Small Steps to Health The instructors were able to use their skills during lockdown with ‘virtual’ calls that has enabled them to develop a Small Steps to Health falls prevention programme. Fibro Active has now added Sun Style Short Form Tai Chi, Yang Style Tai Chi and British Health Qigong classes to its programme. The Fibro Active team in Long Eaton has sent out a thank you to Erewash Borough Council for its Community Grants fund award which has helped take the group forward. Their successful application for £2,000 meant two leading members of the group – chair person Julie Barker and Jane Gordon – were able to attend the British Health Qigong Association Instructor Course.
A new class Small Steps to Health is designed to help people of all ages and abilities to strengthen their leg muscles and walk mindfully. A full programme and classes can be found at: fibroactive.co.uk
Making an impact The Citizens Advice team in Erewash has worked throughout the pandemic to help residents as much as possible. The team’s latest six month update, running from April to September, shows that more than 9,500 issues were tackled for clients who got in touch, whose ages ranged from the under 25s through to residents aged 65+ - the largest percentage. Issues included benefits, tax credits and Universal Credit – the biggest area – and worries over debt, employment, health and community care, housing and relationships. The team’s face to face advice returned in May this year and they are now seeing a steady increase in clients returning to visit the drop in services. Remote virtual advice remains on offer for clients who may still feel uncomfortable being helped in person but benefit from the face to face experience via a computer. The 14
Citizens Advice service continues to be supported by Erewash Borough Council. Melanie Mallinson, Senior Operations Manager for Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts, says: “This latest report outlines the great work taking place locally. We are really proud of the difference our service contributes in helping and supporting the residents of Erewash, particularly in the current climate.” The service can be contacted through its Adviceline, which is open 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday on 0808 278 7954 or visit
citizensadvicederbyshiredistricts.org.uk
Crowning glory The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carol Hart, and local borough councillors were among more than 50 guests due to attend the presentation of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Fibro Active Group at the end of November. The royal honour was expected to be presented at Long Eaton’s Petersham Hall Community Centre by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill. Group leaders, volunteers and members celebrated the award and prepared a Tai Chi demonstration for guests.
A helping hand Erewash Borough Council is keen to make everyone aware of the Derbyshire Home from Hospital Support Service. The free service provides support for vulnerable people leaving hospital or those at risk of being admitted. Support on offer includes providing help with shopping, arranging for safety measures to be installed, collecting prescriptions and helping people find out about community activities and other assistance on offer. Anyone can make a referral, including a self referral. Call 01283 817417 Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm or visit dhfh.org.uk
