YCA Family Trip to Barry Island - Saturday 24th July 2010

The Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell ltd have organised a day trip to the welsh coast of Barry Island.  The cost of the trip is only £7 pre seat (irrespective of age) and is partly subsidised by the YCA.

It is anticipated that the coaches will leave Sandwell at the following times & pick up points:

If you would like to reserve your seat please see one of the YCA staff who will be happy to assist.

Time4Me group day trip to Telford Park

The Time4Me group are a group of young(ish) women who meet at the YCA every Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. Here they get a chance to meet friends, socialise,participate in awareness sessions & various craft sessions, whilst their pre-school children are being cared for in the YCA sessional crèche.

On Friday 25th June the group organised a trip to Telford Park with the children in order, it was a bright sunny day and fun was had by all.

YCA Men’s Sponsored 3 mile Run

Congratulations to all the Young men who participated in the YCA sponsored 3 mile Run with proceeds going to the YCA Cultural Project.

Leading up to the event the men had 8 weeks of training at Sandwell valley Country Park, where they trained on a Saturday morning led by Geoff Cox. The training sessions proved to be popular where the men reported to enjoy the sessions.

On the 12th June 12 men participated in the 3 Mile Run where the starting point was at the Pavillion in Sandwell Valley Park, around Forge Mill Lake and ended at Forge Mill Park.

The total money raised has yet to be totalled up but so far it is in excess of £300 towards the project. A big thank you to Geoff Cox and his team of 9 volunteers who were of great assistance on the day.

YCA’s Chief Executive Awarded

We would like to Congratulate Ragih Saleh Muflihi the Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell Chief Executive Officer on being awarded by the Yemen Voice Magazine for his

“Hard work, commitment and devotion to the Yemeni Community in the West Midlands.

The Award was given in partnership with Families Relief, Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association & other Yemeni Community organisations.  The Award evening was organised by Abdul-Alem Al-Shamery, Editor/in Chief of the Yemen Voice Magazine UK, and was hosted at Al-Fanoose restaurant where a full traditional Yemeni meal was also served.

The Award and the evening itself was a complete surprise to Ragih where in excess of 50 Yemeni work colleagues, professionals and community members attended to support and congratulate Ragih for his dedication.

5-a-Side Football - YCA Cultural Project Tournament

7-a-Side Football - YCA Cultural Project Tournament

for 16 years and over

Saturday 19th June 2010

11:00am – 6:00pm at the
George Salter Collegiate Academy’s Astro Pitch

£50.00 per Team
and any voluntary contribution welcome
(All proceedings will go to charity)

Calling all Male Footballers aged 16 and over

Why not get you and six friends to enter the YCA Cultural Project Football Tournament?

YOU pick your team and team name
(but keep it clean – offensive team names won’t be allowed!)

Registration is at 11:00am - 12:00pm with the first games being played at 12.30pm

Hurry! – Only a maximum of 16 teams can enter! First come first serve.

Please ensure appropriate footwear is worn – no studs, moulded studs or blades allowed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 16th June 2010

For more information or to request an application form please contact Ragih Muflihi on:

Tel: 0121 525 3909
Email: info@yca-sandwell.org.uk

or alternatively you can download the forms below:

To download the application form please click here
To download the football rules please click here
To download the directions to the astro pitch please click here

The Al-Nissa group obtained funding from Justice Seen Justice Done Community Crime Fighters Small Grants Programme to organise a community crime fighters awareness day aimed at women.

The Community Crime Fighters Awareness day was held on Monday 8th March 2010 at Lodge Road Community Centre in West Bromwich.  Various crime fighting agencies attended the event with information stalls where women could access information in various languages and interpreting support was given where necessary. 

Presentations were also held on ‘Forced Marriages’ and the ‘Policing Pledge’  where again the audience had the opportunity to participate in and ask questions/raise concerns with the speakers.

The day was well attended with 125 women from various ethnic backgrounds and service providers attended.  The feedback was very positive from all those who attended.

The Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell ltd secured funding from Urban Living Community Cohesion Fund to take women from various ethnic backgrounds to an adventure park to take part in informal fun activities that would also promote community cohesion.

60 women from Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Afro-Caribbean, Irish and Yemeni Ethnic backgrounds were taken to an adventure park to take part in various team building and adventure activities. 

For all the women it was the first time they had an opportunity to take part in this type of adventure activities.  The women enjoyed themselves so much they have reported that they would like to access this activity again in the future.

The five students and one teacher travelled to the UK on March 13th after winning the first prize in the British Council’s competition “I’m a Global Citizen,” held last autumn around the Middle East. Zainab school’s students won for their powerful and sharp presentations on terrorism.  They joined eighty students from schools across England and Northern Ireland and five other winning schools from Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia who are all involved in the international school linking scheme

Zainab School students met pupils from their British partner school George Salter Collegiate Academy where they spent four days in Sandwell, raising awareness and understanding about life in Yemen. The students and teacher where also invited, along with a camera crew, to the Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell where they learned how the organisation serves the local Yemeni community and were amazed at the services the organisation provides. 

During this meeting the students indicated that they missed traditional Yemeni cuisine having experienced only ‘English cuisine’ throughout their stay.  Here the YCA ceased the opportunity to make a memorable impact on the students stay in Sandwell by taking them to a Yemeni restaurant to sample the traditional Yemeni cuisine that they had craved.

Police Newsletter for May 2010

Download the Police Newsletter for May 2010 by clicking here

Want to find out how the YCA mini gymnasium helped Coleen Shekerie achieve significant weight loss and lifestyle changes  ....... read on!

Coleen before her weight loss

In 2 years Coleen has amazingly reduced her dress size from a size 20-22 to a svelte size 10-12 and she looks amazing for it. 

Coleen does not know what her weight was prior to her weight loss and even now she has no idea of her weight.  She feels people can become obsessed with what the scales reads rather than how they are feeling or what their body is telling them, even now Coleen is not interested in what the scales actually say as she the most important thing is she feels well and happy.

“I began to think I was looking older than I really was and felt restricted in the style of clothes that I was able to choose from”.

Coleen after her weight loss

Having a family history of arthritis and herself having increasing joint pains as well as wanting to confidently participate in activities with her only child without feeling discomfort, it occurred to Coleen that it was time to confront the excessive amount of weight that she had been carrying for nearly 30 years. 

“Losing weight was my gift to my son, a new lifestyle for both of us”

Prior to deciding to make the life change Coleen did exercise by taking daily walks, however she acknowledges that this tended to be slow walks and even then she felt very unfit and ached all over.  Now Coleen uses the YCA mini gymnasium to do 30-40 minutes of cardiovascular workouts 5 days a week and has recently discovered the joys of Yoga.

“In the main I have spent the last 2 years in the gym at the YCA”

Indeed Coleen reports that her son loves the fact that she goes to the gym and it was important to her that her son observed that it was not the weight loss that was important but the workout, however he has also noted the psychological benefits of exercise.

“He says it (exercise) makes me far happier and less likely to be in a bad mood”

Coleen describes herself as food enthusiast; however her meals are now centred on consumption of nuts, fresh fruit with lots of fish and shellfish.  This is in comparison to her previous diet of quick and easy meals containing lots of bread and cheese as well as snacking in between meals on what she describes as “complete rubbish.”  Coleen now plans her family meals and cooks from scratch and enjoys experimenting with all kind of cooking using lots of fresh ingredients.  Coleen has a healthy relationship with food allowing herself the odd occasional (but it is only occasional) treat.

“I don’t belief in suffering and denial, preferring to eat a small amount than find myself guilt ridden”

Most importantly Coleen’s son is also picking up healthy eating habits as well as enjoying  the prepared meals.

“It’s important for me to set an example of healthy eating for him”

Coleen’s weight loss has been a gradual but noticeable over the 2 years that she has been based at the YCA working for Sandwell PCT.  It seemed every time we the YCA staff saw her walking through our office (after yet another gym session) she would appear to have dropped yet another dress size and indeed she has also been an inspiration to others who saw weight loss to be motivated into using the YCA gym.

Coleen describes her lifestyle change as an  “interesting personal journey” and she used her time in the YCA gym as a time for meditation describing these sessions as  “taking time to find a place to be at peace .......getting rid of some negative thoughts” and she advices;

“Everyone has to find their own approach to achieve their personal goals”

So what next.... Coleen states that her aim is to remain disciplined around her personal health and wants to continue to be stronger and fitter. However most importantly she wants;

“To be physically, spiritually and emotionally aware and the will to make the changes that need to happen”

If you would like to make lifestyle changes and require support to achieve these changes contact either the Health Development Team at the YCA on 0121 525 3909 or alternatively the Lifestyle Unit at Sandwell PCT on 0845 155 0500.

Lads & Dads at the YCA

In September 2009 the YCA was successful in securing funding from the Transformation Fund to offer 2 programmes of Lads & Dads Sessions until 31st March 2010.
The aim of the project was to improve social relationships between families through promoting intergenerational learning as well as the project activities  aiming to contribute to the health and well being  not only of the participants but also impact on the health and well being on the whole family.  Project objectives included:

The project activities included

Story Telling (stories of the prophets) - The course brought Lads & dads together to learn about the stories of the prophets.  The initial course took place at the Greets Green Access Centre and ran for 2 hours, once a week and over 12 week period, resource were brought to assist lads & dads interacting in a meaningful way.  The Lads & Dads Story Telling will continue running each Sunday at the Greets Green Access Centre from 6pm – 7.30pm.

Swimming Lessons- Participants were given the opportunity to learn how to swim or develop further swimming skills for leisure & health. The sessions took place at Tipton Swimming Baths each Saturday 2pm – 3pm where transport was also provided.  This course took place as a family learning opportunity where males from different generations participated in the project.  The Swimming sessions came to an end at the end of March but as it proved to be popular with the males, the Health Development Officer is looking at other funding opportunities.

New Year New Beginnings

Men’s Health Day

The YCA in conjunction with members of the Community Health Network were instrumental in organising a men’s health day on Saturday 30th January 2010 at Hadley Stadium in Smethwick.  The event was very well attended with approximately 150 men participating in the various activities offered on the day.

Activities offered on the day included: bike riding, Kick boxing, Badminton, Football Tournament, Yoga, Ti-Chi, Break Dancing and fun inflatable’s.  The feedback from men on the day was very positive that a similar event is scheduled for June during Men’s Health Day.

International Women’s Week (Monday 8th March – Friday 12th March 2010)

The YCA in partnership with the Community Health Network and Extended Services organised a week long activities aimed at women to coincide with International Women’s Day.

In total 405 women from various ethnic backgrounds (English, Afro-Caribbean, Irish, Pakistani, Indian, Pakistani and Yemeni) participated in the week long events.  Feedback from both women users and partners highlighted the need to hold more similar activities that brought women from different ethnic backgrounds together in a fun and sociable way.

Activities during the week included:

• Community Crime Fighters Awareness Day –125 women had the opportunity to obtain information from various crime fighting agencies as well as a presentation from West Midlands Police on the Policing Pedge and Sandwell Against Domestic Abuse who presented on ‘Forced Marriages’
• Cultural Fun Day – 80 women had the opportunity to participate in Bollywood & Egyptian dance workshops as well as looking around the various cultural stalls.  Activities also included staff parading their cultural dress in a fashion show and mehndi workshops.
• Blackwell Adventure Park – 60 women from various ethnic backgrounds participated in an outing to Blackwell adventure park where they had the opportunity to try out team building and adventure activities.  The event was very successfull in bringing women from different ethnic backgrounds working together as a team.
• Sports & Health Day – 78 women participated in various multi-sporting activities offered at Harry Mitchell Leisure centre.  Activities included Circuit Training, Bollywood exercise, Yoga, Pilates, Dance Mats, Salsa Dance, Badminton and access to the ladies only gymnasium.
• Pampering & Wellbeing Day – To close the week 56 women participated in various relaxation & pampering sessions. Women from various ethnic backgrounds enjoyed participating in head massage, foot massage, facials, threading, nail art, manicures, hand massage, mehndi and relaxations workshop.

Slimwell

The YCA health team are presently into the 15th week of a 20 week slimming programme.  The programme in partnership with Sandwell PCT Slimwell is a 20 week programme that delivers healthy eating awareness sessions as well as looking lifestyle behaviour to encourage weight loss.  The programme has been very success full in achieving weight loss for those women in participating. 

One woman lost a whopping 14 lbs (1 stone) in 8 weeks just by following the programme advice.  When this particular woman was asked what changes she had made to her life she stated “i just followed what i was told and it worked” she also stated there is no “easy answer or quick fix you just have to follow a healthier lifestyle”.

The slimming programme is currently running every Wednesday at the Greets Green Access Centre 10am – 12noon.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary Heart disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.
Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis

Click on Image above to Enlarge

Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. Figure B shows an artery with plaque build up.
Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow.

Overview
When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when not enough oxygen-rich blood is flowing to an area of your heart muscle. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to an area of your heart muscle is completely blocked. This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching that area of heart muscle and causes it to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.

Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood throughout your body. Arrhythmias are problems with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Outlook
CHD is the most common type of heart disease. It's the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures can effectively prevent or treat CAD in most people.

What are the risk factors?

Atherosclerosis affects many people. It can start at the age of 20 and increases with advancing age.
The exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors accelerate the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries:

• smoking
• family history of vascular disease, angina, heart attacks or stroke
• being overweight
• an unhealthy diet
• lack of exercise
• diabetes
• being male or female post menopause
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol levels
• stress.

What can I do to help myself?

The most important thing is to prevent atherosclerosis from developing.
First, think about whether you belong to any of the risk groups. Risk factors are cumulative - the more you have, the greater the risk of developing a significant problem with cardiovascular disease.
To minimise your risk:

• quit smoking - stopping smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac problems by 50 per cent after only one year
• eat a varied and healthy diet, including lots of vegetables and products that are high in fibre and low in fat
• avoid saturated fats (animal fat) in preference to fish and vegetable oils
• lose weight if you are overweight
• exercise more
• maintain treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure

For further information and support contact:

- British Heart Foundation on 0300 330 3311
- YCA on 0121 525 3909
- NHS Direct on 0845 4647
- Your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse

Consultation with women within the Sandwell area highlighted that women wanted to establish local and accessible points where they were able to access a variety of programmes such as health and educational programmes as well as information advice and guidance within an environment that would also address communication, cultural and childcare needs.  Therefore in response to the expressed needs of women within Sandwell, the YCA developed a number of Women’s Access Points (WAP’s ©) throughout Sandwell.

Rowley Regis WAP
In partnership with Cradley Heath & Old Hill Children’s Centre and Barrow Cadbury Trust the YCA established a WAP at Cradley Heath Community Centre in Cradley Heath.  The point presently offers women from various ethnic backgrounds fitness sessions, health awareness sessions, educational programme as well as social activities.  The WAP is easily accessible to women living within the local area and crèche support is provided.  Presently the WAP runs each Monday (Term Times) 10am – 12 noon.

West Bromwich WAP
The longest and most established of the WAP’s the West Bromwich WAP is now in its 5th year and caters for women from various ethnic backgrounds however presently main users are from Yemeni, Pakistani and African ethnic back grounds.  The West Bromwich WAP offers a variety of gender specific activities within the Greets Green Access Centre, which is further supported by language, cultural and crèche support where necessary.  The type of activities offered at the West Bromwich WAP run where necessary during term times only and includes the following*:

• English for Speaker of Other Languages (Mondays 10am – 12noon)
• Basic spoken Arabic for non-Arabic speakers (Mondays 1pm – 2pm)
• Basic Computer & Internet Safety (Tuesdays 1pm – 3pm)
• Time4me social group (Wednesdays 10am – 12noon)
• Elderly Women’s Luncheon Club (Thursdays 10am – 2pm)
• Women Only Advice, information & Guidance Sessions (10am – 1pm)
• Women Only Gym Sessions (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30am – 12.30pm & Sundays 11am – 12noon)

(*Some activities require YCA membership or may incur a small cost)

Smethwick WAP:
Due to demand from local women the YCA are presently in the process of establishing a WAP in Smethwick.  This is in the consultation stages with women residing in Smethwick but again it will cater for women from various ethnic backgrounds and will aim to deliver a range of programmes within one point that would take into account any barriers to participation.  Further information to follow.

Special Guest kick starts the YCA Cultural Project

The Yemeni Community received a welcome guest to carryout Friday prayers and to kick start the YCA Cultural Centre Project where the YCA hopes to raise £500,500.00 to extend the current YCA premise to accommodate more community activities. The building plans have been approved by Sandwell Council and now the hard work really begins.

Shaykh Rajab Zaki a prominent and respected Imam from Egypt who is also visually impaired, highlighted the importance of having a community base which would further serve the needs of the community in particular the young people, the elderly and the women.

The proposed extension would assist the YCA to continue to reduce isolation within the community as well as contribute to community development.

The plans are to build classrooms, a multi function room and a crèche to encourage women to seek further education and skills development.

The event with Shaykh Rajab Zaki was held on Christmas day and was very well attended and raised £2318 in cash with another £13,000 pledges.

To visit our YCA Cultural Website please click here

To donate to our YCA Cultural Project please click here

Saeed Nasser wins another Award as YCA Community Champion

Each year the YCA Management Committee chooses members of the Yemeni community who play a big part in improving the lives of others or have done something that stands out above all others.

At this year Annual General Meeting the Chairman Ahmed Salem presented Saeed Nasser with YCA 2009 Community Champion Award for his outstanding work throughout the year especially in the service he provides for the vulnerable people within the community. Saeed’s work  is not only outstanding because he assists the most vulnerable but  he also understands what people are going through when faced with barriers as he himself has to overcome many barriers having visual impairment from a very young age.

The second Community Champion Award was given to Yasser Nasser, Saeed’s son for spending all his pocket money to raise funds for the YCA Cultural Centre project.  He opened a tuck shop for the youth during the fasting month of Ramadhan and he managed to convert his £50 pocket money into over £200 towards the Project. Yasser follows in the footsteps of his father by putting community before self.

The Management Committee feels that this year’s awards are a tough act to follow and welcome any person to nominate someone for the coming year’s YCA Community Champion Award.

For many years now there have been concerns over forced marriage (in Britain and elsewhere) and a result the UK government passed a bill called the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection Act) 2007 which can have legal implications that all communities need to know about.

What is Forced Marriage?
A forced marriage is a marriage that happens when either or both parties have been pressured into entering the marriage, without giving their free consent. They may have been emotionally blackmailed, physically threatened or abused.

What is the difference between Forced Marriage and Arranged Marriage?
Arranged marriage, may have been set up by a relative or friend, but the choice whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the two people to be married.

Is Forced Marriage not within my religion?
Although some people may try to tell you that forced marriage is not against your religion; they are wrong.  All major world religions including Islam, Hinduism Christianity or Sikhism are against forcing someone to marry.

Forced Marriage is a tradition which results from cultural factors not religion.
Why does it happen?
It happens due to a range of factors, to protect wealth and family reputation or “izzat”. The UK's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) outlines the following reasons why people force others into marriage:

• To control unwanted behaviour and sexuality, and prevent ‘unsuitable’ relationships, i.e. with people outside their ethnic, cultural, caste or religious group
• To protect perceived cultural or religious ideals
• Family ‘honour’ or long-standing family commitments
• Peer group or family pressure
• To ensure land, property and wealth remain in the family
• To strengthen family links
• To assist claims for residence and citizenship
• To provide a carer for a disabled family member / reduce the ‘stigma’ of disability

What happens if somebody is forced into marriage?
Forced marriage can happen to both men and women. People who are being forced into marriage face many problems. They may feel frightened, lonely and withdrawn and it may lead to mental and physical health problems including depression, eating disorders and self-harm. They may develop poor attendance and performance at their workplace or educational institution.
They are often apart from their family and can suffer domestic abuse at the hands of their partners or in-laws. They may experience financial problems, lack of family support and stigma in their community. The victim may also worry about the consequences for their in-laws and their own family if they walk out on a forced marriage and report it to an authority. A number of those trying to leave a forced marriage have even become victims of honour-based violence or committed suicide.

What does the law say?
Forced marriage is against the law and will not be tolerated. Those who fail to obey an order may be found in contempt of court and sent to prison for up to two years. Forced Marriages provides a way out for those already in an unwanted union. Family members can be prosecuted for offences like threatening behaviour, assault, kidnap, abduction, theft (of passport) threats to kill, imprisonment and murder. Sexual intercourse without consent is rape, regardless of this happens within a marriage Court can also issue Forced Marriage Protection Order, which will contain terms that are designed to protect the victim in their particular circumstances. Examples of the types of orders the court may make are:

• to prevent a forced marriage from occurring
• to hand over passports
• to stop intimidation and violence
• to reveal the whereabouts of a person
• to stop someone from being taken abroad

Help is available from various agencies: In an emergency always ring 999                                                 

Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151 (Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.00)
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk Web: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage

To download poster in English please click here

To download poster in Arabic please click here

Greets Green Partnership

Greets Green Partnership is coming to the end of its 10 year program. The Government invested around £55 million to improve the run down area known as Greets Green and as a consequence changed the lives of many local residents. Prior to this crucial investment the area suffered from many disadvantages which included high unemployment, high crime rate, low and poor quality housing stock and one of the worst educational standards in the country.

With a large number of the Yemeni Community residing within the Greets Green area the Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell  ensured the needs of the community were represented in the decision making process.  The YCA has been an active Greets Green Partnership board member and has proudly seen the transformation of the area and its community as a whole, which include:-

• Improved education attainment year on year with one local school winning 2 years in a row, ‘the most improved school in the country’.
• Crime and anti-social behaviour has been reduced so much our community feel safe to leave their homes without fear.
• Wardens and gating systems played a major part in the reduction of crime.
• Funding the purchase of community venues has seen a major change in the participation of different communities and increased community cohesion.
• Increased partnership working with different communities doing joint funding proposals.
• Cleaner and improved lighting on the streets were members can walk safely at night. 
• Major drive to train the community to be skilled for jobs when current world working climate changes.
• Increased secure homes with security alarms and locks.
• Major improvement to housing standard has seen new gardens walls, roofs and heating systems replaced.
• Annual community event for the whole community.
• Improvement in people’s health through exercise and healthy eating.

We as a community organisation have been able to realise our ambitions by being supported to progress from a shop front office to a large and vibrant community base serving the whole community. Without the funding from the Greets Green Partnership the YCA would still have many of its members living in isolation with the most vulnerable continuing to suffer. 

We have only touched on some of the changes in the area, and the YCA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ally Allerson and her team for serving the community, and in particular the local board residents whom have dedicated 10 years of their lives in serving this wonderful multi-ethnic community.

Truly this NDC has been a major success and many lives have been transformed. May it long continue.

Press Release on current situation in the Yemen

Recent events have thrust the Yemen in the media glare and as a result there is a heightened interest in the Yemen and the Yemeni communities.   We wish to remind our readers that the Yemeni Community Association (YCA) is a small community based organisation seeking to represent and meet the particular needs of the Yemeni Community in Sandwell. 

The YCA was established for charitable purposes only, for the public benefit and it does not get involved in political activities; however it has always been the YCA stance to condemn any form of violence perpetrated against any individuals including terrorist activities.

The YCA would like to congratulate Saeed Nasser on winning Sandwell MBC ‘Employee of the Year 2009’.  Saeed was nominated for this title by Sandwell MBC’s staff for his work ethics and commitment.

Saeed was presented  the award by Leader of the Council, Darren Cooper, at the Shining Star’s Awards Evening held at The Conference Suite in West Bromwich.  The evening was also full of entertainment which included an excellent performance by young Irish dancers.

The YCA staff were not surprised that Saeed clinched this title as he is a much valued and popular member of staff, who carries out all set tasks to the highest of standards despite having a visual impairment.  Because Saeed is highly regarded within the community he was also recently elected to become the Chairman of the Cultural Project, with the aim of co-ordinating fundraising for the project.

AGM Calling Notice

The Management Committee has set the Saturday 9th January 2010 for the Yemeni Community Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Calling notice and Nomination forms will be sent to all members by the end of this week and this will give members more than the 21 days as per the constitution.

We are looking for New Board Members, in particular females to give the organisation a good representation on the board.

For the AGM the Management Committee would like its members to write in and nominate a person from their community who s/he has made a different to people’s lives over the last financial year (March 2008 to April 2009).

The 2 nominees with the most votes will be given Community Champion Awards.
The other 2 nominees will be chosen by the Management Committee Board and by the Chief Executive Officer.  

CEO meets His Excellency Mr Amr Moussa

On the 26th October two members of the Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell were invited to the residence of His Excellency the Egyptian Ambassador Hatem Seif El Nasr. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League. The aim of meeting was to discuss matters concerning the British Arab Communities.

The meeting was very well attended by different Arab communities which started to address issues of concern. The communities came under the Umbrella of the British Arabs Association which is headed by Atallah Said (Chairman).

The Yemeni Community would like to thank Atallah Said for the invite and congratulate him on his excellent work in forming the British Arabs Association.

His Excellency Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League with Ragih Saleh Muflihi CEO (Left) & Abdulhamid Muflihi Secretary of the Yemeni Community (Right)

Integrated Designs & Associates

‘We have employed Integrated Designs & Associates as our professional consultants, who have prepared this feasibility study. The feasibility study analyses the existing facilities of the Yemeni Community Association and outlines the need to expand the facilities. Initial Proposals and a design and access statement have been developed as the framework for a detailed planning application, and are included in outline in this feasibility study. The feasibility study will be used for publicity, consultation, and marketing the proposed new facilities. A planning application has been submitted by Integrated Designs to Sandwell MBC planning authority on our behalf.’

YCA Activities/Services Update

NEW - YCA Women Only Slimming Club:
If you are female & interested in loosing weight as well as gaining tips on healthy eating then why not drop in at the YCA slimming Club on Wednesdays at 10am.  Each session includes weight measurements, health program as well as a half hour gym/exercise session.

For further information contact either Afrah Muflihi or Shanaz Begum at the YCA.

ESOL classes – Delivered by Sandwell College:
The YCA are hosting 2  English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at their centre.  These fall on the following days

Mondays – (Pre-entry & Entry 1) – 10am – 12 noon

Thursdays (Entry 2-3) – 12.45pm – 2.45pm

For further information contact either Afrah Muflihi / Shanaz Begum or Richard Chance.

NEW - Women’s Health & Wellbeing Program at Holly Lodge High School:
The Smethwick Women’s Access Point (WAP) has been established at Holly Lodge High School – Community Hall.  The program is being run in partnership with North Smethwick Extended School Services, Galton Valley Children’s Centre and the Yemeni Community Association in sandwell supported by funding from Barrow Cadbury Trust.

The aim of the WAP is to engage women in health and well being activities as well as reduce isolation that may exist amongst some women, with the overall aim of empowering women.

Programme:

10am – Fitness (Aerobics, Circuits, Yoga etc0

11am – Health Programme/Social activity.

For further information Contact Afrah Muflihi or Shanaz Begum  at the YCA

NEW - Drop in Stop Smoking Clinic
A weekly drop in clinic has been established at the Greets Green Access Centre (YCA) to enable individuals to access Stop Smoking Service:

Stop Smoking Drop in Clinic – Fridays – 1pm – 3pm

Alternatively the YCA can offer Stop Smoking office support via appointment only through out the week

For further information Contact Afrah Muflihi or Shanz Begum at the YCA

Male Only Circuit Training:
Circuit Training for Men is back by popular demand on Wednesdays at the Greets Green Access Centre from 7pm to 8pm. 

For further information contact Afrah Muflihi or Ahmed Alkash at the YCA

Lads & Dads Islam Family Learning Program:
Interested in learning more about Islamic teachings as well as strengthening intergenerational bonds?  If so why not drop in at the Greets Green Access Centre to join our Lads & Dads Islam Family Learning program each Sunday between 6pm – 7.30pm.

For further information contact Ragih Muflihi or Saeed Nasser at the YCA

Job Coach Workshop

November 2009 – dates to be decided – 2 days

This workshop is for those who are unemployed and genuinely looking for work.
Clients will be invited to attend a one to one initial consultation with a Job Coach/Mentor to discuss their individual requirements from which an action plan will be drawn up. This workshop will offer the opportunity to gain a wide range of job search skills such as C.V. writing, application letter writing, interview techniques, motivation, confidence building and personal development.

All clients on the programme will be offered an experienced Job Coach/Mentor who will work on an individual basis for up to an hour per week with their client and will help address any barriers to becoming employed. In addition they will continue to support their client for a further period of time, after a positive outcome, if the client requires it.

Once these skills have been developed, the client will be referred to external agencies that we are working in partnership with (such as ’Job Link’) for help in gaining employment.

If interested or want to know more please contact either Richard Chance or Shanaz Begum at the Yemeni Community Association on 0121 525 3909

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) for beginners and ESOL for Citizenship

Two classes are available, the first, for beginners, which is held on Monday mornings from 10.00 am to 12.15 pm and the second, for those at an intermediate level, on Thursday afternoons from 12.45 pm to 2.45 pm.

The first course is for those wishing to improve their English generally. It is aimed at a beginner level and will help you improve your writing, listening and speaking skills.
This course commences in September 2009 (although it can be joined anytime after then) and content will depend on the learner’s level of knowledge.
Learners will work towards obtaining a National Certificate.

The second course is for those wishing to improve their English, leading to Citizenship. It is aimed at an intermediate level and will help you improve your writing, listening and speaking skills.
This course commences in October 2009 (although it can be joined anytime after then).
Learners will work towards obtaining a Citizenship Certificate.

If interested or want to know more please contact either Richard Chance or Shanaz Begum at the Yemeni Community Association on 0121 535 3909

Summer Holiday Programme Success

The Summer Holiday Programme was a major success with 4 weeks full of fun, enjoyable and challenging activities for the young people. It started on Monday 27th July 09 and finished on Wednesday 17th August 09. The timetable was planned and organised by Yemeni Youth Forum and youth workers. There were a wide variety of trips and activities on offer such as Archery, Rock Climbing, Raft Building, Kayaking, Art Session, Dancing, Ice-Skating, Bowling, Laser Quest, Go Karting and a weekend residential at Blackwell Courts.

We had 25 young people aged 9 – 19 years registered who attended the four weeks programme. We generated 50 new registrations on the very successful Fun Day where young people had the opportunity to explore fire engines provided by the West Midlands Fire Service as well as have fun on the inflatables. 

The summer programme evaluation forms found that the vast majority of young people responding enjoyed the activities very much, stating the development of new skills as the most rewarding outcome.

We would like to take this opportunity to thanks BBC Children in Need and The Big Lottery Fund for their valuable contributions, which enabled us to provide a successful 2009 Summer scheme.

LOGO

The youth workers at the YCA held a logo competition to design the official Yemeni Youth Forum logo.

This is the winning logo has been created by a young person after she joined the Logo Competition at the YCA.

The logo will be used on the new upcoming Yemeni Youth Website, uniforms and all literature. The logo has been selected based upon the artistic quality of the design and the ways in which it represents the Yemeni Youth Forum.

YCA Cultural Project

In March 2009 Integrated Designs & Associates were appointed to carry out a study to determine the viability of improving and expanding the accommodation and facilities on the existing site occupied by the Yemeni Community Association.

The Yemeni Community Association moved into their current premises located at Tildasley Street in 2005. Their former premises had a shop front in part of 380 High Street shared with others, and although not purpose built the move provided more than enough space to accommodate all the activities of the growing association.

The facilities currently used include a gym, youth club, advice centre, crèche, information technology training, a multi-purpose hall, and smaller rooms for the Arabic School, and other courses such as sewing, ESOL, hygiene and health instruction. Revenue income to support the work of the Community Association comes from conference facilities and rooms hired out to the Primary care Trust, and the Local Authority Education service.

The Centre is planning for the next 25 years and requires expanded facilities of a design and quality that will meet the growing demand for the heavily used centre. Having in their short history already outgrown previous accommodation, their plans are to overcome the limitations of the existing building.

To visit our YCA Cultural Website please click here

Congratulations to Abdulrobh on Becoming a British Citizen

Congratulations to Abdulrobh Mohamed Yahya on becoming a British Citizen. Abdulrobh has lived in Britain since 1956. He travelled to England by airplane from Aden, Yemen.

He arrived and lived his early days in Sheffield and made Sandwell his main place of work and home. Abdulrobh said that working conditions were hard as he had to work long hours. He remembers working 6 days a week and receiving £6. During his time working he spent over 25 years working in Clancy & Burton factories.

Abdulrobh is now retired, but still lives in Sandwell in the Greets Green area of West Bromwich. All his family are in the Yemen and he travels every few years to see them.

He sees himself as British Yemen and England as his home. His only fear is falling ill, but he couldn’t wish for a better place in the world to live.

The Community Crime Fighter programme is a Home Office initiative which will help create stronger links between crime fighting agencies and the communities they serve. This is done by offering training and skills to community activists, in order that people may become an even more effective advocate for their communities.

Groups of trained, responsible community volunteers will be ideally placed to become ‘Community Crime Fighters’.

The training and support for the new community crime fighters includes:

Advice about what the Policing Pledge means for the community and information on how to help decide policing priorities locally;

Information about what Local Authorities should be doing to tackle anti-social behaviour –graffiti, intimidation, noisy neighbours, rubbish being dumped – and what to do if they aren’t taking proper action;

Details of youth activities in local areas as well as support for parents in their area;

Information about the support that victims of crime and anti-social behaviour are entitled to and how to set up support groups; and,

Advice on how to get information from local courts such as what happened to offenders who were committing crime and how to decide which areas offenders on community payback should be clearing up.

Two members of the Yemeni Community took part to provide and build and strengthen links between the Yemeni community and the local agencies.

Ragih Muflihi and Saeed Nasser are the representatives who undergone the training.

Yemeni Women take part in ‘Race for Life’

Kallm Ahmed Yafai, Arwa Saleh Al-Muflahi, Maryam Mohammed Yafai and Afrah Saleh Muflihi took part in ‘Race for Life’ at Sandwell Valley on Sunday 28th June 2009.  The event is an annual 5Killometer race with the aim of raising money for Cancer Research UK.  As this was the first time that they took part in this event the women decided it best to walk the 5K, however they found it quite easy and have promised that inshallah next year they will jog the distance.

The women commented that they “thoroughly enjoyed” the event and felt “really proud to have took part”, they also stated that their “aim for next year (inshallah) is to get Yemeni women participate in the event” 
Watch this space!!

Bike Riding Sessions

The YCA in conjunction with Sandwell PCT, Community Health Network and the Greets Green Children Centre have organised a 12 week women only bike riding sessions.  The sessions involve learning to ride a bike from scratch or brushing up on old bike riding skills.  10 women are participating in the project with 3 women who had never used a bike before now fully comfortable and competent on their bikes.

The first few weeks of the session took place in an enclosed private setting until the women felt comfortable and confident to ride their bikes at Sandwell Valley Park. 

Greets Green Children Centre have supported this project by providing free crèche for pre-school children to enable their mothers to participate in the project which the women have commented has been invaluable in allowing them to benefit from this project.

The women have commented that cycling has been “really enjoyable” and that they “look forward to the sessions each week” .  They have also stated that they feel the benefit of cycling both “physically and mentally”.

The 12 week session can be organised again if there is enough interest and Male only and female only sessions can be organised.  To register interest or gain further information contact the Health Development Team at the YCA.

Real West Brom Football Academy are The Real Deal

The Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell, sponsors of Real West Brom Football Academy, congratulates Real West Brom Football Academy for their outstanding achievements in the just ended 2008/09 Birmingham Shapla League.

Real West Brom Seniors, who finished mid-table last season, blazed a winning trail to shock the whole Birmingham Shapla League on their way to being crowned the SFL 2008/09 Champions. The whole team working with determination, purpose and strength of character managed to turn the season on its head by emerging the champions.

While Real West Brom Youth team in a thrilling last day season encounter, thrashed the season’s league leaders Sporting Sandwell 2-0 to clinch promotion in only their first year in the Birmingham Shapla League. Real West Brom Youth had spent the greater part of the season dicing with relegation. Real West Brom Youth are now a force to reckon with as they showed admirable capacity to adapt and compete at the highest competitive level.

The achievements do not end there. Real West Brom Academy also won a number of football tournaments including the prestigious Sandwell Council Tournament and the Sandwell United Tournament.
The season also witnessed Real West Brom Academy gain more club accolades such as the highly-prized Sandwell Hidden Talent Award and The Sandwell STAR's Sporting Team Award. The STAR’s award banquet was hosted by acclaimed TV comedian Gina Yashire. Real West Brom Academy edged out a tough field of short listed teams and clubs to snatch the award.

Real West Brom Football Academy also have become a beacon for other local football teams by being short listed for the Birmingham County Fair Play Awards and Shapla League for their conduct on and off the pitch. They have also been nominated to the Birmingham FA County for Charter Standard Club of the year. Local supporters are all hoping that Real West Brom Football Academy will emerge worthy winners.

Overall, it has been a very successful season for Real West Brom Football Academy, a team with players from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities united in football excellence. The YCA wishes them all the very best for next season and are delighted to continue sponsoring them.

British Yemeni 6-a-side Football Tournament

‘200 Players, 24 Teams, 1 trophy and one Winner ’

The Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell (YCA) would like to congratulate the YCA Sandwell football team for retaining and wining the Yemeni Football tournament for the 3rd consecutive time.
The tournament was organised and held by the YCA in Birmingham, which attracted well over 300 Yemeni’s and supporters.

The tournament, now a highlight of the Yemeni community calendar, achieved its twin objectives of using football to bring together football lovers in the region to network and compete on the field of play.

The Sandwell team played some breath-taking football in the opening group matches and swept all before them to book a place in knockout stages.

In the Quarter finals they faced a defensive Halesowen team; the Sandwell team attacked the opposition from the first whistle but failed to break the deadlock. The clash had to be decided on penalties. YCA team won 3-0 thanks to outstanding goal-keeping by Salmeen Audali in goal.

The Semi Final was played against Arab United (a local Birmingham team). Sandwell once again played some exquisite football going all out for a win. Arab United spent the greater part of the match pinned back in their own half fending off sporadic Sandwell raids. Sandwell’s Abdar Rahman showed sublime skill to notch a deadly strike that settled the contest. Sandwell deservingly emerged 1-0 winners to and reach the finals.

The Final saw Yarmook, another Birmingham side take on Sandwell who were playing their hearts out as men on a mission to retain their crown and lift the cup for an unprecedented third time.
The game was played in an amicable and professional manner. Yarmook played well and tactically against the holders of the cup.
Until 2 minutes from full time, Superstar Hillal Alkash once again rose to the occasion hitting a screamer of a shot. Netting another crucial last goal to break the hearts of all the Yarmook players and supporters to decisively win the game.

The YCA Sandwell team were once again deserved winners and for the 3rd consecutive time crowned the Yemeni football Champions 2009.

Sandwell team Manager Adel Alkash said,

“The YCA Sandwell team are once again deserved winners and for the 3rd time crowned the British Yemeni football Champions. I would like to congratulate my team mates for their outstanding performance and high spirits in competing towards winning the tournament’s cup. We intend to go from strength to strength in 2010 and we will not loosen our grip of the prestigious Yemeni 6-a-side Football Tournament trophy.
I would like to thank Safwan for hosting the tournament. I also would like to thank all teams and supporters for competing, creating such a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. Finally I would like to thank the all the staff at the Yemeni Community Association in Sandwell for their continuous help and support. ”

YCA staff Shahada, Shanaz, Abdul, Jo and Ahmed have joined Ummah United to help raise £12,000 for Gaza. They will be participating in a charity trek up Mount Snowdon on 27th June 2009, in a bid to raise as much money as possible to help the helpless in Gaza. All sponsor money will go to Islamic Help. Please support us, and most of all support this cause and donate GENEROUSLY, as your donation will go a long long way!!!

You can either sponsor direct online by using the below links or you can come into YCA and ask for either Shahada/Shanaz/Ahmed or Abdul.

www.justgiving.com/shahada_ummahunited

www.justgiving.com/shanaz_ummahunited

www.justgiving.com/ahmedalkash_ummahunited

www.justgiving.com/abdar-alkash_ummahunited

www.justgiving.com/jo_hoque_ummahunited

Jazakallah Khair
Shahada, Shanaz, Abdul, Jo & Ahmed.

Health Activities Update

Newsletter 2
Read newsletter (Issue 2). To download click here