John Scurr Community centre is based in Limehouse and works with local Newlon residents and the wider community to provide opportunities for training as well as activities to engage with others in order to improve well being.

This year's programme
Why not take a look at the projects we are currently running at the Centre to see if there is anything you would like to take part in. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Last year's programme
Take a look at some of the projects we ran last year.

Composting workshop, Summer 2009.

What's new at the Centre this year…

Over 60s project
A variety of activities that cater for older people to help with socialising and engagement. Community sessions and workshops, focusing on exercise, health and well-being.

Fitness and Health Plans
Delivered by Stifford Health Centre
A weekly individual consultation and monthly workshops to introduce health and fitness to a diverse group with differing capabilities. Group workshops focusing on measuring BMI and use of pedometers.

Grow With Us
Delivered by Spitalfields City Farm
This project is an exciting new project about urban food growing. Sessions are led by an experienced gardener in the John Scurr Community Centre garden. All resources provided in these practical hands on sessions.

John Scurr Youth Programme
Providing both a Saturday Homework Club for young people between the ages of 8 and 12 and twice weekly evening sessions for those aged between 13-19, our new youth programme has grown significantly since beginning operations in July 2009.

To date we have 80 young people registered onto the week day sessions and 28 onto the homework initiative.

The Homework Club provides general study support in key subjects and we are currently organising funding to secure a Network of computers to assist students.

The week day sessions provide generic youth sessions coupled with a variety of tailored workshops including:

• Caribbean cooking
• T-shirt printing
• Cake workshop
• Embroidery
• DJ workshop in partnership with 'Say it Loud' youth project

If you're interested in finding out more about the programme, or would like to work with us, please contact Christopher Newport on 020 7033 46654.

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Last year's programme

The following projects took place between September and December 2009

English Conversation class
An informal way to learn English through conversation on topics relevant to everyday life. Helps to build up practice in an enjoyable way.

Parenting Course
Delivered by LBTH through Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities

This course is 13 weeks which focuses on giving parents the skills and confidence to make positive changes in the way they manage their children’s behaviour. It enables participants who may be parents and grandparents from different family structures to gain insight from others and support each other in sharing problems and solutions to common obstacles.

All participants receive a certificate at the end of the course.

ESOL Family Learning
Delivered by the LBTH Life Long Learning Centre

A 12 week course aimed at beginner English Language students who want an informal but useful way to learn everyday English through conversation, reading, writing and listening. The course covers aspects of everyday life that are normally a challenge to students but vital. Such as making an appointment at the doctors and describing symptoms, finding out train times, attending their children’s parents evenings etc. This course is not accredited but does lead to access onto an accredited course at the Life Long Learning Centre.

Strengthening Muslim Families Project
Delivered in partnership with Limehouse Project

Funded by LBTH and including 8 partner organisations, this is a borough wide initiative to bring together 32 families that become ‘Community Champions’ with a series of workshops, seminars and discussion. The Community Champions will be role models that oversee and support other families in becoming aware of how to tackle issues that may affect their families, especially younger more vulnerable members. The project at John Scurr is open to anyone living in LAP 3 or LAP 4.

Cookery
Delivered by Jane Evans of Food Tree

This course is a way to learn about healthy eating as well as gain the confidence and skills in cooking. This course helps participants focuses on methods of cooking that ensure getting the best out of food and learning about the benefits of essential components of food such as vitamins and minerals. This is a non-accredited course starting in December.

Knitting & Crochet
Delivered by LBTH Parental Engagement Team

A chance for beginners and those experienced to come together and be creative! Learn new skills and pick up tips and advice from others. All materials provided. Starts in November.

Sewing & Garment Making
Delivered in partnership with Stitches in Time

A 10 week course offering participants the chance to be creative with accessories as well as learn the art of pattern cutting and construction of garments. This project is aimed at participants who have basic machinery skills. It is a non-accredited course.

Under 5s activities
Delivered by Shadwell Sure Start Children’s Centre

Little Learners
A session for parents/carers and toddlers that offers creative play, messy play and a chance to participate in group with reading and singing.

Hungry To Read
A 10 week course aimed at encouraging a love of books in pre-school children (2 yrs & older) and their parents/carers. Play and story making are used to make reading sessions fun using props, puppets, songs and games. Story time is followed by a range of enjoyable activities related to a weekly theme.

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