hantsweb News http://www3.hants.gov.uk hantsweb News RSS feed Fostering: can you step up to the challenge? http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=588060 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=588060 Fostering: can you step up to the challenge?

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

"A good foster carer is like a safety net. I knew that if I messed up someone would be there to catch me. Good carers don't judge you and you can tell them anything."

Powerful words from a young person who knows the very real and positive difference a foster carer can make to a vulnerable young person's life.

Nikki is 18 now and living independently in supported lodgings but to mark Fostercare Fortnight , 13- 27 May, she is helping Hampshire County Council to raise awareness of Fostering in a bid to recruit more carers.

Nikki, who is one of Hampshire's Care Ambassadors supporting other young people in care, spent around ten years in foster care. She still has contact with the family she lived with prior to living independently. "Penny was everything I could have wanted in a foster carer," said Nikki. "She made me feel at home in her family, she understood the difficult things I was dealing with. When I made mistakes she was there to help me but she never judged me. A good foster placement helps you feel safe and secure and for me it enabled me to be a child again."

Security and stability are very important for vulnerable children coming into foster care. Emma, 19, who is studying Philosophy at university with the aim of becoming a teacher has lived with foster carers for the past five years. She said the ability to give and take is key to the success of a placement. "Sometimes carers need to stick with it," she said. "When you come into care you may have a range of feelings, there may be upset, stress and some conflict. It's really important for carers to be willing to work through the hiccups. My carers are lovely people, supportive, consistent, and reflective. I can talk things through with them and they don't let problems escalate."

Like Nikki and Emma, children and young people are looked after by the local authority in foster placements when their own family, for whatever reason, is unable to care for them. It is often a time of turmoil and the one thing they need is someone who will be there for them, listen to them and support them with whatever challenges they are facing.

Nicky from Waterlooville is one of Hampshire's dedicated team of foster carers. She and her husband Steve have looked after around 25 children in the five years they have been fostering. They currently have four boys living with them and their own teenage son. "It certainly makes for a full house," said Nicky, "but I can't remember it being any different. It's the little things which make it so rewarding. I had one little boy and no-one had ever sat and read a book with him. He was so happy to do that and his enjoyment was great to see."

Nicky mainly fosters older boys now and it is not without its challenges: "It's not always easy," she said "but when you see a young person who may have come to you troubled or quiet and withdrawn, gain in confidence, smile and succeed at things they didn't think they could do, it is worth it."

It is not just the child who benefits. Nicky is in touch with one mum of two boys she cared for. "Mum really turned her life round so she could have her boys back. She and the boys are doing well. That's when fostering really works and it is a pleasure to see."

The County Council is always on the lookout for more people, like Nicky, who can rise to the challenge and make a real difference to a vulnerable young person's life by being a foster carer. Right now the County Council is especially keen to hear from people who can offer a stable and caring home environment to a teenager, sibling groups, or children with complex needs. Opportunities exist which range from long-term caring roles to respite and short break care. Carers are also needed to support parents and babies.

Anyone can be a foster carer as long as they have what it takes to care for children. To help foster carers Hampshire County Council has a range of training courses and comprehensive support recognised by Ofsted who judged the Fostering Service to be good with outstanding features. The Council also offers a competitive package of fees and allowances according to skills and experience.

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services said: "Foster carers like Nicky are vital to us - without them our job of ensuring good outcomes for vulnerable children would be much harder. It can be challenging at times as all parenting can be, but carers tell us it is a very rewarding role and as we can see from the testimony of Nikki and Emma being a foster carer is a chance to make a real difference to children's lives."

To find out more about how you can make a difference, call the Foster Care team on 0845 603 5620 or log on to the website.

]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 16:04:00 GMT New warning to be 'tick aware' http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587789 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587789 New warning to be 'tick aware'

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.

]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 13:27:00 GMT It's simple to switch and save on your energy bills http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587721 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587721 It's simple to switch and save on your energy bills

Monday, 20 May 2013

With fuel costs rising and continued pressure on household budgets, Hampshire residents have two weeks left to sign up for a collective energy switching scheme that could save them money on their gas and electric bills.

The County Council has joined up with the 13 local authorities across Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Southampton) to set up Switch Hampshire, which allows gas and electricity consumers to combine their purchasing power and get a better deal on bills.

Registering for the scheme is free and simple to do - all you need is your current tariff and energy use in terms of power (KWh) or cost. This information should be included on your annual energy statements or you can find out from your energy provider. There is no obligation to switch and the secure scheme is backed by the County Council.

Each household could save between £60 to £200 a year on energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could result in potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

People can register until 3 June, either online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

There is no obligation to switch energy supplier - Switch Hampshire will notify everyone who has registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and manage the process if they do decide to switch.

With around 760,000 households in Hampshire, just two per cent signing up to switch energy supplier through Switch Hampshire would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Switch Hampshire is part of a larger scheme, the Big Community Switch, involving several London boroughs.

Access to cheaper energy can have significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT New streetlighting on its way for Bishops Waltham http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587212 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587212 New streetlighting on its way for Bishops Waltham

Friday, 17 May 2013

Hampshire County Council's street lighting replacement programme will be arriving in Bishops Waltham in June 2013, improving local streetlights with the latest energy efficient equipment.

Much of the county's lighting stock is over 30 years old and needs replacing. As part of the improvement programme, 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards across Hampshire are being replaced or upgraded with the latest technology in energy saving lamps and dimming controls. Hampshire's new street lighting will also comply with Government targets for carbon reduction. The new lighting in Bishops Waltham will see the replacement of approximately 283 lanterns and a further 303 lanterns and posts.

This long term investment will help improve the county's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground, reduce light pollution at night and help make people feel safer in town centres and residential streets.

The preparation and planning for the Street Lighting programme aims to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating work with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside of rush hour periods.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT Striding instead of driving during Walk to School Week http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587202 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587202 Striding instead of driving during Walk to School Week

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

]]> Thu, 16 May 2013 09:03:00 GMT Winchester residents get 'My Journey' personal travel planning http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587061 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587061 Winchester residents get 'My Journey' personal travel planning

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

In a move designed to encourage more people to use alternative ways of travel instead of their cars, four specially-trained travel planning advisors will be calling on residents in the Harestock, Teg Down and Weeke areas of Winchester until the end of August.

Aiming to offer travel information and advice to up to 3,200 households, the team of personal travel advisors will be asking people to consider their daily travel options for journeys and to try taking the bus, train, walking, cycling or car sharing instead of driving.

Research has shown that Hampshire residents are keen car users - above the national average. But with the rising cost of fuel and high volumes of traffic, many people are beginning to realise the savings and benefits to their health by taking the bus or cycling.

My Journey aims to make it easier for people to work out whether their local journey in the car can be made just as conveniently by bus, bike or by car-sharing instead. Following the success of the initiative in Basingstoke - where over a third of participating residents actively made a change to their travel routines - personalised travel advice is being offered directly to residents in the Harestock, Teg Down and Weeke areas of Winchester.

The travel planning advisors will provide tailored practical help and support to individual households, including offering incentives to tempt people out of their cars. Project partner Stagecoach South, for instance, is supplying one week bus passes for people who have not tried using public transport in the Winchester area, so they can test the benefits of using local bus services for themselves.

A new Winchester cycle map has been produced and the travel planning advisors will have copies available to give to those keen to try cycling. The travel planners will also have up to date bus and train timetables and information about car- sharing to leave with householders.

For more details about the Personal Travel Planning work being delivered in Winchester visit 'My Journey' Hampshire. The website also offers a one-stop shop for advice about the different options for travelling in Hampshire. Details of local events such as leisure cycle rides together with special offers and competitions can also be found on the web pages.

The 'My Journey' campaign is funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund. 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.

]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 13:35:00 GMT New streetlighting on its way for Four Marks http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587055 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=587055 New streetlighting on its way for Four Marks

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Hampshire County Council's street lighting replacement programme will be arriving in Four Marks in June 2013, improving local streetlights with the latest energy efficient equipment.

Much of the county's lighting stock is over 30 years old and needs replacing. As part of the improvement programme, 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards across Hampshire are being replaced or upgraded with the latest technology in energy saving lamps and dimming controls. Hampshire's new street lighting will also comply with Government targets for carbon reduction.

The new lighting in Four Marks will see the replacement of approximately 29 lanterns and a further 105 lanterns and posts. The majority of the work will focus on improving lighting along the A31.

This long term investment will help improve the county's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground, reduce light pollution at night and help make people feel safer in town centres and residential streets.

The preparation and planning for the Street Lighting programme aims to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating work with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside of rush hour periods.

]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:00 GMT Living Well with Dementia - Dementia Awareness Week 19 - 25 May http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586712 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586712 Living Well with Dementia - Dementia Awareness Week 19 - 25 May

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.

]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 08:45:00 GMT Basingstoke residents get 'My Journey' personal travel planning http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586697 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586697 Basingstoke residents get 'My Journey' personal travel planning

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

In a move designed to encourage more people to make use of alternative travel choices, six specially-trained travel planning advisors will be calling on residents in the Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren areas of Basingstoke until the end of August.

Aiming to offer travel information and advice to up to 5,300 households, the team of personal travel advisors will be asking people to consider their daily travel options for journeys and to try taking the bus, train, walking, cycling or car sharing instead of driving.

Research has shown that Hampshire residents are keen car users - above the national average. But with the rising cost of fuel and high volumes of traffic, many people are beginning to realise the savings and benefits to their health by taking the bus or cycling.

My Journey aims to make it easier for people to work out whether their local journey in the car can be made just as conveniently by bus, bike or by car -sharing instead. Following the success of the initiative in Chineham and Popley - where over a third of participating residents actively made a change to their travel routines - personalised travel advice is being offered directly to residents in the Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren areas of Basingstoke.

The travel planning advisors will provide tailored practical help and support to individual households, including offering incentives to tempt people to try alternative ways of making local journeys. Project partner Stagecoach South, for instance, is supplying one week bus passes for people who have not tried using public transport in the Basingstoke area, so they can test the benefits of using the Jazz 1, Jazz 7 and Jazz 8 services for themselves.

Travel planning advisors will have copies of the Basingstoke Cycle Map available to give to those keen to try cycling. The travel planners will also have up to date bus and train timetables and information about car- sharing to leave with householders.

For more details about the Personal Travel Planning work being delivered in Basingstoke visit 'My Journey Hampshire'. The website also offers a one-stop shop for advice about the different options for travelling in Hampshire. Details of local events such as leisure cycle rides together with special offers and competitions can also be found on the web pages.

The 'My Journey' campaign is funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund. 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.

]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:00 GMT Work starting on Andover Bus Station redevelopment http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586319 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586319 Work starting on Andover Bus Station redevelopment

Friday, 10 May 2013

Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council are pleased to confirm that contractors are to start work on Andover Bus Station from next week (beginning 13 May 2013).

Also, during that week, two unused bus shelters in Andover will be relocated to provide temporary bus stops in West Street. A new shelter has been ordered, to be installed between the three temporary stops on Western Avenue in June.

Transport capital funding of £2.9 million is being invested to extend and refurbish the bus station. The finance will come from contributions from developers responsible for major commercial and housing construction schemes in the area, as part of their planning agreements to improve facilities for bus passengers. This is in addition to the junction and highway improvements being carried out to support these developments.

Redevelopment of the bus station is an integral part of the Andover Town Access Plan. In developing the Plan, it was recognised that the bus station's capacity would need to be expanded to cope with the anticipated increase in the number of passengers and buses from the major development areas of East Anton, Picket Twenty and Andover Airfield.

The new facilities will provide the following benefits:

  • additional space for buses and coaches;
  • an enclosed waiting and internal seating area;
  • a café;
  • a Shopmobility facility to enable people with restricted mobility to hire mobility scooters or wheelchairs;
  • office accommodation for the bus operator including an enquiries desk;
  • office accommodation for Test Valley Community Services;
  • and electronic passenger information systems.

Work will take approximately 12 months to complete and although the bus station will be closed during this time, the pedestrian walkway into the Chantry Centre will be maintained while work is underway.

Test Valley Borough Council and Friends Life plc will retain ownership of the bus station and Stagecoach will be the principal bus provider operating out of the bus station.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT 'My Journey' means business with Commuter Challenge http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586053 http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=586053 'My Journey' means business with Commuter Challenge

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.

]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 15:27:00 GMT