March / April 2013

Keeping our Rural Communities alive

That is the message that comes loud and clear with the creation of a number of small schemes of affordable rural housing across the Cheshire East area.

Completed schemes include 14 homes close to the village centre in St Margaret’s Close at Wrenbury, also at Wrenbury is Sandfield Court’s redevelopment of a dilapidated scheme into 8 homes for local elderly people. Marthall Lane at Ollerton sees 14 homes for local people as well as a contribution from Peaks and Plains Housing Trust to improve the local recreation area. In Lower Withington a development of 4 houses and 2 bungalows have a creative flexi bedroom layout that allows for a 2 bedroomed home to be made into a 3 bedroomed home as a family expands. Other homes due to be completed include Holly Grove at Tabley that has a bungalow and 7 houses, some of which have the same flexi bedroom design as at Lower Withington. In Bunbury are 10 homes in Wyche Lane. The cul de sac that forms most of this scheme will be named Tweddle Close after Beth Tweddle, Bunbury’s celebrated Olympic medal winning gymnast.

Looking ahead, the building of other homes for local people will be started soon at a 15 home scheme in Over Peover and an 8 home scheme in Plumley. All the homes are in small developments and have or will be built to very high standards and in keeping with nearby architecture.

Whilst it is true that some of the schemes have faced considerable opposition from objectors it is also true that there has been no problem in finding local people to occupy these much needed homes. Without these homes it would mean that in some cases significant changes may take place in those rural communities as local people would be forced to move away from the area that they come from and could not contribute to their parishes as they had in the past. Contents A recent new resident in Bunbury said “These fabulous well built homes with energy saving features and excellent insulation, which  1 Rural Communities makes them economical to run, is a blessing in these financial times. My husband and myself were living in Bunbury, but following the  2 Local Area News collapse of our business we were in great danger of having to leave  7 Partner News because we could not afford to continue living here. As it is we are now part of a small community who get on well and are always  11 For your Notice Board available to help one another”.  11 Conferences and Events

For more information on the creation of affordable homes schemes  12 Funding contact Bob Vass on 01270 685645

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Local Area News

Congleton

Community Cycling

Cycling has everything going for it. People keep fit and healthy and families have fun! You have no parking hassle and no fuel costs. With this in mind the South East Cheshire Cycling Group (SECCAG) was created in 2012 by the Congleton LAP to identify and deliver projects to encourage the local community to get on their bikes. To date they have achieved funding for 2 projects:

 A cycle map linking the 5 towns in the Congleton LAP by routes that avoid main roads and 5 additional maps that show safe cycling routes around each town. Grants obtained: £600 from each of the 5 towns and £9,000 from Cheshire East Council Community Transport funding.  Improved access for both wheelchairs and hand tricycle bikes using the Salt Line and Wheelock trails. Grants obtained: £1,500 from Cheshire East Council.

For more information about the SECCAG contact Harry Brooks

Riverside Walk Project at Buglawton

This project aims to improve the green open spaces, riverside walk and playing fields off St John’s Road in Buglawton. The project has received £250 from Cheshire East Council’s Community Grant scheme, with match funding of £250 from Buglawton Community Group. This funding will allow the group to work with Havannah Primary School children to design nature themed safety signage for the paths and also run a green themed workshop within the school.

Exciting times are ahead with the area due to have a mini makeover, with the widening of paths and walkways alongside the river and plans to install new play equipment. This will make the whole area more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

If you would like to get involved in the steering group of local agencies, meeting on a monthly basis, to discuss ideas and plans contact Donna Peddie on 01270 685806

St Peter’s Receives Record Grant Funding

St. Peter’s Church in Congleton has been successful in its bid to English Heritage for a grant towards replacing its roof. St. Peter’s is a grade 1 listed town church in the centre of Congleton, used for both worship and community events. The total grant awarded is £136,000 with the total project costing £236,000. The grant is the largest awarded by English Heritage in the Chester Diocese this year. They are looking for further grant funding to enable them to proceed with the work and so protect the important historic interior of St. Peter’s.

The roof replacement is the first stage in a much larger project to restore this significant Georgian church and also to undertake a sympathetic reordering to increase its suitability for use by the

community and for more flexible worship.

2 If you would like to work in partnership to increase the community use of the church at the heart of

Congleton contact the Parish Office on 01260 273212 Page

Swimming against the Tide

Just when secondhand bookshops are closing around the country the Methodist Church open one! Since March 2012 the former Methodist Chapel at Hassall Road in Alsager has been open for business. There are over 25,000 books in subject order with everything from history to modern paperbacks. The bookshop supports the work of Englesea Brook Museum with all profits going to the museum.

The Rev’d Malcolm Lorimer said "We have now over 2,500 books on the internet and another 2,000 waiting to go on. Sales are very good and increasing as more books are uploaded. We have volunteers who put books online and others who pick up books, pack them and then send them off. When we started, we didn’t realise how much shelving we would need and still need more. Our aim is to get everything in order on the shelves. We even have the paperback fiction in alphabetical order thanks to a retired librarian."

For more information contact Rev’d Malcolm Lorimer on 01270 625278

The Congleton Partnership

The Congleton Partnership, created in August 2008, is a non-political, community based, volunteer organisation drawing on the skills and expertise of local residents and businesses. It is governed by an executive team of 22 members, the majority of which are residents, but also includes representatives of statutory bodies. The vision of the Partnership is to make Congleton a vibrant, happy, healthy, sustainable town where people want to visit, stay, live, rest and play.

Since its inception the Partnership has had an outstanding record of project delivery, some of which (Bearmania, Congleton Means Business and Congleton Apple Juice) have gained national recognition and prestigious awards. To celebrate the development and success over the years the Partnership is holding an open evening at The Electric Picture House, Cross Street Congleton on 8th May 2013 from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

To volunteer, or to get involved in any of their groups, contact Mike Smith on 01260 270350

Crewe

Integrating and ageing well at Springfield School

In January 2013, sixth form students from Springfield School hosted an afternoon tea event for guests from Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum and Belong Community Village.

The event arose from Crewe LAP who considered it an opportunity to encourage ageing well in Cheshire East, whilst providing a great experience for students interested in hospitality. The guests had a nice opportunity to socialise with younger generations and the students had a chance to shine and showcase their catering abilities.

The students worked hard in the morning baking cakes and making drinks which they served to their

guests in the afternoon. Students not only developed their skills in how to prepare food but also learnt how to serve it to guests so that they would really enjoy it. It was a great opportunity to develop their 3

confidence and social skills and was a beneficial and invaluable experience for all involved. Page

Open Door

In the last quarter of 2012/13 Open Door helped more than 14 families deal with personal problems of a varied kind. Most of the problems centre around difficulties being faced through changes to the benefits system, particularly for the elderly and disabled. They have helped families with carer provision and enabled them to receive additional income and helped people to get their entitlement to extra income through disability or incapacity. One lady in particular was at her wits end, just before Christmas, with no money to her name. One phone call from Open Door ensured that she was able to collect a benefit cheque in Crewe within 24 hours. At Open Door not all problems are always solved that easily and it is due to the dedication of all the volunteers, who have steadfastly given their time in the service of others, that allow Open Door to maintain an ever increasing role in the life of Haslington and surrounding parishes.

For more information contact Geoff Allpress

Students Get Bird’s Eye View of Queen’s Park

Students have been putting their practical skills to good use by building bird boxes at Queen’s Park. The Entry Level Introduction to Practical Skills group from South Cheshire College have designed and built the woodwork masterpieces to be installed around the park. Entry Level programmes are for students with learning disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn key life skills in a realistic setting.

Queen’s Park staff and The Friends of Queen’s Park voluntary group worked in partnership with the college to bring the project to fruition. Students are now set to be involved in future projects at the park which will help to improve a facility used by people of all ages. The link-up was established through the College Engineering Technician Joan Dickinson, a member of Friends of Queen’s Park.

After completing their handiwork, the group spent a morning at Queen’s Park with Park Manager Elaine Dodd and Parks Officer Chris Lawton plotting where the bird boxes will be positioned.

For more information about Entry Level courses visit the South Cheshire College website

Knutsford

Drug Proof Your Kids

A project is about to be launched across the Knutsford LAP area which was very successful when introduced to the Poynton area some years ago. Parents wanted to do something to help themselves and other parents combat the destructive impact of drugs and alcohol on the lives of their own and others’ children.

Linking in new partners with the experience of those on the Poynton programme the plan is to form a team to deliver a 6 week programme covering communication, parenting and alcohol and drug awareness developed by Care for the Family and Hope UK. Drug Proof Your Kids is an evidenced based, prevention-focused, interactive programme aimed at parents of 8 to 14 year old children. It

highlights the risks of both illegal and legal drugs, with a particular emphasis on alcohol. Contact is

now being made with schools, parish councils and faith groups to set up an introductory meeting. 4

To get involved in the project contact Richard Christopherson on 01270 685881 Page

Rail Walks Booklet – Revised issues

Following the huge popularity of the Rail Walks booklet, produced in 2010, featuring circular walks form each of the 5 railway stations in the Knutsford LAP area, a revised version is to be printed. The new booklet will include amendments to a number of the routes, improved maps, updated details of businesses on the routes and recent photographs.

A further improvement will be the opportunity for those completing the walks to complete an on-line evaluation of their walk. This will automatically provide entry to a competition to win a meal for 4 at The Railway Inn, kindly donated by the landlady of one of the businesses on the Mobberley route.

The new booklet is scheduled for release in the spring and will be available from a range of outlets including libraries, railway stations, visitor information points and online.

Macclesfield

Bollington Well Dressing

Bollington has held a well dressing festival since 2005. Local organisations, schools, youth groups, individuals and a local nursing home are all involved in the preparation of the boards.

In 2012 the Well Dressers committee were awarded a substantial Arts Council grant which, together with grants from Bollington Town Council, Cheshire East Council, Macclesfield Lions and Macclesfield Rotary Club, enabled them to enlist the design services of local artist Debra Tracey and replace some of the worn out boards. Local businesses provided the means to print a free trail leaflet.

This year’s boards will depict the 4 seasons and will be prepared at the Cricket Pavilion on Adlington Road from 3rd to 5th of July 2013. All are welcome to watch or take part as there will be plenty of volunteers on hand to give instruction. The opening ceremony will take place on 6th July.

For further information contact Chris on 01625 574208 or Jen on 01625 572559

Nantwich

Nantwich Partnership

Local organisations including representatives from Nantwich Town Council, Nantwich Civic Society, Cheshire East Council and the business and tourism sectors have joined together to create a new town partnership. This fully constituted body will work together to improve the public realm of Nantwich town centre, so that it will be a sustainable town, with a strong sense of place characterised by its links to open spaces and its historic character.

A review of the town centre streets, previously conducted by Nantwich Civic Society, revealed that, whilst Nantwich has the most listed buildings of any Cheshire town (apart from Chester), there is

plenty of potential for improving the quality of its streets and open spaces.

5 For more information on the work of the partnership contact Sharon Angus-Crawshaw

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Poynton

Gateway celebration for young people in Poynton

The celebration of another successful Gateway Project was held recently. 12 Year 9 students have gained new skills in First Aid, law and order, road and driving safety and drink and drug awareness whilst developing team working, communication skills, self-confidence and making new friends.

Many partners had come together to deliver a diverse programme of training and teaching participants about the work of the Police, Fire & Rescue Service, First Responders and others. This year introduced an evening with the Police CSI and learning survival skills at the Wacky Woods.

“It has made me feel more part of the community and want to carry on volunteering.” said Georgia. “It has given us the heads up on avoiding drink and drugs and not making bad choices” added Declan. 6 older students helped run the project, developing leadership and mentoring skills. “The best part is helping the younger students learn through our experience” said Jo.

For more information contact Carolyn McQuaker

Bronze, Silver and going for Gold

Young people in Poynton are celebrating having successfully completed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Over the last two years they have developed many new skills and volunteered in several community projects. They have walked many miles on expeditions in Delamere Forest, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, through sun, wind, rain and ice.

The group has regularly contributed to the largest charity event in Poynton by running the Kids Zone at the Poynton and District Rotary Club’s open air picnic and concert, Brass & Take That. Over the years the young people have helped the Rotary Club raise many £10,000’s for charities, both local and overseas. An excellent example of the community and the generations working together.

Presenting Silver awards, Jonathan Potter from Cheshire East Council’s Family Information Service encouraged them to go on to achieve Gold. We wish them all success in achieving that ambition.

Wilmslow

The Friends of The Carrs to tackle Riverbank erosion

Wilmslow Town Council recently provided a grant to The Friends of The Carrs for them to continue working with the Environment Agency on much needed riverbank stabilisation work on the River Bollin, which flows along the length of The Carrs. The Carrs is a large area of informal parkland in Wilmslow, covering over 70 acres. The Friends of The Carrs is a voluntary organisation, established in 2005, which helps keep The Carrs a clean, safe and friendly place for all age groups by organising regular clean-ups and other events.

The group will repair and re-plant approximately 60 metres of damaged riverbank, located at several points along the River Bollin, improving the

appearance of the river, increasing bio-diversity, and significantly

reducing riverbank erosion and damage in both the short and longer term. 6

For more information on their work visit The Friends of The Carrs website Page

Strong Mums

Initially piloted in the Knutsford LAP, this first steps course was designed to engage women who found formal learning environments too daunting. The programme uses a range of methods to equip participants with life skills, self- confidence, resilience and decision making capabilities.

The programme is run over 6 sessions and provides crèche facilities to support those attending with young children. The final session is a signposting event, where local service providers are invited to offer follow on training, education, volunteering and employment links, support and advice.

For more information, or to get involved in the signposting event, contact Richard Christopherson

Wilmslow Railway Station

George Osborne MP and Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Michael Jones, were guests invited to launch the refurbishments at Wilmslow Railway station in February 2013. A Wilmslow LAP sub group has been instrumental in bringing partners together to transform the station. Improvements have included CCTV, improved long stay car parking facilities, non-slip surfaces, a new subway, waiting rooms, toilets and covered cycle bays.

The appearance of the station has been further improved with new planting designs at the entrance, a new notice board and an old parcel trolley on display at the station which has been restored by children from Wilmslow High School.

The work of the sub group continues with plans to design a new footpath route from the station to the town centre, a rail charter agreement between Northern Rail and the high school, the opening of a new café in the old parcel building and using the waiting rooms to promote local volunteering opportunities, community groups and clubs to encourage new membership.

To get involved with the group contact Richard Christopherson on 01270 685881

Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Service Extends even Further

Wilmslow Town Council recently provided funding to Cheshire East’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) North to facilitate a new outreach service in Wilmslow. The service operates on Monday mornings and from December 2012 an early evening service was also provided on Thursdays at Wilmslow Library. Following its successful launch, and because of the high levels of demand for the service, the Town Council provided a further grant for the CAB to provide a second session each week.

CAB North is based in Macclesfield so the funding provided by Wilmslow Town Council has provided a chance to make the service more accessible to residents of Wilmslow.

For more information visit the Cheshire East Citizens Advice Bureau North website

Partner News

Join the HS2 conversation with Cheshire East

People are being encouraged to join the conversation on the high-speed rail link HS2. For a variety of 7 information and a detailed breakdown of where the line is proposed to run visit the Cheshire East

Council website and add your voice. Page

Crewe and Nantwich Connected by Greenway

A major cycleway project, Connect2, that provides a traffic free route between Crewe and Nantwich has now been completed. The route connects the two town centres and destinations along the way. The greenway enables people to visit these places easily by foot and by bike and the middle section between the two towns is even available to horse riders. Toucan crossings are in place to help people cross the busy Middlewich Road.

Connect2 is a nationwide Sustrans project, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, which aims to encourage people to make their everyday journeys by foot or by bike.

Raising the Participation Age

The Government is increasing the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training, requiring them to continue until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 from 2013 and until their 18th birthday from 2015 or until they have completed a full Level 3 qualification, whichever is the sooner. Raising the participation age does not mean young people must stay in school; they will able to choose one of the following options post 16 years:

 full-time education, such as school, college or home education  an apprenticeship  part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering full-time

Participating in learning for longer means young people are more likely to get the skills and qualifications that will open doors to future employment, help them make the most of their potential and earn more over their lifetime.

For more information visit the Cheshire East Wayahead website or contact the 14-25 team

Is your Property Film Worthy?

Cheshire East is fast becoming one of the most popular locations outside of London for the filming of commercials, television and film. Some key productions shot in Cheshire East over the last year are:

 Homefront (ITV Studios)  Fresh Meat (Objective Productions/Lime Pictures/Channel 4)  Shameless (Company Pictures/Channel 4)  Scott & Bailey (Red Production Company/ITV)  The Making of a Lady (ITV)  The Mill (Darlow Smithson/Channel 4)  Hebburn (Channel X/Baby Cow Productions/BBC)  Skins Redux (Company Pictures/E4)

There has also been non-drama shoots such as Blue Peter, Four in a Bed and The 4 O’clock Club.

To capitalise on this opportunity Cheshire East Council would like any interested people to submit their properties or location as potential locations for filming. The property could be just what filmmakers are looking for, be it a cottage or a castle, a suburban semi or stately home or somewhere with a fantastic view. It would be great to hear from owners or representatives of properties that could be used as locations by filmmakers in England.

To register a property visit the Creative England website 8

or contact Richard Milkins on 01625 378060 for more information Page

College Learner Services Team Raises its Profile

South Cheshire College’s Learner Services team staged a special information and networking session, to share information with professionals about the range and types of support the College can offer students who have general or specific support needs. It also highlighted the support which is available for students who may be vulnerable or at risk.

Specialist college co-ordinators and learner mentors were available to answer questions and discuss the different types of support available. Representatives attended from organisations including the Youth Support Service, Cheshire East Family Information Service, Cheshire East Children’s Services, Cheshire East Parent Partnership and the Youth Offending Service. There were also visitors from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Deafness Support Network, Knutsford and Wilmslow SMART and East Cheshire Advocacy, as well as school staff and careers advisors. Several students who benefit from Learner Services support were also on hand to speak to professionals and serve refreshments at the event.

For more information about Learner Services and support visit the South Cheshire College website

Stapeley & District Parish Council Community Hall is now Open for Business

Stapeley and District Parish Council now operate the community hall at Pear Tree Field, Stapeley, Nantwich. They have a community hall management committee which oversees the day-to-day operation of the hall and can host events, meetings and regular group activities for up to 60 people.

For information on booking the hall visit Stapeley & District Parish Council website

Just Ask and you will find the Answer

A new online resource, to help those looking for Answers, Support and Knowledge (Ask) within the voluntary, community and faith sector of Cheshire East was launched at the recent Ask voluntary sector conference.

If you are looking for help to find volunteers or funding, advice and support for your voluntary or community group, jobs in the sector, training, events or a venue for your meeting visit www.just-ask.org.uk. The site is also the home to The Voice of the Sector should you have a point to make or something to say.

The site has been developed as part of Transforming Local Infrastructure funding received from the Office of the Civil Society. 8 partner infrastructure organisations have worked together to develop Ask with an aim to be able to guide and help with any requirement that the sector may be looking for.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is the new 3 digit telephone service, launched on 21st March 2013 and introduced by the Government to make it easier for the public to access healthcare services when they need medical help, but it is not a life-threatening situation. The service is safe and has been developed by a group of national experts, including consultants and GPs, and has been tested by local health professionals. Callers will be given advice by trained staff or recommended to contact or go to a local health service. NHS 111 operates 24/7, 365 days per year and is free to use from a landline and

contract mobile phone. On pay as you go phones, a credit of 1p is needed to access the service. 9

For further information see the for your notice board section Page

EPAIGE

The EPAIGE is a dynamic, user led, electronic resource available for use across all care settings. It has been developed by the Central & Eastern Cheshire End of Life Care Team to signpost health, social and voluntary care professionals to information that may help support people during the last year of life and into bereavement.

The team have fostered a partnership approach to developing this resource by encouraging local generalists, specialists, voluntary and social care teams to contribute to the website. Many partners have, as a result, chosen to develop their own page within the site to profile their service and signpost professionals to other useful information. The End of Life Care Team are currently working across all care settings to provide bespoke EPAIGE demonstrations available in-house.

If you or your team are interested in receiving EPAIGE training or would like to contribute to the web resource contact Emma Dixon

Community Mapping

Community mapping is a process to identify what is in a local area, including venues, services, activities, groups, and projects. The Local Area Partnerships are gathering information about the strengths and resources of a community, taking an asset approach which values the capacity, skills, knowledge, connections and potential in our communities. Working together they can build on these assets and uncover solutions to local issues and new ways to deliver services.

Cheshire East Council already has a very good website with an interactive mapping section which allows people to view cycle paths, gritting routes, schools etc. With the help of people with an in- depth local knowledge a community layer of data will be added to the interactive mapping system to give a much clearer picture of an area. This will, amongst other things, include community groups and projects, faith sector groups, allotments, green open spaces and parks.

To assist mapping the services, venues and activities in your local area contact Donna Peddie on 01270 685806 or Deb Lindop on 01270 685805

Cheshire East at its Best

It was good news all round for six of Cheshire East’s railway stations as they celebrated success at the recent Annual Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards Ceremony. The overall winner and named Cheshire’s Best Kept Station was Chelford on the Crewe to Manchester Line.

Alsager won the Cheshire East Award for their volunteer efforts; Plumley was named the Tidiest Station; Handforth won a Diamond Jubilee Award for their work with their local primary school; Crewe was named the Best Staffed Station and Macclesfield won the Roberts Bakery Award for staff teamwork and pride.

Introducing the overall winner John Hulme, organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said “Chelford

Railway Station is a picture postcard station. Uncared for 6 years ago and now transformed by community volunteers with support from their Community Rail Partnership, Northern Rail and their

Parish Council, it is a perfect example of how stakeholders and the community can work together”. 10

To make a nomination for the 2013 Awards visit the Best Kept Stations website Page

Peaks & Plains excels in The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work for’ Awards

Peaks & Plains Housing Trust gained recognition at The Sunday Times ‘Best Not-For- Profit Organisations to Work For’ awards, earning the title of Most Improved Organisation as well as making a debut ranking of number 38 in the UK’s top 100.

The annual rankings recognise organisations with a deep rooted commitment to being the best they can be in every area of the workplace and supporting the day to day working lives of the workforce. Peaks & Plains, which operates across Cheshire and the High Peak, employs a workforce of 214 and is dedicated to supporting its employees with a host of positive initiatives such as regular health and wellbeing days, flexible working, a work based pension, healthcare cover, complimentary flu jabs and regular staff events. Well done Peaks and Plains!

To read more on this story visit the Peaks and Plains Housing Trust website

How can you influence the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group?

Eastern Cheshire Community Healthvoice is the CCG's patient and carer reference group that has a direct link to the Governing Body. Healthvoice members range from patient participation groups from local GP practices, carers, voluntary and community sector organisations as well as a Lay Member for Patient and Public Involvement and the GP Chair. Members define the agenda, bring forward issues or concerns that can be addressed by the CCG as well as capturing patient experience to ensure that decisions made within the CCG involve the local population and that the CCG listens.

For more information visit CCG website or contact Rebecca Patel on 01625 663864

Sign up to Cheshire East Direct

Cheshire East Council has launched their new weekly e-mail news and information service - Cheshire East Direct. This will replace the paper editions of Cheshire East News and delivers information in a way that fits with the new social and digital media age. They will have a mixture of articles including a weekly discussion point on important local topics, a focus on a town or village and reports from key meetings and on important decisions. They will also have what’s on, local offers and links to local and national social media keeping everyone informed on the latest in Cheshire East.

Sign up here for your weekly e-mail - Cheshire East Direct Sign Up

For your Notice Board This section allows you to download posters which you may wish to display on your notice boards, either for staff, customers or residents. Please email May / June notices to Tina Jones.

 NHS 111 Telephone Number  Raising the participation age  Be Steady, Be Safe classes  Training courses for the unemployed  EPAIGE Leaflet  Breaking the Silence Conference Flyer

Conferences and Events Breaking the Silence

16th May 2013, 9.30am to 4.30pm Wychwood Park, Weston Crewe, CW2 5GP

The Cheshire East Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, Adults Board and the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership are hosting their first joint conference 'Breaking the Silence'. 11

For more information see the For your Notice Board section and book a place with Lauren Connah Page

Just So Festival, Pick of the Year for Families in 2013

16th, 17th & 18th August 2013 Rode Hall Parkland, Cheshire

The Just So Festival takes families out of their day to day lives and invites them to sing, dance, play, explore and discover art together in a spellbinding natural landscape. The festival is unique in its offer of a weekend packed entirely with performances and workshops specifically for families.

Tickets are available now on the Just So Festival website

Macclesfield Barnaby Festival

14th to 30th June 2013 ‘Big Weekend’ 21st to 23rd June 2013

This year’s Barnaby Festival will run over 2 weeks, with lots of events and FREE family activities. The Barnaby Festival is run entirely by volunteers and would be interested to hear from anyone who would like to get involved. Individuals can help with organising events or invigilating exhibitions and businesses or organisations can offer sponsorship or take part in the carnival parade.

For more information contact the festival organisers or visit the Barnaby Festival website

Funding Life-changing Lotto £50K is up for grabs

The Peoples Millions is an annual TV competition run by the Big Lottery Fund and ITV which awards Lottery funding to community projects that will improve the lives of local people. This year there are 4 awards of up to £50,000 on offer in each of the 19 ITV regional news areas across the UK. Anything from youth and environmental projects to schemes that improve employment prospects or help people in need are in with a chance of bagging the cash, provided that entrants can convince their community through a broadcast on ITV regional news that their idea is worthy of the prize.

The competition is now open for entries from voluntary and community groups, local authorities, schools, statutory health bodies and branches of organisations or partnerships. The deadline for completed entries is 12 noon on Monday 13th May 2013, so don't miss out. Good luck!

For more information and entry packs visit The People's Millions website

Please send articles for the next edition of the Partnerships Newsletter to Tina Jones by 13th May 2013.

Previous copies of the newsletter are available on the PACE website

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