| Newsletter 17 July 2025 |
Baton of Hope route map We’re pleased to share the route for the Baton of Hope’s journey through Hereford, now available on the Talk Community Directory. The day will begin with a special tractor run from the Hereford Livestock Market, before the walking route officially starts at Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College. The baton will travel through the city, with its final stop at Hereford Town Hall at around 5pm, where a celebration and creative showcase will take place – led by students from Hereford College of Arts. This inspiring national initiative shines a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and we’re proud to be part of the movement. View the route map and more information on the Talk Community Directory. Fully Funded Activities for Eligible Children and Young People Bookings are now in full swing for the Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme. Children and young people who receive benefits related free school meals can book a range of fun and exciting activities, taking place between 28 July – 22 August. Each session includes a tasty and healthy meal, so children leave with happy memories and full bellies! To explore availability please visit the Talk Community Directory. We ask that if your child is unable to attend their booked activity, to please cancel using the booking system. Some activity providers will operate a waiting list, so if you spot an activity that is already fully booked, please explore this on the individual listing. If you need help cancelling a booking, or have any queries relating to the programme please contact the team by emailing HAF@herefordshire.gov.uk  Pop up Information Session for Ross Families If you’re based in Ross-on-Wye or the surrounding areas, please pop by for a friendly and relaxed drop-in session for parents and carers this Friday, 18 July. You’ll be able to pick up a calendar packed with free and low-cost family events taking place over the summer. Families eligible for the Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme can get help to book activities!The session will take place on Friday 18th July at Ross Community Gardens, 9am-12pm, for more information please visit the Talk Community Directory.  Shaping a Better Future for Carers in Herefordshire Herefordshire Council has recently launched the All-Age Carers Strategy 2024–2029, setting out a shared commitment to improve support for unpaid carers of all ages. This strategy has been developed in partnership with carers, health and care professionals, and local organisations, and marks the beginning of a long-term effort to create a more carer-aware and carer-friendly county. The strategy outlines six key priorities, including better access to information, improved support for carers’ wellbeing, and greater recognition of young carers. It also highlights the importance of peer support and the role of digital tools in making caring more manageable. To help guide this work, a new Carers Partnership Board has been established. Chaired by someone with lived experience of caring, the board will bring together a range of voices to ensure that carers’ perspectives are central to how services are shaped and delivered. An accompanying Action Plan sets out the first steps that will be taken, to turn the strategy into meaningful change. These include reviewing how carers are identified and assessed, improving communication, and exploring ways to make services more flexible and responsive. Herefordshire Council recognises that there is more to do and is committed to working with carers every step of the way. As the Carers Partnership Board continues to develop, the board may reach out to unpaid carers across Herefordshire to gather feedback on how things are progressing. Your experiences and perspectives will be important in helping to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made.  Carers Week event at The Kindle Centre, June 2025.Schools out for summer (well, almost)!The summer holidays are nearly here for families across Herefordshire. We’ve been busy adding events and activities to the Summer Holidays Activities list which includes plenty of free and low-cost activities taking place right across the county! To find out what’s taking place near you, visit the Talk Community Directory. Remember to check back, as we will continue to update the list throughout the holidays. If you or someone you know, is struggling with the cost of living, and on the lookout for entertainment and connection over the summer, the WOW Activities might be for you. Each session includes a planned activity, with food and drink (all free) as well signposting to useful information. Visit the Talk Community Directory to find out more.  Household Support FundThe Household Support Fund is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and aims to support low-income households who may be struggling with the rising cost of living. Herefordshire Council is working with a number of community partners, including local food banks, Citizens Advice, and Age UK Wyvern, to deliver help to those who need it most. Support is available for a range of households, from families with children under 5, to unpaid carers, and households reliant on high-energy medical equipment. As part of the support offered, food vouchers will be provided during the school holidays for children who receive benefits-related free school meals or pupil premium. These are arranged by schools and are based on a minimum of £15 per week, per child.Find out more and how to apply on the Herefordshire Council website.  What’s new on the directory? We’ve added another great mix of activities and events to the Directory this week – from creative summer sessions and family fun days to new Healthy Lifestyle support groups and early years adventures. There’s something for everyone to get involved in as we head into the summer holidays!Here’s what’s new this week:FREE Summer Craft SessionSummer Buzz Fun DayThe Summer SerenadeHereford Healthy Lifestyle groupLeominster Healthy Lifestyle groupMini Explorers Ross-on-Wye |