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Open a window into learning something new in 2022
 We're releasing hundreds of new local community learning courses this month for Staffordshire residents aged 19+, all starting in the new year. They are perfect for acquiring new skills, refreshing old ones, or just finally taking up that hobby you always meant to.
The expertly run courses, cover dozens of topics including digital skills, office and employability, English and foreign languages, arts, crafts and wellbeing, and run at local community venues across Staffordshire, with many more also available to join in with online.
The courses can even make a great Christmas present too!
See what courses are available here.
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More important than ever to stop spread of Covid-19
 People in Staffordshire are being asked to continue to do everything they can to stop the spread of Covid-19, in light of the Omicron variant being confirmed in the UK.
The Government has put in new rules to control the spread of infection. Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and on public transport. All contacts of confirmed Omicron cases must self-isolate regardless of vaccine status. All international arrivals must take a day two PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
It is now more important than ever that everyone gets vaccinated with their 1st, 2nd dose and booster. You can book your Covid vaccination on the NHS website.
There also are a range of pop-up clinics happening across Staffordshire where anyone aged 12 and over can grab a jab without booking an appointment – dates and times can be found here. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Find the safest apps to manage your health and wellbeing this Winter
There’s an increasing number of health and wellbeing apps available. But which ones are good, safe and best for you?
Our free Staffordshire health app finder tool features access to only the very best and safest health apps – all independently reviewed, rated and clinically assured to help you stay healthy and well, to keep fit and active, and even manage specific longer-term health conditions.
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12 festive days of essential life-changing gift ideas
Get inspired with our handpicked line up of simple gift ideas that can improve the life and wellbeing of a family member, friend or neighbour. Daily living equipment and easy-to-use low-cost assistive technology can help with everyday tasks and support people to manage their own health and stay independent and safe in their own home.
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Together WEEE can reduce waste & re-offending
Have you got a broken electrical item that you don’t want any more but just needs fixing? We are on a mission to give your broken electricals a new lease of life!
Simply drop off your broken items in the electrical repair container at one of your local household waste and recycling centres or one of our selected libraries and we will send them item off to prisons to be repaired and PAT tested by trained prisoners. We will repair and sell it to raise money for charities and other great causes.
FREE Christmas Holiday Activities and Food places
 Registration is now live for eligible children to register for our free Christmas Holiday Activities and Food places!
The free places are for children and young people aged 5-16 who are eligible for benefits related free school meals. New activities include roller-skating and swimming plus much more! Places are limited so eligible children should register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Activities start on 20 December and run until 31 December 2021.
Protect yourself from flu this Winter
People in Staffordshire are urged to get their flu jabs and protect themselves against winter illness. People can get vaccinated at any point during winter but the sooner the better.
People particularly vulnerable are offered the vaccine for free by the NHS each year to help reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill. These include people over the age 50 and those with certain health conditions.
Frontline health and social care workers cam also receive a free vaccine to help protect themselves and the people they care for, this includes those who work in care homes.
Eligible people are also encouraged to get their Covid-19 booster vaccine when eligible to help protect from winter illnesses. This is currently available to those aged 40 and over six months after their 2nd dose.
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Support local business this Small Business Saturday
 Now it's December the Christmas shopping season really starts! And this Saturday, 4 December, is Small Business Saturday - the perfect opportunity to support local businesses by buying your gifts from small, retailers in Staffordshire, either in person or online. You could stop for a shopping break at your local independent coffee shop or café, knowing you'll be making a big difference to business owners all over the county.
And if you're a small business owner, or thinking of setting up, take a look at the fantastic range of support we offer. From loans and grants to apprenticeship schemes and free training, now's your time to grow and thrive. Visit our website to find out what's on offer and how you could benefit.
Sustainable Advent Calendar
Staffordshire County Council is encouraging people to have a more sustainable Christmas by sharing 24 recycling tips in an advent calendar campaign. Tips include how to recycle properly and how you can reduce your waste over the festive period.
Look out on our social channels for a top tip each day as we count down to Christmas. You can find out more about what you can recycle here.
Afghan Evacuees Support Fund
 As you might be aware, we are currently delivering support to evacuees from Afghanistan, who are living in temporary accommodation in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
We’ve been approached by many people asking about donations for the festive period. If you are looking to donate to the evacuees, please go to our JustGiving page – any money raised will go directly to providing what the evacuees need, and means we don’t have to find storage for physical donations. We kindly ask that you do not provide us with physical donations.
We have so far been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people, who have donated so much to the evacuees since they’ve been here. Thank you for kindness.
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Driving Safely for Longer Webinar
 Join Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership along with RoSPA on Wednesday 8 December for a FREE webinar!
This webinar is intended to help mature drivers to drive safely, providing tips and advice to keep you safe on the roads for longer.
Register here.
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Save more than 50% on a Mature Driver Review
Are you a mature driver living in Staffordshire or Stoke? Mature Driver Reviews can help you refresh your skills and boost your confidence behind the wheel!
We are offering Mature Driver Reviews for less than half the cost to the first 20 people signing up! Use the code 'STAFFS50'!
Book your review.
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Share your thoughts on Staffordshire’s Children’s Services
Are you a parent, young person or professional who has used or worked with Staffordshire’s Children’s Services?
This week and next is Feedback Fortnight, a chance for us to get your feedback, views and opinions on Staffordshire’s Children’s Services, to shape what we focus on in the future.
Take the survey.
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