Shirley P Cooper (Lake)

Experience

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  Afro Caribbean Self Help Organisation

  Jul 1970 - May 1999

  Saturday, Holiday School Teacher / Co-ordinator

  I joined the organisation since 1970 and have had various roles as Saturday School teacher, Summer and holday school teacher, organiser of children's provision for African Liberation Day and Head Teacher for Day School for Children Suspended and or expelled from Schools. I have also edited various magazines and set up various community projects. I do not do much work with them at the moment I am still a member of the organisation

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  Holte School

  Jan 1975 - Jan 1979

  Teacher

  I started here in 1976 as Generall Subjects teacher responsible for 31 1st Year children 30 lessons per week in English Maths French, RE History and Geography. For the rest of the week I taught Needlecraft and Design and Remedial Maths and English up to CSE and O level. In my second year with another teacher we devised a 2 yr Mode 3 Social Studies Course. I also taught Complimentary English (my own design) to a group of 2nd years who couldn't do French. I dropped Needlecraft and Design for one year and taught 2 Social Studies Classes instead. In my 4th year I included Needlecraft and Design again. Then because a lot of my pupils required english as a A Second Language I joined the Language Centre. Show less

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  Race Relations Board

  Sept 1975 - Sept 1978

  Board Member

  Though I'm unsure of the leaving date but it came about when the organisation was disbanded and a new Race Service was set up. I was a member of this Board which looked at Racism in Birmingham. 2 of the members later became Lord Mayor of Birmingham.

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  English as a Second Language Department / Multi Cultural Support Service

  Sept 1979 - Jul 1986

  Multi Cultural Support / Teacher

  I began by teaching English as a Second Language in Various Primary and Secondary Schools. After 2 years the Department became the Multi Culutral Service. We then started teaching collaboratively with teachers advising them and implementing the Bullock and Cockcroft report on teaching maths and english. We also advised on the use of english in other subjects so I was teaching with thers in subjects as diverse as Spanish and Technology. During that time I also set up a Mulit-Cultural Room and Community Organisation in George Dixon School. I encouraged parents to learn alongside their children. This developed into a full school programme and nursery and elderly care was incorporated so that caegivers had somewhere to leave the people they were caring for. I also organised Intercultural events and spearheaded Equal Opportunities policies on Race and Gender and was part of the Head Teachers' Advisory Team. Show less

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  Nefertiti Arts and Crafts

  Jan 1981 - now

  Manager

  I decided to put all my eggs in one basket so started teaching arts and crafts in the community, set up three businesses, started organisations and joined management committee of numerous organisations. during that time I focused on Community Management, Special Events Coordinator and Marketing and Event planning.

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  Trichem International

  Jan 1981 - Jan 1988

  Division Leader

  I started by using the paints when my daughter was 7 weeks old. I then decided to join the company until I returned to my full time job as a teacher but I loved this Multi Level Marketing busines so much that I stayed on for 7 years. I used to hold weekly classes at the New Imperial Hotel, North Aston Community Association and Rafiki House. I held other classes in people's homes, community / day / elderly centres, libraries, church halls. I had 32 people in my team from all walks of life and abilities. It was a fantastic and crafts business and between us we taught thousands of people to paint. It also brought out the creativity within them and encouraged their self worth and self esteeem as well as the opportunity to socialise and have financial benefits. The business changed hands and I concentrated on my other skills. Show less

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  Afro Caribbean People's Movement

  Jan 1986 - Jul 1999

  Board Member / Women's Officer

  Afro Caribbean People's Movement was an Umbrella Organisation set up to support and advise All African Caribbean Organisations in Birmingham and liaise with any organisations providing services for the said residents. During the time with the organisation I was elected Women's Officer and my role involved looking at and developing services for African Caribbean women. I left the organisation when I moved to London

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  NHS Birmingham East and North

  Jan 1995 - Jan 2013

  Healthcare Specialist

  I was employed as a Health Inprovement Expert at Trust Headquarters Waterlinks, RichardcSt, Aston Birmingham B6 4AA. The role involved being chair of Disability Group, attending and presenting at seminars, workshops and conferences, being on interview panels, going to Special Secure Prisons, helping with reports, research and newsletters.

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  Afro-Caribbean and Asian Artist Network

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1999

  Secretary

  Wrote minutes, helped with grant applications to City Council, National Lottery Board, Arts Council

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  3b Business Enterprise Agency

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2019

  Member

  I have been a member of this organisation from it's inception whilst I was running Trichem International

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  Users in Partnership

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2012

  Executive, Board Member

  I was one of the founder members when this organisation started over 10 years ago as a part of West Midlands Mental Health Partnership. Originally it was a group of service users or survivors of the mental health system. The organisation has been part of NIMHE then CSIP until last year when we became a Social Enterprise. The Executive is West Midlands group of elected User Representatives. The Reference Group is a larger group of User Reps.We are funded by NHS and have worked with numerous organisations. Show less

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  Birmingham Centre for Art Therapies

  Sept 1999 - Sept 2002

  Board Member

  The company provides arts therapies for various clients from children with behaviour problems to women suffering domestic violence. I was a Board Member / User Representative after using the service in 1999 to put one of my poems to music and have therapeutic arts to overcome childhood abuse.

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  Millenium Fellow

  Jan 2001 - now

  Community Leader

  in 1999 I applied for and received a Millennium Award which I used to write a song then perform it in the community. the whole process took one year during that time I learnt to play my song, Tender Loving Care on piano and steel pan. I was then awarded a certificate and membership card for numerouscorganisations I also become a Star Person and set up a website. The organisation was the forerunner of UnLtd Social Enterprise

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  Spirit of Independence

  Jan 2004 - Feb 2006

  Member

  A group of 5 organisations involved in Disability / Mental Health and Arts

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  Patient And Public Liaison

  Aug 2004 - Mar 2008

  Board Member

  I joined this Board and chose the Birmingham Women's Hospital as my Hospital to 'keep an eye on' I was with them till the Government changed PPI's into LINK. Part of my role was to visit the hospital regularly, attend AGM's and special meetings, meet the public, investigate concerns.

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  Perinatal Institute

  Oct 2004 - Jan 2008

  Board Member

  Birmingham had a high perinatal mortality rate which I'd researched in 1979 and then appeared in a First Tuesday documentary, titled , 'A Death in the Family' In 2004 as a memebr of the Public and Patient Involvement Board I volunteered to represent the PPI at the Reducing Perinatal Mortality Board of the Perintal Institute. This was a 5 year project to research and try to combat the high incidences of perinatal deaths among Birmingham Babies.

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  Stakeholder

  Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

  Birmingham East and North PCT

  Example of Invitation 7.6.2007Dear Colleagues and Partners, I would like to invite you to join me and hundreds of my colleagues in thePCT, our partner organisations, and the public in our communities, in a day dedicated to Working Together for Health I am passionate about bringing together all of the people who have a stake in our organisation to share and learn on a regular basis. It is 5 yearssince PCTs were first set up and we have made great progress on the goals we created with your help. We know we have a lot more to do and we would love it if you could join us for the day in: * Sharing stories of success * Learning about what works and what is needed * Shaping new ideas for the future * Agreeing some joint priorities I would like this to be an exciting and positive day where we can meet a range of new people and be inspired for the future. I have put together a planning team who are helping to shape the day and make it interesting andworthwhile. We will be doing a range of things and I can assure you it will be highly participative and you will get plenty of opportunity to express your views and be heard. I plan to use the comments from the day to shape our next 3 year development plan. I also anticipate that, as inpast events of this kind, new relationships will be developed and exciting projects started which will help us all to improve health in the future. If you are able to join us for the day please contact Corporate Services at the PCT - 0121 333 4113 or email info@benpct.nhs.uk<mailto:info@benpct.nhs.uk> Warm regards,> > <<Stakeholder Invitation.pdf>> Sophia Christie Chief Executive Birmingham East and North PCT Show less

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  BANCC

  Aug 2006 - Mar 2007

  Board Chair

  Community Business Organisation helping people in Inner City to get employment

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  DISPEER

  Sept 2006 - Aug 2010

  www.bcil.org.uk On August 26th staff, exstaff and 2 directors and others took over the office. A letter dated 17th September informed other Directors that the organisation was now closed. The Company was dissolved in November 2010 and was subject to an Employment Tribunal Hearing on December 17th by Parminder Duggal (Race Discrimination) and Dave Nichols (disability Discrimination). The decison to revoke the judgement against BCIl was made on 14th April. The decision against myself was upheld but after my response to 400 pages of accusations their solicitor wrote to the tribunal to drop the case. Show less

  • Facilitator

    Jun 2009 - Aug 2010

  • Executive Board Member

    Sept 2006 - Aug 2010
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  Shirley's Tribe

  Jan 2007 - now

  Co-ordinator

  Shirley's Tribe is a group of friends who support and encourage each other. We socialise, going to various events, funerals, karaoke, meetings, hospital appointments, house cleaning, house clearing, workshops, write letters, follow through complaints etc. We encourage each other to further our studies, go on course, set up email addresses, websites and blogs. Our website was started by Paul Brian Tovey after Michael's death. www.shirleypcooper.blogspot.com https://plus.google.com/photos/106595939330833077220/albums/5106037533115787169?banner=pwa&authkey=CJTi08CnisHAHA Show less

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  Disability Action Group, Birmingham East and North PCT

  Feb 2007 - Jan 2008

  Elected Chair

  I was a member of the group for some months before I became Chair. A group of people with various disablilities met with BENPCT staff and others, especially those making policies around Equalities especially disabilities, to discuss issues affecting Patients with disabilities. We liaised with voluntary and community groups as well as encouraging representatives from these groups to join DAG, As Chair I also represented the group at other meetings.

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  Tree of Life Inspirational Network

  Jan 2008 - now

  Member

  Tree of Life magazine is published quarterly. In it there are articles from inpirational, international healers. writers, on everything from arometherapy to zen. At intervals during the year they hold a 2 day fair. I usually write inspired, inspirational poems at these events. Every Monday night there is an inspirational workshop with a variety of speakers. The last one was with Declan Kerr on Finding Your Other Half.

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  Yardley Creative Writing Group

  May 2008 - Aug 2008

  Co-ordinator

  A writers group which I set up in my local library for beginner and established writers. It was held on Tuesday mornings and attendance was building up but it had to close as we were unfunded and the library was closed for repairs

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  Agape Women's Ministry

  Jul 2008 - Jul 2009

  Sister

  A group of professional, Christian women dedicated to ministering as per Corinthians, to orphans, widows, prisoners, prostitutes. We also believe in Jesus' instructions to house the homeless, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love thy neighbour as thyself. We met every week, read and discussed the Bible then went out into the community to meet the above people and taking the Word of God. This involved collections to 'ease the pain', help to make their lives better.

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  Bordesley Green Disability Group

  Sept 2008 - Sept 2009

  Volunteer Campaigner

  Started by Jim Ford the groups arim : to come and meet with other Disabled people,to obtain information, to campaign or have a social afternoon.

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  Red Tent (Heart of England)

  Jan 2009 - now

  Member

  A Poetry workshop with two other writers

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  Birmingham Social Centre

  Jul 2011 - May 2013

  Member

  Social Centre with library, advice sessions, workshops, accomodation, meeting and art spaces, free shop, chill out space More information on www.shirleypcooper.blogspot.com

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  Caribbean Family History Group

  Apr 2012 - Apr 2013

  Elected Secretary of Core Committee

  A not for profit group for anyone researching their family tree.

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  Be the Change Trust

  Sept 2012 - Aug 2013

  Board Of Trustees

  Helped to develop the Trust

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  EOS Garrets Green

  Oct 2012 - Oct 2014

  On Work Programme

  Mandatory activity to support me in my search for employment. This activity is considered reasonable and relevant to my circumstances and has therefore been classified as mandatory to attend and participate. This JSA Mandatory activity finishes on Wednesday 01 October 2014.

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  Community Meal Ministry

  Jan 2014 - May 2020

  Volunteer at Community Meals Ministry

  It's a new Community Project which provides meals for homeless, badly housed, socially excluded individuals. On the first friday of every month I take a few volunteers to help to pack the bags of toiletries and food for the guests who arrive at 7pm for a meal served by volunteers from the church and further afield. Everyone is welcome, served tea, coffee, soft drinks, soup, rolls, hotdogs, pastries, puddings depending on what has been donated by local shops and individuals. It is a warm friendly atmosphere with a Christian message and music. People are onhand to talk to and signpost the guests. I helped to set up with Project after meeting Marion Clarke who have been wanting to start 'a soup kitchen' . Hopefully this will become a weekly event and clothes will be provided at some time Show less

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  Volunteer at Zion Intercessory Mission

  Jan 2014 - Apr 2019

  Volunteer

  It's a new Community Project which provides meals for homeless, badly housed, socially excluded individuals. On the last Saturday of every month at 4-6pm we serve a cooked meal eg jolloff rice, in the church. Everyone is welcome, served tea, coffee, soft drinks,in a warm friendly atmosphere with a Christian message and music. I am to signpost the guests. Others talk to and encourage them. I helped to set up with Project after attending a Christmas Party and Pastor Delia organised her congregation to donate food and clothes, cook and serve and provide clothes, shoes, bedding and other items eg ornaments, electrical goods. All food not eaten during the session is provided as 'a doggy bag' and I take out excess to homes and 'soup kitchens' Hopefully this will become a weekly event. Attendees are invited to the Sunday Service and other events at the church.2 years LaterThis Church and its Project has Grown. They now have a egistered Homeless Ministry. They come out to Albert St opposite Moor St Station every Saturday 6pm to distribute food and clothes, give out tracts and invite people to their church /events. They now have a Faith Clinic which meets on Tuesdays 6-8pm where people can Come and encounter God's Powere in Parayers, Praises and the Prophetic. Their phone number is 07887497758 Well worth a visit Show less

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  Help Harry Help Others

  Mar 2014 - Jul 2014

  Volunteer

  I went there to get information for my granddaughter who was interested in making bracelets for the charity. I then signed on as a volunteer and made over 300 bracelets in two weeks whilst recovering from illness. I also made some for the Charity Football Match. The Charity was set up By Harry, a young boy who decided to make bracelets to sell for research into Brain Tumours. Unfortunately he died but his memory and work is carried on through the making and sale of these bracelets. I have photographs of my creations and have put them on www.redbubble.com/sisi1 as soon as possible so they can be used for cushion covers, T shirts, mobile cases, greeting cards etc. Show less