April/May - The Greets Green Partnership Legacy Website

greets greenAPRIL/MAY 2008COMMUNITY MAGAZINEResidents go solar!Solar heating comesto Greets Greenwww.gretsgreen.sandwell.gov.ukSpecial Crime &Community Safetyfeaturesee page 5Women celebrateInternationalWomen’s Daysee page 17FREE drink and drugsDVD and booklet withthis month’s magazine

Active Lifestyleswill continue...Nathan Moore has certainly madehis mark on Greets Green with hisenthusiasm to help everyone to leada more active life – and now his har dwork has been recognised as hisposition has been made permanent.Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT)has agreed to mainstream the ActiveLifestyles project once funding fromGreets Green Partnership comes to anend. This means the work he’s so visiblystarted in Greets Green will be continuedafter the life of the Partnership, and willbe rolled out to help residents in otherareas of Sandwell.Nathan says: “The PCT has recognisedthat the Active Lifestyles neighbourhoodapproach to physical activity works. Nowwe’ll be highlighting other areas in theborough that may need an injection ofsupport, so it’s really good.”Nathan will move over to the PCT in2009, but before then his role ischanging as he’ll be concentrating moreon promoting active and healthy livingamong adults rather than all age groups.“George Salter Collegiate Academyis hoping to work with local primaryschools to provide community coacheswho will run playground, lunchtimeand after school coaching,” explainedNathan. “This means I can focuson helping adults to lead a healthierlifestyle.”Russel Smith, Community Educationand Sports Development Manager atGeorge Salter, will be managing theproject for young people at the school,supported by Sports DevelopmentOfficer, Lisa Rashid.Get Moving on a MondayOne of Nathan’s latest projects is a‘Get Moving on a Monday’ over 50sexercise class at the YMCA from10.30am-12.30pm.A few people have already beenattending, but Nathan is encouragingmore people to go along and enjoygetting fit in a gentle way. Activitiesto choose from include indoor bowls,table tennis, badminton, short indoorcricket and mini circuits.Interested? There’s no need tobook, just turn up or call Nathanon 07817 009 062 to find out mor e.Meet your Reps...Each issue we will be meeting a dif ferent Rep on theGreets Green Partnership Board. Here we find out moreabout Munir Hussein, the Pakistani Community Rep.Munir has lived in Greets Green all his life. He’s a Police Officerand has children at Guns Village Primary School.Q. How long have you been on the Partnership Boar d?A. Three years.Q. How did you first get involved?A. It was through the Pakistani Steering Group. We asked forsome funding for the mosque on Dartmouth Street and I wasthen put forward by the Pakistani community.Q. What do you like about being on the Board?A. It’s really enjoyable having a say. When the projects happenyou can see how much they benefit people and you know youhad some part to play in improving the area and people’s lives.Q. What are the bestimprovements thePartnership has made?A. Lighting, security and makingpeople feel safer. It’s all goodstuff that’s been done. I knowGeorge Salter CollegiateAcademy has improved greatlysince the Partnership began.Q. What do you want to achieve in the last years ofthe Partnership?A. When the Partnership finishes I want to make sure itdoesn’t just come to a full stop and that its work doescontinue afterwards. Everything now should be focusingon what the Partnership Board leaves behind and how itswork is sustainable.If you’d like to contact any of the Community orNeighbourhood Reps on the Partnership Board,call Jackie Owen on 0121 533 3191.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 3

communitypageIf you would like your community group or organisation to be featured on this page, contact Communications & PR Manager,Brian McKinstrie, at Greets Green Partnership on Freephone 0800 953 0215 or email brian_mckinstrie@sandwell.gov.ukFamilies welcomeat Greets Green Children’s CentreParents, babies and children are spoiltfor choice with everything that’s onoffer at Greets Green Children’s Centre.The Centre which is next to RydersGreen Primary School, with its mainentrance on Wattle Road, brings togetherchildcare and family support for the under5s in one building.Free ‘Play and Stay’ sessions for parentsand babies up to five years old are heldat the Children’s Centre, along withother venues throughout Greets Greenincluding Lyng, Lodge and Guns VillagePrimary Schools.On Saturdays at the Children’s Centrefathers can enjoy a special play sessionwith their children, and once a monthlocal childminders can get togetherand discuss issues at the Childminder’sForum. One class which has really takenoff at the Children’s Centre is the newBaby Massage sessions. Run by EarlyYears workers Karen and Nicky, thesessions are held from 1.30pm to2.30pm on Mondays.Glynis Webb, Acting Deputy at theCentre, said: “We’ve had such a positiveresponse to our Baby Massage classthat it shows there’s a real need foralternative therapies in Greets Green.Parents love it as much as the babies!We’re hoping to offer Baby Yogasessions later this year.”The Children’s Centre also has a nurserywhich is run by West Bromwich YMCA“Parents love it as much as the babies!”and offers quality, affordable childcarefor children aged 0 – 5.To find out more about any of thesessions held at the Children’sCentre, call 0121 612 5127. For detailsof the nursery, call 0121 533 1764.Don’t miss out on the excellentchildren’s services that are herefor you in your community!4Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

SPECIAL CRIME & COMMUNITY SAFETY FEATURERaising the issue ofYour free DVD and UK drugzone booklet wer e deliveredwith this magazine. They’ve been produced by a wholerange of local people of all agesworking together and providelots of information and adviceon drink, drugs & smoking.People from Greets Green havecontributed towards the DVD by givingtheir experiences of drug and alcoholissues in the area, while schools,community groups, young people andadults have shared their ideas for thebooklet and helped to make it a reality.The project has been a real partnershipeffort with the Crime & CommunitySafety and Health themes at GreetsGreen Partnership coming together.As well as addressing the healthproblems experienced by people whouse drugs and alcohol, the projectaims to stamp out the crime whichoften accompanies people’s need tofind cash to fund their habits.Creating the projectSally Sandel, Greets GreenPartnership’s Health Theme Leader,explains: “There’s no point in tacklingthe issue of drugs and alcohol fromjust one angle so we’ve created ajoint action plan to raiseawareness of drugs and howservices can be accessed.That’s why we’ve produced thisDVD and booklet. We’re also lookingat the effect of drugs on the localcommunity and the effect of crime.”Plus, the booklet also contains contactdetails of agencies who can helpwith drugs and alcohol issues suchas DECCA, Anchor, Aquarius andSandwell Mind so that people knowwhere to turn for help and advice.Jon Bull, DECCA Team Co-ordinator,added: “We wanted to make localpeople aware of drug related issuesand the services that are available.“We’ve involved people from a broadspectrum of age ranges and ethnicitiesin this project to reflect the diversecommunity of Greets Green.”“The DVD features local people talking aboutthe impact of drugs on the local area and this is alsopicked up in the information booklet.”What doyou think?The DVD has been well received by thosewho’ve taken part in it and we hope thatreaders will find it useful, along with thebooklet, in answering any questionsabout drugs and alcohol.Jon says: “Everyone’s really happy with the endresult and says that the DVD is very accessibleand easy to understand. They feel many ofthe issues experienced by themselves andother people in their area are highlighted.”If you have any feedback on theDVD and booklet, contact DECCAon 0845 838 5317 or Phil Hartley onfreephone 0800 953 0215.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 5

SPECIAL CRIME & COMMUNITY SAFETY FEATURENeighbourhoodWatch – couldyou make adifference?The first Neighbourhood Watchscheme in Greets Green has beenlaunched in Mason Street andothers are now also starting to beset up.Supporting the schemes is a key priorityfor the local Police. Sgt Tim Donovansaid: “We’re paying special attentionto Neighbourhood Watch areas to givethem more reassurance and showthem they can make a difference.“A lot of residents are already doing90 per cent of what NeighbourhoodWatch involves, working in littlecommunity groups and keeping an eyeout for each other. We’re asking them togo the next step and set up a scheme.“We’ve found that NeighbourhoodWatch schemes discourage anti-socialand criminal behaviour becauseresidents report it and we’re able todo something about it.“Residents are given help to securetheir property as well as theirneighbours’ and a direct line to thePolice Station so when they ring, theywill get someone who knows the area.Conference successMore than 100 people attended aconference in Greets Green whichlooked at the impact of drugs andalcohol on individuals, families andthe community.The majority of people invited to theCommunity Development Sandwell’s21st conference were health workersfrom Sandwell, but some residents andGreets Green Partnership Boardmembers also went along.Phil Hartley, Crime & Community SafetyTheme Leader, said: “The conferencewas designed to inform staff about theinnovative work being done in the GreetsGreen area around substance misuse andto let them know about the services beingdelivered in Sandwell.“The aim was to enable those attendingto be better able to direct clients withdrugs and alcohol issues to theappropriate services.”Delegates heard speakers from SandwellPrimary Care Trust, Workwell and WestMidlands Police, and gained a sneakpreview of the Greets Green drugs andalcohol DVD. They also heard poetrywhich addressed substance misuse,saw a theatre production which exploredalcohol misuse and were able to trycomplementary therapies used in drugsand alcohol treatment.Phil added: “The conference was welldelivered and well received. All thefeedback has been very positive.”The conference was funded by GreetsGreen Partnership and was a joint venturebetween the Health and CommunitySafety themes. It formed part of theGreets Green Drugs and Alcohol ActionPlan 2005 – 2010.To find out more call Phil Hartleyat Greets Green Partnership onfreephone 0800 953 0215.“You also get peace of mind knowing thatwhile you’re away there’s someone lookingout for your property. With NeighbourhoodWatch you come together as a group andthere’s strength in numbers.”If you would like to know moreabout Neighbourhood Watch,contact Helene Elder, CommunityPartnerships Officer at WestMidlands Police on 0845 113 5000ext 7911 6879.6Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

help and adviceSECURE YOURPROPERTYBurglary is rare in the area but you should never becomplacent. Here are a few tips to help you beat theburglar…1 Make sure all your doors andwindows have adequate locks –and use them!2 Fit a chain on your door, aspyhole and house alarm.3 Never leave a key hiddenoutside your home.4 Make sure you put ladders, binsand tools away – they could beused by intruders.5 Always lock garages and sheds.6 Don’t leave packaging for newappliances outside your home.7 Leave a light on when you goout in the evening.8 Get a timer switch for your lightsif you’re going away.9 Ask a friend or neighbour tokeep an eye on your homewhen you go away.NEW FACE FOR PROJECTDebbie Roberts is ready for her next challenge – taking over as thenew face of the Greets GreenCommunity Alcohol projectfollowing the departure of WendyHooker.DID YOUKNOW?The Greets Green Burglary Reduction Initiativeproject finished in March. In total, 1,636properties have had additional securitymeasures installed free of charge, thanks to theproject, which was delivered by Midland Heart.It has made a significant contribution towardsreducing burglaries in the Greets Green area.KEEP YOURMOBILE SAFEIt’s often young people who are the victims ofmobile phone theft, so make sure yourchildren take some simple steps to stop thembecoming a target…●●●●●●Keep your mobile in a hidden place and try notto use it while walking along the street. If youanswer a call, do it inside.Put your mobile on ‘silent’ when you’re out andabout so potential thieves are not aware you arecarrying one.If a stranger asks you the time, look at yourwatch not your mobile.Mark your mobile with your postcode usinga security pen.Each phone has a unique IMEI number.Keep this number safe so your mobilecan be traced if it’s stolen.If your mobile is stolen,contact your phone companyimmediately so they canblock any calls.Formerly one of the project’s communitychampions, Debbie has already helpedlots of people to become more awareabout alcohol and safer drinking. “Mynew role includes meeting as manypeople as possible, delivering talks andworkshops on alcohol and helping thosewith drinking problems to access theright services,” says Debbie.“Alcohol misuse can have a big impacton our community and can affect allages, backgrounds and ethnic groups.By tackling the problem we aim to help make Greets Green a healthier and saferplace to live. I look forward to meeting many residents over the coming months.”Debbie can be contacted at Aquarius on 0121 525 9292.Free Fire AdviceWest Midlands Fire Service also offers afree home fire safety check. Make anappointment for firefighters to come and lookat areas of accident and fire risk in your home.They will also give you advice on installingand maintaining smoke alarms, and how toavoid fires.Call 0800 389 5525to find out more.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 7

SPECIAL CRIME & COMMUNITY SAFETY FEATUREYOUR LOCALCRIME FIGHTING TEAM!The neighbourhood policing team in Greets Green is going from strength to strength. Since it was launched in November2005 as the Greets Green Crime Fighting Team, the number of offences committed locally has fallen dramatically. Now it’sbecome the Greets Green Neighbourhood Policing Team and crime is continuing to dr op.Sgt Tim Donovan said: “Crime-wise it’s never been better. We’re experiencing the lowest crime rate now that I’ve ever known. For example,in January 2004 there was a total of 218offences, whereas in January this yearthere were 76. It gives you an idea of thedifference we’re making. It’s easy to forgethow bad things were in the past. In2005/06 we cut crime by half and it’scontinued to come down.”He said the bigger drops earlier onfollowed the launch of the Greets GreenCrime Fighting Team, which dedicatedhalf a dozen officers to the one area withthe support of Greets Green Partnership.“The consequence is that people realizeyou can’t get away with certain things inGreets Green now.”The strategy of dedicated neighbourhoodpolicing is now being rolled out across theregion and is the model being pushed bythe Home Office.Dramatic dropin crime …410Figures for the monthof January over the lastfive years illustrate thedownwardtrend in crime:23569817With a mix of familiar and new faces, the Gr eets Green Neighbourhood Policing Team now includes:Sgt Tim Donovan (7) had 13 years’service in the South of Birminghamincluding work within CID, before beingpromoted to sergeant in July 2005 atWest Bromwich. He has supervised theGreets Green Neighbourhood Team sinceNovember 2005.PC Dave Bradley (6) has been policingthe West Bromwich area since 1991and has been on the dedicated teamfor four years.PC Louise Carter (1) has policedWest Bromwich for seven years andhas been part of the dedicated teamfor three years.PC Lynn Lopes (2) has three years’service, all in West Bromwich and oneyear on the team.PC Jim Swingler (5) has nine years’service throughout the West Midlandsincluding one year on the team.PC Steve Turner (10) has three years’service in West Bromwich including oneyear on the neighbourhood team.PC Andy Ward (8) has spent threemonths on the team.PC Andy Lawton (9) is new to the team.Also part of the team are two PCSO(Police Community Support Officers) –Illyas Jeewa (4) and Laura Jones (3).The Greets Green Neighbourhood Policing Team can be contacted on 0845 113 5000 ext 7911 6316.8Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

SUPPORTFOR VICTIMSHelp is on hand for any r esidentswho’ve been affected by crime.Victim Support Sandwell helps anyonewhether the crime has been reported ornot and regardless of when it happened.The organisation provides a free andconfidential service includingnon–judgemental emotional and practicalsupport, information on court proceedings,help with criminal injuries compensationand advice on crime prevention.Remember, being a victim of crime isnot your fault.Call the Victim Support Line on0845 30 30 900 or emailgeneral@vswmsandwell.co.ukWIN WIN WINA BIKE LOCK OR STEERING LOCKMake your bike or car safer with one of our special locks. W e’ve got 38 bikeand steering locks to give away, so simply answer the following questions tobe in with a chance of winning one. All the answers can be found in this featur e.1. How many offences were committed in Greets Green in January 2005?2. What is the anti-social behaviour hotline number?3. Who is the new face of the Greets Green Community Alcohol project?I would like a bike lock / steering lock (delete as applicable)Name:Tel No:Simply send your entry by 16th May 2008 to: Magazine Competition,FREEPOST GREETS GREEN PARTNERSHIP (no stamp required).✄Help cut crime! You do NOT have to give your name, address or telephone numberYou can help to reduce crime in your area!The Greets Green Neighbourhood Policing Team hascreated this simple form so that you can pass on informationabout crimes and anti-social behaviour in your area.It’s not always easy to come forward, but you don’t haveto give your name, address or telephone number if you’dprefer not to. Just write down any information you haveand send it to the address at the bottom of the form.INTELLIGENCE SUBMISSION FORMName:Address:Tel no:Subject:Information:✄Don’t forget, there are other ways you can report crimetoo:• If it’s not an emergency, call the Greets GreenNeighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 113 5000ext 7911 6316.• If it’s an emergency, call 999. An emergencyis when a crime is happening now or someone isin immediate danger.• Go to your local Police Station. You will be asked toprovide details of the crime and make a statement.• To report a crime anonymously, call Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.• To report anti-social behaviour such as grafitti,littering, fly-tipping or unruly behaviour, call theAnti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0845 359 7500.How did you find out this information?Please return this form to:PC 5085 Carter at Greets Green Neighbourhood Policing Team,West Bromwich Police Station, New Street,West Bromwich B70 7PJ.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 9

PARTNERSHIP NEWS JOBS & SKILLSYoung advisors get goingGreets Green has appointed itsfirst four Young Advisors, who arecurrently undergoing their training.They are due to begin work in May.The four are Rohim Mohammed andHannah Pearsall, both aged 15, NatashaWooliscroft, aged 16, and MeharpreetSingh, aged 20.Being a Young Advisor is a paid role forpeople aged 15-21. It’s a national schemewhich already has successful projects inother parts of the country. All of our YoungAdvisors had to have previous experienceof voluntary work and knowledge of theGreets Green area. Rohim, Natasha andHannah are members of the Greets GreenYouth Forum. Meharpreet volunteers at theGuru Nanak Community Centre. They alllive locally.The Young Advisors will help communityleaders and decision makers engage withyoung people. They’ll be getting youngpeople involved in consultation, helpingsolve problems experienced by theirpeers and assisting in the production ofbooklets and documents to make themmore accessible to other people their age.ASIA’S HERETO HELPThe Become project, which supportspeople in finding employment andaccessing training, has welcomednew project worker Asia Khatun.Asia, who lives in Greets Green,was formerly the Child Home SafetyCommunity Champion in the area.She’s already launched outreachHannah says: “We’ve been trained onYoung Advisor tasks, debates and howyou deal with problems that may occur.When we do our couple of hours work aweek we’ll be doing lots of different thingslike helping the Police advise youngpeople on a local issue.“I think it’s good to help out young peoplebecause you always get different viewsfrom people of different ages. It helps ifyou have young people advising otheryoung people because they’re more likelyto listen. They trust you and feel morecomfortable.”sessions at local community venues,which are proving popular.She says: “I’m going out to communitycentres to meet local people who maywant to be referred to the Becomeproject. If people need help with CVs,job searching or accessing coursesI’m there on site to help them.”Outreach sessions at the Confederationof Bangladeshi Organisations and theYemeni Community Association havebeen the most successful so far, butAsia has also visited OSCAR Sandwell,the Central Library and the Guru NanakCommunity Centre.Having met someone looking for help,Asia will arrange a time they can visit theBecome office at Steps to Work, 312-314High Street (above Allied Carpets) so thatshe can chat more about their needs.If you would like to run an outreachsession at your community venue,or want to find out more about howBecome can help, contact Asia on0121 580 4162.Meharpreet Singh added: “I thoughtbeing a Young Advisor would help mycareer in youth work. The training hasbeen good. It’s a different way ofapproaching young people and findingout how to work with them.”In the past two weeks two more YoungAdvisors have been recruited, so the fullteam of six is now in place.If you would like to find out mor eabout the Young Advisors, contactJobs & Skills Theme Leader KatherineHewitt on freephone 0800 953 0215.OPEN FOR BUA pioneering website is generatingmillions of pounds worth ofopportunities for businessesacross Greets Green and Sandwell.The Borough of Sandwell expectsan estimated £3 billion worth ofinvestment in the next five to sevenyears, and the business potential ishuge.www.finditinsandwell.co.uk – waslaunched in April 2007 by SandwellCouncil to provide a free onlinebusiness network and businessesin the Greets Green area are amongthose being urged to make the mostof it. The website aims to:■■■keep the local business communityin touch with the latest businessnews from in and around theboroughprovide a network and forum forlocal people to showcase whattheir businesses are all aboutkeep businesses in touch withthe latest tender opportunities10Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

PARTNERSHIP NEWS HEALTHHEALTHY MINDSCELEBRATESThe first year of the Healthy Minds pr oject hasproved such a success that a new volunteer,Joanna Tweed, has been recruited to helpCo-ordinator, Julie Davies run the project.Joanna said: “I’m really enjoying helpingJulie out a few hours a week. I offersupport to people at bereavementmeetings, deliver leaflets, help withmeetings and visit community groupsto let everyone know about the projectwhich aims to bring wellbeing to GreetsGreen residents.”now more aware of mental health issueswhich may affect them.Various community groups have alsobeen awarded grants of up to £500from the Greets Green Healthy MindsCommunity Fund to help with wellbeingprojects. These include:●looks at how food, additives andnutrition can affect our wellbeing.The Yemeni CommunityAssociation - Egyptian dancing andyoga sessions have been set up toimprove the health, wellbeing andconfidence of its female members.Thanks to the project, lots of people acrossGreets Green have already benefited fromstress awareness, complementary therapyand massage sessions.A wellbeing directory and various self-helpbooklets have also been produced. Plus,a ladies’ self-help bereavement group hasbeen set up and the local community isSINESS!■■provide access to cost effective andeco-friendly supplies and serviceshost monthly networking eventsto enable businesses to meetlike-minded business people,make new contacts and find newbusiness leadsSteve Massey from Sandwell Councilsaid: “Since the site's launch, we’vehad over 2,500 local businesses registeras members and it’s generated over£90m worth of business opportunities.“The website homepage averages over14,000 hits per month and is startingto attract hits on a global scale.”The aim is to build a bigger, brighterand greener local economy by sharinginformation on local businesses.Registering with finditinsandwell isfree, and further information isavailable by visiting the website orcalling Steve Massey at SandwellCouncil on 0121 569 2105 or emailstephen_massey@sandwell.gov.uk●●George Salter Collegiate Academy– a ‘Ladz to Ladiez’ class helps femalepupils’ self confidence and self esteem byteaching them everything from cookingto hair and beauty and self-defence.Sandwell Mind – a new wellbeingcourse at Wood Lane CommunityCentre has been set up along witha Food and Mood workshop whichThe project, which began in 2006,has just come to an end, but has leftresidents much better informed.It has been very successful in raisingawareness that pharmacists can giveyou information. You don’t need to takeup a doctor’s time which another patientcould benefit from because they have amore urgent need.The project ran alongside the PharmacyFirst campaign, run by Sandwell PrimaryCare Trust, where local chemists put upleaflets and posters listing the ailmentswhich pharmacists could give adviceand treatment for.These include colds, cold sores,conjunctivitis and child problems suchas nappy rash and headlice. Minorailments sessions have been run at local●'Paintbox’ - new art equipment hasbeen purchased by a group for olderpeople to socialise and enjoy art atLodge Road Community Centre.To find out more about the HealthyMinds project and any of thesewellbeing projects, contact Julieon 07884 202799 or emailhealthyminds@hotmail.co.ukMINOR AILMENTSPROJECT PAYS OFFMore and more people in Greets Green have learned to turn to theirpharmacist for help and advice thanks to the work of the Minor Ailmentsproject.community venues including theGreets Green Children’s Centre sothat parents could learn more aboutwhat pharmacists can help with.There have also been 26 healthinformation sessions held givingresidents information about ailmentsthey may already have, or be at riskfrom, such as diabetes or heart disease.Community Health DevelopmentWorker, Gursharan Kaur, explained:“Some people have already got theseconditions so we’ve been focusingon sharing information about how tomanage them better.“For people who might be at risk,we’ve been letting them know how theycan manage their own lifestyle better.The project has been a real success.”Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 11

Residents go solarFuel prices are soaring, but what can you do about it?Seven households in Greets Green are already making the most of analternative way of heating their hot water for less. Why not join them insaving money and the environment?Sandwell Warm Zone was awarded£900,000 by Greets Green Partnershipto provide free central heating, solarpanels and insulation for people whoown their properties but have anannual income of under £15,000.Lane, Oak Avenue, Oak Road, SuttonCrescent and Greets Green Roadas it’s likely that solar panels will beappearing on several roofs in the verynear future!”Seven homeowners have said they’reinterested in solar panels so far andGreets Green has already seen its firstproperty have the cutting edge workcompleted.12Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008Cathy Kirby from Sandwell Warm Zonesays: “What we want more thananything is for people to come and talkto us. Sometimes people are put off ifthe offer seems too good, but we cangenuinely help. Watch out in GadsTo find out if you qualify for freesolar panels, call Sandwell WarmZone on 0121 569 5015. The panelsare being fitted on a first come, firstsaved basis, so give them a call!

Looking forward to sunny daysand cheaper bills!Bryan and Susan Wright of Caroline Street were the first couple in Greets Greento have solar panels fitted for fr ee – plus a complete central heating system,cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.Susan Wright explained: “With threedaughters we never had money to spendon central heating but when you get olderyou feel the cold a bit more.“I knew about solar heat and I askedpeople what they thought. My daughtersaid to grab it with both hands - we’llhave hot water for nothing.”The couple, who are both retired andhave lived in the same house for 32years, first phoned Sandwell Warm Zoneafter they’d received a letter outliningwhat they may be eligible for. The nextstep was for surveyor, Dave Edwards tovisit the Wrights to see if their house wassuitable for solar panels. Thankfully it wasas it faces South and it was also agreedto install a complete central heatingsystem. The two solar panels took just45 minutes to be put flat on the roof.Susan says: “The solar warmed up and wehad enough hot water to wash up andhave a bath. We don’t have to touch it - itjust goes along merrily on its own. The suncomes out and it warms up. I’m reallyproud of my panels!”The house was also made more energyefficient by installing loft insulation to stopheat being lost through the roof. Cavitywall insulation was also added in a 30 yearold bathroom and kitchen extension tostop heat escaping so easily.It’s estimated that each year the Wrightswill save 45 per cent of their current waterheating cost which will reduce fromapproximately £80 to £47. Plus, they’realready feeling the benefits in other ways.“To tell you the truth we’ve noticed adifference already. The whole fabric of thehouse is warmer. Even when the centralheating is switched off it still feels warmer.My bed’s not so cold and my carpets andwalls feel warmer,” she said.Marianne Monro, who manages theSustainable Warmth project for GreetsGreen Partnership, added: “We’re delightedto be able to help Mr and Mrs Wright tohave modern efficient heating. They werenot sure if they could apply under theWarm Zone scheme, but decided to askanyway. Now I hope other people in GreetsGreen will follow their lead.”ADDINGVALUEAnother long-time Greets Greenresident who’s benefitted fromthe Sustainable Warmth project isJohn Willetts.The self-employed decorator has livedin his semi-detached home in ClaypitLane for 50 years and his grandmotherlived there before him.Now his home has been brought bangup to date with the latest technology ashe’s had solar panels fitted, along withnew central heating and loft insulation.It was so long since the attic had beendisturbed that workmen even found anewspaper from 1933 up there!John said: “I’ve been told that the freework to install the solar panels at myhome is worth about £6,000. It thensaves you between 30-40 per cent onyour bills. The solar panels will certainlyput value on my property.”❝To tell you the truth we’venoticed a difference already.The whole fabric ofthe house is warmer.❞Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 13

Residents go solar continuedSOLAR POWERYOUR QUESTIONSANSWEREDWhat is a solar hot watersystem?Basically it means heating up your water directfrom sunlight. Solar panels are fitted to yourroof and fluid circulates through them. The fluidis heated by the sunlight and this is then usedto heat the hot water cylinder.What if there’s no sun?You are likely to have hot water from the daybefore in your hot water cylinder. When you haveno solar heated water left, your boiler willautomatically cut in to heat your water.Warmer homesAs well as offering residents free solar panels, the SustainableWarmth project also provides free central heating, loft and cavitywall insulation.In the Spring and Summer, most of your waterwill be heated by solar power and be completelyfree. During other months, at least some of yourwater will be heated by solar power.Twenty five per cent of heat can be lost through the roof, so havingyour loft insulated maintains the heat within your home, cuts yourheating bills and keeps it cosier.How much will I save withsolar panels?How much you save on your heating bills willdepend on how much hot water you use andthe size of your home.Do I still need centralheating?Yes, as you will want to heat your radiators inthe Winter when there is least sunlight.5 STEPS TO THE SOLAR SYSTEMFirst, I’ll visityour home tosee if you qualifyfor the scheme.I’ll answer anyquestions anddo an energyrating on thehouse.Our consultantwill visit you tocheck thesuitability ofyour propertyfor solar panels.It’s got to faceSouth and haveenough room inthe loft.Walls can lose up to 35 per cent of the heat generated within the homeso wall insulation cuts down this heat loss. Walls are insulated from theoutside and the holes created in the process are filled afterwards so itdoesn’t leave a mess.The project is now also offering super insulation which provides a verystrong insulation by covering the external wall of the house in fourinches of insulation.If you’re unsure whether you qualify for this fr ee work, get in touchwith the team and find out. Don’ t miss out!Once you’ve called Sandwell Warm Zone about getting solar panels fitted, Surveyor Dave Edwards will visityour home to check you qualify. Here are Dave’s 5 steps to the solar system….1 2 3 4 5A technicalsurveyor fromthe solar panelinstallationcompany willvisit you to do asurvey. Thework is thenscheduled to bedone.It takes two daysto put solarequipment in.You begin toenjoy thebenefits of yoursolar hot watersystem.To find out if you qualify for free solarpanels, call Sandwell Warm Zone on0121 569 5015. The panels are beingfitted on a first come, first served basis,so give them a call!14Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

NEWS FROM Greets Green Community EnterprisesNew clubfor kidsGGCE is gearing up to launch a brandnew Out of School Club at its pr emisesat Wood Lane Community Centre.Local residents will be able to use thefacility for their children, aged 5 to 11years, after school and during schoolholidays.Allison Franks explains: “After some verysuccessful taster sessions last year, ournew Out of School Club will open assoon as we get approval from OFSTED.Providing this facility will enable morelocal people to get involved in GGCE andattend meetings at the centre knowingthat their children are being looked after.”SEASIDE HOLIDAY FUN!39 local residents have recentlyenjoyed a trip organised by GreetsGreen Community Enterprises (GGCE)to the Isle of Wight.Costing only £135 per person, whichincluded the coach, the ferry crossing,half board accommodation and eveningentertainment, the trip was excellentvalue for money.“It was absolutely fantastic,” says localresident, Gill Cotterill. “We did everythingfrom dancing to walking on the sea front,quizzes and bingo – there really wassomething for everyone. I’m alreadylooking forward to the next trip.”GGCE is now hoping to organise anothertrip to Devon later this year. Watch thisspace!For more details on any of the above, call Allison Franks on 0121 525 2772.Would you like a sayon how GGCE is run?Then why not becomea member?GGCE is looking for as many localpeople as possible to becomemembers. It doesn’t matter how oldyou are, you just have to be a residentor work in the Greets Green area.As a member you’ll be able to attendthe organisation‘s Annual GeneralMeeting in June where you’ll have theopportunity to comment on howGGCE is run and share your ideas onthe future of the organisation.ON THE MOVECrowns Hairdressers has moved from the corner of OakLane and Chapman Street to Wood Lane CommunityCentre and is hoping residents will find it even easier tocall in to get their hair done.Hairdresser Christine says: “I’m really pleased with our newpremises which have undergone a complete re-fit. I’m looking forwardto seeing our regulars, as well as welcoming new customers here.”Christine has worked as a hairdresser in the Greets Green area for27 years and will be a familiar face to many as she used to work inCarters Green.Crowns is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Mondays,Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.Call 0121 553 1466 for an appointment or just dr op in.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 15

PARTNERSHIP NEWS COMMUNITY SERVICESWomen from Greets Green are beinginvited to splash out at a fun newmorning of exercise. The SocialSwimmers project, which proved sosuccessful when it was first launchedin 2005, has now started again.Sessions take place at Tipton SwimmingPool for women of any age who want togo swimming, but for cultural reasonsdo not want to go to a mixed open poolsession. Or it could be that they just feelmore confident swimming in a ‘womenonly’ environment. Transport to the poolis also provided for those who need it.The sessions are being run by CommunityCoach, Vasu Patel and cater for all women– whether they’re confident swimmers orthey’ve never been in a pool before.IN THE SWIMActive Lifestyles Co-ordinator, NathanMoore, explained that the aim is to makethe Social Swimmers sessions more viableso they will continue when Partnershipfunding comes to an end. They are initiallyrunning for 12 weeks, finishing in May. Hesaid: “The women enjoy swimming andthe exercise this gives them. They alsoenjoy mixing with other women they maynot normally meet.”To find out more, contact Nathanon 07817 009 062. Calls can betransferred to a female memberof staff if preferred.“We have an hour’sswimming session bookedand then there’s an hour’sexercise class. It onlycosts £2 so it’s great valuefor money.”A little extra helpA new team of local people is workingwith Greets Green Partnership toprovide support when projects needa little extra help with staffing.The sessional staff have been recruitedto work with the Partnership via theSandwell Templink employment agencyand have so far been helping out with arange of activities as and when required.Those recruited so far include formerAfrican Caribbean Outreach Worker,Rachel McFee, who said: “I’ve worked inGreets Green for the last two years and itwas a good opportunity to stay involvedin the work that is taking place locally.”Fellow sessional worker Bhiku Patel, aformer BT manager, said: “I took earlyretirement and thought this was a goodchance to work in the community.”Rachel has so far helped out with awomen’s event and both have beeninvolved with community consultationwork relating to housing developmentsin Greets Green.They’re now looking forward to taking partin further work as it becomes available.Other sessional staff include AtaurRahman, who has a background in salesand is a former restaurant owner; LeeFletcher, who has previously worked inrecruitment; and Syeda Nessa, who hasexperience in community involvement andtranslation work.The team of sessional staff come fromall backgrounds and help out in a wholevariety of ways, including providingsupport with language skills, events andsurveys. It’s a great opportunity to try yourhand at different types of community workwhile earning cash at the same time.Community Services Manager, RohitMistry said: “We’ve recruited half a dozenpeople so far and are looking for more,so there are still opportunities for localpeople to sign up.”If you would like to find out mor e,call Rohit at Greets Green Partnershipon freephone 0800 953 0215.16Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

Women celebrate their dayWomen from Greets Green got together for a fun day attheir own International Food and Fashion Festival, heldto celebrate International Women's Day.The event, staged at the Town Hall and organised by Navida Bukhari,Greets Green Partnership's Community Services Worker (Events andPublicity), brought together elements from different cultures.Lots of different activities were organised for women to have a go at, includinga Bollywood dance workshop, herb growing workshop, a Punjabi drum class,henna, massage, an Extend gentle exercise session and reflexology. Thefashion element of the event included a display of 1950s English dresses andAfrican fabrics, plus the chance to try ondifferent cultural outfits.Navida explained that the varied food stallswere kept busy, and offered a wide choiceof dishes from different cultures includingPakistani, Bangladeshi, Yemeni, Polish,English and African Caribbean."It was a fantastic event,” said Navida.“There was a good buzz throughout thewhole of the day and people werequeuing before the event even opened.One of the best things about it was thediversity of people who turned up - itwas really great."Stalls supported by:Sandwell Women's AidCommunity Health NetworkIdeal for All (Independent Living Centre)Fashion displays supported by:Sarah's Boutique (High St, West Brom)Purewal (High St, West Bromwich)Harkiran's (High St, Smethwick)Shine Clothing (Queen's Square,West Bromwich)And a big thank you to ShockwaveDance Academy (West Bromwich) fortheir performance.LEARNING & HAVING FUNAt another International Women'sDay event organised by the GreetsGreen Adult and Community Lear ningProject, women had a fun daylearning new skills - from bellydancing to speaking French.Held at Wood Land Community Centre,the event aimed to be fun, free andfriendly!Women from across Greets Green tookpart in lots of activities which allinvolved an element of learningsomething new. They had a go atmaking a flower arrangement, learnta few French words and designedtheir own mug and coaster.They were also able to try their handat creative card making, and relax bygetting their hair, make-up or nailsdone. Confidence building andassertiveness workshops were held,and visitors found out about all thelocal learning opportunities available.For information about the activitiesrun by the Greets Green Adult andCommunity Learning Project, callNikki Russell on 0121 525 6671.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 17

PARTNERSHIP NEWSIf you take pride inyour plants, love yourallotment or havebeautiful borders,then we want to hearfrom you!At the end of the summer we’r eholding a special event called ‘GreetsGreen is Blooming Marvellous’ thatwill recognise and celebrate all ofyour green-fingered efforts.And you don’t necessarily need abeautiful garden to join in with the fun.We’re looking for everything from balconydisplays to hanging baskets, herbgardens and greenhouses.All we need is for you to contact us withthe details of your great gardening work.You can also nominate friends andneighbours. We will then take professionalphotographs which will be featured infuture editions of this magazine.One example of a Greets Green residenttaking great pride in the appearance ofher garden is Olive Bedworth.Both the front and back gardens ofOlive’s Turner Street home are packed fullof plants including Rue flowers, pottedCamellias, Heather, Geraniums, Hyacinthsand Rose of Sharon to name but a few.Olive first fell in love with gardening manyyears ago and said her enthusiasm for itstems from her father.work! It helps me forget any troublesI might have,” she added.Olive’s garden also includes a range ofbirdbaths and birdhouses that attract ahost of winged-friends including Robins,Blue Tits, Collard Doves and Sparrows.She also recently spotted a squirrelrunning along the top of her fence!The special event to showcase yourgardening skills will take place inSeptember and everyone who takespart will be invited to attend.Greets Green Partnership EventsCo-ordinator Navida Bukhari said:“This is all about taking pride in yourhomes and gardens. We want to makea big deal out of your efforts which helpmake Greets Green an attractive andgreat place to live.”“I have gardened ever since I was achild but would not call myself a gardenerbecause I’m still learning,” she said.“I love gardening. It’s the only reallyrelaxing thing that I do but it’s still hard18Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008“In the summer I spend as much timeas I can in the garden. I will start earlyin the morning, have a break for lunch,and keep working into the evening.There’s always a lot to be done.”“I love gardening. It’s the only really relaxing thingthat I do but it’s still hard work! It helps me forgetany troubles I might have.”To take part in the ‘Greets Greenis Blooming Marvellous’ event sendus your details and, if possible,a photograph to: FREEPOSTGREETS GREEN PARTNERSHIP(no stamp required).Or you can email a picture tonaivda_bukhari@sandwell.gov.ukor call on 0121 533 3183.

PARTNERSHIP NEWSLooking for Community HeroesIncluded in the last issue of the Greets Green magazine was our CommunityHero nomination form (see below). We’ve had some forms returned, thankyou, and are now finding out more about the people you’ve nominated.There’s no closing date, so if you’d like to make us aware of someone who you feeldeserves to be recognised for thework they do on a voluntarybasis, please get in touch.In the last few issues of themagazine, we’ve featured localresidents Paul Green, ImranMiah, Peter Jones, Dave Heeleyand the crossing patrol staff ofGreets Green.They all had their picturetaken professionally and wereawarded a special trophy inrecognition of the effort they putin to go that extra mile to makelife better for others.We know there are lots morepeople out there who deserveto be recognised. They can beindividuals or groups – pleaseget in touch!Return your form to us orcall Richard Wyatt at GreetsGreen Partnership on freephone 0800 953 0215. You can also email yournomination to richard_wyatt@sandwell.gov.ukMore ways tokeep in touchFollowing the successful launch ofthe new look Greets Green Magazine,Greets Green Partnership has alsodecided to revamp its Green Pagesnewsletter.The newly named Greets GreenCommunity Newsletter is produced everytwo weeks. It features all the latest newsfrom the Partnership as well as details ofwhat’s going on in your neighbourhood.You can pick up a copy from thePartnership offices in the High Street aswell as from a number of local venuesincluding Wood Lane Community Centre,the YCA, the Guru Nanak CommunityCentre, Lodge Road Community Centreand the Greets Green Children's Centre.You can also learn more about GreetsGreen Partnership online. By visitingwww.greetsgreen.sandwell.gov.uk you'llbe able to find important information aboutthe Partnership, view its Business Plansand Annual Reviews and read the latestGreets Green Magazine and Newsletter.There’s also a list of contact details shouldyou need to get in touch. Happy surfing!To find out more call Richard Wyattat Greets Green Partnership onfreephone 0800 953 0215 or emailrichard_wyatt@sandwell.gov.ukSttr SearchcGreets Green islaunching its veryown search for a star!Could youshine on stage?Look out in the coming weeks for posters,leaflets and flyers inviting local people of all agesto enter a talent competition.Organised by Greets Green Partnership inassociation with local organisations, thecompetition aims to seek out anyone who’s anentertainer at heart – whether they want to beunder the spotlight for singing, dancing, jugglingor standing on one leg!Auditions will be held with the aim of holding agrand final to showcase Greets Green’s mosttalented citizens.Event co-ordinator, Navida Bukhari, said: “TheGreets Green Star Search will be open to all agesand will be similar to TV’s Britain’s Got Talentcontest. We thought it would be a bit of fun andgive people a chance to display their talents.”For more details about the competition, call Navida atGreets Green Partnership on freephone 0800 953 0215.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 19

greetnewsIfyou have any news get in touch.Call Barbryn on T: 01564 741847,E: susan@barbryn.co.ukor Greets Green Partnership on T: 0800 953 0215,E: brian_mckinstrie@sandwell.gov.ukOPERATIONTEACAKES!Police work in Greets Green hasincluded taking part in OperationTeacakes to tackle commercialcrime affecting local businesses.During the Christmas period around halfof all crimes were affecting businesses,including offences involving petrolstations, shoplifting, and metal thefts ofcopper pipes and lead.The operation was launched in Januaryand ran through February and March,providing high visibility policing, such asin industrial areas and along the canalnetworks. It also focused on increasingcommunication with businesses anddeveloping links with the AlbionBusiness Improvement District.A very fondfarewellIn March, GreetsGreen Partnershipsaid farewell toone its mostpopular and valuedmembers of staffwhen JubadaAkhtar, moved onafter seven years.“Ever since Jubada came to us, it wasclear that we had found a very specialaddition to the team, who has made areal contribution to the Greets Greenarea,” said Partnership Deputy DirectorJohn Paddock.“She has much to be proud of, earninga reputation for being eager to excel atall she did. Obviously we are sad to loseher but we all share in her happiness asshe starts her new life.”A Greets Green resident herself, Jubadaheld many roles at the Partnershipincluding receptionist, admin assistant andacting PA to the Deputy and ExecutiveDirectors. Her enthusiasm, confidenceand above all her professionalism will bemissed by everyone.TOP SPORTS AWARDWell done to George Salter CollegiateAcademy which has received theStreetMark award for its work withthe national StreetGames initiative.West Bromwich East MP, Tom Watson,who was on hand to see the academyreceive its certificate, said the StreetMarkAward was recognition of the staff’shard work. Last Summer the schoolhosted a Midlands-wide StreetGamesevent and has been given the qualityassurance award for its work in deliveringsafe and fun sports such as football,cricket, dance and basketball for localyoung people. Kerry McDonald fromStreetGames said: “The school’scommitment to providing sport for localyoung people is tremendous.”Don’t forget that the top quality sportingfacilities aren’t just available to pupils.Both during the week and at weekendslocal residents are welcome to go tothe school and try their hand at a numberof sports.To find out all the latest sports andcommunity activities at the Academy,visit www.georgesalter.comDates for your diaryTea DancesIf you want to step out for arelaxing afternoon of dancing andmeeting people, make a date toattend one of the tea dances inthe next few months.The dates are: 24th April, 29th May,26th June, 31st July and 28thAugust.The tea dances are all held onThursdays, from 1.00 – 3.00pm atWest Bromwich Town Hall. Entry is£2 which includes a raffle ticket, andrefreshments are available.For more details, call NathanMoore on 07817 009 062.NeighbourhoodForumsIf you’ve an idea for improving yourarea, why not go along to your localNeighbourhood Forum meeting?The next dates are:Wednesday 9th April (South),Guns Village Primary SchoolWednesday 7th May (North),West Bromwich Town HallWednesday 4th June (South),Wood Lane Community CentreAll meetings start at 6.30pm,transport is available if bookedin advance with Greets GreenPartnership on freephone0800 953 0215.20Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

NEW HIGH-TECH LIBRARYPupils at George Salter Collegiate Academy ar e getting stuck into books.Flip magazine for‘young greets green’The school library has been given a £200,000 facelift which has included new talkingbooks, computers and improved media equipment such as pod-casting kits.Librarian, Janet Westwood, said: “It’s great news for everyone at George Salter. Thanksto all the new technology, we have a 21st century library for a 21st century academy.The students will benefit from all the new equipment, which they’ll be able to use withtheir various projects and schoolwork.”To find out more you can contact the Academy on 0121 553 4665 or visitwww.georgesalter.comCrafty goings onThe first of the Saturday craft fairsat Wood Lane Community Centrewas formally opened by local MPTom Watson, and a second one washeld at the end of March.The events were run by Wood LaneArtists Network and saw stallholdersselling crafts including jewellery, handmade cards, paintings and pottery.Allison Franks, Business DevelopmentManager at Wood Lane CommunityCentre, said: “We want to establish theArtists Network as a way of bringingtogether members of the communitywho have an interest in the arts to shareideas and learn new skills.”The network aims to offer opportunitiesto local craftspeople to sell work throughcraft fairs, to organise exhibitions andgain business support and advice.For more information call AllisonFranks on 0121 525 2772.ON THE ROAD AT LAST...They're off! After 10 years of hardwork the Ryders Green MethodistDay Centre has bought a newspecially-adapted minibus.It’s been paid for partly throughfundraising by Day Centre staff,management committee members andvolunteers, together with one thirdfunding from Greets Green Partnership.Centre Manager, Pat Briscoe said:"The minibus is going to be a big helpto us. To have reliable and comfortabletransport is fantastic. People can see ourminibus out and about around the areaand we hope that it will remind them thatwe’re here to offer support to carers too."As soon as we got the last bus we startedfundraising for this one. We now havebetter wheelchair access. The vehicle alsohas air conditioning, which is important inthe Summer when it can get very hot."Ryders Green Methodist Day Centre isthe only day-care centre in Greets Greenwhich offers specialist care for severelydisabled people. It provides day care tothe over 60s from across the borough,offering a meal and the chance tosocialise, to many who would otherwisebe quite isolated.The Day Centre also offers regularentertainment as well as an importantbreak for full-time carers.If you’d like to know more about Ryders Green Day Centre, call managerPat Briscoe on 0121 520 5367.Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 21

YOUNGgreets greenAPRIL/MAY 2008Children learnsome new tricksthanks to theHat-Trick projectwww.greetsgreen.sandwell.gov.ukMeeting the Mayorof Sandwellsee page 22Schools in GreetsGreen prove they’rehealthysee page 23Have a go at ourprize competition,open to all agessee page 23

young greets greenSoccer mad kids from Greets Green had a chance to show of f their tricks– and learn a few more - thanks to a special Hat-Trick event.TRICKS & FLICKSFOR HAT–TRICK KIDSThe ‘Tricks and Flicks’ event took place during spring half term at the WestBromwich Albion T-Mobile Indoor Facility, known as the Dome.Around 30 youngsters from Greets Green had the chance to attend the eventthrough the local Hat-Trick community football project and meet the specialistswho’ve appeared in TV adverts for sports giants like Nike.Dave Lawrence, Hat-Trick Co-ordinator for Greets Green, said: “The aim was tooffer the kids something different. We run a lot of normal coaching sessions andsome of the youngsters see these guys doing these tricks on TV. The Tricks andFlicks event was a way of them learning how to do tricks better and a chance tosee what other kids can do.”The youngsters who attended the event from Greets Green also took part in ahalf term four-day soccer camp at George Salter Collegiate Academy, whichincluded a trip to Old Trafford.The Hat-Trick project aims to provide footballing opportunities for all ages acrossGreets Green. It is backed locally by the FA, West Bromwich Albion FCcommunity programme, and Greets Green Partnership.Meeting the MayorYoung people in Greets GreenYouth Forum are looking forwardto welcoming the Mayor to oneof their meetings, after beingintroduced to him earlier this year.They met the Mayor, Cllr GurcharanSingh Sidhu, when they were helpingout at a recent West Bromwich FamilyHistory event. Chair of the Youth Forum,Rohim said: “The Mayor was reallyinterested in our Forum and acceptedan offer to attend one of our meetings.To find out more, call Dave on07904 588 095, or at West BromwichAlbion on 0871 271 9840, or emaildave.lawrence@wbacp.co.ukRecent events and activities includecoming up with designs for the futureof Dartmouth Park. These will beprinted on postcards and advertisedacross the area. They’re also busyorganising events for the Summer,so watch this space!“We’re hoping to give a presentationabout the various projects we’vebeen involved in. The Youth Forum isopening a lot of doors and providingopportunities for all our members.”If you’re interested in gettinginvolved in the Greets Green YouthForum, call Youth Officer Ian Clewson 07810 850 981 or emailian_clews@sandwell.gov.uk22 Young Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008

SCHOOLS PROVE THEY’RE HEALTHYSchools in Greets Green have provedhow committed they are topromoting a good way of life bygaining National Healthy Schoolsstatus.To be declared a Healthy School they musthave met the national criteria across fourkey themes of personal, social and healtheducation, healthy eating, physical activityand emotional health and wellbeing.The Schools started work on becominghealthy schools through a project fundedby Greets Green Partnership, but whenthis came to an end, the schools decidedto continue themselves.By the Summer of 2006 all five primaryschools in the area – Ryders Green,Lodge, Newtown, Lyng and Guns Village,along with George Salter CollegiateAcademy had gained bronze status, theirfirst step on the way, and now all but onehave full National Healthy Schools status.The programme is a national long-terminitiative which helps young people to behealthy. But it’s not just about physicalhealth - it’s about emotional health andhappiness too. The scheme involves thewhole school, including parents,governors and staff.Raji Takhar, Healthy Schools Worker forWest Bromwich, said: “The award is onlyfor three years and we do an annualreview with each school. After three yearsthey need to see if they are still keepingthe standards up to that level.”Schools can choose to concentrate oncertain aspects of the programme. Thisis what the different schools in GreetsGreen have been concentrating on:● George Salter has done lots of workon healthy eating and improvingwhere the food is served. A video onhealthy eating was made recently.● Ryders Green Primary School hasdone a lot of work on emotionalhealth and wellbeing.● Lodge Primary School has focusedon personal, social and healtheducation and has involved parentsin many things. They have a largeplayground so have done a lot ofoutdoor work too.● Lyng Primary School has had a lotof involvement with outside agenciesincluding the Fire Service, Policeand the Road Safety Team. Theyhave focused on the module of sexand relationships.● Newtown Primary School has studiedhealthy eating and also done a lot ofoutside work with groups such asDECCA (drugs awareness) and theschool nurse.● Guns Village Primary School is stillworking towards national HealthySchool status and is doing work onemotional health and wellbeing, andpersonal, social and health education,as well as healthy eating.young greets greencompetitioncornerSimply send your entry by 16th May 2008 to: MagazineCompetition, FREEPOST GREETS GREEN PARTNERSHIP(no stamp required). The first three correct entries out ofthe hat will each win a £10 voucher.With Spring now in full swing, Greets Green is really starting tobloom. Can you find the following Spring flowers and shrubs inthe word search? Find all 10 to be in with a chance of winningone of this month’s £10 shopping vouchers.CROCUS SNOWDROP TULIPDAFFODIL PANSY MAGNOLIAAUBRETIA SLOE LILACLILYK S I O P S T S L MA N J L S A U I M OI P B L Z C L Q A RT F O J O Y I L G CE E C R E A P R N AR M C Y D S I W O LB K D X B W L F L IU J D A F F O D I LA F B N E A Q N A RN L U I X P A N S YCongratulationsto Liam C Judge, Mrs BrendaChambers and MohammedSafyan who each won a£10 voucher from theFebruary/March competition.Please fill in your details using BLOCK CAPITALS.Name:Address:Tel No.Age:This competitionis open toall agesYoung Greets Green Magazine April/May 2008 23