Taking up running can seem like a daunting project especially if you have never run before, feel out of shape or unfit. Our beginner programme is designed to get just about anyone off the couch and gradually work them up to running 5km (or for 30 minutes) in just 9 weeks. It is designed for absolute beginners using a mixture of walking and jogging to gradually build up fitness and stamina

FREE Couch to 5km beginner running group

Starts Thursday 30 July for 9 weeks

join weeks 1-3 only

Thursdays 5.30pm—6.30pm

Meet at the play area Farnborough Fields

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear—bring a drink!

Contact Carla Belle on 0121 748 8189 or carlab@cvcha.org.uk to find out more!

We have received confirmation from HS2 representatives that planned ground investigation works are due to take place in Castle Vale near Javelin Avenue this week.

The trial pit works, which will last one day, will take place either Thursday or Friday (30th/31st July).

Representatives from HS2 will be delivering leaflets to residents along Javelin Avenue which will contain information about the ground investigation works and will include the HS2 Helpdesk number for queries.

Take a look at the maps which show the location/type of ground investigation works that will be taking place here: CBA-001 GI Locations Map

The Couch to 5k beginners running group completed the #ValeChallenge at the weekend!

On Saturday 25th July, members of the C25K running group took part in the Vale Challenge. The group began 9 weeks ago and have been taking part in sessions every Tuesday and Thursday in preparation for Saturdays event.

The sessions have been organised by the NPB team Ruth Miller and Carla Belle and are supported by Active Parks which is a city wide programme set up by BCC to offer the citizens of Birmingham the opportunity to participate in a wide range of physical activities sure to improve health and wellbeing whilst having a lot of fun.

Members of the group, who had never run before, started off jogging for 30 seconds/walking for 30 seconds and worked with the Active Parks Trainer, Wayne Daniels, to build up their stamina going a little bit further every week.

The Vale Challenge 5k run was part of a range of challenges which residents took part in on Saturday including a swim, assault course and mini challenges such as archery, basketball and tennis. The Vale Challenge was organised by Active Arts and Partners as part of the Butterfly Effect project.

28 runners including members of the C25K group completed the challenge and received a certificate and medal for their achievement. Group member Lee Crofts said ‘When you look at today and see where we were 9 weeks ago there should be nothing but pride‘

The group have vowed to continue taking part in the weekly sessions as members are enjoying the sessions, Karline Parker, a regular member has said ‘It’s nice that I can do this with my friends from work, it helps to keep me motivated and also a good social element to it’.

The 5km to beyond programme will begin this Tuesday (28th July), 5.30pm-6.30pm (meet at Farnborough Fields).

The next Couch to 5k programme will begin on Thursday 30th July, 5.30pm-6.30pm (meet at Farnborough Fields).

Both groups are open to all, if you are interested please contact Carla Belle on 0121 748 8189 or carlab@cvcha.org.uk to find out more!

Do you have a child aged between 2-5 years and are unsure what activities you can do with them over the summer holidays?

The CV Literacy Champions Programme is a 6 week programme for 1 hour per week where you get together with a volunteer to do reading, singing, arts and crafts, visit the library etc.

It is FREE to take part and your child will receive 3 FREE books when you complete the sessions.

Want to find out more?

Come along to the celebration event to take part in some of the activities we do each week, speak with the families who have already taken part and meet some of the volunteers.

If you would like to come along please contact Carla Belle on 0121 748 8189 or email carlab@cvcha.org.uk to book your place.

The best Family Fun Day in Birmingham comes to Greenwood Academy on Thursday 16th July between 3:30pm and 6:30pm.

Greenwood are once again flinging open their gates for some great value fun for all the family.
Entry is free and great value with most attractions costing less than 35p!

Expect an array of inflatables for all ages and countless opportunities to win prizes in all your favourite fun fair style games.
Email community@greenwoodacademy.org for more details or to book a stall!

Are you looking to learn new things for your next job? Do you need something to inspire you into work?

Free courses available at Birmingham Metropolitan College for jobseekers.

• Free training for people on JSA/ESA/UC/Income Support with accredited qualifications upon completion
• Expert tuition delivered by time-served specialist teaching staff
• All courses supported and approved by Job Centre Plus
• Travel support from the start date for Work Programme participants
• Work-related activity for ESA participants
• Job search facilities onsite
• Call 0121 362 1174 to book onto an IPI

Enrolling at JobSkills@BMET (opposite Matthew Boulton Campus), 4 Jennens Rd, B4 7PS

• Thurs 9^th July at 10am            Cleaning and Facilities 12 places available
• Friday 10^th July  at 10am        Business Administration 3 places available
• Wed 15^th July at 1pm              Food Safety Level 2 15 places available
• Wed 15^th July at 1pm              Health & Safety in the Workplace 15 places available
• Mon 20^th July at 9.30am         Horticulture 10 places available
• Tues 28^th July at 2pm             Security* 12 places available
• Wed 29^th July at 10am            Health and Social Care 20 places available

* includes SIA licence costs, candidate must be Level 1 in Literacy with either a passport, DL or original BC

Enrolling at Erdington Skills Centre, Mason Road, Erdington B24 9EW

• Wed 22^nd July at 10am           Plumbing Basic Skills 20 places available
• Wed 22^nd July at 10am           Painting and Decorating 20 places available

Enrolling at James Watt Campus, Aldridge Road, Great Barr B44 8NE

• Wed 22^nd July at 10am           Electrical Skills 20 places available

LAST CHANCE TO ENROL- Careers within the Finance Sector *

• Thurs 9^th July                          2 week course to provide knowledge for those looking to work in admin/ customer service within the finance sector. Support with job search and application from Verridian Recruitment upon successful completion of the course. Support with creating a top class CV.

Gain the following qualifications:

• Level 1 Award in Customer Service
• Level 1 Certificate in Employability (Managing Personal Finance/ Business & Customer Awareness/ Understanding Personal Finance)

* must have GCSE A-C in English and maths (or equivalent) and clean credit history (No travel support provided for this opportunity)

for more information click here: JobSkills@BMET courses updated 6th July

We currently have two Public Health students working with NPB to undertake some research to understand why some people in Castle Vale do not take part in physical activity – can you help?

Does the thought of going to a gym scare you? Are the clothes too expensive? Do you not know where to start? Do you not know what is happening and where?

We have a short questionnaire that we are asking residents to fill in. The information will be used by NPB and our partners to ensure that activities and events we set up suit you!

To access the survey please follow this link: Castle Vale Barriers to Physical Activity Survey

Are you interested in conserving, enhancing and developing the open green space of the Farnborough Fields Area?

Farnborough Fields is located in the South Easterley Corner of the Castle Vale Estate. The site has approximately 5 1/2 acres of green open space with a Wildflower Meadow, a Stable and Paddocks, Allotments, Vale Stadium and Playing Fields, and a Park Area.

There are plans to relocate the secondary school onto to some of the current paddocks site (subject to planning permission).

If you are interested in joining the Friends of Farnborough Fields Group or would like to find out more come along to the Natter Network Meeting on Wednesday 8th July at the Sanctuary between 5pm – 7pm or contact Carla Belle on 0121 748 8189 or carlab@cvcha.org.uk 

St Cuthbert’s Church weekly news sheet is available for people to find out what is happening at the Church.

The can view the news sheet here: 15 06 14 Ordinary Time 11 14 06 15 (2)

The Church will be holding a Jumble Sale to raise church funds, all welcome!

The Jumble Sale will be taking place on Saturday 20th June 12 noon until 2pm (or until everything has gone).

Please contact Father James if you would like to donate anything on 0121 747 4041.