 Good morning!
 As we continue serving the over-three-hundred-thousand people of Shropshire, it's important we stay informed about the positive impacts of our work. Here we highlight new initiatives, positive feedback and upcoming opportunities that demonstrate how we are fostering a healthy community, a thriving economy, a sustainable environment and a robust organisation. By reading on, you'll discover stories of accomplishments both big and small, and be reminded of the collective effort it takes to fulfil The Shropshire Plan and help more people live their best lives. During this period of change and transformation, let's take a moment to celebrate every incremental victory.
We want to see you!
As part of our effort to showcase our wonderful co-workers in upcoming communications, we are building an image bank of photos of colleagues hard at work.
Please send us photos of yourself, your co-workers, and your work venues so we can share these images on our website, social media, brochures and more. Getting visual representations of the important work happening every day at Shropshire Council will help us highlight staff's accomplishments, put faces to our mission and attract new partners. So get creative with those shots! We can't wait to see all the great photos you submit that capture the spirit of our organisation.
Here's the consent form to capture people's permission, if you don't have it. Email your masterpieces to goodnews@shropshire.gov.uk by the end of August and let's show everyone how we're making a difference!
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 Shropshire Supports Refugees has moved its place of operations as a result of funding from Shropshire Council. This significant milestone for the charity means that they can continue to host a range of services to local refugees, and it strengthens the connection between our two organisations as our own Housing and Resettlement teams will now have a permanent office base at the hub.
 Pictured (L to R): Leader Lezley Picton, Emma Hughes (SSR), Amanda Jones (SSR), Jacki Cairney (Housing and Resettlement Team) and Rob Caffery (Housing and resettlement Team)
Amanda Jones, CEO of Shropshire Supports Refugees, explained the impact of the move:
“We were so pleased to be able to host Lezley Picton on our first day of opening our new hub. We can’t put into words how grateful we are for the support that Shropshire Council have given us over the past seven years and for the funding that has enabled us to move into this beautiful new home.
"From this new venue, we will be able to triple our output with practical, emotional, and social support to people who have come to live in Shropshire that are escaping war, persecution, and poverty.
"We very much look forward to working in collaboration with all our partners, and with the Shropshire council’s Housing and Resettlement teams, who will have a permanent office in our building ensuring even closer collaboration between our two organisations.
"We look forward to expanding our English for Speakers of Other Languages provision, adults and children’s psychosocial support and activities, and healing and well-being workshops, all under one roof.
"Everybody is welcome to come and say 'hi' and get involved with our ever-growing family from international (and local) backgrounds.”
Jacki Cairney also voiced the Housing and Resettlement team's excitement to now have a base where they can work together in person and closely collaborate with Shropshire Supports Refugees staff and the many clients who access the hub.
 The Shropshire Wild Teams volunteers have been working on Nesscliffe Hill fort after our North Sites and Parks Team asked them to urgently spread a couple of tons of heather cuttings on the top of the iron age fort (the cuttings were ageing and it was too late to spread). The teams also began clearing the dense growth of trees, brambles and bracken along the fort's defensive ramparts. Mike Simms, countryside ranger, described their efforts as "blummin’ amazing bobby dazzler work", which really says all that needs saying.
The hillfort is of significant historical interest. Archaeologists have spent their fourth year excavating the site and it will hopefully draw in further tourism for Shropshire. The plan is to turn the site into a heathland habitat to also encourage biodiversity and inhibit the site turning to woodland.
Primarily set up for adults using mental health services and those with learning disabilities, the Shropshire Wild Teams volunteering project carries out habitat conservation work and operates in conjunction with Outdoor Partnerships, and the North Parks and Sites Team, as well as external partners including The Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Caring for Gods Acre, High Leasowes Community Meadow, Kingswood Educational Trust and Forestry England.
An inclusive volunteering project, the Wilds Team offers opportunities for those more likely to experience marginalisation, discrimination and social isolation. It encourages its volunteers to attempt new challenges and promotes self-empowerment through engagement in important work that benefits the wider community. It also supports their physical health through the nature of the work as, on a daily basis, the terrain and weather can be challenging.
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 A recently conducted short survey of the volunteers to gain insight into their experiences came back overwhelmingly positive. Enjoyment, physical and mental health benefits, social relationships, new skills and knowledge, and future opportunities were all highlighted. Health professionals and environmental professionals have also been unanimous in their support for the benefits that the Wild Teams project offers.
Limited resources mean only eight spaces are available per team, so the project is pressed trying to meet demand from potential new recruits. However, the Wild Teams project continues to forge new partnerships and opportunities. On the front line, the volunteers are already getting physically and mentally prepared for the big challenges and workloads that winter will bring.
 Direct payments enable people with care needs to receive money directly, so they can organise and pay for their own care services, offering them greater control and flexibility over how and when they receive the support they need, and helping them live more optimally. Not only can this be empowering, but it better enables the council to direct resources towards those less able to manage their own care needs.
But what does this look like in reality? Social worker Michelle Threadgold has kindly shared the story of James and how he benefited from the initiative.
James has care needs and lives with his partner, Cara, and their children. Like any loving partner, Cara has done what she can to support James whilst also looking after their kids, but it has not been easy. When social worker Michelle Threadgold began to work with them, she saw clearly that the family would benefit from direct payments, and worked with them to identify the specific services and supports that they needed.
 Cara was supported throughout the application process by Michelle, and soon the family had funding for personal assistants who not only help James stay safe, but have also enabled him to do so many things that he thought were no longer possible, like engaging more with his kids, tending to his allotment and even visiting his mum in Scotland. James feels more confident, independent and is now less reliant on Cara who has had much needed respite and the chance to refocus on her job.
Cara explained how she's feeling the benefit: “Before, James was going downhill quickly as he was not having any stimulation and he was very anxious. This was difficult for me as I needed to work, but thanks to the Direct Payment and the PAs, James' mental health has improved and he’s getting the stimulation and support he needs.”
Direct payments are now the preferred way to help people with care needs while enabling their families to live more fulfilling lives, and social workers are encouraged to explore this option first. By supporting service users in this way, we can help individuals with care needs live their best lives.
Shane Hinton joined the Housing Options Team in March. Without any previous experience as a support worker, he was keen to make a good impression. Judging by his work so far, he’s definitely done that.
One of his first cases was a gentleman we shall call John. John’s situation is a complex one, and he was previously support by temporary housing support officer, Sarah Andrews, who was determined to see a better outcome for John. She was sure by getting Shane involved, a better life for John would be just around the corner. Little did she know that the solution was literally around the corner.
John is in his 70’s and as a child was involved in a traffic accident that left him with a brain injury. This, along with other complications, has meant John has been living in temporary accommodation, finding it difficult to get a place of his own.
An added concern for Sarah and Shane was that John’s 70-year-old sister was his main carer, who was finding it difficult to give John the support he needs.
As Shane put it:
“I immediately knew I needed to do something about John’s situation, it didn’t sit right with me how things were. So, given I had the smaller caseload, I was able to give the family more of my attention.”
His perseverance paid off! By signposting to various services, including Public Health’s Social Prescribing Scheme, and ensuring John regularly bid on properties through HomePoint, John will soon have the keys to his own ‘forever home’.
His new home is just around the corner from where he is now so he can still access the services he recently started to receive.
So, whilst Shane didn’t have a background in support work, he clearly has what it takes, and his hard work has given both John and his sister a chance to live their best lives.
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 But perhaps the last word should go to John’s sister: “Shane took it on and got results! He really has worked a miracle.”
Good job Shane and Sarah!
Reducing our carbon footprint not only benefits the natural world around us but also saves money on energy costs, and sets an example for residents and businesses to follow. That's why the council's commitment to a healthy environment was bolstered recently when the Midlands Net Zero Hub carried out energy assessments on six of our buildings, putting us in a prime position to apply for funding to invest in sustainability. By taking the lead on initiatives like this, Shropshire Council reaffirms its role as a champion of green policies and climate action in our communities.
 Crucial steps towards making our buildings more sustainable are being achieved as departments collaborate with our climate team to bring about successful outcomes like this trusted third-party partner getting involved. The MNZH is one of five hubs funded as part of the government’s clean growth strategy and they facilitate investment into decarbonisation projects. They agreed to conduct, at no cost, desk-based and on-site energy assessments to allow us to identify potential energy savings opportunities and areas of improvement for our facilities.
The six buildings that have now been assessed are:
- Aquamira, Shrewsbury
- Bridgnorth Library
- Church Stretton Library
- Shrewsbury Library
- SpArC Leisure Centre, Bishop’s Castle
- Sunflower House, Shrewsbury
Software was used to simulate the impact of various energy efficiency measures and offered up possible improvements for potential energy and carbon savings. This let MNZH create fully-costed reports and estimate the potential savings (both financial and carbon) that the right investment could bring to the buildings by improving their efficiency.
These reports will help the climate team to submit an application to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) in autumn to try to get that crucial investment.
Sam Kirby-Bray, climate and carbon support officer, was pleased with the assessments:
“They offer a clear path for us to make targeted efficiency savings and apply for matched funding to help improve these facilities. The free energy assessments have value and are useful pieces of work whether or not we receive the PSDS funding.”
Reducing energy usage through building improvements helps minimise carbon emissions and potentially lower operating costs, driving us closer to our performance goal of net carbon zero by 2030.
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Penny Gibson, Shire Services area manager, has worked closely for over two decades with headteacher Jackie Harris of Matchborough First School to make mealtimes a much-loved part of the school experience. Jackie retired at the end of summer term and had some nice words to say.
Jackie (right) fondly recalled innovative meal promotions created jointly with Penny (left), who never shied away from bringing creative ideas to life:
"You have always gone that extra mile to ensure that the meals are attractive to children and one of our first inventions over 20 years ago was when we came up with the idea of Wimbledon Wednesday... our themes then became more bespoke with Plant a Plant, dinner served in plant pots and of course our Forces Friday when we purchased original mess tins from the battlefield... You as the area manager never said 'no', you just went along with the ideas, which I am truly grateful for! I just wanted to say a sincere thank you for all you have done over the years."
Shire Services wish to congratulate Jackie on her retirement and thank her for over two decades of outstanding partnership.
Shire Services remains dedicated to promoting healthy eating and continuing the legacy of fun food education, with many exciting promotions and a visit from mascot Sammy the Sweetcorn planned for the future.
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 One such event took place in March, when Shire Services with McCain Foods visited Mount Pleasant Primary School and planted potatoes in grow bags with every class. Pupils looked after the spuds, adding compost and watering them. Harvest day was 11 July when Sammy, with Fiona Ward, area supervisor, attended the school assembly and awarded certificates for the potato growing champions. They also had a special lunch menu incorporating potatoes in every dish! Pupils really enjoyed learning about growing potatoes and watching theirs grow outside their classroom.
Fruitful partnerships like the ones laid down by Shire Services help nurture robust community connections and cultivate a healthy and flourishing organisation.
When you think of Shropshire you probably picture the rolling south Shropshire hills, or the meres in the north, the quaint market towns and half-timbered buildings - a far cry from cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology.
 A Shropshire Council archivist has been inspired by a ‘find’ in the county’s archives to recreate a canoe voyage first navigated in 1867 along the Shropshire Union Canal.
Sal Mager, senior archivist at Shropshire Council’s Museums and Archives service, discovered the intriguingly named ‘Log of the Gnat’ which is an account of a canal expedition from Gnosall in Staffordshire to Bunbury in Cheshire made by a Shropshire vicar and his three sons.
Sal, who is a keen canoeist, is retracing the route and will share her experiences and the history behind the original adventure at a talk called Paddle Your Own Canoe at Shropshire Archives on Saturday 5 August. (Tickets and information available here.)
 Sal Mager, senior archivist at Shropshire Council’s Museums and Archives service
“This account really captured my imagination because I enjoy canoeing and the journey was undertaken at the time when canoeing for pleasure was a new phenomenon.
“I am retracing their route and enjoying comparing their descriptions of places they see along the way, although I’m not able to take advantage of the family connections they had to stay in the grand houses of the time!
“It was fascinating to read the social history surrounding the trip and I got more invested in that too as I read more." You too can read more in Sal's blog.
Sal enjoys her job and the project has helped her in "weaving a deeper connection between the things I enjoy doing in my own time and my work as senior archivist."
The Shropshire County Pension Fund has become the first website managed by Shropshire Council to have a new Digital Assistant feature installed, a sterling example of channel shift in action and how the council can transform its delivery to make it more efficient and user-friendly.
This fully automated system has been developed by Shropshire Council’s IT Department to support members in finding out about their LGPS pension.
The Digital Assistant, or ‘bot,’ has been programmed to help navigate users through all the useful information currently available on the pensions website and can easily guide them to find the answers they need. Members are prompted by the Digital Assistant to type their query into a message box. The bot operates by mimicking a chat function with the user - it will instantly process the query and direct the user to the appropriate area of the website.
This new software should streamline the user experience and reduce the number of basic member queries being directed towards the helpdesk, freeing up time to let them make outbound calls that can better benefit those who really need their time and attention. Furthermore, it is also fully compliant with the most recent accessibility requirements.
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Alison Grange, team leader for governance and communications, voiced their enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to have a Digital Assistant on our website and are already seeing members using the facility and finding the information they require. We hope this will not only support our members in more easily finding answers to their queries but also free up time for our helpdesk colleagues to deal personally with more complex cases.
“The answers members get are only as good as the data we have supplied so I would also like to thank helpdesk team members Mark Betts, Laura Feeney and Ross Price for developing the answer fields used by the Digital Assistant. We will continue to monitor and improve this as we receive user feedback."
The Pensions team would also like to say a huge thank you to the Shropshire ICT Bot and Digital Services teams, whose brainchild it was, for their efforts in getting the digital assistant successfully developed and installed. The team is currently working on a new project that is due to be rolled out across the council website to help county residents access services more easily.
Try out the new 'bot' here.
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Your contribution can help spread the word about the valuable work being realised throughout the organisation as we implement The Shropshire Plan. If you have an uplifting news story and accompanying photo, we invite you to share it with us by completing our user-friendly form:
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