Talk Community Newsletter - 13 March 2025

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Newsletter

13 March 2025

Could you offer fun, exciting activities for children in Herefordshire? (Your community needs you!)

Our Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme is back this spring and we’re looking for new providers to join us!

This fantastic initiative provides fully funded holiday fun for children on benefits-related free school meals, complete with enriching activities, exciting new experiences and a tasty meal and snacks.

Do you know of an organisation, holiday club, or community group that could deliver exciting activities for children this Easter? Or perhaps, you are part of one yourself? If you want to make a difference to children and young people from Herefordshire, then we’d love to hear from you!

For more information on how to become a provider visit the Herefordshire Council website, if you have any questions please contact the HAF team  HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is Midday on 21st March 2025.

HAF logo

The Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme is funded by Department for Education.


Ross Library Drop-in Sessions

Do you work with, or belong to a community group that might benefit from a dedicated tour of Ross-on-Wye Library? Throughout March, Ross Library in partnership with Talk Community, is hosting drop-in sessions aimed at welcoming adult users to the library.

The sessions are designed to support anyone who might have a low level of literacy, or would like some additional support in accessing library services. Maybe English isn’t your first language, or you have a school aged child and want to improve your reading skills, so that you can help them on their reading journey. Or perhaps you haven’t picked up a book in a long time and need some help to get back into the rhythm of reading?  It’s not just books on offer at the library, find out about free access to wifi, computers, Ebooks and audiobooks.

The Talk Community team will be attending, with information and signposting to health, wellbeing and financial support (plus tea and coffee!).

The sessions are taking place at Ross Library 12pm - 2pm on Thursdays throughout March. If you’d like more information please email talkcommunityenquiries@herefordshire.gov.uk

a bookshelf

Let’s talk about maths (train to be a numeracy champion)

National Numeracy are offering fully funded training for people who support adults (aged 19 plus) to help improve their confidence with numeracy skills. The programme is not about teaching maths but focuses on helping adults who may feel anxious with numbers. You don't have to be a maths specialist - just a supportive person to help others get started in improving their confidence and maths skills. This programme is suitable to those supporting others through their role or in the local community.

For more details, please visit the Talk Community Directory

national numeracy and skills for life logos

Shared Lives / Shared Days - A different kind of care and support, including respite options for family carers.

Are you working with, or do you know family carers who need a break, overnights or for a regular day? Herefordshire Shared Lives may be able to help…

CQC registered Herefordshire Shared Lives matches assessed and approved Shared Lives carers with people who have an eligible support need.  This means that the person gets to know a Shared Lives carer, their home and household before agreeing to spend time, stay or move in with them.

The Shared Lives carer will welcome into their home, support and spend time with the cared for person with whom they are matched, according to the agreement drawn up. They may stay at the carer’s home, and or go out together to agreed places and events of mutual interest in the community. They will be treated as part of the family, whilst knowing that the Shared Lives carers are approved, trained and supported by the Shared Lives team who also get to know them and make sure the support is working well.

Find out more at: Shared Lives Scheme – Herefordshire Council

Please contact us on 01432 260798 or email: sharedlives@herefordshire.gov.uk

a younger man caring for an elderly man in a wheelchair who is holding his mobile phone

Cancer information and Awareness Evening

Holme Lacy Village Hall is hosting an evening filled with valuable information and resources about cancer.

This free in-person event aims to raise awareness, provide support, and educate the community about this important topic. Whether you are a cancer survivor, caregiver, or simply interested in learning more, this event could be for you. Come together with others to share stories, ask questions, and gain knowledge about cancer.

Nicky Heath, Charity Founder & CEO of Yeleni Therapy & Support will be talking about their free programme of therapies and support for those impacted by cancer.

The event will take place on Friday 4th April, 6pm - 9pm. Please reserve your free ticket in advance on the Eventbrite page. For more information visit the
Talk Community Directory.

Women Hands Holding Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon Standing Together

Supporting Employee Health & Wellbeing – Two Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

Investing in employee health and wellbeing is key to a thriving workplace. Whether you're looking to reduce absence, improve productivity, or support employees with health conditions, these two events on 19th March at the Cyber Centre, Hereford, offer valuable insights and practical support.

Morning Session: Absence Management (9:15am – 1:00pm)
Hosted by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Growth Hub, in conjunction with Workwell NHS, this session will provide practical guidance on managing employee health conditions, supporting disabilities, and reducing absence in the workplace. For more information and to reserve a space, visit the Eventbrite page.

Afternoon Session: Health & Work Strategy (1:30pm – 3:30pm)
Led by NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, this event will introduce the Health and Work Strategy for the region. If you work with residents managing health conditions and disabilities in relation to employment, your insights are crucial in shaping the future of this strategy. For more information and to reserve a space, visit the Eventbrite page.

the cyber centre bullding

Protect Your Feathered Friends – Register Your Birds Today

Whether you have a small backyard flock or a larger number of poultry, it’s important to register your birds. By doing so, you’ll receive vital updates about bird health, disease prevention, and official guidance to help keep your birds safe and well.

Registering is quick and easy, and it helps protect not only your birds but also the wider bird-keeping community. For more information, please visit the
Talk Community Directory.

chickens in a field

What's new on the directory? 

Spring is just around the corner, and there are plenty of new events and activities to get involved in! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a chance to connect with others over coffee, or opportunities to learn something new, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at what’s been added to the Talk Community Directory this week.

Family Fun Charity Day

Easter Egg Hunt at Holme Lacy Village Hall

Koffee and Kids

VE Day: 80th Anniversary Celebration at Holme Lacy Village Hall

New dates for Stop Loans Sharks online training seminars on the England illegal Money Lending Team listing

 

Our socials are a great way to keep in touch with what’s on too, whether you’re

 

Have you heard of Shared Lives?
Our Lives get better when they’re shared

Herefordshire Shared Lives is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered service provided by Herefordshire Council.  Shared Lives is a highly personalised form of care that supports people with a wide range of needs to live and stay safely and comfortably in a home and community of their choice. Care and support are provided by assessed and approved Shared Lives carers - who may be individuals, couples, or families - in their homes and as part of their friends, family and local community networks.

For more information and stories visit the Shared Lives webpage.