26 Winter 2018
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Are you affected by crime or abuse? Victims First offers free emotional and practical support to victims of all types of crime or abuse across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. This support also includes witnesses and victims’ families, regardless of whether it’s been reported to the police or when/ where the crime happened. Help can be over the telephone, face to face, advocacy (including help to access sexual health clinics, drug and alcohol and legal services), assistance through the criminal justice system, and therapeutic counselling. There are also specialist services depending on people’s needs, for example for younger victims and sufferers of sexual violence. More information: (0300) 1234 148 www.victims-first.org.uk
Breaking Free from alcohol
Easy to follow and completely confidential, Breaking Free lets you work on your drinking at your own pace. Free online 24/7 support, every day of the year to Wokingham residents. You can access it on any device with the internet such as computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. You can learn a wide range of proven positive coping skills, and can choose to set a goal to reduce or stop your drinking. You’ll be able to track your progress on your personal dashboard and get a certificate to show how well you’ve done. If you have an Android or iPhone, use the Companion app to get even more from Breaking Free. Just visit the App Store and search for ‘Breaking Free Companion’. More information: info@breakingfreeonline.com
Help us stop inappropriate developments Significantly more homes will be coming to the Wokingham Borough – but this is unavoidable because central government is committed to more housing and this is a popular area to live. But with careful planning we can make sure these new homes bring with them the right roads, schools, parks, play areas, sports centres, community centres and health facilities; additional amenities to also benefit existing residents. A high proportion of these new homes must also be affordable. To ensure this careful planning we produce a Local Plan, which we’re doing through the Local Plan Update (LPU). This is a strategic map setting out where all development (commercial, leisure and residential) can and cannot be allowed between now and 2036. The latest LPU consultation is running as this magazine goes to press (see web link below). We have sent a LPU guide, called Homes for the Future, to all residents in the Borough. If you haven’t received yours, please contact us: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘Local Plan Update’)
Executive View Cllr Stuart Munro, Executive Member for Business, Economic Development and Strategic Planning “Without an up-to-date Local Plan, we wouldn’t be able to resist inappropriate development, or properly plan and deliver the infrastructure needed for the rest. So please do get involved in the consultation. It is vital as many people as possible do.”
