Hello everyone and welcome to the SDCVS Health and Wellbeing Bulletin. This bulletin is compiled as part of our Community Connector Initiative.
Community Connectors has a simple aim – to make sure important information gets to where it is most needed in our communities.
LEARN MORE SIGN UP On Thursday 16th November at 10:30am we will be hosting a Community Connectors meeting featuring a presentation from the Mental Health Suicide Prevention ProjectEveryone is welcome! Please book your place and we will send you a Microsoft teams invite.BOOK YOUR PLACE HEREOther events:
Funding Workshop with Foundation Derbyshire
Emergency First Aid at Work TrainingVIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS HERE South Derbyshire CVS have a proud history of delivering high quality training across the community.We’re delighted to announce that we are now expanding our training offer across the East Midlands. We have a deep understanding of the challenges within the third sector, the needs of the private sector and the importance of supporting everyone to realise their potential. With courses spanning from Mental Health Resilience, Equality & Diversity and Conflict Management to Marketing, First Aid and GDPR – Hive Training is your turn to partner for all things Training & Development in the region.You can also contact Hive Training if you have other training needs for your organisation!LEARN MORE Covid and Flu Vaccinations
All eligible adults are urged to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines online via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online, to give themselves the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Follow this link to find a vaccination site near you: Covid-19 vaccination clinics list » Joined Up Care Derbyshire
For more information: Get Winter Strong: revisiting respiratory infection guidance for a safer season – UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)
My Quit Route App
If you’re trying to quit smoking this Stoptober then why not download Derbyshire County Council’s FREE My Quit Route app?
It’s designed to help you kick the habit for good.
Find out more, and download the app, online here.
Bowel Cancer Screening
NHS bowel cancer screening checks if you could have bowel cancer. It’s available to everyone aged 60 to 74 years.Everyone aged 60 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and lives in England is automatically sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.The NHS bowel cancer screening kit can save your life. Just a tiny sample detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong.You collect a small sample of poo on a small plastic stick and put it into the sample bottle and post it to a lab for testing.If you’re sent a kit, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.Find out more about bowel cancer screening here.
Free Blood Pressure Check-Ups Return Across Derbyshire
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? One in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure.
The council’s free inhouse healthy lifestyles service Live Life Better Derbyshire will be delivering blood pressure checks over the coming months.
It’s also a great opportunity to find out more about Live Life Better Derbyshire’s free healthy lifestyle services.
These include support to help you stop smoking, help with weight management and information about how to get more active.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “Getting your blood pressure checked is really important.
“High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, doesn’t often have noticeable symptoms.
“But if it is left untreated can increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
“Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.”
For more information on blood pressure checks, visit www.nhs.uk/bloodpressure
There will be free blood pressure check-ups held in South Derbyshire on the follow dates:Wednesday 22nd November from 9am to midday at South Derbyshire Job Centre workplace event.If you’re over 40 you can get your blood pressure checked for free with an NHS Health Check at your GP, at most pharmacies and in some workplaces too.
If you need any support with your mental health and wellbeing following the recent flooding in Derbyshire, there is support there for you.You might find it helpful to talk to family and friends about things.You can also call the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service free 24/7 on: 0800 028 0077.Or visit https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/ to find out about available local support such as free counselling.If you need further help with your mental health, you can speak to your GP.
Flood Recovery Grants
If your home or business has been flooded, you may be eligible for support from the Government’s flood recovery fund.
Government has announced that money will be made available for residents and businesses in England that have been affected by recent flooding.
At the moment we do not have all of the details, but as soon as we do we’ll work with our district and borough council colleagues to get the arrangements set up as soon as possible.
We realise that the money the Government is making available is urgently needed by those who have been flooded and once we have the details we will work as quickly as possible to provide information about how to apply.
For more information click here: Government announces support for flood-hit areas – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Supporting Residents This WinterApplications are now open for voluntary, community and charity organisations to apply for a grant from us to open a Warm and Welcoming Space this winter.It follows the success of a scheme launched by Derbyshire County Council last year which helped to fund more than 150 spaces supporting Derbyshire residents during the colder months.Between them, they provided 17,000 hours of warmth and company for almost 11,000 Derbyshire residents feeling lonely or struggling to heat their homes or feed themselves.Organisations can now apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up new community venues or to extend their opening hours as the weather gets colder.The money can be used towards things like providing meals or light refreshments, the cost of energy bills or paying running costs to stay open for longer.To qualify for a grant, organisations must pledge to offer a heated space during the winter months, provide seating, may offer refreshments such as a warm drink and a biscuit and be free of charge.People visiting warm spaces will also be offered information to help them with cost of living support, as well as advice on looking after their mental health and well-being.For more information click here: Warm and welcoming spaces – Derbyshire County Council  Cost of Living Payments 2023/24
From 31st October, millions of households across the UK will receive a Cost-of-Living Payment worth £300.This is the second of three new payments totalling £900 in 2023/24, providing a financial boost to support the most vulnerable in society.Find out more online here: Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Welfare Benefits Check UpThousands of people in Derbyshire are missing out on benefits that are theirs by right. Sometimes the benefits system doesn’t make it easy for you to understand the rules about benefits or how to claim the benefits you are entitled to. Derbyshire County Council can help you find out about the benefits you’re entitled to and how to claim.Find out more here: Welfare benefits – Derbyshire County Council
£1.50 Single Bus Fares for Young People
Do you have a young person aged 11 to 19 in your family?
From 1st November young people in Derbyshire will be able to travel for only £1.50 for a single fare across Derbyshire and Derby.
The £1.50 fares are for all buses in the county and city and include travel on direct services into neighbouring local authority areas.
Young people, aged 11 to 19, will need a b_line card to be able to get the discounted fare. The cards are free and available through either the county council or city council websites. Sign up for a b_line card.
The b_line card is a cut-price travel discount and library card for those aged 11 to 19. It is for young people in school, college, on a training course or in an apprenticeship.
Scam Letter Warning
If you receive a letter offering compensation to you if you’ve been a victim of scams, please don’t fill in any forms with your personal and financial information.
Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team is warning you not to respond if you’ve had a letter with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) logo – it’s a scam.
Derbyshire residents have been in touch about the nationwide scam, which often targets previous scam victims.
The bogus letter tells people to fill in a ‘creditors debt form’, as part of a compensation scheme, but it’s a way of fraudsters getting personal/bank details. If you receive one contact National Consumer Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133.Lower Cost Broadband
Social tariffs are discounted broadband and mobile deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits.
These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, we’ve been encouraging more broadband and mobile companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
Find out more about Social Tariffs online here.
Help for Households
There is help for millions of households with the cost of living.
With over 40 schemes to help with the cost of living, discover what support is available for you at gov.uk/helpforhouseholds
Priority Services Register
The priority services register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. The scheme is offered by your energy supplier.
If you are eligible and find it hard to deal with your energy supply, you could get extra help from your energy company.
Find out more about the priority services register.
Community Banks At Christmas
It can be an expensive time of year with many people feeling they have to borrow money to afford food, presents and celebrations over Christmas.
If you struggle to access mainstream banking services this may mean you’ve thought about using payday loans or doorstep lenders, which have much higher interest rates and will cost you a lot more.
However, did you know that community banks offer savings accounts as well as lower cost loan alternatives that might be a safer option?
Find out more about what community banks are, and how they might be able to help, here.
Welfare Rights Podcast
Staff from Derbyshire County Councils Welfare Rights and Affordable Credit teams have been on air talking about checking your eligibility for benefits, and how to safely borrow money if you really need to.
Listen to the Helping Hands podcast on North Derbyshire Radio here.
Toy Libraries
Borrowing toys means you can keep pace with your child’s ever changing interests without the expense of buying new toys.
Whether its board games, musical instruments or even full on party packs, the Derbyshire Toy Libraries charity can help with a range of educational and fun toys for hire.
Find out more about Derbyshire Toy Libraries here.
Energy Efficiency Support
More than 300,000 families are set to save hundreds of pounds on their bills thanks to new energy efficiency upgrades.
The government has launched the Great British Insulation Scheme to help families to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce their home’s energy bills.
Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered vital upgrades – such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.
You might be eligible to get support if your home:has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G – check your EPCis in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales – check your Council Tax bandFind out more about the Great British Insulation Scheme online here.
NHS Healthy Start Scheme If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk through the NHS Healthy Start SchemeIf you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.Find out more about the NHS Healthy Start Scheme online here.
Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice Bureau have trained advisers who can advise on;· energy switching to save money· applications for warm home discount and other grants· signing up to priority service registers· money-saving tips· reducing your water bill and· a variety of other things designed to save you money.The Citizen’s Advice Service can also help you look at ways to maximise your household’s income, including checking whether you are eligible for any benefits and grants.The CAB have a partnership with Western Power Distribution through the ‘Power Up’ projects to ensure that people in the Midlands, South West and Wales receive free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on energy, benefits, and health related issues.For more information, and to book an appointment call this free advice line number: 0808 278 7954.For web-based information and support on the following issues, the national Citizen’s Advice Bureau has a comprehensive website.
Call DerbyshireCold weather is especially dangerous for young children, older people or people with serious illnesses. If you are concerned about anyone you can Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.Call Derbyshire is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and from 9.30am to 4pm Saturdays.
Community Groups in South Derbyshire
There are a number of community groups in South Derbyshire running a wide range of activities and services. If you would like to join a group then get in touch with South Derbyshire CVS on 01283 219761 or email development@sdcvs.org.uk. You can also check out our website.
Looking to start or join a group?
If you have an idea for a new group, or are looking for a group to join one, then contact us at South Derbyshire CVS and we can get you the information you need. We also support existing groups.
01283 219761
development@sdcvs.org.uk |
Don’t forget to have your sayBus passenger numbers upGritting this winterHelping to feed DerbyshireGrants to help branching outChristmas celebration for carersStay Well in WinterPrize winning project was spurred on by one of our grantsAward for Ripley LibraryYour views sought on the police budgetDon’t forget to have your sayOur annual budget survey is halfway through so, if you haven’t taken part already, please do.
Your Council Your Voice was launched at the beginning of November and is open until Sunday 17 December 2023.Nearly 1,500 Derbyshire residents have already had their say by completing the survey but there’s still time for you to get involved and fill in the Your Council Your Voice Survey 2023.The survey has 16 main questions asking for views on where residents think the we should prioritise spending, how satisfied they are with our services and which ones are most important to them, least important to them, and why.We also want your views and ideas as to how we could save money or raise additional funds.Bus passenger numbers up
New figures show that recently improved Derbyshire bus services, under our £47 million bus service improvement plan, are proving popular with you.One service, the X17, has a 44% increase in people using it.Some of the bus services have had their routes extended to additional places, while others had services extended into the evenings or at weekends or increased from one bus an hour to two.The extra services are being paid for by Government funding. We were awarded £47million to improve bus services in Derbyshire. We are working with all bus operators in the county.Gritting this winter
Do you know which roads we grit?There’s lots of info on our website, and a map which tells you when a road was last gritted. We grit around half of the roads in the county, with our gritting routes split into primary, secondary and tertiary routes.Primary routes are treated during the day and night and we will ‘pre-treat’ before bad weather hits. Gritting continues 24 hours a day if necessary, as previously. They cover around 1,000 miles of road.Secondary routes cover around 550 miles of road and are generally only treated in the day with the first run being completed by mid-morning. This helps overcome problems of parked cars getting in the way of gritter vehicles doing their job on residential roads at night.When bad weather hits keep your eye on our social media channels, Facebook and Twitter and if main roads are closed you’ll find out here.Helping to feed Derbyshire
We’ve approved funding of nearly £400,000 to Rural Action Derbyshire to enable them to carry on supporting affordable food projects across the county.Rural Action Derbyshire coordinates the Feeding Derbyshire Network and the funding will enable them to carry on this work.The network has run since 2015 and offers help to people struggling with low incomes, debt and poor access to affordable, nutritious food.Grants to help branching outIs your organisation interested in planting trees?
Grants for tree planting projects are on offer from the ‘Branching Out’ programme run by the Tree Council.Applicants can include community groups, schools, tenants/residents’ associations and other small charities.The grants range from £250 to £2,500 and there’s a streamlined process of quicker decision making for those seeking funding below £500. Be quick though as the deadline for applications is Sunday 3 December.And if you do plant some trees please add them to our Million Trees project – aiming to plant 1,000,000 trees across the county by 2030. The total now stands at 389,790 so we’re on target but keen for more! It all helps in tackling the effects of climate change.Christmas celebration for carers
A celebration of carers is taking place at the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield on Thursday 7 December, so, if you’re an unpaid carer, you and your family and friends are invited.There’ll be carols, live music and refreshments. The service will start at 11am until 12:30pm – guests need to be seated for 10:45am.For more information and to book your place, email info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk or call 01773 833833.The event is hosted by Derbyshire Carers Association which supports over 6,000 adult carers and 350 young carers and delivers a wide range of services on our behalf.Stay Well in Winter
Cold weather can cause health issues for older and more vulnerable people.Can you help someone to keep healthy and safe this winter? Checking in older people to ensure they’ve got stocks of food and medicines can really help them stay well this winter.There are many other things you can do to protect yourself, and the ones you love this winter.Find out about this year’s warm and welcoming spaces throughout DerbyshirePrize winning project was spurred on by one of our grants
A green energy project which gained financial backing from our Derbyshire Grant scheme last year has won a prestigious award COMMUNITY ENERGY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR 2023 – Derbyshire Dales EnergyThe Community Energy Awards were announced last Friday night and “shine a light on community energy and highlight achievements in the wider community energy sector.”The Derbyshire Dales Community Energy Partnership (DDCEP) Hub supports the growth of community led energy saving initiatives across the county by providing expert advice and signposting to further help and sources of funding.During a very successful first year DDCEP has worked with 17 groups whose projects focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, low carbon transport and fuel poverty reduction. These groups have empowered many of our residents to do their bit to help tackle climate change. They include solar projects in Belper and Horsley Woodhouse and a hydro project at Calver Mill. Read about DDCEP and all the projects. The hub now has ambitious plans for its second year.Sustainable Hayfield did well to be shortlisted for the awards in another category but were not the eventual winners. Award for Ripley Library
Ripley Library has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Library/Librarian of the Year category by the Romantic Novelists’ Association.The RNA’s annual awards “celebrate the hard work and talent of any person, group or organisation who has championed the broad genre of romantic fiction in a positive way”.The library, on Grosvenor Road, worked with the RNA to create displays promoting books shortlisted for the RNA 2023 awards and one celebrating 2022 winners. The displays proved very popular with Ripley Library users, and borrowing of romantic novels rose dramatically.Your views sought on the police budget
Derbyshire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is now consulting residents on the policing budget for 2024-25.The PCC wants to know your thoughts on the amount of council tax you pay that goes towards policing in the county – how much council tax you think would be the right amount to pay to maintain the current standard of policing and to make improvements.The short consultation closes in early January
We helped to fund more than 150 spaces supporting Derbyshire residents during the colder months last year.
Between them, they provided 17,000 hours of warmth and company for almost 11,000 Derbyshire residents feeling lonely or struggling to heat their homes or feed themselves.Organisations can now apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up new community venues or to extend their opening hours as the weather gets colder.The money can be used towards things like providing meals or light refreshments, the cost of energy bills or paying running costs to stay open for longer.
From 1 November we’ve introduced £1.50 single bus fares for young people across Derbyshire and Derby.Young people, aged 11 to 19, will need a 
See the history of Elvaston Castle come to brilliant life in a spectacular experience to remember, created by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos.You can watch the projection as many times as you like, and you’ll notice something new each time. The castle shop and Wyatt’s café will be open for hot drinks and there will be hot food vendors and a licensed bar in the castle courtyard. There’ll be Christmas carols between each show, Christmas craft activities for children, a festive grotto, and craft and gift stalls.Tickets are now on sale for the event taking place on 8, 9 and 10 December, priced £10 for adults and £6 per child (aged four to 12 inclusive, free for children aged three and under). Family tickets are priced at £28 (two adults and up to three children). Booking fees apply. 
Applications for children who were born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 will close at midnight on Monday 15 January 2024.You can also apply during the same period for junior school places for children born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school and will transfer on to other schools in September 2024.Applying online is quick and easy and allows you to make changes to your application at any point up to the closing date. You’ll receive an email to confirm your application has been received.
Latest news in this edition:
We’re also celebrating the birthday of our 
