Hertfordshire

Ethnic Minority Achievement

The EMA West Oasis is the Resources Centre for a large team of teachers, bilingual/bicultural assistants and other staff whose work comprises largley of supporting and developing bilingual pupils in local schools in Dacorum Borough and St Albans. The teachers job description encompasses teaching EAL (English as an additional language), providing and producing resources for this support in the curriculum and developing links between school and local minoprity ethnic communities. BCA's work with beginners learning English as an additional language. The Family Learning staff set up courses and activities for parents in schools. A Connexions personal advisor works with youngsters to provide advice and monitoring support. The Community Languages Co-ordinator is responsible for supporting Community Languages teachers in the area. We work in over 55 schools and offer advisory, resourcing and inset support to others.

Many of the staff are from Minority Groups themselves, having bilingual skills and experiences which are invaluable in our work with communities and schools.

The following are some key areas in which the project is involved:

• Community consultation and liason
• Developing links between school, their minority ethnic parents and communities
• Liaison with other agencies
• Supporting, resourcing and inservice provision for schools
• Provide advice and guidance to youngsters on career and other matters
• Translating and interpreting work
• First language assessment
• Homework and other workshops for pupils
• Supporting the National Curriculum, including SAT's
• Bilingual support
• Liaison with community language classes
• County policy implementation

For more information contact Jillian Green, Townsend Drive, St Albans, Herts AL3 5RL or Telephone: 01727 855482 or Email: Jillian.green@hertscc.gov.uk

Black History Achievement Project

The group aims to raise and maintain awareness of the African Caribbean culture amongst those of African Caribbean descent and all local people within Watford and the surrounding area, as part of Black History Month. Working in conjunction with Watford Borough Council, Watford museum, local schools, libraries and colleges, the group aim to promote the unique aspects of African Caribbean culture to the general public, increase understanding and promote social harmony.

The project will include: a series of interactive workshops, performances, exhibitions and other events involving storytelling, crafts, drama and poetry. A main theme will be the story of Edward, a former slave who became a free man and is buried in St Mary's Church in Watford. All information produced will be available to the general public through libraries, booklets, information for schools, etc.

For more information contact Watford African Caribbean Association, 16 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1JY

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Asian Outreach

Age Concern's Asian outreach workers can speak many Asian languages.  They understand the cultural, social and religious needs of older people living in their local communities.

We have outreach workers in North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield who offer:

• Information and advice on a variety of issues
• Advocacy services
       
• Interpretation and translation
       
• Help to access health and social care services
       
• Home visits, office appointments and support at our day centres

For more information contact 01 462 420 911 or 01707 322 664

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Advocacy

Age Concern Hertfordshire's Advocacy Service is free and confidential to older people, their carers and relatives.

Age Concern Hertfordshire's Advocacy Service offers:

• Someone to listen to your concerns and help clarify the situation
• Up to date information on important issues for older people
• Help to explore choices and consider the way forward
• Provision of support enabling action to be taken on the decision

For more information contact Age Concern Hertfordshire on 01462 420911

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Mobility Centre

The Centre provides driving assessments and instruction for people with disabilities in specially adapted dual controlled vehicles.

Mobility Centre Manager Matt Miller has two Ford Focus cars, each with a host of special adaptations including infrared controls, improved power assisted steering and swivelling driver and front passenger seats.

Vehicle appraisals and conversion advice, disability awareness training for minibus drivers and minibus driver assessments is also available.

The Centre recently gained full accreditation with the Forum of Mobility Centres.

For more information contact Matt Miller on 01707 324581 or driving@hadnet.org.uk

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