Monday 4th January 2021

This evening, the Government have announced that all of England will go into another national lockdown from tomorrow. As a result, we have no alternative option other than to close our Centre. However, we will continue to deliver the Community Offer service, in partnership with St Albans, and our doors will be open from 9am - 4pm on a Tuesday for Food Vouchers and Foodbank donations only.

Our Community Allotment project, fresh from a recent funding grant will continue and will adhere to all COVID guidance and restrictions. Our Youth Club will also aim to continue by providing some online sessions.

If you are in need of any help or support during these difficult times, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0121 558 2998. The phone will not be manned at all times but if you leave us a message we will get back to you ASAP. 

Monday 30th November 2020

Sandwell will be in Tier 3 from Wednesday 2nd December 2020 and as a result, the majority of groups/activities at our Centre will be unable to resume. However, there are some exemptions, mainly for those groups for under 18's. These include CMJ Studios, Toby's Tigers, GKR Karate, YOUth Stars, and Kumon Tutoring. Slimming World can also return, as a support group, providing a weigh and go service. These groups will return from Wednesday. Please contact your group lead for more details and please be advised that all social distancing measures remain in place as before. 

Monday 2nd November 2020

Following on from the announcement on Saturday, the Centre will be closed from Thursday 5th November and will reopen on Thursday 3rd December, subject to any further Government guidance. The building will be closed and no groups will be taking place at the Centre. We will be contacting those who had booked places on the Sewing workshops and the COVID workshop and will be providing refunds or alternative options.

We will still be providing support as part of the Community Offer and the Community Allotment project will continue, following social distancing measures.

Thursday 1st October 2020

October is looking like a busy month! We are looking forward to seeing the return of some more groups for the first time in over six months and we are delighted to welcome some new groups to the Centre. Please be advised that COVID-19 restrictions are in place and most groups require pre-booking. Please contact us for further details. Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Thursday 24th September 2020

The new NHS Covid-19 app is launched today and the centre has a unique QR code for you to scan in when you use our facilities; you will find posters around the building for you to scan on arrival.

  

Friday 11th September 2020

Please check out our video showing how the centre is able to be up and running and COVID-19 secure!

Friday 4th September 2020

Following on from a successful phased reopening, we are now welcoming back some more groups to our Centre. The social distancing measures and the new ways of operating have been adhered to by all staff, volunteers, group leaders, group members and visitors and we would like to thank everybody for cooperating and adhering to these rules.

We have an update on all groups who have confirmed their return below:

Knitting & Crochet - returns Monday 7th September at 12.30pm

Art Group - returns Tuesday 6th October at 10.30am

Youth Club - returns Tuesday 8th September at 6.30pm (pre-booking available)

Yoga - returns Wednesday 9th September at 5.30pm (pre-booking available)

Zumba Gold - returns Thursday 1st October at 11.30am (pre-book through Karen)

Glow Beatz - New classes on Monday & Friday evenings due to start in October

All other groups remain on hold for the time being.

04/09/2020 - Please note that we are unavailable for private hire until further notice.

Monday 10th August 2020

Finally....after 143 days, today we start the phased reopening of our Centre and we welcome back groups for the first time since March. We have a limited number of groups returning in August and the timetable is below:

Monday - 7pm - PB Fitness

Tuesday - 5.45pm - Toby's Tigers (18th August)

Wednesday - All day - Slimming World (Booking is essential)

Thursday - 10am PB Fitness & 4pm - CMJ Studios

Friday - 9.30am - Slimming World

Saturday - 10am - GKR Karate

Sunday 9.30am - GKR Karate

We would recommend contacting the groups directly to ask about bookings and requirements etc in line with their own Risk Assessments.

We have worked hard to ensure that our Centre is COVID-19 secure and have followed the Government's five key steps:

1) We have carried out a Risk Assessment  and shared the results with the people who work here and the User Groups

2) We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance

3) We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home

4) We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace

5) Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk

As of Saturday 8th August, it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in our Centre.

You will notice changes within our Centre which include:

- An in/out one way system at the entrance

- Hand sanitizer stations in every room

- Additional signage throughout our Centre, reminding you of the regulations

- No tables or chairs in our foyer as this area is no longer an area for congregation

- Perspex screens in the foyer and management office

We have liaised with group leads and shared our Risk Assessments - some of the key points to note are:

- Pre-booking may be required (contact your group lead for further details)

- Use the hand sanitizer stations on entry

- Arrive at the appropriate time and exit the Centre at the end of the group

- Parents bringing children are advised to 'drop and go' or wait outside. Waiting in our foyer is no longer allowed

- Start and finish times may have been altered. Please contact your group lead for further details

- Face coverings must be worn when entering and exiting our Centre. If the group involves physical activity, it will be possible to remove your face covering at the start of the group 

We shall use the next three weeks to monitor and review all of our safety measures which are in place, and we will make any amendments required. We aim to reopen and welcome back all groups, from Tuesday 1st September 2020.

There will be no Private Hire bookings until October at the earliest.

We would like to thank everybody associated with our Centre for your patience, help & support, throughout this extremely challenging time and thank you to our funders for emergency grants which have allowed us, financially, to be in a position to be able to reopen.

We look forward to welcoming you all back to your Community Centre.

*Please be advised that all of the above could be subject to change, should there be another outbreak at national or local level and Government guidance changes*