Take your first aid knowledge further with our comprehensive 3-Day First Aid at Work course.
If you’ve already completed the 1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work course, this is the perfect next step. Over three practical, hands-on days, you’ll refresh your existing skills while building the confidence and expertise to handle a much wider range of workplace incidents.
This course goes beyond the basics — giving you deeper knowledge, more practice, and the reassurance that you’re fully prepared to respond when it matters most.
Ready to step up your skills and become a more confident first aider?
Home Grown supports people to learn to grow and enjoy fresh food themselves.
Corrinne Askaroff, Strategic Operations Officer at Housing 21 said ‘Home Grown brought residents together, reducing isolation, increasing social activities, and generally resulting in residents using our gardens more and increasing social interaction.’
Grow packs cost just £150 and provide enough tools, gloves, seeds, pots, trays, plant labels and compost for 10 residents. We provide regular emails giving guidance with short videos to follow throughout the growing season. Participants can join a private Facebook group to share successes and challenges. We promote sustainable gardening techniques including organic growing, natural pest control, seed saving, upcycled craft items.
More information is available online Home Grown – Groundwork Our charity is celebrating 40 years of supporting and working with East Anglian families and communities to enjoy better health and wellbeing through a wide range of projects and services.
Our latest Impact Report. Our latest charity accounts If you wish to sign up please email us, and if you wish to pay now, using the reference ‘HOME GROWN’, our bank details are Groundwork East Nat West sort code 60-10-39 Account no. 28655907 Please advise our finance team when you make payment via [email protected] with HOME GROWN in the subject.
Our charity, Groundwork East developed ‘Home Grown’ during the pandemic and last year we sent out 127 grow packs to Care Home settings.
Households across Norfolk can benefit from free one-to-one energy efficiency and money saving advice & practical support from community charity, Groundwork East.
Groundwork Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts who provide free support to individuals and households struggling to heat their homes. They can provide advice over the phone or arrange a home visit to offer practical guidance on energy saving, draught proofing, help to understand bills and they can make referrals to other local support services, including debt advice and food banks.
Lots of people are eligible, including people over 65, households with children under 5, those in receipt of benefits and people with physical or mental health conditions.
Figures show that 12.4% of households in South West Norfolk are living in fuel poverty [1] and with previous cuts to winter fuel support, more people are struggling to heat their homes. The service helps residents to keep warmer and reduce their heating costs. Alongside self-referrals, local agencies such as Councils, housing associations, charities and foodbanks can signpost residents to the Green Doctor service referral form.
Support from Groundwork’s Green Doctors is completely free and available to those who are:
Over 65
Households with children (any age)
In receipt of benefits
Struggling to pay energy bills
Finding it hard to manage fuel debt
Getting confused by energy bills
Owing money to energy suppliers
Using alternative methods to stay warm – such as staying in bed or wearing lots of clothes indoors
Worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
Feeling that the home is cold, damp, mouldy or draughty
Suffering with respiratory problems e.g. asthma or a persistent cough
Living with physical or mental health conditions.
Eve Lucas, Green Doctor for Groundwork East said:“People in Thetford and surrounding areas are impacted by the rising energy prices, which has a knock-on effect on their wellbeing, including physical and mental health.
“Our Green Doctors provide FREE independent and impartial support to help people stay warm in their homes and help to reduce their utility bills as well as assist with other issues such as mould and condensation, installing energy efficiency measures, and accessing financial support. Anyone struggling with their gas, electricity and water bills or struggling to keep their home warm can receive a pre-booked consultation, either a telephone consultation or an in-home consultation.”
Thetford residents can complete a quick enquiry form online or agencies can refer residents by contacting Eve Lucas, email: [email protected] or call 07736132497 for the next steps. There is more information on the Green Doctor website too.
One of my clients went through a redundancy process a while back and understandably she postponed her lessons. I was delighted to catch-up with her again and learn that she has become inspired to do a qualification which gives her a goal to work towards. A adviser her to look into DELF (Diplome d’Etudes en Langue Francaise) as it gives her a profession qualification & certificate. This qualification also entitles the holder to use it towards citizenship if that becomes something she is interested in considering at some point. We used her lesson this week to go over a test paper so that I could re-assess her current level and develop a personalised curriculum. As her homework I have given her a couple of past papers to work through.
On the exam front one of my other students is working towards his IAL (International Advanced Level) and wants a grade B to enable them to go to their preferred university. He has decided to go through the exams this year rather than as he’d previously decided, to postpone it until next year. We will be ramping up our work with each other to help him best prepare & achieve his objective.
Observing Ramadan means that for some of my clients I’ve had to do quite a bit of rescheduling this week but, as a sole trader, being dynamic and being flexible is a real advantage that I have over large organisations.
This week is my last week on ‘Business Administration & Leadership’ bootcamp course. We’ve finished our course diving into data protection, Power BI, AI assisted data literacy, establishing good relationships and influencing skills. I’ve really enjoyed the course and how it took me out of my comfort zones. In many cases I surprised myself with how the content complimented my existing knowledge, skills & experiences. In other cases, I was introduced to frameworks, methodologies, tools and concepts that were new to me. I’m confident that the bootcamp will help me with my business in terms of better understanding my clients and providing them with better solutions. I will continue to work with ‘Breakthrough’ and join more webinars in the future to keep increasing my skills.
Looking forward, with the bootcamp course completing I will be looking to organise some French language events at beginner, intermediate & advanced levels with the Chamber of Commerce. More on than to come so watch this space or contact me directly if you’d like to know more.
In my voluntary work as a local Town Councillor this week, I attended the Actions Committee where we reviewed all the actions listed from community engagement over a number of years. The new Long Stratton Community Partnership is designed to improve our offering through 3 key workstreams covering People, Businesses & Infrastructure. The outstanding actions on our council plan have been aligned with each of the workstreams so they get greater focus and deliver for our community.
Whatever your motivation, whether you are starting from new and always wanted to learn the language, whether you are more experienced and want to develop your conversation, you might be looking for guidance in-country with healthcare or house buying or perhaps you are looking for support for your business, give me a call with no obligation on 07930 444 078 or email me on [email protected] anytime.
Join the team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices to take in a ‘green egg cooking experience’ demo by Norfolk’s very own Head Chef, Alex Clare, from ‘Norfolk’s Edge’.
Indulge in their delicious breakfast whilst networking and building new relationships with like minded people across East Anglia, surrounded by the beautiful grounds of Sutton Hall Norfolk.
Sutton Hall offers the perfect country retreat to enjoy an exclusive getaway, ideal for family gatherings, catching up with friends or a secluded space to refocus at. This stunning Georgian red brick house sits within twenty-two acres of unspoilt Norfolk countryside has the warmth and comfort of your home from home mixed with wide open spaces perfectly showcasing Norfolk’s “big skies”.
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is
holding a Dementia Fayre at its East Atrium from 10am-4pm on Wednesday 21 May.
The event is open to all staff, patients and carers to
provide advice and support to anyone affected by dementia.
In the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre there will be a panel
discussion about ‘Keeping safe and well’ from 10.30am-12pm and a session about ‘Planning
for the future’ from 12.30-2pm.
Prof Michael Hornberger, Professor of Applied Dementia
Research at the University of East Anglia, will deliver a talk at 2.30pm on ‘Medication
for dementia’ looking at the latest in disease modifying drugs and research on
driving.
Liz Yaxley, Dementia Services Manager, NNUH, said: “The
Dementia Fayre is one of the highlights of our calendar year because of the
level of support we receive from the local dementia support community and the value
it provides for our patients, carers and those families affected by dementia. The
aim is provided as much information and support to people living with dementia
in a caring and supportive environment.”
This year’s event will be attended by the prevention team
from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who complete home fire safety visits for
vulnerable and elderly residents. Also attending are Norfolk Police, Age UK
Norfolk, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Admiral Nurses, Alzheimer’s
Society, Adult Social Services, Age UK Norwich, the NNUH Dementia Support team
and local dementia support groups.
Step Back in Time
– VE Day 80th Celebration at Saxon Air
Saxon Air is excited
to invite you to a weekend of live music, local history, and community
spirit—right inside our aircraft hangar—as we mark 80 years since VE Day. It’s
a great way to enjoy the May half-term with something for everyone.
Saturday 31st May
– VE Day Celebration Evening
Join us for a 1940s-inspired
evening with:
A
live 17-piece big band and swing dancing
A
specially curated Ritz-style dinner
A
special appearance by an iconic Spitfire
Vintage
flair and storytelling throughout the night
Tables of 10 are
available to purchase, or individual seats can be booked at £100 each for
general admission. (Please note: VIP tables are now sold out.)
Saturday tickets also include free entry to the Sunday
event.
Step Back in Time
– VE Day 80th Celebration at Saxon Air
Saxon Air is excited
to invite you to a weekend of live music, local history, and community
spirit—right inside our aircraft hangar—as we mark 80 years since VE Day. It’s
a great way to enjoy the May half-term with something for everyone.
Sunday 1st June –
Family Funday A relaxed, family-friendly
day packed with:
BBQ
and drinks
Electric
flight experiences
A
Spitfire viewing area
Heritage
displays and local history exhibits
Free
entry for children under 10
AndyA8
DJ
Tickets: £12, with proceeds going to the City of
Norwich Aviation Museum
Two-Day Passenger Transport Management CPC Refresher Course
Delivered by CJC Transport Consultants
Course Overview:
CJC Transport Consultants proudly offers a focused two-day Passenger Transport Management CPC Refresher Course designed to support current and aspiring Transport Managers in maintaining their professional competence. Delivered face-to-face by experienced industry professionals, this course ensures attendees are fully up to date with the latest regulatory, compliance, and operational developments in the PSV sector.
Who Should Attend:
Current Passenger Transport (PSV) CPC holders
Designated Transport Managers named on an Operator’s Licence
Operators seeking to enhance compliance and avoid enforcement action
Individuals preparing for a DVSA audit or Public Inquiry
Course Content Includes:
Operator licensing: roles, responsibilities, and obligations
Up-to-date passenger transport legislation and DVSA guidance
Driver’s hours, tachograph compliance, and working time regulations
Maintenance systems, record-keeping, and safety inspections
Managing compliance systems and preparing for audits
Transport Manager “good repute” and Traffic Commissioner expectations
Public Inquiry case studies and real-world scenarios
Best practices for efficient and lawful PSV operations
Course Benefits:
Refresh your knowledge and demonstrate continuous professional development
Gain insights into recent legislative changes and DVSA focus areas
Strengthen your ability to manage a safe, efficient, and compliant operation
Receive a certificate of attendance, recognised by Traffic Commissioners
Engage with expert tutors and network with industry peers
Duration: 2 Days – In Person
(Typically 09:00 – 16:30 each day)
Lunch and refreshments will be provided on this course.
Location: Great Yarmouth
Certification:
Delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion, suitable for presentation to the Traffic Commissioner as evidence of up-to-date knowledge.
This year’s Innes Lecture is being delivered by Prof Sujit
Sivasundaram, Professor of World History at the University of Cambridge, who
will look at the history of pepper and the role it plays in the world.
It will be held on Tuesday 29 April in the John Innes
Conference Centre at Norwich Research Park. The event is free to attend and
open to all. Please book your tickets here.
Doors open at 6pm with the lecture starting at 6.30pm.
Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world, but its
widespread use was not always certain or predictable.
This lecture follows pepper’s journey from its origins in
South India, across the Indian Ocean, and through many different hands, before
the Portuguese sought to take control of it.
The way pepper was harvested and traded to meet growing
demand helped shape the plantation economy. The combination of the plantation
economy and European colonisation played a huge role in shaping the modern
world. Looking at how pepper was cultivated and traded, reveals different
ecologies, trade networks, labour systems and cultural influences.
Prof Sivasundaram’s last book, Waves Across the South: A New
History of Revolution and Empire, won both the British Academy Book Prize and
the Jerry Bentley Prize for World History. He is a Fellow of the British
Academy.
Chamber Members: Is Your Wellbeing Strategy Working as Hard as Your Team?
As a fellow supporter of local business, I’m offering exclusive wellbeing reviews for Chamber of Commerce members — designed to help you get more from your current health and wellbeing provision.
We’ll look at what’s in place, spot gaps, and explore tailored solutions that can:
Improve productivity
Reduce absence
Boost staff retention
And show clear ROI
It’s a no-obligation consultation that’s all about helping you create a healthier, more engaged workforce — because strong teams build strong local businesses.
Let’s book a time to talk. One conversation could change the way your business supports its people.
This four week course covers Agile from start to finish, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to take your team’s productivity to the next level. Using theory, case studies, activities and tools to take away you’ll become the ultimate project manager!