Talk Community Newsletter - 19 June 2025

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Newsletter

19 June 2025

WOW is back!

The WOW sessions are back, bringing free activities across Herefordshire to anyone who may be feeling the pinch. Food is included at each event, and residents are encouraged to come along, enjoy food and connect with others.

Each session will provide information and signposting to additional support. Visit the Talk Community Directory to see what’s on where, and remember to keep checking the page as more sessions are add regularly.

WOW for all ages logo

The WOW sessions are funded through the Household Support Fund.


Learning Disability Week 2025: "Do You See Me?"

Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and shine a light on the experiences of people living with a learning disability. This year’s theme, ‘Do you see me?’, challenges us all to recognise the barriers many people still face and to celebrate the unique contributions they make to our communities.

Mencap has shared a range of powerful stories highlighting individuals who are breaking down stigma and showing what’s possible when those barriers are removed. You can explore their inspiring stories on the Mencap website.

If you, or someone you know, has a learning disability and would like to find out more about local support and services available here in Herefordshire, visit the Talk Community Directory.

text that reads 'Learning disability week 2025. with the mencap logo

Return to School Grant for farming families

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) Return to School grant is back for 2025. The grant offers a fixed sum of £200 per school aged child (4-16 years old) to working and non-working farming families that have farmed for a minimum of 2 years.

The first phase of the grant is now closed, but there is another chance to apply on Monday 30th June at 9am, when 2500 grants will become available. Due to the high demand of the grant, applicants are advised to have their key information ready as soon as applications open.

For more information about the grants, please visit the RABI website.

two children looking at cows in a field

Grants for physical activities

Parkinson’s UK’s Physical Activity Grant is now open, offering grants of up to £3000 to support physical activity projects for people living with Parkinson’s. Applications can be made by local community groups and clubs, exercise coaches, activity providers and physios who have a connection to the Parkinson’s community.

You can read more about the Physical Activity Grants programme, the eligibility criteria and how to apply on the Parkinson’s UK website.

a group of elderly people participating in chair yoga

Baton of Hope Hereford: Route Announcement Coming Soon!

The countdown is on for the arrival of the Baton of Hope in Hereford on 2nd October 2025, as part of the UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative.

We’re excited to announce that the full Hereford route will be revealed very soon, showing exactly where the Baton will travel as it makes its way through the city, connecting people, raising awareness, and sparking vital conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.

In the meantime, you can find out more about the Baton of Hope and how you can get involved by visiting the dedicated page on the Talk Community Directory. You’ll also find a full toolkit of resources packed with ideas, downloadable posters, and digital content to help you show your support.

baton of hope baton in the herefordshire countryside

Staying well this summer

With the hot weather upon us it’s important to take extra steps to keep ourselves and others, healthy and well.

Our dedicated Keeping Well in Summer page is packed with helpful tips to help you stay cool, hydrated and safe in the heat - especially if you’re older, caring for little ones, or living with a long-term health condition. There’s advice on spotting the signs of heat exhaustion, staying safe on your travels, and even how to keep your food safe during summer BBQs.

To find out more, please visit the Talk Community Directory.

a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream next to a pool

Refugee Week 2025

Refugee Week celebrates the resilience and creativity of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The theme for 2025 is ‘Community as a Superpower’ and the campaigns highlights the power of simple acts. The Refugee Week website has lots of resources, from recommended literature to a curated programme of free films.

Events have been taking place across Herefordshire in recognition of Refugee Week. Find out about what’s going on for the remainder of the week on the Herefordshire Council website.

refugee week promotional image containing the refugee week logo alongside Moomin characters

What's new on the directory? 

The weather’s heating up, and so is the list of great things happening across Herefordshire! From community teas and carers groups to nearly new sales and social events, there’s plenty to get involved in this month. Here’s a look at what’s just been added to the Talk Community Directory:

Baby and Toddler nearly new sale

Darts at the Gate

Catch 22

Monthly Community Afternoon Tea at Holme Lacy Village Hall

Ross Memory Café

Leominster Carers Group

Bodenham Carers Group

Carers Walking Group         

Volunteers Event

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

a lady with down syndrome smiling