As we begin the new year, we take a moment to reflect on the work PBIC accomplished in December. From providing listening service, essential advice and guidance to engaging with the community through cultural and creative initiatives, it was a month of meaningful connections and support. 

Supporting Our Community: PBIC Advice and Guidance Services

This month, our Advice team provided support to 300 individuals, handling 548 cases. Our top areas of assistance included:

• Benefits advice and guidance – Offering information on available support and helping navigate the application processes.
• Careers guidance – Providing guidance on job searches, applications, and career development to help individuals achieve their employment goals
• eVisa support – Assisting with eVisa inquiries to ease the transition for those new to the scheme.
• Support with Homelessness – Helping individuals and families secure stable housing as well as ongoing support for those who are currently in temporary or supported accommodation. 

We are proud to continue offering essential resources that empower our community to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Promethidion at M4M & Tibbs Dementia Foundation’s Christmas Extravaganza

This month, PBIC was proud to see Promethidion perform at the Christmas Extravaganza Concert hosted by Tibbs Dementia Foundation as part of their Music 4 Memory groups and activities.. This annual event featured a diverse programme diverse program of music and performances.

Promethidion contributed by singing traditional Polish and English Christmas carols including “Mroźna cisza” “Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki” and “Away in a Manger” 

They were joined by Zuzanna, who is a former member of Promethidion, and now a student at the Wells Cathedral School! Their performance was one of many highlights in a lineup that included the Da Capo String Ensemble, Biddenham Handbell Ringers, The First Tuesday Singers, soloists, and accompanists.

Thank you to Zuzanna for your support at the performance, and the Tibbs Dementia Foundation for organising such a meaningful event. Such events aimed at supporting and including individuals with dementia and their families demonstrates the powerful role that music, art and community can play in enhancing quality of life.

Bidding Farewell to the Healing Hearts with Art Project

On December 7th, we celebrated the conclusion of the Healing Hearts with Art Project with a festive Christmas event. This initiative, funded by the UK Prosperity Fund via Bedford Borough Council, provided free art and musical workshops since the summer, creating an inclusive space for creativity and connection.

The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the profound impact of this project:

“A pleasant atmosphere of goodness and sincerity, humanity gives us strength for the whole week!”

“Such an inspiring crafting experience with natural dry flowers, wood, and shells. Please, let’s continue such a wonderful initiative!”

Though the project has officially ended, its legacy remains in the creativity it inspired! 

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported our activities in December! We look forward to another year of growth, connection, and creativity at PBIC.

And a special thanks to all our funders, who make delivering all this support free of charge possible