NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Healthy peeps mind, body and soul
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2021-2022
Council offer cash comfort
Cash-strapped North Somerset Council is showing comfort and kindness to those in need by finding a pot of money to help.
Short-term financial help is available under its welfare provision scheme to help with gas, electricity, food, clothing, travel and more after the Cost of Living crisis continues to bite.
With the announcement this week that interest rates are increasing to 3.5 per cent, UK inflation is running at 10.7 per cent and costs are continuing to rise, many of us are struggling to make ends meet.
The Welfare Provision Scheme can give short-term financial help in a crisis.
The amount of help will depend on circumstances, but is designed to help anyone unable to meet their short-term needs.
North Somerset Council deputy leader Mike Bell is the Lib Dem ward councillor for Weston central.
He said: “The Welfare Provision Scheme can give financial help for gas, electricity, oil and LRG fuels, minor repairs to white goods, food, clothing and travel as well as help to buy furniture, white goods and household equipment and much more.
"If your situation isn’t mentioned above, it’s still worth getting in touch to see if you can apply for financial help.
"The cost of living crisis is affecting us all so please get in touch if you need help.”
Applications for short-term financial help is available online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wps or by phoning 01934 888035 or 0800 138 5665, 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.
The amount of help that can be given will depend on your circumstances. Loans will be repayable, but grants won’t be. Check online or phone the number above to check eligibility criteria.
North Somerset Council will contact you once a decision has been made and normally make awards in goods, services or vouchers which you will then need to collect.
For a round-up of advice and guidance about the cost-of-living crisis, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/col. It includes help with bills, childcare costs, housing support, and energy and heating advice.
There are also useful links to local food banks, a cost-of-living survival kit and support to help people travel to work.
As the cold weather continues, the Energy Saving Trust also has some quick tips on ways to save energy (https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-saving-trust-outlines-steps-to-save-hundreds-on-home-energy-bills-as-costs-set-to-increase-by-50/).
North Somerset community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to bid for thousands of pounds in public health funding when it becomes available in the New Year, as North Somerset Council continues its work to improve health and wellbeing, and tackle health inequalities across the area.
Voluntary organisations, community groups and settings will be able to apply for the funding to help them run local projects which improve health when applications open on Tuesday, January 3.
Before then, organisers and project leads are being encouraged to start preparing their applications for funding and consider projects that would be eligible to receive the money.
There will be different grants available:
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Mental health community grant: to fund community programmes which improve overall wellbeing, reduce metal ill health and reduce social isolation and loneliness. A total of £45,000 in funding will be available, to be split between projects for children and adults. Organisations and groups will be able to apply for up to £10,000.
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Social prescribing destination grant: to fund non-clinical projects and activities in North Somerset that address the needs of residents of all ages in holistic, community-centred ways. For services and activities that act as social prescribing destinations and aim to improve mental health and wellbeing and to reduce social isolation and loneliness. A total of £45,000 will be available. People can apply for up to £5,000. If the project has a significant nature-based element, they can apply for up £10,000. Projects leads will need to have discussed their application with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Green Social Prescribing (GSP) Programme by emailing bnssg.mh.greensp@nhs.net.
Community food projects grant: to support existing and upcoming community food projects in North Somerset that encourage access to nutritious and affordable food, healthy eating, improved food knowledge and skills. Projects should also focus on the social, cultural, and dietary needs in the population that they aim to reach. Projects that have a dual aim of improving physical health and create wider social or climate benefits, such as improving community cohesion and reducing food waste, will also be considered. The total available funding is £30,000. Individual projects can apply for up to £10,000,
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Together Fund – Sport England: Wesport is adding £25,000 to support organisations who have not accessed this funding previously. This fund supports projects that use movement, physical activity, or sport to engage priority audiences who have been impacted by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. For more information about the Together Fund please email Caleb.Thomas@wesport.org.uk.
Mr Bell added: “I’m delighted that we’re again able to offer this funding to voluntary organisations, community groups and settings across North Somerset.
"We’re a council which empowers and cares about people.
"We want to create good health and wellbeing throughout life, and also close the health inequalities that exist in our area.
“In 2022, more than £75,000 was awarded to a variety of local projects, all of which helped improve health and wellbeing and made a real difference to people’s lives.
“I’d urge all community focused groups to have a look at our website, get in touch for more information and start preparing their funding bids so they’re ready to get their applications in when they open next year!”
One of the many projects to benefit from grant funding this year was a cookery course run by Banwell Parish Council Youth Club and the funding of the new wellbeing officer for Nailsea based at No65.
Off The record, a mental health social movement, also received funding for their NatureWell project which invited young people to take part in a range of nature-based activities while receiving quality, informal and engaging mental health and wellbeing support.
More information about the different grants and the application process is available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/phgrants.
The council’s public health team can also be contacted: for mental health and social prescribing grants email phgrants@n-somerset.gov.uk and for community food projects funding email cfpgrants@n-somerset.gov.uk.
WARM WELCOME LIST: Did you know if you are feeling the chill and looking for somewhere warm to go there are 15 places locally offering free good cheer. Nailsea Town Council well-being officer Jess Brown has put together a printed sheet you can collect at 65 High Street as our version could send you to Specsavers! This is an updated list from the one we published on November front page
Welcome to wellbeing Nailsea person
Nailsea residents can now look forward to improved support services in a number of different areas, thanks to the appointment of a designated community wellbeing officer.
Nailsea Town Council has welcomed Jessica Brown to the newly created post, funded by North Somerset Council for a 24-month period.
Jess, aged 30, who lives in Nailsea, has a background in community mental health, both delivering clinical support and therapy, as well as enhancing awareness in the local community.
Town council chair, Mike Bird, said: “We are extremely excited to appoint Jess as Nailsea’s community wellbeing officer. She brings with her a wealth of experience and lots of new ideas that, without doubt, will benefit the people of Nailsea.”
Jess will be working out of 65 High Street, bringing in more social and health related services, making them easily accessible at the High Street hub. She will also be proactive out and about in the community.
She said: “I’m so excited and enthusiastic about this new role and how beneficial it will be in developing support and services available to members of the community. A large part of my role will be talking to the people of Nailsea, individuals plus community groups and organisations, to determine what areas need more development and support in our town and then helping to facilitate that. I sincerely hope residents will drop in to 65 High Street to talk to me and let me know what help they feel is needed.”
Jess is hoping to introduce more wellbeing related support groups and facilities to 65 High Street. She added: “As part of my role I am liaising with GP surgeries and other health related services with the aim to bring more support services into number 65 so that this can be easily accessed by the wider Nailsea community. I am also building upon the signposting database created by Nailsea Community Group, of local organisations, activities and support available for Nailsea residents.”
To find out more or to get in touch with Jess, email wellbeing@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk or pop in to 65 High Street, Monday to Thursday 9.30am-5pm or on Friday mornings.
Nailsea District Leg Club November newsletter
It is more than 30 months since Nailsea District Leg Club were able to run its successful drop-in clinics.
A spokesman said: “Rest assured we are in constant and close communication with our nurses and Tyntesfield Medical Group plus associated care groups, to re-start these sessions.
“However there is still huge pressure on nurses and other NHS staff and thankfully those patients who do need care, are able to continue receiving this at their local surgery.
“Should you have concerns your local surgery is your first point of contact.
‘If you would like information about NDLC café and the support group that currently meets at Nailsea Tithe Barn on a Wednesday 10.30am–noon, then please contact Carole Brooke on 07954 302498.
‘There is more general information relating to aims and objectives on the Leg Club Foundation website, www.legclub.org.
Back in September the first ‘handbag stall’ was set up by the Leg Club outside Waitrose, and what a wonderful morning it proved to be.
The weather was kind, there was lots of interest not just in the handbags, but also in Leg Club, the volunteers had some fun chatting, and most importantly more than £280 was raised for funds towards the running of the Leg Club Café.
So a terrific result all round and the date for the next stall is Saturday, May 20, next year.
Donations of handbags in pristine condition will be very welcome.
Recent sessions held on a Wednesday morning at the Tithe Barn have proved to be as popular as ever.
New members and volunteers are always welcome, as are members and volunteers/drivers of long standing who haven’t been for some time and would like to ‘come again’.
Invitations from Nailsea care home
Argentum Lodge is a friendly and caring home for the elderly at 81 Silver Street, Nailsea, which welcomes the involvement of the community.
On Friday afternoon, December 2, they are hosting an Elf Day with festive food, music and entertainment to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association and would love people to pop in and/or contribute raffle prizes.
North Somerset MP Liam Fox will be doing just that from noon on Friday, December 16, for a similar Winter Celebration event. (this event was cancelled)
Emergency service personnel and business people would be very welcome too at well as Nailsea people.
But before then there is the Halloween Celebration on Monday, October 31 from 3pm.
For this spooky afternoon with great food and 'pumpkin' carving contest. The activities include a competition for the best dressed competition.
Activities coordinator Lisa Pletts asked anyone hoping to go along to any event or able to support;/help in any way to make contact.
CHEERS DRIVE: This summer NDCT began a recruitment drive for more people to get behind the wheel of its mini-bus
Community drivers needed
WHO ARE WE?
We are Community Transport (NDCT) a charity which has been in operation for more than 27 years. Our purpose is to provide an affordable, accessible transport service within the northern part of North Somerset and through this, promote social inclusion, independence and a sense of community. We operate a range of transport services including shopping trips, outings, medical appointments, dial-a-ride and other social outings.
WHAT DO WE WANT?
More volunteer drivers: The charity is looking for individuals who will change lives and get people out of social isolation and loneliness. Our volunteer drivers become part of a friendly team picking up and dropping off our clients in one of our mini buses
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
As a volunteer driver:
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To be able to spare as little as a day a month (more would be great!)
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To have a patient and friendly manner
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Be relatively fit in order to assist passengers where required
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Hold a UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty point
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To provide references
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To agree to a DBS check
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Ideally have a D1 entitlement on your licence (automatic prior to 1997)
We will put you through your MiDAS test to enable you to legally drive a minibus and if you are over 70, assist you in reapplying for a D1 on your licence if applicable.
LITTER PICKERS: Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club is just one of the many environmentally- friendly groups who join in the monthly litter pick. This used to be called Better Nailsea but is now known at Litter Heroes. It happens on the first Saturday of the month and the gear needed it stored at Nailsea Community Group shop at 26 Somerset Square. Those pictured helped start off the Nailsea Great Big Green Weeks with included films and stalls at the Tithe Barn. The next litter pick is from 10am on Saturday, November 5
Your Cancer Café next meeting...
Your Cancer Cafe is meeting on Thursday, October 20, at No 65, High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AW from 2pm.
Join our friendly group of people who have been or are affected by cancer.
Chat, eat cake and enjoy meeting new people.
For more information email cancercafe@gmail.co.uk.
Nailsea training date
Ageing Well is looking for volunteers to be Flexercise instructors - with free training
Flexercise is a chair-based exercise session which uses fun props to get people moving in a relaxed, informal way.
The training is free and, once trained, volunteers will lead your own sessions close to your local area.
The next Nailsea training session is on Thursday, February 2.
If you’re passionate about improving the health of older people and can spare an hour a week to volunteer with Age UK Somerset then please get in touch on 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Nailsea District Leg Club September newsletter
Nailsea District Leg Club has taken over running the successful ‘handbag stall’ from Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club, who have operated this for many years.
The first stall will open on Saturday morning, September 24, outside Waitrose and many thanks to the Rotarians, pictured, for the pitch.
If you’re on the lookout for a new handbag (or two), then come and take a look, there will be bargains to be bought, all in aid of a good cause!
While the drop-in clinic is not yet able to operate, we still need funds to support our Leg Club café, as there is a contribution towards use of the Tithe Barn to be found, and other things such as refreshments and drivers expenses.
The Leg Club café is proving to be an extremely effective support group for our members who all have at least one thing in common, and that is lower leg issues.
We’re always happy to welcome new members, and the café is there for anyone who has these problems, by providing refreshments and lots of chat, a lively atmosphere in a beautiful setting, and if you don’t have access to transport we could possibly arrange for a driver to collect you.
The proviso is that you are registered with Tyntesfield Medical Group and if you require a lift you can walk from your door to a car.
Guaranteed it will be a morning well spent if you have these problems.
September 2022
September 2022
August 2022
September 2022
END IN SIGHT: Construction work is nearly finished at Tower House Medical Centre as at the end of August 2022 the railings went up. North Somerset Council gave planning permission in November 2021 for the new frontage which faces the Stockway South car park belonging to the shopping centre. Part of Tyntesfield Medical Group which caters for 31,600 patients from Backwell, Long Ashton and Nailsea the project included the ‘removal of the existing single storey projecting oriel window at ground floor, erection of a single-storey glazed extension to form new entrance lobby, new steps and DDA-compliant ramp up to new entrance lobby and associated hard and soft landscaping. Internal reconfiguration of existing accommodation to create 8no. new consultation rooms, creation of climate-controlled archive store in basement / car parking area’.
Nailsea District Leg Club August newsletter
The Leg Club Café is always pleased to welcome new members and if you or anyone you know has leg ulcers or related issues, and would like to come and join us on a Wednesday
morning 10.30am–noon at Nailsea Tithe Barn, then please do.
The only proviso is that you must be registered with Tyntesfield Medical Group.
During the morning there are plenty of volunteers and other members to chat with, and enjoy refreshments on offer.
If you’re able to walk to a car our drivers could even provide a lift to and from your home, if you don’t have access to transport.
These mornings are guaranteed to be happy and uplifting, no harm in giving it a try.
Nurses at your surgery may have made you aware of what Leg Club is, but if you would like more information please call Carole Brooke on 0795 430 2498 for more information.
In the fullness of time our drop-in clinic will be re-opening, but that date is yet to be confirmed.
PICTORIAL PROGRESS: A slideshow of a July condition check at Tower House Medical Centre as work continues on alternations to the building including a new entrance for those with mobility issues although the ramp still looks a little steep for wheelchair users?
Your Cancer Café next meeting...
The next Your Cancer Café is on Thursday, September 15, 2-5pm at 65 High Street, Nailsea.
As usual, there will be great company, refreshments and lots of cakes - and hopefully some fun socialising.
There will not be a cancer café in August.
We hope you are enjoying this lovely weather and are not too bothered by the heat.
For more information email cancercafe@gmail.co.uk.
