Fibro Active

Small Steps to Health

Making an impact

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. 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.

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

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

Keep warm and well

Very cold weather can affect anyone, but you are most vulnerable if you are elderly and/or disabled, on a low income, have a long-term health condition or have young children.

So here’s some tips on being prepared for the cold weather and saving energy costs.

Keep your home warm

Heat your home to at least 18°C.

Draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block draughts. Get your heating system checked by a qualified professional.

Check your loft insulation is at least 270mm thick.

If you have cavity walls make sure they are insulated too.

Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.

Draught proof gaps around windows and doors.

Protect your health in the cold

Contact your GP or pharmacist about a free flu jab.

Wear several layers of clothes rather than one chunky layer.

Wear shoes with good grip to prevent slips and falls outside.

Stay active, get up and move around your home; even moderate exercise can keep you warm. Have at least one hot meal a day.

Financial help to heat your home

Make sure you receive your Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments if eligible.

Your energy provider may be able to help fund energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Company Obligation.

Further advice at eachhomecountsadvice.org.uk

Good Vibez-rations

It was a summer of success in Sawley for activities provided for young people through the feelgood Vibez programme.

The Vibez scheme is organised by Erewash Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and enables organisations to run sessions for young people across the borough – all aimed at promoting positive activities and helping combat anti-social behaviour.

One of the areas benefiting this year was Sawley where the programme funded five Friday night sessions at Sawley Park, including penalty shoot-outs and pizza in the park. The sessions were supported by young people from Sawley Youth Club.

Councillor Val Clare, Lead Member for Community Engagement, says: “Vibez provides excellent activities for young people. I know in Sawley that over 100 youngsters took part in the sessions.”

SNOW INFO

For latest information, gritting routes and to request a road to be gritted Call Derbyshire 01629 533190

West Hallam Care Home offers a warm, homely environment with exceptional care and quality facilities.

• Residential and dementia care

• CQC rated good

• All types of funding accepted • Newly refurbished sensory garden • Dedicated activities team and regular trips out

Call us on 0115 944 0329 to book a virtual or on-site tour!

We are here!

Part of the Ashmere Family of Care Homes 8 Newdigate Street, West Hallam, Ilkeston DE7 6GZ

ashmere.co.uk derbys@ashmere.co.uk 0115 9440329 Ashmere Derbyshire