to share their goals and vision for our community and be encouraged to get involved with our Heston West Big Local project.  
 
Rodgers Orero from Riana Development Network said:
 
“By attending our Life skills sessions, our young people will develop an understandings on the following key areas: resilience and dialogue, quicker achievements of goals, individual values and beliefs and own sense of responsibility. The young people will build new friendships within the group, develop relationships with the wider community hence improved community cohesion.”
 
Taz Virdee who manages the Big Local project said:
 
“Young people living in Heston West will be given a platform to be heard and to enable positive change. The Life Skills Workshops will educate and empower our youngsters to stand out and use their creativity, passion and energy to make a real lasting difference to their lives and our Big Local area.”

Click here to download the Life Skills Flyer
 
If you are interested in getting involved and would like more information please contact Taz on 07702532710 or taz.virdee@groundwork.org.uk

                                   'Exciting and engaging’

Resident Zahra has been impressed with the teaching and the way her son stays focused during the sessions.

                             'Energetic, fun and interactive’

Resident Victoria has also been impressed with the level of interactivity, great fun and energy the teacher brings to the sessions.

If you and your child would like to get involved – the classes run every Monday (except holidays) from 10.30 to 11.30am at the Brabazon Community Centre. To book your place please contact Temple Cundall on templemusictots@gmail.com

Scoring, passing, running, jumping and having fun! That's what our Multi-Sports sessions are all about. Children from Heston West have the opportunity every week to get involved with basic fitness training, as well as playing various sports e.g. football, rugby, rounders, handball, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and basketball.

These sessions are designed to get children active, to have fun, meet new friends and develop essential skills. By working with QPR Trust in the Community we aim to increase confidence and motivate more children to take up sporting opportunities beyond school.

             'I feel more confident and made loads of friends'

Emre, 8, who has been attending these sessions since October said: "I really enjoy coming here and learning new sports. I feel more confident and I like being given responsibility by the coach. I also made loads of friends." Emre has certainly made an impression on the coach as well, QPR's Jerrell said: "He is becoming a natural leader, he has helped other children get involved and is always happy to take on extra tasks.'

One parent said: "These sessions are brilliant. The coach is very good at engaging the children. My child loves coming here and the timing of the session is great."

Our free Multi-Sports sessions for children aged 5-14yrs are held every Saturday (except during school holidays) at Cranford Community College from 2 to 4pm. The sessions are led by QPR Trust. If your child is interested please contact Taz on 07702 532 710 or taz.virdee@groundwork.org.uk

Exciting news! Heston West residents can learn the trade from a top fashion designer.

Syed Shahid Nisar will lead free Introduction to Fashion Design workshops in for local residents (16yrs and over) to give them a grounding in the industry.

Local residents can sign up now for the 24-week course at Brabazon Community Centre, in Brabazon Road, which is due to begin on Tuesday 19th April from 2pm to 4pm.

There are only 15 places so anyone interested is advised to register as soon as possible.

The programme will cover the fundamentals of fashion design, from finding inspiration to compiling a portfolio. It is suitable for absolute beginners as well as those with some experience.

Mr Nisar, whose designs combine eastern and western influences, said: "The Introduction to Fashion Design project will enable people living in Heston West to come together, learn new skills and techniques and to build a portfolio of work in a creative and safe environment.
"The course is designed to be interactive, fun and educational. People will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the end of project."

This project is in partnership with Hounslow charity Flourish.

If you would like to sign up (closing date is 15/04/16) - please contact Taz on taz.virdee@groundwork.org.uk.