WATFORD

WATFORD AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION Exhibition A journey in history: Slavery & its Abolition June 23rd– August 31st As part of the commemorations of bicentenary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act the Association has created and designed an exhibition titled A JOURNEY IN HISTORY– Slavery to Abolition “They will remember that we were sold But they won’t remember that we were strong They will remember that we were brought But not that we were brave” 1937 William Prescott, a former slave’s bleak prediction The exhibition is hosted by the Watford Museum and opens to the public from Saturday 23rd June to Friday 31st August. The exhibition will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am—5pm Carers The Break It was a beautiful sunny day. 17 carers crowded into the minibus on their way to Sopwell House For a much deserved break away from caring duties. On the way there was lively banter and anticipation. The setting was idyllic, the food and service was superb. The stroll around the grounds, watching the various fish and ducks on the pond sent memories far from the caring task. 3 hours had passed and soon it was time to get the transport back to the caring task. Hertsmere CAB seeks Trustees 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Willingness to support the aims and principle of Citizens Advice Must live or work in Hertsmere, Preferably Bushey. Understanding the role and responsibilities of trustees-governance, strategic planning ect. Prepared to act in the best interests of all people in Hertsmere Prepared to put time into attending meetings Able to communicate effectively in English. The following are desirable 1. 2. 3. 4. We would like to recruit more females We would like to recruit more people under the age of 50 years Experience of charity work would be a bonus. Experience in legal matters, HR, or IT would also be a bonus. Contact Lewis Osbourne on 01923 856953 or email: osbourneuk@btconnect.com Mental Health Consultation. In conjunction with the PCT the Association is conducting a consultation on Mental Health Bill and how it affects black and minority groups. It is important that your views are heard, passed on and acted on. It is of vital importance that services are delivered in a culturally sensitive manner. Annual General Meeting (AGM) Sunday 15th July 2007 4.30pm - 6.30pm at the Holywell Community Centre. Meet the Trustees. This is a great opportunity to get your point of view across. Everyone welcome Please call 01923 220 810 for more Information TACEP CHILDHOOD REMINSCENCE ANTHOLOGY A small group of 5 women and 1 man got together to write about their childhood in the Caribbean and stories of England. Later they all came to live here and are comparing their feelings as a child and are now living in the real world. They explore their circumstances. Some bitter, some sweet. The words are written with deep feelings starting from adolescence to adulthood. Much fun and laughter has been enjoyed. The corrections made and the scripts will be ready for the printers soon. We await with anticipation for the second book to roll off the press . A toast for the valiant 6 A Journey in History: Slavery & Its Abolition A series of interactive workshops are planned in conjunction with the exhibition at the Watford museum    July 9th - School workshops - 10.00 am– 12pm July 14th - Creative writing workshop - 10am – 12pm July 18th - The Slave Trade—Transition & impact - 12.00 -2.00m All workshops are free Call : 01923 220810 to book your place NVQ COURSES AVAILABLE Customer Service NVQ 2 Skills for Life Improve your Maths Written & spoken English Retail NVQ 2 Business & Administration NVQ 2 Food Preparation NVQ 2 Hospitality Quick Service NVQ 2 Information Technologies Qualification Electrical Installation NVQ 2 & 3 All of the above are free of charge Call 01923 220810 for more information Dementia Dementia is common amongst older people and takes away the ability to do every day tasks one becomes reliant on families to provide care and support . As longevity increases it is predicted that more cases will occur. It can begin to develop long before signs show. Research shows many factors affect the risk of developing the disease. However:  Healthy eating reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes thus encouraging goods blood flow to the brain.  Mental activity such as reading, playing cards or board games, doing crosswords or word searches can help.  Regular physical activity, maintaining social networks and keeping regular checks on health the risks can seriously decrease. Dementia is the progressive loss of the powers of the brain . The most common kinds are Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Brain cells are killed thus causing problems with the memory, concentration, thinking and activities with money or dressing. Dementia workshop—24th April 2007 film depicting how the illness effects African and Caribbean people was shown and discussed with Bolaji. This was well received. £500 was raised which will be sent to Alzheimer's research into African and Caribbean sufferers. It is intended to network with other African and Caribbean groups to find out what programmes are being carried out. ’ A total of 60 people attended a fundraising lunch to raise an awareness of Alzheimer s. A video Thanks and appreciation to all of those that contributed. OBESITY HEALTH SEMINAR The seminar was held on May 8th and facilitated by Alfa Sa’adu with 35 people in attendance. The Body Mass Index is calculated by measuring your height squared and divided your weight by your height. You are considered overweight if your Body Mass Index exceeds 25-30. However waist measurements for males should not exceed 37inches and should not exceed 32inches for females. Obesity can lead to health problems including arthritis, diabetes and coronary heart disease. It is important from a very early age to have a balanced diet. Children need good food to fuel growth, development and active play. Early experience of the right food helps shape later life eating habits. Parents should be good role models thus encouraging a wide variety of tasty and nourishing meals. As adult’s nutritional needs stabilise it is of vital importance that a balanced diet is taken. The body no longer grows but its nutritional needs remain high. Ways of combating the problem:        Eat less Avoid salt! Stop grazing! Educate the taste buds Exercise! make household chores fun, dance walk Eat more fruit and vegetables Moderate sugar intake STAFF Welcome to Levinia Franklin, our new Outreach Worker. We say good bye to Edak Effiom & Valerie Hongla who have completed their social work placements with us. Quiz night The Watford African Caribbean Supplementary school had another successful quiz night on Saturday 19th May 2007. Over 60 people attended the event and had a very enjoyable evening. In attendance were a number of regular quiz fans as well as many who were new. It was a family occasion with parents and their children making up the teams. A particular theme for this event was reflecting on the 200th anniversary of the Act of Parliament that abolished the transatlantic slave trade. The school would like to thank all those people who attended the event and all the helpers on the evening. The evening raised £202 for the schools funds including a £25 donation from the St Albans West Indian Cricket club– thanks is also extended to the club. The next quiz night will be in October and the school would like to encourage an even bigger turnout. If you would like to attend the next event or would like to know more about the quiz or supplementary school contact Clive Saunders– clivesaunders@lineone.net. Carers Week Health Event Date: Tuesday 12th June ( 11.30— 3.00pm) Venue: Holywell Community Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford Event: Glaucoma Awareness Seminar Date: Friday 15th June (2.00pm - 4.30pm) Venue: Fielder Centre, Hatfield Event: Emergency Services for Carers A whole system approach for Herts. Date: Wednesday 27th June (10.00am– 4.15pm) Venue: Congress Centre, London Event: Mental Health Conference “Why Choice” CURRENT PROJECTS & SERVICE The African & Caribbean Elders Project (TACEP): provides a meeting place for African & Caribbean people on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Activities provided include : Keep Fit; Board Games; Talks; Outings; Arts & Crafts; Education. The Supplementary School: meets every Saturday during term time at Westfield School, Tolpits Lane, Watford. It provides educational, cultural and recreational facilities for children aged 5 to 16. Creative Minds: Provides a forum for the expression of African & Caribbean arts. Carers Support Group: The carers support and development was started in 2001 and works with social services and carers in Hertfordshire. Sickle Cell Thalassaemia Support Group: provides information, advice as well as gives support to sufferers and their families. The Supplementary School meets every Saturday during term time at Westfield School, Tolpits Lane, Watford. It provides educational, cultural and recreational facilities for children aged 5 to 16. MEMBERSHIP You can contribute to our Association and have a say in the organisation. Enjoy social occasions and make new friends. We welcome you to come along and help to give us new ideas and activities for the future. MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY £10 ANNUALLY, For more information contact the Watford African Caribbean Association, 16 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts. WD17 1JY. Tel: 01923 220810 Fax 01923 218937 E-mail: ac.comserve@btconnect.com Website: www.watfordafricarib.org.uk