MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council hosted the free event at The Gibson Centre in Somerstown on 12 October. It was a free event which featured live music, food, games and more.

Spooky-themed fun aside, people attending the event also saw and gave feedback on the latest designs for Somers Orchard before the council submits them for approval.

These designs included a physical 3D model showing what the former site of the Horatia and Leamington towers would look like after being developed into new homes and green spaces.

People loved the Somerstown Spooktacular, with families turning up in fancy dress to enjoy the stalls, games and free ice-creams.

What’s more, 520 people filled in feedback forms to have their say on the plans. The council will now collate this feedback and present it back to the design team.

Cllr Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness at the council, said:

“What a great turnout! People gave us lots of positive feedback on the plans, as well as some considerations which will help in these last stages of design.

I’m glad people had a lovely evening, and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress towards new homes in Somerstown.”

Source: City of Portsmouth

A first Community Pharmacy Summit will take place in Portsmouth next month.

The event, on Wednesday 15 November, is being hosted by Portsmouth City Council to bring NHS leaders, pharmacy professionals, and partners from across city together to discuss the challenges and opportunities locally.

Concerns around some pharmacy closures since last year have been raised by the Portsmouth Health and Wellbeing Board. In response, Cabinet Members Cllr Matthew Winnington and Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson have called the Summit to explore the key issues.

Cllr Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, said: “Community pharmacists deliver healthcare services to thousands of Portsmouth residents, and together with our NHS partners, the Council is committed to supporting them to perform this really important role.

“We are hosting the Summit to better understand the challenges, and the opportunities to work together and create a vision for community pharmacy in Portsmouth that benefits our residents and our pharmacies.”

Portsmouth pharmacy representatives took part in an initial roundtable discussion on 28 September, pictured, hosted by Cllr Winnington at Portsmouth City Council’s Civic Offices.

Topics raised included the complicated way pharmacies receive funding, and NHS England’s plans to further expand services, including prescribing, through Pharmacy First. Opportunities to better connect with GP services were also discussed, the safety of pharmacists, particularly when working in the evenings, as well as the increasing support they give to people with mental health needs.

These issues raised at the September meeting will inform the key themes for discussion at the Summit on 15 November.

Attendees at the initial meeting also heard about some recent successes, including the important role pharmacy is playing in delivering flu and COVID vaccinations, and how Portsmouth pharmacies are leading the way in offering a national pilot of an oral contraception service.

The Summit is being hosted by Portsmouth City Council, with support from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, working together as Health and Care Portsmouth.

Source: London Assembly

• Mayor calls on Government to do more to tackle the cost-of-living crisis as shocking stats show that ahead of winter, 45 per cent of low income Londoners, and half of all disabled Londoners (50 per cent) are already using less water, energy or fuel to help them manage living costs
• The Mayor’s £3.5m free holiday meals programme is helping around 500,000 free meals to be delivered this October half-term alone
• Sadiq’s emergency funding has already helped hundreds of thousands of Londoners with more than 7m meals being given out to help low-income families during school holidays and at weekends since April

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has warned of the severe pressures facing Londoners this winter as he urged Government to urgently step forward and do more to tackle the growing cost-of-living crisis.

Around half a million free meals are being delivered to Londoners this October half-term thanks to funding from the Mayor, but the latest shocking stats highlight the strain that Londoners are already facing ahead of the winter with charities facing ‘unprecedented need’.

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting Londoners disproportionately, with the latest City Hall polling showing that 45 per cent of Londoners with a total household income of lower than £20,000 and 50 per cent of disabled Londoners are already using less water, energy or fuel to help them manage living costs.

New polling also shows:

• One in five Londoners say they are ‘financially struggling’ (21 per cent), but this rises to more than one in three (39 per cent) for Londoners who have a total household income lower than £20,000, social renters (37 per cent) and Black Londoners (36 per cent), with one in three disabled Londoners (33 per cent) financially struggling.
• Of those Londoners who are financially struggling, more than one in four (29 per cent) are going without essentials and more than two-thirds (67 per cent) are buying less food and essentials.

This comes as research from The Felix Project has shown that one in four working parents in London have skipped meals or not bought food for themselves to ensure their children can eat, while the Trussell Trust has forecast that more than 600,000 people in the UK will depend on food bank support from December until February next year.

In April the Mayor stepped forward with a £3.5m emergency free holiday meals programme to provide around 10m free meals to hundreds of thousands of Londoners during school holidays and at weekends over 12 months. Half a million meals are expected to be given out this October half-term alone, totalling more than 7m meals since April to help low-income families struggling with the soaring cost of living.

Sadiq’s support has expanded the work of the Mayor’s Fund for London and The Felix Project, and is enabling charities and grassroots organisations to reach hundreds of thousands of struggling families through a variety of programmes at community hubs and centres across London.

During term-time, up to 287,000 primary school children at London’s state primary schools are benefitting from the Mayor’s unprecedented £135m free school meals programme to help Londoners struggling with the cost of living. Sadiq is also investing £3.46bn into building the genuinely affordable homes Londoners need and £400m on skills and employment programmes to support Londoners to find more secure work. This is in addition to more than £80m to help those struggling with the rising cost of living to tackle fuel poverty, supporting private renters, connecting Londoners to welfare advice and tackling food insecurity.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m hugely concerned about the impact that winter will have on Londoners who are already struggling due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Charities are seeing huge demand on their services with families already worrying about how to both eat and heat their homes. I’m proud to be providing half a million free meals this October half-term to lower income families and will continue to do all I can to support Londoners as we build a fairer London all, but we urgently need the Government to do more. We need Ministers to use their powers to ensure children aren’t going hungry and help those in need to get through the winter.”

Jade Harris, Head of Programmes, Food and Communities at Mayor’s Fund for London, said: “We know this winter will be an extremely tough time for families. This half term, the Mayor’s funding is delivering almost 500,000 meals through our partnership, but the brutal reality is we’ve had requests to provide three times that number of meals. The same was true in the Easter and Summer holidays this year. London’s food crisis is deepening and the unprecedented need for support across our network and partners continues to grow, with the cost of living and household bills adding increasing financial pressures. This funding ensures the Mayor’s Fund for London continues delivering cooked meals to young people attending our Kitchen Social hubs whilst also providing families with nutritious, low cook recipe kits to alleviate the pressure of food insecurity at home during the school holiday.”

Rachel Ledwith, Head of Community Engagement at The Felix Project said: “We know so many families are set to struggle with the high costs of living this winter. We recently found one in ten have less than £20 a week, after paying all their bills, to buy food. That’s less than £3 a day to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is why it is so vital The Felix Project, working with The Mayor’s Fund for London and the Mayor is doing it all it can to help. These meals not only reduce the pressures on family food budgets but will ensure children are getting a hot healthy meal during their school break.”

Christian Johnson, Hub Leader at CEF Lyncx in Lambeth, said: “Many of the young people accessing our provision face a range of complex and interconnecting needs – cognitive and learning, social and emotional, sensory, and physical. It’s very clear that children and young people with SEND are overlooked in service provision, and the impact of Covid and now Cost of Living has made life even tougher for their families. Through the Mayor’s Fund Kitchen Social programme, we’ve been able to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the families to eat and take part in activities together. It’s also supported some much-needed respite time for families and created an inclusive space for their children to interact as equals with other.

Boutayna Reguibi, Hub Leader at Dalgarno Trust in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Being part of Kitchen Social has allowed us to receive additional food so we can support families beyond our hub. The Take and Make boxes, and Heat and Eat meals from the Felix Project have been a massive support to us in offering a wraparound food service, and really reduced the stress on parents and carers at home during the school holidays.”

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s care-experienced young people kicked off celebrations in style at a football match organised by a team of social care practitioners.

Supporting your futures week is a Portsmouth City Council initiative that recognises the achievements of care-experienced young people, encouraging them to learn new skills and form friendships.

The football match is part of a series of activities across the week that ends with music and entertainment at the top of Spinnaker Tower.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

“It was a pleasure to meet everyone before kick-off and to speak with team members who organised the activity. They are passionate about giving their young people the very best opportunities in life, ensuring they have fun and make friends along the way.

“Our young people deserve the very best support as they move towards independence. This week helps them form friendships early in life and learn new skills. Football is a great way to work together and build connections.”

The football match was organised by a team of personal advisors which included Dan Sibley, who works in the supporting your futures team. Dan has played football since childhood and is a huge fan of the sport.

Dan said:

“I’m excited to be able to share a passion of mine with young people. Sport brings people together and helps promote health and wellbeing.

“Care-experienced young people deserve every opportunity to celebrate who they are in a safe and nurturing environment. While we give support throughout the year, weeks like this enables us to come together and do something special.”

Joe Afrifa who lives in Portsmouth and took part in the football match shared his views on the celebrations. Joe said:

“When my personal advisor told me about the football match, I was interested in coming along. It’s a good opportunity to meet new people that I haven’t played with before. I’m not sure I will become a professional footballer but it’s a hobby I really love and what to do more of.”

Supporting your futures week runs from 23 – 30 October for young people who are under the care of Portsmouth City Council children’s services. For more information on the week, visit www.strongerfutures.co.uk/yourfuture

Source: City of York

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Mayor hopes gifting Boccia sets will encourage physical activity and participation among elderly

24 October 2023

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, has gifted Boccia kits to each District Electoral Area in the Council area to allow older people to avail of the game’s benefits.

The kits will be used in Western Health and Social Care Trust Day Centres with the intention of encouraging physical activity and participation among those who attend.

Boccia is a ball game, similar to bowls, which can be played by two, three or four players who aim to get their ball closest to a jack.

Launching the initiative this week at the Foyle Arena, Mayor Logue expressed her hope that the kits would yield health and wellbeing benefits for those who use them.

“I am delighted to be able to fund these kits which will go into the Day Centre of each of our DEAs and give users the opportunity to play this game,” she said.

“Boccia has been proven to help planning and coordination skills among older people and it can be particularly helpful for those with a dementia diagnosis.

“I hope playing this game will bring people together to relax and socialise and encourage sports participation among older people in our City and District.”

This week’s launch was part of Council’s month long programme of events for Positive Ageing Month which included information events for older people to learn more about the services and support available to them.

Council’s Sports Development Team will provide Boccia training in Day Centres across the Council area to allow them to host the games and events themselves.

Boccia players from around the City and District will come together for a competition in the Foyle Arena after the initiative is rolled out.

For more on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Age Friendly initiatives visit derrystrabane.com/community/age-friendly

 

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Parents invited to learn more about available support with registered childcare and benefits

24 October 2023

Local parents are being offered the opportunity to find out about their entitlement to financial support with registered childcare costs and any other benefits they may be entitled to at a drop in clinic in the Holywell Trust in Derry.

The drop in clinic on Wednesday November 15th is being hosted by the Employers For Childcare who will have a Family Benefits Advisor in attendance to give free and confidential advice to parents and carers on accessing help towards registered childcare costs.

The Advisor will carry out benefit entitlement checks to ensure people are aware of all the financial support they are entitled to and how to apply for it.

A spokesperson for Employers For Childcare said the event is a useful way for working parents, or those considering moving into work, to learn more about their own personal eligibility for support.

“Many people don’t realise that even if they are working they may still be entitled to financial help,” he said.

“Whether it’s a first-time parent wanting to know what support is available, someone considering altering their hours of work or a family member living with a disability or additional needs, the advisor will be available to work out what is best for each individual circumstances.”

The benefits covered include support for working parents towards registered childcare costs through Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare and Tax Credits.

In addition, as many households are receiving notification of having to move to Universal Credit, the advisor can also check how moving from existing benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits and sickness or disability benefits could affect household entitlement.

The drop in clinic will take place from 10am – 2pm on Wednesday November 15^th at Holywell Trust, 10 Bishop Street Derry and no registration is necessary.

For more information on childcare and parental benefits visit www.employersforchildcare.org or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.

 

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Council issues advice ahead of Derry Halloween celebrations

24 October 2023

With just a week to go until Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival, people are being asked to check out the traffic and travel information ahead of their visit to ensure they avoid any unnecessary delays or diversions.
With over 100,000 visitors expected to share in the celebrations over the course of the four day festival, running from October 28th – 31st, a range of measures will be introduced to keep everything running smoothly for everyone. These include road closures, parking restrictions and some diversions, so it’s best to plan ahead to ensure motorists have easy access to all the events.
These arrangements will also ensure the safe delivery of the event, and everyone is being asked to follow the directions of stewards and police.
Motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions in the City Centre during the four nights of the event. From Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th, and Monday October 30th City Centre Road Closures will operate from 2pm until 10pm in the following areas. All times are approximate, but road closures and diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to ensure safety.

Road Closures:
Bank Place, Union Hall Street, Magazine Street, Magazine Street Upper, Butcher Street, Shipquay Street, Ferryquay Street, Bishop Street within, Palace Street, Pump Street, The Diamond, London Street, Pump Street, Artillery Street, Fountain Street. No City Centre on-street parking with exception of Shipquay Street until 11am.

Car Park Closures 28th October – 1st November:
•    Bishop Street Car Park will close to general parking to accommodate motorhome parking  
•    Foyle Street Carpark
•    Ebrington Car Park is currently closed to facilitate the Cullens Amusements and will remain closed until November 7th

Saturday October 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th
•    Society Street Car Park 
•    Victoria Market Car Park (accessible only Car parking)
Tuesday October 31st
•    Queens Quay and Strand Road Car Park will be closed on the 31st October.
•    Strand Road Car Park will offer accessible parking only

Car Parking availability
Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and people should avoid parking anywhere they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access. 
Parking is available at a number of locations throughout the City:
Cityside carparks – there will be extended opening hours at Foyleside Shopping Centre Car Park East, Foyleside West and Quayside Shopping Centre, please check online for timings.
Foyle Road, Magee Campus (Lawrence Hill), Carlisle Road and William Street. 
Waterside car parks – Oakgrove School, Foyle Arena, Spencer Road and Former Waterside Health Centre Car Parks.
From October 28-30 the Council Car Park on Strand Road will be open to the public. 
Fort George Car Park will be open on October 31st only for event car parking.
Victoria Market will be an accessible car park only from 28th – 30th October and will operate on a first come, first served basis. The Car Park will operate as usual on October 31st.
Strand Road Car Park will offer accessible parking only on the 31st October, also on an first come, first served basis
Halloween night itself will see the welcome return of the annual Carnival Parade which leaves the Council Car Park at 7pm. The parade is followed by a dazzling drone display at 8.15pm, followed by the Halloween Fireworks Finale at 8.30pm. 
Viewing for the drone display, the first to be held in N. Ireland, is best from the Harbour Square Roundabout to Queen’s Quay roundabout. There will be no visibility from the Waterside. The fireworks can be viewed from the Harbour Square Roundabout right down to the Fort George Science Park.
Please note that in the interests of health and safety, the Peace Bridge will be closed from 7pm on Tuesday October 31st in advance of the display, reopening at 8.45pm.
A quiet space will be available in the Guildhall each day from 12noon – 9pm (10pm 31st), and parents and carers can also pick up ID Me safety wrist bands at the Guildhall information point. 
For anyone with accessibility requirements, a full guide to available support is available here – https://derryhalloween.com/about/accessibility/
Translink will run additional services to the city centre throughout the event. For information on Translink bus and rail services to and from the city go to https://www.translink.co.uk/
Festival and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said it was important for people to check out the latest event information online. “We are expecting huge crowds for this year’s festivities so I want to appeal to people to prepare in advance so they can get the most from their visit. Regular updates will be posted on the Derry Halloween and Council social media platforms.
“If possible we would advise using public transport to avoid the hassle of parking – we do have lots of public car parking but with the anticipated crowds a space isn’t guaranteed. I would recommend downloading our Derry Halloween app – this will give you the lowdown on all that’s going on and all the information you need to plan your journey.
“I would appeal to everyone to please follow the guidance of our stewards and the PSNI – they are there to keep the event running smoothly and everyone safe. We are so looking forward to the event this year but we need everyone to play their part and help us deliver a safe and enjoyable celebration.”
Derry Halloween is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism Northern Ireland, BT and The Executive Office.
You can find all the details about traffic and travel and the full programme on derryhalloween.com