News

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 UPCOMMUNITY CONNECTORS: SIGHT SUPPORT DERBYSHIRE Tuesday 25th June 2024 at 10:00 am Come along to learn more about Sight Support Derbyshire!BOOK YOUR PLACE HEREOTHER UPCOMING EVENTS: Funding Workshop with Sport England Funding Workshop with Foundation Derbyshire Community Connectors: SoBS (Suicide of Bereavement by Suicide) Community Connectors: Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support ServiceClick here to view all upcoming events.Men’s Health WeekIt’s Men’s Health Week from the 10th to 16th June and this year’s theme is ‘Let’s Talk Prostates’Men’s Health Week aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage men and boys to seek professional advice for health-related problems.Find out more on the Men’s Health Forum website: We need to share our stories | Men’s Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)   Diabetes Prevention WeekIt was Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week from Monday 20th May to Sunday 26th May. Find out more about diabetes, the risks and how to manage the condition at Diabetes UK: Diabetes UK – Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK   Clean Air DayNational Clean Air Day on June 20th is a chance for the whole country to come together and improve air quality through collective action.Find out more here: Clean Air Day | Action for Clean Air  Healthier FuturesCalling all Derbyshire parents and carers – have you heard about Healthier Futures? It’s a free family support service to help you and your loved ones on the path to a healthier future. If you’re a parent or carer of children aged 0 – 12 and would like some help to get you and your family healthier, then find out about our free Healthier Futures service.Find out more here: https://www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk/services  RSE DayRelationships and Sex Education (RSE) day this year is on 27th June and the theme is Embracing Change.Find out more here: RSE Day – RSE Day  Cervical Screening Awareness Week 17th – 23rd June 2024Going for your cervical screening isn’t always easy, and everyone’s experience is different. So many changes in life, from big milestones to how we feel day-to-day, can have an impact. This Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is sharing different experiences from women and other people with a cervix: screening after giving birth, after menopause, after transitioning, after receiving the first invitation, and after being refused it altogether. They will also be sharing information, tips, and support on how to make attending your screening a little bit easier. Carers WeekIf you’re a carer living in Derbyshire, you may be interested in information events and activities being held during Carers Week from 10th June.A carer is anyone including children and adults who provide unpaid support with day to day living tasks or personal care to a family member, partner, or friend. The person they care for could be ill, frail, suffers from a physical or mental health condition or impairment, is autistic, living with dementia, or drug or alcohol dependent.Carers Week aims to raise awareness of the support available for unpaid carers and the huge contribution they make to their families, communities and society.Events for unpaid carers in Derbyshire during Carers Week hosted by the Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS) range from relaxation and mindfulness sessions, wellbeing walks and a carer-friendly employment webinar.To access the events and activities, you’ll need to be a carer and registered with the Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service. For more information click here: Carers week – Derbyshire County Council  Exam Stress SupportDuring exam season pressure and stress can be incredibly high. If you’ve got children or other family members studying at the moment, then there’s support to help their emotional health and wellbeing.Derbyshire County Council have put together a range of quality assured health apps to help. Find out more, and download them, here: https://derbyshire.orchahealth.com/en-GB/youth-stress-apps   National Smile MonthNational Smile Month is a charity campaign all about championing the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile.Between 13th of May and 13th of June 2024, the Oral Health Foundation will be raising awareness of important health issues and ready to put a smile on everybody’s face. For more information click here: https://www.dentalhealth.org/national-smile-monthLearn more about the Derbyshire Home From Hospital support ServiceFree Asda £5 Newbies to its rewards app can get a £5 voucher to spend on almost anything. For more information click here: Free fiver   What To Do If You’re Struggling to PayIf you’re struggling, it’s always worth talking to your energy firm. Be polite and straight with it, and make sure you explain if you’re vulnerable. There can be hardship & debt grants from energy suppliers. For far more guidance, see the Money Experts full What to do if you’re struggling to pay energy bills guide: What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills (moneysavingexpert.com)   Call DerbyshireIf 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.   Free Activities in South Derbyshire Parks: The Parklife Project has been developed to get local people more active in our parks by offering a range of free and low-cost events and activities.The project aims to:Encourage more families to use the parksAttract people to the parks who are physically inactive and would like to be more activeWork towards local ownership and greater community involvementEducate local people in the history and natural environment of the parksImprove the natural environment and biodiversityLEARN MORE  Community Groups in South DerbyshireAre you looking to join a group, or do you have an idea for a new group? If the answer is yes, then contact us at South Derbyshire CVS and we can get you the information you need.Call us on 01283 219761Also, if you run a community group and would like to tell us about what you do or you need support then please get in touch with our development team on the number above or email at development@sdcvs.org.uk   Bee-FriendingSouth Derbyshire CVS are delighted to be attending a number of family friendly community events this summer. We thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of one of our longest running services – befriending.Whilst this service is often assumed to be for older people, we know first hand that anybody can struggle with loneliness and isolation. We are proud to offer a brilliant service that is available for anybody over the age of 18 who is in need of support. We love seeing the impact this service has and it’s incredible that many of our befriending service users go on to volunteer themselves.That’s why we have created our own short story about befriending, so that everybody (including children and younger people) can understand the value of friendship and caring for one another…Learn more about our new Bee-friending campaign here!

The Great Grid Upgrade – Chesterfield to Willington

The UK Government has set out a commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly and we’re transitioning to cleaner and more secure forms of energy from renewable sources, like new offshore wind farms.At National Grid Electricity Transmission, we are investing £1.3bn each year to adapt and develop our network – of pylons, overhead lines, cables and substations – to connect new sources of low carbon energy to homes and businesses. We’re investing for the future, connecting more and more low carbon electricity to our network and playing a crucial role in turning the UK’s ambitions into reality.

Details from National Grid: From Tuesday 14 May until 11:59pm Tuesday 9 July 2024 we are consulting on our early proposals for Chesterfield to Willington. To enhance the electricity network by building and operating approximately 60 kilometres (km) of new 400 kilovolt (kV) overhead electricity line.This overhead line would connect at a new 400 kV substation at Chesterfield (which will extend to the south of its existing 275 kV substation) and the existing Willington substation. It is proposed that the Chesterfield substation will be completed under a separate essential project, ‘Brinsworth to High Marnham’. Other local network configurations would also need to be carried out as part of this project.These proposals are part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the electricity transmission network in generations.More information about the proposed project can be found on the project website nationalgrid.com/chesterfieldtowillington.

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More special needs school placesRelocating museum and art galleryNumeracy skills – count on us to helpSave the date for Carers WeekMajor repairs in BroughUnderage sales warningStill time to book for Swim SafeNew Civic and Vice Civic ChairmenHard work and dedication recognisedMore special needs school placesDid you know we’re increasing the number of school places for children with special needs by around 500 as part of a £9.7 million investment we’re making to support vulnerable learners?We’re working with headteachers from special schools across Derbyshire under a 5-year plan to increase the number of commissioned places available for children with special needs.Since 2020, we’ve been working with our special schools to maximise capacity through better use of existing space and have increased the number of spaces we commission from them by more than 200 from 1,022 to 1,227.Now, we have committed to further increase the number of special school places during the forthcoming academic year 2024/25 to around 1,360 and again during 2025/26 to just over 1,500.Our investment in special school places is part of a wider project which also includes creating additional places to promote inclusion for children with special needs in mainstream schools, by investing in Enhanced Resource Schools (ERS), SEND Units and alternative provision, which is education provided outside a school setting arranged by the county council or by schools themselves.Relocating museum and art galleryA decision to move Buxton Museum and Art Gallery has been announced – but we’re committed to it remaining in its hometown.  The museum and art gallery, which is based in the Peak Buildings complex in Terrace Road, Buxton, was closed to the public last June after structural investigation work revealed dry rot in structural timbers and floor joists, making parts of the building potentially unsafe.At the time it was hoped the closure would be temporary, but unfortunately we have been left with no choice but to reluctantly relocate the museum and art gallery.As buildings assessments continue they are revealing the potential costs and length of time that would be needed for the council to bring the building back into use as a modern day museum.Work will start immediately to move all artefacts, displays and artwork from the building, and when completed the building will be put up for sale.Plans are currently being developed for a museum service to run in the interim period before the long-term solution is secured.Numeracy skills – count on us to helpThings not adding up? Know someone who dreads maths? Help is on hand….We provide Multiply across Derbyshire. If you’re 19 and over and don’t have maths GCSE at grade C (or equivalent), or if you’re working below level 2, we can help.Good maths skills can give you more job opportunities, lead to higher wages or further study. They also help in everyday life. You can help children with maths homework or budget to make your money go further.And for anyone in need of help to get a job our careers workshops could be the answer.Save the date for Carers WeekIf you’re a carer living in Derbyshire, you may be interested in information events and activities being held during Carers Week from 10 June.A carer is anyone including children and adults who provide unpaid support with day to day living tasks or personal care to a family member, partner, or friend. The person they care for could be ill, frail, suffers from a physical or mental health condition or impairment, is autistic, living with dementia, or drug or alcohol dependent.Carers Week aims to raise awareness of the support available for unpaid carers and the huge contribution they make to their families, communities and society.Events for unpaid carers in Derbyshire during Carers Week hosted by our Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS) range from relaxation and mindfulness sessions, wellbeing walks and a carer-friendly employment webinar.To access the events and activities, you’ll need to be a carer and registered with our Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service. Major repairs in BroughIf you travel in and around Brough, near Bradwell, we want to make you aware of potential disruption from 17 June when work to rebuild a retaining wall is due to start.The major 12-week repair programme is to fix a retaining wall which collapsed following a storm in November last year. The wall supports the B6049 Stretfield Road through the village, runs alongside the Bradwell Brook and links the A6187 Hope Road and the A623 Baslow to the Chapel Road.A public information drop-in session about the repairs will be held at the Bradwell War Memorial Hall, Netherside, Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9JL from 3pm until 7.30pm on Tuesday 4 June 2024. Representatives from our highways, bus and school transport teams will be available to answer any questions about the repairs.Underage sales warningA Buxton business has been fined a total of £6,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs after selling knives and vapes to an under-age person.It follows a successful prosecution brought by our Trading Standards team and serves as a deterrent and warning to suppliers of age-restricted items like knives, vapes and tobacco.Still time to book for Swim SafeThere’s still time to book your child onto a free course to help them stay safe in open water.Bluetonic, a charity based in the East Midlands, has partnered with Spring Lakes Outdoor Water Park in Long Eaton to offer free Swim Safe sessions for children aged 7–14 years.The free sessions will take place every day between Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June and helps children understand:What to do if you fall into cold water unexpectedlyWhat to do to raise the alarmWhere to swim safely, as in lifeguarded areasLocal dangers related to weirs, canal locks and riversCoastal dangers related to currents, tides and changing conditions.New Civic and Vice Civic ChairmenA retired NHS healthcare manager, consultant and businessman with 17 years’ experience as a local councillor has been appointed as our new Civic Chairman.Councillor Tony Kemp, who is the county councillor for the Buxton West Division, accepted his new position at the council’s AGM on Wednesday, taking over the role from Councillor David Taylor.Councillor Kemp, who has spent the last 12 months as Vice Civic Chairman, will be supported in his new role by Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal who will be the new Vice Civic Chairman, and the first member of the Sikh community to be appointed to the position at the county council.These roles are to act as ambassadors for Derbyshire and to be a link between the county council and local community bodies, charities and groups. Councillor Trevor Ainsworth will remain as the county council Chairman and will continue to chair all meetings of Full Council.Pictured are outgoing Civic Chairman Councillor David Taylor (left) with his past Chairman’s badge, with newly appointed Civic Chairman Councillor Tony Kemp. Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal was unable to attend the meeting.Hard work and dedication recognisedThe hard work and dedication of employees across the council has been recognised with our annual Our Derbyshire Awards.Earlier this year, we gave employees, partners and members of the public an opportunity to nominate individuals or teams who go above and beyond to support local communities and each other. We received over 200 nominations which were then carefully assessed and shortlisted.Our finalists represented the breadth of services we provide including individuals from public health, social care, children’s services, public transport and administration.Winners were presented with their awards by councillors, senior officers and sponsors at an event held at County Hall.A special thanks goes to our sponsors who generously funded the event:Access UK LtdAuto WindscreensBlue Mountain HomesConcertusHCLTechJacobs UK LtdMidway Care GroupOxygen FinanceSocitm AdvisoryVertas

Repton Parish Council would like to thank all the people that were involved in the organisation of the Village Party.  It was a great day and enjoyed by many people.

Repton Parish Council will not be going ahead with the removal of items from the burial ground, and apologise for any upset that has been caused.  Instead periodic checks are to be carried out by Councillors, and if action is needed the Council will try and contact the grave owner before any action is taken. 

Derbyshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of roads, including pavements or foot ways.   You can report issues to them via their website https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/roads-traffic/road-maintenance/potholes/potholes.aspx or telephone on 01629 533190 or by texting 86555.

The next meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for Monday 10^th June 2024 at 19:30 in the meeting room at Repton Village Hall.  All are welcome to attend.

The Clerk is available for any queries via telephone or email every Monday from 2pm until 5pm and every Thursday from 9am until midday, unless on annual leave.  Outside of these times please do leave a voicemail or send an email, which will be picked up by the Clerk.

You can contact Caroline Crowder – Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer for Repton Parish Council via mobile: 07341 907137 or email clerk@repton-pc.gov.uk.  All Parish Council documents are available on the website www.repton-pc.gov.uk

Repton Parish Council are giving notice that they will be enforcing the Burial Ground Regulations, with respect to what is allowed on a grave or ashes plot.  This is for health and safety and grounds maintenance reasons. See below for the regulation

A maximum of two stone or earthenware containers each not to exceed 250 mm in diameter and 250 mm high (10 ins x 10 ins) may be positioned on a grave or ashes plot immediately adjacent to a monument, for plants or cut flowers. Plastic, metal or glass vases or containers are not permitted. No other ornaments, bottles, jugs, jars, vases, stones, crosses, kerbstones or anything whatsoever shall be placed on a grave or ashes plot.

As such all non-permitted items will be moved to the side of the shed on 31st May 2024.  They will remain there for collection until the 26th June 2024, after this time they will be disposed of.  This will be advertised in the burial ground, the parish magazine, the Parish Council website and notice boards and also Facebook.

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 UPHOME FROM HOSPITAL CELEBRATION EVENT Wednesday 24th April at 10:00amPlease come along to learn about how this free service helps people leaving hospital & those who are at risk of being admitted.BOOK YOUR PLACE HERECOMMUNITY CONNECTORS: LIVE STRONGER FOR LONGER Wednesday 17th April at 1:30pm Everyone is welcome! Please book your place and we will send you a Microsoft teams invite.BOOK YOUR PLACE HEREDERBYSHIRE BEFRIENDING LAUNCH Wednesday 8th of May at 1pm Fnd out more about this innovative and co-operative way of working, and to hear about the importance of befriending and what it means to people in Derbyshire, from those involved including volunteer befrienders and befriendees.BOOK YOUR PLACE HEREClick here to view our other upcoming events.Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Research Survey:South Derbyshire CVS are undertaking a piece of work on behalf of public health to understand why there are lower levels of vaccine uptake in Stenson Fields, Swadlincote Woodlands and Woodville. As part of this work, we will be asking people to complete an online survey, however we wanted to make sure that everyone can participate and so will be giving people to option to request a paper copy or complete the survey over the phone.If you live in Stenson Fields, Swadlincote Woodlands or Woodville we want to hear your views about COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations. Please help us by completing this short, anonymous survey using the button below. Alternatively, please call 01283 219761 to provide your answers by phone, or to request a postal questionnaire.TAKE THE SURVEYStay Safe When Out and About:Have you heard about our keep safe cards? You can use them to get help at one of our Safe Places.A Safe Place is somewhere you can go if you need help, are lost or feel scared when out and about. They include libraries, shops, restaurants, pharmacies, visitor attractions, GP surgeries and more. Each venue has a sticker in their window so you can see that they are part of the scheme and know you can go in and ask for help if you need to.Anyone over the age of 11 can apply for a keep safe card. It has space for you to write your name, the name and phone number of a family member or carer and anything else a person might need to know about you.Find your nearest Safe Place by downloading the app:Download the Safe Places app: Safe Places on the App Store (apple.com)Download the Safe Places app: Safe Places – Apps on Google PlayFor more information: Derbyshire Safe Place Scheme – Derbyshire County CouncilDrive Safer for Longer:Are you a motorist aged 50 or over? We’re offering our popular ‘driving safer for longer’ information sessions to Derbyshire residents.Older motorists have a wealth of driving experience and driving offers freedom and independence, but as we get older our health and fitness, including eyesight and reaction times begin to decline.The ‘driving safer for longer’ information session offers attendees a chance to update their driving knowledge. The session aims to support residents to continue driving for as long as they choose, exploring potential difficulties which may affect driving ability along with possible solutions. For more information: Older drivers – Derbyshire County Council  Stress Awareness Month:Stress is something that we all experience at some point. Whether it’s a work deadline, financial worries or something more serious. Low-level stress can sometimes be helpful or motivational but equally too much stress can affect our mood, our body and even our relationships. There’s lots you can try to help reduce your stress levels.·      plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember can really help·      use time-management techniques to help you take control·      Try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professionalYou can get help and advice around dealing with stress on the NHS website here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/understanding-stressIf you’re feeling stressed, worried or anxious then you can call the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline for free, any time day or night, on 0800 028 0077. Find out more online here: www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/services/helpline-and-support-serviceThere’s also lots of advice online at the Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website here: Derby & Derbyshire – Emotional Health & Wellbeing (derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk)  Launch Of the New Falls Prevention Service For Derbyshire Called ‘Live Stronger For Longer’:The new service builds on the successes over the last 11 years of Strictly No Falling work and will continue to support the development and delivery of quality assured strength and balance exercise classes in the community and care settings with an exciting new service called ‘Strong and Steady. For information about the new Live Stronger for Longer Service and the Strong and Steady programme visit the website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/derbyandderbyshire/lsfl/Anyone (any professional or an individual older person) can make a referral to Live Stronger for Longer; it just takes a few minutes to start an older person on the journey to increased mobility, confidence and wellbeing.If you would like to join our FREE Community Connectors session to find out more you can book a place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-connectors-live-stronger-for-longer-strictly-no-falls-tickets-779369363747 The session will be in Teams on Wednesday the 17th April at 1:30pm.  MMR Vaccination:Millions of parents and carers in England are being urged to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new NHS drive to protect children from becoming seriously unwell, as measles cases continue to rise across the country.   The NHS campaign will see all parents of children aged from six to 11 years contacted encouraging them to make an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine. NHS figures show more than 3.4 million* children under the age of 16 years are either unprotected or not fully protected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases. Last year the NHS sent two million, texts, emails and letters to parents and carers of 1-5 year olds who were unvaccinated and thanks to those efforts, 165,000 doses of MMR vaccine were delivered. The NHS campaign will target areas with low uptake of the vaccine with the health service contacting just over one million people aged 11 to 25 years-old in London and the West Midlands to invite them to catch up on their missed MMR vaccinations. Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease. “The MMR vaccine is proven to be safe for youngsters and offers lifelong protection. “I’m urging everyone whose child is not yet fully vaccinated to come forward and get them protected as soon as possible”. Parents and carers can find out more about the different vaccines their child should have and when by visiting www.nhs.uk and searching for ‘NHS vaccinations and when to have them’. For more information and how to book click here: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)  Whooping Cough Infections Rise:New data has been published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing there has been a continued increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases at the start of this year, with 553 confirmed in England in January, compared with 858 cases for the whole of last year (2023).In response to increasing case numbers, the UKHSA is reminding mums-to-be to get protected against whooping cough so that their young baby has protection from birth against this serious disease and to ask their midwife if they are unsure. UKHSA is also urging parents to check that their children are vaccinated against whooping cough, which is offered to all infants at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age (as part of the 6-in-1 combination vaccine) with an additional dose included in the pre-school booster vaccine.This reminder is part of the UKHSA’s new Childhood Immunisation Campaign urging parents to check the vaccination status of their children against measles and other serious diseases, which went live across a range of media channels at the start of this week. Parents are being asked to respond to invites from the NHS or to book an appointment with their GP practice if their child has not received all their routine vaccines. Bowel Cancer Awareness MonthApril is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a fantastic annual opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds to support vital research.    The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly when diagnosed at the latest stage. Learn more about the possible symptoms of the disease: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/ Why not test your knowledge about the disease at https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/quiz/ Why not get involved this April and help spread the word:take the bowel cancer quiz, and then share it with your friends and familyattend an online awareness talk given by a volunteer with real life experience of bowel cancerfollow Bowel Cancer UK on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn then tag, share and encourage others to get involvedFor more information about bowel cancer and details of how to get involved during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, visit Bowel Cancer Awareness Month | Bowel Cancer UK  World Immunisation Week24th to 30th April is World Immunisation Week. World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.Through its convening power, WHO works with countries across the globe to raise awareness of the value of vaccines and immunization and ensures that governments obtain the necessary guidance and technical support to implement high quality immunization programmes.The ultimate goal of World Immunization Week is for more people – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.Find out more online at the World Health Organisations website here: www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week  Scarlet Fever:If you think you or your child are showing signs of Scarlet Fever, it’s important to contact your GP.  The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).  A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.Stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the 1st dose of antibiotics to protect others.Find out more about Scarlet Fever here: Scarlet fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)   Spring COVID-19 Vaccination Programme:The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) announced its advice to Government for the COVID-19 vaccine programme in spring this year, which includes updated eligibility criteria. This advice has been accepted by Minister Caulfield.  JCVI advises the following groups to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring:·      Adults aged 75 years and over.·      Residents in a care home for older adults.·      Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book).NHS England will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the spring vaccine in due course.  Cost of Living: The legacy of the rising cost of living is still being felt by many people. While some pressures are easing, for instance fuel prices falling and summer meaning less reliance on heating for some, there are still many Derbyshire households who are feeling the impacts.   Some highlights from BBC News   The NHS prescription charge in England will increase by around 3%, 25p to £9.90 an item from Wednesday 1st of May, the Government has confirmed. The cost of prepayment certificates, which give you unlimited prescriptions for either three months or a year, will also rise – so if you regularly pay for prescriptions, check if you can save by buying a certificate now.Most broadband and mobile phone providers are currently introducing mid-contract price rises of up to 8.8%. This is generally based on the inflation rate last December, plus an additional charge. While this is allowed under current rules, the approach is expected to be banned by regulators later in the year.   The average annual water and sewerage bill will rise by 6% in England and Wales, up £27 to £473.  Actual individual bills can differ significantly owing to regional variations and usage levels for those on a meter.   Council tax will rise in most areas.  Local authorities collect the tax to pay for services such as rubbish collection, street lighting and libraries. Authorities in England with social care duties can raise council tax by up to 4.99%, without triggering a referendum. Others can increase it by up to 2.99%.  Some can increase bills by more than 5%, with government permission. In general, some households – such as people living alone, those with disabilities, or student properties – can receive discounts.   TV licence fee which will go up by 6.6% to £169.50, after being frozen for two years. It is free for any household where someone is aged over 75 and also receives the means-tested pension credit. Anyone who is registered blind can get a 50% discount.   Vehicle tax is also rising, with the annual flat rate for a car registered on or after 1st of April 2017 going up by £10. The amount due depends on the type of vehicle, when it was registered, and which type of fuel is used.   NHS dental charges in England will increase by 4%, which means a standard check-up will cost £1 more, at £26.80. Some people are eligible for free dental care, such as when pregnant.   The annual energy bill for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will fall to £1,690, which is the lowest for two years.   Regulator Ofgem’s new price cap takes effect on 1st of April and means a drop of £238 a year, or around £20 a month, on that typical bill.  The regulator’s price cap affects 29 million households in England, Wales and Scotland. Rules are different in Northern Ireland, where prices are also falling.   The cap sets the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity but not the total bill – so if you use more, you will pay more. But the fixed standing charges element of the bill is rising, and the fee varies depending on the region where you live.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.   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

Would you or someone you know, like to be involved in representing the Repton Parish?  Repton Parish Council has a casual vacancy for one councillor, due to a resignation   This now means that the vacancy can be filled by co-opting a councillor. This person would hold the post of Councillor until the next local elections which are due in May 2027 for the Repton Parish, which includes not only Repton but also Milton.  The criteria below are the same for a Councillor that is voted in during an election or co-opted.

What is the Purpose of a Parish Councillor?

You are there to represent the views of all the residents within your parish.  You will be responsible for the running of services the Council provide, such as the burial ground, allotments, arboreta and recreation facilities at Mitre Field and Broomhills recreation ground.  You work to bring forward issues that are important to the residents that you represent and help to plan how the Parish Council can improve the Parish’s facilities.  The Council are trying to improve Youth Facilities in the area at the moment.  You can comment on planning applications in the area and represent the views of the residents that may be affected by the plans.  You must be willing to represent the views of the whole community.

What criteria must you meet to be a Councillor?

1. Over the age of 18 years and
2. Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any member of the European Union and
3. Be registered as a local government elector for the parish OR occupy as an owner or tenant, land or premises in the parish for the past 12 months OR work in the parish as your principal or only place of work OR live within three miles of the parish boundary

What obligations are there?

1. You must sign a declaration of office before you can attend your first meeting.
2. You must abide by the Parish Council’s code of conduct, this can be found on the website
3. Complete a register of interests which will be published on the Parish Council’s website and that of South Derbyshire District Council.  This ensures that you have declared any interests that you may have of a financial nature or that may benefit you or could influence what decisions you make as a Councillor.

What will be expected of you?

Repton Parish Council has 11 meetings per year; these are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 19:30 (excluding August).  Usually held in Repton Village Hall, the October meeting is held in Milton Village Hall. You should attend as many of these as possible.  You will be expected to have read the agenda and previous month’s minutes before the meeting.  The meeting is your chance to present your views and that of the residents that you represent.  Committee meetings are also held for Finance.  The Council has various working groups that you should try and involve yourself with, hopefully these will encompass areas of the parish that you may already have an interest in. Please follow this link for a description and expectations of a Parish Councillor.

Still interested or think you may know someone that is?

Please follow the links for application forms and details of the co-option process or by contacting the Clerk, details shown below.  Application forms need to be submitted to the Clerk no later than 7th May 2024.  The co-option will occur at the May 2024 meeting, which will be held on 13th May 2024 in the meeting room at Repton Village Hall. 

Any queries please contact the Clerk on 07341 907137 or clerk@repton-pc.gov.uk or speak to any of the Councillors.

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