Do you live with dementia, or care for someone living with dementia?
Have you felt socially isolated and not comfortable using online technologies?
Have you been frustrated over lockdown by the lack of activities you can do, and missed learning and trying new things?
As we find ourselves in another lengthy lockdown this is an invitation to take part in something creative and new from the safety of your own home.
Matinée Outreach is a free arts-based project for people living with dementia (and their carers) who are isolated by Covid19 and not comfortable with online activities.
Using the phone and post you will have 1:1 sessions with a professional artist. The sessions often centre around conversations on the phone with the artist focussing on topics and themes, and then often having some activities afterwards that you can try at home. The topics and themes will all be centred on the interests and motivation of the person living with dementia.
Our artists are both experienced in working alongside people living with dementia and are looking forward to working creatively and flexibly with you via telephone and post.
Please get in touch with Frances Watt on 07449 732322 or email admin@matineederbyshire.org.uk if you would like to know more or take part.
Just because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you don’t have coronavirus. Act like you’ve got it. Stay at home and remember hands, face, space. For more info: https://crowd.in/RdQ0Ot
‘2020 was the year that Chesterfield’s big heart and amazing community spirit was needed more than any of us can remember. Residents, community groups of all kinds, businesses and statutory services rose to the challenge and worked together to make a difference for so many people who needed help to get through lockdown. It was a privilege to be a lead partner in our local Community Response Hub.
Our social connections are so important, and contribute to our wellbeing more than we perhaps realise, so my message for Christmas is, let’s make the time and effort to connect with each other in whatever ways we can, and to reach out to those around us who are isolated and may be feeling lonely at this bittersweet time of year. ‘
You can read more messages of positivity for 2021 from other Chesterfield Champions on the Destination Chesterfield website.
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met, and it has become apparent that a number of community and voluntary sector organisations would benefit from additional resources to maintain their current level of response.
The COVID-19 Emergency Fund aims to support voluntary and community sector organisations with funding to allow them to them to continue to play a key role in the local response to COVID-19.
How much you can apply for Formally constituted organisations can apply for a maximum of £2,000. Non-constituted organisations can apply for a maximum of £250.
Deadline for applications Applications are reviewed on a regular basis. No date has been set for closing the fund, but it is recommend that organisations submit their application as soon as possible.
Local people looking to start 2021 with a fresh and exciting focus are being encouraged to find out more about volunteering their time to support hospice care.
Blythe House Hospicecare, in partnership with Helen’s Trust, provides free services to patients across the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire, who are affected by life-limiting illnesses including cancer, COPD, heart failure and neurological conditions like motor neurone disease.
The charities have a team of over 250 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life, who collectively donate around 600 hours of their time each week to support local care.
Photos: Of Andrew, Jasmyn and Judy who are all quoted.
Andrew Foreshew-Cain from Chapel-en-le-Frith became a Community Volunteer in 2018, providing practical support and companionship to hospice patients and their families, including during last year’s COVID-19 national lockdowns.
Andrew said: ‘Overall, people have been very kind and appreciative, even for the smallest things that take so little out of my day but make a big difference to the lives of the people I am seeing. It is rewarding – and humbling. I am pleased to be part of the Blythe House team; it is a good place to be.’
Judy Gill started to volunteer at the Buxton charity shop on Eagle Parade around four years ago, after accessing support from the hospice following her partner, Jeff’s lung cancer diagnosis.
Judy, who’s from Buxton, commented: ‘I would encourage anyone who thinks they might like to find out more about becoming a Blythe House retail volunteer, to get in touch for an informal chat. The atmosphere here is easy going and relaxed – and I work with lovely people. I would definitely recommend it to any prospective volunteers who want to give something back to their local community.’
Jasmyn Walton gives her time to support the hospice’s weekend fundraising events in roles including marshalling and registration of participants.
The Hayfield resident said: ‘I went along with a few of my friends, which was great for the organisers as they had more helpers, but this also meant I spent time with my friends whilst contributing to the community. The friendly Blythe House team will be very grateful for any time you can give them. You will feel great after helping others.’
The hospice has volunteering opportunities in four key areas: patient services at the hospice building on Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and in patient’s homes across the High Peak, Dales and North East Derbyshire; retail; and fundraising. Full training, orientation and support is provided in all roles.
A new resource has been developed by Derbyshire County Council Public Health – Supporting You to Protect Mental Health and Wellbeing in Adults
This Framework for Action has been developed to support non-mental health organisations to promote mental health and wellbeing in Derby and Derbyshire.
It is relevant for any organisations that are supporting others right now – including staff, volunteers, or residents.
A stepped approach to the promotion of mental health and wellbeing is recommended, whether you are considering staff or resident wellbeing, or both. Not everyone will require signposting to specialist mental health services, and input at an early stage can often prevent later mental health distress.
The resource provides:
a guide for you to plan and structure your organisation’s response to mental health and wellbeing
a framework to support yourself, your staff and your volunteers
GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP are teaming up to provide a trio of services for free to help gamblers kick-start the recovery journey this Christmas. Launching today, a new TalkBanStop campaign is backed by ex-footballer and recovering gambling addict Michael Chopra.
The Christmas period poses a heightened risk to those struggling with gambling, and the pandemic has only increased common risk factors including isolation, boredom or money worries.
The TalkBanStop campaign launches as a 12-month pilot to offer three free tools to help people stop gambling – support via GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, free Gamban blocking software and GAMSTOP self-exclusion.
Talk: By speaking to one of GamCare’s trained advisers on the National Gambling Helpline (over the phone or via live chat), gamblers and their loved ones can access expert information, advice and support, including arranging access to peer-to-peer support or an NHS referral if appropriate.
Ban: Gamban’s software blocks access to thousands of global gambling sites and apps, and can be installed on up to 15 devices – including those in the household. This would usually cost £24.99 per year, and is now being offered free to anyone contacting the Helpline.
Stop: GAMSTOP self-exclusion prevents access and creation of new gambling accounts with all online gambling operators across the UK, free of charge. Users will also stop receiving marketing messages from gambling businesses.
The winter months can be hard and this year will be even more difficult for many people. Derbyshire County Council have set up a food voucher scheme for children and additional help for people suffering financial hardship during the pandemic. Find out more HERE
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is wanting photo’s and/or stories of your small family gatherings at Christmas time. Perhaps there’s family you haven’t been able to visit all year or perhaps you are planning on having a virtual Christmas with another family.
We would also like to hear your experiences and see photographs related to the vaccine; whether you have received it, given it or trained especially to give it. Please take a look at our website page- https://dva.org.uk/covid-19-book-project/ or contact Charlotte at charlotte@dva.org
