 Theale Green Secondary school has picked up a prestigious national award at the Youth Sport Trust's 2022 Conference for helping its students to improve their wellbeing and achievement through focusing on physical and mental health.
They pledged to join the Well Schools Movement over a year ago, becoming part of a national community of professionals and stakeholders who believe that wellbeing should be at the heart of education.
The Award recognises a school which has harnessed the power of physical activity, PE and sport to transform the lives of young people and put wellbeing at its heart.
A total of nine awards were presented at a ceremony hosted by former Paralympic swimmer Kate Grey and broadcaster and retired sprinter Jeanette Kwakye MBE. All awards aligned to the theme of 'Inspire a Generation' linking to the 10th Anniversary of London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Award was collected by Headteacher Joanna Halliday, Tony Blinco, Director of Sport and PE and Maxine Smiles Cooke, School Games Organiser.
 A dedicated Social Care Day of Remembrance and Reflection will take place on Thursday 17th March, and will be an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the important work of the social care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the day West Berkshire Council staff will be holding a minute’s silence at 11.00am and we would invite you to join us to take some time out to pay tribute to those who we have lost, the people who supported us, and the important work achieved by those working in the sector who faced a range of challenges throughout the pandemic, particularly those who have been working directly on the frontline.
You can also share a tribute or thank you to anyone working across social care including those in frontline care and supporting roles
 We have been horrified to see the tragic impact of the invasion of Ukraine and we welcome the Government’s announcement of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We know that many local people will want to take part and we will give details of how we can support them to do this when we have received more information from Government.
You can read more here: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/ukraine
 We’re proud to have organised and lead a special tree-planting ceremony to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at Chapel Row Green in Bucklebury on Friday 11th March.
This civic tree planting ceremony was one of many taking place across the country as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative. The 11th March 2022 is significant as it is the seventieth day of the year in which The Queen marks the seventieth anniversary of her accession.
 We’re happy to be supporting Young Carers Action Day today, to bring awareness of the amazing contribution these young people make to their families.
This year’s theme is ‘taking action on isolation’ and supporting young carers.
Young Carers often experience isolation as they bear great responsibility which limits their freedom.
During the pandemic, this isolation has magnified as many young carers were shielding family members and unable to leave their homes for long periods.
Now that they’re able to connect with others again, our Young Carers Project Team have been working hard to provide our Young Carers across the district with opportunities to socialise, take well-earned breaks and have fun.
 We are encouraging people to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter that blights the natural environment during the Great British Spring Clean 2022 by backing Keep Britain Tidy #bigbagchallenge to help ‘Spring Clean’ Britain.
This year's mass campaign, from 25 March to 10 April, calls on families, neighbours, friends and colleagues to join forces and pledge to pick a bag of litter from local areas in order to protect our vibrant communities and precious wildlife habitats.
You can pledge to get involved today at: www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean and organise a community clean-up event! We can provide litter-picking equipment to help you but please do give us as much notice as possible when requesting equipment and wait for confirmation before you advertise your event as our equipment may not be available due to popular demand.
Support us on social media with the hashtags #GBSpringClean and #BigBagChallenge.
 Newbury Pride is working in partnership with West Berkshire Museum to develop a community exhibition that shares the stories and experiences of those who grew up or live in and around Newbury as LGBTQIA+ people. The exhibition will support Newbury’s first Pride event which is being planned for July 2022.
Newbury Pride is currently collecting stories from LGBTQIA+ people and would like to hear from you. This could be through sharing a personal experience or loaning objects that tell a unique story. Your story can be shared anonymously and you do not have to give your name to be able to participate. If you would like to take part, please complete this short survey by 20 March.
For more information about exhibitions at West Berkshire Museum please visit: www.westberkshireheritage.org/whats-on.
 Our partners at Healthwatch West Berkshire are looking to get feedback on your experience with Covid 19 Testing and Vaccinations. The survey will help them and the NHS plan and how they can provide a better response to the whole community in the future.
And finally...
The Household Support Fund (HSF), provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has successfully helped to support over 1,400 vulnerable households and assisted 4,000 children across West Berkshire as the country continues its recovery from the pandemic.
The scheme has supported vulnerable households in the district who need it most by providing financial support to pay for energy bills, food, clothing, and housing costs in exceptional circumstances.
The funding is closing on 31 March 2022 and must be paid before this date. Subject to the Council fully utilising the funding, this scheme will close on 18 March 2022 to enable the administration of the payments and request any additional information or clarification on the applications.
Vulnerable residents in need of support with household essentials are encouraged to apply for the remaining funding available as soon as possible as applications are still open but please note funding is limited and demand is high.
|
