Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Hampshire residents are being invited to show their support for the Armed Forces by joining in the celebrations to mark the start of Armed Forces week.

Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council will be marking Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in Winchester on Monday 24 June 2013. This is an annual event that helps raise public awareness of the military and gives the local community the opportunity to show their support for the Armed Forces. The ceremony will include a military band leading a Tri-Service march past through Winchester city centre.

The lunchtime celebrations begin on Monday at 11.45am with a Winchester Garrison Band, comprising musicians from The Band & Bugles of the Rifles and The Adjutant General's Corps, playing a selection of military music at the Buttercross in the centre of Winchester's High Street.

The band will then march down the High Street where it joins a contingent of 45 service personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. At 12.35pm the band will then lead them up the full length of the High Street to The Great Hall, Castle Avenue, where the Armed Forces Flag will be raised at 1pm.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, Leader of Hampshire County Council Councillor Roy Perry, and Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Ernest Jeffs have organised the flag raising ceremony.

The Lord-Lieutenant, who will inspect the Parade, said: "The annual Flag Raising Ceremony demonstrates Hampshire's strong commitment to our Armed Forces and the appreciation we have for all that they do. I am delighted that representatives from all three services will join us for this year's ceremony and I hope that members of the public will show their appreciation by turning out to support the contingent as they march through Winchester, and attending the short ceremony outside The Great Hall."

Councillor Roy Perry said: "Hampshire is home to the largest contingent of Armed Forces personnel in the country and we are immensely proud of our strong connection with the armed forces. Operational units of all three services are based here along with the headquarters of both the British Army and the Royal Navy. As a local authority, we want to show our debt of gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces community and all that they do to protect our country and serve the cause of freedom. I hope that people from around the county will join us in Winchester for these celebrations."

The Mayor of Winchester, the Right Worshipful, Councillor Ernest Jeffs, said: "Last month I signed a Community Covenant in recognition of Winchester's close connections with and support for the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to the flag-raising ceremony as a great opportunity to show that support and as a marvellous spectacle for the city."

Armed Forces week will see celebrations across the country leading up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June 2013 which is an annual opportunity for the nation to show its support.

• Armed Forces Day - Show your support

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Hampshire County Council has signed a contract with the Argenti Telehealthcare Partnership, led by PA Consulting, to deliver telecare services to vulnerable adults across the county for up to five years.

Telecare uses wireless sensors to help people remain independent in their own homes by minimising risks, promoting a sense of security and giving peace of mind for their families and friends. Telecare systems, which are much less intrusive than traditional home care, range from devices mainly focused on preventing problems - such as a fall or forgetting to take medication - to intervention monitors which check sleep and activity. If the service user requires help, the 24-hour monitoring centre is alerted to respond appropriately.

Telecare provides a bespoke solution for individuals but is only one of many tools available to choose from when designing a care package. Telecare can be used to complement traditional care or be used to replace it. For example someone who requires help with tasks such as gardening will be visited by a carer but they may also have Telecare to remind them to take their medication and detect any falls. Through the contract Telecare will be free for all critical and substantial users making it a more viable choice for people who are looking into different care options.

The wider roll out of Telecare will also offer good value for money for the County Council at a time when funding from government is being dramatically decreased and demand for care is increasing due to an ageing and increasingly frail population with more complex needs. Mainstreaming Telecare is part of the Council's work to transform Adult Services to meet these challenges and sits alongside other new ways of delivering social care - such as Extra-Care schemes to ensure that Hampshire residents continue to receive quality services at the lowest cost.

Councillor Anna McNair Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at Hampshire County Council said:

"People want to stay in a home of their own for as long as possible and Telecare can provide the confidence to enable them to do this. Telecare can significantly improve people's sense of dignity and quality of life, and complements traditional care. For example, someone who remains in a home of their own, but has help with washing or dressing, may also use Telecare to remind them to take their medication or detect any falls. Telecare can also offer people with a learning disability much greater independence as it enables them to travel safely on their own.

"As the average age in the UK rises, due to better health care and nutrition, it will become increasingly important to find more effective ways to care for older people and help them enjoy their lives in the way they choose. Telecare, as part of an overall package of care, is sure to play a more prominent role in future care plans."

Steve Carefull of PA Consulting and the Argenti Programme Director, comments:

"It is tremendously exciting to be partnering with Hampshire County Council on this journey to deploy Telecare at scale. We have brought together a world-beating consortium consisting of PA Consulting Group; Tunstall; O2; CareCalls; Medvivo and Magna Careline. Between us, we have unmatched industry experience and expertise, operating to Telecare Service Association Platinum Standards. As importantly, we all share a passion for assistive technology, believing it to have been long under-exploited as a way to deliver significant benefits to vulnerable people and their carers."

• Telecare wireless alarms and sensors for people in Hampshire

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Recycle for Hampshire, a campaign that raises awareness and encourages people to recycle more, is urging Hampshire residents during Recycle Week to recycle their small, portable electrical items such as kettles, mobile phones, irons and toasters. With the chance of winning an iPad Mini or Kindle Fire there's no reason not to recycle your unwanted or burnt out electricals this Recycle Week (17-21 June).

Collection events are being held in Eastleigh, the New Forest, Havant and Portsmouth where you can drop off your small electrical goods and enter a prize draw to win an iPad or a Kindle. Details of all events and accepted items are available from the participating local councils themselves or from the Recycle for Hampshire twitter feed @RecycleHants.

Chair of the Project Integra waste partnership's Strategic Board, Councillor Leslie Keeble, said:

"Most people actively recycle a lot of things like paper and metals, but don't realise how easy it is to recycle electrical items too. You can take old and broken electricals to any of our 26 Household Waste Recycling Centres in Hampshire all year round as they all have special collection containers for them. Plenty of local charities will also accept them if they're reusable.

"It's vital that we recycle as many of our broken electrical goods as possible. Each year in the UK we go through 1.2 million tonnes of electrical waste the equivalent of 150,000 double-decker buses which would fill Wembley Stadium to the brim six times and a typical domestic iron contains enough steel to make as many as 13 food cans.

"I am proud of our recycling record in Hampshire and with the efforts of local residents we have reduced landfill by almost 90% in the period from 2001/02 to 2011/12. During last year's Recycle Week we collected 4,200 items, or seven and a half tonnes, across the county and it would be fantastic if we could dig out all our old small electricals and beat that record this year."

• Recycle for Hampshire

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Royal Victoria Country Park celebrated a special birthday on Sunday 9 June as 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the site's former military hospital admitting its first patients.

To mark the occasion the park at Netley hosted a free event to reflect on the park's rich history. Cllr Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education was helped by 'Queen Victoria' to bury a time capsule, plant a Mulberry tree and unveil a special plaque next to the Chapel to mark the occasion.

A Mulberry tree was chosen particularly because of its medical history. It is widely used in traditional folk remedies to treat ailments including fevers, headaches and asthma.

The time capsule included 2013 minted 50p, 20p and 10p coins, a 2013 first class stamp, Royal Victoria Country Park summer programme for 2013, a Hampshire County Council tie, and a poster of the 150th anniversary celebrations.

Cllr Edgar, said: "Royal Victoria Country Park is such a valuable historical site. It is wonderful that we can mark this significant historic 150 year milestone with this tree and plaque which everyone, especially children, can learn from. This will help all of us to understand the important part the former Hospital played in the service of our country. These symbols will help keep in the forefront of everyone's minds the sacrifices that were made by the wounded and sick soldiers who came to this pioneering military hospital on this beautiful waterfront site. It will also remind us of the care they received and the work of the doctors and nurses who cared for them."

From 1863 until 1966, the site was home to the Royal Victoria Hospital. It was more than a quarter of a mile long and the British Army's first purpose-built hospital which devoted more than 100 years of service to caring for sick and wounded soldiers from across the world. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone herself on the 19 May 1856 and visited the site over 20 times in her lifetime. The Army demolished most of the building in 1966 except the former Chapel to the hospital.

The site was acquired by Hampshire County Council and in 1980 Royal Victoria Country Park was opened to the public.

Following the weekend's celebrations, members of the public are still being encouraged to share their stories, memories, family connections or photos of the former military hospital and Country Park by posting them on the park's Facebook and Twitter pages @RoyalVictoriaCP.

Recollections will be recorded for prosperity.

• Royal Victoria Country Park

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Hampshire County Council is highlighting safer sex and screening advice to help reduce further the rate of sexually transmitted infections.

Data released by Public Health England indicates a small decrease in the number of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in local sexual health clinics across the Wessex area which includes Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

However rates of STIs remain high and Public Health England says this suggests that too many people are continuing to put themselves at risk through unsafe sex especially young adults and men who have sex with men.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed in Hampshire followed by genital warts and herpes. Those aged under 25 experience the highest STI rates contributing to almost 74 per cent of Chlamydia diagnoses in the area.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council's Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to a range of complications including ectopic pregnancy, infertility, disability, cancer and premature death. As part of our new public health responsibilities, Hampshire County Council already commissions a range of programmes and services delivered in a variety of community settings that support people to develop and maintain good sexual health.

"Getting screened for HIV and STIs can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, as often these infections have no symptoms. In addition, reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships can reduce the risk of being infected with an STI."

Individuals can also significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by:

• Always using a condom when having sex with casual and new partners.
• Getting tested regularly if in one of the highest risk groups:
• Sexually active under 25 year olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
• Men who have sex with men having unprotected sex with casual or new partners should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually, and every three months if changing partners regularly.

• Further information on local sexual health services in Hampshire

Wednesday, 05 June 2013

Hampshire County Council is backing a new campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of Secondhand Smoke to children and to encourage smokers to stop smoking in their home and car.

Secondhand Smoke is emitted every time someone smokes and is a mix of 4,000 chemical compounds, irritants and toxins, and contains 50 known carcinogens. Children are particularly vulnerable to Secondhand Smoke. Nationally each year, smoking causes an extra 300,000 GP visits and 9,500 hospital admissions for children - and an additional cost to the NHS of £26 million.

The 'Smokefree Homes and Cars' campaign has been launched this week by Public Health England and highlights the fact that Secondhand Smoke, at home or in the car, puts children at increased risk of lung disease, meningitis and cot death. It aims to help people learn more about the dangers of Secondhand Smoke and protect others from the effects.

In Hampshire estimated smoking rates vary from 13.6 per cent in Test Valley to 24.3 per cent in Rushmoor. To help motivate smokers to quit, the campaign offers a free Smokefree Kit, which includes information, guidance and tools to help people stop smoking.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst's name, Executive Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Hampshire County Council said:

"Over eighty percent of Secondhand Smoke is invisible and has no smell, so even if the air looks clean and clear your children could still be exposed to harmful cancer-causing toxins and poisons.

"Children are at an increased risk from second hand smoke because not only do they breath faster and so take in more toxins than adults, but also their immune systems are not as developed and so protect them less.

"No level of Secondhand Smoke is safe for children and this is a great time and an excellent reason, for the two thirds of smokers who want to quit, to take the first steps to a smoke-free life. Not only will this have a positive impact on your children's health but it will mean that they will be less likely to smoke themselves - children of smokers are ninety per cent more likely to smoke themselves."

For more information on stopping smoking ask your GP or go to Quit4Life, or order your free Smokefree Kit.

• Advice to help you stop smoking - NHS SmokeFree

Wednesday, 05 June 2013

Hampshire business representatives will be finding out what it takes to be a major player in the export market when they take a tour of Fawley refinery on Tuesday 18 June.

Organised by Hampshire County Council under the Hampshire Ambassadors scheme, the visit will be attended by around 50 Hampshire Ambassadors from companies ranging from small consultancies through to 'blue chip' organisations. Over 80 per cent of the chemical products produced at Fawley, such as rubber for tyre linings, is exported.

Now in its seventeenth year, Hampshire Ambassadors provides a monthly opportunity for a group to visit innovative Hampshire companies to encourage other local firms to strive for business excellence, develop their own best practice procedures and improve competitiveness.

The Ambassadors - currently numbering more than 1,300 and growing - are dedicated to promoting Hampshire as an excellent place for business, tourism, investment and conferencing.

Councillor Sean Woodward, Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council said:

"Hampshire Ambassadors play an important role in raising the profile of commerce and industry in the county. Business growth is vital for Hampshire's continued prosperity and visits from the Hampshire Ambassadors help to highlight and showcase the achievements and successes of local businesses."

The next Hampshire Ambassadors visit will take place on 11 July at the Vyne, Basingstoke.

For more information on the Hampshire Ambassadors scheme contact Michelle McClean on 01962 845745 or email michelle.mcclean@hants.gov.uk

• Hampshire Ambassadors scheme

Tuesday, 04 June 2013

Hampshire County Council and Southern Health NHS are working together to help older people put their 'Best Foot Forward' during Age UK's National Falls Awareness Week.

During Falls Awareness week (17-21 June), which is themed 'Best Foot Forward' there will be information events happening around Hampshire including workshops on keeping steady, looking after your feet, and tips on exercise, diet and much more.

Maintaining healthy feet is vital for older people to maintain their mobility and independence and help prevent falls, the consequences of which can be serious such as osteoporosis and fractures.

Cllr Anna McNair-Scott, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:

"Hampshire County Council is dedicated to helping older people maintain their independence. Having a fall can be a major set back for an older person; limiting their mobility and affecting their self-confidence.

"The events during Falls Awareness Week aim to provide people with the information they need to help themselves or a loved one avoid having a trip or fall. Small things like undertaking regular exercise, routine eye tests, and removing any potential trip hazards at home, such as small rugs and trailing wires, can all help."

To find out more contact Sophie Jevons 01962 846605 or email sophie.jevons@hants.gov.uk.

Partner organisations are also being encouraged to run their own information stands or events in their areas.

• A supporting pack is available via the Age UK website

Monday, 03 June 2013

Royal Victoria Country Park will celebrate a special birthday this year as 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the site's former military hospital admitting its first patients.

To mark the occasion the park will be hosting a free event on Sunday 9 June from 11am-4pm which will reflect on the park's rich history.

From 1863 until 1966, the site was home to the Royal Victoria Hospital. It was more than a quarter of a mile long and the British Army's first purpose built hospital which devoted more than 100 years of service to caring for sick and wounded soldiers from across the world. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone herself on the 19 May 1856 and visited the site over 20 times in her lifetime. The Army demolished most of the building in 1966 except the former Chapel to the hospital.

The site was acquired by Hampshire County Council and in 1980 Royal Victoria Country Park was opened to the public.

Greeting the public in her horse drawn carriage, will be 'Queen Victoria', who will bury a new time capsule to commemorate the occasion and help to plant a tree to mark its location. Military re-enactors will also be demonstrating artillery fire. In addition there will be a selection of displays, guided walks, fun-packed children's activities, brick-building workshops and a chance to climb the Chapel tower for free to enjoy the magnificent view across the Solent.

Visitors are being encouraged to bring along any historic objects they may have, as experts will be on hand on the day to help people discover more about them.

A 'Memory Wall'; will feature where people can write their reminiscences of the Royal Victoria Hospital on a brick and each brick will be used to build up a magnificent wall.

People who have any stories, memories, family connections or photos of the former military hospital and Country Park are being encouraged to share them by posting them on the park's Facebook and Twitter pages @RoyalVictoriaCP.

Recollections will be recorded for prosperity.

As part of the festivities there is a chance to win an annual car parking pass to Royal Victoria Country Park worth £49.

Those who wish to enter need to have a look at the picture of a mystery object on the park's website and click on one of three options they think the object was used for.

Winners will be picked at random and emailed.

• Royal Victoria Country Park

Friday, 31 May 2013

Hampshire is well underway to meeting the Government's targets for the provision of 15 hours per week free nursery places for disadvantaged two year olds.

By 2014, it is anticipated that around 4,000 additional places will be needed across the county to meet the potential demand from eligible two year olds. Children qualifying for the places include those who are in the care of the Local Authority, as well as those whose parents are on low incomes and those who are unemployed or in receipt of benefits.

The County Council is supporting childcare providers to enable them to create additional places as well as providing training to help them meet the specific needs of children under three years old who will be eligible for the offer.

More than 1,000 two year olds eligible for the free provision have already taken up places and a total of 2,000 new places are expected to be ready for September. More than £1.6 million has been put aside to create the additional places through a targeted programme of capital funding, enabling new schemes to be developed in areas of highest need.

Currently, more than 70% of Hampshire's early years education providers offer places for funded two year olds. In addition, there are childminders in Hampshire who deliver early years education provision. The scheme to offer free childcare provision is part of a national, Government-led initiative to improve outcomes for children. The County Council is launching a leaflet campaign to raise awareness of the offer to families who may be eligible. In the meantime information is also available on the county councils website.

Alternatively parents can contact their local Children's Centre for details or telephone Services for Young Children Information Support Team on 01962 847070 or email childcare@hants.gov.uk.

Cllr Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education, said: "Hampshire County Council is committed to ensuring that children have the best possible start to learning. Evidence shows that good early years education from a young age can help to boost child development and lead to better achievement in school. That is why we are offering families, who might not otherwise be able to access childcare, a chance to get a good start for their children. All two year old places will be offered in provision that is well equipped to meet the need to young children. Parents who take up the places for their children can also access a range of children's centre activities which can help them with parenting, including how to understand and support their child's healthy development, as well as gaining advice about training and employment. We are also supporting childcare providers so they can ensure they have additional places and skills to meet the needs of these young children."

Providers wanting more information about grants to help them develop their provision should visit Services for Young Children.  They will need to meet the criteria and be planning to provide additional places in the priority areas listed.

• Services for Young Children

Friday, 31 May 2013

Children with disabilities and their families are set to benefit from just under £1m of funding allocated by Hampshire County Council to improve accessibility to services as well as help them in their homes and respite care.

A total of £500,000 will pay for specialist equipment needed to aid the youngsters, either in their own homes, or in their family-based short breaks placements. The remaining £325,000 will be spent on enhancements to help children and young people with disabilities access a range of leisure and recreational opportunities around the county.

The accessibility projects selected for capital funding were chosen in partnership with parents and carer representatives from Hampshire Parent / Carer Network and from Parent Voice, using the results of a survey undertaken by Parent Voice. Parent Voice is an information and participation service hosted by the Rose Road Association and funded by Hampshire County Council. The service supports families enabling them to access information about activities and support available with the aim of increasing participation of families with disabled children. The aim of the survey was to identify how access to leisure opportunities in the community for their children could be improved.

Commenting Hampshire County Council's Executive member for Children's Services, Councillor Keith Mans, said: "The County Council wants all children to be able to participate as fully as possible in recreational and leisure activities. This is why we have listened to parents and carers views on how accessibility to some of these services can be improved for children with disabilities and targeted capital funding accordingly to help leisure providers make enhancements to their facilities. In doing this we are enabling providers to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families so that even more will be encouraged to take part in the leisure opportunities available around the county."

Parents involved in the selection of projects to be funded know how important making activities more inclusive is. Al Crabtree, from Netley whose son Dylan, 14 has cerebral palsy said: "As a parent there is nothing more sad than seeing your child as a wheelchair spectator watching while other children have fun. It breaks your heart. When leisure facilities are truly inclusive my son has the opportunity to play and take part like any other child. Accessible changing facilities at swimming pools mean the difference between us being able to go swimming as a family and enjoy it or go and be stressed by the lack of facilities - in the past I have had to try and change Dylan on a wet floor in view of other people which is undignified for him and unhygienic. More often than not we would not go at all than face that. This investment in making activities accessible makes a real difference to children and their families."

Ray Daniel from Medstead whose son Matthew, 18, has cerebral palsy and complex physical disabilities agrees with Al. A member of Hampshire Parent/Carer Network he said accessibility to services had improved considerably since Matthew was a young child: "As a result of this investment there are more places in Hampshire which are accessible compared to many other areas. Parent and carer involvement is very important as it will help us and the County Council build on this work so that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as non disabled children."

Funded projects include:

• The creation of a redesigned inclusive play area at Royal Victoria Country Park, Eastleigh. Parents / carers and children and young people will be involved in fun consultation sessions to say what they want from their new play area. (£100,000)
• Improved access and changing facilities including changing bench and hoist at The Rapids fun pools, Romsey (£52,200)
• Improved accessible changing area including hoist and changing bench at Horizon Leisure Centre, Havant (£34,000)
• Extension to accessible changing facilities and improvement to facilities including a changing bench and hoist at Hamble Sports Complex pool (£34,000)
• Accessible play equipment at Alice Holt Forest (£20,300); part of wider improvements undertaken by the Forestry Commission including a more accessible cafe and a Changing Places toilet
• Sensory4All - a multi-use sensory space available for families or groups to hire, based at Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh. A later phase of building by Eastleigh Youth Trust will see other improvements including a Changing Places toilet and a café. (£16,500)

In addition to these projects there are a range of smaller enhancements which will be undertaken at the following venues: improved changing facilities including hoist and changing bench at Farnborough Leisure Centre, Farnborough, Ringwood Leisure Centre, Ringwood, West End Arts Centre, Aldershot, part of Hampshire County Council’s wider improvements to the access at the centre, a hoist at Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield, improved changing facilities including a changing bench at Basingstoke Sports Centre, Basingstoke; and improved access via a hoist to the swimming pool at Bishops Waltham school pool.

Changing Places toilets have a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist and plenty of space - and can make all the difference to someone with profound and multiple learning disabilities. For more information see the MENCAP website.

• Parent Voice and Hampshire Parent / Carer Network