Hello and welcome to the Christmas 2016 edition of the

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Message from the Chairman….. Sarah Folland.

I would like to send special Christmas wishes to all our wonderful volunteers and supporters and a huge thank you for the help and commitment that you give in so many ways to really ‘make a difference’ in improving the wellbeing and quality of life for those living in our local communities. What a year we have had! Our 25th anniversary year! We especially congratulate those of you who have been part of the BSG for 25 years or nearly that!! Hopefully we are in a position to look forward with enthusiasm into the next quarter century… But of course we always need more volunteers!

To end the year on a high with news of the successful award which has been made to the BSG for our partnership working with the Blackdown Practice speaks volumes for work that you do… it also raises the profile and reputation of the charity which is always helpful as we seek to secure our future funding streams from the Health and Social services and local councils.

I know the BSG Committee members would wish to join me in congratulating all our contributors, volunteers and the office team for making this happen! Whatever your role…. please know you are greatly appreciated.

May you all have a Happy Christmas and enjoyable festive season and let’s keep up the good work in 2017.

Christmas message from the Co-ordinator’

Another busy year in the life of the BSG, seems just a few short months since we had our lovely summer, then the autumn colours have been stunning as ever in the hills. I drive out to visit patients and get to enjoy the stunning scenery. We suffered the floods and survived storm Angus, even had a little snow so far this winter, brrr.

This is a winter message I repeat every year but no less important. Please do think of any neighbours who live on their own, or even older couples, who like to stay private, flag them up if you have any concerns. The practice are always happy that we act as a safety net in the community and really have no objections when I contact them with our concerns.

In October I was delighted to accept an award on behalf of the support group for the wonderful work of our volunteers. I enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Racecourse in Exeter and met the other winners, a very pleasant day out.

The press release read “Hemyock based The Blackdown Support Group won the award for ‘Primary Care Workload - Best example of successful working with the voluntary sector to improve support to patients and reduce workload pressures in the practice.

The judges’ comments were: “Blackdown Support Group was inspired and crossed traditional boundaries to reach rural & isolated patients.”

Barbara Starkiss from The Blackdown Support Group said: “the reason we got this award is because of our incredible partnership working with our GP practice. I’m very proud of the work that the volunteers do and the difference they make to the people of our community every day.”

And also Blackdown Practice – We are so proud of you.

Devon GP surgery rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found the quality of care provided by The Blackdown Practice in Hemyock, Cullompton, Devon to be Outstanding following an inspection in June 2016.

Inspectors rated the care at The Blackdown Practice Outstanding for being caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led and good for being safe and effective.

There was a strong community approach, the GP’s at the practice were founding members of a patient focussed charity based within the building that supported patients; support from the charity, includes; information, transport assistance support and social activities for vulnerable patients living in the community.

There is no need for me to remind our volunteers how much pleasure they get from helping people, but we still need new volunteers, so even if your friends and relatives only have a small amount of time to give, a lift to the Doctor, a shared shopping trip or a chat, can all be fitted into ½ hour, even once a fortnight, can make all the difference in someone’s life. With many cuts from the statutory sector, services are being restricted and carer’s no longer get the breaks they so desperately need to keep going, giving them a short break by sitting with their loved one, making a cup of tea can make all the difference. No qualifications required! Tell them to pop in for a chat.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and all best wishes for 2017.

Barbara Welcome to our new volunteers who have joined us this year.

Doreen Butt Dunkeswell Jon Davies Dunkeswell John Hardy Dunkeswell Sukamala Durance Greenham Julie Alden Hemyock

WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP YOUR TIME TO VOLUNTEER?

I am a newish volunteer for the Blackdown Support Group. I had helped in a similar scheme in another part of Devon and when I moved to this area I looked for a voluntary group to join.

Driving for the BSG was the best choice I could have made, it has helped me to feel part of this community, to get to know local people and places and to settle into the Blackdown Hills area.

As a driver I have met so many 'special ' people and have enjoyed hearing about their life experiences, local stories, as well as the history of this beautiful area.

I have found the BSG very supportive, you are never asked to carry out tasks that you are not happy with and the people who use the service are always most grateful for the support and help they receive. Being a driver for the group has been most a most gratifying experience for me. I really enjoy the part I play in the community with the BSG and would thoroughly recommend becoming a volunteer driver.

Carrol Dexter

Thank you to all our Friends old & new, we appreciate your support and hope you can join in some of our events. If we can help, do ask for transport.

Notices

St Nicholas Church in Dunkeswell raised an amazing £1031.10 which they presented to us in November. The support of the church is much appreciated and all the funding comes from collections by the parishioners.

Dunkeswell coffee morning

We hold our coffee morning (with raffle) on the third Wednesday of every month in Dunkeswell, at the Highfield Sports and Social Club from 10.30 till 11.30. Do come along and join this friendly group. It would be lovely to see some new people.

Culmstock lunch club

We still have spaces at the monthly lunch at the Culm Valley Inn. Last Wednesday of the month, book through the office.

Reminder the parking permit for Royal Devon & Exeter hospital expires end of December, new one is available from the office.

Regular driving to Musgrove Park Hospital remember to give your car registration into the office, for free parking. Just give your name and registration at the barrier.

BSG has a stall in Churchinford market on the 3rd Saturday of the month – any items to sell can be dropped off at the office.

Do you belong to a group? Need a speaker? Ring Barbara 01823 681036.

Save paper

Would you be happy to have this newsletter delivered by e-mail? If so, please let us know and you will save us time and money. Thank you. Date for your diary Cream tea Friday, 17th February, 2.30-4.00. The annual tea party for volunteers and friends will be held at Culmstock Village Hall. Make a note to come along, and if you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer or a friend, do bring them along.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.