Sign up now for our next course to Grow Your Future!

Sign up now for our next course to Grow Your Future!

Mar 10, 2020 | ActivGardens

If you are looking for a new direction now spring is springing – how about taking part in a free outdoor-based learning programme at ActivGardens?

‘Grow Your Future’ will enable you to learn new skills and gain confidence on your way to further opportunities and employment.

The 12-week scheme will include garden maintenance, horticulture and environmental conservation, with a chance to get involved in specialist activities such as woodworking or bee-keeping.

Grow Your Future is for anyone aged 16+ who is unemployed or economically inactive, and encourages people who face barriers to work – such as a disability, health condition, or caring responsibilities.

  • Where? The People’s Community Garden, Maidenhall Allotments, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE
  • When? The first session will be Monday 4th May or Friday 15th May (Friday 8th May is a public holiday).
  • Why not come to look around on Wednesdays in March or April? Just let us know when you’d like to come and our friendly team will welcome you and show your round, and you can sign up in advance of the start date.

The programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Education & Skills funding Agency, and administered by LIFT Community Grants ‘Local Investment in Learning Paths to Work’.

  • If you would like to find out more, please contact Susannah on 07530 407302 or email susannah@activlives.org.uk or call ActivLives on 01473 345350.

ActivLives announces New Ipswich Carer’s Project – Elderflower Hub

ActivLives announces New Ipswich Carer’s Project – Elderflower Hub

Sep 23, 2019 | ActivHubs, ActivLives

ActivLives is delighted to announce that they have received funding from Suffolk Community Foundation for a new carers project in Ipswich; we have been very busy behind the scenes putting things in place for the 12th September when the new Elderflower Hub opened at 10.30 am for its first 3 hour session, refreshments are also provided.

ActivLives organised a focus group of former carers who met up to support the development of the Elderflower Hub and assist in any way they can. The funding will enable local carers to meet up regularly, on a Thursday with other carers and the people they care for, in a social, inclusive, fun and relaxed environment with volunteers and staff on hand to chat to about any problems. The Hub will meet weekly and will be a one stop shop for information, offering signposting and will provide on-going support.

Carers and cared for from across Ipswich and surrounding villages will be able to access the service at the CRESS Pavilion on site at ActivLives Peoples Community garden in Maidenhall, Ipswich, IP2 8RE.

The Elderflower Hub is next to the People’s Community Garden and ActivSheds Project and so participants will have access to a wide range of inclusive, interesting, fun, meaningful and social activities.

Andrea Pittock, Head of Grant Programmes from Suffolk Community Foundation said “One of the key challenges facing people in Suffolk is that of social isolation and loneliness. This project has been designed to support the needs of a group of people who are perhaps most badly affected by this issue, those who require specific care and the people who care for them. Suffolk Community Foundation are delighted to be able to fund The Elderflower Hub to provide an opportunity to socialise, share their problems and find out what other support might be out there to improve their lives.’

Julie Stokes CEO of ActivLives said “This new hub will provide a much-needed social hub for local carers. All the activities will be tailored and designed to meet the needs of both the unpaid carer and the cared for, with volunteers and staff on hand to provide any advice needed, in fact a one stop hub for local carers”

 

For more information, please contact Alison or Gina on 01473 345350 or email alison@activlives.org.uk