Community Information

Founded in October 2003, they offer a wide range of services for the residents of Wetherby and the surrounding villages – you may have used the Boston Spa Cafe. If you feel that you could befriend an old person (it involves a weekly telephone call), then please contact the organisation. You will likely find that it helps both the recipient and the caller. Yel 588994

0113 376 0330. This is the first port of call for all Covid-19 related needs as part of the LCC Local Welfare Support Scheme. It feeds into all the other support networks, including Mark Dobson at WiSe (our local area hub coordinators). Anyone needing a local volunteer would be referred to Penny; Citizens Advice and a number of other bodies are a part of this system too. So, this is the number is to give to anyone with needs such as:

> referrals to the food bank > help with gas / electricity top ups > needing white goods > needing items for babies > help with shopping > up to date info for anyone put into the shielding group > emergency food parcels > prescription delivery

Lockdown has led to an increase in scams. They may purport to come from Amazon, your bank, Inland Revenue, Royal Mail, TNT, UPS or HM Revenue & Customs.

If you are contacted by someone wanting money, to deliver a parcel, to say that you are due a tax refund, or even that your NI number has been used in a crime, be suspicious. Be especially vigilant if someone is pressuring you to act in a very short space of time. If you are unsure contact a relative or trusted friend. Any suspected frauds should be reported to Action Fraud.

Boston Spa PC is keen to hear from local businesses - how could the Parish Council help and support you? They have email addresses for many of our local businesses and we have sent out emails, but if you are a business who has not heard from them please get in touch clerk@ bostonspapc.org.uk

The hours for collection have been extended - Bramham Church Porch 10am-4pm every day St Mary’s Boston Spa 9am-3pm every day. Items needed: > Food, including pasta, rice, tinned potatoes, tinned spaghetti, cooking sauce, tinned meat and fish, rice pudding, custard, sponge puddings, biscuits. > Dog and cat food. > Baby products: nappies > No UHT milk please - they have plenty.

Urgently needed: > Toiletries, including shaving foam, razors, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, tissues, toilet rolls. > Cleaning products, including washing powder, washing up liquid, bleach, kitchen roll.

The Food Bank has been running since lockdown and is very grateful for all the donations they have received, but sadly the need continues.

Need help to collect prescriptions, pick up shopping or just want a friendly voice on the end of the phone? Contact Penny Stables to volunteer or if you want assistance. penny. stables@gmail.com or Tel. 07941 979902.