Connecting Communities is a young people’s project based at Laburnum Road in Tipton run by the Murray Hall Trust. During the summer the young people, who fall in the NEET category, were working on a garden project at Laburnum Rd. They took on the rough-looking garden laden with huge overgrowth and completely turned it around. Not only just getting rid of the unwanted weeds and bushes but, working to a plan, laid out a lawn and planted fruit trees and vegetables plants. This was a real self discovery exercise which challenged the stereotypical image of youth who are NEET. It was a great way to get everyone to work together, build self-esteem, to plan and delegate roles. Staff members Bard and Mo Javaid (Project Manager) have also been supporting them to find work, training, employment, work experience and organising taster sessions.

 What do you think of Connecting Communities?
Here’s what couple of the young people who too part think:

 ‘Before coming to Connecting Communities I had little qualifications and lacked confidence. In the short time I have spent here Connecting Communities staff are pretty much the only people who have said they would get me on a course and followed through with it, without wasting any time and have been overall friendly and helpful towards my goals.’
Joseph Bird

 ‘Before I came to Connecting Community’s I knew I wanted to do something in the gaming career but I didn’t know how to get there. Connecting Community’s showed me how to get into the gaming industry and also put me onto 3 courses that showed me what the media industry is like. Connecting Communities has helped me build up my CV.

I am very glad Connecting Communities are here to help because I know how to get to my future goals in life. So I would like to say thanks to the employees at Connecting Communities.’
Paul Evans

Photo above (left to right):
Paul Evans, Sheree Anslow (Youth Support Worker), Ryan Tinsley aka Gizmo, Joseph Bird, Terrie Titley and Matthew Tildesley

Photos: Guests and staff on the open day, Tuesday 3rd August 2010, to see the garden project completed

 Summer Programme

The Centre is already a hub for many young people’s groups such as Friday Night Youth Club, Smethwick Voices, Boxing and Karate Clubs, Sandwell Youth Parliament, Bhangra and Football groups. Not forgetting adults – there are groups using the centre during the day and evening. Here’s the best thing though – to save you folks from boredom, the Centre is running a six-week Summer Programme, offering plenty of things for you to get stuck in. For details call the number below.

 We were given a tour of the venue to see for ourselves fantastic displays of martial arts, boxing, football, DJ’ing and breakdancing. Talk about future stars in the making! There was certainly lots of enthusiasm and talent evident, especially in the breakdancing, football and boxing departments. Let’s hope Windmill becomes a centre of excellence at grassroots level. There were some brief speeches from the Lady Mayoress, Cllr Darren Cooper and Leroy Cohoone from Youth Parliament to give the event an air of formality. By now of course everyone was feeling peckish and hungry tummies were treated to some delicious snacks served by generous volunteers. A great impression it left on the minds and a lovely Saturday afternoon was had by all!

For more info contact:

Shaun Honeygan (Senior Youth Worker) or Ravi Paul (Youth Worker) on 0121 565 0585

Windmill Super Youth Centre Launch Party

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www.slt-leisure.co.uk

- brass band concerts in the park
- leisurely countryside walks that take in Sandwell Valley’s best countryside
- circus skills workshops
- the much awaited annual Sandwell Community Show with a bumper pack of activity for you to enjoy. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to go and something to do, look no further than What’s On in Sandwell.  It’s got everything you need for a good day out this summer.

What’s On in Sandwell, produced by Sandwell Council’s Cultural Services, covers July to August, and includes information on arts and sports events, as well as activities in Libraries, Museums, Parks, Sandwell Valley Visitor Centres, The Public and Community Centres.  Full access information for people with disabilities is included.

Download, save or read your copy of What’s on in Sandwell

From film maker to sports operations manager, paralympic nurse and chef. The talented team at http://www.makingthegames.co.uk are working behind the scenes to prepare London for the 2012 Olympics. And they want to give you an exclusive sneak peak!

What was it like for Lucy being on centre court with Sampras? How does Mike cope as chef to rock stars and celebrities? And how did Andy manage to score a job filming top events?!

Why not jump in and ask them yourself. The team are taking questions now at http://www.makingthegames.co.uk - they’re only too happy to show you how you can work with the stars one day too!

And make sure you also follow the team on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/makingthegames where they’ll be serving up a range of awesome Olympic content, trivia and fantastic prizes – a £50 music voucher every week till the end of June and a grand prize of an Olympic Park Visit for ten!

How are you? What’s up? How are things?

Whatever your mood, you can talk about it with ChildLine. They’re there 24 hours a day online at www.childline.org.uk and by phone on 0800 1111. Happy? Sad? Angry? Ok? Taking time to notice what’s on our minds can really help deal with feelings. However you are feeling, ChildLine would like to know.  That’s why they’re asking hundreds of young people ‘how u feelin?’ Marvin Humes from JLS is backing the campaign and encouraging people to talk about their feelings. The Moodi Million is now live on Facebook – and it’s your chance to take part in something really amazing. Just imagine if a million children and young people said how they were feeling – what would that look like? And all you have to do to be part of it is say how you’re feeling. It’s as simple as that.

After Keisha left, Mutya called up the original girls to discuss getting back together. The singer is rumoured to have rung up Keisha and Siobhan to suggest they give it another go, but Keisha is apparently working on her own solo album, which she wants to release in 2010, and hopes to make it big on her own. That said, the ‘New’ Sugababes brand new single “About A Girl” made No.8 in the U.K charts, so they must be doing something right.

>>>Michael Jackson lives on!
Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ film has already made $186.24 million worldwide, and was only released for two weeks in cinemas in the U.K. Many of his songs will be going out on a greatest hits album, with songs like ‘Thriller’, ‘Billie Jean’ and his new single ‘This Is It’ with backing vocals by his brothers The Jacksons.

Rumour has it that the Jackson family are going to make a reality TV show including Michael’s children. Not everyone in the family is happy about it;  Michael always wanted his children to live normal lives, unlike himself, and would be very unhappy with the whole idea. Still, one of the creators of the programme, which will be 10 half-hour episodes, says the entire family shines on the series.

>>> Jonas Brothers!
We went along to see the Jonas Brothers at a packed out NEC back in November 2009, and what a spectacular show the guys put on. Going by the reaction, these boys are going to be around for a long time.

Please make sure that if you are under 18 that your parent or guardian sign the form to allow us to contact you and retain your details on our database. Concessions and bursary places available.

Junior Youth Theatre
Tuesdays 5.00-7.00pm
(cost 70p per hour) for ages 8-13yrs

Beginners Drum Tuition
Thursdays 6.30pm -7.30pm
(cost 70p per hour)
Come along and learn to drum and have fun with the team. Experienced staff are here to guide even the most novice.

Intermediate Drum Tuition
Thursdays 7.45pm -8.45pm
(cost 70p per hour)
If you want to improve, practice or have just a bit of fun with drumming then come to this session for some professional help.

Recording Project and Brass Monkey Records
Wednesdays 5.00-9.00pm
(cost 70p per hour)
Get to grips with the ways in which modern music is produced and work towards recording your band in action, under the tuition of experienced technicians.

Livewire Rehearsal Night
Tuesdays 6.00-8.00pm
(cost 70p per hour)
A night devoted to performance skills, led by an experienced youth worker.

Brass Monkey Tech Team
Thursdays 5.00-9.00pm
(cost 70p per hour)
This course offers an opportunity for you to acquire the skills needed to operate lighting, sound and AV equipment.

Guitar Tuition
Thursdays 6.00-8.00pm 
(cost £2 per session)
Learn how to play the guitar, in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Group open to beginners and advanced players.

Urban Beats Drop In
Mondays 6.00-8.00pm
(70p per hour)
A chance to experiment and record your own urban tracks. NB: As it is a drop-in session, you may have a short wait in order to use the equipment.

More Time Media (MTM)
Thursdays 2.00 – 6.00pm & Fridays 4.00 – 7.30pm
(cost 70p per hour) for ages 8-13yrs
Come and join the dynamic local record label who produce music from hip hop, grime to RnB and soul. You will be fully supported by our skilled artist’s.

Voice 21 Drop-in
Mondays & Thursdays 4.00pm-8.00pm
(70p per hour) for ages 13-19yrs
Join Sandwell’s No.1 youth magazine and learn various magazine production skills.

All provisions are always recruiting new members, so come along and have a go. For more information please call Coneygre Arts Centre on 0121 557 3585