ACCNS

The Summer Approaches

2011-05-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday mornings at Harlesden Library Plus. We continue to explore.

RC aka Emperor Rasco has been working on a sleeve design for his forthcoming CD called simply CRYING. An empty rundown room, a ragged carpet, rain on the windows, a faded bunch of flowers, a dark atmosphere and a phone that will not ring. An album of melancholy songs I'm sure.

... and the limo that will take him to pastures green when his album shakes the big time.

The Emperor has some lyrics to share that may feature on this new album that is in the process of being created at present.

My First Love

She arrived in my life with no notice.
She was warm and very beautiful
Her hair was long and straight
Oh she looked so fair
She was tall and slender
With eyes of heaven
Her smile was like the rising sun
Her walk was full of grace
Oh how I adored her
This woman full of charm.

Now I Have Lost You

It was a hot and sunny September evening when we met
We both thought our love for each other would last
How was I to know so soon you would be out of my life
How was I to know so soon I would be blue
It’s fair to say we loved each other
It’s fair to say our love was true
But now I know our love was not meant to be
Now that I have lost you.
Could it be something I said
Could it be something I had done
Because darling I thought you were the one

MJ continues his exploration of that brightly coloured underworld. These do seem to have a family gathering atmosphere. Maybe even a party atmosphere.

DH and Henri Matisse in the same breath. He explores Matisse's paintings through observation and explorative study. Great work creates great work. Look at that colour.

We hope you enjoyed seeing this work.

Why not explore previous weeks.

Click on the numbers below to be taken away.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

As the groups tutor and facilitator I feel privileged and inspired. To have humbly helped enable it to emerge. This work, this energy and this talent. But I feel culpable. It looks like our group will now come to an end. Will the energy also end. Get extinguished! While the need to make the best use of serious public funding cuts is well understood, the need to continue to nurture talent that has just emerged is vital. In this case, a talent that is vulnerable, lacking confidence and unspoken for. An activity, a means of communication and in the future even a way to contribute. Something that generates for the artist an identity, a sense of possibility and a motivation. I can see the work mature and contribute if given more time and belief. There must be a way.

Charles Molloy - Art and Creative Activities Tutor.

African Caribbean Community Network Service.
May 2011.

© copyright The Individual Artists and ACCNS. 2011. all rights reserved.

Coming on Spring

2011-03-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a winter of content for the Art Group here at Harlesden Library Plus. With the advent of a new Spring, a discontent looms!

The new year heralds changes to the service and we are posting details of those changes elsewhere on the site. Check the information links over on the right.

In the meantime lets have a look at what's been happening Art wise! The group has had much positive feedback from the Slide Show it exhibited as part of Black History month late last year. The exhibition was called 'Colour included'. You can visit the show's website, view the slide show and the video HERE .

Moving on .... People are getting more and more confident with Photoshop and the work keeps turning.
Here are some of our Artists work. Click on an image to see a bigger version.

DH has made an interesting foray into grabbing line drawings from the web and stamping his own colour on them. Making them his own.

Using his own drawings, which we scanned into the computer and which I suggest contain much more power and lightness, a new way to explore his love and skill with colour.

JE. Continues a fascination with fruit. The colour, the shape, the grouping and the potential for beautiful compostion continues to entrance this artist.

RC. Continues to explore his sea and beach images. The artist then ventures inland, to the local village and examines a local street scene, bicycle included.

MJ. The artist finds dangerous places to explore, somewhere. Combining rich stark colour with faces of terror continue to be explored and maybe even resolved.

R. A somwhat new artist amongst us. R explores the potential of the computer for artwork. More careful perhaps and with some hestitation ... but no doubt with interest and a blossoming imagination. We look forward to this artist's future endeavours.

We hope you enjoyed seeing our work.

Have a look at more from previous weeks.

Click on the numbers below to be taken away.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Charles Molloy - Art and Creative Activities Tutor.

African Caribbean Community Network Service.
March 2011.

© copyright The Individual Artists and ACCNS. 2011. all rights reserved.

Autumn Art at Harlesden

2010-09-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Where has the Summer gone. An Indian Summer is expected me thinks. Lets hope the Sun will shine brighter between now and Christmas. We have been busy here in the Art Group at Harlesden Library for the last few weeks. People are gaining more and more confidence with Photoshop and good work is being produced. The groups attendance is building and we have much new talent to celebrate. We are grateful to Harlesden Library for enabling us to have a couple of folding tables for users to explore their ideas on paper also. Using Computers for more than a couple of hours can often lead to eye strain. But for now, less talk and more Art. Again we would like to thank all the staff at Harlesden Library for their support and patience, and of course we also thank the general public for their patience every Tuesday morning. Now for some Art.

JE has been making very colourful sumptuous fruit drawings.

CF a new artist to join us has been experimenting with MS Paint, Wonderful ideas and potential.

RC was taking a trip to paradice. His You Tube Video will be available here soon.

Check out these stills from the forthcoming video.

AG dropped in and has started to explore the digital world with confidence.

MB has been exploring the feminine side of faces. Fancy Females.

Hope you enjoyed what you have seen.

Have a look at our work from previous times.

Click on the numbered links below.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

African Caribbean Community Network Service.
September 14th. 2010.

© copyright The Individual Artists and ACCNS. 2010. all rights reserved.

Summer at Harlesden Library

2010-08-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

Harlesden Library continues to provide us with wonderful services for the group and we feel at home there on Tuesday mornings. Several members of the general public greet us and talk about the Art Work our members produce and it is a good encouraging atmosphere. The library staff at Harlesden are wonderful and supportive. Over the last few weeks we have produced much Art Work on the Computers and below you will find a selection to browse and links to further work. You can click on each picture individually to see a bigger version. Enjoy.

NOTE. Artists are identified by initials only.

Tree DH

Silent Fruit CM

Car on a Hill DH

Coconut Beach DH

Over the Rainbow CM

Among the Dunes DH

Bathroom DH

Below the Surface DH

Stained Top CM

Ice Cream Shock DH

In the light RC

Outside JE

Aware MB

Waving goodbye MB

Unsure MB

Higher Love RC

Fruit Bowl JE

Covert Ship RC

HWTP RC

Hope you enjoyed what you saw.

Have a look also at our work from previous weeks.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

African Caribbean Community Network Service. August 3rd 2010.

© copyright The Individual Artists and ACCNS. 2010. all rights reserved.

At the Library Tuesday 15th June 2010

2010-06-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

After a slow start this morning a speedy image seems appropriate.

A detail from BL's image SpeedsSake. Original image below.

Welcoming BL back again to the group. Dense and Intense Drawing. Surrounded. BL worked today on a new Blog that he is putting together so as to feature his work independently on the web. You can see his new blog HERE.

EL worked on her Children's Story.
The Wolf , the Cat, the Hen, and the Snake.

Once upon a time there lived a wolf in the woods. Not far off there lived some other animals, a cat a hen and a snake. One day they decided to go shopping, the cat, hen and snake. To their suprise they bumped into Mr Wolf, who was very hungry. ‘Good day to you’ said the wolf. These woods are very dangerous. Can I walk with you ?

....... to be continued!!

Now having access to more complex software MB was able to start learning new ways to create those beings from other places.

We are pleased now to have access to more complex software for creating the Artwork and over the coming weeks I'm sure that this will become evident in the work produced. Keep in touch.

ACCNS - 15th June 2010.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

At the Library Tuesday 8th June 2010

2010-06-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Slow Hot Day today. The glare from the windows. Several hours using computers. Taking its toll.

JE was getting the illustrations to her children's story ready. Dinner with Wolfie, Kitty, Clucky and Hissy. The challenges and limitations of the available software becoming apparent as we struggle with the heat and the glare.

Then there were those cats willing to debate on what the story outcome should be.

MB was searching underground. Greeting guests that might otherwise have felt excluded. Introducing:

The M woman

Another M woman

The M woman returns

Some more M's

Do not enter!

I'm coming Out!

In the sea!

Another time, another place!

The blue M.

Consider the above as narrative. A link between. Telling an untold story. Do you hear the music.

HD. Getting to grips with Digital Landscapes despite the glare.

There's a light beyond the wood - in an instant the whole world was there and made again.

DH struggles with the limitations of the software and we need to address this and try utilising a copy of Photoshop for portable use. The work is ambitious and strong, varied and colourful.

Do keep dropping back and enjoying our efforts. We hope to enable your ability to leave comments soon.

ACCNS - 8th June 2010.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

At the Library Tuesday 25th May 2010

2010-05-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

A lone relaxed Wolf hangs out under a tree. It's Summer. It's Warm. It's Hungry. It's feeling Grey and it comes from the Creative Ideas of JE.

JE arriving late this morning so was unable to get a lot done - but what emerged was thoughtful, reflective and rich. Where's Little Green Riding Hood! Colour version appearing soon!

MB explores the Darker Side in Bold Bright Colours.

We all need those little items we use every little day. Take a little look.

Getting at that taste once again. It's all those shiny sharp teeth!

DH explored some pixilised grapes to start.

Softly brushed colour fields.

Sent back amid the sharp marks.

Then in the corner. Delicate lines being teased out of pixels and changing colours take on a new way of changing.

We continue to explore Drawing with Computer even with minimal resources like Using MSPaint and Pixlr online we make progress and people are learning a new dexterity with mouse and eye beyond words.

Emperor Rasco wrote a brief Bio today for his MYSpace page.

A busy place to be. Keep checking our our weekly endeavours.

ACCNS - May 23rd 2010.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

At the Library Tuesday 18th May 2010

2010-05-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

A busy morning. A new face and new talent to be explored. RC aka Emperor Rasco was unable to attend today but you can hear his latest mixes at his MYSPACE page.

All aboard!

DH was in fine form today. Getting to grips with the pixels and taking us new places. Here are some more of his places.

A Delicate Gray Tree

A Delicacy Expanded

On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront 2

Midday Mist

JE was taking Flowers seriously. Good line and a certain choice of colour formed good work.

Plant Pot Pixels by Three.

A New Face and a new talent as presented by B. New to pixels but well versed in composition and what creates a new space and place too.

Scenes from an unmade film. In the Mist.

MB detailed the items of everyday life. A list of the things we need, we see, we use and put away at the start and end of day.

And we look forward to Wimbleton 2010.

Another interesting series of work completed today. All having a unique voice and all with something to say.

Keep checking on our progress and development.

ACCNS. - 18th May 2010

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

At the Library Tuesday 11th May 2010

2010-05-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

What a morning session we had here at Harlesden Library. More work done using that trusty Paint application. JE was very active in getting to grips with its expressive potential and some real gems were created. Along came MB and a new direction is born.

RC had his Mac Laptop with him and we managed to get some Photoshopping done. RC also managed to set up a MySpace site for his other musical persona the Emperor Rasco. Read and look upon below and see what we mean.

introducing -

the Emperor Rasco

RC also known as the Emperor Rasco has been taking his music forward. Working with our resident Music guru Porchse, RC has been composing, writing and producing his first real cuts. He has just today set up a MySpace Musicians page and you can check it out HERE. It will take some time to get it all togther but watch this space and you will soon be able to listen to his first mixes online.

In the meantime RC has put a CD cover design together - a first album is brewing!

JE was working with the Paint application that's built into Microsoft Windows. Are you surprised at what it is capable of in the right hands. JE also recalls her youth.

Catsinthebacks1.

Catsinthebacks2

Catsintheback3

Citiciti1

Citiciti2

Robomirror

Strangetreepark

And then came MB with some GetReady gear. A change of heart. Ahead of change!

The Bag

The Sharpener

The Stool

The Belt

The Jacket

The Jeans

The Paint Bucket

The Pen

The Rubber

The Ruler

The Sunglasses 1

The Sunglasses 2

The Track Suit Top

The Track Suit Bottoms

The Watch

The Watch! Wow! What a watch. So you thought you were dressed. GetReady. Dig the delightful colours. That watch says 4pm.

If you thought RC's talents stopped with music. Well you were wrong. Have a look at his artwork creations using Photoshop.

Landscape1

Landscape2

Seascape

Surreal Street

Streetface2

Streetface3

So a good morning of creation all around. Do still keep checking back and see how the work develops over the coming weeks.

ACCNS - 11th May 2010.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

BACK AT HARLESDEN LIBRARY

2010-05-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

4th May 2010

Harlesden's New Library welcomes us back and has very kindly provided us with exclusive use of 6 computers on Tuesday mornings. We thank them most sincerly.

The library looks fresh and new, well laid out and organised.

Presenting some of the work done this morning at our session.
Please note: All artists are identified by initials only.

Boats At Sea - DH

Boats At Sea with colour - DH

Those Blown Brown Trees - DH

Two Tone City - DH

Captain Blue - DH

The Marvellous Sqig 1 - JE

When I Wake Up - JE

When I Wake Up in Colour - JE

When I Wake Up (Some Thoughts)

Somtimes I wake up early sometimes I wake up late, But I always greet the day Slowly, taking my time, going with time, keeping to time, speeding up when necessary. Decieding on my chores for the day things have to fit in just right. When there is’nt so much work to do, and depending how I feel I will take a rest. As I live by myself there is nothing to share, with no one there twenty four seven breathing down my back night and day. I love cooking, cleaning and entertaining friends when they visit, like having a good meal, music, and a good conversation. Somtimes I wake up and the sun is shining through my window I find this very beautiful. This rases my spirits and I feel even better as the day goes by. There are a lot of bushes and a few trees where I live, I find the trees supernatural and the bushes quite amazing. I’ts nice to go out in the mornings onto the car park and see the tall trees with their branches swaying in the breeze. I remember the snowy winters too what a beautiful sight.

by JE

The Yellow Sweather - MB

The Red Trainer - MB

The Place Within Pattern by A

What wondeful work. Keep dropping by to see how our work develops over time and what we will next have to offer. If you want to get in touch do contact us at the number on the right.

ACCNS - May 4th 2010

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Consultation regarding changes to Community Networks Service 2011

2010-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Brent Council Adult Social Care will enable vulnerable people to access more diverse community-based day activities so that they can choose more independently how they work, learn and enjoy leisure and social activities

Brent Council Adult Social Care believes that people who have a social care need have the right to lead their lives like everybody else, with the same opportunities and responsibilities, and to be treated with the same dignity and respect. Brent’s Adult Social Care transformation programme is designed to make this a reality for the people of Brent. This strategy presents an overarching vision for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, severe and enduring mental health problems and vulnerable older people.

The consultation process is as follows:

Consultation meetings will take place over March, April and May and will involve discussions with all service users who use Community Networks, their relatives/carers, Community Networks staff and other community services.

All views and information from the consultation events will be recorded and collated. Consultation on the Day Opportunities Strategy will conclude at the end of April 2011.

The collated information will be used to inform a report which will be presented to the Council’s Executive Committee on Monday 23^rd May 2011. Within the report a number of options will be put forward for implementing the Day Opportunity Strategy.

The final decision on the future shape of Community Networks will be for the members of the Executive committee to make at the meeting on Monday 23^rd May 2011.

A copy of the Executive report will be made available on Brent Council’s Website after this meeting. You can find it by following the ‘Our Services’ and then the Council and Democracy links on the website. In addition, a hard copy will be made available at the Council’s Committee Services at Brent Town Hall.

You are welcome to attend one or all of the consultation events listed below. The times and venues are as follows:

1. Friday 18^th March 2011, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Service User and Carers Event

Brent Town Hall – Committee Room 1&2

Forty Lane

Wembley

HA9 9HD

2. Friday 25^th March 2011, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Brent MH Services & Community Groups

Brent Town Hall – Committee Room 1&2

Forty Lane

Wembley

HA9 9HD

3. Saturday 2^nd April 2011, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Consultation Event – African & Caribbean Team

Design Works – Large Meeting Room

Park Parade

London

NW10 4HT

4. Saturday 2^nd April 2011, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Consultation Event – Asian Team

Kingsbury Manor Day Centre – Yoga Room

288 Kingsbury Road

NW9 9HA

5. Tuesday 12^th April 2011, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Service Users & Carers Event

Brent Town Hall – Committee Room 1&2

Forty Lane

Wembley

HA9 9HD

Leaving Hospital

2009-06-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

We have this poster in the hospital drawing attention to the Support Network available here in Brent.

Working closely with Pine Ward staff we will be giving talks and introductions to the service at your community meetings over the coming weeks. This site will hopefully give you some further information on what we offer.

Today at the Library.

2009-05-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

School friends from way back - Bob, Ray, Bryan and Ryan!

DH remembers friends from his early school days. Interesting assessment of their character and peculiarities. DH also remembers the teachers. Drawings made with pen and ink and worked on with watercolour after.

Good to see DH working in his sketchbook at home once again. Good observation. Now what is going on here in this wonderful line drawing full of bottles!

The silent kitchen. Wonderful composition. Again taking one of his line drawings made in his home during the week and applying colour. Colour from memory! What choice! What's cooking in that black pot!
-
Towards the Goal

RG came along today and with some reluctance braved the issue of working from his imagination! An interesting series of images emerged around a game of Football scenario. How the goal was made! Almost an animated sequence! Wonderful imagination! A need to believe more in this!

After this saw a return to the safer style. But it's always a unique copy! A caricature! Emlyn Highes - remember him!
-
Going Underground!

Beast - MB's work with Microsoft Paint is frightening, colorful, imaginative and in your face! These images need to be seen large and I have this idea that sometime we must get the opportunity to realise these on a large scale! Overwhelming! MB says little about them but they have a lot to say themselves! ... and there are many more to come!

A strong woman! The Caretaker!- She will not take any nonsense! But there is a kindness and friendliness there too. Can you see it!

... and that imagined Gallery Show of MB's work!
(An artist's impression!).

We will be working towards it! Any sponsor's or other interested parties out there do get in touch!
-
A good series of work made and explored at the library group this week. Books borrowed and referred to. Confidence building and users are feeling more confortable with this informal yet organised place. A good place to start.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sports and Exercise

2008-10-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

We offers clients an opportunity to attend, on a regular basis,
Gym Training, Football and other Sporting Activities.

(Click on the Links for further information.)

Willesden Sport Centre is one of our main venues.
Activities supported there by ACCNS staff include:

Gym training- Tues / Fri- 10am -12.30pm
Badminton- Weds- 2pm -3pm
Swimming / Sauna Tues / Fri – 10am -12.30

Brent Mind, the National Charity supporting Mental Health offers
Football as part of it's Brent Healthy Mind initative.
The football sessions supported at Mind by ACCNS staff happen
on Friday afternoons at 2pm.

Some of our users have found the 'Active Live for over 50s' at Vale Farm Sports Centre in Wembley to be very beneficial. The aerobic methods used were very pleasant and light.

Brent Council’s Sports Service offer Dance Sessions in Salsa, Street, Capoeira Break Dancing and Contemporary Jazz. We can support users who would wish to participate.

There is a Healthy Walk Programme which you may also be interested in.

David Andrews our Sport's Specialist here at ACCNS will be happy to help advise regarding any of the above.

CULTURE DAY PROGRAM AT BACES' HARLESDEN CENTRE

2008-07-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

We are pleased here at ACCRC to host the Programe of events at Baces' Harlesden Centre where David is presenting his paintings.

10:00-10:05 Welcome address by Hugh
10:05-10:25 Quizzes by Saliha
10:25-10:40 Readings by students
10:40-11:00 Maths quiz by Talat
11:00-11:05 Presentation to Joan
11:05-11:35 Workshops and displays:

Artwork
Maths
Henna
Hair plaiting
Sari wrapping
Head wrapping

11:40-12:00 Singing with Rupert & Co

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-1:05 Welcome to afternoon session
1:05-1:25 World quiz with Maggie
1:25-1:40 Students’ work
1:40-2:10 Workshops and displays
2:10-2:30 Maths quiz with Phil
2:30-2:50 Singing with Rupert & Co

2:50-3:00 Close

BACES Harlesden Centre
38 Craven Park Road
London NW10 4AB

To see a Map click HERE

DH's Four Paintings

2008-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

'SOCA'

Working on a series of paintings inspired by the book Plant,
David, one of our clients here at ACCNS, has made four paintings and is pleased to be able to exhibit them at the Cultural Day organised by BACES' Harlesden Centre
.
David attends the Entry Level Certificate Course in Adult Literacy at the Centre.

David has given his 4 paintings the following four titles,

Cowboy, Soca, Jazz and Love Story.

Perhaps unusual titles for paintings of plants and flowers but David says its about the ‘feelings’. The four paintings were inspired by images from the book Plant edited by Janet Marinelli in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and published by Dorling Kindersley. This book is available from Willesden Green Library.

To see the book, and even reserve it, on Brent Library Service's Online Catalogue click HERE

The details of the book can be found HERE on Amazon

David developed these paintings after a close study of this book and it's contents. Focusing on 4 images in particular, he first made drawings and afterwards colour studies, eventually leading to the finished works presented at the Harlesden Centre.

Here he works on 'LOVE STORY'

The page that inspired Love Story. Can you begin to see any sense as to what was inspiring about this image, this layout! Artists often are struck by the unusual. The book presents amazing plants from all over the world, shapes, sizes, forms and colours that one can only imagine! When presented with them in reality it often is arresting! ... even Bizarre! But at the same time real!

And here we have the finished work! But who's Love Story!

His painting 'COWBOY'!
Have you any ideas about this! Why Cowboy!

All that JAZZ! Here David works on his Jazz painting! He first of all lays down a line drawing and afterwards works into the image with colour! Below is the image from the book that inspired him.

We hope that you get to see the finished works at BACES Harlesden Centre during their Cultural Day there.
The day features Food, Costumes, Traditional Dress, Stories and Song from people who attend courses at the centre and who wish to celebrate and share the culture they belong to amongst their fellow students.

A day to be enjoyed by all!

To see a Program of Events for the Cultural Day at BACES' Harlesden Centre click HERE

We are grateful to BACES' Harlesden Centre in enabling David's work to be highlighted and David himself and all of us here at ACCNS appreciate the support and positive value this brings.

Have a look at our work from previous weeks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

THURSDAY

2008-06-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

Group Discussion

We have a Drop In on this day at our main centre in Harlesden and you are most welcome to come along.

Developing group discussion skills is useful for everyday life as we regularly find ourselves having discussions amongst friends, family and colleagues. These may vary from very informal chats about day-to-day things, to more serious topics, for example a discussion about a recent new story or a problem that needs to be solved.
Additionally, group discussions are increasingly being used in the job market during interviews and selection procedures. These can take a variety of formats, but the key skills remain very similar.
Last but not least, group discussions offer an opportunity for extended speaking (and listening!) practice by all of the contributors. Group discussion practice and skill development is therefore useful for all users.

Types of discussion

There are a variety of different types of discussions that occur naturally. These include discussions where users have to:

Make decisions (e.g. decide who to invite to a party and where to seat them)
Give and / or share their opinions on a given topic (e.g. discussing beliefs about the effectiveness of capital punishment)
Create something (e.g. plan and make a poster as a medium for feedback on a language course)
Solve a problem (e.g. discussing the situations behind a series of logic problems)
Some discussion topics may fall into more than one of these categories, and we consider a variety of formats to which users can apply the skills they are learning.

Useful sub-skills for users
There are a number of different sub-skills which users will need to be able to successfully and effectively participate in a group discussion. Users need to develop the ability to:

Analyse.
This skill can be developed by giving users the topic individually and asking them to brainstorm or mind-map all of the possible sub-topics they could speak about. The users can then swap their notes and assess or analyse the relevance of each of the sub-topics their partner has included. Together, the users then draw up a fresh list or mind-map and discuss how the sub-topics might be linked together, along with examples or reasons for any arguments they might have.

Persuade.
This skill comes in useful when users need to make decisions on how to do something (e.g. which candidate should get a job). A fun activity to develop this skill is to give groups of users this topic and ask them decide on the profile of the perfect candidate, creating a list of 7 adjectives. The users are then re-grouped and asked to persuade the other members of the group that their selection is the best while compiling a second, negotiated list. The group members who retain the most from their original lists are the winners. We can note down useful phrases that the hear people use while doing this task and we discuss these at the end for future reference.

Control emotions.
This can be practised by giving users a fairly controversial topic, such as ‘Friends are more important than family’ and asking the students to decide whether they agree, disagree or have no opinion, making notes on their main arguments to support their viewpoint. We can divide users into groups ensuring that there is a mix of views within each group. Explain that for this discussion, the aim is to keep their voices low and try to control their emotions as far as possible. Monitoring and giving feedback on these areas.

Support.
One of the most important things for this skill is for users to learn when it is and isn’t appropriate to interrupt and how to do it. Very often people will talk over each other in an effort to get their point across and forget to listen.

To practice this, we ask users to make a list in small groups of when it is and isn’t appropriate to interrupt other speakers. They should include things like ‘not appropriate during the middle of a point, if the speaker has not said very much previously, or when you are feeling angry and liable to say something you’ll regret’. It is appropriate when the speaker has been dominating the discussion for too long, what the speaker is saying is completely irrelevant to the topic, or you don’t understand the point he / she has made’.

Giving users a list of phrases which they might use to interrupt politely (e.g. ‘Can i just add something here?’, ‘Sorry I ’d just like to clarify something,’ etc.) The users can for example write five of these on slips of paper (one per slip) and have a group discussion on a given topic. The aim is to use all of the language on their slips. When they have used a phrase, they put the slip in the middle of the table. The other people in the group judge whether the interruption was appropriate / polite. If not, they take the slip back and try again.

Use functional language.
We draw up a list of useful functional language for the users to refer to. This could include phrases for functions such as ‘Giving reasons’, ‘Giving your opinion’, ‘Agreeing and disagreeing’, etc. For each group discussion, you can then refer them to the appropriate section of the list and give them a few moments to consider the language before beginning the discussion.

The above explanation of Group Discussion Skills was taken with thanks from HERE.

Faith Session

We run a group focused on Faith every forthnight.
There is a good explanation of what Faith is on the Wikipedia website HERE.

Another definition of Faith taken from the online Dictionary.com is:

faith (fāth)
n.
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief, trust.
3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.
often Faith Christianity The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
4. The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.
5. A set of principles or beliefs.

You can access Dictionary.com for more information HERE.

Image above sourced from HERE

WEDNESDAY

2008-06-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Working with our partners at the College of North West London we support users wishing to attend the college to undertake the following qualification.

EDEXCEL Entry Level BTEC Certificate in Skills for Working Life (Entry 2 and 3)

Below is the qualification summary as published on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. You can see this in more detail by clicking HERE.

The Edexcel Entry Level BTEC Certificates are appropriate for a diverse range of learners and support the widening participation and inclusive learning agenda. They are, therefore, suitable for a wide range of learners such as:

- those seeking to develop greater independence
- those with specific learning disabilities
- adult returning to study
- 14-19 year old learners who require a vocational curriculum
- disaffected learners
- those who have not yet achieved formal qualifications
- those working towards adult literacy and numeracy qualifications in a vocational or life skills context

These qualifications give learners the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of skills giving learner a vocational experience of the world of work. They are designed as an introduction to the workplaceand will enable progression to other qualifications, which can confirm work-based competence. In addition, they provide a platform for the delivery and assessment of key and basic skills.

Learners also have the opportunity to practice and develop the life skills needed to participate fully as members of their communities. and as citizens in the wider community.

Entry to this course takes place in September of each year at CNWL's Wembley Campus.
At present attendance in one day per week and happens every Wednesday. Speak to your keyworker here at ACCNS if you are interested.

What a day in Portsmouth

2008-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a day we had in Portsmouth

Friday 14th. of August, 2009.

Our trip went off according to plan and everyone seemed to agree that it was a wonderful day out.
We will be posting a more fuller review soon. Watch this space.

These below were the original posted plans.

The trip will cost you just £10. We ask that you assemble at the DesignWorks building from 9am on the morning of August 14th. We are hoping to leave for Portsmouth by coach at 9.30am

If you have any questions you can speak with Petrina Wilson as she is chief organiser of the trip. Petrina will also accept your £10. You are encouraged to pay asap as this will secure your seat as places are limited.

Our days out are legendary. It's a way of getting away from London, it's fun, relaxed and an opportunity to meet and mix with people or just some time to get away on your own for a relaxed walk and to breath some real fresh air.

Portsmouth! Where's that! Here are some details.

Theres a Wikipedia article on Portsmouth HERE
....... there's always Portsmouth Football Club! Just click on the name ....... and of course the beaches! There are some details HERE

Here's an interactive Google Map of the place to explore.

View Larger Map

Boat image above sourced from HERE

MONDAY

2008-06-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

When you contact us and seek support we arrange a One to One meeting with you, either in the hospital, in your own home or at our offices here in Harlesden. We will negotiate the venue with you.

We will allocate a staff member to support you who will become your Key Worker. You can then get to know this person with whom you will be able to confide in and work out confidentially what your support needs are in more detail. Eventually the aim to set up a routine which will enable you to move forward and achieve your goals.

Monday is the day - as well as other times - when lots of One to One meetings will take place.

Individual one to one is aimed at supporting service users in accessing and fulfilling life goals within the community setting.
ACCNS service users are given support in accessing Leisure & Sport, Education, Volunteering, Work, Faith & Cultural Opportunities. Service users are also supported in maintaining and expanding their social network.

Image sourced from HERE

TUESDAY

2008-06-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

The following activities take place on a Tuesday.

English & Mathematics. Should you feel you need some help with these subjects we have a partnership with Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES) who provide very helpful and patient tutors to help with developing better skills and knowledge in this area. This happens on a Tuesday morning.

Art and Creative Activities at Brent Libraries. We have a professional Artist and Teacher who facilitates a Creative Group at Harlesden Library. Friendly, Informative, Knowledgeable and encouraging this group will appeal to anyone who is interested in their Creative side. Art and Design, Computer Graphics, Creative Writing, Personal Research in Books or the Web, Education Advice, Websites and The Internet and even Setting Up Your Own Blog. All of this can and is covered. Ask your support staff member to put you in touch with the facilitator of this group. The group runs at Harlesden Library. between 10am and 1pm. every Tuesday morning.

You can see some of the users Artwork HERE and HERE. More opportunities to present users work on the web will be coming shortly. Watch this space.

Sports - Swimming, WorkOuts etc at Willesden Sport Centre. - More information click HERE

Music Group - Facilitated by a professional musician. This Group covers Performance, Digital Technology, Recording etc. More details on this will be coming shortly.

Image sourced from HERE