Dorset Council News
Northern edition spring 2022
Our budget explained Work in social care Foster with us
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Advertising feature
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Riverside Nursing Home Giving Your Loved Ones Quality Care You Can Trust
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Situated in the picturesque town of Sherborne, Riverside Nursing Home provides high quality nursing care for 39 residents in its recently renovated Situated in the picturesque town of Sherborne, Riverside Nursing Home provides high buildings and gardens.
quality nursing care for 39 residents in its recently renovated buildings and gardens.
Just walk 10 minutes walk from the stunning Sherborne Abbey and town centre, Riverside Just 10 minutes from the stunning Sherborne Abbey and town centre, Nursing Home is ideal for those that want to remain part of the wider community Riverside Nursing Home is ideal for those We have awarded prestigious without thebeen worries of the everyday life. that want to remain part of the wider Gold Standard Framework for End of All our care staff are approved users community without the worries Life Care, so you can rest assured that of the Nourish Care System and Atlas of everyday life. you will always be treated with kindness, Electronic Medication Systems which dignity and respect by our experienced ensures more efficient and effective care and professional nurses. and giving them more time to spend with you when you need it.
We have been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard Framework for End of Life Care, Riverside Nursing Home offers the For more information call 01935 812046 so you can rest assured thatcare@riversidenursinghome.co.uk highest level of personalised care to all you will always be treated with www.riversidenursinghome.co.uk its residents. carehome.co.uk kindness, dignity and respect by our experienced and professional nurses.
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All our care staff are approved users of the Nourish Care System and Atlas Electronic Medication Systems which ensures more efficient and effective care and giving them more time to spend with you when you need it.
Riverside Nursing Home offers the highest level of personalised care to all its residents. carehome.co.uk For more information call 01935 812046 care@riversidenursinghome.co.uk www.riversidenursinghome.co.uk
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Advertising feature
Welcome
In this edition
We continue to focus on delivering and maintaining the best possible services for Dorset. Two of the matters that have the biggest impact on this are our finances and how we develop the local area. We have set our budget and council tax for 2022/23 and you can find out more on page 4. Social services represent almost two-thirds of our net spending. The Government has confirmed that Dorset Council will receive an additional £10.4 million in 2022/23, which was more than we had anticipated. Whilst this is good news, much of this is one-off funding so I will continue to lobby for fairer funding for Dorset. I am also in dialogue with Government for a change to the national planning framework. The current method all councils follow is about chasing housing targets, set nationally, rather than being based on sustainability and local needs. The council received an unprecedented 9,000 responses when we consulted on the draft Local Plan. We have listened carefully to your views. We need a bold and ambitious alternative to the way we develop our new Local Plan, and I am in discussion with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. I have proposed that Dorset Council pilots a radically different approach, one that gives us protection from over-development and recognises the climate and ecological emergency. Whether it is about the future shape of the area, fairer funding, economic growth or community wellbeing, I am committed to the best for Dorset and will continue to lobby at a national level for this beautiful area and the people who live here. Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council Sign up to weekly news from Dorset Council at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/e-news
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Our budget explained
5
Our key achievements
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New planning webpages
9-11
Adults and caring
12-13
Children and
16-17
Your health
young people and wellbeing
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Falklands Anniversary.
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Illegal dog breeders –
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Getting connected
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Greener,
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Waste and recycling
Grants. Platinum Jubilee be aware. Libraries
cleaner Dorset
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Our budget explained Dorset Council’s budget for the financial year, 2022/2023, has been carefully designed to prioritise the continued delivery of vital frontline services for residents.
2022/2023 - Dorset Council sources of funding
This means more money: • to meet the rising need and costs of social care for adults with significant or complex needs • for improvements to support children in care and children with special educational needs and disabilities • for the council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency • to support more affordable housing We have set the budget against extreme national pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside increased prices and demand for services.
2022/2023 - Dorset Council budget
Did you know? • Social care services make up nearly two thirds of our budget • Dorset Council has the highest proportion of older residents aged 65+ in England • We have around 2,300 miles of roads to maintain, whereas BCP Council has 658 miles • As we no longer receive funding from Government, other than grants for specific services, we now have to rely on council tax for 84% of our income and retained business rates for 14%.
Your council tax
Financial support
An increase of just under 3% in council tax has been agreed. This is made up of a 1.99% increase in general council tax and a 0.996% increase for the adult social care precept. For a band D property, this equates to £1.02 extra a week for Dorset Council’s share.
If you feel you are struggling to pay your council tax, please get in touch: search for ‘council tax support’ on our website. Citizens Advice Dorset also offers advice and support if you are struggling with household bills. Call freephone 0800 144 8848 or visit citizensadvicedorset.org.uk
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Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Our key achievements so far A great deal has happened since Dorset Council was created on 1 April 2019, not least the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• We’ve agreed the Weymouth Harbour Wall protection scheme with Government to protect the town from rising sea levels.
Here are some of the key achievements we have made so far. They follow the six key priorities outlined in the Dorset Council Plan.
Staying safe and well
Economic growth • We paid out a total of £257 million of Government grants to local businesses to help keep them afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic • We secured over £10 million from Government programmes (Project Gigabit and Getting Building Fund) for better broadband for public buildings, rural homes and businesses – over 7,000 premises are set to benefit. See more about the Gigabit voucher scheme at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/gigabitbroadband-voucher-scheme
• We saw a 300% increase in people needing a social care assessment when leaving hospital in 2021, due to the pandemic. To manage this, we focussed on helping people to maintain their independence and most were able to go home straight from hospital • We oversaw the COVID-19 vaccinations for the social care workforce in Dorset: 97% of care home employees are at least double-vaccinated.
Suitable housing • We’ve reduced the number of people living in bed and breakfast accommodation from over 150 to 90, helping them to move into settled homes, but there’s still much more to do • We’ve exceeded our target to work with housing associations to build 300 new social homes a year for two years running.
Climate and ecology • We secured £19 million of Government funding to ‘decarbonise’ our buildings – putting in place solar panels, LED lighting, and new heating systems to reduce our carbon emissions • Over 60% of rubbish in the Dorset Council area is now recycled (see page 23). Over the past year, we’ve reduced the council’s carbon emissions by 17% - contributing to our target to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Unique environment • We’ve secured over £100 million to implement our coastal protection plan (which includes protection against flooding of the land (sea defence works) and protection against erosion
Strong, healthy communities • Children’s Services were inspected by Ofsted in autumn 2021 and rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding leadership’ • We are investing £37.5 million to increase the number and quality of places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (see page 12 for more information). There is much work still to do to deliver the priorities in our Council Plan. We are working hard to make the council as efficient as possible, and redesigning the services we provide so they are better for our residents and offer greater value for money. You can read the Council Plan in more detail at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/council-plan Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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New planning webpages Four million documents covering 47 years’ worth of information, including planning applications, have been transferred onto one new computer system for Dorset Council. When the council formed there were six different planning teams from the former county, borough and district councils. They had separate computer and filing systems. In just over a year, all the data they held has been transferred to one new system. This means one combined team can now process planning applications for
(Brett Jordan - Unsplash)
any part of Dorset. This will speed up the process by focussing at particular times on areas where there might be a higher number of applications. It also makes it easier for customers to access information related to planning in one place on our website, rather than six separate web pages.
During the next phase of the transformation process, we will be working with our customers to streamline the planning system further, making it easier for them to use. Find information about planning applications, building your own home, policies, regulations and much more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning
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11 Burlington Mansions, Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3HX Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
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Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Ever wondered if Solar PV and Battery Storage is suitable for your house? Solar PV and Battery Storage is now more affordable than ever. Get in touch for a FREE assessment and quotation. 01747 825222 / 01305 772999 www.dorsetenergysolutions.co.uk admin@dorsetenergysolutions.co.uk
Home Care Ferndown and East Dorset Providing Quality Home Care in Fordingbridge, Wimborne, Ferndown, Ringwood and Surrounds Whether you are starting out or running an established business, finding the right premises is crucial. Renting office space will provide you with FLEXIBILITY as your business grows and thanks to our EASY-IN EASY-OUT licence agreement, getting started couldn’t be easier.
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We provide both visiting care during the day or night and live in carers. We work with your family, friends, neighbours, GPs, district nurses and other health professionals to form a team dedicated to your needs.
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Looking for a rewarding new career in care? Join the friendly team at Fern Brook Lodge and discover your full potential this year Contact the Care South team today on
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Fern Brook Lane | Gillingham | SP8 4QD
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• A rewarding, skilled career – not ‘just a job’ • No experience necessary – we offer ongoing training and career progression opportunities • Flexible working hours to fit around your life • Variety of roles available including Care Assistants, Kitchen staff and Activities Co-ordinators • Easy-to-reach north Dorset location *Valid until end June 2022. T&Cs apply. Please enquire for more details
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Can you help a loved one leave hospital? Helping a relative or friend with day-to-day tasks when they leave hospital could prevent further demands on health and social care services and free up a hospital bed. Being there for those early days when someone is discharged from hospital can help improve or speed up their recovery and have a positive impact on many people. The hospital bed of someone who is medically able to be discharged becomes free, and the social care resources can be directed to those who need it the most. If you could help a friend or relative when they leave
hospital, visit adultsocialcare.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01305 221016 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm). Safeguarding issues should be reported by calling 01305 221016. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
We have lots of rewarding social care roles We are looking for dynamic people to work in all aspects of social care, supporting vulnerable residents by helping them to be independent and stay safe in their own homes. Roles include support workers, care assistants, registered nurses, occupational therapists and many more. You could be helping with practical
things such as personal care, preparation of food and drink or assistance with medication, or social work, assessments and occupational therapy. All of these roles help vulnerable people in Dorset to live their best lives. Residents who need support could be elderly, have a learning or physical disability, sensory loss or mental health difficulties. Supporting them helps build
on their strengths and abilities, focussing on what they can do rather than what they can’t. There is no typical care role, each role is rewarding! If you are newly qualified, experienced or considering returning or retraining for any social care role, visit our adult social care jobs pages at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/jobs or visit adultsocialcare.co.uk
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Paid carer roles in your own home Could you open your home and family life to someone aged 16+ who needs care and support? Do you want a better work-life balance, while making a difference to others? Shared Lives could be your next step. You don’t need formal experience as full training is provided. You can offer long or short term, respite or day support.
Recognising the impact of volunteers during COVID From checking in on neighbours, delivering groceries and medicines, to the stewarding of testing and vaccination centres, the difference made by volunteers since the outbreak of COVID-19 has been felt by nearly every one of us. Over the winter the Dorset Volunteer Heroes Awards were launched to celebrate all those who have given up their time to help others during the pandemic. Thank you to all of you who nominated your volunteer heroes. Each nominee will receive a special message of thanks from the Chairman of Dorset Council, and commemorative fruit trees will be planted in carefully chosen locations across Dorset to celebrate their involvement. Look out for the winners of the awards this summer. Find out more about volunteering in Dorset at volunteeringdorset.org.uk or telephone 01305 269214
David and Wendy (pictured above) have been Shared Lives Carers for over 15 years and currently support Audrey, 84, who lives with them full time. “When I retired, I wanted to be more involved in care,” says David. “Wendy and I felt it was a great way we could work together.” David believes the flexibility of the role, and being home-based, can suit people of all ages and backgrounds: He adds: “The beauty of Shared Lives is that you can work in your own space at your own pace!” Learn more about the role and benefits of being a Shared Lives Carer at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/shared-lives 10
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Take a stand against scams Financial abuse affects millions of people. Many lose their money, independence, health and wellbeing. There are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Complete a Friends Against Scams training session and help raise awareness throughout your community. Friends Against Scams is championed by Dorset Council Trading Standards. Complete online learning or find a local session at friendsagainstscams.org.uk
Do you look after someone who could not manage on their own?
New temporary homes support rough sleepers Our initiative with The Bus Shelter Dorset to support rough sleepers has been welcoming guests to custom-built, modular, temporary homes in Weymouth for six months.
Carer Support Dorset offers you support and advice. The charity represents unpaid carers and estimates at least 11 per cent of residents in Dorset are caring for someone. It helps carers access services, information, education and training, respite and breaks from a caring role.
The 12 ‘pods’ as they are known, each have a bedroom and a bathroom and residents have access to a communal kitchen and living space.
The organisation works to make sure you receive the right support for your situation. To see how they can help you visit carersupportdorset.co.uk
The scheme was part-funded by a grant of £188,000 from the Government’s Next Steps to Accommodation Programme. It was also supported by the Wates Foundation, which works with voluntary and charity sectors.
Alternatively, telephone 0800 368 8349
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, contact Streetlink via streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914.
The only crematorium in Poole, Purbeck and North Dorset BCP Council has announced that Poole Crematorium at Gravel Hill will be closed until at least September 2022, and currently has no plans to replace the defunct cremators. Harbour View is an ideal alternative.
Funeral packages from
£2,795
*
A complete funeral service is available directly, without the need for a Funeral Director. A beautiful, peaceful location for funerals and memorial services Easily accessible from the A35 At least 90 minutes between funerals Air-conditioned ceremony hall Full funeral home facilities available on-site Ceremony halls for congregations from 25 to 250 Catering facilities available on-site for wakes
Funerals at Harbour View can only be arranged directly with us. * Correct at time of printing, March 2022
Call 01202 630111 or visit www.harbourview.co.uk Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Could you foster a child or young person? You can make a real difference that lasts a lifetime!
types of fostering, including emergency, short-term or long-term and each foster carer chooses what is right for them and their family.
Fostering is amazing and rewarding and turns a child’s life around. We have great foster carers in Dorset but need more to look after our vulnerable children and young people, helping them to develop and achieve their fullest potential! We have foster carers of all ages,
If you are aged 21 or over and want to find out more about fostering, visit fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com or call our Fostering Service on 01305 225568.
from many backgrounds with different life experiences and circumstances. There are different
Our dedicated and experienced team will listen and support you and your family every step of the way.
Supporting Dorset’s children and young people with SEND As part of our bold and ambitious £37.5 million plan to improve the lives of Dorset children and young people with special education needs and/ or disabilities (SEND), we will open our new special school this spring. Coombe House School, Shaftesbury, has fantastic facilities. Around 60 students will join in the first year, growing to 280 students over the next five years. The school’s specialist team is working with the young people and their families to ensure they get the best start possible, and are busy preparing a warm welcome to all. We are also expanding Beaucroft School in Wimborne to provide an additional 80 places from September 2022. The provision for young people
aged 16-plus will be based on the Wimborne First School site. The thriving community café will continue with a permanent base in the heart of Wimborne. There will also be a shop, workshop and horticultural enterprise.
If you have concerns about your child If you feel your child isn’t making the progress they should, and may have special educational needs, talk to one of our specialists to make sure they get the right help. Call 0800 14 040 41 to book a conversation with our 12
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
SEND Family Workers. Lines are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (term time). Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-educationadvice-line
Make the most of the Easter holiday This Easter, children and young people can take part in a range of activities, holiday clubs and events. Easter in Dorset is possible due to the funding from the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme. This funding provides thousands of free activities and meals during the holidays for children who are eligible for free school meals. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/easter-in-dorset for more information and to sign up.
15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds – don’t miss out Thousands of 2-year-old Dorset children are entitled to funded childcare. High quality early education and care can have a positive and longlasting impact on children’s educational, behavioural and social outcomes. The funding covers up to 15 hours of childcare a week (for 38 weeks a year) and can be used with a childminder, a pre-school or at a day nursery. Families on certain benefits, a low income, or receiving a disability living allowance, may be entitled to claim. Check your eligibility at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/childcare
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Specialist Care Creative Support Person Centered Support
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2022 is the year of Encompass Care! Exciting changes are happening for the Encompass Charity this year. We never stop growing and developing our services for the people we care for and support. To progress on our journey, we need an identity that reflects our values and our goals to enable everyone we support to achieve their aspirations. It should represent not only who we are now but who we want to be in the future. We are pleased to announce that we will now be known as Encompass Care. This reflects the way in which we work together with those we support in Dorset and across the South West.
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In the heart of the Gillingham community Fern Brook Lane | Gillingham | SP8 4QD
Fern Brook Lodge residential and dementia care –
safely welcoming new residents with our welcome promise, providing comfort, reassurance and a safe place to enjoy life. Get in touch to find out more about the Food, Fun and Friendship on offer at this recently refurbished Care South care home in the heart of the North Dorset community. 4 March 2020
Contact us today to see how we can help create a new home for you or a loved one
Care South is a leading provider of residential, dementia and nursing care homes across the south of England and a not-for-profit charity. Registered Charity No. 1014697
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care-south.co.uk
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01747 834020
Top five ways to help your local NHS NHS and local authority social workers across Dorset are working tirelessly to run services supporting loved ones, families, neighbours and local communities to stay safe and well. We would like to ask for your support to help us. You can help in the following ways: Contact your local pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues.
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Only ever call 999 in a medical emergency – this is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
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Get your jabs – protect yourself and support your local services by getting your first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccine doses. For a full list of COVID-19 vaccine sites, visit dorsetccg.nhs.uk
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Use NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. Our hospital emergency departments are under extreme pressure. If you’re unwell and are unsure about where to go, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. We’ll do our very best to answer your call as quickly as possible though it may take a little longer due to the current demand. Please be patient and kind when you speak to our teams.
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NH
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Support loved ones to leave hospital so that they can be more comfortable and recover more quickly at home. The support of relatives and friends can be important in enabling patients who are medically ready to leave hospital.
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Heading abroad this summer? Get your jabs in time for your holiday. For most countries you’ll need a vaccine passport to travel. To get your COVID-19 jabs in the bag in plenty of time you need to start now! Do you still need to have your first, second or booster vaccine? If you have yet to get jabbed, or have changed your mind about having the vaccine, there’s still time to get yours. Find a walk-in centre near you or book at the NHS website nhs.uk The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19. Plus, if you want to go abroad this summer, you’ll need a vaccine passport to travel. www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations/sites
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Find out more at
dorsetccg.nhs.uk
Visit www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk
Move towards a healthier, happier you
A problem shared Studies show getting active for 30 minutes a day boosts your physical wellbeing and has many mental health benefits: better sleep, more positive mood and reduced stress and anxiety.
It’s often easier to open up and talk when taking part in a shared activity. Whether it’s sport, gardening, crafting or just a stroll, it’s a great way to connect.
There are plenty of ways to boost your fitness and your mood:
Research also indicates that men in particular are sometimes more at ease chatting side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. This could be on a walk, run, bike ride, fishing, in a car or even tackling DIY.
• Leave the car at home and walk, or cycle on the school run • Gardening, vacuuming or washing the car can all count towards your daily activity target • Join a kick-about with the kids, play hide and seek or tag • Do a brisk 10-minute daily walk. Walk to the shops or to work. If you work at home, add in a walk to break up your day • Take the stairs not the lift. Make #YourMove Find more ideas and support including FREE 1-2-1 coaching to become more active at livewelldorset.co.uk or call 0800 840 1628.
If you think someone you know may be struggling and could use a chat, these tips might help: • Ask how they are, then ask again – often we say we’re fine when we’re not • Ask questions and listen – the Samaritans recommend following the SHUSH technique: o Show you care o Have patience o Use open questions o Say it back – repeating things back will help reassure them you’re listening o Have courage – and keep trying if you’re worried about them • Try not to ‘find a fix’ – it’s natural to want to help but unless they’ve asked directly, try to just listen and prompt • Look after yourself – if you’re supporting someone who’s having a tough time, remember to take care of your wellbeing too.
Adults aged 19-64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, a week. Children should have at least 60 minutes of activity during their day.
Find tips on how to support others at lightonmh.uk/support or samaritans.org Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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40th Anniversary of the Falklands War
Grant for community projects
The Falklands War started on 2 April 1982 and lasted 74 days. 225 British personnel lost their lives. 30,000 members of the armed forces served during the war, and many now live in Dorset. Armed Forces Day commemoration events will take place across Dorset in June to remember all our veterans and thank serving personnel and their families. Keep an eye on social media, on local websites and the press for details of events.
Petty Officer Ke v Moore, Engineering Of fice HMS Bristol, Ju ne 1982
Many veterans of conflicts, including the Falklands War, struggle with physical and mental scars, and some face life challenges or hardships.
Through the Armed Forces Covenant and links to health and wellbeing services, support is available for current and past members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Stock image
Could you make a difference to people in your community? Do you need funding for your project? The Capital Leverage Fund offers grants to support community and cultural organisations to deliver new and improved facilities for a range of projects. These include village hall or community building enhancements, renovations or maintenance; new build projects, including play areas and multi-use games areas; community sports clubs, pitches and landscaping; theatres; and accredited museums.
For health and wellbeing support visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/
You can apply for a capital grant of between £1,000 and £25,000 to fund up to 20% of your total project costs.
Read about the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/armed-forces-covenant.
To apply and read all the guidance, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/capital-leverage-fund
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 This year, the UK will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary as monarch. An extended bank holiday weekend, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, will see 18
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
celebrations including public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection. What will your community be doing?
Are you thinking of having a street party? The UK has a long history of
organised street parties, so why not organise one for the Platinum Jubilee? Our webpage gives lots of information about street parties and funding opportunities for community groups. See: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ platinum-jubilee Photo: Silver Jubilee 1977 - Ferndown First School (Dorset History Centre)
Trying to reduce your single-use plastic? Nappies: it’s time for a change! Choosing reusable nappies helps fight climate change, reduces your rubbish, and saves up to £600 off your nappy bill! Ditch single-use nappies and make reusables the new norm!
New starter pack option available
Save £30 from the cost of purchasing reusable nappies Visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reusablenappies
organics
Give your a new lease of life Join the growing number of people who are home composting Compost bins as low as £6 available for Dorset residents! getcomposting.com
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Buying a puppy? Be aware of illegal breeders For peace of mind, here are some signs the breeder is responsible: • they can provide a Local Authority licence if they’re breeding and selling as a business • they will have genuine paperwork/certificates for vaccinations, microchipping and any test results • they will be available on the phone for a detailed conversation about the dog • a visit can be arranged to meet the puppies, along with their mum and siblings
If you are looking to buy a puppy, always check you are not buying from an illegal breeder of dogs. Buying your puppy from a licensed breeder means we have checked out the premises where your puppy currently lives, exactly where your puppy is from, that it’s
not been imported and that your puppy is healthy. The trade in illegal puppies is happening across the country, and right on our doorsteps in Dorset. Our dog wardens and Trading Standards teams work to prevent sales by illegal and irresponsible sellers.
• they will accommodate more than one meeting to ensure both you and the puppy are comfortable. Find out more about licences at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ animal-welfare-licences Read about being a dog owner at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dogwarden-service
Developing our library service In October 2021, we launched an 11week public consultation to inform how we develop and deliver our library service. People of all ages who use our libraries, and those who don’t, our partners such as Citizens Advice, employees and businesses were asked to have their say.
Let’s talk
libraries
The consultation has now closed and we received over 7,000 responses - thank you to everyone who 20
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
took the time to share their views. The responses will help shape the new draft strategy on how our libraries will work in the future, and further consultation on this will take place later this year. Find out more about the consultation at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk-libraries
Find your local library at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ libraries or call 01305 221000
The Digital Dorset team at Dorset’s most famous door
Opening the digital door We are helping to get more people online thanks to our Digital Doorway scheme. Using a £20,000 Government grant, we are donating around 60 mobile devices and laptop computers, with up to two years’ worth of connection, to people who don’t have access to the internet. Support from one of our volunteer digital champions will be available
to help people use their device. Digital Doorway was launched to help the still sizeable number of people who are finding it difficult to get online. In Dorset, 11% of residents do not access the internet and another 20% lack essential digital skills. This means nearly a third of our residents are digitally excluded in some way.
because they lack the skills and confidence needed. If that’s you, we have support available. Anyone who needs advice on a technical issue or help using a device can call our Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday.)
Get support
You can also call the Digital Hotline to find face-to-face support at sessions at your local library or community centre.
Digital exclusion means anyone who cannot easily access everything they need online – this could be for financial reasons or
For more information about all our digital skills services visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ getting-online
Become a digital champion! We need more people to join our fantastic team of volunteer digital champions. If you have a good knowledge of digital and IT and can spare a few hours a month, then we need you. For more information on what is involved in being a digital champion and how to apply, email digitalchampions@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Free digital training for frontline workers The Embedded Digital Champion training programme is open to anyone in Dorset who works with residents. It consists of three, two-hour sessions. You will learn how to help your customers access online services, while improving your digital skills at the same time. For more information email edc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Ambitious plans for transport in Dorset This year, work will start to refresh and update the Local Transport Plan (LTP). This sets out transport priorities for Dorset and is key to securing Government funding for improvements. The ambitious new plan outlines how to deliver carbon reductions in travel across the whole county, in line with the Government’s net zero targets. It will consider what improvements are needed: • to support residents, businesses and tourism • for a safe, reliable and accessible transport system • to reduce emissions and create cleaner, quieter and healthier places.
first choice for more journeys in Dorset.
Transport planning specialists from Dorset Council and BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) will be working together to ensure transport and travel connectivity are reviewed seamlessly.
In the summer, residents and local groups will be asked for their views and suggestions on outline principles and investment priorities for the new Local Transport Plan.
It is hoped the new LTP will help secure funding to make public transport, cycling and walking the
Read more by going to ‘Transport Planning’ at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads
What we’re doing to reach our goals for a greener, cleaner Dorset
• Dorset Council and BCP Council’s Transforming Travel – Transforming Cities Fund programme, improving infrastructure to give people safe, healthy travel alternatives to cars
In autumn 2021 we published the council’s first Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy Progress Report, which showed our carbon emissions reduced by approximately 17% in 2020/21. This year we aim to continue the momentum as we work to reduce the council’s carbon footprint and shape our services for a carbon-neutral future. Our next progress report this spring will explore the challenges we face in achieving our goals. It will detail our next steps and updates on projects, including: • the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to transform local bus services, working closely with partners and local groups to make services greener, faster and more reliable • the £19 million programme of works to improve efficiency and install low carbon technologies at council properties 22
Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
• the next phase of the electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installation programme, to support the shift towards more sustainable travel. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/climate-emergency
Get composting Spring is a perfect time to think about making compost for our gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes. Composting is great for the environment. It improves soil - helping to create healthy plants and reducing the need to water and fertilise. It’s easy to make, can save money and you only need a small outdoor space.
You can add some of your inedible food waste to your compost bin. Egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds and fruit and vegetable peelings can all go in. Twigs, grass clippings and leaves can also be added, but they will take a long time to break down if large quantities are added at one time. We offer compost bins at prices as low as £6 and there is an extra buy-one-get-one-half-price deal (plus delivery). This is for a limited number of bins so hurry whilst the offer lasts! See getcomposting.com for details.
Dorset’s recycling rates buck the trend The amount of waste we send for recycling, reuse or composting has risen from 58.9% to a record high of over 60%. In some parts of the country, the recycling rate has gone down, so thank you for bucking the trend! Out of over 330 councils nationwide, we are high up in the top 10 best performing councils in England. More people at home resulted in more recycling being collected at the kerbside when it might have ended up as unrecycled commercial waste from workplaces or in street litter bins. Thank you for putting the right stuff in the right bin – it means our kerbside waste collection service continues to be a huge success! Waste management plays a key part in our strategy to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency. It’s more important than ever that we all continue working together to reduce, reuse and recycle. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin
Do you use a vehicle other than a car to visit your local recycling centre? The types of vehicles that need a permit to visit their household recycling centre (the tip) and the number of visits allowed each year are changing soon. Check to see if this affects you at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/hrc-permits Find out more at
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Dorset teenagers need Foster Carers
FosterWithDorsetCouncil.com