July 2006

Youth groups
This month the Hainworth Wood youth group have been doing some work with the land behind the community centre and some gardening round the front of the centre. They have also being doing other activities, such as nail art and pool.
The 13-19 years old at the Bangladeshi Community Centre have finished their football course, as a part of their D of E awards and have been assessed on their ability, by a D of E trainer. This month I haven't had much time with the group, as I have been on leave but they have been planning what they will be doing for their Summer Activities Scheme, which is from the 7th August till 18th August.

Over 50's
I am still providing my support to the Hainworth Wood over 50's group on a regular weekly basis. The group has been meeting up for some time and they really enjoy it as they have various fun activities to do each week. This month I have also been helping out at the Bracken Bank over 50's Luncheon Club. (This is a joint venture between Keighley Voluntary Services staff and those from Keighley Healthy Living Network). It has been set up for a six- week trial, to see how well it is attended. So far it has been a good turn out of about 20 senior citizens attending every week. In both of these clubs, we provide healthy eating options and do some massage exercises.

Neighbourhood Action Planning (NAPs)
This month we have been completing consultation questionnaires in the NAP areas. We have taken the questionnaires out into the neighbourhood and finding out the problems and issues, which are concerning the residents in their own neighbourhood. We hope to get residents more involved in participating in future community projects and in particular, on making decisions on improvements within the community.

Others
I have also been involved in organising the Whinfield and Hainworth Wood community events. Earlier this month I was put on the Community Panel, which was interviewing for the neighbourhood managers post in Keighley and Windhill (Shipley). I found the day very interesting, as it was something different and something that I learnt from for the future. We interviewed four different people, who all had a range of skills, abilities and different backgrounds in community work. It was a great experience taking part in the interviewing process and has given me some knowledge on what to watch out for in any interviews I have to do myself in the future.

Courses attended this month

Basic drugs awareness training
Fire extinguisher training