Enrolment day at LECB

A new you for ‘22

The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley (LECB) is holding a special Enrolment Day on Saturday 19 March from 10am to 3pm. The day is a chance for anyone interested in gaining a qualification or workplace skill to come along and sign up for a new course. The LECB runs a range of nationally accredited courses that could help you gain employment, learn new skills and improve your CV.

Accredited courses at the LECB include English, Maths and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

There will also be a chance for families to find out more about the many Supported Learning courses that the College offers for students with special education needs. Many of the accredited courses that run from Brampton Road or online are often free or subsidised, depending on individual circumstances. Adults who do not have a GCSE grade 4/C in English or maths are entitled to study either of these at the College free of charge! Before you can book onto an accredited course, you need to complete a free Initial Assessment (IA). This will help you pick the right course for your skill level. There will be a chance to take your IA at the Enrolment Day on 19 March so that you sign up immediately to the course that suits you. Find out more about the Open day and book your place at www.lecb.ac.uk To book an Initial Assessment (IA) or ask about the accredited courses available email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk with your name and contact telephone number or call 020 3045 5176.

Visit page 22 and find out more about qualifications you could take at the LECB.

One stop help with abuse

Bexley’s new domestic abuse ‘One Stop Shop’ offers free and confidential specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at the Central Library in Bexleyheath. The new service is open from 12:30pm to 3pm every Wednesday to any Bexley resident aged 16+ with no appointment needed.

Led by domestic abuse charity Solace, the One Stop Shop brings together a range of expert organisations under one roof. Partners include legal services, immigration advice, substance misuse support, London Fire Brigade, the Council’s adult social care team and housing providers. If you need support or have worries about domestic abuse visit the new One Stop Shop or call the Solace advice helpline on 020 3198 4659 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email bexley.com munity@ solacewomensaid.org. The 24-hour domestic abuse helpline number is also available on 0808 2000 247. www.bexleydomestic abuseservices.org.uk

In an emergency always call 999.

Bexley’s Health and Wellbeing Bus

Bexley’s Health and Wellbeing Bus is visiting a range of locations and community events around the Borough offering advice to help the community keep well and stay healthy. You can speak to a Wellbeing Ambassador, get tips to keep your mind and body active and find out about the free information and support available on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues, from worries about your mental health to managing your money and staying active.

You can also take a ‘no symptoms’ COVID test on the bus and get advice on vaccines.

Find out more at www.bexley. gov.uk/health-wellbeing-bus

Leader of the Council meets staff running the HWB Bus. L-R: Audrey Booker and Steve Young (testing staff), The Leader of the Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Debbie Brown, Patrick Gray, Nigel Kent, Pam Smith (Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors).

Ensuring pharmacies meet local people’s needs

Pharmacies offer an essential service that we all use and that many vulnerable people in our Borough depend on. That’s why every three years the Council carries out an assessment of them, to understand what is working well and to identify areas that need improving.

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey of pharmacy services which we ran earlier this year. Your feedback will help us to assess current services.

A draft document with findings and proposed improvements will be shared later this year, before final recommendations are submitted to the Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board in October 2022.

Consultation on new charging policy

There is still time to have your say on the proposed new Charging Policy for adult social care services. The consultation is open until 28 March. The proposed changes would only affect those receiving support from social care and living in their own home.

They do not affect those living in residential care or nursing care, or people who have been assessed as not having to pay any contribution to their care.

More information and details of how to have your say are available at www. bexley.gov.uk/consultations/ adult-social-care-chargingpolicy.

To have your say visit www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/979KM2T.

You can contact the Bexley’s adult social care team by calling 020 3045 3033 or emailing ASCChargingPolicy Consultation@bexley.gov.uk

The place to say ‘I do’

The historic Hall Place and Gardens is the perfect choice for couples looking for a memorable wedding venue in idyllic surroundings.

When it comes to your ceremony, you have a number of beautiful options. Each location has its own unique character and style, with original features such as stone fireplaces, wood panelling and mullioned windows.

With only one wedding taking place at a time, you can have confidence in being the only newlyweds within the house.

We are delighted to host a range of catering options from grand banquets to delicious BBQs, before your guests put on their dancing shoes!

Whatever size or budget you have in mind for your celebration, we work closely with you to create a bespoke and personalised day.

If you’d like to find out more information or arrange an appointment to view our amazing spaces, get in contact with the team directly. They can’t wait to discuss your special day!

hallplaceweddings@bexley.gov.uk 01322 526 574

Private fostering

If someone else’s child lives with you, or are you considering this, or if your child is living with someone else, you may be part of a private fostering arrangement. Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by the Council or independent foster agencies through approved foster carers. It happens when a child under 16 years old - or under 18 if the child has a disability - is cared for full-time by an adult who is not a relative and provided with accommodation for more than 28 days. If you are part of a private fostering arrangement, know someone who may be or are considering such an arrangement, please tell the Council by calling the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 3045 5440. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. To find out more online visit www.bexley.gov.uk/privatefostering-guidance