District News: Support for Ukraine, £150 energy bills payment, Discover Uttlesford through the new app, All you need to know about RideLondon Essex + more

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Ukrainian refugee support

Ukraine UDC logo

The conflict in Ukraine is an emerging situation, and we all have great sympathy those coming to our district to escape the conflict. We are working closely with Essex County Council, and other agencies, to accommodate and support refugees being resettled within Essex.

To answer some of the questions about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Essex County Council has the following pages on their website:

Welcome to Essex: packs for sponsors

Information for sponsors welcoming a Ukrainian person or family

General information and updates are also available on the county council website: Essex stands with Ukraine: what you can do to help.

Further information on how you can get involved, donate and show your support is available on the Essex is United for Ukraine Facebook page.

Businesses wishing to help can find resources on the Essex Chambers of Commerce website.


£150 energy bills payment

Uttlesford residents living in a property in Council Tax bands A to D are likely to receive a £150 rebate from the government to help with the cost of energy bills.

This will be paid straight into your bank account if you already pay your council tax by direct debit. If you pay by any other method, we will be writing to you this month.

Please wait until we have written to you before contacting the council.


Discover Uttlesford through the new app

DSCVR app

Dscvr is a new, free app dedicated to enhancing your experience of your local area.

From local independent gems to stunning architecture, dscvr showcases all that you can shop, eat and do across Uttlesford.

Whether you’re planning a visit or rediscovering your home town, it's a handy addition to your day out.

The app is totally free and easy to use.

You can download the app today from www.dscvr-app.com or searching ‘dscvr’ in your app store.


Community project grant scheme open

Our Community Project Grant scheme for 2022/23 is open for applications, with grants from a minimum of £100 up to a maximum of £3,500 available.

Grant awards can be made to properly-constituted voluntary organisations or similar bodies such as village hall committees, community shops, town and parish councils, community associations, play and recreation clubs and groups. Sports groups and leisure and cultural groups can also apply.

The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 8 June.

Find out more and apply


Jubilee Celebrations Grant

jubilee

Local councils, charities, and community organisations in Uttlesford can apply for funding to help with the costs of events to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

This funding can be used to help organise street parties, beacon lighting, or other celebrations, but the event must be open to everyone.

Applications for the grant close midday on 22 April.

Find out more and apply


RideLondon-Essex

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About the event

RideLondon, one of the world’s greatest cycling events, is coming to Essex, including parts of Uttlesford

The weekend begins with the RideLondon Classique, a three-day UCI Women’s WorldTour road race. From 27 to 29 May, some of the world’s greatest teams and riders travel through London and Essex.

Then on Sunday 29 May, 25,000 cyclists will take part in one of three riding challenges. Starting in London, riders will head into Essex before returning to the capital for the finish. 

Road closures

Road closures will be necessary each day to ensure the events go ahead safely so residents should check ahead and plan their journeys. Keep checking RideLondon’s website for updates on all road closures taking place.

Charity tickets

Essex charities can benefit from this unique opportunity. It’s easy for charities to apply for up to 10 discounted tickets. Find out more about on Essex County Council’s website.

Get involved

If you want to get involved but don’t fancy pulling the bike out of the shed, why not volunteer? Whether you want to boss the baggage tent or work as a wayfinder, they’ll be an ideal role for you.

Or you can cheer the riders on as a spectator! Spectator spots will be announced closer to the event.

Make sure to stay up to date with all the latest information


Home composting webinars with Garden Organic

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This spring, the experts at Garden Organic are offering residents the chance to learn all about home composting and to win some fantastic prizes.

Sign up to one of the free webinars if you're keen to get started with composting or want to enrich your existing knowledge.

Get more details, sign up and discover what you could win

You can also get a reduced price compost bin through the Love Essex website.


Be 5G smart

5G

Essex County Council has launched the ‘Be 5G Smart’ campaign to raise awareness of 5G, the fifth generation of mobile internet.

There are lots of myths about 5G, so the campaign aims to set the record straight on these, as well as show the benefits it can offer.


Part-time evening courses

harlow coll

Harlow College has an exciting range of part-time evening courses starting this month that will give you a chance to upskill, retrain and future proof your career.

Courses start from 19 April.

Find out what courses are available

 


Coffee mornings return to Pam's Place

Friday 8 April, 10am to 1pm

Following the successful relaunch of the Thaxted Day Centre under a new name, Pam's Place will be hosting a coffee morning.

This is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old friends and neighbours over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake (or tea and scone, if you prefer).

Find out more on the Pam's Place Facebook page


Easter holiday programme

Looking for something to do over the Easter holidays with your children?

Essex ActivAte is running a programme for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-based free school meals, as well as those from low income working families.

Each club will deliver fun physical and enrichment activity, fun food education and a nutritious meal.

See what clubs are available in Uttlesford


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Stay safe

The government has ended free Covid-19 testing, but people are still encouraged to follow five simple steps to stay safe:

  1. Stay home – for at least five days if you’re feeling unwell, have symptoms or test positive
  2. Get vaccinated – protect yourself and others
  3. Ventilate your space – ventilate and let fresh air in during meetings
  4. Wear a face covering – especially around those who are not part of your household
  5. Wash your hands regularly – for at least 20 seconds

Earlier this week updated guidance was published on who will still be able to get free Covid-19 testing. 

Vaccinations remain free and are available at vaccination centres, and pharmacies for everyone over the age of 12, or anyone over the age of five with a weakened immune system.

See the NHS website for more information on vaccinations, including spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over.

Find your nearest walk-in vaccine site and open times

► Learn more about the vaccine

If you or someone you know needs help getting to a Covid vaccination appointment, the Essex Wellbeing Service can help arrange transport to and from your appointment.

Email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net or call 0300 303 9988.


NHS 111

NHS 111

If you need urgent care, go online or call NHS 111.

Contacting #NHS111First will help NHS services provide the right care for you in the right place, quickly and safely.


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