Plaistow South Big Local Community E–News

This is a month of School holidays and important religious festivals. We also hope that school children, parents and teachers can enjoy the Easter holiday break.

This year the month of Ramadan, Easter and Passover coincides and so it is an important and special time for all these people of faith in our borough. I will be joining Muslim’s around the world to observe fasting and a time of reflection and togetherness. All of us can be excited to spend time with friends and family for our religious celebrations because last year it was so challenging due to the pandemic, and lockdown limiting people coming together.

We know that this is a month where financial pressures are becoming far more serious for many people and families in Newham. We have tried to include information that could be of help, including information on the few remaining places left on the financial health check that we have commissioned.

In this newsletter there is of course some fun stuff! We have an Easter treat and scavenger hunt for families on Thursday 7th April (do come along and join the fun!) and other activities during School holidays.

Hoping to keep in touch with you on our Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Sheba Choudhury, PSBL Director

Easter treat and nature scavenger hunt in Greenway Orchard

An event for families on Thursday 7^th April to explore the Greenway Orchard. Children will be looking for insects and all sorts, plus a special token for their Easter egg gift. Join the Green Gym volunteers and PSBL from 12.00 until 1.30pm. For more information, see our website. With big thanks to Cali Candy sweet shop for organising the beautiful bags of sweets.

It’s Earth Day this month (22nd April), and taking a slow walk in the Greenway Orchard and being inquisitive to what can be found there, is a way to appreciate our Planet. For adults and children.

Only 8 places left for a financial health check that can make all the difference

This offer really can make a difference during these hard financial times. We have commissioned Clean Slate Training & Employment to help households in Plaistow South. On average, those who take up the 2-3 session programme are £320 better off a year, some a lot more. It is mainly done on the phone and you don’t pay for the cell.
To register: it can be done directly on https://www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/refer-to-london.html
or you can contact us direct. More info on our website.

Our first digital Champion training will lead to a ripple effect

New City school allowed us the use of their family centre and ipads to support local people in digital skills. PSBL partnered with Skills Enterprise to help residents to learn digital skills at their own pace. The series of modules cover everything from on-line basics, office programmes to internet skills to help with shopping, socials and applying for jobs as well as GP services and money management.
We hope that this will lead to a ripple effect of shared learning and supporting others in our local community to be digitally included.
This introduction session will be repeated in May & June. Contact Ros 07957 534908, Malaka 07922 712215, Denny 07922 712214

You can volunteer at the Greenway Orchard Green Gym every week!

Just a reminder that you can enjoy nature in Spring and Summer in the Greenway Orchard. If you want to be outdoors and tending nature and growing things, join the Green Gym volunteer team every Thursday 11-2pm. There will be a friendly welcome and tasks to suit everyone. More info here

Wonderful things happen when people come together – remembering Phyllis

On Friday 25^th March PSBL joined several Newham wide groups, Plaistow Community Neighbourhood Team and local Councillors to celebrate the life, one year on, of Phyllis Grant who was on our Steering Group. There was music, performances and sharing of memories in Plaistow Park followed by refreshments in Four Square Church Café, who were the perfect hosts.
The ‘Memories’ captured on brightly coloured tags and a book produced by Leap of Faith group will be given to her family.
We are truly thankful for this amazing lady who touched all our lives and the legacy she leaves in us all for Newham

The Household fund is now closed… the good news is we helped 140 residents in Plaistow South

PSBL is happy to announce we were able to help over 140 residents of Plaistow as distributors of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

We learned so much about the very real needs of our community through our conversations. We are going to use our learning from this scheme in our plans for new projects to support the community of Plaistow south. We will let you know when the next round of funding opens for the many people in financial need.

Fun and planting at the Clean Air event in Plaistow Park on 9^th April

We hope you can make it to the Clean Air event on Saturday 9^th April from 12-3pm! This is organised by local resident Ellie Halsall through the Plaistow Community Assembly as she is concerned about air quality for children using the playground on Greengate Road. Extra plants are being put in between the playground and the road, to make the air a little cleaner. Come and celebrate, put in some plants and join the fun. The flyer with more information is here.

ARC in the Park, Canning Town, loads of activities for children

Take a look at all the activities going on in Canning Town, just down the road. This looks good! Boxing for 10-14 year olds 12.30-2.30 and it is free. Here is the full programme of events at Ambition, Aspire, Achieve

Active Newham Easter holiday activities

There’s a wide range of activities being run by Active Newham with good opportunities to learn new skills, increase confidence and mix with other children. These activities need booking through Eventbrite.co.uk and search for Active Newham or click here

Access to work grant- we know some people who have applied for this

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. You do not need to have a diagnosis to be eligible for mental health support and these grants can apply when you are working from home too.

Through Access to Work, you can apply for: a grant to help pay for practical support with your work, advice about managing your mental health at work, money to pay for communication support at job interviews

Volunteer decorators needed – sounds fun!

We thought you’d like to know that Applecarts Arts is currently renovating the Passmore Edwards building in East Ham. If you would like to volunteer and help with a paintbrush, get in touch! Contact Grace – grace@applecartarts.com

Try out a workshop in April for your wellbeing

There’s such a helpful range of workshops being hosted by Newham Talking Therapies. Here is the list of workshops in April. The registration form is here – it is all quite simple to sign up.

Do read the latest issue of the Newham Voices – a community newspaper

You can sign up for this fabulous community newspaper on line or pick it up from many places around the Borough. The April edition is here and well worth the read. There are training opportunities in journalism and if you have news you want to be included, do contact them.

NOTICE BOARD