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

Tuesday, 07 May 2013

School children are being invited to nominate their 'diamond' lollipop person as Hampshire's School Crossing Patrol of the Year 2013.

In nominating who they think should win, children are being asked to get creative by sending in a poem, drawing or a story illustrating why their school crossing patrol is a real diamond.

Hampshire County Council has 262 school crossing patrols who help children cross roads every morning and afternoon during term time. This year marks 60 years of the school crossing patrol service nationally, making 2013 its Diamond Anniversay.

From all the nominations received, one finalist will be chosen from each of the 11 boroughs and districts across Hampshire. The finalists will be invited to a special awards ceremony on 10 July, to be held in Winchester, where the overall winner will be announced and presented with their award.

The winner will also be presented with £500 worth of IKEA vouchers donated by the Southampton store. Each of the 11 finalists will be presented with bespoke fleeces and the children who submit the winning entry for each finalist will receive a road safety goody bag.

The school whose lollipop person is crowned School Crossing Patrol of the Year 2013 will win a Street Feet kit courtesy of Fox Oilskins. The kit is designed to help children practice crossing the road safely while being in a safe environment. The school will also win an environmental tour of IKEA for the class of the pupil's winning nomination.

All those who nominate a school crossing person will be presented with a fluorescent zipper courtesy of Heart FM.

The closing date for entries is Friday 24 May

• Vote for Hampshire's top school crossing patrol

Thursday, 25 April 2013

A targeted campaign to ensure that young people across Hampshire are protected against measles outbreaks is launched today (Thursday 25 April) in the wake of rising levels of confirmed cases of the preventable disease nationally.

Dr Ruth Milton, Hampshire's Director of Public Health said: "Our team is working with colleagues in health and care services to raise awareness of this important health hazard and the real benefit of protecting our young people by taking up the MMR vaccine. Current levels of vaccination in our five year olds is 91%, but this is still is short of the 95% coverage needed to protect the entire community by preventing the spread of the infection."

"The proportion of 10 to 16 year olds in Hampshire who are immune is far lower. This means that about 1 in 5 teenagers in Hampshire is at risk of this avoidable and serious infection. We know from recent outbreaks that this age group is most at risk and that complications are common with measles infection."

"A vaccination for a preventable disease can protect you at any time and the MMR is given as two doses. I would strongly urge parents to check with their GP to ensure that their children are fully protected against measles and if not, to book an appointment to get their MMR vaccine as soon as possible."

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many 10 to 16-year-olds missed out on a vaccination due to publicity surrounding a discredited link between autism and the vaccine.

As well as the current serious outbreak in Swansea, there have also been smaller measles outbreaks across many parts of England including Teeside, Greater Manchester, Preston, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. While there has been only one case of measles in the last quarter in Wessex (made up of the NHS in Dorset, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight), which was in Hampshire, the natural history of measles infection is such that an increase is expected in the coming months.

Measles is an unpleasant illness that starts with a few days of cold-like symptoms and is then followed by a rash accompanied by high fever, red eyes and a cough. It can be particularly severe in babies under the age of one year, teenagers and older people, especially those who have a weakened immune system. In these groups, measles can cause complications including pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhoea and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Around one in every 10 children who get measles is admitted to hospital. In rare cases, people can die from measles. Measles in pregnant women can also be very serious and threaten the pregnancy.

• Information on Measles - NHS Choices

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services, said: "The County Council's admission team has handled more than 14,000 applications for children starting primary school in September and parents have been notified of places offered to their children today, April 16. 97.76% of children have been given a place at one of their preferred schools, slightly higher than last year, including a small increase in the number getting their first choice.

"If parents applied by the deadline of midnight, on the 15 January, via our online application system, they will have been notified online accordingly, via email. In the cases where email addresses appeared to be incorrect, or where paper applications were received, hard copies of the offer letter will be sent instead, by first class post today. If parents are happy with the place offered to their child, there is no need for them to confirm acceptance but they are expected to contact the school with evidence of address and their child's date of birth over the coming weeks.

"Parents can appeal in respect of any school for which they have received a refusal. If parents have been allocated a place at a school other than one they hoped for, we advise that they hold onto that place for the time being, pending the outcome of offers being made to children on waiting lists or any appeal process. Their child's name will automatically be added to the waiting list of any higher preference Hampshire school named.

"If parents no longer need the school place secured for their child, they are asked to notify us, as soon as possible, so that the place can be re-allocated."

• Further information about what happens next

Friday, 12 April 2013

A new road safety THINK! Campaign, supported by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Constabulary, calls on drivers and cyclists to stay safe by looking out for each other. The campaign highlights the common ground between cyclist and driver and gives advice and tips on staying safe, visible and alert on the road.

Over the last five years 760 cyclists have been killed or seriously injured on roads in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The new safety campaign is based on the premise that cyclists and drivers are often one and the same, as 80% of cyclists hold a driving licence and one in five drivers cycle at least once a month. In support of this, buses across the county will display the slogan:

'Let's look out for each other. Drivers and cyclists are more alike than you think.'

Stuart Jarvis, Director of Environment, Transport and Economy at Hampshire County Council said:

"Although there are sometimes differences of opinion between cyclists and drivers this campaign encourages mutual respect to make Hampshire's roads safer for all, by driving or cycling responsibly."

Sergeant Darren Ord, of Hampshire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit said: "When we talk about cycle safety with road users, we often find there's a 'them and us' attitude between drivers and cyclists, despite that fact that most of them at one time or another do both.

"The campaign is simply about mutual respect, for cyclists to make themselves as visible as possible so they have less chance of being injured and for drivers to simply keep their eyes peeled for cyclists.

"It's not about blaming any particular group for collisions on our roads, it's about everyone taking responsibility to look out for each other."

Gosport Discovery Centre will be hosting a 'Let's look out for each other' information stand throughout May. A staffed drop-in session on Tuesday 21 May 2013 between 10am and 3pm will be able to provide answers to questions the public may have on cycle safety.

THINK! advice for when you're driving

• Look out for cyclists, especially when turning - make eye contact if possible so they know you've seen them
• Use your indicators - signal your intentions so that cyclists can react
• Give cyclists space - at least half a car's width. If there isn't sufficient space to pass, hold back. Remember that cyclists may need to manoeuvre suddenly if the road is poor, it's windy or if a car door is opened
• Always check for cyclists when you open your car door
• Avoid driving over advanced stop lines - these allow cyclists to get to the front and increase their visibility
• Follow the Highway Code including 'stop' and 'give way' signs and traffic lights

THINK! advice for when you're cycling

• Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb - look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you
• Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen
• Always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor
• Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark increases your visibility
• Follow the Highway Code including observing 'stop' and 'give way' signs and traffic lights

• Further information

Tuesday, 09 April 2013

The names have been published of the candidates nominated to stand in the upcoming Hampshire County Council elections to be held on Thursday 2 May 2013.

The list of candidates for each electoral division is now available to view on the County Council's elections webpages.

A county-wide election takes place every four years and voters in all 75 electoral divisions choose who they want to run the range of essential local services that impact on all aspects of everyday life for 1.3million people living in the Hampshire County Council area, from education, roads and social care, to access to the countryside, museums and libraries.

Three divisions elect two councillors so Hampshire County Council consists of 78 councillors. These councillors represent all the people within their divisions and decide how £1.8billion of taxpayers' money is spent, and make the policies to secure high quality services for the residents of, and visitors to Hampshire. Councillors provide a focus for local people when they have concerns or want things done, using their local knowledge of the area and the issues affecting residents to help the County Council make decisions and check the quality of services it delivers.

District councils run the County Council's four-yearly elections on behalf of Andrew Smith, the County Returning Officer and Chief Executive.

Andrew Smith, said: "There is just over a week until the deadline for residents to register to vote in the upcoming County Council elections. I would therefore urge anyone who has not already done so, to contact their local borough or district council to add their name to the electoral register as the last date for registration is Wednesday 17 April. This ensures that you will be eligible to cast your vote on 2 May.

"County Council elections enable the democratic process to take place and provide an opportunity for members of the public to have their say at the ballot box. I would encourage everyone who is entitled to vote, to turn out on 2 May and choose who they wish to represent them on the Council."

To be eligible to vote and have your say in the County Council elections, residents must be on the electoral register, having registered with their local borough or district council by Wednesday 17 April.

For anyone wishing to cast their vote by post, applications for postal votes must also be received by the district councils by 17 April, and proxy vote applications by 24 April.

Counting will take place by the district councils and up to the minute results as each division is declared, will be available on our elections webpages. The earliest results are expected in the early hours of Friday 3 May after the polling stations close at 10pm on Thursday.

The Full Council will meet for the first time after the elections on Thursday 23 May, at which time the new administration is formally established. The first meeting of the Cabinet will take place on Monday 24 June.

The current political make-up of the Council, following the last elections in June 2009 and four by-elections, is:

Conservatives 51
Liberal Democrats 24
Labour 1
Community Campaign (Hart) 1
Green Party 1

Information for residents about how to vote, how to register for a vote or check if you are already registered, is available from the Electoral Commission or telephone 020 7271 0500.

• Elections in Hampshire County Council

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

Hampshire residents are being urged to make sure they have their say in the Hampshire County Council elections, taking place on Thursday 2 May 2013.

A county-wide election takes place every four years and voters in all 75 electoral divisions choose who they want to run the range of essential local services that impact on all aspects of everyday life for 1.3million people living in the Hampshire County Council area, from education, roads and social care, to access to the countryside, museums and libraries.

Three of the larger divisions elect two councillors so Hampshire County Council consists of 78 councillors. These councillors represent all the people within their divisions and decide how £1.8billion of taxpayers' money is spent, and make the policies to secure high quality services for the residents of, and visitors to Hampshire. Councillors provide a focus for local people when they have concerns or want things done, using their local knowledge of the area and the issues affecting residents to help the County Council make decisions and check the quality of services it delivers.

District councils run the County Council's four-yearly elections on behalf of Andrew Smith, the County Returning Officer and Chief Executive.

Polling cards, and applications for postal and proxy votes will therefore be issued by district councils for residents living in their area.

The names of candidates standing for election in each division (the Statements of Persons Nominated) will be published on the County Council's elections webpages no later than noon on Tuesday 9 April.

Andrew Smith, said: "The County Council elections happen once every four years and provide an opportunity for the democratic process to take place and for the public to have their say at the ballot box. I would therefore encourage everyone who is entitled to vote to turn out on 2 May and choose who they want to represent them on the Council."

To be eligible to vote and have your say in the County Council elections, you must be on the electoral register, having registered with your local borough or district council by Wednesday 17 April. For anyone wishing to cast their vote by post, applications for postal votes must also be received by the district councils by 17 April, and proxy vote applications by 24 April.

Counting will take place at the district council offices and up to the minute results as each division is declared, will be available online on the Elections webpages. The earliest results are expected in the early hours of Friday 3 May after the polling stations close at 10pm on Thursday.

Full Council will meet for the first time after the elections on Thursday 23 May, at which time the new administration is formally established. The first meeting of the Cabinet will take place on Monday 24 June.

The current political make-up of the Council, following the last elections in June 2009 and four by-elections, is:

Conservatives 51
Liberal Democrats 24
Labour 1
Community Campaign (Hart) 1
Green Party 1

Information for residents about how to vote, how to register for a vote or check if you are already registered, is available from the Electoral Commission or telephone 020 7271 0500.

• Elections in Hampshire County Council

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

The outline terms for proposals that could lead to a groundbreaking strategic partnership between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to deliver Children's Services on the Island were approved today 25 March.

The decision by Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Roy Perry provides a formal basis for the proposals, which are designed to strengthen child protection and education services on the Island.

Substantial further work is now required before an agreement can be finalised and the Councils are engaged on a steady and considered approach to ensure all challenges, risks and solutions are identified, in what could be a significant opportunity for both local authorities.

Cllr Perry said: "It is a credit that Hampshire County Council with its reputation for strongly performing Children's Services should be approached by the Isle of Wight Council, with the support of the Department for Education, with a view to establishing such a partnership. It is an opportunity for us to offer assistance to our neighbour and an opportunity for us to develop an area of work as an extension of our capacity - the prospect of this type of partnership is something that's been under informal consideration nationally for some time in view of general financial and performance concerns."

"While it does represent a significant opportunity for both councils, uppermost in my mind is that I have a first and unequivocal responsibility to the children of Hampshire. I will be seeking full assurance that these proposals are subject to very careful assessment and that there can be no question of Hampshire's Children's Services budgets being utilised."

Broadly, the outline proposals for a strategic partnership, which would be unlikely to start before end of May 2013, would mean that Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services and Children's Services Departmental Management Team would take full operational responsibility for Isle of Wight Children's Services, including education and social care, as per the terms of Children Act 2004 as part of an improvement programme under the auspices of Government. The Isle of Wight Council would retain political authority and accountability. Line management and operational responsibility would rest entirely with Hampshire County Council. The Isle of Wight Council would remain financially accountable and fund all relevant costs of the arrangement.

Isle of Wight Council Leader Cllr David Pugh said: "It is imperative that these arrangements to improve our child protection services are put in place swiftly and also that they are effective. We also look forward to the potential of working with our colleagues in Hampshire to drive forward continued improvement in our schools.

"We welcome this step forward and will continue our discussions with Hampshire to ensure the arrangement is the very best one for Island residents and, most importantly, the children and families who deserve the very best support."

• Children's Services in Hampshire