washington pride - sunderland

Washington Wetlands Centre has launched a Wheel Appeal after the breakdown of all four of its electric scooters.

The Centre prides itself on excellent disabled access, which allows visitors to get as close as possible to wildlife and wheelchair users have been hiring the centre's four electric scooters for many years. Unfortunately, now the machines are on their last wheels and all four have been taken off the road for repair, something which the centre cannot afford to keep doing for much longer. Deputy Trading Manager Allison Torrence said; "All donations are welcome for the future maintenance and upkeep of the existing ones, although we are not sure how long they will last.

SIZZLING SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT WASHINGTON LEISURE CENTRE

Washington Leisure Centre is action packed with activities to help kids beat boredom this summer.

Budding gymnasts aged 6 years and over, whether beginners or advanced are welcome to join Gymnastic Day Camps, which include expert instruction and tuition. Day Camps will take place on 19th and 26th August from11am – 1pm and cost just £5.50 per session per non member. Younger gymnasts (3 –5 years) can also join in the Gym Tots sessions, which take place from 10am – 11am and costs just £3.60 per session. However, parents must stay during the session.

Mini tennis fun sessions are an excellent way to introduce children to the game of tennis. With coaching from a qualified tennis coach, each session will include coaching, drills and lots of fun! Sessions are available on Wednesday 30th July and 20th August for children aged 3 –5 years between 10am – 10.45am and 2.15pm – 4.15pm for children aged 6 –9 years old.

If your kids are bouncing with energy, Washington is holding trampoline coaching, which includes expert instruction and tuition. Week long courses are available on Monday 4th and 18th August and cost just £18 per non member.

The 5-a-side football court will also be available to book throughout the summer holidays between 9am – 4pm for just £10.

The pool has plenty to offer too. Splash your hearts out until you’re content or simply have fun on the fantastic floats and flume, which are open Monday - Friday between 10am and 12noon. The pool will be open daily to the public from 10am on a weekday and 8.30am on a Saturday and Sunday. Adults can get an early morning swim in on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 7.30am.

If your little one isn’t water confident, Washington Leisure Centre is offering Learn to Swim crash courses on Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August, Monday 11th – Friday 15th August and Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th August. Courses are available at various times dependent on ability.

Young swimmers can learn lifesaving techniques and help themselves to become more water wise if they participate in the Rookie Lifeguard course. The course runs for a whole week from Monday 11th – Friday 15th August from 10am – 12noon each day and is available to children aged over 9 years, who are confident in the water and can swim 100m non stop.

If you would like further information please contact Washington Leisure Centre on 0191 219 3400

Victim Support is a national charity that is dedicated to providing practical help, emotional support, information / advice to victims and witnesses of crime. We offer a free and confidential service to victims who are either referred to us via the police or other agencies or who self refer. We are able to process claims for Criminal Injuries Compensation for victims of violent crime, assist emergency cases with a range of services such as repairs to property,transportation or other services. We are also able to ensure that victims of burglary or hate crimes are provided some additional security. These services are all providedfree of charge.

We have a dedicated trained team of staff and volunteers with some trained to deal specifically with Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or supporting those bereaved byMurder or Manslaughter. We have some outreach workers who are dedicated to particular areas and are hoping to offer this service to the community in Washington.

If you need our help or if you wish to apply to be a volunteer you can contact us on 0191 5672896 or e-mail us at Sunderland@victimsupport.org.uk

Transplants save lives
At UK Transplant we are doing everything with one focus - to save or improve the lives of thousands of people every year through organ transplantation.

Thank you...to the 15,140,773 people – 25% of the population – who have said they want to help others to live after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/default.jsp

View the Pool web cams - Hi Res video here

pool

The spectacular Sunderland Aquatic Centre which is being developed by Sunderland City Council next to the city’s Stadium of Light will open its doors to the public on April 18.

The venue, which has already been earmarked as a potential training camp for the 2012 Olympics, will be the first 50 metre pool in the North East and the only one between Leeds and Edinburgh.

With a 10-lane 50-metre main pool, a 25-metre diving pool and seating for 500 spectators the Sunderland Aquatic Centre has the ability to cater for high profile national and regional swimming competitions.

In addition its moveable floors, which can vary the water depth from anywhere between 0 to 2 metres in the main pool and 0 to 4 metres in the diving pool, make it as suitable for toddlers learning to swim as talented swimmers.

The £20million Aquatic Centre will also be one of the most accessible swimming pools in the country, trailblazing the latest disabled accessible features which mean that everyone will be able to take advantage of its superb facilities.

Local Housing Allowancs - From 7 April 2008, there will be a new way of working out benefit. It is called Local Housing Allowance.

Local Housing Allowance will only apply to tenants of private landlords who move house, have a break in their benefit or make a new claim. Using the new Local Housing Allowance rates will make it quicker for the council to work out your Housing Benefit. You may also find that you are paid more Housing Benefit under the new rates and have more freedom to choose where you live.

For more information call 0191 520 5502, visit your local benefit office or Customer Service Centre, or go to our web pages via the link below. http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/lha/

Washington Millennium Centre are delighted to announce that we have installed Technogym equipment in its fully refurbished gym. Officially opening in April 2007, we already have over 500 members on our system. The Technogym Wellness system is a state of the art system which allows members to view their progress before they can see it in their own bodies. It is very simple to use and has great benefits. Using special Technogym Wellness keys members can store data about their fitness regime. This includes what weights they should be doing at each machine, the amount of reps, the duration of the exercise etc. You can also view past workouts and various statistics. These may include your heart rate, the amount of calories burnt, the distance travelled etc. The technologically advanced Technogym equipment has been chosen due to its design, ease of use, comfort and reliability. Technogym equipment provides first class, user friendly equipment to help our members enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle.

How to Join
Joining couldn't’t be simpler. You must firstly book an induction, either arrange in person or call us on 0191 2193880 You will then be given some forms to complete and bring with you to your induction. Medical clearance must be obtained, if needed, prior to going in the gym. All new members must have an induction, this allows us to show you how the keys and technology works. As well as ensuring correct technique for using the equipment to reduce the risk of injury. Once you have had your induction, you are able to use the gym as you wish. To view Gym opening times click here and to view Gym price lists click here.

Age Concern Community Shopper
Age Concern Sunderland are please to announce that funding for a city wide Community Shopper Bus has been secured from the Sunderland Partnership Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. Working in partnership with Compass Community Transport and Nexus the aim is to help older people with their shopping with transport to and from home. The service covers all of Sunderland including Washington and the Coalfields area and operates from Monday - Friday each week.

Climate change post campaign survey This year, Sunderland City Council has been running a climate change campaign that aimed to raise people's awareness of climate change. To evaluate whether people’s attitudes towards climate change have changed during the campaign, the council are carrying out a post campaign survey to capture what the current awareness of climate change is in Sunderland.

For more information, please contact;
Kathryn Warrington, Sustainability Assistant, Sunderland City Council, Civic Centre, PO Box 102, Sunderland, SR2 7DN
Tel; 0191 553 1535 e-mail; kathryn.warrington@sunderland.gov.uk

The British Heart Foundation believes that to turn the tide of childhood obesity, junk food advertising that targets kids must be stopped. We are demanding a complete ban on all forms of marketing of junk food to children. And we need your help.

Junk food manufacturers know how to push young people's buttons, which is why children under 16 spend £13 million on sweets and snacks each week in the UK.

Children face hundreds of advertising messages every day, not just on TV, but on the internet, in shops, on packaging, and in the texts they receive on their mobile phones. A lot of this advertising is designed to reach kids without their parents even knowing

John F Kennedy School are celebrating 100 years and need volunteers to help out with the celebrations or If you are an x pupil and can remember what the school was like when you attended or have any photos or anything to do with the school over the years, please get in touch with Gill Henley, to make sure these celebrations are extra special for the children who attend the school today.

Washington CAB develops new computer based diary system!
This month saw the introduction of a new computer based diary system to provide improved scheduling of client appointments. The system will schedule meetings across multiple sites, rooms, teams and advisors, generating text messages to remind clients the day before they are due in the bureau. “Its reduced significantly the time needed to book client appointments and the text messaging service has reduced missed appointments which we were experienced frequently in the bureau” – Denise Irving, Administration Coordinator The IT consultancy firm Aidan Studios Ltd have undertaken significant developments inside Washington CAB and their consultant has worked on-site for a number of months to develop the service fully. It is hoped that other bureau may benefit from the new system which will be demonstrated to Citizens Advice in the New Year. “It’s been a significant and challenging development for Washington Citizens Advice Bureau but what we have achieved has largely exceeded initial expectations. The feedback from staff has been extremely positive as has the interest from other bureau. We look forward to investigating collaborations in the future. – David Smith, IT Consultant with Aidan Studios Ltd. Citizens Advice bureau has a new project. As you will recall Farepak, a Christmas hamper and Voucher Company collapsed in late 2006 and many people lost their Christmas Savings. Citizens Advice has received funding from the Office of Fair Trading to help people to understand short term savings options and make choices that are right for them. We have started to run some sessions and would like to hear from any other organisations that may be interested. The main topics that we cover are:

1) To identify different ways to save for Christmas
2) Understand the risks and benefits of different ways of saving
3) Know where to go for more help and information.
Contact details at the bureau are:

As a Project Manager, James is responsible for the delivery/management of specific projects within Sunderland City Council's Digital Challenge. James has extensive experience within the Digital Marketing industry, spending several years as a Digital Marketing Consultant specifically targeting the email/web environments. He also worked for a top London advertising agency, managing all of the Regional Marketing covering Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. James graduated from Sunderland University with a 2:1 honours degree in Interactive Media and holds a CIM Professional Diploma.

Outside of work James lives a very active lifestyle that includes the Gym, playing Football and Outdoor pursuits that includes Sea Angling (scouring our local coastline for that big catch).

This year is also important in James life as he is taking the big step in Marriage at a local Sunderland venue in October. James can be contacted on his email - James.Mackintosh@sunderland.gov.uk

Eagles basketball team captain Andrew Bridges scored a few points with pupils at Washington school when he visited to launch the a new Basketball club. Youngsters Jake Nugent, 12 of Albany, Washington and Lee McCarty, 12 of Usworth, took some top tips from the basketball star.

The Eagles have been involved with Sunderland Youth Offending Services “On Track” project which uses sport and positive activates to steer young people away from anti-social behaviour.

They have helped to bring basketball coaching into secondary and primary schools and have decided to establish their own youth team within the community. Andrew said there is a demand for it in Washington and the school here has the facilities, “we enjoy doing it, and when you get to the kids it has a positive effect, its very rewarding. “our fame is not on the same level as the footballers but we have a physical presences when we walk in the room. The kids think ‘wow’ because we are so big.” Every player on the squad, which is top of the league, is more than 6ft tall and their centre court player Lynard Stewart is a staggering 6ft 10ins.

It is an astonishing but sad truth that thousands of people try to take their own lives every week of the year in the UK. But despite those incredible numbers the subject is still shrouded in stigma and secrecy. The BBC, in partnership Comic Relief, has the opportunity to make a film to be broadcast in March 2008 on BBC 1 which will help break down those taboos and we would like your help. We would like to talk to anyone who has attempted to take their own life and who would be prepared to talk about the circumstances which led up to their attempt and what has happened to them since. In particular – but not exclusively - we would like to hear from people who, despite having reached the depths of despair, are trying to turn their lives around with the support of various projects. In addition to these testimonies we would also like to speak to people who have lost someone dear to them through suicide after a period of severe depression or despair.
If you feel your story could help others, please contact in the first instance SURF, Mark Henderson at surfdurham@yahoo.co.uk
Or Julia Foot at the BBC on 0117 9746781 or email Julia.foot@bbc.co.uk.

Is a national charity. In the North East we have 23 member companies (and counting!) signed up to our employee volunteering scheme, North East Cares. Cares provides volunteers, generally in teams of 11, to carry out tasks such as painting a community hall, building a sensory garden, providing helpers on a day trip. This is a FREE service to community groups, all we ask is that you have public liability insurance and access to a kettle!

We are continually looking for new opportunities in the Sunderland and surrounding area for our teams to complete. If you would like more information please contact Stephen Linney on 0191 487 7799 or stephen.linney@bitc.org.uk

Digital Challenge

Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council won the country's digital battle with its digital plans to improve residents' lives through technology.

The council's consultation with residents, community groups and voluntary organisations on how lives could be boosted using IT helped to secure it top spot at the Department of Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) Digital Challenge. Now it is gearing up to roll the innovative programme out across the city, using the £3.5million cash prize. Sunderland Mayor Les Scott with one of the briefcase gifts given out at the Digital Award ceremony at the civic centre, watched by some of the guests.

Family Adult & Community Learning

Skills For Jobs, Project Specification

Context:

Application are sought from voluntary and community sector organisations to plan and deliver innovative 'Skills for Jobs' projects that provide a tailored programme of learning to support unemployed individuals to move closer to employment.

The aim of the 'skills for jobs' is to have a greater impact on individuals' chances of gaining both sustained employment and raising skills levels. The activities funded will provide additional support and training to prepare adults to be job-ready, with programme's engaging learners in the Initial pre-employment support stage.

Targets Group

The target group is low skilled adults aged 19+, not currently in employment, but who want to work. Skills for jobs projects can engage with any unemployed individual over the age of 19, although individuals facing specific barriers and significant disadvantages area priority, in particular, in particular the following groups:

People with disabilities
BME communities
People over the age of 50
Lone parents

Projects aimed specifically at male learners are also welcome, given their current low participation rates in Adult Community Learning programme's. Projects should target groups of learners, some according to levels of prior achievement to widen participation and encourage progression, especially to Level 2 programme's.

For more information and for application form click here

First Credit Union
Local MP Sharon Hodgson says "I am putting my money where my mouth is and signing up to the local Credit Union, Wearside First." The MP has been a strong supporter in the Commons of Credit Unions says "Credit Unions are a sensible alternative to doorstep lenders and high street companies charging extortionate interest rates." The Wearside MP said: "I decided to take the next step and join myself to encourage more people to follow suit. By saving just £5 a week members can help three families to secure affordable loans. Credit unions are not just for those on low incomes but can provide a sensible financial solution for everyone. Personal debt is becoming a big problem across the country and Credit Unions are a true Labour way of making everybody's money count." Mrs. Hodgson added: "several trade unions have or are setting up Credit Unions for their members and there was a meeting to promote them at the recent TUC conference. I shall seek to encourage support within the Labour movement and more widely." Mrs. Hodgson visited the Millennium Centre, Concord, Washington on Wednesday 19th September at 10am to open her new Wearside First Credit Union Savings Account. Wearside First is one of thousands of Credit Unions in the UK providing affordable finance to local people. It is open to anybody who lives or works within the boundaries of the City of Sunderland. If you would like further information on how to become a member of Wearside First Credit Union, please contact 0191 514 7491 or visit the Head Office in Waterloo Place, Sunderland.

Football League wants new teams

men playing a game of football Houghton le Spring and Washington six a side leagues are urgently looking for new teams. Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6-9pm. The leagues are fully affiliated to the FA and all games are fully officiated by fully qualified FA referees, with the emphasis being on fair play and enjoyment. Everything is provided including pitch hire, full season handbooks, top quality match balls, bibs onsite administration, referees, etc. So all the teams need to do is turn up and play. All the fixtures, results and tables are updated every week on www.footballmundial.com and there will be trophies and prizes for all winners and runners up in the league and cup competitions.

There will be three divisions of eight teams, limited to the first 24 teams, with promotion and relegation taking place.
For more details or a full information pack and application form, call league secretary Angus Taylor on 01937 841440 or email: footballmundial@aol.com

Inspiring designs

paint brushes Teenagers have been getting some top tips from the creative minds behind hit Brit flick Trainspotting. Sixty Biddick school pupils visited an exhibition which celebrates the cream of the North East design including the team behind the iconic film graphics from Ewan McGregor’s cult classic. The Our Friends in the North exhibition showed students, who are starting their first GCSE year in digital art or graphics were a career in graphics may take them. Biddick school Art and Design teacher Alison Thompson said: “The reason we were interested in visiting the exhibition was to give pupils the idea of the scope of graphic design and the different career paths open to them.
“As all exhibitors were born, raised or studied here in the north East, students should be able to identify with them more easily and see that they too can achieve great things both for themselves and for th film reel e region. “ The students have really inspired to learn that designers from the area have gone on to do such well-known pieces of work that transcended time, such as film graphics from Trainspotting. Many of the students have Jamiroquai playing on their iPods, and so were very impressed to hear David Malone of Malone design created the artwork for Travelling Without Moving.” Organised by local design enthusiasts, Lobster Foundation, Our Friends In The North, which was hosted in Newcastle, celebrated by the north East’s top design talent by focusing on the work of 10 designers from the area. The exhibition now closed to the public traced the evolution of technique, process and training in graphic design from 1977-207 acclaimed artists who have their roots in the North East.

Village Lane, Washington village, NE38 7HS

Tel: 0191 4178043

On the 7th of December we celebrated the hard work of our arts and crafts group by holding a Christmas fete and crafts sale. We sold hot beverages, mince pies and cakes and the children from St Joseph’s primary school came down to sing a variety of Christmas carols! A raffle was also held thanks to kind donations from local businesses and service users. Prizes include a food hamper, a pamper hamper, a good mood food hamper and a DVD player. So far we have raised £250 with more money for crafts still coming in! This will be used to support the arts and crafts group next year. We would like to thank all those who participated in the fete and made it a truly wonderful day!

Complementary therapists Visits from NECA and the ISIS project have highlighted the benefits of complementary therapy for aiding rest, relaxation and emotional well-being. New Durham college have kindly offered us two second year students who will be able to offer FREE complementary therapies to our service users! A variety of therapies will be offered including head and shoulder massage and reflexology all free of charge. The therapies will be accessed by appointment on a weekly basis.
: for more information click here

Saturday Surgery

stethoscope Weekend surgery based at school. A popular doctor’s surgery is now open at weekends thanks to a little help from a school. Washington GP Ashley Linton was at Oxclose Community school last weekend as the first Saturday surgery got under way. Ashley is part of a team at the Encompass health centre normally based at Washington Galleries. Encompass had been getting by with a locum service for several years before Ashley and colleague Dr Tracey Lucas arrived in 2004 and transformed a struggling surgery so much it became a teaching practice. But a year later Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust (TPCT) approved a proposal to put the surgery out to tender – sparking a campaign among patients to retain the two GP’s. The pair won the bidding war to run Encompass and as part of the new contract agreed to offer longer open hours – from 7am to 7pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am to noon Saturday. “There is certainly a demand for it.,
“It is the one thing the patients themselves asked for” Said Ashley

scvs banner Events / Training / News

For the latest information From SCVS please click here - www.sunderlandcvs.co.uk/index.html

T.A.G.S (The Amputees Group Sunderland) was formed in 2002 by a small group of lower limb amputees in co-ordination with nursing staff from the Sunderland Royal Hospital. The name T.A.G.S. originated from the initials of The Amputee Group Sunderland. The group felt that the trauma of having an amputation required added support from patients who had already experienced this trauma and had overcome their disability, learned to walk again and many have found that they can still live their lives to the full

Angel of the North Gateshead

Wearmouth Bridge Sunderland

Durham Catherdral

The Sage Music Centre Gateshead

A group for all amputees of various ages and abilities
• We offer pre and post operative support to patients and their families
• The group promote social activities such as meetings and fun activities
• T.A.G.S. covers the North East including Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham and Tyneside
TAGS meet once a month, on the last Thursday of every month from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Sandhill Centre, Library and Electronic Village Hall, Grindon Lane, Sunderland, SR3 4EN,Telephone (0191) 553 8875

for more information click here www.amputeesnortheast.org.uk

Women into Enterprise

women worker

Free workshops for community centre managers & community workers Encouraging Women into Enterprise se is a new ONE funded programme aimed at supporting women in disadvantaged communities explore their self-employment potential ENTERPRISE is for EVERYONE! Find out more about EWE & how it can help your centre:

• Gain revenue by hosting an EWE event
• Attract new users
• Gain practical knowledge about your local enterprise services & signposting
• Support local women reap the benefits of self-employment

For more information please contact EWE Coordinators: Nynzi Maung. Nynzi.maung@btconnect.com.
Tel: 0191 265 3114 or Genevene Goodwin Tel: 0191 213 1230
Lioness.training@yahoo.co.uk.

Workshops to take place throughout the North East including: Bridge Project Grasmere Tce, Creche available Want to know how enterprise can benefit your community centre & the women who use it?

Washington Church of Christ Room Hire
We have several different sized rooms for hire to the community at a cost of £25.00 per hour, just contact Trevor Owens, Building Manager on 4161300 to book. These are available on a long term basis or short term.

What's going on in the Washington area