Here for Herefordshire Holidays bookings open on Wednesday 20th November
Children and young people (school aged 5 to 16) who receive benefits-related free school meals are invited to sign up and enjoy up to 4 free activity sessions throughout the Christmas holidays. The countywide programme will offer activities between 21st December and 3rd January, with a free, healthy meal on offer at each session (so no need to bring a packed lunch).
The Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme, which is funded by the Department for Education, aims to get young people involved with new, fun activities. This Christmas, activities include inflatables, crafts, drama, football and much more!
Eligible families can book their places from 20th November on the
Talk Community website. For more information on the programme contact HAF@herefordshire.gov.uk
 The Here For Herefordshire Holidays programme is funded by the UK Government.
Community Energy Advice
Sustainability charity Severn Wye Energy Agency is now offering free energy advice and support to Herefordshire residents who may be at risk of ‘slipping through the net’ of conventional fuel poverty support. Through the Community Energy Advice programme, a local adviser can support with everything from energy-saving and carbon monoxide advice, advising on the Priority Services Register, to speaking with your supplier if you fall behind on your bills.
To contact a local community energy adviser, email: communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk or call 0800 170 1432. To find out more visit the Severn Wye Energy Agency website.
Working Together community events for parents and carers
Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) is running a consultation to capture the views of parents and carers to help ensure that local families receive the ‘right help at the right time’.
As part of the consultation the HSCP is hosting a series of community events for parents and carers to look closely at how the police, health services, the local authority and schools, support and protect children and young people in Herefordshire.
Attendees will be asked to study a variety of scenarios relating to families and will be asked to feedback on what type of help is needed to ensure that children and young people receive the correct level of support at the appropriate time.
The feedback provided by the consultation will help to inform how we can improve the support offered to children and families by the police, health services, the local authority and schools.
If you’re a parent or carer, please join Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership representatives at one of the following community events:
Thursday 21st November (am)
From 9.30am to 11.00am
at Ross-on-Wye Children’s Centre, Ryefield Centre, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7QD
Thursday 21st November (pm)
From 1.00pm to 2.30pm
at Ledbury Children’s Centre, Long Acres, Ledbury, HR8 2BE
Wednesday 4th December (am)
From 9.30am to 11am
At Leominster Children’s Centre, Coningsby Road, Leominster, HR6 8LL
To book a place, please email admin.sbu@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 260100
For more information about the ‘right help at the right time’ visit the HSCP Threshold Guidance webpage.
You can read more about Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 here.
Family & Friends of Young Minds in Golden Valley
Two new groups have been launched at Peterchurch Village Hall, to support parents, carers, family and friends who care for a child (aged 5-11 years) who is experiencing mental health difficulties or neurodivergence. The groups have been launched with Herefordshire Mind and offer the opportunity to meet others who may be facing similar issues and a chance to share your experiences.
To find out more visit the Talk Community Directory, and to book a place please email: Becca.brand@herefordshire-mind.org.uk
Latest Funding Plans from The National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund has announced a commitment of at least £3 billion in England by 2030, focusing on empowering communities. This includes £275 million for community-led change, with initiatives like a ten-year Community Power Fund, a Community leaders programme, and a You Decide fund, where communities choose the supported causes. Find out more on the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Additionally, £135 million will be allocated to the National Lottery Awards for All programme through 2030.
The Reaching Communities programme remains open, though the Fund advises groups to wait until Spring 2025 to apply, when new criteria will be introduced. More details are available on the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Household eligibility for winter support schemes
The UK Government encourages eligible households to check if they qualify for winter support programmes. Cold Weather Payments offer £25 automatically when temperatures drop below zero for seven consecutive days. These payments are made to those receiving certain benefits, including Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
Other support includes the £150 Warm Home Discount on energy bills, the extended Household Support Fund, and the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
The UK Government continues to urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to Pension Credit to check their eligibility. Please visit the Talk Community directory for more information on Pension Credit.
For more details on Cold Weather Payment, visit the UK Government website.
Talk Community Review and Strategy
A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to the Talk Community Review. The Talk Community Strategy is now live on the
Talk Community Directory.
What’s new on the Talk Community Directory?
As the days grow shorter, our list of activities keeps growing longer! This month, there's a bit of everything: from cosy coffee mornings and crafty markets, to support sessions and wellness courses. Whether you’re looking to tackle stress, pick up a second-hand read, or join a friendly gathering, there’s something here to keep you warm and connected.
Here's what's new this week:
Holme Lacy Community Get Togethers
Cruse - Bereavement Support at Fred Bulmer Centre
Waves Play Therapy
Coffee Morning and Second Hand Book Sale
Artisans at the Gate
Lady Emily Community Hall
Moodmaster: Anxiety Stress and Worry - Online Thursday Evenings
Moodmaster: Anxiety Stress and Worry – Online Friday mornings
Mental Health Aware - MHFA England: Online
Introduction to next steps recovery from an eating disorder
My Perfectly Wonky life – online course
Coffee Morning Holme Lacy Village Hall
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.
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