BRISTOL WEEKLY MAGAZINE
3 - 10 March 2022
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This week.. 4. Bristol Beacon joins forces 6. Could you make a difference 8. What’s on in Bristol 11. The movie review 18. The health benefits of gardening 20. Bristol Bears, Dave Attwood 22. Adding lasting value 24. Focus on 26. Face-lift to Marlwood School set to start soon 28. Greater Awareness Of Invisible Illness Needed 30. How to get a £150 refund on your council tax 34. Autistic people and those with learning disabilities 36. How to help your child learn to read early on 38. No Smoking Day 40. Refugees are welcome 44. International Womens Day. @directlocal
The team EDITOR Michael Davies JOURNALIST Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Regular editorials By: Andrea Sexton Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Andrew Varney Corinna Ingram Molly Pownall Kathryn Chatfield Online Weekly Distribution: Direct Local Online now reaches over 23,697 people across Bristol and surrounding areas via email and social media every week.
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Bristol Beacon joins forces with
London Symphony Orchestra once again for live broadcast to care homes in March Following a national broadcast of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) concert in October 2021, presented by Bristol Beacon at the Bath Forum, Bristol Beacon are set to live stream the forthcoming LSO concert, with Sir Simon Rattle, to care homes across the country.
Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon, said: “After the really wonderful and emotional response we had to our broadcast in October, we once again look forward to sharing the sheer joy of a London Symphony Orchestra concert with care home residents and staff nationwide.
Once again, the concert will be broadcast live from Bath Forum via YouTube at 6.45pm on Monday 14 March and will be available for free for one month so care homes can screen it for their residents at a time that suits them.
This concert continues to build on our strong artistic relationship with the LSO in anticipation of the reopening of our venue next year, and also with Bristol Care Homes in whom we’ve found a partner committed to helping us reach music-lovers beyond the walls of the concert hall.”
The first concert back in October, featured across national TV and print press and inspired joy among the many care home residents who Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of tuned in. London Symphony Orchestra, said: Hosted by organist and journalist Oliver Condy, any care home in the country can tun “We couldn’t be more pleased e in for free and are invited to screen the to be partnering with Bristol concert for staff and residents, thanks to sponsorship by Bristol Care Homes. Beacon for another concert in
the Southwest this spring, and to be able to repeat the feat of sharing it to care homes across the country is thrilling and rewarding for us all. It was an undoubted highlight of 2021.”
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Geoff Crocker, Chair of Bristol Care Homes, said:
“To be forming a close partnership with Bristol Beacon on high-quality broadcasts of concerts like this is really fantastic. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, particularly care home residents and staff, but the use of technology to share such magical performances in this innovative way is a real legacy that we will continue to support.” Bristol Care Homes wanted to extend the opportunity to watch the concert to all care homes across the country as many still contend with the impacts of the pandemic. Care Homes wishing to access the stream should email hello@bristolbeacon.org for information.Care homes are can share photos of residents and staff watching the concert together on social media using the hashtag #ThankYouCareHomes and tagging @Bristol_Beacon and @londonsymphony 5
Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leader Could you make a difference and help shape the lives of the young people in your area? We trust our people and they’re empowered to make decisions. You’ll have the chance to build new skills, gain unrivalled experience and you’ll be valued for what you bring. In this unique role you will have the chance to motivate and support other Cadet Leaders and our volunteer Police Cadets to learn the skills and train under the guidance of our police officers. Our cadets have FUN whilst learning skills… they are a diverse mix of 13-17 year olds, each with lots of enthusiasm and excitement for our organisation and its values. As a Unit Leader you will become the person that ensures all duties and responsibilities required to run a unit successfully are completed by your team of Cadet Leaders. You will make sure that sessions are planned and delivered on a regular basis and oversee the content that gives our cadets a fantastic experience. We do not expect you to undertake all the tasks yourself but you will be comfortable with delegating to your volunteer team and checking that tasks have been completed. This is in addition to inspiring, leading and motivating cadets to support their local community.....
Each group provides an environment for young people where they can learn about roles within policing, support their community and develop valuable life skills such as communication and problem solving. You will be the person that ensures high standards in your group, this includes things such as uniform checks and drill practices. You will need to be comfortable presenting in front of a group of circa 30 cadets and being the person that engages and leads this group We will want you to be responsible for ensuring that the activities of your group are fun and engaging and align with our volunteering strategic objectives. As Unit Leader of your team you will support planning and delivery of an exciting, interesting and balanced programme to give the cadets the opportunity to have fun and learn new skills while taking part in many different types of activities, events and camps to broaden the cadet’s knowledge of policing and the local community. These activities often take place at weekends. Through these groups our Cadet Leaders have a tangible and positive impact on the lives of our young people, our volunteers and our local communities.
A coach
We are currently recruiting for a Unit Leader for our BANES unit, which meets on Tuesday evenings in the Odd Down area of Bath. Our units resumed in person activity in November 2021 and in January of this year the BANES unit welcomed new Cadets. It’s a busy unit with plenty of enthusiastic young people and Leaders who are looking forward to developing their skills.
A leader
Be you
An influencer
Be valued
We do not need you to have policing experience, our existing leaders come from a wide range of backgrounds, and they each bring key elements of their day to day lives into the role.
Be the difference
You will be: A mentor
We ask you to volunteer your own time to lead an inspirational team.
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Whats on this week Friday 4th March Bristol Light Festival
Description: Bristol Light Festival from now - Sunday 6 March to fill the city with light and colour. The full programme features 14 captivating artworks across the city centre, all making their first appearance in Bristol. It’s free to attend and open to all. We can’t wait to welcome you to explore Bristol through light. Share your photos #BristolLightFestival Find out more: www.bristollightfestival.org Download the map: http://ow.ly/2sk550I38gp Venue: Bristol City Center
Zed Regal Launch Event
Description: This is the BIG ‘Double Bubble’ Launch Party...Zed Regal will be introducing his launching his new Skidangleboom Band and performing some new music singles There will be Dj,s and live performances from some talented artists from around the UK. Hosted by Marlex Conton, this will a night not to be missed.
Saturday 5th March The Final Frontier Festival
Description: From reclaiming nature, the landscape and the body to building alternative communities, Bristol’s many protest movements are linked by a common thread. They aim to bring us back to the roots of what makes us human and connected. Across this day we explore the many ways in which creativity is central to protest and reconnection. erformances from Rider Shafique and Rita Lynch Panel discussions featuring Tom Marshman, Rosina Al-Shaater (Black & Green Ambassador), Chris Chalkley (PRSC), Deasy Bamford (Aged Agitators) and much more. Venue: Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd BS2 0NW Bristol
Ray Mears: We Are Nature
Description: In this fascinating, inspirational, and educational show, Ray will be demonstrating and explaining techniques that will help us improve our senses and highlight the problems nature faces today.
Venue: Unit 4, Little Ann Street, Bristol, BS2 9EB
Venue: The Redgrave Theatre, 2 Percival Road BS8 3LE Bristol
Happy Days Panto
Evolution Wrestling
Description: Our panto is back! Join us for Ali Baba by JDJB Productions. All welcome. Seating will be spatially distanced and masks are requested when moving around if possible. Venue: Westbury on Trym Baptist Church, Reedley Road BS93TE
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Description: Evolution Wrestling makes their big return at Hanham, Bristol. Mark in your diary for this huge event! Don’t miss your chance to see this amaing wrestling show. packed with professional wrestlers evolutionwrestling.bigcartel.com Venue: Hanham Community Centre, 118-124 High St, Hanham BS15 3EJ Bristol
Sunday 6th March Bristol Comic Con and Gaming Festival Description: Back Film cars include Mad Max, Harry Potter, Del boy van and More Great props and exhibitors Film/ Tv guests Comic Artist Guests Vendors Authors Loads to come follow this event Tickets buytickets.at/ukcgf/584163 Venue: Ashton Gate Stadium
Behind the Scenes Studio Visit: Katy Connor
Description: Join us for a behind the scenes studio visit at Spike Island. This is a chance to explore artists’ and makers’ studios, to see their working environments, their process, and works-in-progress in an informal and friendly setting. Venue: 133 Cumberland Road,Bristol,BS1 6UX,GB
Aurie Styla: GREEN Tour
Description: One of the UK’s most charismatic comedians, Aurie Styla, is touring nationwide to 13 cities with his fourth solo show, GREEN. March 2022 see’s Aurie kick off the tour in Birmingham, all the way April 2022 to Leeds. This comes off the back of his previous sold out tour ‘Just Like That’, starring in two movies (The Living Dead & On The Other Foot), an array of TV appearances, and presenting his Monday night BBC Radio show ‘The Scene’. Venue: Hen And Chicken, 210 North Street Bedminster
Monday 7th March
Wedding Evening at Leigh Court
Description: Join us for an evening at Leigh Court as we take you on a tour of our stunning venue and its grounds. Our friendly team and wedding specialists will be on hand to give tips and advice on how to create your dream wedding. Venue: Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh BS8 3RA
Tuesday 8th March
Quest West Networking
Description: Whether you want to make new contacts or build upon existing relationships, the Quest West is our popular Tuesday morning business networking event. Venue: Online
Wednesday 9th March Happymess
Description: For children aged 1-4 years (or 1-8 years in the holidays) with a parent/carer. Join us for a morning of outdoor art, craft and messy play in the beautiful, safe surroundings of Redcatch Community Garden. Venue: Redcatch Community Garden
Thursday 10th March
Snuff Mills ghost walk and paranormal investigation
Description: Join us on an amazing guided ghost walk with a local historian with paranormal investigations throughout the night £10 per person
Venue: Snuff Mills
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Saver s Monday ce
Welcome to Bristol
pri Reduced , all tickets day!
Films & Performance Times: Week Commencing Friday 14th January
Friday 14th
Saturday 15th
Sunday 16th
Monday 17th
Cinema Opens: 4.25pm
Cinema Opens: 10.15am
Cinema Opens: 11.45am
Cinema Opens: 4.25pm
Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00
Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00
Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00
Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00
Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
The King’s Man (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.45
The King’s Man (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.45
The King’s Man (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.45
Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.35
Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 1.45, 7.35
Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 1.45, 7.35
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50
West Side Story (12A) (3hrs.) 1.00
West Side Story (12A) (3hrs.) 1.00
Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) (2hrs.) All Tickets £4.00 12.00
Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) (2hrs.) All Tickets £4.00 12.00
Disney’s Encanto (PG) (2hrs.10m) All Tickets £4.00 2.15
Disney’s Encanto (PG) (2hrs.10m) All Tickets £4.00 2.15
Tuesday 18th Cinema Opens: 4.25pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00 Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG) (2hrs.), 10.30am
Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30
Thursday 20th Cinema Opens: 4.25pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00 Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
Wednesday 19th
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50
Cinema Opens: 12.45pm Scream (18) (2hrs.20m) 5.10, 8.00
Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30
Licorice Pizza (15) (2hrs.35m) 4.40, 7.45
High Frame Rate
The Electrical Life of Louis West Side Story (12A) (3hrs.) Wain 1.00 (12A) (2hrs.10m) 2.10 Event Cinema Royal Opera House Spider-Man: Tosca No Way Home (12A) (3hrs.25m) (12A) (2hrs.30m) Doors open at 6.30 for 7.00 3.15 start
3D performance
covid policies change Tuesday 21st from 10th december
Cinema Opens: 12.15pm
The policies and procedures surrounding Covid-Secure guidance changes from Friday 10th December. Click here to read our updated procedures, as we continue to manage
Autism Friendly Show
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12A) (2hrs.10m) 4.50 Spider-Man: No Way Home (12A) (2hrs.30m) 7.30
Subtitled Show
No Free Tickets
You no longer need to check-in or leave your details.
Physical distancing guidelines will still apply in the cinema.
Enhanced cleaning and hygiene is here to stay.
All venues will have QR posters should you wish to check-in, and you can continue to leave your details when you book online if you would like to.
Although all rows of seats will now be in use, there will still be a 1seat gap between you and anyone else, so no need to share an arm rest with anyone just yet.
More cleaning time is being left between shows, and our enhanced cleaning regime will be in place permanently. Please continue to use the hand sanitiser provided.
Face coverings are mandatory for people of the age of 11, unless exempt. You can take your mask off to eat & drink when seated in the auditorium but must replace if you are not actively eating or drinking.
the situation in a steady, safer manner.
This weeks BBFC advice for 12A rated lms
Cinema Information
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain contains infrequent strong language. Spider-Man: No Way Home contains moderate violence, threat. West Side Story contains moderate violence, discrimination, sexual threat, implied strong language.
UKScottCinemas
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ScottCinemas
A WTW-SCOTT CINEMAS GROUP VENUE
ScottCinemasUK
Cinema doors open daily 15 minutes before the first performance of the day and opening times can be found above. The Box Office for the days performances closes 15 minutes after the last film of the evening has commenced.
www.scottcinemas.co.uk
Our App is available for Android and iOS from App Stores now
THE CINEMA REVIEW MOVIE REVIEW
BELFAST
From Acclaimed Director Kenneth Branagh... Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.
BATMAN
Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman (Pattinson), striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies Alfred Pennyworth (Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Wright) amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens. When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Farrell), Carmine Falcone (Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City. Sign up to our newsletter https://scottcinemas.co.uk/newsletter 11
Local performing group looks for new members to celebrate its 60th year! Local performing group, Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Opera:c Society, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022 and looking for people to join their ranks.
The current membership includes people of all ages – from age 7 to 87 – who get together regularly to sing and act. Chair Hannah Coleman, is passionate about the society, “It’s a really friendly group who aren’t just great performers, but also great friends. It’s been such a challenging year for all in performing arts and we’re so excited to be back this September to start rehearsing our 60th anniversary production”.
BGSOS also offers The Wetherell Bursary to members, which is a contribution to the cost of singing or ac:ng lessons for applicants. “Named aRer our former musical director, Eric Wetherell, Hannah Coleman says “we are proud to aim to give back to our members and meet our charitable aims”. BGSOS rehearses at St Teresa’s Community Centre in Filton every Tuesday evening, and the evenings combine hard work with a cup of tea and a friendly chat!
Start a new hobby, or revive an old one with Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society
Along with a professional orchestra, BGSOS is looking forward to its 60th anniversary production of HMS Pinafore at The Redgrave Theatre in Clifton from March 30th – April 2nd 2022. Following the show, the society will end the season with a special anniversary party in May 2022.
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BGSOS is looking for performing members, scenery builders, costume developers and technical volunteers. You can also support us as a society friend, if volunteering is not for you. For details about all our roles, please email secretary@bristolgsos.co.uk.
Victoria Park Bowls Club Play Lawn bowls - A sport for all
Comes and try a different sport Friendly and Competitive A game for all ages Open from April to September 2022 Monday 1-3pm or Tuesday 6-8pm Free Coaching Bar available New members will be very welcome For more information Tel: 07792 126344 Email maybgolf2@gmail.com Visit: Nutgrove Ave Bedminster BS3 4QF
READY TO LOSE WEIGHT, YOUR WAY? MAN v FAT is coming to South Gloucestershire with our exciting MAN v FAT Challenge programme. Working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, we’ve got funded places available for men in the county! MAN v FAT Challenge is a flexible, supporting male weight loss programme, where you can participate at a time and at a place that suits you! Weekly challenges are set based on the core areas of nutrition, exercise and building healthy habits. You’ll receive weight loss support, routine and accountability from your teammates and an experienced coach as well as weekly progress reports showing how you’re doing and regular newsletters to inspire you. We’re ready to welcome you on board now! Take a look at the website www.manvfat.com/south-gloucestershire for more details!
CHALLENGE 13
Tomato and Feta Tarts
Jewelled Moroccan cous cous Ingredients
100g Couscous made up with 120ml boiling vegetable stock 2 tbsp olive oil 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp cumin 1 tbsp. honey 1/8 red onion, finely diced ½ tbsp fresh chopped coriander (stalks and leaves) 1/4 pomegranate seeds 1/2 tbsp flaked almonds 1/8 courgette, core removed and finely chopped 2 dried apricots, rehydrated in water for several hours, diced into small chunks Salt and pepper to taste ½ tbsp. chopped mint leaves and parsley (optional) 14
Method 1. Fry off the spices with the oil in a hot frying pan for 30 seconds. 2. Take off the heat and remove from the pan , placing into a bowl. 3. Stir in 1 tbsp. honey then allow to cool. 4. Prepare the ingredients as above. 5. Stir the cooled oil and honey into the cous cous. 6. Add the prepared ingredients and half of the almonds and half the coriander (and other herbs if using), stir to combine. 7. Garnish with the remaining coriander and almonds. 8. Season to taste. 9. Serves 2.
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GO BANANAS OVER BANANA LOAF WITH CHOCLATE CHIPS
1. Preheat the oven 160C/325F/Gas 3. Grease and line a 450g/1lb loaf tin with non-stick baking parchment.
Ingredients
3. Stir in the chocolate chips and spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin. Level the top.
1 ripe banana (peeled weight 100g/4oz)
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until well risen, shrinking away from the sides of the tin and golden-brown.
1 tbsp milk 50g/2oz soft butter or baking spread 75g/3oz plain flour 75g/3oz caster sugar ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp baking powder 1 free-range egg 50g/2oz dark chocolate chips To decorate 50g/2oz dark chocolate
2. Use a fork to mash the peeled banana in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining cake ingredients (except the chocolate chips) and beat with an electric hand whisk until combined and smooth.
5. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the tin and leave to cool on a wire rack. 6. For the decoration, break the chocolate into small pieces and add to a heatproof bowl. 7. Melt the chocolate in the bowl over a pan of simmering water (ensuring that the bowl does not touch the water). Stir regularly, until almost completely melted, then remove from the heat. The heat of the bowl will melt any remaining lumps. 8. Spoon the melted chocolate into a piping bag and pipe zig-zags across the top of the loaf. Set aside for the chocolate to set. Slice and serve.
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THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARDENING There is growing awareness of the ways that gardening and green spaces can improve physical and mental health. Getting active by gardening is a healthy hobby which helps us to adopt a better lifestyle, lowers our body mass indexes and connects us with nature. Also it’s been proven to generate a sense of fulfilment that can boost social well-being, reduce isolation and help in mental health recovery. Natural Health Service We all know the NHS is currently under strain and with people now living longer will continue to put pressure on the government’s healthcare budgets. However mental health and social anxiety is also high on the agenda with a Mind Charity study published revealing that over 1 million antidepressants are issued weekly in England. Doctors are starting to prescribe gardening and horticultural therapy to its patients as it has been proven to improve mental wellbeing and physical health and the role it can play as the ‘Natural Health Service.’
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Physical Health A survey commissioned by RHS, has revealed that 80% of us gardeners say gardening as a physical activity helps to keep them fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It Just takes 1-2 hours of gardening a day to reduce stress hormone levels, lower blood and cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and strokes, and prevent other chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. Mowing the lawn was cited as one of the top three activities to give the best fitness workout, burning up 250 calories in an hour, whilst digging or raking plant borders and vegetable gardens for 30 minutes requires as much energy as a 2km run. A good natural landscape has been shown to improve your overall mood, reduce anxiety, boosts the immune system and lessens social isolation, as well as strengthening bonds in community gardens. A recent study online by YouGov for the HTA revealed that 87% of British adults believe gardens and green spaces benefit their state of mind.
Mental Health
Houseplants
it is proven that 1 in 4 people in the England will experience mental health problems in their lifetime. Numerous studies have revealed that fresh air and the exercise that gardening brings boosts mood and offsets stresses of everyday life, releasing serotonin and endorphins making people feel good. Did you the nurturing and caring aspect of gardening and looking after plants is important as it gives hope and a sense of achievement, boosting self esteem.
Houseplants bring many benefits to our lives and also tap into the increasingly important ‘wellness’ trend that surrounds us.
Not to worry even if you don’t have a large gardening space, just 20 minutes spent in parks and gardens can reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, compared to time spent in urban concrete areas. Having a green area in the workplace for breaks and having plants around office buildings can make people more productive and has been proven to reduce employee annual sick leave by 23%. Hospitalisation recovery rates are also improved where planting is visible
Houseplants work to purify and clean the air that we breath, remove toxins and other chemical nasties around the home. NASA conducted a study in 1989, evaluating the ability of leaves to filter 87% of toxins in the air such as benzene and formaldehyde, used in some detergents and other household materials and various allergens. Plants such as aloe vera, peace lilies, ivy, ferns, dracaena and sansevieria improve the quality of the air we breathe, whilst absorbing carbon dioxide and create oxygen indoors. With the places we live in massively evolving over the past two years becoming a place to both live and work from, people are growing increasingly mindful of their wellbeing and bringing the outdoors in. What’s more, these houseplants don’t need a green-thumb either with plenty of them only needing minimal care too.
in partnership with North Somerset Council
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Bristol Bears, Dave Attwood, Announced as Jessie May Ambassador Specialist palliative care charity Jessie May (www.jessiemay.org.uk) is delighted to announce that Bristol Bears’ Second Row, Dave Attwood, is joining the charity as an ambassador.
Dave has seen some of the amazing work done through Jessie May and is keen to help raise awareness of the charity, and hopefully further the support and funding to expand on this vital service.
Dave is an English international rugby player, currently playing with his home club Bristol Bears. He has been internationally capped 24 times for England, and captained the national team on a tour to South Africa in 2016.
“No amount of support is ever enough to help the people at the heart of Jessie May. It’s paramount that we raise awareness in order to garner as much support, both local and national, for charities like Jessie May in an effort to ease their suffering and hardship.”
He is a graduate of both Bristol University and The University of the West of England and has been a philanthropic advocate of research into degenerative brain disease for many years. Dave currently lives in Bath with his two children. Jessie May provides specialist palliative care to children with terminal and life-shortening conditions, and their families, and has a team of dedicated nurses who provide palliative care during a child’s life, and bereavement care for families for up to 5 years after a child's death.
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You can view a video message from Dave over on the Jessie May website: (www.jessiemay.org.uk/news) and follow the relationship through both Jessie May and Dave’s social channels.Or click the image above to go straight to the video.
Nominate someone at www.communityofpurpose.com/nominate 21
Bristol Memorial Woodlands adds lasting value to the funeral market The UK funeral market turns over more than £2 billion each year but it provides little of lasting value. A business set up near Bristol aims to change that by encouraging more environmentally sound funerals and creating a traditional woodland habitat at the same time. Bristol Memorial Woodlands at Earthcott Green, near Thornbury, Bristol is a 100-acre burial ground and is creating a nature reserve that can be enjoyed by future generations, all held in a charitable trust - the Bristol Memorial Woodland Trust. Christopher Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “Burial is an ancient and traditional way to lay someone to rest and the growing concerns about the environment mean it is also the most modern. “In the past people were buried in the churchyard in their local community. In the 20th Century with headstones to maintain, and few other uses that the land could be used for, the upkeep of churchyards and burial grounds became a problem. “Cremation was promoted as a way of minimising land use and as being cheaper than burial. We have totally turned that on its head and now burial is not only environmentally better – because it does not burn gas and puts nutrients back into the ground – it is also cheaper.” Bristol Memorial Woodlands set up the charitable trust that will maintain the land in the future and is creating a woodland that can be used by all for walking, recreation and enjoying nature.
Said Christopher Baker: “We are carefully planting native British species and burying people in the most environmentally friendly way and we believe this is the way forward in the 21st century. We intend to replicate what we do elsewhere. Why can’t other towns have a woodland on its doorstep that is also a place where our loved ones rest in peace under nature’s green canopy? Traditionally, nature reserves have been a way of preserving the threatened countryside. The founding principle of Memorial Woodlands is to create new areas of Nature Reserve, increasing the diversity of flora and fauna. Not only funded through charitable donations it is also funded as a consequence of providing a high-quality service. Planting a commemorative tree is an ancient gesture steeped in tradition and meaning. It is a symbol of continued life, strength and family connections. It gives relatives and friends a memorial to visit which they can enjoy watching as it changes over the years and seasons. Equally, it is a gift to the woodlands as they continue to grow and mature. Predominantly British native tree species are planted along with permitted meadow and woodland bulbs and flowers. As this is a woodland rather than a graveyard no vases, edgings, statuary or personal effects are placed by graves, and all gravestones and benches are supplied by Bristol Memorial Woodlands to ensure they fit in. Chris continued: “It makes environmental sense and sound business sense. We sell individual or family plots so that families can once again have an area of their own as they did in ancient times. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing families picnicking under a tree in our woodlands in a beautiful spot where their grandparents are laid to rest.” More information can be found at: www.memorialwoodlands.com
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FOCUS ON: Budget Update
Brislington Greenway update: Local residents will be dismayed to see the recent news reports that the Callington Road Link is back on the agenda. Of course, the road plans never went away, despite denials just before the local elections and more recently in Full Council. The reality is, the Mayor was not telling the truth when he said there was no plan to build a road along the former Brislington Railway Line. Rest assured we will continue to vehemently oppose these plans as we have consistently done for the last five years. Scrap the Mayor! A quick reminder that we have secured a referendum on the future of the directly elected mayoral system in Bristol, keeping one of our key election promises. Both your Brislington West councillors spoke in support of the motion at Full Council, which went on to win by 41 votes to 24. Only Labour councillors voted against giving the people of Bristol a voice. 24
As a result, we will be having a legally binding referendum on the future of governance in Bristol on Thursday 5 May, 2022, a date for your diaries! More details here: https://www.bristollibdems.org/referendum-motion-passes If you would like to get involved in the campaign to #ScrapTheMayor, please sign up here: https://www.bristollibdems.org/getinvolved Budget update: Two weeks ago the elected councillors of Bristol debated and voted on a series of amendments to this year’s budget. The arguments and the decisions were made in public for all to see, openly and accountably. It was democracy in action. There were 9 amendments in total, of which 5 were passed and four fell by the wayside, including the Liberal Democrat amendment.
Obviously, we were disappointed that every single Labour councillor and unfortunately some Green councillors chose to protect the bloated Mayor’s Office and PR machine rather than invest in vulnerable children and adults but that’s democracy and we accept the decision of the Council. Unfortunately, we have a Mayor who seems to have difficulty with democracy. Rather than accept the democratically expressed wishes of councillors, he ended the meeting prematurely and denied us a vote on the bu dget as amended. Since then, he has been engaged in a series of behind-the-scenes horse-trading, trying to cobble together a dodgy deal that suits him and his minority administration. Amendments that were voted for have been dropped and amendments that fell have been resurrected. The Liberal Democrats believe in democracy and that’s why we won’t be supporting the Mayor’s Budget. Jubilee Pool latest: Good news for our local swimming pool. Despite the Mayor dismissing a budget amendment that would have provided a loan mechanism for the pool to pay for essential maintenance work, the Council has at last approved the Expression of Interest, which means the Friends group can prepare a Full Business Plan as part of the Community Asset Transfer process. There is still a long way to go but the incredible Friends group are doing a fantastic job. Talbot Road closure: A reminder that drivers are advised to avoid the area as the gas main is replaced on Talbot Road. This work is due to be completed by 24 June. We will keep you updated if details change.
Hundreds of Brislington West residents have signed up to receive our monthly newsletter via email. You can register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/efocus. By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429 & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.andrew. varney@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 183381
More tree planting in Brislington: Yet more trees have been planted in Brislington West. During a meeting with tree officers last summer, we discussed the wide grassy verge on Callington Road by the Nature Reserve. We said this would be the perfect place for more trees, the tree officers agreed and now we have a beautiful row of trees which will increase our tree canopy cover in the city and help to mitigate the damaging impact of traffic pollution.
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FACELIFT TO MARLWOOD SCHOOL SET TO START SOON A multi-million pound programme of refurbishments and upgrades is due to start at a South Gloucestershire secondary school shortly. The investment at Marlwood School in Alveston, which will be overseen by the new Headteacher Seema Purewal, will include new classrooms for art, design technology and science as well as new student toilet areas. The project forms part of an £18.1m refurbishment of The Castle School and Marlwood School which is jointly funded by the Castle School Education Trust (CSET) and South Gloucestershire Council. As well as improving the facilities, sustainability at the school will be address ed with the main building exterior benefitting from upgraded insulation to the roof with new glazing and a new efficient heating system added. Headteacher Seema Purewal said: “We are delighted to be starting work on this important and much-needed project to upgrade our facilities and make our school more sustainable, which in turn will help us continue to serve our local community. “The creation of new classrooms within the main building, which will be fully-resourced with new equipment, will be a huge advantage to our students’ learning and our science and design technology offering will become a strength of the school when complete. “By closing the old buildings which previously housed these classrooms and making significant thermal improvements we are working towards low energy-use standards. “We understand that there may be some disruption caused to students and the local community while we undertake the work, but we are committed to ensuring the project is completed as soon as possible and hope that the end result will outweigh the inconvenience.”
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Marlwood School is part of CSET which offers high quality education across the primary, seondary and sixth form key stages at seven South Gloucestershire schools. The school benefits from expansive grounds including tennis courts, astro pitch and a multi-purpose playing field which is all available for use or hire by the local community. Will Roberts, chief executive of CSET, added: “This project enables us to replace temporary buildings, improve the condition and configuration of the school site and provide an inspiring learning environment for current students as well as future generations.” The project is being managed by Burke Hunter Adams with Speller Metcalfe handling the construction. Sustainable architectural practice Quattro Design Architects designed the project and provided the CGI images. James Speller, pre-construction director for Speller Metcalfe said: “It is fantastic that we are now onto the construction phase of this scheme, making this project a reality for the students and staff at Marlwood School. Having completed many education projects over the years, we know first-hand what a positive impact this will have on the school and its local community.” For more information about Marlwood School visit www.marlwood.com and for CSET visit www.cset.co.uk
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Greater awareness of invisible illness needed A leading consultant fertility specialist who heads the St Michael's Endometriosis Centre in Bristol is calling for greater awareness of the ‘invisible illness’ endometriosis which, according to the World Health Organisation, affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.
Recent research has revealed it takes an average of 6.7 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis.
Oli O’Donovan, who works as a consultant gynaecologist, fertility specialist and endometriosis surgeon with Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) said: “Many women live with endometriosis without realising they have it, although some will be only too aware of the symptoms, especially pain and difficulty falling pregnant.
“The good news, however, is that treatments are available for most patients - and an early diagnosis will give the best outcome.
“The condition occurs because tissue similar to that which normally lines the inside of the womb grows outside of it, usually on organs in the pelvis. The hormones responsible for the normal menstrual cycle make this tissue thicken and bleed every month in the same way as if it was lining the womb, which can cause pain, scarring and fertility issues. “A doctor may suspect endometriosis based on symptoms and appropriately trial treatment, but definitive diagnosis usually requires a specialist scan or key-hole surgery.”
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Oli O’Donovan said: “If a woman is also having difficulty falling pregnant it is definitely worth requesting an assessment by a specialist because endometriosis can halve your chances of having a baby, and we know that approximately half of patients presenting with infertility have endometriosis.
“It is very usual to have some pain with your monthly periods, but if your period pains last longer than a day or two, do not improve after taking standard painkillers, or certainly if they cause you to miss college, work or social events or if you are struggling to get pregnant, it is worth asking your GP about endometriosis and for consideration of a specialist referral.” March is Endometriosis Action Month. Details of this year’s campaign are here: https://bit. ly/3pKHlev and information about fertility services offered by BCRM, including investigation for endometriosis, can be found here: https://www.fertilitybristol.com/
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How to get the £150 refund your council tax bill D A
B
Approximately 20 million households in England and 1.9 million households in Scotland will receive a £150 council tax refund to help aid with the cost of living crisis, with both low and middle income families set to benefit. The rebate is aimed to cushion the blow against the 54% rise in gas and electricity bills in April, as well as council tax increases which are also set to come into force in April. Will i be eligible for the0 council tax rebate? About 80% of English households and 73% of Scottish households will benefit from this rebate, but it will depend on which council tax bracket you are in. Your council tax bracket is based on the value of your home.
C
If you don’t currently pay via Direct Debit, your council will get in touch with you to arrange the payment. You do not need to apply for the rebate households will be paid automatically. The one-off discount will not need to be repaid. How to get the council tax rebate The government is urged households in England to pay council tax by direct debit to get the £150 council tax rebate paid directly into their bank account. If you set up a direct debit with your council, your council tax rebate will go directly into your bank account in April, no fuss! If you don’t pay via Direct Debit the £150 will be used as credit towards council tax bill.
People in bands A to D in England will get the Who will be exempt from the rebate because the government is trying to Council tax rebate? help people on both low and middle incomes. If you are in council tax bands E to H in You can check your council tax band with England, then you won’t get the rebate unless your local council or via the government’s you are considered vulnerable or on a low postcode checker here income. If you pay council tax by Direct Debit, your local authority will use your bank account details to credit your account with a one-off payment of £150. 30
Also a £144m pot of cash is being launched through local authorities in England for those who can’t claim the £150 rebate. The government is working on the finer details for this.. If you don’t pay council tax, you will not be eligible for this rebate. If you are renting and do not pay council tax as part of your arrangement, then you may not get the rebate paid to you. The government plans to speak soon on how to help renters who do not pay council tax directly. Why is our council tax being Increased in april 2022? So last year the government announced that our local authorities could increase council tax by up to 3%. Councils can increase the bill further too, arguing the need to do so for social care services. Households may face a council tax bill rise of up to 5%. Adding pressure on top of a crushing mix of a National Insurance rises , and energy bill increasing and soaring food prices. Is help is available? In England some households already receive a discount on their council tax bill, while others don’t pay any council tax. Single people receive 25% off their bill while students and some pension credit claimants pay no council tax at all.
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Also if you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you may also be entitled to a reduction on your council tax. One example, if there is a live-in carer who looks after someone with a disability. It fundamentally depends on your local council rules and where you live. You can check if you are eligible via the government website here. You will need to have your national insurance number, bank statements, a payslip or letter from the Job Centre and proof of identification like a passport or driving license to apply for a potable reduction.
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GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH
The wider impact of high energy bills has a knock-on effect on many other things, some of which you may not have considered… With energy bills on the rise, tenants may be tempted to turn down their heating… creating the potential for increased mould in your rental property. It may not be the most exciting subject in the world but being well informed about mould can save you £££ and, in the most extreme cases, tenants taking you to court, because your property has caused their health to deteriorate (trust me, it happens!) Here are some of our top tips, for dealing with the issue of mould, before it becomes a problem that will cost you time, hassle and money. What causes mould? Mould is caused by one of three things: rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. Rising damp This is damp which comes from underneath the home, whether due to a poorly laid damp-proof course, foundations that weren’t allowed to dry or another problem. It can cause serious issues if not addressed quickly and can lead to mould that’s very hard to remove. 32
Penetrating damp This is where leaks allow water into a property, whether it’s a broken roof, flat roof that isn’t draining properly, faulty guttering or plumbing that doesn’t work as it should. Penetrating damp is the most common type that is caused by a building defect, other than rising damp. Condensation This is very common and has a variety of causes – whether from steam trapped in a kitchen due to lots of cooking, a lovely hot bath, drying very damp clothes on radiators, poor ventilation, lack of heating and so on. The difficulty for a landlord is that it’s hard to know whether the issue falls with a tenant’s lifestyle habits or the poor ventilation of the building. When is mould the landlord’s responsibility? Mould becomes the landlord’s responsibility, when the cause of it is due to building defects over lifestyle habits. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985, landlords must repair defects and structural issues that cause damage to buildings. As mould and other damp related problems can often be linked to structural issues, landlords must inspect and repair as necessary.
THE TOPIC OF MOULD
How you, as a landlord, can be vigilant about mould If mould is found to be present, a landlord will need to provide a mould remediation service to ensure the home is habitable. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, homes must be in a habitable state throughout the tenancy, and repeated mould is a reason why a home would be considered not to be habitable. Early prevention is key – we cannot stress this enough! How can you be proactive about mould as a landlord? Educate your tenants about mould and the importance of reducing moisture and creating proper ventilation. Advise them of the importance of the following: Opening windows, even for short bursts of 15 minutes every day. Leaving windows on a latch Not drying clothes inside If they have no option but to dry clothes inside, then to do so in a well-ventilated room, such as a bathroom with the window wide open Making sure the heating stays on, even at a low level Making sure that the bathroom is well ventilated and the extractor fan on when showering or bathing Wiping surfaces regularly and clearing away any mould at the first sign, with a proprietary mould cleaner. Good ventilation when cooking.
Like anything, if it is caught early, then it is so much easier to deal with than if it is left to become a bigger problem. The biggest piece of advice here is to make sure that you do regular inspections and make a check for mould part of your inspection routine: Give the house a “good sniff” (this may sound bizarre) but if you are regularly checking your property, then you will know how the inside of the house feels and smells. Damp has a very distinctive smell – does the inside of your property smell musty or feel damp and cold? Whilst inspecting tenants’ rooms, have a good look at ceilings, window ledges and walls – and any place where moisture can get trapped, like walls with furniture against (bookcases are great culprits for this). When inspecting bathrooms, have a good look at window ledges, ceilings, bath sealant and behind the shower and in between the grouting of tiles. Check that all radiators are working, so that rooms can be kept warm throughout the property and that washing is not being placed to dry on them. If you educate your tenants and keep a close eye on your property, with regular i nspections, identifying the cause of any mould and treating it at the first sign, you should be able to keep on top of it. Your tenants will thank you; your property will be in a better condition and, it will save you money and stress in the long run!
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Autistic people and those with earning disabilities are set to benefit from a new £1m service from local authorities and the NHS Most autistic people, or those with a learning disability, can find some ‘everyday’ experiences present them with real challenges, and sometimes they may react in ways that those who are not autistic, or have a learning disability, do not understand. The Intensive Positive Behaviour Support pilot will work with individuals and their families to identify the triggers of these behaviours and help to develop actions and techniques to manage them. Local clinicians, operational leads and service users will co-design the service, with implementation beginning in November (2022). The pilot, which is a partnership scheme involving local councils and the NHS, will initially support 40 adults across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Councillor Helen Holland, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care and Integrated Care System at Bristol City Council, said: “This exciting scheme supports our ambition to ensure autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities are treated as valued members of our communities and given the best chances in life. It can bring huge benefits to individuals, their families and the wider care system. 34
“By being truly involved in the scheme from day one, participants will co-design the offer based on their needs and aspirations. The programme will then help them achieve their personal goals, whatever they are, allowing them to live more independent and rewarding lives. If successful, the programme will also help make the best use of resources, enabling care to be delivered closer to home and improve the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable people.” The long-term ambition for the programme is to support vulnerable people and their families in their community, reducing the breakdown of placements and the use of inpatient facilities – which can often be far away. Rosi Shepherd, Director of Nursing and Quality for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG, said: “We are pleased to be working together on this pilot that will provide support and guidance to autistic people as well as those with learning disabilities in our area, and help them to overcome episodes of distress. We want to support people to live their very best lives and be accepted for who they are, improving quality of life – both for themselves and their loved ones.
“Being able to understand distress, and communicate the way you feel, can be difficult for many people; but it can be more difficult if you are autistic or have a learning disability. This may lead to behaviour that could be challenging, and we hope this pilot is successful in helping people and their families.” Councillor Mike Bell, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Adult Social Services at North Somerset Council, said: “I’m delighted that North Somerset is part of this joint pilot scheme. It’s vital that we support autistic people and those living with learning disabilities who most need help to succeed in their everyday lives.
Councillor Ben Stokes, Cabinet Member for Adults and Housing at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “It is really important that when designing services to support people who are autistic and those with learning difficulties, we develop them alongside those service users. By working this way and valuing their input, we gain a better understanding of their needs and how to provide meaningful help. I am pleased that in the coming year we will spend time collaborating to create the Intensive Positive Behaviour Support programme. With that learning and the experience of the pilot, I hope that we will be able to provide more and better support to those who need it.”
“By working together with our partners across the region, we can share our resources to deliver a better level of specialist support. This important initiative will also recognise and value our care and support staff by helping them learn new skills and enhance their existing expertise.”
Has your property gone up in price?
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How to help your child learn to read early on Research shows many key early reading skills develop from birth to age 5. It is essential to set up a strong foundation of language development, cultivated through lots of playful conversation, story time and read‑aloud sessions. Here are seven things you can do to help your child learn to read. 1. Context Start with something children can relate to, such as their name. This helps them to learn letters and their corresponding sounds in context. Talk about the way the letters look, sound and feel. Encourage your child to make the letters using play dough or magnetic letters etc. Show your child how each letter makes its own sound but when you put them all together they make your child's name. 2. Non-Alphabetical Order Try to avoid starting from 'a' and working through every single letter in alphabetical order. Instead, aim to teach your child letters that can quickly combine to make real words. See if there are any little words you can make from just the letters of your child's name. In the first four lessons, the Reading Eggs programme introduces the letters and sounds / m / / s / / a / / t /, which means children can soon read the words 'a', 'at', 'am' 'as' 'mat', 'sat' and 'Sam'. 3. Letters and Sounds Start by introducing lowercase letters as these make up the majority of the print we read. Encourage your child to identify the focus letter and its sound in other texts and the environment around them. You can also have some fun making up mnemonics, actions and images to help your child build instant recall. These activities help to develop phonemic awareness and the understanding that words are made up of letters and that every letter has a corresponding sound. 36
4. Blending Once your child can recognise a handful of letters, it's time to start blending. This is done by sounding out each letter and then blending the word all the way through from the first letter to the last. Stick to simple CVC (consonant‑vowel‑consonant) words to start with. For example, / d / / o / / g / when blended together makes the word 'dog'. 5. Building Vocabulary Help your child build their reading vocabulary. Introduce more letters, sounds and ultimately new words. Encourage your child to put their budding skills to work by reading simple texts and captions. The Reading Eggs programme has over 3000 e‑books to help your child build their reading confidence. Start your free trial here. 6. Writing As well as learning to break words into sounds for reading, it's a good idea to encourage your child to put sounds back together in order to spell words. This is called 'encoding' and works alongside the reading process. Try asking your child to have fun sound‑talking words, such as “Where is my b‑a‑g?” “This is my h‑a‑t.” Then ask them to write the words using magnetic letters, crayons, pencils, or paint. 7. Praise Get excited by their achievements. Praise, reward and take their reading and writing seriously. Display their work on the walls or the fridge and let your child see that you value their efforts. Congratulate them as they continue on their incredible reading journey.
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NO SMOKING DAY 9TH MARCH
Tabetha is thirty-one years old and having her first child. She was referred to the Mums2be Smokefree service by her midwife when she was twelve-weeks pregnant. Mums2Be Smokefree is a local service in Somerset who offer support, advice and free NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) to pregnant women, partners and family members needing help to quit smoking. In this blog she talks about the support she had from Mums2Be Smokefree, and how much easier she found it when given the right tools to help her quit smoking: “My stop smoking journey started when I was about 12 weeks pregnant. I was referred to the Mums2be Smokefree service by my midwife. “I had been smoking for over twenty-years and have never given up before as I believed it would be too difficult a challenge. However, having the support of the Mums2Be stop smoking team, having the incentive, and being given the tools by the team to help me quit, I have found it easier than I thought. I found the medication helpful. I had a carbon monoxide monitor to check my breath at home and I sent my readings to Riley at the service.
I would definitely recommend the Mums2Be stop smoking service to any expectant mothers as the support is excellent and the team is amazing. Giving up is always best for your health and that of the baby and the vouchers are always a bonus especially for a first-time mum like myself. Want to know more about the help that is available? Visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
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WHERE SPEED CAMERAS WILL BE THIS WEEK With reports of mobile speed cameras increasing, never get caught speeding again with a full list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime.
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
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Refugees are welcome and settling in South Gloucestershire Over the past few months, four families from Afghanistan have begun to make new lives in South Gloucestershire, with support from a range of council staff and dedicated case workers from Southern Brooks Community Partnership. They are being resettled as part of Government schemes to bring people fleeing conflict and other crises to safety and it follows similar work to support families from Syria. Welcome programmes are also in place to support people from Hong Kong who have been granted UK residency by the Government. South Gloucestershire has a long and proud history of not only supporting people in the greatest need, but in helping them to begin new lives in safety and security. This week, Council Leader, Toby Savage; Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults and Housing, Councillor Ben Stokes; and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality of Opportunity, Councillor Franklin OwusuAntwi met with some of the newest arrivals to welcome them to our community and hear about their experiences. Hearing their stories, of their desire to escape conflict and to provide a better life for their children and contribute to their new communities, was inspirational. 40
The journeys they have been on have been incredibly difficult and adapting to a new life in a new home will be challenging, but the positive experience of those resettling here from Syria shows what can be achieved when people receive support to restart their lives and live up to their potential. Each family arriving from Afghanistan under the Government schemes is allocated a caseworker from Southern Brooks to work directly with them, helping them to navigate the processes to get children into schools, to access health and medical services, to take language courses and to find work, for example. The four families have been provided with a home, funded by Housing Benefit and furnished through generous donations from the community. A fifth home has been prepared for a family due to arrive later this month. The needs of the families are assessed by the caseworkers, and families are involved in shaping the plans for putting the required help in place, as the families have fled Afghanistan with very little. Women can feel particularly vulnerable and isolated from family and friends they have left behind, so the caseworkers are working closely with them to identify ways to help them to build connections in their local communities.
For example, sewing is a common pastime and interest, so donations of second-hand sewing machines have been really appreciated. Participation in sewing classes in Bristol has really helped to encourage the women to venture out and meet others, converse in a shared language and make new friends. As well as a safe and secure home, families are supported to settle into their new community so that they can lead independent lives. The caseworkers help the families understand their new lives, including local orientation, understanding local shops, community centres and using public transport. Support is also given to find work via the usual routes available to everyone, to learn or improve English language skills. Adjusting to a new life is not easy, but Southern Brooks colleagues and trusted volunteers are committed to working with partners and the families themselves to ensure that they are supported to feel welcomed and part of their local community. Local people in the communities where the families are settling have been very welcoming, which will be crucial to helping them establish themselves and grow familiar and comfortable in their new surroundings.
Cllr Stokes said: “Whether from Afghanistan or Syria in recent years, or from Africa or the Balkans in the past, South Gloucestershire has always played its part in helping to support and, where they need it, to resettle people affected by conflict. Right now, our thoughts are focussed on the terrible events in Ukraine, and of course we stand ready to play our role in resettling people forced to flee the war in that country. We will engage positively with the Government to support any scheme they establish to bring in refugees from Ukraine and I know that our residents will hold out the hand of friendship and welcome to them. “I was very pleased to meet with some of the families who have arrived in the past few months from Afghanistan. We want them to feel welcome and I know they appreciate the help they have received already from council colleagues as well as Southern Brooks, from local schools and from the wider community. “Although they have had traumatic experiences which have brought them to our area, with help and understanding, they are focussed on rebuilding their lives here and to making a contribution, and our community will be the richer for it.”
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Take a break and try to solve theses puzzles Here are this weeks puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea. Click the NEW download symbol below to download our puzzles to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure. The answers will be published on our website every Thursday afternoon.
EASY
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Head to www.directlocalbristol. co.uk/competitions to download this weks puzzle page Good luck!
MEDIUM MOUNTAIN PROUD SAILOR SALE ENSURE GESTURE MARBLE MEASURE DESERT DESIRE ENCOURAGE BRAVE BUDGE CONCEPTION DELIVER
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EXTREME
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Bristol's Largest Independent Construction Health & Safety Training Centre
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Unit 4, Bakers Park, Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TT
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
WHO NEEDS A EPC? All landlords and home owners, as all properties available to buy or rent require a valid EPC. Phone: 01934 249074 Mobile: 07753 436294 Web: www.jackrey.co.uk Email: jon@jackrey.co.uk
JackRey Services offer expert and impartial energy advice to customers in Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare. Get in touch with us today! 43
8th MARCH 2022 Have you ever heard about International Women's Day? Why do we need a day to celebrate just half the inhabitants of our planet? Find out about this special day by re ading the text below. What is International Women’s Day? International Women’s Day takes place every year on 8 March to celebrate the achievements of women all over the world. It started with a protest that took place in New York City in 1908 where women went out onto the streets to demand the right to vote, shorter working hours and better pay. Since then it has taken many forms and today it’s a global event that is supported by lots of charities, NGOs, governments and academic institutions. In some countries March 8th is an official holiday, but in most it’s a normal working day. Why do we need an International Women’s Day? In today’s world it may appear that women have all the same opportunities as men. If you watch the news you will see women astronauts, women prime ministers and women leaders in business. However, if you look at the statistics you realise there’s still a long way to go.
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The BBC did a report a few years ago that showed that in the UK women occupied only 30.9% of the most senior positions across a range of jobs in areas like politics, business and policing. So, although progress has been made since 1908, there is still a lot to do before we see an equal number of men and women in the top jobs and receiving equal pay. To help celebrate International Womens Day 2022 in Bristol theirs an event crated this Saturday at City Hall between 10.30am and 4pm. Bristol Women’s Voice has been standing up for women’s rights in Bristol for more than a decade. Come along to City Hall to find out how we are advancing equality for women in Bristol – from amplifying the voices of disabled women to breaking taboos around menopause and addressing the importance of bystander awareness in tackling misogyny. The event is open to everyone. There is a free creche available in two-hour slots throughout the day, which need to be booked in advance, and translators will be arranged where possible. Covid measures will be in place. Click here to download the full program
Caring for a loved one?
We understand that considering a care home can be daunting, that’s why we’re here to offer you as much information and support as possible. Our free guides provide practical and emotional advice as you navigate caring for a friend or family member. Call us on 01179 110524 for a friendly chat or to request As easy as ABC guide, or download a copy at careuk.com/as-easy-as-abc
Trusted to care.
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Trymview Hall care home Southmead careuk.com/trymview-hall 45
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WE BUILD PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES THAT DON'T COST THE EARTH We make websites that are mobile responsive.
We do more than just create great websites Responsive All of our websites are made to be seen on all devices, from your mobile phone, tablet, and desktop.
Communication You will have one-to-one communication with the website designer. Along the process, the designer will give you a link to see the website at each stage of its process before it’s ready for launch
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WINDOWS | DOORS | ROOFLIGHTS
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Visit Bristol’s Biggest Showroom 24 Emery Road Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF To find out more, call 01179 717 880 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk
APPROVED
Gotta get a Garolla.
Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage. Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up for free!
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happy
A place to live We pride ourselves on having happy homes, where residents and their families can enjoy spending quality time with each other and develop new friendships along the way. Our homes in Bristol are located close to local shops and amenities, and benefit from strong connections with community groups. We offer a busy and varied activities programme that includes something for everyone and ensures residents get the most out of every day. We care for individuals with a variety of care needs including Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care.
Our homes in Bristol: Osborne Court Care Home, 0117 321 9289 Bishopsmead Lodge Care Home, 0117 321 9269 Call our friendly team today, or 48 visit: www.fshc.co.uk
