NXG Trust…alongside running its own programme of activities and events, we support other local charities to deliver serivces in the local community. This year we are funding up to 15 young people to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award with Somerville Youth and Play Provision as well as funding some of their Youth Employment project. For 170 Community Project, the much needed and much used local advice centre, we are funding a one-day per week drop-in Service for residents; and at New Cross Learning we are funding the updating of their IT system and 3 hours of drop-in IT support per week for local people. We are also funding capacity building training on benefits and debt advice for more than ten local organisations. In addition to all this we fund three local organisations to deliver summer holidays activities for young people. For more information on any of these projects, please contact Jenny.couper@nxgtrust.org.uk.
News
IT courses starting after Easter
We have the following IT courses starting after Easter. Please contact Liam (liam@nxgtrust.org.uk, or tel: 07458 994705 for further details and to register. (Please note, Liam only works three days a week, and is often in classes training, so he may not answer the phone. Please leave a message with your contact details, and he will get back to you when he is free).
Computers for Beginners. This course is a general introduction to computers and is designed for complete beginners. We will cover the basics of using a Windows computer, the keyboard and mouse. You’ll also learn the basics of accessing the Internet, surfing the Web and searching for information online. This course is suitable for learners with little or no experience of using a computer.
Computers for Older Learners. This course is a general introduction to computers and is designed for complete beginners. We will cover the basics of using a Windows computer, the keyboard and mouse. You’ll also learn the basics of accessing the Internet, surfing the Web and searching for information online. This course is suitable for learners with little or no experience of using a computer.
Online skills: Internet & email (stage 1). This course is a general introduction to the Internet and e-mail and is designed for those with basic computer skills. You will discover how the Internet and email can be used to engage and interact with the world around us. You will learn how to surf the Web, search for information and access a range of on-line services (news, welfare advice, employment, education, health). You will also learn the basics of sending and receiving e-mails as well as Internet safety issues. This course is suitable for learners with basic computing experience.
Online skills: Internet & email (stage 2). This course will help you develop your Internet skills further in accessing a variety of services online. We’ll show you how to safely order a book, pay a bill, bank online or book a holiday. You’ll learnt to use the internet to find answers to specific problems. This course is suitable for learners with some experience of using the Internet and email.
Word Processing for Beginners. This course is suitable for people with basic computing experience who want to improve their word processing skills. This course will take you through the main features of Microsoft Word. You’ll learn essential skills for producing a range of text documents (e.g. letters, essays, stories, school homework) and production layout, formatting, saving and printing. We will also look at how to work with Windows for organising your computer’s files and folders. This course is suitable for learners with basic computing experience. It is also useful for learners interested in learning essential IT skills for the workplace.
Spreadsheets for Beginners. This practical hands-on course will take you through the main features of Microsoft Excel. You will learn to produce simple spreadsheet tables, manipulate data and work with lists. No prior spreadsheet experience is required. This course is suitable for learners with basic computing experience. It is also useful for learners interested in learning essential IT skills for the workplace.
PowerPoint for Beginners. This practical hands-on course is a general introduction to using PowerPoint. You will learn the essential features of PowerPoint for creating and customising visually attractive slide presentations. Topics will include: creating slides, adding, editing and formatting text, applying themes, inserting images, saving, printing and running slide shows. This course is suitable for learners with basic computing experience. It is also useful for learners interested in learning essential IT skills for the workplace.
Staying Safe Online. This course is designed to raise awareness about internet safety and security. We will cover important safety issues related to using the Internet, email and social media. You will learn useful tips of how to keep yourself and your family safe.
File Management Skills. This course will show you how to store and organise documents and photos on your computer. You will learn how to copy, move, delete files and folders. This course is suitable for learners with basic computing experience. It is also useful for learners interested in learning essential IT skills for the workplace.
Mencap 10K in Greenwich Park
Exercise classes for carers starting at Barnes Wallis
Bakerloo line and the New Cross Masterplan
LB Lewisham are currently running a consultation on the masterplan for New Cross, in the context of the Bakerloo line coming this way. This will result in lots of changes to the local area, so please do have a look at the document and provide your views. Click here to access the consultation.
Children’s Activities
Hullabaloo Recorder Club – recorder classes for beginners (aged 7-12yr olds)or those with a little experience of playing. Just £1 per week. Every Tuesday from 3.45-5pm at Besson Street Community Garden. We supply recorders if you don’t have one and you can buy your own recorder from us at a discount. For more information call 0207 639 7605.
Under 5 Staytime Playtime – Monday / Tuesday 9.30-11.30am. Wednesdays 1.30-3.30pm (includes a family Yoga session).
New Cross Learning Film Club
Red Skirts on Clydeside – Wednesday 7th March 7pm. This film charts the experiences of Jean Ferguson, Mary Barbour, Helen Crawford and Agnes Dollan through their involvement with the Glasgow Rent Strikes, organised through the Women’s Housing Association, during the First World War. This film runs for 40 minutes, there will be discussion afterwards.
Made in Dagenham – Wednesday 14 March 7pm. An inspiring film about the Ford Dagenham women’s strike for equal pay in 1968. The film runs for 1hr 53 mins – there will be a discussion afterwards.
The Acting Class – Wednesday 21 March 7pm. All the World is a stage, but not all the players are equal. Research has suggested only 10% of actors come from working class backgrounds. what kinds of stories do we tell if only 10% of actors come from working class backgrounds? This film runs for 77 mins. The directors, Deirdre O’Neil and Mike Wayne will be there to discuss the film and answer any questions.
Once a Jolly Swagman – Wednesday 28 March 7pm. Starring Dirk Bogarde, this 1949 classic is in part, set at the then famous speedway race track in New Cross. This film runs for 89 mins.
What working class women did in the fight for the right to vote
Marking the 100th anniversary of votes for women and the role working class women played in this victory.
Sunday 11 March 2-5pm. Come along and hear the untold story of the role working class women played in the fight for women’s suffrage. Jill Mountford, women’s historian and community activist, along with Kath Dunbar, community activist, will tell the story of how working class women made a major contribution to winning women’s suffrage. Delicious food and drinks available, all proceeds will go to the Picturehouse and McDonald’s Strikers.
New Cross Learning – 283-285 New Cross Road, Se14 6AS. This event is part of the Telegraph Hill Festival.
Introduction to Bee Keeping
We have three thriving bee hives on site at Besson Street Community Garden. We want to increase the urban bee population and encourage as many local residents as we can to understand bees and the plants and flowers that bees need and enjoy. We are also keen to support any local residents who want to establish their own honey bee hives. We have three bee keeping courses each year taught by Camilla Goddard from Capital Bee. Weekly on Monday evenings:
Monday 16 April to Monday 30 April 6.30-8.30pm
Monday 25 June to Monday 9 July 6.30-8.30pm
Monday 17 September to Monday 1 October 6.00-8.00pm
This course costs £6 for people who are unwaged and £20 for those who are waged.
Sew You Need to get Out More
A weekly sewing class for anyone who needs to get out more and mix with people while doing something creative. These classes focus on patchwork, appliqué, embroidery, bag making, cushions, bedspreads among other gorgeous creative items. You can choose from two sessions: Monday 9.30am-11.30am or Monday 1.30pm-3.30pm, at Besson Street Community Garden, Besson Street, SE14 5AS. The classes are free of charge and we supply the fabrics, resources and tools for most projects.
Adult Learning, Employment and Support – spring 2023
Weekly sessions
ESOL classes (funded by City Bridge Trust). You can call in for an assessment on Tuesday at 3.00 pm and Wednesday at 6.00pm. No need to book an appointment, just turn up. For more information call us on 0207 639 7605 or email helen.keenan@nxgtrust.org.uk
Digital Skills and CV support – New Cross Gate Trust offers free high quality IT skills training to Lewisham borough residents. If you would like to learn any of the following please get in touch and register your interest. We offer: Computers for beginners, Excel, Powerpoint, online shopping and banking, using social media, staying safe online and much more. Contact 020 7639 7605 or email sezin.hussein@nxgtrust.org.uk
Support, help and self-advocacy – We offer personalised support and information to any resident experiencing a problem affecting their well-being. This could include benefit support, liaising with landlords, PIP forms, preparing for interviews and much more. Appointment necessary – contact 020 7639 7605 or email jill.mountford@nxgtrust.org.uk
Peer support group -this group meets once a week on Wednesday evenings and is for anyone finding daily life challenging and feeling their mental-health and well-being suffering. Come and share your thoughts and experiences or just listen in supportive company. All welcome over 18. Places must be booked: call 020 7639 7605 or email peersupport@nxgtrust.org.uk
Day courses
Emergency First Aid – Next date in May 2023. This is a one day level 3 course. The qualification covers the roles and responsibilities of the first aider and how to assess an incident, first aid skills in CPR and use of an AED, Providing first aid to a casualty who is choking, and dealing with external bleeding and hypovolaemic shock. This course is certificated and the awarding body is TQUK. The cost is £10 unwaged or £50 waged. It is essential to bring photo ID on the day – your passport, driving licence etc.
Food Safety – Industry Standard Qualification. Friday 17 February 2023 9.15am-4.15pm. this is a level 2 course designed to equip anyone working or planning to work in the service industries with an industry standard qualification in food safety and handling. It is an intense one day course. Topics include how to take personal responsibility for food safety, the importance of keeping clean and hygienic, the importance of keeping work areas clean and hygienic and the importance of keeping food safe. It is necessary for anyone working with food and use useful to enhance your CV. It costs £10 unwaged and £50 waged. It is essential to bring your photo (passport or driving licence). There is a short multiple choice test at the end. Book in advance via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-safety-levle-2-industry-standard-tickets-520290221057
Paediatric First Aid – Saturday 04 March 2023 9.00-4.30pm. This is a two day course. Once day in the classroom and one day online, working from home or in the library. The online element has to be successfully completed before the day in the classroom. It is a level 3 course qualification awarded by Pro-Training and meets the ousted requirements for childminders and all other childcare workers. There is just one rate for this – £35. It is essential to bring photo ID on the day. there is a short multiple choice test at the end. Book in advance via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/paediatric-first-aid-level-3-ofsted-recognised-tickets-520297743557
Fire Safety Workplace Marshall Training – Friday 03 March 2023 9.15-4.15pm. Level 2 certificate accredited by Highfield. This qualification is ideal for anyone looking to boost their CV or needing to learn about managing emergency fire situations. It costs £10 unwages and £50 unwaged. Book in advance via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fire-safety-in-the-workplace-level-2-tickets-520294604167
Safeguarding of Children and Young People – Next date in May 2023. This course is designed to give everyone who works with children, young people and their families an introduction to safeguarding children and young people. Those attending will gain knowledge and awareness about: legislation and guidance. the recognition of child abuse, identifying barriers to children and adults reporting their concerns; knowing how to respond and report concerns; who to contact when their is a concern and fulfilling ‘duty of care’, safe practice and keeping children and young people safe. The cost is £10 unwaged and £50 waged.
We need more volunteer gardeners!
Please come and help us to maintain the beautiful Besson Street Community Garden (no experience required). Garden sessions run Mondays 1.00pm-3.00pm and Wednesdays 12.00-2.00pm
Men’s Sheds
Woodworking for older men – no experience necessary. Wednesdays 9.30am-1.30pm
The JOY Men’s Shed is a new project, which aims to bring men together to put their practical skills to use, to learn new skills and to make friends.
Come and make, tinker, fix, whittle. Bring your own projects or work with others on a range of practical projects. All are welcome, tea, coffee, biscuits provided. for more information call Sarah n 07505 113 343.
Telegraph Hill Festival – It’s for everyone – 10-25 March
The Telegraph Hill festival provides two weeks of mainly free events and activities that are open to everyone. If you haven’t got a programme you can collect one from Besson Street Community Garden, or other community venues or visit www.telegraphillfestival.org.uk and make the best use you can of all the opportunities to have fun, enjoy culture and meet new people. We will be having lots of fun at Besson Street with the following activities:
Bubble and Slime – come and get hands on with some messy science at our after school workshop. Make giant bubbles, create gunky slime and wrestle with some weirdly behaving custard. Sally Collins, a wildly fun scientist, will lead you through the process, and explain the scientific properties that make them such fun. This activity is for 9-12 year olds. Thursday 15 March 3.45-5.00pm.
Art in the Garden – join our free art classes, using water colours and pastels. You will get tuition from local artist, Jo McCormick and inspiration from the gorgeous Besson Street Community Garden. Friday 16 March and Friday 23 March 10am-3pm.
Create a luscious Edible Hanging Basket – An opportunity to learn how to create long lasting and luscious edible hanging baskets that billow with herbs and other edible plants. You can choose between one of two workshops. Saturday 17 March 2-5pm or Sunday 18 March 2pm-5pm.
Make an Applique cushion – create a unique and beautiful hand embroidered and appliquéd cushion at a two day workshops for adults. The short course is taught by local artist Joni McDougall. All materials provided. Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March 1-5pm both days.
Introduction to Bee Keeping (a taster) – A chance to find out more about the world of weeks and the basics of bee keeping. In this 90 minute workshop you will get the opportunity to learn some fascinating bee facts, handle a live bee hive and gain knowledge of some of the basics of bee keeping. Camilla Goddard of Capital Bees, will be running this workshop. Sunday 18 March 2-3.30pm.
There are limited places on all the activities above, so book early. Sign up on line from here:
Food Banks in Lewisham
The New Cross Food Bank, 467 New Cross Road, SE14 6TA, tel: 0207 231 0535
Living Waters – Honor Oak Community Centre, Turnham Road, SE4 2JD – 0208 690 7579
Lewisham Food Bank – Malham Christian Centre, Malham Road, SE23 1AN – 07938071854
Whitefoot and Downham Community Food Project, Whitefoot Lane, BR1 5SF – 0208 698 7945