In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Brandwood Centre has sought to create an initiative in order to give back the control to the community, in all aspects of life that have been impacted by the virus. Whether it be job loss, financial trouble, health related or a loss of social connection, this initiative seeks to restore and grow you in new ways, from the safety of your own home. There will be a variety of courses, advice and opportunities to connect socially with others, so make sure you don’t miss out! We call this program…
Here’s what’s on offer!
Weekly Coffee and Catch up – All Invited
Weekly Coffee and Catch up – Parents
Pick ‘n’ Mix Online Workshops
FREE Appointments for Debt and Benefit Advice
Online Mini Finance Information Sessions
Seated Yoga
To book your place please complete the short form below. You can find more information on this programme by scrolling down, alternatively you can call our team on 0121 443 3310.
Alternatively, if you wish to refer someone for a course, please fill out the referal form below
Weekly Brandwood Coffee and Catch Up
Are you feeling isolated during lockdown? Perhaps you are missing connecting with your friends or family during these unsettling times. We would like to bring people together once a week with our online ‘Coffee and Catch Up’ sessions. These friendly sessions will take place every Monday and Thursday and will give you the chance to chat, get support, receive updates and meet new friends, all from the safety of your own home. The sessions are brought to you using a platform called Zoom. Not heard of this before? Please do not worry, we can help you get set up and start using Zoom. We will offer a step by step guide and will take the time to help you get up and running after which, all you will need to do is join us once a week with a cuppa and enjoy a little bit of community spirit from the comfort of your home. If you like the sound of a friendly coffee and catch up then just complete the contact form on this page and someone will be in touch to let you know what happens next.
FREE Debt and Benefit Appointments
Do you need help navigating your way through your household finances? Not sure where to begin? Do you have a particular financial challenge or a specific question you need help answering? Our lovely Benefit & Debt worker Hilary is here to help. We can offer you a free face to face, online or telephone appointment (Fridays only) where we can give you guidance on money management, support with managing debts and advice on benefits that may be available to you or someone you care for. If you would like to book an appointment, just complete the contact form and one of our team will contact you to arrange your appointment.
Online Training Courses
Our Click and Connect selection of bite sized daytime and evening workshops have been designed to help and support you through this unique time and offer a variety of workshops focusing on personal, social development and employability. Unlike the courses we have previously held at the Brandwood Centre, all training will be delivered remotely using a platform called Zoom. If you are not familiar with the programme, don’t panic, it’s easy, we promise! You will receive a full set of instructions to get you started prior to your training. Each workshop is just 2 hours* and delivered by our experienced and friendly team of tutors. There are no formal entry requirements however, in order to benefit from undertaking these workshops, participants should possess a good standard of English. With the support of your tutor, you will be required to complete a short workbook. Choose just one workshop or complete 4 and gain a Level 1 qualification. There are currently 12 workshops to choose from. Please select one or more workshops from the list below, complete the short contact form and our team will be in touch with a full list of days and times for you to choose from:
Coping with Change: This workshop contains 2 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand why change can happen ✓ Understand people’s reactions to change and know about the tools/methods that might help them and others cope
Universal Credit: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand what is meant by Universal Credit ✓ Understand the structure of Universal Credit ✓ Understand how to make an application for Universal Credit
Safeguarding: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand safeguarding ✓ Understand how to identify safeguarding issues ✓ Understand how to report safeguarding issues
Stress & Stress Management: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand what is meant by stress ✓ Understand the effects of stress ✓ Understand the causes and coping mechanisms for stress
Completing Voluntary Work: This workshop contains 2 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand the role volunteers play in different volunteering situations ✓ Be able to complete voluntary work
Individual Motivation: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand what is meant by motivation ✓ Understand the importance of motivation ✓ Understand how to improve own motivation
Self-Belief & Assertiveness: This workshop contains 2 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Be able to demonstrate self-awareness ✓ Be able to demonstrate self-belief through completing tasks ✓ Understand about assertiveness ✓ Be able to improve own assertiveness
Healthy Eating & Drinking: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand the importance of healthy eating ✓ Understand the importance of drinking enough to stay healthy ✓ Understand about different eating disorders
Managing Personal Finances: This workshop contains 2 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand why personal money management is important ✓ Understand ways of managing own money effectively
Equality & Diversity: This workshop contains 2 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand equality and diversity ✓ Understand rights and responsibilities
Mental Health Awareness: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand what is meant by mental health ✓ Understand the possible responses to mental health issues ✓ Understand cultural diversity in relation to mental health issues
Online Etiquette and Safety: This workshop contains 3 learning outcomes which will support you to be able to: ✓ Understand what is meant by the terms internet and online ✓ Understand the threats to personal safety and the security of personal information online ✓ Understand how to behave appropriately online
*selected workshops are split into Part 1 and Part 2.
Mini Finance Workshops
Looking for some top tips to improve your personal finances? Check out our Mini Online Finance Workshops which offer advice on guidance on a variety of financial topics. Each workshop has been pre recorded and can be emailed to you to watch anytime in the comfort of your own home. Select one or more from the following workshops, complete the short contact form on this page and we will send them directly to you:
Utilities – How to switch to save money on energy bills
Help to tackle fuel poverty / applying for charitable grants.
Scam Alert – How to Avoid Being the Victim of Scammers
Welfare Benefits – People with Long Term Health Conditions
How to Improve Your Budgeting Skills
Personal Independence Payments
Warm Homes Discount
Universal Credit
Blue Badge Scheme
Better Off Calculations
Seated Yoga
Join Becky for a weekly 45 minute, online seated yoga class, every Thursday at 11am. Seated yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done sitting on a chair or standing on the ground while using the chair for support. It is beneficial if you have limited mobility or are new to yoga. This class is very good for reducing pain, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and anxiety.
