Community News 2022 04 29

Online support for Ukraine
Have you had an application approved to host a Ukrainian family? Perhaps you already have refugees staying with you? Or maybe you're unable to offer accommodation but have other ways in which you would like to help? If so, you'll find a wide range of helpful information on our website.

We've gathered together information covering a number of areas in one place so that the process of settling in can run as smoothly as possible for all involved.

Details range from how to find a school place or childcare, to contacts for health services, and information on benefit claims.

We've also added contacts for emergency services – numbers we all know but our Ukrainian guests may not. As well as information for refugees and host families, there's also a section for people who are not hosting a family or individual but want to help out in other ways. Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.

Future of care homes to be considered
The future of some of our older care homes which need major refurbishment is set to be considered next week.

It follows a 12-week public consultation asking people for their views on options for the future of seven ageing homes which need significant repairs including replacing boilers, heating systems, refitting all kitchens and bathrooms, roofing works and installing sprinkler systems.

There's also an urgent need to carry out an invasive rewire in each home by September 2022 which would mean residents would have to move out for up to 40 weeks. Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.

Surface dressing starts in May

We'll be surface dressing parts of more than 80 roads by the end of June at a cost of £6.3 million.

Some roads will need to be closed and diversions will be in place. On some sites the road will be closed one side at a time under 'stop and go' boards.

This investment we're making in Derbyshire's roads is part of a £58 million programme this year, and many other roads will be resurfaced. Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.

Young people's climate change views
Do you know a young person who might want to have their say about climate change?

Climate change and sustainability was highlighted as an area of concern for young people in the Derbyshire 'My Life, My View' survey, so we're running a short survey to assess young people's interest in climate action, their issues, where they feel responsibilities lie and the preferred way to receive information, advice and guidance now and in the future.

The survey has been put together by young people for young people of secondary school age up to 19 years old, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disability. Go to the climate change website for more information.

The closing date is 9 May 2022.

Measures in place as bird flu confirmed

An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed in a backyard flock at a premises in Derbyshire.

The case of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, was confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) after a visit to the premises near Ilkeston and has affected a number of chickens, geese and ducks.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the infected premises and strict measures are now in force to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.

Covid vaccinations are still available

Covid vaccinations are still taking place across Derbyshire – with no need for booking and no need to be registered with a GP.

First, second and third doses are available as well as booster shots.

Take a look at the Joined Up Care Derbyshire website to find your nearest clinic.

Mental Health Awareness Week
It's Mental Health awareness week from 9 May to 15 May and this year it's all about getting connected and combating loneliness.

Most of us will have experienced times when we feel a little isolated or disconnected from the world around us.

Loneliness can affect anyone and the recent pandemic has increased a lot of people's feelings of being alone.

Research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.

Take a look at our website to find out where you can get help and support if you feel your mental health – or that of someone you know – is suffering as a result of feeling lonely or isolated. Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.

Police scam warning
Derbyshire residents have been tricked out of cash by fraudsters pretending to be police officers.

Derbyshire police are warning people about the scam in which fraudsters pretending to be police officers have been stealing people's money.

Remember, the police will never contact you to ask for banking information or ask that you take money from an account to help them with an investigation. Please visit the Derbyshire Police website for more information.

Staying safe in the countryside
If you're heading out in Derbyshire's countryside this weekend, you might want to take a look at the most up-to-date advice about keeping yourself and local livestock safe while you're out and about.

Local residents and visitors to the area need to be aware of their surroundings especially when a path enters a field, or they are crossing open access land.

Check out the latest advice from Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum (DADLAF).

Celebrate the Jubilee with our libraries

Our libraries in Derbyshire are celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a range of events at branches across the county.

There's an activity or event to suit everyone.

They include:

royal storytelling throughout June
contributing royal memories to the archive
jubilee makes and crafts
bunting workshops
fancy dress
bounce and rhyme
touring jubilee exhibition
afternoon tea and royal reminiscence.
Platinum Jubilee

Please go to the Derbyshire County Council website for more information.