Monday, 20 May 2013

A campaign designed to remind Hampshire residents and visitors to be 'tick aware' this summer includes new leaflets on how to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Part of a national programme by Public Health England (PHE), the campaign aims to raise awareness of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses among health professionals and the public. Ticks are small, spider-like creatures most common in late spring, summer and autumn. a tick is the size of a poppy seed and once detected, it is important to remove the tick with tweezers as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting bitten and becoming ill. Most ticks do not carry the infection but any area where ticks are present could be a potential risk for Lyme disease.

Dr Ruth Milton, Hampshire's Director of Public Health said: "We want people to go out and enjoy the countryside this summer but it's important to be aware of ticks which can bite and lead to unpleasant illnesses such as Lyme disease. The new leaflets help explain the risks and how to avoid and treat tick bites.

"As there is currently no effective vaccine against Lyme disease, the most important ways to protect yourself and your family are by being 'tick aware', avoiding tick infested areas, wearing the right clothing where ticks are more common and quickly removing any attached ticks.

"Not all tick bites result in disease, but some can transmit bacteria that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, which can lead to very serious conditions if left untreated. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a circular rash, tiredness and muscle and joint pain.

"Lyme disease can be contracted in parks, gardens and rural areas across most of the country, and is common in areas such as the New Forest and South Downs. Therefore it is important to raise awareness of this disease amongst our residents and those who visit the area."

Since June 2012 1,928 samples from Hampshire have been tested for Lyme Disease by Public Health England's Rare and Imported Pathogens Department at Porton Down. Of these, 190 were found to be positive for Lyme Disease - approximately 10%. Most cases occurred between June and August, however not all samples necessarily belong to Hampshire residents as the data reflects samples sent from hospital laboratories within Hampshire rather than residents. The positive rate of around 10% is consistent across the UK.

Cases are often the result of outdoor activities including camping, walking, hiking and mountain-biking, where tick exposure is more likely.

• A factsheet providing important health advice and some basic precautions is available from PHE

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Hampshire County Council is encouraging parents to swap their car for a ticket to stride on the school run instead, with their children, during Walk to School Week (20- 24 May).

Over ninety thousand Hampshire-based school children have signed up to take part in Walk to School Week 2013, encouraging parents and children to take the opportunity to try walking to school and putting into practice good pedestrian road safety behaviour. All children taking part in Walk to School Week will receive a log book, certificate and stickers.

Walk to School Week is the initiative of national charity 'Living Streets'. According to the charity, by walking to school, parents say they find the journey to school less stressful, their petrol bill goes down, their children perform better at school and both they and their children feel healthier and fitter.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage as many school children and their families across the county to give walking a go during Walk to School Week. It is a more active way to start the day and can help improve concentration in the classroom. It can also be beneficial in helping children develop life long road safety skills and their sense of independence, as well as being fun.

Number of children participating by district.

East Hants 7,860
Basingstoke 13,170
Eastleigh 9,060
Fareham 8,435
Gosport 5,995
Hart 6,860
Havant 7,705
New Forest 9,980
Rushmoor 6,835
Test Valley 8,265
Winchester 6,455

Total 90,620

• Walk to School Week

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

To mark Dementia Awareness Week (19 - 25 May), Hampshire County Council is holding a number of events to promote greater understanding of the condition, which mainly affects older people.

Dementia Awareness Week is the Alzheimer's Society's annual flagship awareness-raising campaign and this year's theme is 'talking'.

The events are being co-ordinated by Andover Mind, who are commissioned by Hampshire County Council to deliver the new Hampshire-wide Dementia Friendly Communities project, as well as provide services for people with dementia and their carers.

Around one quarter of the population of Hampshire is likely to be over the age of 60 by 2026 with the largest growth being in the number of people aged 85 and over. One in six people over the age of 80 have dementia but currently only a third to a half of older people with dementia receive a diagnosis. People can, and do, live well with dementia and early diagnosis can improve a person's quality of life and help them to maintain independence for longer.

Monday 20 May 2013

• Alresford Library 10.00am -1.00pm: leaflets display/information session
• Information session at St Thomas' Care Home, Basingstoke

Tuesday 21 May

• Bishop Waltham Library poster/leaflets 2.30- 3.30 pm and Dementia Friends session
• The Wellbeing Centre, Vyne Rd Basingstoke - information session
• Fareham Library - find out more about dementia and dementia-friendly communities

Wednesday 22 May

• Fareham Shopping Centre - taking over a shop in the shopping centre with a display and several awareness raising information session
• Information session at Randell House, Blackwater

Thursday 23 May

• New Milton Mind Charity Shop, 118 Station Rd New Milton - raising awareness of dementia including a stand and posters

Friday 24 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 -1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Saturday 25 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 - 1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Monday 20 May - Friday 25 May

• Andover Library - display and information available at 'help point' in the library. Stand will be manned every morning during the week by Dementia Advice and DementiaFriendly Communities staff and volunteers.

Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire, Andover Mind and The Alzheimer's Society have teamed up to provide a Dementia Advice service across Hampshire to support the delivery of the Joint Hampshire Commissioning strategy for Older Peoples Mental Health.

The strategy identifies the need to develop further information and signposting services for older people with mental health needs and their carers. The Dementia Advice Service helps people access appropriate care, support and advice.

The new Dementia Friendly Communities project, commissioned by Hampshire County Council and delivered by Andover Mind aims to create an engaged community, enthusiastic about and supportive of people with dementia. The project will involve and empower people with dementia and their carers, giving them a role in developing communities which enable them to 'live well' with dementia.

Other ways the County Council supports work to help people with dementia and their carers is through grants to voluntary organisations.

• Dementia Awareness Week

Wednesday, 08 May 2013

Businesses across south Hampshire are being invited to compete in the 'My Journey' Commuter Challenge by completing their daily commute using alternative ways to travel other than the private car.

The challenge is part of Hampshire County and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils' 'My Journey' campaign and is being organised by Sustrans, a leading national charity which encourages and enables sustainable travel for residents in the UK.

Participants will be encouraged to try cycling, walking, using public transport or car-sharing to get to and from their place of work, in a bid to reduce congestion in Hampshire and encourage a more active lifestyle. Businesses and their employees will be invited to compete in group and personal challenges throughout May.

By recording online how they travelled to work, those who take part in the challenge have the opportunity to win one of a number of weekly awards such as passes for free bus, rail, hover and ferry travel, theatre tickets, and entry to a wide range of Hampshire attractions.

Eligible journeys for the Commuter Challenge start at one mile in length, the equivalent of just 20 minutes walking or 10 minutes by bicycle.

The 'My Journey' campaign has been developed by Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council and is funded by a successful bid to the Department for Transport for Local Sustainable Transport Fund monies. The objectives of the Government's fund are to reduce congestion at peak times, and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives will be met at a local level, through 'My Journey' initiatives to encourage less use of the private car and a more active lifestyle by encouraging walking, cycling, use of public transport or car sharing to travel around, particularly for local journeys.

• Businesses, groups or individuals can sign up to take part in the Commuter Challenge

Thursday, 04 April 2013

Why not take a tip from the 2013 'Defence of the Realm' pocket guide and visit one of Hampshire's many military heritage sites this year.

Packed with over 80 great events and 30 sites including castles, historic ships, museums, special displays and exhibitions, the pocket guide is available free from Tourist Information Centres, by calling 01271 336136 or ordering on-line from the Defence of the Realm website. It also includes discount vouchers so visitors can make savings of up to 20% on normal admission fees.

Sites included in the guide range from Buckler's Hard in Beaulieu whose updated Maritime Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Royal Military Police Museum near Fareham, to the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson in Fareham and Basing House Ruins in Basingstoke. The guide also includes a comprehensive list of events for the whole year, including children's activities during school holidays, a Model Warship Weekend at Explosion! in Gosport, and a Fun For All Day at the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester.

Tourism contributes almost £3 billion to Hampshire's economy every year and employs more than 60,000 people. Visitors to Hampshire's military heritage sites, more than one million people every year, make a substantial contribution to this total.

• Defence of the Realm

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

More than 150 young people from across Hampshire showcased their achievements in a celebration of young peoples' participation, community provision and volunteering.

The Youth Fair held in the Great Hall, Winchester was hosted by Hampshire County Council to highlight examples of youth participation and adult volunteering and to encourage others to follow suit.

More than 25 groups representing a wide range of activities from Young Firefighters, to the Girl Guides and Hampshire Wildlife Trust promoted their achievements and showed other young people the value of their participation in a huge variety of opportunities in Hampshire.

They also heard an inspiring presentation about reaching potential from British Paralympic Gold Medallist Peter Hull, MBE.

Drummed in by the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps, the event on 22 March was opened by Councillor Ken Thornber, the Leader of Hampshire County Council. Councillor Thornber, who has introduced an initiative for the Council to employ up to 1,000 young apprenticeship posts over the next five years, described the event as "a real celebration of the fantastic work of both the third sector voluntary groups and young people and the enormous range of positive activities available to them."

"They all make a huge contribution and I hope this event has helped facilitate even closer relationships and collaboration between the voluntary sector, the County Council and the schools and colleges here today for the benefit of Hampshire's young people," he said.

Councillor Thornber also presented National Citizen Service Awards. "I'm really pleased to be making awards to a number of armed forces cadets who have taken part in the National Citizen Service programme, a scheme that allows young people to learn new things, develop their skills, help their community and create and bring to life a project that they really care about. These young people are outstanding ambassadors of youth and they thoroughly deserve this award," he added.

The army cadets who received awards from CouncillorThornber were: Jacob Brown from Portsmouth, Emma Topley from Southampton, Nicki Parker from Southampton, Jack Bowden from Aldershot, Stuart Gainsford from Aldershot, Elsbeth Brand from Cosham, Catherine Lovett from Southampton, Rebecca Williams from Andover, Alexander Brown from Totton, James Herring from Waterlooville.

The voluntary sector plays an important part in delivering both recreational and support services for youth and the County Council is building on this strong partnership to develop new ways of delivering services for young people in tough economic times. Cllr Roy Perry, the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, who closed the event, said: "I'm pleased that through the grants we give, the County Council is maintaining high levels of support to the voluntary sector to help develop what are very good activities for young people. Working in new ways with the voluntary sector, together we can help ensure the provision of responsive, flexible services that are not only good value for money, but tailor made to meet the needs of local communities."

The Youth Fair also saw the presentation of the 'Hampshire Making a Difference Awards'. Presented by the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy, they reward young people aged between five and 18 from across Hampshire who, by being active, good citizens, have done something exceptional to help others.

The event was organised by Hampshire County Council in partnership with the Hampshire Children's Alliance and with the armed forces cadets associations.

• National Citizen Service

Monday, 25 March 2013

A number of outstanding young Hampshire citizens have been recognised at a ceremony to mark their exceptional efforts in helping to make a positive difference in their local community.

The 'Hampshire Making a Difference Award' was presented by the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy, rewarding young people aged between five and 18 from across Hampshire who, by being active, good citizens, have done something exceptional to help others.

A special presentation was held on 22 March and a total of 51 young people from Romsey, Chandler's Ford, Southampton, Winchester, Gosport and Farnborough (13 individuals and 38 young people from four groups) were commended for their work and awarded a certificate and letter of congratulations from the County Council Chairman.

These award-winning efforts to make a positive difference in their community have included; providing care, help and support to disabled family members, volunteering at a project to support young people with disabilities and special needs, volunteering at a local Beavers group, and providing volunteer coaching to local gymnastics clubs. Other examples are fundraising for various charities and for those with special needs, refurbishing a local community centre in North West Fareham, developing and safeguarding youth provision for the local community, representing the voice of young people in the New Forest and changing the perception of young people in the community in Fareham and Gosport.

Councillor Joy said: "We received dozens of nominations for these Awards which goes to show the immense amount of good work being done in Hampshire by some wonderful young people, who are making a really positive difference in their local communities.

"This work can so often go unnoticed and certainly unrecorded, so these Awards are a real opportunity to recognise their contributions and say thank you for their acts of exceptional active citizenship. Congratulations to all the young winners and I would like to thank them on behalf of Hampshire County Council for setting such a fine example and for helping to make our county an even better place to live."

Friday, 22 March 2013

The Good Neighbour Award Scheme recognised people from across Hampshire who have made a difference in their community with a special ceremony in The Great Hall, Winchester on 21 March 2013.

"He is an all-round do-gooder"

"She is such an angel and is always there for me"

"She is one in a million"

These were just a few of the many warm and sincere testimonies from nominations for this year's awards which paid tribute to the crucial support and community spirit of friends, neighbours and community groups across Hampshire.

The Hampshire County Council Good Neighbour Award Scheme, now in its ninth year, publicly recognises and rewards volunteers and neighbours who help older people in their communities to live independently in their own homes for longer. The many acts of kindness that were celebrated in the awards ceremony included daily support and practical help such as transport to appointments, small tasks around the house, translating and interpreting for others, shopping, cooking, time to chat, and help during the night.

More than 60 nominees attended the evening, which was hosted by Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council who presented the awards.

Councillor Thornber said: "I applaud every nominee, each of whom has made an invaluable contribution to their communities and made such a huge difference to the lives of their neighbours. All too often good deeds go unnoticed and that is why I am delighted to be involved with the Good Neighbour Awards. Everyone involved has been exceptional in what they have done for older people in their community. I am always very encouraged when I see that community spirit and community resourcefulness is flourishing like this in Hampshire."

The awards were created by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Age Concern Hampshire, Brendoncare Club Hampshire, Carers Together, the Good Neighbours Support Service and the WRVS.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with any of the partner organisations call Brendoncare on 01962 852133.

• Good Neighbour Award Scheme 2013

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Joint press release from Hampshire County Council and BT

More than 57,000 business and residential premises in Hampshire are set to benefit from superfast broadband connections to the internet following a £13.8 million deal with BT to provide a county-wide high speed network.

Hampshire County Council has today signed a contract with BT to build on the existing commercial footprint in the county so that at least 90% of all premises will have access to super-fast broadband by the end of 2015, and supporting the council's goal of ensuring everyone else will have access to at least 2Mbps (Megabits per second) broadband.

Hampshire County Council together with district and borough partners has invested £5 million in the project and were awarded the same figure from BDUK. BT is contributing an additional £3.8 million towards the cost of installing the new fibre infrastructure bringing the total investment in the project to just over £13.8 million.

The first communities to benefit from this project are expected to have access to the high-speed technology by the end of this year, with the programme due to be completed by the end of 2015. Without the intervention of the Hampshire Broadband Programme around 20% of premises in Hampshire would not have been able to access fibre broadband services.

One of the first areas to see improvements will be the Solent Enterprise Zone which is being developed at Daedalus in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire. Daedalus, the former airfield of the Royal Navy, is one of 24 enterprise zones being set up nationally to support local economic and employment growth.

Commenting on the contract award Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council said: "This is a great day for Hampshire and it marks the culmination of many months of hard work. I am very pleased that BT can now start work on putting in the necessary infrastructure that will benefit so many businesses and households, predominantly located in the less populated and 'harder to reach' areas of Hampshire.

"Access to the internet and fast broadband is crucial to the on-going social and economic prosperity of the region. Putting in this network infrastructure is as important as other major transport infrastructures like roads, rail, and airports. This exciting development will ensure that Hampshire continues to be a great place to live, work and thrive. Encouraging and enabling people and businesses to get online is one of our top priorities. It will allow Hampshire residents and businesses to transform the way they live, work and communicate benefiting from new social and economic opportunities as well as reducing the costs of public services."

Bill Murphy, managing director, Next Generation Access, BT, said: "This is fantastic news for Hampshire and this project will move the county well and truly into the broadband fast lane with fibre being rolled out to more than nine out of ten properties in the county. We are proud to be involved in this important programme which will boost the local economy and keep Hampshire connected and competitive for the future."

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: "This is brilliant news - this ambitious project is going to deliver superfast broadband to more than 57,000 businesses and homes in Hampshire. The UK already does more business online than any other European country, and widespread access to superfast broadband will provide a tremendous boost to Hampshire's local economy."

Openreach, BT's local network division, will now begin the work on surveying locations across the county. This will allow BT to refine its draft designs to roll out fibre across the county to ensure as many premises as possible can receive super-fast broadband.

Alternative broadband technologies may be used alongside future fibre innovations to connect the hardest to reach premises that are scattered throughout the county. These properties currently have speeds of less than 2 Mbps or no access to broadband at all.

More than 19,000 households and business have registered their support for the Hampshire Broadband Programme. Driving up demand is a crucial part of delivering a successful project.

Councillor Thornber added: "High levels of demand demonstrate that there are plenty of potential customers who want to make use of this service. We want to encourage even more residents and businesses to register so that we can push beyond what we have committed to today and ensure that more premises receive faster broadband in the future."

• Find out more about the Hampshire Broadband Programme

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

The Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy, held a special 60th Anniversary Reception and Presentation to celebrate and recognise the much loved School Crossing Patrol Service that was originally set up in 1953 in the UK.

Over 100 serving school crossing patrols and their guests attended the special presentation in the Great Hall in Winchester last night.

The evening gave the opportunity for the Chairman and members of Hampshire County Council to meet and thank individuals for the invaluable job they do for the county, and for patrols to meet old friends and make new ones.

Long-serving Sylvia Rosewarn, who has been helping young children cross the road outside Orchard Lea Infant School, in Fareham, for the last 36 years, was recognised for her contribution to the service during the event. Sylvia has had many positive experiences of being a lollipop lady. In 2008 she was awarded Honorary Citizen of the Year by Fareham Borough Council, in recognition of her 30 years' service, and she was also a finalist in the National Transport Awards for Employee of the Year 2012.

Remembered for his contribution to road safety was Ray Elsmore. Ray was a School Crossing Patrol officer for 13 years, serving 11 of those years at the Queen's Inclosure School in Waterlooville before his tragic death in December while on duty. He was a well loved and hard working man, who would often say how being a school crossing patrol gave him great pleasure.

Paying tribute to all the staff, Councillor Joy said: "School crossing patrols provide a very important service and play a valuable role in our local communities. They are very popular with all the young children they help cross roads, and their parents and carers. These men and women are on duty whatever the weather to ensure that our young children can cross the road to school safely."

Councillor Joy continued: "I'm delighted to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the service and to recognise formally the valuable work done by these members of our workforce."

Valerie Tibble, who helps children from Preston Candover Primary cross the busy main road in Basingstoke, said: "I never dreamed the job would be as good as it is. The children are wonderful, they keep my spirits high at times when I really need it and they know we are there to help them."

Christine Williams, who helps children attending Shamblehurst Primary School in Hedge End, said: "I've been helping children cross the road for 17 years. I love it and I love the kids - you see them growing up and get to see their little personalities coming out. I feel very responsible for them."

The search is also on for the best Lollipop Person in the County. In association with Heart FM, the hunt is on to find Hampshire's 'Diamond' School Crossing Patrol and Hampshire County Council wants nominations from children who think their school has the best Lollipop person.

• Vote for Hampshire's top school crossing patrol

Monday, 18 March 2013

Having a fall can have a serious impact on anyone's life - but for older people the consequences are even greater, including a loss of independence, mobility and confidence as well as the time it takes to recover.

That's why Hampshire County Council and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust have teamed up to prevent falls and keep older people independent for as long as possible by organising Steady and Strong community exercise classes across the county.

The benefits of exercise for general health are widely recognised - but specific, tailored exercises improve strength and balance and help reduce falls and injuries by 50%. By preventing falls, older people's chances of staying independent at home are significantly increased and they can continue to live an active lifestyle.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Felicity Hindson said: "When older people have a fall it can have devastating results so prevention makes a lot of sense. By keeping fit and mobile, older people can help themselves to stay independent in their own home, which is what everyone wants.

"Steady and Strong classes help older people gain strength and confidence in their mobility. The classes are also sociable and fun and people benefit from the encouragement of others. A wide range of health professionals are now signposting older people to the new classes but you can also contact the instructor yourself if you feel at risk of falling because you're unsteady or have lost confidence in getting out and about."

There are classes running in most parts of Hampshire in a variety of locations including church halls, community centres, leisure centres and sheltered housing schemes. Classes are all taught by qualified postural stability instructors, who have been specifically trained to reduce falls in older people.

Pamela from Hythe fell on her sternum (chest bone) last year. As a result, she was worried about going out, had to use a walking aid and experienced considerable pain. Her GP recommended the Steady and Strong classes at Hythe Medical Centre and after only a few classes, Pamela is walking outside for 20 minutes each day, has virtually no pain and is confident about going out: "After attending the classes and listening to Gilly the instructor, I have more confidence and believe in what I can do. It's the right teaching for us older people."

To find out more about local classes in your area call Sophie Jevons, Falls Prevention Coordinator on 01962 846605, or email: wellbeing@hants.gov.uk

• Better balance for life: Independent living for older people in Hampshire