CCS Thatch Spring Bulletin 2023

Thatch Thatch Bulletin Bulletin

AT THE HEART OF SOMERSET'S COMMUNITIES

Welcome to the Spring Thatch Bulletin

With the colder months behind us, it has been a busy winter for CCS; working with communities, individuals, groups and partners to tackle the winter energy crisis. The good news is that the government have now opened the online portal for the remaining 900,000 households who have yet to claim their £400 energy discount (see page 2).

In this issue...

Hear from our CEO

New Ukrainian Welcome Hubs Community Buildings Membership

Renewal

Somerset Social Enterprise Updates

Somerset Diverse Communities New Conversation Club

Upcoming Events

Smart Communities Diversity Blog

and much more from all the CCS teams!

Happy reading!

Hear from our CEO

Whilst we have been hit by the latest cold snap, it has not put off the crocuses and daffodils pushing through, which I'm delighting in as I take my dog for a walk each day, a sure sign that spring is on the way.

Do not underestimate the struggles that the combination of winter and the cost of living crisis have brought to our communities in Somerset. This winter our Village Agents have distributed £50,000 in Surviving Winter grants, to support vulnerable people in paying their bills, or helping them to become more fuel efficient through providing carpets, curtains or bedding. We can only do this through the generous support of our partner, Somerset Community Foundation, and through working collaboratively with other partner agencies on the front line; they then refer someone they are worried about to our Village & Community Agent service.

Success is never just down to one person, or organisation. We know the pressures on our sector continue to increase, and I would like to thank both the CCS team, and the organisations they work with for changing – and saving – lives each day in Somerset.

We could, of course, distribute another £50,000 of grants in the current climate. If you can spare any money for our Crisis Fund, we would be grateful.

https://localgiving.org/charity/somersetcrisisfund/

BECOME A WARM SPACE

GovernmentPayments

A Million Households Can Apply for £400 Energy Rebate

Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically.

Most households get a £400 discount on their energy bills automatically. This is paid through the electricity provider, and the credit is added to your account.

In some cases, people do not get the discount automatically; for example if you: pay for energy through a landlord, housing manager or site owner live in a park home, houseboat or off the electricity grid.

If you think this could apply to you, check your eligibility here:

https://tinyurl.com/246tukaf

Applications are now being accepted for residents in Somerset!

Read about it here: https://tinyurl.com/4kfrh3t3

Ukrainian Welcome Hubs Across Somerset

Come along for advice, information and support for your move to Somerset and meet our Somerset Village and Community Agents.

Somerset Welcome Hubs:

Yeovil Community Church Hub

Wednesdays & Fridays 10 am - 12.30 pm

The Gateway, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil BA20 1QN

Agent: Fiona Baliey - 07939910052

Bridgwater Westfield Church Hub

West Street, Bridgwater TA6 7EU

Wednesdays 10 am - 2 pm

Agent: Iwona Medrala - 0793991006

Taunton Charis Hub: Mondays 10 am - 3 pm

16-17 Hammet Street, Taunton TA1 1RZ

Agent: Iwona Medrala - 07939910067

Wells Community Network Hub: Monday 10 am - 12 pm

Portway Annexe, Wells, BA5 2QF

Agent: Fiona Baliey call 07939910052

Watchet Hub: Thursdays 10 am - 4 pm

East Quay Harbour road, Watchet

Agent: Sophie Nesfield - 07939910054

Frome Hub: Thursday 12 pm - 2 pm

Frome Town Council, Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, BA11 1EB

Agent: Julie Carey Downes - 01373 468366

Community Buildings Membership Renewal

It’s almost time to renew your Community Buildings membership!

Are you a CCS Community Buildings member?

Our membership renewal is coming up this April 2023 to support your facility with advice, information and training to make your facility the best it can be. We know things have been hard for venues across the country with the winter crisis and coming out of the pandemic. Keep receiving support from the experts.

This year we will be launching our new Community Buildings Locator Map and Directory, featuring enhanced entries for CCS member halls.

££'s off training

Online access 24 hours a day in the ‘Members Only’ area of our website.

Regular e-newsletters/bulletins FREE ENTRY to Hallmark Quality Standard Scheme worth £90.

Members discounts

Access to our private Facebook Group

Membership runs from April 2023 - March 2024. To sign up or renew your membership you can either download a form:

https://ccslovesomerset.org/community-buildings/

Or complete our online form here:

https://form.jotform.com/230093551591353

Open to applications!

We are now open for applications from CCS members for Hallmark Accreditation. This national award scheme recognises good management and practice by community building management committees. The accreditation gives confidence to hall trustees and demonstrates to your local community, funders and insurers that the hall is professionally managed.

CCS member halls can apply here: https://form.jotform.com/23009361037

8352

The deadline for applications is 31st March 2023.

The Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund

Hallmark Visitors play a central role in ensuring high standards in our Somerset Village Halls. We are looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team.

Hallmark Visitors are either existing members of a hall management committee or people who have been closely involved with a hall committee in the past. A fantastic opportunity to share your knowledge and experience, visit village halls in other areas and meet new people.

For more details about the scheme, visit: www.ccslovesomerset.org/hallmark-qualitystandard/ Or contact sallys@somersetrcc.org.uk

This fund has reopened for Stage One applications until March 3rd. Demand for the fund is high, so not all eligible halls will be funded. Find out more here:

https://acre.org.uk/update-platinum-jubilee-village.../

If you are planning and fundraising for a project at your hall and you could use further support, contact us to find out how our Community Buildings Team and Smart Communities could help you.

Community Buildings Events

Save money! Manage rising energy costs

14th March, 10am-12pm

Online webinar

A free online event for community buildings and other social enterprises with guest speaker, Utility Aid.

Understanding your Safeguarding Responsibilities

23rd March, 10am – 12pm

Online webinar

Hall management committees have a duty of care to all those that enter their building, including hirers, trustees, staff and volunteers.

This free, online session offers an introduction to safeguarding for Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Successful Fundraising for Community Buildings

18th April, 10am – 12pm

Online webinar

Join us on our next Ecohalls event focused on effective fundraising for community buildings.

We will consider the current funding opportunities available and provide practical advice on how to make your application stand out against the competition. Funded by The Princes Countryside Fund.

Women’s Conversation Club - Glastonbury

Our new Women's Conversation Club is going well at St Benedict's Church in Glastonbury. English learners have been practicing talking about topics such as schools, exercise and health - but mostly about food!

We use pictures and games to learn new words and then use them to practice typical scenarios in UK life. It’s a place to socialise and chat with other women and children are welcome too. There are some new experiences coming up, with a mosaic workshop and badminton session next month - probably a good idea to burn off some of the cake we've been eating!

If you are interested in practising your spoken English feel free to come along, Wednesdays 12 pm - 2 pm.

Meet new friends

Practice your English

Women only

Children welcome

If you have any questions, please get in touch with jusna@somersetrcc.org.uk or call 07946 461544

Venue:

St Benedict's church

29 Benedict Street

Glastonbury

BA6 9NB

NEWwebinarsavailableonline

WorldReligionDay

ReligiousHateCrime

The Somerset Interfaith and Belief Network has grown into a diverse group of individuals who have participated in a number of online events; World Religion Day and a webinar on Religious Hate Speech marking UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The 2021 Census revealed the changing face of our nation. The purpose of interfaith/belief dialogue is to engage with people with views and positions different from our own and to start conversations of mutual respect. SDC talk about faith and belief in Somerset in 2023, so we can understand and connect with our neighbours

Hate Crime has risen by 26% from 2021 – 2022 with 42% targeted at Muslims and 23% at Jews. Meet our guest speaker Martha Anachury de Bruxelles, from Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI), and engage in a roundtable discussion about understanding and combating this increasing problem.

Including Q&A's with the Home Office looking at issues that arise in migrant faith communities.

These have been important conversations to have in Somerset and we hope to continue to hold more online events.

Watch this space!

To watch back our webinars visit: www.ccslovesomerset.org/somerset-diverse-communities/

Comm futureplanYour unityReview

CallingallParish/TownCouncilsinSomerset,haveyougotanup-to-date CommunityPlan?

TheSmartCommunitiesteamhaveproducedaFREEToolkitpackedwithAdviceSheets andTemplatestosupportyourcommunityplanjourneyfromstarttofinish.

WhyconductaCommunityPlan?

Acommunityplansetsouthowlocalresidentswouldliketoseetheirlocalareachangein thefuture.Itsetsout:alongtermvisionforthecommunity,developedbythecommunity.

visit:www.smartcommunities.online/community-review/ Forfurtherinformationpleasecontactkatherine@somersetrcc.org.uk

New Diversity Blog

The Smart Communities Blog is now available - The Diversity Challenge!

Gail McCarthy from the Smart Team has started a conversation about how we can create more space within our governing structures for more diverse lived experiences, enabling meaningful contributions and more participation from the communities we work with.

Smart Communities are looking for new Directors to join the board!

This is your chance to make a difference in communities across Somerset.

Smart Communities are particularly keen to hear from those who have:

lived experience of diversity challenges may have come to Somerset from another country have a connection or interest in Somerset have knowledge and experience related to the work we do

This is the first step that will help you to decide if Smart Communities is what you want to contribute your experiences and skills to.

You will:

provide your experience, knowledge, and skills to the Board of Directors for Smart Communities make a real difference to Somerset and individuals in our wonderful county join a welcoming and encouraging board that brings people and services together for community benefit be problem solving the issues facing communities giving back to your community whilst improving lives gain new skills and experiences that can further your career and ambition

Smart Communities Chair of Directors Gary Francis said:

"Diversity in our organisation is about recognising, respecting and valuing our differences. A diverse organisation has been shown to be better at innovating, problem solving and decision making and is better placed to recruit more skilled employees. Our Board of Directors needs to do more to reflect this diversity and reap its benefits."

If you want to find out more and have an informal chat, please contact Smart Communities Manager Jane Birch at jane@somersetrcc.org

If you have the drive, energy, passion, and commitment you will need to attend:

6 board meetings a year during working hours (Employee supported volunteering may be available in your workplace) additional contributions are encouraged for Strategic Planning days, occasional training, and attendance at other events on an ad hoc basis

Start networking with other like-minded individuals and organisations

SSEN is the home for social enterprises in Somerset. The Network is a growing movement of people involved in developing stronger local economies, creating jobs, creating local wealth and assets, improving the quality of life, and helping people work together for mutual benefit rather than private profit.

Connect with other similar people and organisations in Somerset, access free events, training, resources and advice. Join over 300 members (at all stages of development) and supporters of social enterprise.

You can currently enjoy free networking and workshops and coming soon… a member resources areas with support and information.

To follow, like and interact with the network visit:

or contact enhancesen@somersetrcc.org.uk

Member Events

All workshops and networking events are free to attend, thanks to funded support from Somerset’s four District Councils.

Save Money!

14th March

Find out more about the new Government Energy Bills Discount Scheme for businesses and eligibility. Check if your energy bills are accurate and identify billing errors. How to save costs and be ‘greener’ and where to go for further support and help. Utility Aid, the largest energy broker in the UK not for profit sector will give advice and answer your questions.

Stepping Out

Stepping Out unlocks the potential of adults with learning disabilities. Experienced and specialist staff offer bespoke education and offer provide young people (members) work experience, volunteering, life skills, mental well-being, social and leisure opportunities, including qualifications.

Their hub for micro-enterprises provides supported employment. Mowability provides grounds maintenance services, Bakeability is a bread baking and catering business and Createability sells art, craft and upcycled products. Members choose a role based on their skills and preferences, such as marketing (preparing advertising materials and order forms), Catering (making the bread and cakes to sell in the Bakeability cafe) or Operations (serving customers, handling money and delivering the bread). The handmade sustainable decorations pictured were made by members and sold local Christmas fairs.

Profits are split equally between re-investment into the micro-enterprises and funding for the members themselves to spend on outings, activities or resources of their choice, helping them to understand the financial purpose of employment and be motivated to join the world of work.

Caring for our community

Following on from the successful launch of the Somerset Micro-Enterprise Support project, our Enterprise Advisors are now also offering advice and signposting for those looking for employed or voluntary roles within local community care and support services.

Whether you're looking for the first step on your career path or coming back to care work, thinking about a change of direction or looking for a role that's more meaningful. We can...

Micro-Provider

Support and Advice

Wearelookingforpeoplewho providecareandsupportservices suchas:

CareSupervisor

Maintenance

CareAssistant

SeniorSupportWorker

DeputyManager

Micro-Provider

DayCareSupportWorker

ActivityCoordinator

CareHomeManager

ReablementWorker

NursingSupportWorker

introduceyoutothepeoplewhocan helpyougetstarted

provideinformationaboutthe optionsopentoyou offeradvice,supportand guidanceuntilyoufindtherightrole foryou.

Start your career in care and support today!

Chef

DomiciliaryCarer

HealthCareAssistant

HouseKeeper

Volunteer

andmore....

Events near you

Our Enterprise Advisors, Cat and Claire are regularly out and about across Somerset.

We have now added an events calendar to our webpage, making it easier for you to find out when they are going to be in your area. Scan the QR code below to view calendar.

Whether you're looking to start-up a new micro-enterprise, running an existing one or would rather find an employed or voluntary role. Please do come and talk to us.

Micro-Provider Support and Advice

Ongoing support for Micro-Providers

A number of existing Micro-Providers will need to resubmit their documents to be re-accredited. We are here to support existing Micro-Providers as well. If you have questions about renewing your accreditation or running your micro-enterprise, please get in touch.

Cat Sweatman (west of M5) 07746 340546

cat@somersetrcc.org.uk

Claire Searle (east of M5) 07939 910046

claires@somersetrcc.org.uk

Absolutely fantastic that you got in touch. It's very reassuring to know there is someone I can come to.

Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation

Grants for young people aged 11-24 years

The aim of The Bishop Fox’s Educational Foundation (BFEF) is to promote the education of young people through a grant scheme.

Grants for young people from or going to school in Taunton.

School uniform grant

Capital grants for schools & youth organisations.

2023 GRANT DEADLINES

13th March 2023

29th May 2023

21st August 2023

30th October 2023

For full details of the grant scheme visit: www.bfef.org.uk or Contact Sarah on saraho@somersetrcc.org.uk

IjustwanttoreiteratehowthankfulIamforthebursaryof£550for thepurchaseformylaptopandprinter.Thesupportprovidedbythe BishopFoxesEducationalFundhasallowedmetoexcel tremendouslythroughoutmyfirstyearatuniversityresultinginan averageof70%acrosssevenmodules,withoutthissupportIbelieve myeducationalsuccesswouldnotbepossible.Thishasbeenlife changingforme.

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Mendip Team

Find your Local Agent

Nic Edwards: Frome & surrounding areas

Bella Lapwood: Wells & surrounding areas

John Lapwood: Evercreech & surrounding areas

Jackie Hayes: Glastonbury & surrounding areas

Tina Hazelhurst: Shepton Mallet & surrounding areas

For all our Village Agents contact details visit: www.somersetagents.org/find-an-agent/

Quilts and Christmas boxes

Over the Christmas period, the Agents delivered many gifts and extra goodies. Nic visited Wesley church to donate bags of baby and children's clothes for their clothes exchange.

Tina visited and dropped off some donations and had a chat with Dave Hall at the Baptist church and delivered some lovely handmade quilts.

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

South Somerset Team

HaveyouregisteredwithaChardorIlminster GPsurgery?

DoyouknowthatyourlocalVillageAgentisholding monthlydrop-insessionsineachofthesurgeries?

IfyouwouldliketomeetyourVillageAgentthen pleasedocallinforaninformalchat.

Chard,ArielHealthcare,ForeStreet: 1stTuesdayofthemonth,10am-12noon

Chard,ArielHealthcare,StMary's: 2ndTuesdayofthemonth,10am-12noon

Ilminster,ChurchViewMedicalCentre,Broadway: 1stTuesdayofthemonth,10am-12noon

Ilminster,TheMeadowsSurgery: 1stTuesdayofthemonth,1pm-3pm

Ilminster,SummervaleMedicalCentre: LastFridayofthemonth,10am-12noon

ThePathwayto Independence-from age16intoadulthood

SilverLiningprovideawidevarietyofpathwaysto independenceandemployment,thedetailsof whicharespecificallytailoredtotherealistic ambitionsandneedsoftheyoungpersonandhave aclearfocusonpreparingstudentswithSENfor independentwork.

www.silverlininginternships.co.uk/

Our Village and Community Agents were thrilled to be able to distribute these beautiful, cosy hand crafted blankets to our most vulnerable clients. We were fortunate to have been offered a donation of new toys and gifts from the WI and Kingsbury Episcopi church which we were able to deliver to client’s ready for winter months.

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Sedgemoor Team

Our Village and Community Agents were very busy over the festive holiday delivering generous donations to our clients within the community.

From beautifully made patchwork lap quilts (made by a local sewing group) blankets from the Foodbank, festive delights from a local butchers shop, shoe boxes filled with gifts from the WI, to a fully a decorated Christmas Tree! The Jubilee Rooms Community Centre in Stogursey gratefully received the Christmas tree to add some festive cheer.

With colder weather approaching and the cost of living increasing, laptop quilts were gratefully received by members of the Berrow Community Café & Hub at the Festive lunch.

THREENEWTALKINGCAFES

In January, Village Agent, Kim Wilcox was invited to the Mulberry Centre to collect bags filled with winter warmer items to distribute to our clients in need. These bags were donated to the Mulberry Centre.

WorkingalongsideVillagesTogether&HomesinSedgemooratthe BithamWalkCommunityHall, Woolavington weeklyfrom(11am–1pm)attheirWarmWoollyWednesdays.

StJohn’sBaptistChurchin Axbridge,Monday’s(10.30am-12.30pm)

StPeter&AllHallowsChurch, WestHuntspill,1stMondayofthe month(10.30am-12pm).

AllourTalkingCafescanbefoundat: www.somersetagents.org/talking-cafes/

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Taunton Team

Bishops Lydeard Steam Train Winter Lights

We were able to offer 80 carers and 40 cared for people a free train ride, hot drink and cookie and a goodie bag to our Winter Lights steam train event, the perfect opportunity to meet more members of the caring community.

On 2nd December 2022 we welcomed everyone with their goodie bags and toys (for children of carers). Everyone enjoyed meeting with each other over their hot drinks and cookies before being shown onto the train. Once on the train we gave enjoyed some mince pies whilst being able to sit, see the lights with many carers making new friends and swapping contact details to keep in touch.

A perfect start to the Christmas season and again a treat for those who most deserve it. We had some wonderful words of thanks and met some truly inspiring people.

We are actively looking to support carers around the locality.

Please do come and join us for coffee and chat at one of the 13 ‘Talking Cafes’ in the Taunton district - there are over 30 across the whole of Somerset!

Find all our Talking Cafes here: www.somersetagents.org/talking-cafes/ or call 01823 331222 for more information.

Somerset Carers

Wehavehadanexcitingstartto2023,collaborating withtheNEWSomersetDementiaWellbeingService, bringingtogetherallsupportandservicesforthosewith DementiaandtheirCarersunderone'roof'.

Joinusandover20other organisationsataroadshow nearyou!

TherewillalsobefreeaccesstotheVirtualDementia Toursimulatorfrom12.15pm-13.45pm,offeringa chancetoseehowitmightfeeltolivewithdementia.

www.somersetcarers.org/news/dementia-wellbeing-roadshow/

We haveupdatedour CarersGroups pagewhichnow includesasearchablemapand2023calendar,soyou caneasilyfindyourlocalgrouptoattend,andmeet otherswhocarefortheirlovedonesforafriendlychat, cupofteaandabreakfromyourcaringresponsibilities.

www.somersetcarers.org/carers-groups/

Have you seen newsletter for Carers?

Wordsearches and quizzes

Apps to help you

Book recommendations

Courses and training

Recipes

Focus on topics such as Dementia and well-being

Packed with advice, tips and more for Carers in Somerset such as: Visit

www.somersetcarers.org/register/

Somerset Moves is the new activity finder for Somerset, providing people with an easy way to search and book activities online.

With advancing technology, this new finder (launched early 2023) uses 'open data' to create an easier online experience for people.

It is important to keep it simple as studies have shown 1 in 5 adults have been put off doing a sport or physical activity because it was too difficult to find or book online.

SASP want to make it as easy to book a tennis court, as it is to book a hotel. If you would like to find out more about how to have your sessions promoted through the activity finder as well as the benefits to your organisation, you can find out more

Have you listened to Have you listened to Somerset Activity & Sports Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership’s Partnership’s NEW Podcast, "Somerset Moves" NEW Podcast, "Somerset Moves"

Each episode features different projects on Each episode features different projects on offer, organisations across the county, local offer, organisations across the county, local support and advice, personal experiences, as support and advice, personal experiences, as well as information on how to get you moving well as information on how to get you moving more, in your own way! more, in your own way!

You can listen to the latest episode here: You can listen to the latest episode here: www.somersetmovespodcast.buzzsprout.com www.somersetmovespodcast.buzzsprout.com

Did you know you can take part in SASP challenges with your work colleagues, community groups, friends and family or challenge yourself.Create an account and track your progress here.

https://www.saspchallenges.co.uk/

Share your photos/videos with them using #GetOutsideStepChallenge and tagging us @GetOutsideSomerset.

For more inspiration for activities in Somerset, please visit www.getoutsideinsomerset.co.uk/

Crisis Fund

OurCCSAgentsworkwithpeoplewho findthemselvesinsituationsno-one shouldbein–withoutfood,heating,basic essentialsoratalife-changingmomentin theirlives,butpovertyoroverwhelmis preventingthemfrommovingforward.

People in crisis.

Somerset

Crisis Fund

OurCrisisFundallowsAgentstoaccess fundstopayforthingstogetpeopleOUTof crisisandhelpmaketheirlivesinstantly better.

Weareindesperateneedoffundsforthe CrisisFundastheunprecedenteddemand hasdepletedourreserves.

Crisis Fund is not a cash grant, but allows for goods or services to be paid for.

It is NOT means tested, and is given at the discretion of the Village or Community Agent finding the need.

Make a real difference to people's lives

If you love Somerset, please support the people and communities who live in the County by donating to our Crisis Fund.

You can donate directly to our Crisis Fund via our Local Giving page.

https://localgiving.org/charity/somersetcrisisfund/

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