A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission June 2008 THE BEE’S KNEESVISION ONLINE VIRTUAL VOICE What brought Ugandan Enter competitions and Youngsters helped by visitors to Lancashire? write to us online new technology Page 5 www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision Page 3 WANTED: FRIENDS OF LANCASHIRE New website to aid the fight against climate change LANCASHIRE as registering as a residents are Friend of Lancashire can make a difference being invited to and even save people get “online” and money on their house- help protect the hold bills.” county for future The new website is the generations. latest in a string of cli- This month sees the mate change activity launch of a new sec- carried out recently by the county council. tion on the Lancashire Other initiatives include County Council web- buying green energy for site - giving residents, streetlights, phasing out schools and local busi- polluting fleet vehicles nesses the opportunity and using renewable to join forces in the energy to power new fight against climate projects such as the change. Building Schools for the The site contains a Future scheme. wealth of information, A local grant scheme and will be the platform has also been estab- for a brand new scheme lished to kick-start activ- knownas“Friendsof ity at a grassroots level Lancashire”. By simply by encouraging groups registering on the site, to set up climate change anyone can become a initiatives in their own Friend of Lancashire communities. Grants and find out tips on tack- have already been ling climate change in agreed which will see their neighbourhood. better insulation in com- All registered munity buildings and “friends” will receive loan smart energy regular email updates meters. LOGGING ON: People can find out green hints and tips by visiting the new website in their own homes. from the county council Councillor Harding with useful tips and added: “We have seen advice on how, and just how effective cli- where, to get discounted mate change grants can environmentally-friend- be within local commu- County signs up to Carbon Trust ly products such as low nities, which demon- energy light bulbs and strates the importance becoming part of its everyday home composters. of giving residents ways THE drive to combat The announcement marks a other organisations that there work. County Councillor in which to act. climate change has victory for the authority after a are practical things we can all do to combat climate A five-step programme will Hazel Harding, leader of “Our new climate gathered pace with strict application process change and that it is possible see the council calculate the the county council, said: change website is requiring the council to prove news that Lancashire its commitment to a greener to save on heating, electricity effect of its activities on the “Many residents want to intended to build on County Council is join- Lancashire. and fuel while still environment and make a case play their part in the these roots in the com- ing forces with national County Councillor Hazel delivering the services people for change based on environ- fight against climate munity and give every experts on energy sav- Harding, leader of the need.” mental gains, cash savings and change. People often ask single resident, school county council, said: “We are The Carbon Trust will now any impact on frontline servic- how they can contribute and business a way to ing. already making changes to lead the county council on a es. to such a global problem. get involved and look The council has signed up to our buildings, vehicle fleets, journey which will start News that the council has “Something as simple after Lancashire.” the Carbon Trust, giving its bosses access to a huge staff travel and street-lighting. with the authority accurately joined the Carbon Trust comes To get involved, visit the website at: resource of knowledge and “As one of the county’s identifying its current after the launch of a climate http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/climatechange experience on how to curb biggest employers we are carbon footprint and end change strategy last year. carbon emissions. committed to showing with carbon saving Cont p2 A cassette version of Vision is now available for visually impaired people from Galloway’s Society for the Blind by calling 01772 744148 The presence of promotional leaflets delivered inside Vision does not imply Lancashire County Council endorsement. YOUR LANCASHIRE: A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE MATTERS 2 June 2008 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies ASK THE EXPERT Pledge to ensure Questions answered dignity in care by your friend in PEOPLE who live in residential “Only by working together can we care homes or those who receive deliver what people want and give the know care services should be treated them what they deserve”. The charter is a public statement with dignity and respect. that care providers and service com- That was the unequivocal message missioners have agreed to, and under- Bullying worry from care chiefs following the official lines what a person can reasonably I believe that my son is launch of Lancashire County Council’s expect when they need and use care being bullied at school Dignity in Care Charter. and support services in Lancashire. and I do not know how A key focus of the charter is on cre- The charter was officially signed by to go about helping, as I ating a zero tolerance approach to a Councillor Cheetham, former cabinet believe something needs lack of dignity in the care of older peo- member for Adult and Community to be done at a higher ple. Services, and Ken Nolan, director of The charter is a joint initiative level. My wife and I are CONCERN : See Bullying worry the LCA; and recognised the good work considering home between the county council and the that has been going on between the schooling for him if this fouling on grass verges, would like to know of Lancashire Social Care Partnership, two organisations over recent years. carries on and I just parks, pavements and anygroupsorpeople which represents independent care The charter is based on the wondered how this gardens on my journey. who could take her out providers in Lancashire, and includes Department of Health’s Dignity in could be arranged. I It is such an eyesore for to socialise and make Lancashire Care Association (LCA) Care Charter, which was launched in would be extremely the public and causes friends if ever I needed a and the UKHCA Lancashire Forum. November 2006. grateful for any advice such a mess. day off. I love going to County Councillor Chris Cheetham Social care providers, including care you could give us for our Please can something be see my mother and the said: “There is a commitment from all home owners and managers, will be son’s welfare. done about this to clean joy it brings her even if care providers that people facing resi- asked to sign up to Lancashire’s Name withheld up our village for the we just go out for a cof- dential care, and their relatives, will be Dignity in Care Charter as part of responsible dog owners feeorIcantakeherfor treated with dignity. their agreement with the council. If you have concerns and the rest of the pub- a walk, and I wondered over bullying, you need lic who like to keep our if I could maybe join a to contact a teacher or village clean? group where I would be the headteacher at your Mrs T Griffin, Rishton able to help other elderly child's school and have people with activities Improving energy usage a discussion with them Dog fouling is a cleans- like this, as well as my Continued from p1 regarding your son’s ing issue and the foul- mum? welfare. If you are not ing of footways and Mrs Lawson, Lancaster Schools are also being encouraged to The county council is already a key satisfied with the greensisdealtwithby start “energy clubs” to look at how they member of the Lancashire Climate school’s response you your district council. Lancashire County can contribute. Change Partnership, a group of public can write to the school Please contact your local Council does have a Councillor Harding said: “The and private sector organisations which governors and also con- council and request to Volunteers Service Carbon Trust will help us to look at have joined forces to coordinate action tact your area speak to the cleansing which recruits and what we are doing to cut carbon, how to cut carbon and prepare the county Education Welfare department regarding trains volunteers to sup- we are doing it and whether we are for the effects of global warming. Office for advice and the matter and they port people who access achieving our aims. The county council is one of the guidance at any time should be able to help social care services. “Monitoring and reducing energy largest organisations ever to join the via 0845 053 0000. you keep your village Volunteers can provide and fuel use is not easy, especially for Carbon Trust. Don’t know who With regard to home clean. 'befriending' support a large organisation, and I’m very glad The Carbon Trust was set up by the to contact when schooling, in the first and assist service users we have won the backing of this Government in 2001 as an independ- you need help? instance you will need By the board and carers with day-to- scheme which has proven success.