ACT Sheffield (Aspiring Communities Together)

ACT Sheffield (Aspiring Communities Together) is a community organisation for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities across Sheffield. They deliver services that aim to tackle the persistent social and economic disadvantages, and educational barriers, that BME people face.

Their main focus is in the Fir Vale and Burngreave areas of the city.

Services provided by ACT Sheffield include:

• Healthy Living Centre: featuring a membership or pay as you go gym, classes, café lounge and alternative therapies.
• Adult education classes: community training provider delivering a range of ESOL and basic skills courses.
• Work with young people: working with BME young people who have become disengaged from school, repeatedly excluded or have become involved in anti-social behaviour in the Burngreave/Fir Vale area.  ACT offer educational and pastoral activities designed to boost a young person’s self esteem and skills which can also include working with families. Referral’s can be through local schools, agencies or through the family or young person concerned.
• Older person project: A partnership with the Muslim Elders Support Project (MESP).  Older people can be supported in accessing services, resources and facilities they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.
• Arabic language school: a service which ensures young people develop essential speaking, reading and writing skills in Arabic.
• Fir Vale Preschool: a 38 place OFSTED registered setting which provides childcare for working parents or parents who access training.

There is a free and confidential advice service for the Arabic speaking community.  This service is provided directly through Sheffield Citizens Advice.