| Talk Community Newsletter 10 April 2025 Free Family fun and egg-cellent events this Easter holidays. With the Easter holidays just around the corner, you may be seeking inspiration for fun and engaging activities to enjoy with your family. You may have already spotted our handy list of egg-citing events and activities taking place across the county, and we’ve added more so there’s plenty of fun stuff to choose from!We’ve been sure to include some free and low cost activities so there should be something for everyone from bowling, to seed planting, egg hunting and a movie night. Hop along to our Easter holiday activities and events page, and don’t forget to check out the what’s on calendar for even more inspiration!Don’t forget to check out the WOW Activities, they’re not just for children and families – they are open to all in the community!  Stress Awareness Month. Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? It is an opportunity to support wellbeing by raising awareness of the causes and remedies of stress.This year, the theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove, encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with kindness. The Stress Management Society website is packed full of useful resources (from understanding stress, to tools to support the #LeadWithLove campaign).The Talk Community Directory has lots of information to support your wellbeing – from cost of living support, to connecting you to community activities, mental health support and much more!  Targeted short breaks allowance. Does your child or young person need extra support to take part in leisure activities? Herefordshire Council’s targeted short breaks allowance helps children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to take part in leisure activities, while allowing the person/s that care for them to have a short break. Eligible families receive funding on a pre-paid card which can be used to pay for activities using a card machine or when booking online.Find out more, including eligibility criteria, on the Herefordshire Council website.  Explore what’s on offer at Herefordshire Museums & Galleries. Have you heard the news? Herefordshire Museum Service has unveiled a fresh new identity, ‘Herefordshire Museums & Galleries’. The Black and White House Museum has been renamed ‘Old House Hereford’, a return to its historic name with a fresh identity. The Museum Resource and Learning Centre has become the ‘History Store’. Alongside the exciting new identity, a new spring and summer ‘What’s On guide’ has been launched, featuring a countywide programme of events in Hereford, Ross, Ledbury and Leominster. Copies of the guide are available at Old House Hereford, History Store, libraries and tourist information centres. Upcoming activities include a programme of Easter activities at the Old House, where kids go free! Find out more on the Herefordshire Council website.  Spaces available on the Here for Herefordshire Holidays Programme Eligible children and families are encouraged to book their fully funded holiday activities on the Here for Herefordshire Holidays Programme, which will run between 22 – 27 April. The programme is open to children and young people (school aged 5 to 16) who receive benefits-related free school meals. There’s a wide range of activities on offer from football, to coding to cheerleading and each session includes a free, healthy meal (so the children leave with happy memories and full bellies!). Book your place today on the Talk Community Directory! If you have already booked and your child is no longer able to attend their chosen activity, please do remember to cancel the booking so that the place can be enjoyed by somebody else.  The Household Support Fund – Extended until March 2026Great news – the Household Support Fund (HSF) is back and extended until March 2026! Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the HSF offers vital financial support to local households and residents struggling with the rising cost of living.Whether you’re a family with children, a pensioner, a care leaver, an unpaid carer, or someone using high-energy medical equipment, help is available for essentials like food and energy bills.To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, visit the Herefordshire Council website. Updated Referral Form for Unpaid Carers in Herefordshire We’re excited to share that CarerLinks Herefordshire has launched a new Service Referral Form, alongside a new website, making it quicker and easier for unpaid carers and professionals to request support. This updated process aims to streamline referrals and improve access to vital services for carers across the county. Paper copies can also be provided upon request. For more information and contact details, please visit the new Carer Links website.  What’s new on the directory? As the days get brighter and the flowers start to bloom, there’s no better time to get out and explore what’s happening across Herefordshire! From family fun and community coffee mornings to wellbeing walks and exciting Easter events, the Talk Community Directory is bursting with new things to see and do this season. Here’s a peek at what’s just been added: Here for Games Con Bunny Hop Toddler Takeover – Flip Out EggStreme Bounce – Flip Out Maylord Orchards Easter Eggstravaganza |