Autumn noticeboard
Hardship Grant Community Fund
Birmingham Voluntary Service Council’s (BVSC) Hardship Grant Community Fund (HGCF) is part of the council's wider Household Support Fund (HSF) activity. In order to be eligible:
You must be a Birmingham resident
You must be experiencing financial hardship, particularly with covering costs linked to food and energy
Your household must not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months.
Be aware that if you are invited to apply, you may be expected to provide proof of address and proof of means-tested benefits, if you are in receipt of them. To apply, you will need to complete the Hardship Grant Community Fund expression of interest form. Please click here for more information. Please click here to complete the expression of interest form. Deadline is on the 30th of September 2024.
Beacon School Support
Beacon School Support will be coming into school to deliver some workshops.
Please see dates and times for the different workshop below:
How to support with big emotions (Parents): Date: 06/11/2024
Time 2:00 - 2:45- Parent session
2:45-3:00 - Question time for parents
How to support with emotions and behaviour at home: Date: 05/02/2025
Time 9:00 - 9:45 - Parent session
9:45 - 10:00 - Question time for parents
10:00 - 12:00 - Consultation time
Screen time finding the right balance: Date: 02/05/2025
Time: 9:00 - 9:45 - Parent session
9:45 - 10:00 - Question time for parents
10:00 - 11:00 - Consultation time
COMPASS- Birmingham Mental Health support
Compass is leading the way in supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and families in selected educational settings across Birmingham.
Birmingham Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) offers free, and confidential support to Children, Young People and Families with mild to moderate emotional health and wellbeing needs.
Whether it’s feeling sad, scared, worried, or experiencing challenges like anger or frustration, Compass is here to connect you with the right help.
Compass Birmingham MHST works across selected schools in the North and East of Birmingham, working directly with primary and secondary schools to ensure every child and young person has access to the support they need.
Please see below on how you can help your child with their worries and fears.
Bed Poverty
Birmingham City Council (BCC) has partnered with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) supported by Barnardo’s to provide support to families suffering from Bed Poverty. This is a pilot project and will be available up until 30th September 2024. If the funding becomes exhausted, the scheme may be closed sooner. If you are interested, please email the school at enquiries@leighji.bham.sch.uk to let us know and we will put in a referral for you.
Water Safety
If you are visiting any parks that have any open water, please remember the water safety rules advised by Birmingham City Council:
never swim or play in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals or any other form of open water
never allow children to play near water without an adult present
do not run by the water – you may trip and fall in
If you see someone in trouble in the water:
never jump into the water yourself
keep calm and throw them something that will float, e.g. a lifebuoy if one is available
phone for help
There are a number of Leisure Centres in Birmingham that offer swimming sessions as well as family fun sessions. Please see below a list of centres close to Washwood Heath.
There are also more available around the city. Please click here if you wish to see more.
50 things to do before you're five
Please check out this poster to find lots of fun, low or no cost activities to do with your children in Birmingham
You can download the free app and access all the information.
You can also access their website by visiting the link below:
50 things to do before you're five
