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Health & Wellbeing

Pilates Starting 15 October

Pilates at Fairfield Village Hall with Dance With Nikki

Starting Sunday 15th October 10am to 10.45 am followed by a 15 minute social, this activity is being supported by Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s Our Community Can project

See below poster for details.

Our Community Can – Activity Taster Day

Thank you to everyone who responded to the Activity Taster Day consultation, in total, there were 48 responses.

The suggested activities that scored the highest votes, we have tried to organise a taster session with an instructor. The below image details the activities that will be taking place on the 3rd September.

The sessions are open to EVERYONE, you do not have to live in Fairfield, Wildmoor or Stoneybridge.

Our thanks to Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire for organising this day for you.

You can attend the whole day, or for a session or two. You could just pop along for the HOMEMADE CAKES.

At the end of the Taster Day, YOU will decide which activity or activities should continue and when.

In addition to providing activity suggestions, some people used the consultation to leave comments, to prove that we do read your comments, we have provided some responses, please do get in touch, and help us deliver the solution:

“More distribution locally of flyers detailing whatsoever. Too many people do not know about Fairfield Village Hall events.” 

As community events & village hall activities are mentioned in the FVCA newsletter, which is delivered to approximately 380 homes in our community every quarter, what additional information would you like to see in the event flyer?  Is it a reminder flyer, and how often should it be delivered?  If additional flyers are to be printed & distributed, we would need to recruit more volunteers.

“Daytime Activities cannot be attending by a lot of people who work. Looking at photos that appear on facebook etc. it would appear that most of the people who attend are retired.”

Every evening at the Village Hall activities take place, as well as increasing number of Wednesday afternoon activities.  We also have cover bands & some of the region’s best indie artists perform at our village hall every month on a Saturday night, movies on a Sunday evening, plus event cinema, with screenings on the same day & time as the major UK cinema chains.  It is true, most of the people that we attract are either Over 50 who live locally or young adults (25 to 35 yrs) that live outside our area.  To increase the number of local 25- to 45-year-olds is something that we can encourage and would like, perhaps if local younger adults could get involved, others will also join in.  If there is an activity that you would like to see that would attract young adults, please suggest and help organize. Facebook does not show photographs for all activities that take place, and the people attending.  Some activities are delivered by third party organisations.

“We need extra social gathering for the elderly as there are none in Fairfield on a daily basis.”

We would love to have more activities for all age groups, but venues are limited.  We are hoping that the Taster Day will help us identify more than one additional activity that we could deliver in our community, hopefully reaching out to all age groups.  Please pop along to The Wednesday Social, and encourage other older people to do the same, tell us what you want (we note you not did tick any of the boxes) and what you will support. 

Getting extra help with the Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy & Water suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. You need to contact your energy supplier or network operator to get on it, i.e. for our area Western Power by filling in their online form ( https://www.westernpower.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services/priority-services-register) or by telephoning 0800 9177953, or for Water contacting Severn Trent Water Priority Services register here.

What is the Priority Service Register?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and additional support during a power cut for elderly, very ill or disabled people, or those who rely on power for medical equipment.

Energy Companies

All energy companies, including gas and electricity companies, and network suppliers who deliver the power, work together to care for customers who need some extra help and support.

Help you can get:

  • Advance notice of planned power cuts. If you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons your network operator can tell you about planned power cuts. For example, when they plan engineering work.
  • Priority support in an emergency. Network operators could provide heating and cooking facilities if you are cut off supply.
  • Identification and password scheme. This could include arranging a password or agreed on picture cards if callers need to visit or contact you. This way you can feel confident they are genuine.
  • Nominee scheme. You can nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier. For example, a family member, carer or someone you trust.
  • Help with prepayment meter access. For example, moving a meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up.
  • Regular meter reading services. For example, if nobody can read your meter.
  • Accessible information. For example, account info and bills in large print or braille.

Suppliers can offer free gas safety checks every 12 months. You can request a safety check if you get a means-tested benefit and either:

  • live with a child under five years old
  • live alone or with others and have reached state pension age
  • live alone or with others and are disabled or chronically ill
  • live with others who have reached state pension age or are disabled, chronically ill or under 18 years old.

You are eligible if you:

  • have reached your state pension age
  • are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
  • are recovering from an injury
  • have a hearing or sight condition
  • have a mental health condition
  • are pregnant or have children under 5
  • have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).

You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.

Water companies

Water companies also offer similar support services for vulnerable people.

You can join the Severn Trent Water Priority Services register here.

Help with rising fuel bills

Many of you will be aware that Act on Energy provides free and confidential energy advice, but did you know that as part of the Worcestershire Winter 2021/22 Housing Support Fund, Act on Energy will be able to provide additional support to qualifying residents with their energy costs, fuel debt and where required, assistance to replace broken boilers and heating systems?

This support, which has just been made available, includes:

  • Winter Fuel Payment – One off payment of £500 onto your gas/electric energy account for FAMILIES or a One off payment of £300 for SINGLE HOUSEHOLDS / COUPLES who meet the criteria
  • Pre-Payment Fuel Vouchers
  • Debt Relief – help with paying off fuel debt
  • Help with broken heating systems (all fuel types) – includes replacement or repair; installation of first-time heating systems; and servicing.

Further information, including the eligibility criteria, can be found online at: WORCESTERSHIRE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND – Act On Energy

Residents can apply online or by calling the freephone number 0800 988 2881.