St Johns Housing Logo

Tel: (01502) 527200

Supporting Individuals to Achieve Their Potential

Home About Us News & Publications Housing Health & Wellbeing Education Community Involvement

News & Publications

Latest News & Events
News Archive

Donate Online Now


Latest News & Events

Find your 'Inner Artist' with the support of the Bridge View Art Group!

15/03/2013

Ever fancied yourself as a bit of an artist? Do you have an interest in ANY form of art, be it sculpture, sketching or splashing about with paint? Whether you have experience (recent or past), or just fancy something trying something new, Bridge View Day Centre runs a weekly art group on Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm, for all levels and abilities.

It's a great opportunity to meet new people, and have some fun whilst trying new things and getting creative - many of our attendees also find it is very stress-relieving! Activities so far have included painting, back to basics drawing workshops, scarecrow making, clay modelling and the very popular papier-māché. At the beginning of the Summer, we had a field trip to the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, where we worked with their Photography Society to try our hand at pinhole photography, using cameras constructed from mere matchbox!
 
This is just the tip of the iceberg, as we are open to any suggestions and always keen to explore any ideas you may bring wish to bring along to our group. We have a wide variety of people who attend and it's always a fun evening, with many wonderful pieces being produced by our talented members (many of which are displayed within the centre).

It's a good way to learn new techniques and to produce pieces you are proud of, as well as being a fun way to gain a confidence boost! We don't believe in the phrase "I'm no good at art", as we can help teach you to find your inner artist! There really is something for everyone, so pop in for a chat and try your hand at something new.

"I have been attending the art workshops and have really enjoyed having some creative time," said regular attendee, Rachel Benham, "I had always enjoyed art from an early age, but never felt very confident with my drawing skills - until now: the group has been a fantastic support and I believe there is some real talent here at Bridge View!"

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

The Bridge View Art Group runs every Monday evening, 6:30pm until (approx.) 8:30pm. For further details, contact the Centre on (01502) 513974

One of the pieces produced by a Bridge View Art Group attendee.



Sowing Seeds of the Future

15/03/2013

Alister Jones, Horticultural Project Manager at St Johns Housing Trust, has had a busy first month setting up the 'Sowing Seeds for the Future' project. Alister has been thrilled at the response from residents of the charity's supported housing schemes who have been involved with the clearing and digging of the sites to prepare the ground for vegetable gardens.

With plans to install polytunnels in most of the vegetable plots, ensuring an all year round supply of crops to be grown, harvested and enjoyed by residents, whilst also providing an outside classroom environment so that those involved can be out enjoying and learning about the garden in all weathers. Alister is hopeful that the polytunnels will be in place by September in order that residents can plan which types of fruit and vegetables to grow over the coming months.

Alister is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with the gardening project: to register your interest, or for more information, contact Alister Jones on 07790 387510, or e-mail: jones.alister@stjohnshousing.org

Residents and volunteers clearing a site for the vegetable garden at Phoenix House.



Haven Court Receives Funding from UCS - Thanks to Student Clare!

15/03/2013

Haven Court recently received a Community Grant from University Campus Suffolk of £242 to purchase items for the weekly mother and baby group's activities.

After completing a social work placement at the supported housing scheme for young single or expecting mothers, student social worker Clair Canham wanted to help develop the mother and baby group and applied to the University's community grant scheme.

The funding received made it possible to purchase a range of items, including easels and paint pots for the group's 'messy play' activities, as well as musical instruments for the weekly 'Rockin' Tots' music session. Bright and colourful cushions were also bought using the funding to provide a soft seating area for the group. The group provides an ideal opportunity for young mums at the scheme to meet and socialise whilst also spending quality time with their babies.

St Johns Housing Trust is very grateful to University Campus Suffolk and Clair for supporting the mother and baby group.



Sick as parrots? Not after this tournament tour de force!

15/03/2013

On a very hot and humid day, the St Johns Housing Trust football team travelled to Ipswich in the hope of netting their first trophy.

The 14-strong squad, sporting their striking orange kits, started their first match on a high, taking an early lead only for a second goal late on in proceedings levelled the score (1-1). Next up, SJHT took on the Salvation Army: buoyed by their performance from the first game, the players went out full of confidence and blazed their way to a stunning 6-1 victory. The belief that they could win the tournament began to dawn - particularly following the third match against tournament favourites, the YMCA. Inside the first two minutes, SJHT were two goals in front and took the game 4-1.

Next up came a brutal battle of a game: amid dubious tackles and much controversy, the Oranges slumped to their first defeat in the tournament (1-2). Unbowed, the players went into the final game of the round knowing victory could still seal them a place in the final: after conceding a goal early on, the Oranges staged a herculean comeback, eventually emerging as 2-1 victors. Following the match, the team faced an agonising wait for the results of the other games to come in before learning that they had done enough and were through to the final.

Sadly, on this occasion, it wasn't to be and SJHT faced a 4-1 drubbing in the final. Whilst disappointed not to being taking any silverware home with them, the team's performance was strong throughout the tournament and there was lots to take heart from. All the players left with heads held high - plus three new footballs as a runner-up prize. Already, talk has turned to when the next tournament will be and when SJHT will be looking to go one better.

SJHT Sports Correspondent, Brenden Hardy




Investor in people Investor in people Investor in people
 
Website Design by Raise Your Profile