Birmingham Settlement - Providing choice and opportunity for disadvantaged communities
Last updated 2/4/2009 9:59:51 AM
Birmingham Settlement was founded in 1899 by a group of ladies from Handsworth, Edgbaston and Harborne, focusing in its early years on work with women and children.
Over the years we have extended our scope to support all individuals and communities to help themselves; create opportunity; improve cohesion and create choice to overcome social disadvantage.
Our aim is to relieve poverty, distress and hardship by working with others in developing existing, and pioneering new services that remain true to the original ethos of the Settlement. Despite its many alterations and expansion of services, we continue to deliver high quality services to communities across Birmingham:
Ageing Well Programme
Ageing Well is a user led programme genuinely reflecting the needs of older people today. We organise, coordinate and facilitate activities to encourage and aid independent living. We work with partner organisations to ensure activities are accessible to all. Since its beginning in 2007, more than 270 people have registered to participate in activities including: IT classes, free chiropody, Tai Chi, gardening, benefit advice and social outings.
Children's Services
As a designated Children's Centre we aim to increase children's life chances through better access to learning, health services, family support and access to employment opportunities for parents. Our Children's Services team provide:
Nursery and Crèche Facilities – we offer a 25 place community nursery providing safe and secure facilities that are conducive to valuable preschool learning.
Family Support – we provide families with a variety of guidance concerning their child from advice on handling tantrums to benefits and housing support.
Home Support – our support staff visit and advise parents on aspects of childcare such as routines, healthy eating, potty training, and any other matters parents may need assistance with.
New Birth Visits – within 3 months of a child's birth our support staff visit families at home to offer support and advice as needed.
Stay and Play – hosted by staff at the Centre, Stay and Play is an opportunity for parents to play with their children in a safe, stimulating environment.
Musical Babies – is a fun and interesting programme for babies under 2. It encourages parents to communicate with their child using different forms of music such as lullabies, rhythms and instruments.
Training – we offer a range of free courses for parents accompanied by complimentary crèche facilities.