Projects

Digital

Router

Following the lockdown, we realised that local community groups and individuals required data access. PSBL purchased a router, which is now being used by Bridges at Memorial Church to assist homeless and vulnerable users, as well as by FourSquare Church for their twice-weekly free café.

Digital Champion

Working in partnership with Skills Enterprise and Memorial Community Church to upskill and empower local residents in basic computer skills such as setting up emails, booking doctor’s appointments, shopping online and much more with the hope that they will feel confident in using computers and access digital platforms, confident enough to help themselves and their friends, family or even become a PSBL Digital Champion Volunteer. We have recruited and trained two local residents to assist and support others. These sessions are held in community venues where residents can learn together and support each other in a shared space, these include schools, churches and community centres.

Green Spaces

Green Gym

We have supported the volunteers at the Green Gym to become a Constituted Group – The patch is maintained by a group of volunteers at the Greenway Orchard who work every Thursday between 11-2pm. PBSL works with Green Gym by providing ongoing support, including financial help, funding bids, insurance and events. It is an excellent location for experiencing nature and hosting activities for all.

We work in partnership with Thames Water & Plaistow Community Neighborhoods team, who allow the use of this site.

Inclusive Dance

PSBL funded a local young person (Tyler) to literally go back to school. Initially a pilot project at Tollgate school, a fully inclusive programme working with mainstream and supported children to build confidence and include all in school performances. Other activities include twice weekly after school theatre and performance club. We continued this work with a Summer School which we joint funded with Memorial Community Church. The next stage theatre club, planning to launch in September 2022.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mindfulness sessions – Started with twice weekly session on zoom in during lockdown. Once lockdown restrictions began to lift, these sessions were held outdoors at the Greenway Orchard. Although we are not currently holding any further mindful sessions PSBL work in partnership with the Green Gym at the Greenway Orchard to bring people together in our green spaces. Keep an eye out for events happening at the Green Gym!

Wellbeing – pain management

PSBL funded Riley-Hunte’s Psychological Services to take up to 10 Plaistow South residents off the NHS waiting list to provide positive mental health and well-being for the individuals who may have been on a very long waiting list or can’t afford to pay for the programme and suffering with pain and mental health. We were delighted that as part of their continual contribution to the local community, they supported an additional 5 Plaistow South residents, who were delighted to access and complete the programme.

See the results summary on our Impact page.

Networking cuppa’s

This initially started as a ‘Community Cuppa’s’ which was set up during lockdown and was a weekly drop-in to ‘check in’ with each other. These were well attended and considered very useful by both residents and community groups. As restrictions began to lift, we continued with the Cuppa’s as a networking & learning tool for local groups, and included monthly guest speakers. This allowed the sharing of project information, signposting and for partnerships to develop.

“This is a really networking meeting, a great opportunity to share challenges, and find solutions together.”

Quotes from attendee

Money Matters

Working in partnership with Money A&E, training local people to be able to go on and help others through lived experiences and knowledge gained. Starting during lockdown PSBL funded Money A&E to offer phone advice sessions and online Financial Education sessions in local secondary schools.

Cleanslate financial health checks

Supporting local people with money saving financial help check up’s. Through this partnership we were able to obtain six new laptops at reduced cost for use in our digital sessions.