Talk Community Newsletter - 20 November 2025

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Newsletter

20 November 2025

Here For Herefordshire Holidays is back for Christmas!

We’re excited to announce that the Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme is returning this festive season to bring fun, food, and friendship to children across the county.

Here for Herefordshire Holidays, our Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) programme, offers free activity sessions for school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals. Each child can enjoy up to four sessions during the Christmas holidays, packed with exciting activities and a healthy meal.

From dance, crafts, coding, and circus skills to gardening, sports, and forest school, there’s something for everyone! It’s a great way for children to stay active, make new friends, and try something new this winter.

Bookings open on 3rd December, and places will be taken up quickly, so mark your calendars! For more information, please visit the Talk Community Directory.

a cartoon christmas tree alongside the HAF logo

Help us spread the word about events in your community!

Do you run a regular local event that you would like to promote on the Talk Community Directory? Or perhaps you’re planning a one-off community event that you would like to shout about. Whether you run a repair café, yoga class, or perhaps a support group, we want to hear from you and share the news with Herefordshire residents!

The Talk Community Directory what’s on calendar is a great platform to spread the word about your event free of charge. Simply head over to the What’s on page and click the green ‘Add an Event’ button and complete the online form. If you need an extra helping hand getting your event online, you can email us on talkcommunityengagement@herefordshire.gov.uk

elderly people cooking together

Community Chest Fund – Open for Applications!

Herefordshire Community Foundation has launched the Community Chest Fund. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support community-based projects across the county, with funding available to local charities, community organisations and clubs aiming to improve the quality of life for Herefordshire residents.

The Fund is backed by the Business for Good Club, a group of Herefordshire-based businesses committed to giving back to their local area.

Organisations are encouraged to apply early as this round of funding may close before the deadline (12th December) if it becomes oversubscribed! Find out more on the Herefordshire Community Foundation website.

herefordshire community foundation logo

Calling all VCSE Organisations – the Herefordshire Volunteering Academy is here!

Talk Community, in partnership with Goal 17, has launched the Herefordshire Volunteering Academy - a free online platform designed to support VCSE organisations across the county in promoting their volunteering opportunities.

The platform offers a simple and accessible way for organisations to reach potential volunteers, increase visibility, and grow their impact. Organisations can register, post opportunities, and access tools and training to help manage and promote their volunteer programmes more effectively.

Find out more on the Talk Community Directory.

volunteers

Winter Warmer at the Kindle Centre

This Saturday a pre-loved pop up clothing event is taking place at the Kindle Centre, Hereford between 10am-2pm. The event is completely free and is running as part of the popular Big Eat Community Cooking and Lunch Event.

Families are encouraged to come along, with an empty shopping bag, to stock up on warm items for the colder months ahead. It’s a great opportunity to do something green, or for anyone who may be feeling the pinch. For anyone wishing to donate, the organisers are still looking for donations of winter coats that are in good, wearable condition. Please bring along on the day. For more details please visit the Kindle Centre Facebook page.

a clothes rail

Cut it Out – Domestic Abuse Awareness Training in Ledbury and Leominster

Free Domestic Abuse Awareness and signposting sessions are coming up in Ledbury and Leominster.

The training aims to help professionals recognise the signs of domestic abuse, whilst raising awareness of where they can signpost clients to get help, and importantly give professionals the confidence to start that difficult conversation. Cut it Out training can be received by any professional who encounters the public within their role.

To find out more, or to book your fully funded training please visit the Eventbrite pages below. The next sessions will take place on:

Monday 1st December, 1pm in Ledbury

Tuesday 20th January, 1pm in Leominster

a tattoo artist

Reminder - Small Sparks funding applications close on 30th November

For more information and details of how to apply please visit the Herefordshire Community Foundation website.


What's new on the directory? 

As the days get colder, it’s more important than ever to look after your health and wellbeing. This week's additions to the Talk Community Directory include a range of new events and resources to help you stay informed, active, and connected throughout the winter months.

Here’s what’s new:

Crohn's and Colitis Information Evening

Santa Walk with Fire for ECHO

Hinton Health Visiting Drop-in Clinic

Widemarsh Health Visiting Drop in Clinic

Ledbury Health Visiting Drop in Clinic

Ross on Wye Health Visiting Drop in Clinic

Bromyard Health Visiting Drop in Clinic

Leominster Health Visiting Drop in Clinic

AbilityNet

Holme Lacy Bingo Night

Winter warmer

Meningitis vaccination information

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