COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Issue 1: SPRING 2021

Home , Accrington, Central (Hyndburn ward), Hyndburn, Hyndburn Borough Council

HYNDBURN NEWS#HyndburnChampions www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Issue 1: SPRING 2021

BEING A COMMUNITY CHAMPION

£132,750 AWARDED TO HYNDBURN COMMUNITY GROUPS Twelve organisations have been successful in their bids to the Hyndburn Community Champions Fund- P1 REDUCING WASTE & FEEDING FAMILIES Accrington and Rossendale College Food Group have saved over 25 tonnes of food from landfill- P4

TREES FOR VACCINES IN HYNDBURN Hyndburn Borough Council have pledged to plant an oak tree in a local park for every 5,000 residents who complete their Covid-19 vaccination course- P5

#HyndburnChampions HYNDBURN COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

£132,750 AWARDED TO HYNDBURN COMMUNITY GROUPS

Twelve organisations have been successful in their bids to the Hyndburn Community Champions Fund, with a range of initiatives that offer support for people suffering the long-term impact of the pandemic or who have been disproportionately affected. After an overwhelming response to the small grants scheme the initial allocation of £100,000 was increased to £132,750, with thanks to East Lancashire NHS CCG for providing this additional funding. The Hyndburn Community Champions initiative, using funding awarded to Hyndburn Borough Council from The Ministry of Housing and Local Government, aims to tackle the impact of Covid-19 through establishing community networks and delivering a range of projects in the local area.

Kirsten Burnett, Head of Policy at Hyndburn Borough Council said: “It was really important that we could use the Hyndburn Community Champions Funding to give back to community organisations who have been boots on the ground throughout this pandemic. They know the people of Hyndburn and what they need, this money will help them build on the fantastic work they are already doing. “It was wonderful to see the variety of projects and ideas from our community organisations during the application process and it will be great to see these being delivered over the coming months. Each project that was chosen by the panel will make an impact and the support from East Lancashire NHS CCG, who added over £30,000 to the funding, is really appreciated. This small grants scheme has been organised and delivered on our behalf by Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS who have done a fantastic job.” Aawaz Maundy Relief ‘Take Care Project’ ‘Covid Advice Project’ Aawaz will tackle the loneliness and isolation felt Maundy Relief will offer wrap around advice by South Asian Women, working to improve their and support to Hyndburn residents who have health and wellbeing through covid response work been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and 1 to 1 support projects. through redundancies or reduced income. Support will include advice with welfare and Bahja Initiative benefits, communicating with DWP, food parcels, ‘Support Projects’ counselling and housing advice. Bahja Initiative will deliver coffee mornings, youth centre facilities, walking groups and fitness classes Outdoors4All Together CIC for those who have been suffering from the impacts ‘Campfire, Conversation, Cooking and Craft’ of Covid-19, with a focus on elderly, vulnerable, Outdoors4All Together will provide a safe and BAME and young people. relaxing outdoor space for the local community to socialise with outdoor/woodland crafts, activities Brain Health Breakthrough CIC and confidence building projects to help people ‘Long Covid Support’ who may be nervous or in need of social interaction Brain Health Breakthrough CIC will deliver 12-week after periods of isolation due to the pandemic. courses and information and engagement sessions to support those suffering from long-covid, including 1 Spring into Action £132,750 to 1 support and help with digital inclusion. ‘Spring Out and About’ Spring Into Action will support people to transition Carers Link Lancashire to face-to-face meetings, including outdoor AWARDED TO HYNDBURN ‘Connecting Carers Project’ walking groups, helping people to overcome Carers Link Lancashire will offer registered adult anxiety through ‘food and friendship’ groups and unpaid carers support and activities until August chaperoned walks for individuals who need it. COMMUNITY GROUPS 2021, to help them with needs resulting from the impact of Covid-19. Monthly community events will YNOT Aspire also be open to the wider public. ‘Youth Mental Health Support’ YNOT Aspire will provide two youth workers for Civic Arts (Hyndburn Arts Ltd) five months to provide 1 to 1 support for young ‘Projects for Elderly Residents’ people experiencing low-level mental health issues. Civic Arts will deliver craft, exercise and local history The project includes working with individuals, walks for elderly residents, helping them socialise families and partner organisations such as local and become more active after the pandemic in a education providers to help them develop coping covid-safe way, with access to support. skills and strategies whilst addressing their issues.

Community Solutions North West Ltd ‘Wellbeing Plus’ Working with voluntary and community Community Solutions North West will deliver various organisations to support and protect those workshops and training, and facilitate covid-safe most at risk of COVID-19 in Hyndburn. social groups for people who have been adversely affected by Covid. Where needed counselling and mentor support will also be provided.

Healthier Heroes ‘Support for Veterans’ Healthier Heroes will provide accommodation for homeless veterans and support them with mental health treatments and activities to aid recovery and transition into the community post-pandemic.

Little Green Bus ‘Vaccination Transport’ Little Green Bus will provide covid-secure minibus transport and volunteer car scheme journeys for vulnerable people who need to access Covid-19 vaccination appointments or other medical appointments.

#HyndburnChampions UNIFORM SWAP SHOP ARRIVES IN ACCRINGTON

Maundy Relief opened the Hyndburn School Uniform Swap Shop on the 12th April, to help families and encourage recycling.

Located inside Accrington Market Hall, in the heart of Hyndburn, the Uniform Swap Shop is open to all who need to use it. Donations of school uniform are invited to help them in their efforts to provide a uniform to every child who needs one in Hyndburn. Sameena King, Manager at Accrington Market said: “We are really pleased to welcome the Uniform Swap Shop to the Market Hall. Not only are they offering a wonderful solution for local families with children, they are also adding an exciting new offering to our diverse range of stall holders. “ Lucy Hardwick, Manager at Maundy Relief said: “All parents are familiar with the large expense of school uniforms and know too well that children very quickly outgrow their schoolwear. We wanted to combine efforts across our borough and offer a one- stop-shop for recycling these uniforms, giving help to those who need it. Families can donate their uniform that is no longer needed and if they need to, collect a new uniform from us. “The more people that take part in this initiative the better, we are encouraging PTA’s, Schools and charities to work alongside us and we want children to be proud to use this service, as eco warriors for Hyndburn.” The Hyndburn Uniform Swap Shop is currently open for donation drop offs: Tuesday 11am-2pm, Friday 11am – 2pm and Saturday 1pm – 3pm. It has opened for shopping from the 12th April, subject to Government guidelines. Follow ‘Hyndburn Uniform Swap Shop’ on social media for more information or to get in touch directly.

HYNDBURN Issue 1: SPRING 2021 COMMUNITY www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk CHAMPIONS REDUCING WASTE & FEEDING FAMILIES

Over the last three years the volunteer-led food There are different items every week and, although group, based on Sandy Lane at Accrington and donations are welcome to help keep the service Rossendale College, have been opening their running, we do not ask for any payment in return.” doors for people to collect food. Alex, who volunteers at the Food Group, added: Created after a conversation between Charlotte “There are no barriers to visiting us, no questions Scheffmann, Dean of Higher Education and asked, no details taken. Alongside local residents James Crane, Facility Worker, the Food Share we also have students and staff that use the food group is proud to have rescued over 25 tonnes group and on average we help around 15 families of food, otherwise destined for landfill. every Wednesday.” Charlotte, said: “Accrington and Rossendale College As part of the Community Champions Initiative, purchase the food from FareShare, a charitable Hyndburn Borough Council are working to organisation that aims to reduce food waste and highlight and celebrate the fantastic work so many relieve food poverty. This is our way of helping the organisations are doing across the borough, whilst environment, contributing to sustainability and also making sure residents know how to access help, giving back to our local community. if they need it. “During the pandemic we have seen an increase Lyndsey Sims, Hyndburn Community Champions in people using the food group and it is really Project Lead said: important that people know they are welcome “This fantastic group at Accrington and to use this service, no matter their personal circumstance. Come along to help the environment, Rossendale College existed long before save food from landfill and feed your family.” the pandemic and they have stepped up even further after need has increased in The food group is open every Wednesday 9:15am to 11am, 50 weeks of the year, only closing for the last year. Well done to everyone Christmas and New Year. involved, especially the volunteers People are invited to turn up at the Sandy Lane who are dedicating their time to this entrance to the college and make their way great cause, and to the college for down the right-hand-side of the building where choosing to invest in this way.” smiling volunteers are ready to help. Kyle, Food Group co-ordinator said: “Using the food group is really simple. People come along with their empty shopping bag and we fill it for them with a wide range of food… everything from fresh fruit to frozen chips!

Issue 1: SPRING 2021 Issue 1: SPRING 2021 www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk #HyndburnChampions TREES FOR VACCINES IN HYNDBURN

STAY ALERT • CONTOL THE VIRUS • SAVE LIVES Hyndburn Borough Council have pledged to Lyndsey Sims, Hyndburn Community Champions plant an oak tree in a local park for every 5,000 Project Lead said: residents who complete their Covid-19 vaccination course in 2021. “We want to celebrate the fantastic work of everyone involved in the vaccination As part of the Community Champions Initiative Hyndburn Council are working closely with local NHS roll out in Hyndburn and also create services to help with vaccination uptake and to deliver a lasting reminder of the community various Covid-19 information initiatives and campaigns. efforts throughout the pandemic. Dr Fiona Ford, Hyndburn GP and Clinical Director “Hyndburn Borough Council have pledged of Hyndburn Central said: to plant an oak tree in a Hyndburn park “This is a wonderful way to recognise all those who for every 5,000 people who have their are saying yes to their vaccination and also very two doses of the vaccine. They will be fitting to recognise our Acorn Vaccination Centre, with oak trees being planted as a lasting reminder planted this autumn by members of our and reflection.” community and be a great addition to Further information about the initiative and the Hyndburn’s outdoor spaces.” vaccination uptake in Hyndburn is displayed inside Accrington Market is open: Monday 8am – STAY ALERT • CONTOL THE VIRUS • SAVE LIVES Accrington Market Hall for members of the public 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday 8am - 4:30pm, more to see during opening hours. information at: www.accringtonmarket.com

HYNDBURN Issue 1: SPRING 2021 COMMUNITY www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk CHAMPIONS Shop Hyndburn, Shop Safely

Local businesses and organisations have re-opened after a year of multiple lockdowns. Hyndburn has been in some form of restrictions or enhanced measures for the majority of the last 12 months and as shoppers are welcomed back to the highstreets and close-contact services resume, it is really important to shop safely. Throughout the various townships in Hyndburn ‘Hands Face Space Ambassadors’ are available to provide masks, offer hand sanitiser and give Covid-safe shopping advice. Pictured are Rebecca and Anya on Broadway in Accrington. What did they have to say about their first day? “It has been great, in just a few hours we have given out over 20 masks to people who have forgotten them for shopping and everyone has been pleased to see us, working to protect the community.” Remembering the basic guidelines is the easiest way to prevent transmission in our community. Keeping distance from others, covering your face and making sure you have clean hands are all simple ways to shop safely.

HYNDBURN Issue 1: SPRING 2021 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk GETTING TESTED IN HYNDBURN CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) TESTS

There are many different ways to get a Covid-19 test in Hyndburn and lots of availability for both symptomatic (if you are unwell) and asymptotic (have no symptoms) testing. Testing is FREE, quick and simple. By getting tested you are helping us to identify positive cases and stop further transmission in our community.

Testing for people Testing for people with no symptoms with symptoms RAPID coronavirus testing is now available to If you have have a temperature, continuous cough everyone in Lancashire, with people encouraged to or change in your sense of smell or taste please get test themselves twice a week. a test as soon as possible. Do not visit any places or meet others until you have your results. You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local test site or pharmacy. In Lancashire it is also advised to get a test if you are feeling unwell, even if you do not have the ‘usual’ If you are a key or essential worker who has to symptoms. leave the house to work please get regular tests at our lateral flow test site in Accrington, no We have two test sites in Hyndburn for people who appointment is needed just turn up. This facility are unwell: Great Harwood and Eastgate. You also is for people with no symptoms. have the option of having a test kit delivered to your house. Available at Unit 4, Broadway, Accrington Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 4:00pm To book an appointment or order a home test kit call 119 Great Harwood – open 7 days a week 8am-8pm Eastgate – open 8am-12pm 7 days a week for symptomatic testing

If you need support please reach out to the Hyndburn Hub via: [email protected] 01254 388 111

HYNDBURN Issue 1: SPRING 2021 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk “Thank you to everyone involved in Hyndburn’s vaccination programme, and to all those who have said yes to getting their jab. Every vaccination is one more step along our road to recovery from this Pandemic!” Dr Fiona Ford

Issue 1: SPRING 2021 www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk OVER 37,000 PEOPLE IN HYNDBURN HAVE HAD THEIR FIRST DOSE

#HyndburnChampions Working with voluntary and community organisations to support and protect those most at risk of Covid-19 in Hyndburn. HYNDBURN After a successful bid from Hyndburn Borough Council, £492,870 has been awarded from the Ministry of Housing, COMMUNITY Communities and Local Government to deliver a specific range of initiatives a Covid-19 communications campaign and CHAMPIONS develop networks with the community for long-lasting impact...

The Enhance and extend the operation of the Hub, making it even easier for residents to access the right support for them, Hyndburn Hub in the right place, at the right time.

Communications Develop localised campaigns, voiced by the community to amplify crucial messaging such as vaccination or public and information health information.

Investment £132,750 has been allocated for Hyndburn voluntary and community organisations to bid for supporting projects which scheme will target those disproportionately affected by Covid-19.

Wellbeing Provide 1,000 residents with free access to a 12-week physical activity and nutrition programme, following NHS guidance, programme for those who have been impacted by Covid-19.

Volunteering and Support more residents to gain high-quality volunteering experiences, learn new skills, connect with others and give outreach events back to the local community.

Expand the Community Action Network, inviting more Networks and local people to become Community Champions. Invest in learning and development events for the network to grow HYNDBURN expansion COMMUNITY knowledge and expertise. CHAMPIONS

Host a Volunteer celebration event to recognise and thank the hundreds of people across Hyndburn who have made a Celebrate real difference to the lives of people within our community throughout the pandemic.

Want to be part of helping Hyndburn and be one of the #HyndburnChampions? Please email: [email protected] for details of ways you can get involved.

To stay up to date with Community Champions Fund activity please visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/communitychampions

#HyndburnChampions