SWT Council Business Bulletins

Benefice Newsletter 10th March 2023

Coronation News

The Coronation Royal websites https://www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend   https://coronation.gov.uk are a source of useful information and it also links to Government and other websites with more information.

For most of us the closest we will get to the Coronation Service (Saturday 6 May) will be on our televisions; there is going to be comprehensive coverage of the whole day.

It is the Sunday, and the Monday will be where most of us are more likely to get involved. There is the concert at Windsor Castle organised by the BBC (Sunday 7 May) and the ticket ballot is now closed and instead most of us will be enjoying the opportunity for Coronation Big Lunch street party. This is a nationwide act of celebration and friendship where communities are encouraged to share lunch together in streets, parks, gardens, and community spaces to mark the Coronation.

For those wishing to plan a Big Lunch event The Eden Project have provides helpful downloadable resourceshttps://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

There is an official Coronation emblem for use for in all activities associated with the Coronation including community and national events, publications, retail, and merchandising and can be downloaded from  https://www.royal.uk/coronation-emblem

The extra bank holiday (Monday 8 May) is ‘The Big Help Out’ encouraging people to get involved in local volunteering. The aim is to show the positive impact that volunteering has on all communities across the United Kingdom. It is hoped the initiative will bring communities together in volunteering initiatives and create a legacy from the Coronation weekend.

There are also the Coronation Champions Awards, which will celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities. Anyone can nominate a volunteer they know for an award. Judges will also be on the lookout to celebrate rising stars as ‘Young Coronation Champions’ (aged 14-18).  The awards opened for nominations on 20th February 2023 and will close on 2nd April so there is a bit of time left visit   https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering/coronation-champions-awards    to nominate a volunteer or to find out more.

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SWT Climate News – Issue 11 now available

The Climate Change Team has published its latest ‘Climate News’ which gets sent to SWT residents and businesses who sign up to receive a copy. The newsletter aims to showcase all the great work that is happening across Somerset West and Taunton to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030. Each new edition is circulated to all subscribers at the beginning of every month, and the March issue is available to read now. Please click here to find out more information.

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New bolt-on prize announced for Somerset West Lottery

The Somerset West Lottery is now running the latest bolt-on prize draw. Anyone buying one or more tickets between now and Saturday, 25 March, could win a trip to Centre Parcs for a sporty break, a relaxing weekend in the forest, or some time away with the family – courtesy of external lottery management company Gatherwell. Players need not do anything differently – their normal weekly ticket(s) will automatically enter the new bolt-on prize draw. Please click here to read the full press release.

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“Bus It” bonus as £2 single bus fare in Somerset is extended to the summer

Bus users in Somerset can now travel on most routes in the county and beyond for just £2 until July. The major fare cut is part of a national initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money. It was introduced in January and was originally due to end on 31 March. Now thanks to further funding it will continue for an extra three months, until 30 June. It’s welcome news for people in Somerset as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, fuelled in part by high petrol and diesel prices. Please click here to read the full press release.

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Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) –Free online directory supports Exmoor Businesses

A brand-new online directory of businesses operating in and around Exmoor National Park has been launched as part of the Rural Enterprise Exmoor initiative which seeks to retain greater community wealth in the area. The site can be found at https://directory.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk and already has over 200 listings, with other businesses from all sectors urged to sign-up for free. A priority for the Rural Enterprise Exmoor vision, developed by the National Park Authority alongside partners, has been connecting businesses across the area and encouraging individuals and businesses to use local tradesmen, services, suppliers, and producers to retain greater economic benefits to the area while minimising impacts on the special environment of Exmoor.

Please click here to read the full press release.

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Talking Café Live (CCS) -n Wednesdays at 1.00pm

Coming up on March’s live streamed Talking Cafes with the CCS Village Agents; bringing useful local information and services to you in the comfort of your own home ‍

• 15 March – Medequip Community Equipment Service NHS suppliers of accessible equipment for independent living in Somerset

 22 March – In Charley’s Memory Counselling services for young people

 29 March – Volunteering – A Full Circle Story

How a man was helped by volunteers in his childhood, the impact it had, and how he now helps others.

Watch live on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube LIVE! Take part and ask questions in the comments.

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Public Health Catch Up Video with Clinton Rogers – Orange Button Scheme – Suicide awareness

In this week’s Public Health catch up video, Clinton raises awareness that it’s time to talk about #suicide.

The Orange Button community awareness scheme funded by the Public Health team, aims to support people who are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried about a friend or family member. Suicide can affect anybody and there isn’t a community in Somerset where people haven’t been touched by suicide. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Orange Button scheme check out the website: https://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/support…/orange-button/

Please click here to watch the video and find out more.

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Make sure you get your winter vaccinations

With winter upon us, Somerset residents are being reminded to protect their health and the health of people around them by getting their flu vaccination.  Covid and flu vaccinations are safe and effective ways to prevent serious illness. 

If you’re 50 and over, a frontline health or social care worker, pregnant, have a long-term health condition, or are a paid or unpaid carer, you are eligible for the free flu vaccine, and you can likely get the COVID-19 seasonal booster. Children aged 2-15 years old are also eligible for free flu vaccination, which is delivered through either their GP for pre-school and school for school age children – parents need to sign a consent form.

Vaccinations –COVID-19

The Autumn Booster and general Booster programme ended on Sunday 12 February. A Spring Booster will be announced with more details in due course.

The vaccination page now provides more overall strategic vision of how the vaccination programme has been implemented and provides an indication of the effective level of immunity provided to our community by boosters and third doses.

The current version of the dashboard can be accessed at any time here.

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Need to seek help?

If you, or someone you know are feeling like things are too much, please know that you / they don’t have to be alone. Here are some numbers of organisations that can help:

• Samaritans – 116 123
• CALM – 0800 58 58 58
• ChildLine – 0800 1111
• Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
• Mindline Somerset – 01823 276892
• Somerset Domestic Abuse helpline – 0800 69 49 999