Noticeboard - News about people, services and opportunities
See also: Wanted (people, donations and support)! or Items for sale or hireExtended Schools Guide added 24.11.08
New guide from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, showing parents what is available at extended schools and how the activities can benefit both children and adults. View the guide at www.dcsf.gov.uk
Help with home heating and insulation costs added 21.11.08
Subsidised schemes for home owners and tenants of private landlords to help reduce home fuel bills is available from various agencies. If anyone in the household is over 70 years or in receipt of a means-tested benefit, they may qualify to get these schemes free. Contact the following services to see if you qualify for subsidies:
Warm Front - government-funded scheme to help people on benefits - phone 0800 316 6011
Winter Fuel Payment - everyone over 60 is entitled to claim. Phone the helpline on 0845 915 1515
Fit as a Fiddle - helping older people remain fit and active added 21.11.08
National Age Concern programme designed to help people over 50 remain fit and active. It is supported by a £15.25m grant from the Big Lottery’s Well-being programme. Across the South East, three Hubs will be responsible for delivering 410 Active Networks of older people - 240 will focus on indoor and outdoor exercise; 120 will focus on healthy eating; and 50 active networks will be established specialising in testing new projects in hard to reach communities (e.g. rural, older men, BME communities). Funding is available for organisations/services interested in becoming a part of the programme. Contact the Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, Tony Lawrence on 07901 635033: email: tony.lawrence@acwestsussex.org
Keep Warm, Keep Well: a guide for families added 20.10.08
Department of Health booklet for families on how to maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. Download the booklet from http://digbig.com or www.dh.gov.uk
PCT puts Fit for the Future decision on hold while Trusts move to merge added 20.10.08
John Wilderspin, Chief Executive with West Sussex Primary Care Trust, has issued a press release, stating: "We are pleased that the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust have agreed to merger talks. We made a clear statement at our Board meeting on 4th June that we supported closer integration between the two trusts so we welcome these new proposals. This is a new and very significant development and we need to consider what impact it has on the Fit for the Future decision. While we do this, we intend to put the Fit for the Future decision formally 'on hold'." For more details email West Sussex PCT Communications at media.enquiries@westsussexpct.nhs.uk
Independent Living Courses for adults with learning difficulties or disabilities added 20.10.08
West Sussex Adult & Community Learning Service offer courses at locations throughout West Sussex covering topics such as: cooking, english and maths, everyday skills, literacy, personal safety, and much else. For more details phone 0845 601 0161 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation
The Survivor's Handbook added 14.10.08
Free online resource from Women's Aid providing practical support and information for women living with domestic violence. For a copy visit www.womensaid.org.uk
How your Council works added 3.10.08
Urban Forum and a number of partners have published "How your Council works: a handy guide for Community Groups", detailing the structures and workings of your council and which part deals with what, and which council to contact if you live in a two-tier area. Available to download from www.urbanforum.org.uk
Help for people over 60 added 19.9.08
Struggling to pay your bills or need some help at home? Check your situation as you could qualify for extra money. Horsham & District Citizens Advice Bureau can help by offering free and confidential advice and benefit checks for older people. If you would like to know more call 01403 261916; if you live in the Mid Sussex area speak with Vivienne, and if you live in the area covered by Horsham and District ask for Marion.
Emergency Text Service added 8.9.08
Emergency text service from Sussex Police for people who have hearing difficulties or a speech impairment to report any incidences where the police/fire rescue/ambulance/coastguard are required urgently. The text message will go through to a controller in Sussex Police. Dial 65999. Remember that text messages are not guaranteed to arrive quickly. You will know your message has been received only when you get a reply.
You Can Do It! - inclusive arts and sports activities, Horsham added 22.8.08
Club facilitating inclusive sports and arts activities such as drama, art, music, football, cricket, hockey, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, trampolining and swimming, for children with additional needs such as Downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and others. Siblings and friends are also welcome and the club provides support to their families. To discuss your child's individual needs so that support can be provided contact Paul Taylor on 01403 215637; to book an arts activity phone 01403 756098;to book a sports activity phone 01403 215191. For information on the services You Can Do It! provides phone Caroline Johnston on 01403 273301 or email carolinemjohnston@btopenworld.com
Free promotion for events added 22.8.08
Littlehampton Town Council are offering community organisations a chance to promote fundraising events and activities through their website. Email a PDF or Word document to rosie.parfitt@littlehampton-tc.gov.uk or visit www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk
VAT relief for people with disabilities added 1.8.08
Many goods and services are zero-rated, such as vehicles for people with disabilities, stair lifts, electrically-adjustable beds, building of ramps, etc. HM Customs and Excise have produced a booklet "VAT reliefs for disabled people" which explains in detail who is eligible and which goods and services can be obtained VAT-free. The booklet can be obtained from the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000.
In Case of Emergency contacts added 25.7.08
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory, but if we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the emergency services attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Hence the 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) campaign from South East Coast Ambulance Service. ICE is a method of contact during emergency situations. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name ICE. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number stored as ICE. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. (verified with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust).
Charities Utilities Initiative (CUI) added 14.7.08
Initiative which helps charities manage their energy expenditure more effectively. It offers charities and not-for-profit organsiations an affordable solution to current major problems in the industry, such as inaccurate gas/electricity bills and spiralling energy costs, by introducing Smart Metering. For details phone 080 8178 8170 or visit www.utility-aid.co.uk
Free software for people with little or no sight added 8.7.08
www.screenreader.net is a not for profit company delivering no cost or low cost software to people with little or no sight. It has produced 'Thunder', talking software for people with little or no sight and is free for individuals and organisations, courtesy of Sensory Software Ltd. Read more here
Let's Talk about Sxx - new guidance to support young people with life-limiting conditions added 8.7.08
ACT - Association for Children's Palliative Care - has launched new guidance on sexuality, relationships and sexual health for professionals working with young people with life-limiting health conditions, with an opportunity for young people to experience relationships and explore their sexuality in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment. The guide is available to download free at www.act.org.uk
Help for disabled people and their carers: Consultation - Independent Living Association (ILA), Worthing added 7.7.08
the ILA, which supports and represents disabled people throughout Sussex, has embarked on a consultation programme to gather the views of people who receive services from West Sussex County Council. Events will be held around the region to publicise planned developments to care service and give people on the receiving end a chance to provide feedback and input. People who receive a care service from the county council or who arrange their own help through Direct Payments, as well as people using the community equipment service are encouraged to make their views known at their nearest event. Times and venues are available from Ben Hockliffe on 01903 227814.
Distraction Burglary added 4.7.08
Help to identify the victims at risk using the following criteria: age 70-95; lone resident or carer for partner; no immediate family support; you are concerned over someone’s vulnerability; the individual has had contact with a cold caller, suspicious visitor, or has a casual gardener or workman either now or historically; or they keep large amounts of cash or valuables in the house. Please contact Sussex Police with their name and address to: worthing.nst@sussex.pnn.police.uk, or call crimestoppers on 0845 6070 999 or if an emergency dial 999.
Guidance on CRB checks for volunteers added 30.6.08
The Cabinet Office have published guidance to help organisations that use volunteers to be clear about when they do and don't need to carry out Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on volunteers. The guidance can be downloaded from www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk [pdf 197kb ]
Employment Support Allowance to replace Incapacity Benefit added 17.6.08
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is a new work-focused benefit for people too ill to work. The ESA will not include the incremental increases that occur after six months and one year with Incapacity Benefit. From October 2008 all Incapacity Benefit claimants will undergo a medical test that will put them into one of two groups. The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that 90% of all claimants will be identified as capable of taking part in work-related activity and will receive £84.50 per week. The remaining claimants who are identified as unfit for work will receive an increased allowance of £102.10 per week and will not be obliged to seek work or training.
Two things your mobile phone can do in an emergency (clarified with various mobile phone providers) (added 16.6.08)
Emergency The emergency number worldwide for a mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you; this number can be dialled even if the keypad is locked.
How to disable a stolen mobile phone - to check your mobile's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15 digit code will appear on the screen which is unique to your handset and should be kept somewhere safe. If your phone gets stolen, phone your service provider and give them the code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes your SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.
Housing Advice Service from Shelter added 16.5.08
Shelter provides free confidential advice on any housing-related issue and has set up a new housing advice service every Friday at Bognor Regis Citizens Advice Bureau. For other related information phone Shelter on 01293 419255 on Tuesdays 10am-1pm.
Digital TV 'Easy to Install' badging scheme added 25.4.08
A new scheme to badge certain digital TV products as 'easy to install' for older people and people with disabilities has been launched by Ricability. The 'Easy to Install' research programme will test a wide range of digital TV recorders, set-top receivers and interactive digital TV sets to identify those which are easy to install and re-tune at home without specialist assistance, including packaging, labelling and instructions, accessories - leads/batteries, on-screen menus and remote controls, and customer support including helplines and websites. Six TV recorders have passed Ricability's tests, details of which can be found at fastlink.headstar.com/ric2
www.clearthoughts.info
New website for the 'Mental Health in Learning Disability Knowledge Centre' project. The project is funded by the Department of Health for individuals, their families and carers and front line social care staff; the website gives information on many mental health issues.
Bogus Callers added 21.1.08
The Home Office has produced a comprehensive online guide Keep an eye open for Bogus Callers. This booklet has important information to help people, particular older or vulnerable people, avoid falling into the bogus caller’s or rogue trader’s (known as distraction burglary) trap. Although the guide is intended for care professionals and carers, it has simple and useful tips to reduce the risk of distraction burglary which will apply if to anyone living independently, or if you care for older people living independently. For a copy of the booklet visit www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/boguscaller/boguscaller23.htm
Priority for vulnerable people during a power cut added 30.11.07
EDF Energy Networks, which maintains the electricity network for London, the South East and East of England, is responsible for getting electricity power back on following a power cut, regardless of who the electricity supplier is. They have a free Priority Services Register for any customer who is dependent on medical equipment, is chronically sick, has a disability or has a special case that they would like considered. Information is not shared with any other company. To join the register contact the EDF Energy Networks Power Cut Helpline (Anglia, London and the South East) – 0800 169 9970
Support Finder - searchable database added 23.10.07
A free online searchable database to help third sector organisations find support to improve their performance. For details log on to www.performancehub.org.uk/supportfinder
Outreach work in Worthing added 2.4.07
West Sussex Mediation Service are taking part in a two year project, based in the community flat at 50A Shelby Road, Durrington, Worthing, and have a case worker, Pam Chatterton, who will be available on Thursdays from 9am-2pm to speak with anyone needing mediation in resolving community or neighbour disputes.
Freedom Through Fun added 13 Oct 2006
The Local Network Fund has funded Chris North to provide free workshops, shows and activities for local voluntary groups. Chris is a trained teacher, specialist child social worker, qualified drama teacher and professional clown 'Bungle'. He tailors his work to the needs of any group including children and under 18's with disabilities. His work can include the development of communication, imagination, use of the senses, social skills, movement and much more. For more information contact Chris on 01243 774392 or 07952 977567. Email: chris@fun61418.wanadoo.co.uk
This page was last updated on: 24 Nov 2008
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