Rosemount Lifelong LearningInternational Women’s Day at Rosemount
International Women’s Day first became an annual event in the beginning of the 20th Century. Originally tied to political rallies, it is now a day of focus on women, a day to discuss equality and a day to celebrate how far we have come.
For International Women’s Day this year Rosemount Lifelong Learning has produced a resource for the women of North East Glasgow featuring articles about local women and a list of services available. To celebrate the day and publication of the magazine we held an event on the day, Tuesday 8th March.
The tables were set for lunch with black table cloths and balloons in the suffragette colours of purple, green and white – all courtesy of LBS Exclusive Events. The hearty, homey smell of soup filled the room, while Karen Scott from North Glasgow Community Food Initiative was rushing around to help set up the buffet. Both the soup and Karen’s beetroot chocolate cake and carrot cake were popular additions to the lunch and it did not last long before it was all gone.
The event started with the lunch and not long after we opened our doors the Learning & Events Space was full. Johan from Alice’s Beauty Haven and Saima Beauty Therapist offered massage, nails and threading for the women who came along. Glasgow Life, Royston Library and Glasgow Clubs also joined the event and provided information and signed people up for a library card and Glasgow Club’s gyms.
Women from all backgrounds and nationalities came to celebrate and after lunch the room was set up for family activities in the afternoon after the children were out of school. Kids from Royston’s nurseries, Royston Primary and St Roch’s Primary did arts and crafts, had their face painted and participated in a drawing contest for the chance to win a book prize or chocolate from Tunnock’s.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make this event a success!
New magazine! Information for women in North East Glasgow
For International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8th March Rosemount celebrated the publication of a new magazine with information for women in North East Glasgow.
Pick up a printed copy from us at 102 Royston Road, Glasgow G21 2NU or read the electronic copy here.
Tips for getting into adult learning
Getting back into learning as an adult doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. A lot of people have bad memories of school and have, unfortunately, finished school thinking that was the only way to learn. “Learning isn’t for me” should never be something you think because of past experiences. Learning is for everyone – all ages, abilities, gender, nationalities and interests.
We have years of experience with learning for all ages and we know it can often be a challenge for adult learners to get back into it – no matter how much they want to. Therefore we have used the experiences of everyone from our literacy tutors to the community services manager to bring you
10 tips for getting into adult learning
1. Find out what’s on offer and what is free
First thing’s first – find out what opportunities are available in your area. Remember that a lot of courses are available for free so you don’t have to spend a fortune to learn something new. ILA funding is sometimes available to cover costs of short courses. Find out more about ILA here.
2. Ask questions, research your options
Don’t be afraid to call or message to ask questions so you know more about the course you are interested in doing. There is a higher risk of dropping out if you don’t have enough information about the course and then find it wasn’t what you were expecting. You want your way back into learning to be a success so help yourself make sure it is.
3. Find a subject you’re interested in
It is always easier to get into something if you find it interesting. Don’t give yourself an extra challenge by choosing a subject you’re not really interested in.
4. Give yourself time to get started
Pick a short course to let yourself try it out and build your confidence with learning. If it’s an ongoing course try to commit yourself to six weeks to start. Don’t give up after two weeks if you are unsure – stay with it and don’t allow a fear of new information to stop you.
5. Adult learning is not like school!
Expect to be treated like an adult. You might have had some bad experiences in school but adult learning is nothing like it. Adult learning is very different and takes place in a completely different environment. You will be treated like an adult and an equal. You have just as much of a right to be in the class as anyone else there.
6. You are doing it for you
No one is going to make you come to class and ultimately, it is your decision to get involved with learning. However, everyone wants to do well and get something out of coming to class and you will soon find that your fellow learners will encourage you to keep going – help them by doing the same!
7. Be brave!
Picking up the phone to ask questions about the course and stepping through the door for the first time are always the hardest things. It is natural to feel a bit anxious and nervous – but be brave and do it. You’ll thank yourself for it.
8. Ask for homework and information
Don’t be afraid to ask for some homework or information to read about the subject between classes to keep it fresh in your head and stay motivated.
9. Enjoy it
Learning is about more than just learning – it is a social experience as well. You will meet new people and make new friends. Enjoy it!
10. Look for the next thing…
Before your first subject/class/course comes to an end start looking for other classes in your area. By now you will have realised you can do it. Maybe you want to try something in another subject, something more in depth or maybe even a qualification?
Remembering David Robertson
It was with great sadness we learned that one of our regular users David Robertson passed away two weeks ago. David took part in different courses at Rosemount and was very passionate about photography. He was a genuine, lovely guy who always loved to share his stories about how his life was shaping out from being unemployed to getting interviews and jobs all over Scotland. David joined the Men’s Group years ago when the group used to go out sailing on a staff member’s boat, until his illness stopped him from going every week.
David was a big part of the Royston Walking Group where he was a great source of local knowledge and history. He came along every week and led the group to different places telling everyone all about the history of and stories from Glasgow. An avid newspaper reader, David often contributed with Letters to the Editor appearing in the Daily Express and the Daily Mail where he challenged ideas or pointed out errors in a humorous and reasoned way.
David was never happier than when he was outdoors in the Campsies, exploring new footpaths or walking routes and later in his life, when he was learning to sail a friend’s yacht.
David was always encouraging and welcoming to others. His support and commitment to Rosemount over the years has been incredible. On top of being an enthusiastic learner and part of different groups at Rosemount he was also involved in the steering group for the Our Place work that led to the creation of the new Learning & Events Space on Royston Road.
David will be sadly missed by those who knew him.
10 ways to save money as a new parent
Finding out you are having a baby does not just mean an extra addition to your family. It doesn’t matter whether you are a young parent or not: a child means a complete change of your everyday life, priorities and finances. However, having a new baby does not have to mean spending every penny you have. With a little bit of budgeting and planning there are many ways to save money.
- Pace your purchases
It is tempting to run out and buy all the baby equipment as soon as you’ve received the big news. Often you will end up not needing half of it. Ask around for what are essentials – and what you can just as well live without.
- Ask your friends and family
Ask them what they recommend getting but don’t be shy to ask to borrow from them as well. They might not need it anymore or you can use it until they need it again. You might even be helping them get a bit more space.
- Buy second hand
You can get a lot of good, hardly- or never-used second hand baby equipment online. Look around before you buy brand-new.
- Do your research
It’s a good idea to look around for differences in price. Sales are often on and there is a chance of saving a lot of money. Do your research and avoid paying full-price whenever you can.
- Avoid temptations
It’s tempting to go out and buy cute baby outfits but just remember that your new-born will grow out of them in no time. Keep it to a minimum with the number of vests, sleep suits, etc. in new-born size.
- Take advantages of freebies
There are many different baby clubs in supermarkets and high street stores as well as baby food and nappy companies. You often get free samples and vouchers where you can save money.
- There will be presents
People tend to be very generous when you have a baby. Keep the initial clothing purchases to a minimum until you know what your baby is getting from friends and family.
- Tidy
Make sure to keep on top of the things you no longer need. If it’s still in good condition try to re-sell it. Always avoid taking the tags off clothes until your baby wears it – it will be easier to sell in case you never end up using it.
- Don’t stockpile
Avoid buying nappies and wipes in bulk. You might find you prefer a different brand or your baby outgrows the nappy size and then you won’t have saved any money.
- When to spend money
Be realistic when making big purchases. Maybe you use public transport a lot or you have a car – both will have an impact on which travel system will work best for you. There are lots of reviews online to find out about unexpected advantages and disadvantages of different products. Sometimes it is worth spending a bit more but make sure it will work for you.
Check out a couple of good tools for budgeting and saving money:
Sorting our your money when you’re pregnant
Time for a Change
Last month on 7th October a new round of the Time for a Change course began. The participants came to Rosemount Lifelong Learning ready to work on their employability skills and move closer to securing a job.
Time for a Change is a free 10 week employability programme that provides a wide range of teaching and support. Our training is all about enhancing your prospects of securing suitable and sustainable employment.
The focus of the programme is a variety of topics including:
- REHIS, Elementary Food Hygiene
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- Financial Inclusion/Money Management
- Tenancy Sustainability
- Pre-employment
- Up-skilling
- Building conference, motivation & aspirations
- Overcoming barriers to work
- Job search skills & preparation for work
- Increased knowledge of local services
There will also be an opportunity to get one-to-one guidance and support as well as a personal development plan to make sure the participants find their goals – and reach them.
The group has been meeting twice a week for the first 5 weeks. For the next 5 weeks they will meet 3 days a week.
Time for a Change works for people with school-age children and the course schedule is in line with school holidays. Every participant receives a £5 daily allowance towards expenses.
There are still spaces on the next Time for a Change programme starting 13th January 2016. If you’re interested in learning more please call Carol or John on 0141 553 0808.
Rosemount supporting Children in Need
Friday 13th November was the day of the Children in Need appeal show and of course, we joined the nation-wide pyjamas party at Rosemount Lifelong Learning!
Children from Rosemount Childcare & Rosemount staff supporting Children in Need in their PJs
The children and staff at Rosemount Childcare spent the day in their pyjamas fundraising on Wednesday 11th November. Friday the 13th it was the staff at the Learning & Events Space’s turn to come to work in their PJs!
Our Child Development worker Mags was Pudsey-ready!
At Rosemount we have had great support from Children in Need. We have been able to hire Mags, our Child Development Worker for the Family Links team, because of funding from Children in Need.
Michelle King is the Family Services Manager and is in charge of the Family Links service: “Children in Need provide valuable resources to the Family Links team which allow us to provide a much needed service to vulnerable children in North Glasgow. The service helps improve life chances, increases opportunities and supports children to reach their full potential”.
On Friday afternoon the children and teenagers in the Family Links service had a pyjamas party in the Learning & Events Space. They coloured in Pudsey Bear, did arts & crafts, played games and Christine, the Teenage Development Worker for Family Links, did face painting.
We would like to say a big THANK YOU to Children in Need for all of their invaluable support – both for Family Links and for all the other amazing causes and organisations they support to help children in need.
Rosemount Lifelong Learning raised £180.31 for Children in Need.
Future Steps
At Rosemount Lifelong Learning we run the employability programme Future Steps. Future Steps is an opportunity for lone parents ready to make a change. The course is delivered in partnership with Jobs & Business Glasgow.
The programme covers everything you will need to return to the workplace – from motivation and self-belief to getting the IT skills to create the perfect CV. The course is tailored to meet your needs! Adding to this, the course also includes a visit to Dress for Success.
Our 4 week programme includes:
- Support to identify areas that you may be interested in
- Opportunities to explore jobs in different sectors
- CV workshops
- How to make successful applications
- IT Skills
- Social Media
- Visit to Dress to Success
If you complete the course (attendance based) you will receive a £25 supermarket voucher. Travel costs and childcare may be covered.
The course is from 10am – 12pm, 2 days per week for 4 weeks.
Our current group is doing Future Steps until Christmas and then who knows? Maybe you’ll join us for one in the new year?
Upcoming course dates include:
18th January 2016 – 8th February 2016
7th March 2016 – 28th March 2016
4th April 2016 – 25th April 2016
To find out more about the course or to sign up, please contact
Anna McNally – Jobs & Business Glasgow on 0141 274 3212
From Asmara to Glasgow: The Untold Stories of Eritrea
From Asmara to Glasgow – two cities thousands of miles apart and two cities that seem like completely different worlds to one another. This was the story that the young Eritreans told the audience at Rosemount and North Glasgow Integration Network’s evening of Eritrean culture, politics and history.
The event was planned and presented by young people who had made the journey from Eritrea to Scotland. Monika, Integration Development Worker at North Glasgow Integration Network, had arranged this opportunity to show the people of Glasgow what Eritreans come from – and how many struggles they’ve had to go through to get to Scotland.
The Learning & Events Space was buzzing with people, music, dancing and the amazing smells from the home-cooked food the volunteers had brought along to introduce the audience to Eritrean culture.
To find out more about North Glasgow Integration Network, visit their Facebook page
Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment joins Employability Consultation at Rosemount Lifelong Learning
On 8th October Rosemount Lifelong Learning hosted an Employability Consultation Event on behalf of the Scottish Government.
From 1st April 2017 the employment support services in Scotland will change. Employment support for disabled people and those at risk of long term unemployment will be devolved from Westminster to Scotland. The Scottish Government has hosted a range of employability consultation events around Scotland to get feedback from organisations, businesses and service users about how to ensure fair, sustainable and successful employability support in Scotland.
The consultation was a chance for local organisations and employability support users in Royston and the surrounding area to talk about what already works well and what could be improved in the future.
Annabelle Ewing MSP, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, started the morning off by welcoming everyone and giving a brief overview of the work the Scottish Government is doing to prepare for these changes. She joined the discussion alongside North Glasgow Community Food Initiative, Royston Youth Action, young mothers from Rosemount Lifelong Learning’s Young Parents Project, Rosemount Development Trust, Copperwork’s Housing Association, Blochairn Housing Association and many other organisations and users of employability services in the North East.
Minister Annebelle Ewing MSP welcomes everyone to the Employability Consultation Event
While the discussion was introduced by Annabelle Ewing from the stage it was continued at four different tables around the Learning & Event Space. The feedback from each table was collated by staff members from Rosemount and then sent off to the government for their continued planning of the restructuring.
