Neighbourhood News

Seasons Greetings to everyone and may we wish you all the best in 2019!

(from the Upper Valley Neighbourhood Team, as always there in the background!)

If it’s sparkles it’s Kidsfest

Kindness was in force at this years Kidsfest with the children of Todmorden getting into the festive spirit . The Café served delicious warming food and the volunteers went home taking a trail of glitter with them.  Thank you to all the volunteers of Todmorden who continue to put on the fabulous free event each year which starts the Christmas spirit for many of the families taking part.

Reach4Ward Christmas Day Event

Reach4Ward has had an amazing response to the leaflets & as a result we're now full for volunteer roles!! The places left are for people wishing to eat only & we'd like you to spread the word.
There are approx. 30 places left & we feel these should go to those who fit the criteria that underpins the event. This is for anyone who is struggling with Christmas Day, through isolation or loneliness, through addiction or mental health, through physical health issues or disabilities, through finances or debt, or indeed any or all of the above...
You may not be physically isolated but you may collectively struggle with your family members. Or you may have recently claimed Universal Credit & be waiting 5 weeks for your first payment, or you may have been sanctioned, or you may have recently had your benefits stopped, or you may be overwhelmed by debt. If so, come & spend the day with us. You'll not only have a great time but you'll avoid the bittersweet enjoyment of Christmas Day overshadowed with worrying about how you're going to cope with the cost, even if it’s just for one day.
The food is going to be lovely! You'll be provided with refreshments all day & what's more, there are activities for children, gifts along with amazing prizes for the raffle & quiz, all courtesy of the amazing individuals & businesses of this brilliant community. I'm fairly sure you won't be disappointed & it'll cost you NOTHING.
We're not carrying out any kind of assessment or making judgements; you will decide if this is for you. And I expect if you're reading this, it might well be.
Please please please let us know if you want to eat as we cannot guarantee there will be food for people who turn up on the day without prior notice. Please share this with anyone not on social media. We will aim to provide for transport needs where possible but we will need notice.

Our contact details are 07707 449 223 or reach4ward4@gmail.com

Todmorden’s Wildlife Corridor

Volunteers from the Canal and River Trust and Incredible Edible Todmorden have been busy pulling out nettle routes and putting in shrubs and trees to create a wildlife corridor along the towpath in Todmorden.  Thanks to all their hard work walkers will no longer have to dodge the towering nettles in the spring and summer but can enjoy the growing natural environment of trees and flowers to encourage pollinators and wildlife instead.
 

Unique Ways are expanding our popular support groups into local areas around Calderdale, enabling more parent carers of children with disabilities and SEN to meet one another, share experiences and chat over a cuppa.
The Upper Valley group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 10:30-12:00 at Hebden Royd Methodist Church, Market Street, Hebden Bridge. The group will meet in the Main Hall.  A limited number of parking spaces are available at the side of the church.  There are a number of public car parks within a few minutes' walk, as well as on-street parking nearby (some is metered, so please check before leaving your car).
One of our practitioners will host the group and will be available to chat about any issues you have and how Unique Ways may be able to support you.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
 

Festive Fun at the Lights Switch On!

Ripponden was certainly a hive of activity on Saturday night for the Christmas Lights Switch On. The evening started with a lovely Carol Service at St Bartholomew's Church led by Rev Carol Hirst. The Chairman and his Consort handed out chocolates to the children as they left the church to walk up to the village just in time to greet Father Christmas.
For the Lights Switch On itself, Oldham Road was once again temporarily closed to allow spectators to stand in the road for the count down performed by our DJ for the evening Cllr Steve McCarley.
Afterwards Father Christmas was kept very busy meeting with children at Central Hall and was joined by his Scout helpers and members of Ripponden in Bloom who had organised a Christmas Hamper raffle.
A big Thank You to all who came along to assist and support the event.
 

Staying Well

Dementia Friendly Todmorden
Once again DfT made a cracking start to Christmas by hosting the Carol Concert at St Mary’s. Attended by 6 local primary schools, 5 Todmorden Care Homes, the Mayor and Consort of Todmorden and in the presence of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire, Kate Morton Deakin, the volunteers together with Red Watch provided a wonderful afternoon for all there. Entertainment was provided by John Spooner at the keyboard, Morrison’s and Hebden Bridge Co-op provided the food, and Warburton’s the song sheets.



The Wednesday Men

The Wednesday Men continue to meet every Wednesday morning at Todmorden Hippodrome. Having completed several bird tables for the Health Centre they are now moving onto nesting boxes to go with the bird tables; and also a new project, inspired by Marguerite of th4 Molly and Bill project: memory boxes for use by the residents of the local care homes.
You don’t have to be in the mood to make something to join the Wednesday Men; we also have chess, mini ping pong and soft bowls. Or just do like I do, come down for a coffee and a right good laugh.

Christmas Time
There is no need to be alone on Christmas Day either; contact Age Concern, IET (Tod Unitarian) or your local Staying Well Worker for more details. Volunteers are welcome at both events, but please let them know you are coming.




Christmas time can be difficult for many people, maybe it brings back memories you’d prefer not to have, or maybe it is a reminder of happy times in the past. Why not join Deacon Bob Stoner at Todmorden Central Methodist for a ‘Blue Christmas’ Service?

Fraud Action

Police calling people for items or the threat of a warrant. West Yorkshire Police are warning people not to fall foul of a scam where telephone callers are purporting to be police officers.
The warning comes after officers received a case to investigate from Action Fraud, where a woman in her eighties was told her bank account was being monitored and asked her to withdraw some money.
The caller was a male who claimed to be a police officer and said that the cash was needed for fingerprints.
She was also told in later calls that her bank cards were needed so the chips could be replaced, and was also asked to pay for and collect some items from a shop.
A male attended at her home address to collect the cash, the bank cards and the items.
Enquiries are now ongoing to identify those involved in this scam.
“The police would never call someone to tell them their bank account was being monitored, nor would they send someone to your house to collect bank cards or request you to collect items for them.
“We are aware of other reports in West Yorkshire where telephone calls have been received from people claiming to be police officers and asking them to move their money because their accounts are being monitored for fraudulent activity.
“If you receive one of these calls please hang up and contact your bank separately. They should be able to confirm if they are aware of any suspected fraud with your account.”
Anyone who believes they have been targeted in this way or approached by a bogus police officer is asked to contact police on 101, or call 999 if the crime is taking place at that time.  
Any suspicious calls should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
For further advice for victims visit here,

Warden's Update

The Upper Valley Neighbourhood team assisted a group of residents in cleaning up the play area on Dineley Avenue in Todmorden.  We also cleared out the land at the back which the residents are hoping to develop and maintain in the near future.  This will be an ongoing project and we’re all very excited to watch the area grow into a beautiful place which the community can enjoy.  Thanks to the Safer, Cleaner, Greener team for removing the rubbish.


Todmorden Church of England School, along with the Upper Valley Neighbourhood Team visited Todmorden Fire Station as part of the Junior Warden Scheme.  They were shown all the equipment on the fire engine and how it works, along with what clothing fire fighters wear.  The children thoroughly enjoyed the session and were given the task to ask their parent/guardian to check their smoke alarms when they get home.

Daisy’s Café

Tony Austin will provide the music at Daisy’s Café at Todmorden Health Centre on Saturday, January 5^th.
The café is on from 11am until 1.30pm and is run by Dementia Friendly Todmorden. Everyone is welcome and the group will be offering their usual support, advice and information for people affected by dementia along with their families and carers.
As well musical entertainment, the café will be serving soup, sandwiches, biscuits and drinks.

Park for free in Calderdale on Saturdays up to Christmas

Calderdale Council is offering free parking in a number of car parks in Halifax as well as in five car parks across the towns of Brighouse, Elland, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden, on Saturdays before Christmas. 
There will also be free on-street parking in Halifax from 3:00pm every Thursday up until Christmas, to support the late night shopping. 
Find out more and see which car parks are free, at Park for free on Saturdays up to Christmas.

Brooklyn Studios Group ~ Rain Nearly Stopped Play…..

December the 1^st literally blew itself and its torrential rain across Hebden Bridge bringing with it the Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, Cllr Dr Carol Stow and her Consort Sean right through the red door straight into Brooklyn’s  Studio spaces!
All thoughts of ribbon- cutting gone; but only for the time being.
A bit of re-orchestration was required; our guest musician, Michael Beazley, composer and guitarist, rapidly assessed the situation and created a creditable ‘drum-roll’ effect, and the ribbon-cutting proceeded with aplomb – and much laughter!
Our guests proved to be delightful, interesting; very interested in all that was on display, with pertinent questions and lively discussions with each of the nine artists present.(Work, sickness and other commitments meant not all Brooklyn members could be present)
It was a good celebratory day for all to enjoy; enhanced by Michael’s beautiful guitar playing; his intriguing repertoire of Irish and Scottish folk songs got a few of us singing along (Brooklyn Belles choir?) and also included a piece composed especially by him for Brooklyn Studios – entitled ‘Brooklyn’s  Height’.

Changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Two changes are coming to HWRCs which will reduce contractual costs and help manage waste disposal while at the same time ensuring that all Household Waste Recycling Centres remain open and continue to operate their existing hours. From 3 December, plasterboard, hardcore and rubble will now only be accepted at Halifax, Brighouse and Todmorden HWRCs, with a charge per bag.  
 
The second change is the introduction of a Resident’s permit on a trial basis, to Brighouse and Elland HWRCs, starting on the 26 November. Every vehicle visiting Brighouse or Elland HWRC will need a resident permit in order to deposit waste or recycling. Permits will be issued free of charge by the site office, on production of photo identification to prove residence in Calderdale.
More information is available here.

And Finally...

- Funding

Pocket Park Grants
One-off grants of up to £25,000 are available for community groups working with local authorities to establish new pocket parks, creating safe and usable green spaces, and for helping to restore and renovate existing parks which have fallen into disrepair, bringing them back into public use. The funding is intended to help put communities and their partners in a position to take on the management of green spaces of value to them, and contribute resource towards upgrading spaces so that they are in good condition and communities can focus on managing them for the future. Communities are required to obtain match-funding towards the grant awarded and they need to provide evidence that a minimum of 30% of the grant applied for has been secured. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a community group with a constitution, eg a friends’ group, a tenants’ group, community gardeners’ association etc.
• Show they have engaged their local authority to secure their support.
• Show evidence that it is a community-led proposal with a need for green space to address a specific local need.
• Be able to produce a sustainability plan for the future of the park by 31 March 2019

• Capital – support to prepare a site, earth-works, landscaping, tree planting, structural works etc. and put it into a good condition for further development.
• Resource – to secure support from relevant experts (ie. landscape architects, lawyers, horticulturalists or wider green sector experts) and/or to connect with existing green space support networks.

Application deadline: 25/01/2019 Link to application pack here.

Hillard’s Trust
Limited to areas of former Hillards shops, covering Sowerby Bridge, Brighouse (including Elland) and Todmorden. The Trust usually makes grants on a one-off basis of £1,000, but also seeks to make 2 grants a year of up to £10,000 if it can identify projects that will have a significant impact on an organisation’s effective delivery of its services.
Criteria:

• Old Age luncheon clubs, outings, winter aid and help for the disabled
• Education of the young e.g. reading support, literacy advocation, one to one support, enhancing sports opportunities
• Children’s charities unless they fall within the exclusions
• Medical health related volunteer schemes, respite care and hospices
• Church based projects with a proven outreach factor

See exclusions on criteria doc link. There is no deadline, but Trustees meet at end of March 2019, so good to get applications in soon; form is very simple

VCSE Health & Wellbeing Fund 2019 to 2020
Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations can apply for funding to run projects focused on improving children and young people’s mental health. More information here.
Applications are invited from existing schemes to trial a new approach to helping children and young people with their mental health. The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 15 February 2019.
Projects should:

• adopt community and person-centred approaches to improving the mental health of children and young people aged 0 to 25 years
• particularly support children and young people through life-changing events
• have strong local connections already in place
• be delivered by the VCSE sector
• be co-produced with service users and stakeholders

Through this programme, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England are working with VCSE organisations to promote equality, address health inequalities and support the wellbeing of people, families and communities.

Bettys Trees for Life Fund Launches to Improve Yorkshire’s Green Spaces
The Bettys Trees for Life Fund aims to improve green spaces and wildlife habitats in communities in Yorkshire through supporting small charities and local community groups with projects such as tree planting, environmental management and woodland-access improvements.
Grants of between £500 and £4,000 are available for a range of activities.
Eligible projects can include, for example:

• Activities undertaken by ‘in bloom’ groups.
• Small-woodland-copse planting.
• Habitat improvement.
• Planting new or gapping up of existing hedgerows.
• Tree planting.
• Wetland development.
• Environmental education and access projects.
• Woodland management.

Applications will be accepted from non-profit organisations in Yorkshire, with priority being given to the locations surrounding the Bettys Café Tea Rooms: York, Harrogate, Northallerton and Ilkley. Eligible applicants include voluntary and community groups, registered charities, co-operatives, parish councils and schools.
The next deadline for applications to be received is 25 February 2019. More information here.

Greggs Foundation
Provided by Greggs Foundation and administered by seven charity committees throughout Great Britain, the Fund is available for sustainable and new or innovative approaches to supporting and improving the resilience of communities of interest in England, Scotland and Wales.
Eligible communities of interest include people who are:

• Disabled or suffering chronic illness.
• Living in poverty.
• Voluntary carers.
• Homeless.
• Isolated older people.
• Other demonstrable significant need.

• Beneficiaries have decreased social isolation.
• Beneficiaries report improved health and wellbeing.
• Beneficiaries report improved resilience/coping mechanisms.
• Beneficiaries have improved life skills.
• Beneficiaries have improved opportunities.

Any not-for-profit organisation can apply; however, larger organisations with a turnover in excess of £300,000 are unlikely to be successful. Priority will be given to organisations that have Greggs shops or premises nearby.
The deadline for applications is 28 February 2019. More information here.

Small Charities encouraged to apply for Weston Charity Awards
Deadline: 11th January
Do you want to increase the impact of your small charity and safeguard its future? The Weston Charity Awards offer a year’s strategic planning support and a core grant of £6,500 to help you do this. 
The Awards celebrate and support great front-line charities in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales working in the fields of youth, welfare and community. Run by the Garfield Weston Foundation in partnership with Pilotlight, charities with incomes under £5 million can apply. 
Last year’s 20 winning charities have all been matched with volunteer business coaches called Pilotlighters and are currently participating in a programme of strategic planning and mentoring. In 2019, this could be you. 
The application process has been designed to make it easy for busy charity leaders to apply. 
Visit www.westoncharityawards.org to find out more.

- Other

Calderdale Staying Safe, the Domestic Abuse Support Service
Have you or a family member been affected by Domestic Abuse?
Do you need some support or someone to talk to about the abuse? Are you struggling to cope with the effects of family violence?
Christmas, for some families is a time of celebration, but unfortunately for some the expectations of being there to provide and support can make Christmas a challenging time. Don't forget the Samaritans are always there to help you and can be contacted though our link. 
Calderdale Staying Safe has published a series of guides to in different languages to support those who may not know what services are available in Urdu, Czech and Polish. 
Calderdale Staying Safe, the Domestic Abuse Support Service has released a flyer that can be downloaded here and printed to give the latest information on how to contact them, 01422 323339 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. The leaflet also includes the out of hours number. There are also leaflets in different languages

In an emergency, call 999 or to report an incident to the Police, please call 101.

Staying Safe has a skilled, experienced and diverse staff team who speak other languages or will make every effort to find language support through interpreters. 
This is a free and confidential service to anyone aged 16 and above, who has been affected by domestic abuse and who lives in Calderdale.
Support is available to people regardless of their sexuality, gender, disability, religion or ethnic origin.
Support is also available for children 5 years and above, who have been affected by domestic abuse.
There are dedicated male and female support workers.

The latest outreach sessions are; 
Todmorden Community College, Burnley Rd, Todmorden OL14 7BX (1^st & 3^rd Thursday every month 10:00am-12:00pm) 06/12/18, 20/12/18

Better Lives at Number 42 Outreach Sessions
Better Lives at No 42 are holding a number of outreach sessions for those who find it difficult to get to the service at 42, Market Street, Halifax. 
The new sessions are at; 
Customer First, Horton Street, Halifax HX1 1QE
Every Wednesday, 10:00am–1:00pm.

Health Centre, Lower George Street, Todmorden OL14 5RN
First and third Tuesday mornings of the month, 9:30am–11:30am.

Better Lives at number 42 Market Street, Halifax is a service for adults providing the support needed to stay healthy, independent and in control of your life for as long as possible. 
Open Monday to Friday there is a team of social workers providing accessible, face to face information and support to adults in Calderdale. 
Open in the Halifax base on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm-4:00pm & Thursday 10:00am-1:00pm. 
Helping with health & well-being, promoting independence, support for carers, information about technology such as pendant alarms and signposting to other support organisations such as Staying Well and Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees.

FREE Cycle Maintenance Training
CityConnect is offering free cycle maintenance courses on Saturday 15 December, 10:00am-4:00pm at the OSCA Site, Forest Cottage Community Centre, Cousin Lane, Ovenden, HX2 8AD. The course includes,

• Safety check, clean & lubricate
• Wheel, tyre & Tube removal, mending punctures
• Brake adjust cables & blocks
• Gear adjustment

Bring your own bike or bikes will be available. The course is catering for an age group 16 or above.
Just turn up on the day or more information ring 01274 753556 or email westyorkshire@bikeright.co.uk.
Speak to your training provider or visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk/cycle-training