CCS Thatch Winter Bulletin 2022

AT THE HEART OF SOMERSET'S COMMUNITIES

Welcome

to the Winter Thatch Bulletin

This year's cost of living crisis will impact us all, and communities, facilities, enterprises, businesses. Our CCS teams are working hard to help prepare you and your committees to face the winter ahead.

In this issue...

New Warm Welcome project from Spark Somerset & a comprehensive directory of funders to fund a warm space from Smart Communities.

Urgent energy advice for Community Buildings.

#ShopSocial with Somerset Social Enterprise Network

Resources - Community Review Toolkit

Micro-Provider support - six months in Passionate about education opportunitiescould you be a trustee?

Happy reading!

Could you host a 'Warm Space'?

Warm Welcome spaces are open to anyone struggling with the cost of living this winter. They offer a warm, safe, welcoming place where people can enjoy a hot drink and some company.

If you are looking to open up your hall further for your community this winter, you can now sign up with Spark Somerset to become a Warm Welcome space here: www.sparksomerset.org.uk/warm-welcome

On this page you’ll find the information you’ll need to decide if this is something you would like to offer. This includes a sign up form, information for potential venues detailing support available and some FAQ’s.

If you are looking for financial support for your Warm Welcome Space, you can download a list of funding sources from the CCS website here:

http://www.warmwelcomesomerset.org.uk/

Hurry, could you nominate our Charity for the 12 Days of giving draw - allowing us to WIN £1,000!

Anyone can nominate us employees, volunteers, clients, and anyone who has worked with us.

The draw takes place from the 1st to the 12th of December, so time is of the essence. Please nominate us today and complete the online form! Click the link:

CCS Community Buildings Conference: A Warm Welcome!

The CCS Annual Community Buildings Conference 2022 took place in Merriott Village Hall in November. The event was themed on providing a ‘Warm Welcome’ this winter and was a ‘sell out’, with well over 60 delegates attending.

Jenny Hannis from Spark Somerset outlined the support available for halls looking to open Warm Welcome spaces this winter, where local people can find warmth, company and support. John Bowman from Merriott Village Hall Committee gave a fascinating talk about the history of the hall and the steps the committee have taken to save energy in this historic building, resulting in them halving their energy use. Lunch was provided by local social enterprise, Ark at Egwood, and attendees had a chance to chat to exhibitors including funders, service providers and energy consultants.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Norris and Fisher Insurance Broker Ltd, Utility Aid and Hallmaster.

EdingtonVillageHall

WoolavingtonVillageHall

Community Buildings

Hallmark Accreditation

Hallmark success for 14 halls!

Congratulations to the 14 community buildings that have achieved Hallmark accreditation this year.

Developed by CCS, and now a nationally recognised award, Hallmark awards recognise good management and practice by the Community Building Management Committee. Four of these halls achieved Hallmark 3, the highest award.

The certificates were awarded at the Community Buildings Conference on November 17. Hallmark will reopen for applications in January 2023.

Hallmark One: Comeytrowe Community Hall; Corton Denham Village Hall; Curry Rivel Village Hall; East Brent Village Hall; North Newton Village Hall.

Hallmark Two: Blackford Reading Room; Charlton Horethorne Village Hall; Thurloxton Village Hall; Wedmore Village Hall; Woolavington Village Hall.

Hallmark Three: Caryford Community Hall; Edington Village Hall; Oake Village Hall; Timberscombe Village Hall.

Three halls were also selected by our Hallmark Visitors for a Certificate of Excellence. Congratulations to Timberscombe Village Hall, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall and Thurloxton Village Hall for achieving this award.

CaryfordVillageHall

NorthNewtonVillageHall

Ecohalls project

Take a look at our environmental resources for community buildings here https://ccslovesomerset.org/environmental-futureproofing-your-community-building/

Here you can find a range of resources to help you save energy and make other environmental improvements, including information sheets, funding sourcesm,case studies, events and useful links. Twelve community buildings have now received professional energy audits from Inspired Efficiency, which will help them to prioritise and implement energy saving measures in their buildings. Let us know if you need advice or support on reducing energy in your hall, or with fundraising to make environmental improvements. www.ccslovesomerset.org/environmental-futureproofing-your-community-building/

Urgentenergyadviceforcommunity buildingsthiswinter

Thecurrentenergycrisisishavingaprofoundimpactonmanyvillageandcommunityhalls. Tohelpruralcommunitybuildingsstayopenthiswinter,ACREandUtilityAidhave preparedsomeurgentadvicetohelpthevolunteerswhomanagethesebuildingssave energyandstayontopofenergybills.

Visit: www.acre.org.uk/urgent-energy-advice-for-village-halls/

Join us as a Hallmark Visitor

We are looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team of Hallmark Visitors for 2023. 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, to visit village halls in other areas and to meet new people. You may even pick up some good tips to take back to your own hall!

Comm futureplanYour unityReview

24 Town and Parish Councils across Somerset were successful in their application to be part of the Community Review Project to create or refresh their Community Plans. Thanks to additional funding we were able to offer this support to 24 Councils (10 more than originally planned).

The Councils are now working with their communities to:

pull together Steering groups with representatives from across their communities create a Marketing and Communication Plans to keep the community informed consider the topics they will consult their community about.

The plans will support Parish and Town Councils to be able to engage with the new Somerset Council though its Local Community Networks with a clear understanding of their residents’ views and priorities. In addition, the Councils will also have a clear understanding of the needs and any changes in their communities as a result of the Covid Pandemic, as well as ensuring that their communities are healthy, sustainable and fulfilling places to live.

The Community Plans will be completed by some of the 24 communities by 31st March 2023 and others by 30th June 2023.

Parish and Town Councils who did not take up the offer of support through the Community Review Project can benefit from the Toolkit which is being created alongside the project. As new Advice Sheets and Templates are created, they are added to the website – so if your community is interested, please visit: www.smartcommunities.online/community-review/

For further information please contact katherine@somersetrcc.org.uk

Funded by on behalf of

Community focused consultancy

Smart Communities Grant opportunities

Grant scheme aiming to help small and micro businesses start their journey towards net zero.

Sedgemoor and Somerset West & Taunton District Council are opening a new grant scheme aiming to help small and micro businesses start their journey towards net zero.

There are many ways in which businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, from reducing waste (by re-using and recycling) to limiting energy use at night and replacing fuel-powered vehicles with electric cars and bikes.

The Councils will provide a small grant (up to £2,500) towards improvements or changes that can demonstrate a clear impact on the business' energy efficiency and carbon footprint.

All businesses, no matter how big or small, can start acting now to reduce their carbon emissions by calculating their carbon footprint and developing a decarbonisation strategy and action plan.

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.

New enterprise

Loveable is a brand new social enterprise offering a much needed friendship and dating service for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

They will be hosting regular socials to help reduce the social isolation that many people face and inject some fun into the community! Loveable are really passionate about advocacy, empowerment and education. They are offering workshops and training around topics such as forming close relationships, safe sex and sexuality. These will be offered to individuals, families and carers and support staff.

MemberSpotlight Somerset's amazing social enterprises

1 in 10 UK small businesses is a social enterprise and Somerset has some really amazing social enterprises. A social enterprise is a business that’s there to do more than just make profit. It’s there to do some good in their community or perhaps make lasting change through an environmental or heritage project.

But don’t take our word for it… hear what some of our members are doing. www.smartcommunities.online/meet-the-

Get in touch with sayhey@loveable.org.uk or visit their website: www.loveable.org.uk/

Earlier this year the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) launched the Somerset Micro-Enterprise Support service. This service was established to increase the capacity, variety and sustainability of small support enterprises (Micro-Providers) in Somerset. Our aim is to ensure that people have access to a real choice of local, flexible support and services to improve their lives.

Here are some of the headlines from our first six months:

Our Enterprise Advisors, Cat and Claire took part in a Talking Café LIVE where they discussed what a Micro-Provider is, what is involved in gaining accreditation and how they can support you through the process.

All of our Talking Café LIVES are available to listen to again - click here to catch up if you missed it and please share with anyone you think might be interested. If you are already a Micro-Provider and would like to gain accreditation or have an idea for a support service, you can talk directly with either of our Advisors who will be more than happy to help: Cat Sweatman (west of M5) 07746 340546 cat@somersetrcc.org.uk Claire Searle (east of M5) 07939 910046 claires@somersetrcc.org.uk

Could you be a trustee?

Are you passionate about education and can spare a few hours a month to support a local charity?

Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation aims to improve educational opportunities for young people in Taunton, Somerset. They provide financial help to individuals, or organisations that support young people, with connections to the former Borough of Taunton Deane.

Grants can be used for:

Music

Other arts

Physical activity

Educational resources

Purchase of school uniform

Capital resources for schools/organisations.

They are looking for two new volunteer trustees to join the Board to play an important role in helping to review and make decisions on grant applications, as well as monitor the impact of grants awarded.

During 2020/21 grants to the value of over £150,000 were awarded to students, schools and organisations supporting young people within Taunton, creating a legacy of achievement and opportunity.

For more details and how to apply, please visit: www.bfef.org.uk

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Mendip Team

On 16th September one of our Somerset Village Agents Tina Hazelhurst, took a train ride with the East Somerset Railway at their Dementia event which was enjoyed by all who attended.

Somerset Independent Living Centre

On September 27th Somerset Independent Living Centre in Shepton Mallet (SILC) held its open day. Somerset Village Agent Nic Edwards was there along with Somerset County Council and Adult Social Care representatives. Clive from Medequip talked about the equipment available. They provide a wide range of equipment and technology available that you can use in the home or when you are out and about to make life easier and enable you to remain safe and independent. This includes helping you move around the home, get in and out of the bath, or contact someone for support.

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Registered with a Chard or Ilminster GP surgery?

Somerset Village Agent

Mel Horsfield attended High Ham Ladies Group to share information about our Agent service and how local people can access our support. Attendees explained that they felt reassured that there was a service like ours as some may need it now or in the future.

..thatyourlocalVillage Agentisholdingmonthly drop-insessionsineach ofthesurgeries?

If you would like to meet your Village Agent then please do arrange to call in for an informal chat. For dates and times please contact 01823 331222.

Somerset Village Agents Wendy Rudd, Alli Greed and Dechen Chodron attended an open day at Homefirst Plus to gather information to enable them to share with their clients and other professionals.

Homefirst Plus provides a range of services to help make life easier for clients who need a helping hand. This includes schemes such as; Total Home 100, level access bathing, wet rooms and emptying homes. Contact them directly to find out more about the services they offer on 01935 319006

South Somerset Team

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

Sedgemoor Team

Singing postie raises money for Sedgemoor Crisis Fund

A musical event that showcased the talents of a local singer-songwriter was held at Burnham on Sea’s Princess Theatre on Wednesday 21st September, with all profits from ticket sales being donated to the CCS Sedgemoor Crisis Fund.

Local Brent Knoll village postman, Tim Dean, is well known for being a folk singer on the Somerset scene for some years. He has spent many years researching the county’s stories, myths and legends and transformed them into songs. Tales of the prehistoric Cheddar Man, Jesus, pirates and mysteries are brilliantly brought to life by Tim’s superb storytelling and remarkable guitar skills. The evening was a sell-out success! It was thoroughly enjoyed by all who love folk music and wanted to learn about the fascinating tales in Somerset’s long history, combined with raising over £1,000 for the Sedgemoor Crisis Fund. Debi Slaiter, Locality Manager Sedgemoor, gratefully accepted the generous donation on behalf of CCS from Tim Dean.

The Crisis Fund allows Village Agents & Community Agents in Sedgemoor to support members of the community who find themselves in situations no one should be in, or at a life-changing moment in their lives, but poverty is preventing them from moving forward.

If you would like to donate to the Sedgemoor Crisis fund directly, please Text SEDGEMOOR 70490 to donate £10.

Problem-solving, solutionfinding super heroes!

Updates from our Village & Community Agents

On August 17th our Somerset Village and Community Agents in Taunton hosted a ‘Carers Pamper Day' at Somerset County Cricket Club for unpaid carers from the Taunton area.

Over 50 carers were invited, of which we were pleased to welcome 38. The carers were treated to free treatments, lunch and afternoon tea. It was wonderful to see these carers relax, make friends and have some time being spoilt. The treatments given by qualified therapists ranged from manicures and haircuts through to reiki and reflexology. The feedback from the carers and therapists was truly heartwarming, the day was a huge success.

Our Somerset Village and Community Agents are now starting to organise our next big carer event which we hope will be a Christmas steam train ride with treats at some time in December – watch this space!

Carers Carers Pamper Day Pamper Day

This November saw Somerset's first Interfaith Roadshow across the county from the 13th to the 20th of November.

Our Somerset Diverse Communities Interfaith Coordinator, Janine Evans, was travelling the county to educate, share and celebrate the diverse faiths and beliefs of our communities. Visiting Taunton, Yeovil, and Glastonbury Libraries, tree planting with the Exmoor Coastal Project and interfaith exhibition taking places at Yeovil Art Space 'Natural Reflections'.

Interfaith Week UK invited people to be curious about the faiths or beliefs that seem different from our own. We all embrace something because of love or because it offers us a sense of belonging. This week has allowed us to begin to understand what gives others a sense of belonging.

the one thing we all have in common is the earth!

Power through Autumn and into Winter with the Get Outside in Someret step challenge!

Challenge yourself to achieve at least 8K steps per day, or if that seems like a bit too much, increase your current average by 3K, or go outside for at least 30 minutes every day.

As the seasons start to change, it can be a great opportunity to watch and experience the change in the landscape, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and discover new areas in Somerset!

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: https://somersetmovespodcast.buzzsprout.com https://somersetmovespodcast.buzzsprout.com

Create an account and track your progress here.

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

You can take part in our challenges with your work colleagues, community groups, friends and family or challenge yourself.

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

For more information, please visit https://getoutsideinsomerset.co.uk/

young man hadn’t eaten in three days & couldn’t afford the bus fare to a job interview 20 miles away.

Agents were able (by using the crisis fund) to provide basic nourishment and buy him a bus ticket. He got the job, and was able to apply for social housing nearby.