Monthly Archives: August 2020

The Festival of Imagination returns to Ironbridge this autumn

Despite many events being cancelled this year due to coronavirus, “The Festival of Imagination” will return to the Ironbridge Gorge this autumn with a new and exciting mix of online and interactive outdoor activities, including specialist talks, poetry, micro events, walks and trails. People will be able to indulge in the rich heritage, arts and landscape of the gorge either online or in person, while also staying safe.

The “Festival of Imagination”, facilitated by Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with community groups and local businesses, will run between 12-27 September 2020

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site will once again be showcasing wonderful arts, crafts, culture, music, landscape and literature with the perfect backdrop – plus a new opportunity this year to ‘taste the gorge’, with an additional focus on local food, inviting local food producers to join.

The Council’s Culture and Events Team, with the support of the Festival Steering Group and many partner organisations have been working hard to ensure this year’s popular event can return safely, in line with government’s guidelines.

All online elements will be free of charge, while socially distanced workshops and live performances will be ticketed.

The programme is now coming together for 2020, with exciting ideas, ‘join in at home’ and live streaming events planned – to ensure social distancing.

The festival’s approach echoes visitors’ feedback (on currently staying closer to home) as well as “Love your Home” campaign, recently launched for the summer holidays by Discover Shropshire and Telford, inviting families to continue to explore, appreciate and enjoy what is on their doorstep.

Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Visitor Economy & The World Heritage site said: “We are delighted to announce the return of “The Festival of Imagination”.

“The Festival was a huge success last year and in order to host it safely this year, our teams and partners have been working hard to ensure social distancing measures are in place and some of the events are being streamed online, so more people can take part from the comfort of their own home.

“We have a wide range of interactive activities planned, including a new ‘taste the gorge’ locally sourced food element but also many activities from last year, such as art, poetry, local history workshops, local walks and trails and many others.”

Local celebrity chef, Shropshire Lad, Adam Purnell, is already on board and said: ‘I am super excited to be working with Festival of Imagination, after the strangest summer I’ve ever known.

“It’s great to put on some entertainment and great food for people once again! “Ironbridge had been my stomping ground since I was a kid, and I’m incredibly passionate about the area and our incredible local products, so this one is right up my street and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

Marion Blockley, from Ironbridge Coracle Trust said: “The Ironbridge Coracle Trust is delighted to be part of the Ironbridge Festival Steering Group once again.

“Sadly this year the ever popular Coracle Regatta can’t take place due to coronavirus restrictions.

“But with the help of the Festival Team we will be celebrating happy memories from last year via a Twitter Storm.

“We will also be sharing stories online of the Ironbridge Coracle tradition and Coracle Heritage from around the world.”

Rod Sheppard’s, Chair of Secret Severn Arts, said: “It is great to know that the Festival of Imagination is going ahead this year and that it is linked to the Secret Severn Art Trail, which starts on 3 September.

“It is so important that, after all the pain and frustrations of the “lock-down”, we involve the public in this exciting cocktail of activity all linked to the arts, history and local culture.

“I can’t think of a better way of promoting a spirit of optimism and creativity across our community.”

The full programme of events will be listed in the coming weeks on www.ironbridgefestival.co.uk  – to keep up-to-date, follow the festival’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Views sought on Shropshire Council’s draft Housing Strategy

Start Date:
5th August 2020

End Date:
16th September 2020

Start Time:
0001

End Time:
2359

Shropshire Council is asking people for their thoughts on its vision for housing for the next five years.

A six-week consultation into the council’s draft Housing Strategy begins today (Wednesday 5 August 2020) and runs until Wednesday 16 September via the council website, or by requesting a hard copy of the documents on 01743 254633.

The strategy aims to ensure that current and future housing needs are met, and sets out Shropshire Council’s vision for housing for the next five years: that ‘all homes are well- designed decent homes of high quality, which will protect Shropshire’s unique urban and rural environments and ensure it is a great place to live’; and ‘that all Shropshire residents have access to the ‘right home in the right place’ to support and promote their health and well-being throughout their lives’.

The draft housing strategy which can be download at this link draft-housing-strategy-jul20 was approved for consultation by cabinet on 15 June. The strategy sets out our vision for housing for the next five years:

That all homes are well designed decent homes of high quality, which will protect Shropshire’s unique urban and rural environments and ensure it is a great place to live.

and

That all Shropshire residents have access to the ‘right home in the right place’ to support and promote their health and well-being throughout their lives.

The six objectives in the draft strategy are:

  1. To meet the overall current and future housing needs of Shropshire’s growing population by addressing the housing needs of particular groups within communities.
  2. To ensure people whose housing needs are not met through the local open market housing, can access housing that meets their needs.
  3. Work to reduce and prevent households from becoming homeless; and where this is not possible ensuring they have safe, secure and appropriate accommodation until they are able to resettle.
  4. To ensure people can access a mix of housing options within Shropshire’s urban and rural landscape, that best meets their needs in terms of tenure, safety, size, type, design and location of housing.
  5. To minimise the environmental impact of existing housing stock and future housing development in the interest of climate change. To work with policymakers, developers and private and social landlords to maximise resource efficiencies and to ensure optimum use of sustainable construction techniques.
  6. To support the drive for economic growth by ensuring that there is enough housing supply to enable businesses to attract and retain the local workforce that they need.

You can give your views on the draft Housing Strategy 2020-2025 by clicking on this link https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ETDBti03i0O8gmfkx5ZuiWx1FwoOPDhOum3KswdmL_NUQkFVNjg4QllDMDZaSzEyNTZSVzI1WEZXSi4u

SDN says: Is enough being done to provide accommodation for people with disabilities/long term conditions and the elderly?

Carer Support Service Engagement

Start Date:
5th August 2020

End Date:
27th August 2020

Start Time:
0001

End Time:
2359

Shropshire Council are seeking feedback on the development of a new carer support service.

The existing carer support contract in Shropshire is due to end on 31 January 2021. Shropshire Council are commissioning the adult carer support service in Shropshire and would like to hear the thoughts and ideas of carers to help shape these services. It’s important that the services provided are well designed for the people who will be using them.

Who will be involved and engaged with on the development of new carer support services?

Shropshire Council will be working to engage as widely as possible to obtain a diversity of views. They will take steps to ensure the following stakeholder groups are made aware of how they can participate in this engagement:

  • Carers and carer groups
  • Voluntary and community sector organisations
  • Public sector bodies
  • Town and parish councils
  • Shropshire Council elected members, officers and volunteers
  • And more…

Which methods of engagement will be used?

Within the engagement period a mixed method will be used to obtain as much feedback as possible. Engagement opportunities include:

  • Feedback surveys for:
    • Carers, local carers groups and organisations
    • Members of staff at Shropshire Council and the council’s elected members
  • Email and postal feedback options for any more detailed comments

How will the feedback be used?

Your feedback will be used to write the specification to be used in the tender documentation for a carer support service contract in Shropshire. The draft document will be presented to Shropshire Council’s Family Carers Partnership board for a final decision.

What other evidence will be used to inform the new carer support contract?

Alongside the feedback from local engagement Shropshire Council also use a wide range of evidence, such as:

  • Feedback from the previous review of the carer service
  • National research and guidance
  • Good practice from other areas

This information, added to the feedback obtained through the engagement, will help to inform the new carer support contract.

How to get involved in this survey:

  • You can have your say on the development of a new carer support service by taking part in this survey at this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SCCarerSupport or
  • You can also provide feedback by email. Please title your email ‘Carer support service’ and email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
  • You can also provide any comments or other documents for consideration by writing to: Carers support service engagement c/o Shropshire Council, Feedback and Insight Team (1L23), Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND

Note this survey opened on Wednesday 5th August and will close on Thursday 17th August 2020

Change in the law on wearing face coverings

From 8 August the places where you will have to wear a face covering has been expanded. Face coverings is now mandatory for visitors to all Shropshire Council-run buildings as well as Telford & Wrekin Council-run buildings.

A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. 

How to wear a face covering correctly:

  • Wash or sanitise your hands before putting it on
  • Ensure the covering or mask goes up to the bridge of your nose and all the way down under your chin
  • Tighten the loops or ties so it’s snug around your face
  • Avoid touching your face, or the parts of the mask that cover your nose and mouth
  • Wash or sanitise your hands before taking it off
  • Use the ear loops to take the mask off and wash or sanitise your hands afterwards.

Who is exempt from wearing a face covering?

Please note face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11 and those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or health conditions that make it difficult for them to wear one. Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.  Read our article about “Hidden Disabilities and Face Coverings by clicking on this link:  https://shropshire-disability.net/hidden-disabilities-and-face-coverings/

The updated list re wearing of face coverings includes the following:

  • funeral directors
  • premises providing professional, legal or financial services
  • cinemas
  • theatres
  • bingo halls
  • concert halls
  • museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites.
  • nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers – other than where necessary to remove for treatments
  • massage centres
  • public areas in hotels and hostels
  • place of worship
  • libraries and public reading rooms
  • community centres
  • social clubs
  • tattoo and piercing parlours
  • indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities e.g. laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc)
  • storage and distribution facilities
  • veterinary services.
  • auction houses

Please play your part in helping to tackle the virus.

It’s important that, whatever you do, you do it safely:

  • Keep your distance from other people
  • Wear a face covering whenever possible (note the change in the law above)
  • Wash your hands as often as possible
  • Take hand sanitiser with you.
  • Don’t forget the suncream (and a hat)!

 

Loudwater Re-opens Tuesday, 1 st September 2020

Loudwater Community Arts at Ludlow will re-open on Tuesday, 1st September 2020.

They told SDN It’s been a long time and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back.  There will be some changes that you need to know before you visit, but most of all don’t worry, we can all get back to some much needed creativity soon”.

A message from Nikki, Lol and Alice:

  • Please don’t visit the Studio if you have any COVID symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has.
  • Please ensure you have booked your session with us in advance.
  • On arrival at the Studio please ring the bell and a member of staff will let you in.
  • Masks will need to be worn at all times. You can either provide your own, or we will have a selection for you to purchase.
  • Please keep your belongings with you at all times.
  • Unfortunately we have had to make the difficult decision to close the kitchen to all visitors. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, and we can provided hot water for flasks, but please take all your rubbish home with you.
  • To avoid too much movement around the Studio all materials will be provided to you on a table service basis.
  • Purchases for any materials or products must be made remotely by card.
  • Please ensure you respect Social Distancing at all times.
Most of all please don’t worry we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way to ensure you have some well deserved creativity.
Nikki, Lol and Alice

 

Carer Support Service Engagement

Shropshire Council are seeking feedback on the development of a new carer support service.

The existing carer support contract in Shropshire is due to end on 31 January 2021. Shropshire Council are commissioning the adult carer support service in Shropshire and would like to hear the thoughts and ideas of carers to help shape these services. It’s important that the services provided are well designed for the people who will be using them.

Who will be involved and engaged with on the development of new carer support services?

Shropshire Council will be working to engage as widely as possible to obtain a diversity of views. They will take steps to ensure the following stakeholder groups are made aware of how they can participate in this engagement:

  • Carers and carer groups
  • Voluntary and community sector organisations
  • Public sector bodies
  • Town and parish councils
  • Shropshire Council elected members, officers and volunteers
  • And more…

Which methods of engagement will be used?

Within the engagement period a mixed method will be used to obtain as much feedback as possible. Engagement opportunities include:

  • Feedback surveys for:
    • Carers, local carers groups and organisations
    • Members of staff at Shropshire Council and the council’s elected members
  • Email and postal feedback options for any more detailed comments

How will the feedback be used?

Your feedback will be used to write the specification to be used in the tender documentation for a carer support service contract in Shropshire. The draft document will be presented to Shropshire Council’s Family Carers Partnership board for a final decision.

What other evidence will be used to inform the new carer support contract?

Alongside the feedback from local engagement Shropshire Council also use a wide range of evidence, such as:

  • Feedback from the previous review of the carer service
  • National research and guidance
  • Good practice from other areas

This information, added to the feedback obtained through the engagement, will help to inform the new carer support contract.

How to get involved in this survey:

  • You can have your say on the development of a new carer support service by taking part in this survey at this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SCCarerSupport or
  • You can also provide feedback by email. Please title your email ‘Carer support service’ and email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
  • You can also provide any comments or other documents for consideration by writing to: Carers support service engagement c/o Shropshire Council, Feedback and Insight Team (1L23), Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND

Note this survey opened on Wednesday 5th August and will close on Thursday 17th August 2020

Scam Warning

SDN feels it is important to raise awareness and remind everyone about scams. Please can you share this with your families, friends,  neighbours and colleagues

People are trying to trick others out of their money and savings by posing as police officers and law enforcement and then demanding payments. Couriers are arranged for money collection.

Remember no one from a bank, HMRC or the police will ever call and demand money; even as a part of an investigation. Similar is happening regards “Track and Trace”  https://shropshire-disability.net/alert-covid-19-track-and-trace-scam/

If you are subject to any of the above please do the following:

  • Please tell them to hang up,
  • wait 10 minutes and call the police on 101, or tell a family member, advocate, carer or trusted friend so they can report it on their behalf.

VJ Day Commemorations in Telford and Wrekin

Start Date:
15th August 2020

End Date:
15th August 2020

Start Time:
1100

End Time:
1400

Event title: VJ Day Commemorations in Telford and Wrekin
Venue: Telford Town Park, Telford. TF4 3NZ
Name: Telford Town Council
Email: N/A
Telephone: N/A
Event description: Following the virtual VE75 Day in May this year, Telford & Wrekin Council plan to mark the occasion by hosting a commemoration and remembrance event, observing the end of hostilities and a return to peace, in line with current government guidelines around public events and social distancing. Saturday 15 August marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII following the surrender of Japan on this day 1945.

  • At 11 am there will be a two minute silence hosted by the Mayor of Telford and Wrekin followed by The Last Post played by local bugle player Matt Johnson. Due to social distancing restrictions this will be attendance by invite only, but will be recorded and shared for everyone to be part of.
  • From 12 pm – 4 pm Maxell and Chelsea Gardens in Telford Town Park will be open to the public, for the first time since March, for a tour special VJ Day theme displays.

Decorations made from yarn and paper, streamers, origami, parasols, bunting, sculpture and music as alongside the existing planting and trees in these beautiful gardens, will all add to the tranquil and peaceful experience.

We are also delighted to welcome some traditional Japanese artists to entertain with Japanese flutes and string instruments, taiko drum and dance creating an authentic atmosphere for visitors.

Visitors will have an opportunity to write a message of peace and commemoration and hang them in the gardens.

In order to control numbers the tour is a FREE ticketed event that must be pre-booked online here. These are allocated in 30 minute slots for up to 30 people

In addition local company, Hot Buckle Theatre, will be doing a 45 minute performance of their 1940s show in the teen amphitheatre, adjacent to the Visitor Centre at 1 pm, which will be FREE to attend but with restricted numbers – tickets available in advance here or on the door.

Councillor Eileen Callear Cabinet Member for Leisure, Libraries and Culture said “We want to encourage the local community to remember this historical day with us. Although everyone can’t be together in person to mark this significant occasion, there is still opportunities for people to get involved.

“2020 will be a year that we will never forget and just like in 1945 Britain is able to show its strength and resolve in the face of adversity, remembering the heroes of WW2 and the pride and relief of peace’.”

Tickets for the gardens can be booked now and have limited availability so book early to guarantee your space.

http://www.theplacetelford.com/whats-on/special-interest/vj75-day-peace-garden-walk/4406

Telford and Wrekin Council would like to know your views

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Telford and Wrekin Counci staff, volunteers and partners have been working day in and day out to keep essential services running, to protect and care for the most vulnerable, and support the NHS.

It’s really important that Telford & Wrekin Council listen to you and involve you in planning for the future.

They ask “Did we do go a good job during the pandemic? How can we help you further? How can we make Telford and Wrekin an even better place?”

Telford & Wrekin Council write-It’s not just about our response to coronavirus – we also want your views on how we can make Telford and Wrekin an even better place to live. It’s time to have your say and give us your feedback!

Click here to watch a video about giving your view: https://youtu.be/_kZDVk2tsN8

Click on this link for further  information:  https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20240/consultations/4035/your_views?utm_source=newsroom-advert&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=residentsurvey&utm_content=

Telford & Wrekin residents completing the questionnaire you will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw for vouchers up to £100 to be used in local high street businesses.

You will also be eligible to receive vouchers that will help you to support local businesses.

If you would like a paper or alternative version please let us know by emailing  yourviews.matter@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 380100.

This survey is open from Thursday 29th July and closes at 2359 on Friday 4th September 2020

Reminder -Face coverings in shops now mandatory

The Government has announced that face coverings are to become mandatory in supermarkets, shops, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies and post offices, joining public transport where people have had to wear a face covering since June.

Note: Telford & Wrekin ask that anyone visiting libraries in the borough to also wear a face covering.

A ‘face covering’ is just something which safely covers the nose and mouth. There are lots of different options and, where possible, people are encouraged to use a reusable face covering rather than a disposable one, or people can make their own.

The face covering should feel comfortable and fit securely against the side of your face and be secured to the head with ties or ear loops. You should also avoid touching the face covering while you are wearing it.

Individuals should make sure they wash their hands thoroughly before putting a face covering on, and both before and after taking it off. Single-use masks should be disposed of with your non-recyclable waste and reusable masks should be washed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

“Face coverings are designed to keep other people safe against the spread of infection and everyone needs to play their part when they are out as stated above..

While face coverings play an important role in protecting others, it is not designed to replace the other measures designed to stop the spread of the virus. That is why it is important to still follow the latest social distancing guidelines and practice good hand hygiene at all times.”

Exemptions

There are a number of exemptions for the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops and supermarkets and other places:

  • Young children under the age of 11
  • Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • If you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
  • To avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
  • To eat or drink, but only if you need to
  • To take medication
  • if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

  • If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification
  • If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication

Read our article about “Hidden Disabilities and Face Coverings by clicking on this link:  https://shropshire-disability.net/hidden-disabilities-and-face-coverings/