July
Lower Valley Friday Flyer 31 July 2020 – OUT NOW!!
Click here to view the latest Lower Valley Friday Flyer…
This week:
- New Lockdown restrictions from 31st July 2020
- Have your say on plans for Elland Station and access
- SureStart Children’s Centres Summer Family activities
- Grow Big Family learning movie – Make your own Play Dough!
Have a great weekend!
If you’re on our mailing list the Friday Flyer will arrive direct to your inbox every Friday. Join the mailing list by emailing calderdalelowervalley@gmail.com
You can also contact us on 0300 555 0266.
Disability Partnership Calderdale Newsletter 31st July
Welcome to the latest weekly Disability Partnership Calderdale e-newsletter.
You’re probably aware of the new Lockdown restrictions that have been applied to Calderdale and some surrounding areas, as of today (Friday 31 July). We have full details of the news restrictions below and will keep updating our website as and when further information becomes available.
As for the rest of this newsletter, once again, face masks and coverings are the main topic of discussion, with some locally designed exemption cards for those who can’t wear them, now available.
Unfortunately, some people are using mask-wearing rules as an opportunity to bully and verbally and physically assault those who are exempt from wearing them. We have been delighted to see both the Council and local Police making it clear that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. They have also been reminding the general public that many disabilities are invisible.
Perhaps more importantly, at this difficult time, we should all try to combine fulfilling our own responsibilities in the fight against virus, whilst treating others with additional levels of kindness, tolerance and respect.
On a related subject, we are running an important survey into the shopping experiences of people with disabilities in Calderdale, during the lockdown and the easing of lockdown. We hope to identify any problems, including mask-related issues. We will be working with local organisations to solve them. Please spare us five minutes of your time to help us make a difference.
As ever, there’s also a round-up of our latest news – whatever you get up to in the next week, please stay safe!
The DPC Team
Calderdale’s New Lockdown
Calderdale is one of a number of areas in the North of England which have been given additional lockdown restrictions following an increase in the spread of coronavirus. These restrictions come into force on Friday 31 July 2020.
Perhaps the most important of the new restrictions are those covering social contact. These say that you must now not:
- meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).
- visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.
- socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.
For full details of all the new advice, please visit our website
– Calderdale’s New Lockdown
More info on the new lockdown restrictions:
– Calderdale Council’s Updated Coronavirus Advice
– Government Coronavirus Advice
Face Coverings & Masks
Wearing Face Masks/Coverings In Shops: Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England became mandatory in England on 24 July and has been compulsory on public transport in England since 15 June. However, children under 11 and those with certain disabilities are exempt (see below for details).
Making Your Own Face Coverings
- Government Advice on making and wearing Face Coverings
- BBC advice on making and wearing face coverings
- Guide to the best materials to use
- Make your own clear panel lip-reading mask
Buy a Face Mask
Lip Reading Masks:
- There are special masks available for people who rely upon lip reading. They have a clear panel in them – find out where to buy them or how to make one yourself here.
Some people can’t wear face coverings – Calderdale NHS have provided this helpful guide to whether you are exempt from wearing one and how to communicate this to other people.
In settings where face coverings are required, there are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. (You can download some examples below)
This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.
Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.
If you would like to print off an exemption card at home, you can use the PDF attachments below.
Exemption Card Downloads/Print-Offs/Phone Badges:
- Calderdale Card (to print) / PDF
- Exemption from face covering badge (for mobile phone) /PDF
- Exemption from face covering badge (to print) / PDF
- Exemption from face covering card (to print) / PDF
Calderdale Disability Shopping Survey
This survey is to find out what it has been like for Disabled People who have been out of their homes to go to the shops.
Whether a small local shop or a big supermarket, we want to hear about your experiences, both good and bad. All answers will be treated as confidential.
Latest News, Articles & Features
Top News Stories
Here’s our round-up of the top news stories and features on our website this week, with local Coronavirus levels causing concern, lots of updates on mask wearing, plus all the other main disability news from Calderdale and beyond.
- Arts and Crafts for Wellbeing Zoom sessions
- Excess weight can increase risks from COVID-19
- Latest Scam Updates – Identify & Avoid
- Science & Analysis: BMJ’s weekly round up
- Gov’t News: 30 million to receive flu vaccine this winter
- Disability Horizons’ FREE guide to finding an accessible home
- Disability Rights UK’s latest newsletter
- Gov’t Advice: Supporting young SEND people as schools prepare for wider opening
- Calderdale On Coronavirus “Watch List” & Council’s Response
- Gov’t Guidance: When You Don’t Need To Wear a Face Covering
- Face Coverings: Where Are They Not Compulsory?
- Gov’t Advice: Face Coverings in Shops, Supermarkets, Transport Etc
- New Scientist: Is Coronavirus Elimination Feasible
- Pennine Magpie Lockdown Highlights Video
- Gov’t Advice: Flexible use of direct payments during the pandemic
- How to wear glasses with facemasks to prevent fogging
Coronavirus Info On Our Website
Do You Need Information or Support?
- Email us and we’ll do our best to find you an answer, or point you towards the best advice and help – info@disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org –
- Or call or text us on 0771 612 2897
About Disability Partnership Calderdale
About Us: Our aim is to improve the quality of life of disabled people in Calderdale, in particular, by working in partnership with service providers to maximise access to mainstream services for people with physical and sensory impairments. We normally hold regular membership meetings where people with disabilities are given a voice and an opportunity to influence policy and service delivery. However, at the moment we are concentrating on providing extra help and support via our website during the Coronavirus pandemic: Please visit our website for more about us and our work.
Reimagining Communities
North Halifax Partnership is holding conversations with as many people in the community as possible to understand how the Covid-19 crisis has impacted locally, and we’re inviting you to have these conversations too with your own family, friends or neighbours and share them with us.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a huge impact on society. It’s hard to think of any other time in living history when everyone across the world has been affected by the same concern. We really have been ‘all in this together’ however it is also true that ‘my’ lockdown experience might have been very different from ‘yours’.
Conversation starters:
- What things seem more important or less important to you now because of the COVID19 crisis?
- Can you think of any things that have changed because of the COVID19 crisis that need to continue into the future?
- What things have stopped due to the COVID19 crisis that need to be started again?
- Has the COVID19 crisis highlighted anything that’s missing to support you, your family or your community?
How do I get involved?
DO IT NOW – Find someone to talk to and upload your conversation to out Re-imagining Communities Listening Library.
REGISTER your interest in an online conversation. Drop us an email and we’ll send you an invite to join on of our online sessions.
TELEPHONE – We’re happy to talk! Request a call back from one of our friendly team. Call 0300 555 0266.
Keep Moving, Feel Better.
With the Government placing local restrictions on Calderdale it’s more important than ever to keep active – to stay physically and mentally well. Here are some ideas to get you moving, don’t worry if you can’t do them all:
- Explore the ponds in Beechwood Park, how many frogs can you find?
- Conquer the maze at Shroggs Park,
- Wander along woodland paths at Ogden Water,
- Get out into your garden; for a kick about with the kids, a bit of weeding or have a stroll,
- Walk to the end of your street, or to the nearest bench for a rest and enjoy the sunshine.
There are lots more free ideas to stay active both inside and outside the house on the Active Calderdale page
New Lockdown restrictions from 31st July 2020
In response to an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in parts of West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Greater Manchester. In order to control this, restrictions have been put into place. Here is what you need to know if you live, work or travel within these regions.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
Calderdale Council have released the following guidelines on their Facebook page:
SureStart Children’s Centres Summer Family activities
VSI Alliance Update July 29, 2020
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
We’re recruiting!
VOLUNTEERING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Closing date: 28th August
Are you the person to help shape the future of volunteering in Calderdale? We are looking to recruit a development officer with a proven background in developing and delivering volunteer programmes to a wide range of groups and organisations and with a strong commitment to the values of quality volunteering.
Do you have:
- Previous experience of managing volunteers?
- An interest in developing new and exciting volunteer opportunities?
- Energy and enthusiasm to work with other organisations to create a new approach to volunteering?
- Enthusiasm to help volunteering initiatives within the business world?
- An interest in working with us on the community-based Social Action pilots?
More information: https://www.sectorsupportcalderdale.org.uk/work-with-us/
News
Calderdale News & Information
In case you missed it:
Free Cricket Summer Activity Camps
The Cricket Asylum Foundation will be running free summer activity camps aimed at 7 to 11-year-old children. There will be fun cricket games and activities, run by qualified coaches.
The Studio Rooms Venue Hire and Stage Door Studio Theatre Workshop
The Studio Rooms have spacious rooms for hire at affordable prices, and Stage Door Studio Theatre Workshop are looking for young people aged 7 years upwards, with the hope of presenting The King and I next year.
Worry Flashcards for Students Returning to Education
16 Calderdale young people have worked together remotely to create 13 flashcards to support their peers when returning to education in September.
Regional/National News & Information
West Yorkshire And Harrogate Health and Care Partnership – Weekly Update
This week’s leadership message comes from Hilary Thompson, Chair of Third Sector Leaders in Kirklees and Senior Responsible Officer for Harnessing the Power of Communities at West Yorkshire and Harrogate, and Jo Baker, programme lead for the work.
In case you missed it:
2021 GSK IMPACT Awards – Core Funding and Free Training for Health Charities
Applications are now open for the 2021 GSK IMPACT Awards. Winning organisations will receive core funding of up to £40,000 plus access to excellent training and development to support their leaders.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Consultations
In case you missed it:
Calderdale VCSE Mental Health Impact Survey – Deadline: 31st July
- How it is feeling for VCS providers in terms of demand for more emotional, mental health and wellbeing support – it would be good to know if demand has changed and what you are seeing in general?
- How is the VCS coping regards capacity and resources to support people and community groups – are you seeing the need for more intensive support or other trends in terms of how you are expected to respond to need or demand?
- What have you done or planning to do differently? The things you have or plan to put in place based on how things are evolving and changing at pace – does this need more capacity (resources)?
- What have you stopped doing?
- Anything else you feel would be useful to know or factor in?
Online Events and Training
SS Dance & Wellbeing Online Wellness Event – 1st August
SS Dance & Wellbeing presents a free Online Wellness Day to inspire people to keep moving and make a few positive changes to enhance their wellbeing. The Online Wellness Day will focus primarily on engaging people from within their own homes via social media.
In case you missed it:
Workforce Health and Wellbeing – Free Training for VCS Managers, Supervisors and Those with Caring Responsibilities
The aim is for attendees to confidently hold supportive and compassionate mental health and wellbeing conversations, during and beyond Covid-19.
Funding
New Grant Launched for Holiday Food Support – Deadline: 3rd August
Calderdale Council and Community Foundation for Calderdale have launched the School Holiday Food Support Grant programme to help local organisations who are providing healthy meals and food parcels during the school holidays.
In case you missed it:
COVID-19 Inspiring Futures Programme – Deadline: 31st July
The Inspiring Futures programme will support children and young people between the ages 10 – 24* and the grants will run for a duration of up to 18 months, with awards being made up to £80,000.
Discretionary Grant Fund Is Now Open to a Second Round of Applications
The Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund is to support small businesses and registered charities who cannot get support funding. There are still eligible charities who haven’t yet claimed.
Flood Grant Opportunity to Better Protect Properties
Residents and businesses affected by the flooding in February 2020 are encouraged to check if they could be eligible for resilience support.
Volunteering
Volunteer Opportunity – Arts Drop
Arts Drop are in need of volunteers this weekend! Arts Drop is a scheme which creative activity packs to the borough’s most disadvantaged children and young people via their social workers. They can offer to pay a contribution of £25 for a half day or £50 for a full day per person, each day.
About VSI Alliance:
All staff at the VSI Alliance are available remotely to support you and your organisation at this time with various aspects of your work, along with providing key information and resources. For support/advice, please contact info@vsialliance.org.uk, or visit www.vsialliance.org.uk for more contact details.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
VSI Alliance: Reopening your Building FAQ and checklist
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
Reopening Your Building FAQs and Checklist
FAQs for Voluntary and Community Organisations on reopening
The government has set out its plan to gradually ease lockdown restrictions in a way that is safe and continues to protect the NHS. This means that certain workplaces and businesses are allowed to open and most people can spend more time doing more things.
This guidance sets out some FAQs to help community groups, charities, social enterprises and venues prepare to re-open safely.
Locality Reopening Guidance Checklist
This guidance looks at 4 key areas – Buildings, Services, Staff and Operational Management – and includes space for your own notes.
All staff at the VSI Alliance are available remotely to support you and your organisation at this time with various aspects of your work, along with providing key information and resources. For support/advice, please contact info@vsialliance.org.uk.
Grow Big Family learning movie – Make your own Play Dough!
We’re excited to be able to share with you a web link to our first family learning movie. We decided to go with a firm favourite – play dough.
This movie is for the families who have received the free Grow Big goody bags but it uses basic household ingredients so we hope many more families will watch it too and experience the benefits of sensory play.
https://www.growbig.co.uk/family-learning-programme
The movie can also be accessed via our Facebook and YouTube channels (links at the bottom of our home page – www.growbig.co.uk).
We’d welcome feedback from both families and staff.
More movies to follow in September.
Garden Birds and You back by popular demand! Friday July 31st
Back by popular demand: ‘Garden Birds and You’ on Friday 31st July 11am-12.30pm!
Healthy Minds brings a light-hearted but informative Zoom look at the nation’s Top Ten Garden Birds.
Reviews for the first run were a mixed flock:
🙂 “We got through it on a wing and a prayer…”
🙂 “It didn’t come cheep…”
🙂 “It clearly was a fly-by-night presentation…”
To book a place contact Jonny on 07845 014930 or email jmorrison@healthymindscalderdale.co.uk
ALL WELCOME 😁
