Your Year, Your Move – Start 2026 Strong with Talk Community
Looking to make positive changes this year? Whether it’s improving your health, connecting with your community, or finding local support, Talk Community is here to help you make 2026 your best year yet!
On our Your Year, Your Move page, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of ways to get involved in your community, from volunteering opportunities that make a real difference, to our Community Connectors who can guide you to local services and help reduce isolation. You can also explore local services and groups to help you thrive, check out what’s happening in your area this month, and access healthy lifestyle tips to support your fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing goals.
If one of your goals is staying on top of your finances, visit our Improve Your Financial Resilience page. Across the county, organisations are providing support to boost your skills and knowledge, to help you manage your money.
Help with Energy Costs for Households Using Medical Equipment
Do you or someone in your household rely on medical equipment that uses a lot of energy? You may be eligible for a one-off £250 payment to help with heating and energy bills this winter.
This support is available to households with individuals, children or adults, who depend on high energy-consuming medical devices such as:
- Ventilators
- Dialysis machines
- Oxygen concentrators
- Feeding pumps
These devices are essential for health and wellbeing, but they can significantly increase energy bills, especially during colder months. The funding aims to reduce the risk of fuel poverty for those most affected by the cost of living.
To check eligibility and apply, please visit the Herefordshire Council website.
Good news for young people in Ledbury!
Ledbury Community Hub is launching Ledbury Youth Spaces. The initiative will provide Ledbury’s young people (aged up to 24) with educational and youth activities, a safe space and support developing skills for employment in Herefordshire.
A youth worker (funded by Ledbury Town Council) will facilitate a range of groups and 1-1 support. Upcoming groups include a podcast project, youth council, film making and game development course.
Ledbury Youth Spaces will host a launch event at the Ledbury Community Hub on Sunday 1 February at 4pm. You are welcome to come along and find out more – visit the Talk Community Directory for more information.
For more information about the project and to find out about what’s on offer, please visit ledburyyouthspaces.org.uk
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Energy Advice Drop in’s
Marches Energy Advice are delivering a programme of energy advice drop-ins during January and February. The sessions are free to attend and are running at countywide locations. Residents can drop in to find out more about the fully funded Home Energy MOT’s and other help on offer from Marches Energy Advice. Visit the Talk Community Directory to find your local drop in.
Brew Monday
The Samaritans campaign Brew Monday takes place annually, on the third Monday of January. Brew Monday is an opportunity to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’; that feeling low isn’t reserved for Mondays or a random day of the year. Brew Monday celebrates the power of a brew and a chat.
The Samaritans website has resources for anyone wishing to support the campaign, whether that’s by hosting an event, or connecting with others – we particularly like the colouring sheets and listening tips!
If you are looking for mental health and wellbeing support, please visit the Talk Community Directory.
Download WalkSafe for Free!
West Mercia Police have introduced a new app ‘WalkSafe’. The free app is designed to help people feel more confident when they are out and about, especially at night.
The app allows you to share your journey with trusted friends or family and access an SOS alert button if you feel unsafe. It also provides a growing list of safety-trained venues.
WalkSafe is free to download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. To find out more, please visit the West Mercia Police website.
What’s new on the directory?
We’ve added another great mix of local activities, advice sessions and community meet‑ups to the Talk Community Directory this week. Whether you’re looking for practical support, a friendly place to connect with others, or something new for the family, there’s plenty happening across the county.
This week’s new additions include:
Healthy Lifestyles Clinic at Scouts Corner
Free Energy Advice at Ross on Wye Market
Free energy Advice Drop in at Newton Farm Community Association
Free Energy Advice at Barons Cross Hub
Stop Smoking Drop in at Ledbury Food Bank
Coffee Morning at Whitchurch and Ganarew
Community Lunch at Whitchurch and Ganarew
Knit and Natter at Whitchurch and Ganarew Talk Community Hub