Talk Community Newsletter - 24 October 2024

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Newsletter

24 October 2024

Potions, pumpkins and Halloween fun this half term in Herefordshire

If you’re looking for ideas to help you and your family stay active and entertained during the autumn half term, we have put a list together of some of the fun activities and events taking place across Herefordshire. The good news is this includes plenty of free and low cost activities! There’s everything from a circus spectacular family festival, to pumpkin hunting, drama sessions, spooky tales and much more!

Find activities for you and your family on the Talk Community Directory, and don't forget to check out our what’s on calendar for even more inspiration!

If you’re interested in activities to enjoy at home, why not explore our seasonal activity packs which are free to download from the Talk Community Directory.

a family walking through a pumpkin patch together

Warmth on Prescription: Help for Those with Respiratory Conditions

If you have a long-term respiratory condition and are struggling to keep your home warm, the Warmth on Prescription scheme can help. Funded by the UK Government through the Household Support Fund, this initiative offers financial support and energy-saving tools to households facing high energy bills, helping to reduce the health risks associated with cold homes.

You may be eligible for assistance with energy bills, a customised energy support pack, and expert advice on reducing energy costs. To apply, contact a health professional for a referral, or self-refer directly through YES Energy Solutions by completing their online form, or by calling 0800 677 1432 and quoting "Warmth on Prescription."

For more information on this scheme and other Household Support Fund grants, please visit the Herefordshire Council website.

Warmth on Prescription information next to an image of a radiator

Parent Carer Voice Survey now live!

Are you a parent or carer of a child / young person with Special Educational Needs / Disabilities (aged 0-25) in Herefordshire? Then Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire (PCVH) want to hear from you!

PCV Herefordshire have co-produced their 2024 annual survey with Herefordshire Council and the Integrated Care System (ICS) to gain an overview of the experiences of SEND for families in Herefordshire. The survey includes questions regarding your experiences with health, social care and education to find out what is going well and areas for improvement. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete online using this link.

PCV Herefordshire's top priority is getting your voice heard and your feedback will help give a parent carer's perspective, and help them understand what is important to you and your family. Please take the time to share your experiences - what you tell us really can and does make a difference. You can find out more about what has changed as a result of last year's survey in the You Said, We Did report on the PCV website.

Parent Carer Voice survey promotional banner

Have you been affected by recent flooding?

Herefordshire Council is calling for people whose properties have flooded recently to get in touch.

Over the past week, many communities across the county have been affected by flooding. The council is asking those who have suffered property flooding to report it and share any images or videos on our website. This is part of our ongoing effort to understand the full impact of such weather events and to ensure we can respond and support those affected within our communities.

For the latest updates, please keep checking the Herefordshire Council website and follow @HfdsCouncil on Facebook and Twitter. Find out more about the support and guidance available on our website.

Hereford flood River Wye

Explore the new look SEND newsletter online!

The SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) newsletter is co-produced by Herefordshire Council, Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire and Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group. The newsletter aims to provide easy access to key information and updates for families of children and young people with SEND.

In the latest issue, you will find features on upcoming events, expert advice, signposts to helpful information, and practical resources that can make everyday life a bit easier. Read the new look newsletter online here.

SEND newsletter logo

Fully Funded Antenatal Classes

The Real Birth Studio Hereford has been granted UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) funding until February 2025 to provide antenatal classes and sessions for low income and vulnerable pregnant women. Sessions include a maternity and baby clothes exchange, breastfeeding drop ins, teenager antenatal, mindfulness, men’s birthing conversations and more. You need to be referred via your midwife to access these classes.

Find out more on the Talk Community Directory.

real birth studio logo

Join Us at the Rural Business Advice Day!

On Tuesday, 12th November, from 12pm to 6pm, Herefordshire Rural Hub will be hosting a Rural Business Advice Day at Lyde Arundel, HR4 7SN.

This free event is packed with expert advice on everything from environmental schemes and grants, to succession planning, training opportunities, rural crime prevention, free health checks for attendees and so much more.

Throughout the day, there will be specialist presentations covering key topics such as Health & Safety, a Social Media Masterclass, and updates on current schemes and support. You can also book one-to-one advice sessions in advance or secure a spot on the day. Talk Community will be there too with our own stall, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

For more information and to book a session, visit the Herefordshire Rural Hub website, or call 01432 268428.

Herefordshire Rural Business Advice Day Promotional Image

What’s new on the Talk Community Directory?

As we approach half term, it's the perfect time to start planning some fun activities for the kids! Be sure to check out our Half Term Activity List, packed with exciting events happening across Herefordshire. Plus, we've added some fantastic new services, groups, and events to the directory, designed to support and engage our community.

Here’s what’s new:

Free Halloween Crafts at Ledbury Poetry House

Family and friends of Young Minds in Golden Valley

Little Play World

Autism Support at Work

 

Our socials are a great way to keep in touch with what’s on too, whether you’re • a Facebook fan
• tuned in to Twitter
• or instantly on Instagram.

 

Herefordshire Cares Do you want to make a difference to people's lives every day? Working in social care is a rewarding career – to find out more about a career in adult social care, visit the Herefordshire Cares website.