Come Join our Team!

Come join our team. The Community Council for Berkshire (CCB) is looking to recruit new Trustees onto our Board.

CCB is an independent charity with over 40 years’ experience in community development work. CCB is the Rural Community Council for Berkshire and works to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire. Our core mission is to inspire communities in Berkshire to thrive. Our vision is for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures.

Your skills and experience will be put to use to make a lasting difference in the communities in which you work or live. Perhaps you have some time on your hands due to retirement or other circumstances, or have ideas and skills that would bring benefits to local communities. We are seeking a range of Trustee skills and experience to fulfil roles on our Board so whether you have plenty of time and energy to commit or you have other obligations but can attend an evening meeting once a quarter and help make key decisions we would love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, expand your network, meet new people and open doors to possible new career paths!

Honorary Treasurer
Are you a number cruncher? Do you have a head for figures and a heart open to volunteering for a local independent charity?

CCB is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer, following the retirement of the current post holder. This is a key voluntary position and the post holder will also sit as a Trustee/Director (see below) on CCB’s Board.

Ideally the post holder will have a professional qualification in accountancy or finance but a sound financial knowledge and experience would suffice.

The Hon Treasurer will be a point of contact for expert financial guidance for our other Trustees and Chief Operations Officer. You will need to be available for occasional discussions via telephone or face-to-face. For a full job description please e-mail admin@ccberks.org.uk

Trustee
Non-remunerated post, however out of pocket expenses are payable.
Appointment initially for three years and up to a maximum of six years.

CCB is seeking to recruit new Trustees to our Board. We are looking for people who have an interest in our work and, ideally, particular experience or knowledge in one or more of the following fields: Governance/Trustee Responsibilities, Campaigning, Charity Law, Health & Safety knowledge or Marketing & Sales experience.

Trustees need to have an interest and enthusiasm for working to improve community life in Berkshire and the ideal person will also have strong networks or alliances within the County. Post holders will be expected to attend 4 (mostly evening) Board Meetings per year. In addition there may be a small number of other meetings to attend including the Annual General Meeting and a Board/Staff Away Day.

For further details please e-mail admin@ccberks.org.uk.

NHS Berkshire Health Network - June

Message from NHS Berkshire Health Network

Welcome to the June edition of BHN Update

We’ve had a busy past month with several health awareness campaigns - including World Blood Donor Day, a call for men who work outside to “Cover Up, Mate!” and a campaign encouraging women with learning difficulties urged to attend screening appointments (details below). The record breaking temperatures we saw earlier this month truly announced the start of summer, so there lots of information and tips on how to beat the heat in this edition. There’s also details on a campaign which is a aimed at helping prevent pressure ulcers and some details on new resources for patients asking about social care.

How to beat the heat 

Bright, long hot summer days are what many of us look forward to – especially during a cold, wet Berkshire winter. However, while we are enjoying the balmy days of summer, we should not forget that the temperature can get too high and it can become dangerously hot for some.

If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn't harm you or anyone you know. There is a wealth of information from the NHS online on how to cope in hot weather, including what symptoms to look out for to see if someone is being made ill by the heat and who is most at risk.

There are practical tips for coping in hot weather from the NHS, much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there's nothing to really worry about. For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer.

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn doesn't just happen on holiday – you can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. You can find expert advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety from the NHS.

Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. There is important information about how to best keep infants & young children cool during a heatwave available from the NHS. 

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. When the normal water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in your body, which affects the way it functions. Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy It is important to stay hydrated in the warm weather.  Information about how to best keep hydrated during a heatwave.

React to Red - prevent pressure ulcers

The React to Red skin campaign is aimed at helping prevent pressure ulcers. By reacting to red skin over bony areas and asking for help and advice from a healthcare professional you can stop red skin becoming a serious wound.

The campaign has developed as we see many patients admitted to hospital with pressure ulcers that they have not told anyone about. Often these are very painful, wet and sore and can become very serious if they become infected. 

Our message is React to Red Skin Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has produced this leaflet, providing advice on how to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
As a patient, family member or carer there are a few simple things you can do to prevent a pressure ulcer developing:

• Regularly check skin isn’t sore or discoloured in anyway. If it is let a healthcare professional know
• It’s really important you keep moving while in bed or on a chair. Change your position as much as possible when appropriate
• When you’re unwell or immobile going to the toilet can be difficult. Ensure that skin is clean and dry or ask for help
• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids
• Special equipment is available for those at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Ask for help and your healthcare professional will advise you.

Change4Life with Disney returns with 10 Minute Shake Up activities

Kids need 60 minutes of activity every day. Any 10-minute-burts of activity counts, whether it’s a run in the park, a kick about with the football, or a 10 minute Shake Up in the living room - it all adds up.

Change 4 Life have developed a range of resources including Disney-inspired wall charts, event kits, downloadable resources and teaching materials for schools that are all available now.

There's plenty to choose from to get them started now, with more Shake Ups arriving each week from July 17. 
Every 10 minutes counts!

Outdoor workers to “Cover Up, Mate” to reduce risk of skin cancer

The local NHS is urging men who spend a lot of time outdoors to protect themselves against the sun, to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer rates are higher than average and rising, and the NHS “Cover Up, Mate” campaign is targeting male agricultural and construction workers, gardeners and sports-players – who often don’t use suncream.

Public Health England figures show that between 2005 and 2014, incidence of malignant melanoma rose by 44.4% in men in West Berkshire, by 65.6% in men in Reading and by 12.4% overall in Wokingham.

The campaign urges men who spend long periods of time outdoors to protect themselves against the sun. Going into shade, wearing clothing and sunglasses, and using at least factor 15 sunscreen on all exposed skin will all help reduce the risks outdoor workers face.
Anyone who notices a change to a mole, freckle or normal patch of skin, should tell their doctor. The earlier skin cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. More information on spotting the symptoms of skin cancer is available online from the NHS.

Numbers of young smokers at record low as indoor smoking ban celebrates 10th anniversary

1st July 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the ending of smoking in enclosed public places in England. The smoking ban in England has helped cut smoking rates as more people have been encouraged to kick the habit in the last ten years.

In 2007 the government passed a new law which made it illegal for anyone to smoke in an enclosed public place and within the workplace.

The most recent figures also show a significant drop in smoking among younger adults with smoking at an all-time low in those aged 18-24 years – this is a huge step toward establishing the first tobacco-free generation.

Despite the fall in the number of smokers, many people find it hard to quit and tobacco remains the number one killer in England and a chief cause of long-term poor health with one in four hospital beds occupied by a smoker.

The NHS Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you're up to five times more likely to quit for good. 

Many people relapse when quitting smoking, if you're tempted to start smoking again, call the free NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 to get support from a trained adviser or get support online.

Women with learning difficulties urged to attend screening appointments in Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

Local Clinical Commissioning Groups supported European Cervical Cancer Awareness Week in June. The week aimed to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening and its role in preventing cancer, as well as encouraging local women with Learning Difficulties to go for their screening test when invited.

It is really important for all women to attend cervical screening as it can detect pre-cancer abnormalities, which, if left untreated, may develop into cancer. Every day nine women in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three women will lose their lives to the disease.

Locally in Berkshire West, far fewer women with learning disabilities have been going for their screening test when invited, compared to women without a learning disability.

An Easy Read leaflet for people with Learning Difficulties on the screening test is available, please share with anyone you may feel may benefit from reading it.

New resources for patients asking about social care

A new website providing resources to support older people and their relatives find information about social care in later life has been launched. The website contains a leaflet and short film and covers basic information about social care including what information different organisations can and cannot provide. The resources are based on research carried out by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York and funded by the National Institute for Health Research School for Social Care Research.

World Blood Donor Day
June 14th was World Blood Donor Day - a global event organised by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation.

In England, every time someone gives blood they save or improve the lives of up to three people. NHS Blood and Transplant needs just under 200,000 new donors to attend a session to give blood this year. They will replace those are no longer able to donate, those who can’t donate temporarily due to travel or other short term restrictions.

There is a particular need to attract more younger donors (from 17 years old) and people from South Asian and black communities. People from South Asian and black communities are more likely to have rarer blood types and conditions, such as Thalassaemia or Sickle Cell Disease respectively, which require regular blood transfusions.

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating. To find out more or book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter. There are other ways to keep in touch with developments in your local NHS. One way is to go to your local CCG’s website for news as all the opportunities to give your views or get involved will be there. Another is these monthly updates you’re already receiving from the Berkshire Health Network. If you find these BHN updates useful, please encourage friends, family and patients at your practice to register too.  

Rural Housing Week 3rd - 7th July; Get the lowdown from CCB on Rural Housing

Rural Housing Week 2017 is happening between 3-7 July, focusing on what rural housing associations can do to increase the supply of homes in rural communities. 

CCB has worked in partnership with some of the Housing Associations in Berkshire over the last 12 years to produce Housing Need Surveys. In 2017 we run a project called Berkshire Rural Housing Partnership funded by Sovereign Housing, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and West Berkshire Council.

Get the lowdown on all things Rural and Housing related in our helpful news article.

Rural Affordable Housing

Communities that are interested in exploring their options of providing affordable homes for people with a connection to their community have a number options open to them. Three of these options are rural exception sites, Community Land Trusts and the Community Right to Build.

In general, rural affordable housing schemes start with identification of need. A Housing Needs Survey of the community determines whether there is any actual need for affordable homes and gauges community support for a housing initiative. Sometimes a landowner will promote land for a scheme which may prompt action to start the process. There must be evidence of housing need in the community to support any planning application.

For further information on housing needs surveys, including costs and timescales, please contact Tim Parry at the Community Council for Berkshire: tim.parry@ccberks.org.uk

Rural Exception Sites

A Rural Exception Site is where planning permission may be given by a local authority for affordable housing on land that would not receive permission for any other purpose, provided there is an identified local need. They can only be developed in parishes defined as rural. Depending on local policies, the land would need to abut the village settlement envelope as shown in the local plan for the district. Affordable homes on a rural exception site are preserved for the benefit of the community in perpetuity.

There are safeguards to ensure that the proposed properties remain affordable for local people through a condition placed by the planning process known as a “Section 106” agreement. It also ensures that the Right to Buy does not apply. Shared ownership properties are restricted to a maximum equity of 80%, with the housing association retaining at least a 20% interest in the house.

The National Planning Policy Framework now permits an element of ‘cross-subsidy’ on rural exception sites. This is a limited number of houses to sell on the open market in order to raise money to develop the affordable homes.

For further information, please contact Tim Parry at the Community Council for Berkshire: tim.parry@ccberks.org.uk

Community Land Trusts (CLTs)

CLTs are locally based, not-for-profit organisations that hold assets such as land and buildings in trust. They capture the value of land by excluding assets from the speculative market in perpetuity, and use the value to benefit the community. CLTs are driven by the people who are directly affected by local decisions: they manage the trust, giving them real access to local governance.

Community Land Trusts give a high degree of community control over assets which include housing but are not necessarily limited to housing. They may also encompass workspace, and community amenities such as village shops.

Provision of housing or other space on such a scheme is through the purchase of shares and is income linked, rather than property value linked. Increases in the value of a property are shared on resale between the Trust and the homeowner (or renter) according to the allocated shares. Profits are invested back into the Trust.

While historically not new, CLTs have recently had a resurgence in England. CLTs have recently been promoted as a means for providing affordable housing to communities. There are now many examples of CLT developments, including:

·         Stroud, Gloucestershire

·         High Bickington, North Devon

·         Holy Island

These schemes take a tremendous amount of drive and determination from a community to develop. However, the end result is development controlled by your community that meets your precise requirements. There is a significant amount of advice and funding support available from Government sources.

For more information see: www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk

They can be very rewarding and provide multiple solutions for keeping communities sustainable. These schemes may be developed on rural exception sites, although are not limited to them.

Community Right to Build

The Localism Act 2011 granted new powers to communities, including the Community Right to Build (CRtB). It is a type of Neighbourhood Development Order (NDO – a specific type of planning permission granted by a Parish or Town Council).

This right enables local people to bring forward small scale, site specific, community-led developments that can consist of any type of building and should benefit the community. It may therefore have a mix of homes to sell and affordable homes that help to finance some other community amenity like a community building, recreation facility or other development identified as required by the community.

In order to be able to use the right, members of a community will need to set themselves up as a corporate body with the purpose of furthering the social, economic and environmental well-being of the local community (i.e. community interest company (CIC)).

Development proposals will need to meet minimum criteria and have the agreement of more than 50 per cent of local people that vote through a community referendum. It will be for communities to determine the type of development they want to see, including the type and tenure of any housing, including affordable housing.

Any benefits from any development, such as capital or rental receipts, will remain within the community trust for the benefit of the community.

See www.mycommunityrights.org.uk for full details. 

Come Join Our Team: CCB is Seeking an Honorary Treasurer

Are you a number cruncher? Do you have a head for figures and a heart open to volunteering for a local independent charity?

CCB is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer.

We an an independent charity with over 40 years' experience in community development work. CCB is the Rural Community Council for Berkshire, we work to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire. Our core mission is to inspire communities in Berkshire to thrive. Out vision is for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures.

Your skills and experience will be put to good use to make a lasting difference in the communities in which you work or live.  Please see below to read more about the Honorary Treasurer Job Description. If you would like to apply please send you CV and/or a short e-mail outlining why you feel you are suitable for the position to admin@ccberks.org.uk. Please note that this is a voluntary position but out of pocket and travel expenses are payable.

Honorary Treasurer Job Description

The Honorary Treasurer works in close cooperation with, and provides support and advice to, the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The specific responsibilities of the Honorary Treasurer are to:

·         Guide and advise the Board of Trustees, in the interpretation and approval of budgets, accounts, financial statements, and cash flow.

·         Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.

·         Advise the Board, and the COO on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans and key assumptions included in the business plan and annual budget, especially those which are outside the agreed boundaries of management authority.

·         Confirm that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs, and where not, ensure that the Board are made aware of the situation so that appropriate steps are taken to rectify the position.

·         Understand the accounting procedures and key internal controls to be able to assure the Board that CCB’s financial integrity is sound.

·         Support the annual process of external review of accounts, ensuring compliance with the relevant SORP.

·         Formally present the accounts at the annual general meeting, drawing attention to important points, either in a written report or orally.

·         Monitor the organisation’s investment activity and ensure its consistency with the organization’s policies, aims, objectives and legal responsibilities.

·         Maintain contact with the organisation’s accountants, as required.

Don’t delay – Compare costs and switch energy supplier to save money!

Sana is pictured here with her English tutor Debbie Shorten

Martin Lewis from Money Saving Expert says “Don't wait to switch - every day's delay costs. We've seen the price of the cheapest energy deal jump by £110/yr (on typical use) since May last year, and with rising wholesale costs - that's what energy companies pay for gas and electricity - the trend's likely to continue.”

See http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk, Ofgem’s advice site for a step by step guide on how to compare costs and switch. Visit Helen’s webpage at CCB for advice on all aspects of reducing home energy costs: http://www.ccberks.org.uk/fuel-energy-advice.

Helen is out and about in Berkshire giving home energy advice to low income families at Children’s Centres and other venues. If you have a group that might be interested in a drop-in advice session, please email Helen at helen.dean@ccberks.org.uk.

Recently, Helen gave a talk to an English lesson in Slough, and, after acting on Helen’s advice Sana, an English student, saved £440 per year off her gas and electricity costs. She considers that the saving is due to a combination of getting the best deal on her energy, claiming the Warm Home Discount, and reducing her energy usage at home after taking on board the advice given at the presentation. Sana is pictured here with her English tutor Debbie Shorten.

FREE TRAINING: How to be a Better Trustee

Do you run a community building? Do you know your responsibilities as a charity trustee? Are you familiar with legislation affecting your hall?

Find our more by coming along to this training event, delivered by CCB. This event is free of charge and is being funded by the Adult and Community Learning Team at Wokingham Borough Council.
Preference will be given to people who reside or work within Wokingham Borough.


It’s a topic of interest to anyone involved in running and maintaining their community building or village hall and a good opportunity to meet other hall trustees as well. The meeting will cover governance, legal obligations, licences required, hiring costs, booking procedures as well as other topics raised on the night.

Venue: Charvil Village Hall, The Hawthorns, RG10 9TR

Date: Wednesday 12th July, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

If you would like to attend please complete a booking form: https://ccberks.wufoo.eu/forms/how-to-be-a-better-trustee/
For further information please email Wendy.Dacey@ccberks.org.uk

NHS Berkshire Health Network - May Update

Please find below an update from NHS Berkshire Health Network

Talking Therapies in BerkshireProblems such as anxiety, depression, stress and phobias are very common. Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable service that helps people with these problems. They are there to help adults aged 17+ living in Berkshire and we have a team of advisors and therapists who can help you to overcome life’s difficulties and problems and manage them better. You can refer yourself to Talking Therapies now, or ask your GP or healthcare Professional to refer you.If you’re not sure if this is the right service for you, complete an online self assessment form. 

Support for young people - the Little Blue Book of SunshineLife can be tough when you are young! If school is pants, you’re trying to figure out who you are and parents are stressing you out… then why wouldn’t you feel down on the world? But, that’s rubbish if it means you feel bad about yourself, lose confidence or can’t bounce back.The #littlebluebookofsunshine explains some of the things young people can do right now to feel better, or who to turn to if things feel too much. Copies are available at school and you can also download a copy.

Street Triage ServiceMental Health Triage is an ongoing initiative where police and mental health services work together to ensure people who present to police with a mental health crisis receive the most appropriate pathway to care.

Mental health professionals accompany or assist police at incidents where the possible mental ill health of an individual gave rise to concern. They offer the police professional advice on the spot, access health information systems, and help to liaise with other care services to identify the right kind of support required.

Berkshire West’s street triage service has been a success in reducing inappropriate application of section 136 to detain individuals experiencing mental health crisis in the community. In recognition of this valuable service Berkshire West’s Clinical Commissioning Groups have agreed in partnership with the three Local Authorities to commission the street triage service through for the next two years. The service covers the whole of Berkshire West and it is supported by Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Health Care Foundation NHS Trust.

Improving mental health services for veterans and armed forces personnel approaching dischargeThe Transition, Intervention and Liaison veterans’ mental health service provides the treatment and support for veterans, and is now also be available to armed forces personnel approaching discharge.

Support includes recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing access to early treatment and support, as well as therapeutic treatment for complex mental health difficulties and psychological trauma. Patients may also be provided with help with employment, reduction in alcohol consumption, housing and social support.To access the service as a veteran, patients must:

• be a resident in England

• have served in the UK armed forces for a full day

• be registered with a GP practice in England or be willing to register with a GP

• be able to provide their military service number or another form of acceptable proof of eligibility.

Those people meeting the criteria can self-refer or request referral via a GP, health care professional or service charity. The service can be contacted by email sc.veterans@nhs.net or by calling 0300 365 0300.

Integrated IAPT ServiceBerkshire West’s Clinical Commissioning Groups, in partnership with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, have successfully secured national funding to implement the ‘Integrated Improving Access to Psychological Therapy Service’ in Wokingham and Newbury District Locality to support people suffering from Long Term Conditions experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression.

Dying matters Awareness Week 2017 

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year, the campaign is asking "What Can You Do?" This aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year, the campaign is asking "What Can You Do?" This aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year, the campaign is asking "What Can You Do?" This aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year, the campaign is asking "What Can You Do?" This aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.

Every year in May, Dying Matters Awareness Week gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year, the campaign is asking "What Can You Do?" This aims to get people more active in planning for dying and death and helping support those who may need it in times of grief and bereavement, be they friends, family or in your wider community.Find out how you can get involved in the conversation.

Bowel cancer screening could save your life, but you have to return the test!The NHS in Berkshire has been raising awareness about the importance of screening for bowel cancer during April, in support of Bowel Cancer Awareness month.

In the UK, from the age of 60 until your 74th birthday, a bowel screening kit is sent to your home automatically every two years. You don’t need to have experienced any symptoms of bowel cancer; the test picks up early signs of cancer that may otherwise go undetected. It is this early diagnosis that has proven to be the life-saving key to bowel cancer treatment.Treatment for early signs of bowel cancer has been very effective, but there is still a long way to go. 

Most people will carry out the test, return their sample in the post and within two weeks be told that there were no signs detected. It will be another two years before you are asked to carry out the test again. For others however, the test may find blood in the sample in which case, you will be invited to a local screening centre to talk about your results. This does not mean you definitely have cancer; the bleeding could be caused by a non-cancerous growth or another health problem. You will be offered more tests to find out what is causing the bleeding.Find out more from Cancer UK

CCB's Annual Review 2016-17: A glance back as we look to the future

Please take a moment to read what the CCB team were busy getting up to in 2016-17. Many of our projects continue with earnest in 2017-18 and if you would like any information or to learn more about any of them please get in touch with the team on 0118 9612000 and admin@ccberks.org.uk. Please click here to read a copy.

NEW: Emergency First Aid& Defibrillator Training in Wokingham

Does your community have a defibrillator? Would you know how to use it in an emergency? If you don’t have one in your village, have you considered having one – either by fundraising as a community to buy one or obtaining a grant from the British Heart Foundation?

All these questions will be answered at the Community Council for Berkshire (CCB) training event. The meeting will be run by Heartstart Swallowfield and will include emergency first aid training and a practical demonstration of how to use defibrillators. 

This training is FREE to attend and light refreshments will be provided. Access to rural areas can be time consuming for community first responders and emergency services, particularly if the weather is bad, so the knowledge of local people could save a life! The meeting is being funded by Adult Community Learning Wokingham Borough Council and is taking place on Wednesday 21st June at the Arborfield Village Hall from  7pm - 9.30pm. Preference will be given if you reside or work within the Wokingham Borough. 

If you would like to attend please complete a booking form: https://ccberks.wufoo.eu/forms/z1ehn9m005ollb3/

West Berkshire Energy Switch Spring Auction - registration now open

West Berkshire Energy Switch Spring Auction - registration now open

West Berkshire Council is encouraging residents to see if they can get a better deal by signing up to the West Berkshire Energy Switch.

According to OfGem around 20 million energy customers in Britain are on standard variable tariffs and likely to be over paying for their energy. Supplier’s standard tariffs are usually their most expensive, and in recent weeks many suppliers have announced headline price rises for these tariffs. 

Latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show that 67% of electricity customers, and 66% of gas customers are on standard tariffs. These customers are paying on average £117 more annually for their electricity and £134 more annually for their gas, than those on fixed tariffs.

Customers on a fixed tariff are urged to check their fix end date, as once this ends they too will be moved to a standard tariff. 

If your fixed deal is coming to an end shortly, you will usually be able to switch without penalty during the last 42-49 days of a fixed tariff. Check with your supplier in the first instance as this will vary between suppliers. Customers on a very good fixed deal, looking to fix now, will likely find that they have to pay more for their energy.

In the past year, the West Berkshire Energy Switch has saved switchers over £59,132. Those residents registering and switching in the recent February auction still saved an average of £128.66 on their annual energy bills, despite a rising energy market. 

The West Berkshire Energy Switch is a free to join scheme which gives residents the chance to make savings on their fuel bills by registering to take part. A one day reverse auction will then held on the 23rd May, where suppliers compete with their best offers, the winning supplier/s then sends registrants their personalised offer for consideration. There is no obligation to switch, sign up and see if you can save. To register or find out more, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/communityswitch

You will need to have your latest energy bill to hand, as you’ll need the details during the registration process. Registration is open to all, register by midnight on Monday 22nd May 17 to be sure of taking part (additionally West Berkshire residents will have approximately 4 additional weeks to sign up after this, subject to the winning suppliers’ agreement).

West Berkshire residents without internet access can contact 01635 503267 to register - remember to have your energy bill or annual statement to hand when you call.

CCB Training for RBWM Neighbourhood Planning Groups

On  the 19th of April at Maidenhead Town Hall Windsor and Maidenhead Neighbourhood Planning groups had the benefit of a free training session run by RBWM to help them get through the hurdles they are currently facing preparing their Neighbourhood Plans..

The training, organised by Robert Paddison from the RBWM Planning Team, brought together Arlene Kersley from the Community Council of Berkshire (CCB) who provided a process overview, with Jed Griffiths from Griffiths Environmental Planning, a veteran planner from Hertfordshire who spoke specifically about writing policies appropriate in the Green Belt.

Cllr. Christine Bateson introduced the session with an update on the current progress of the Neighbourhood Plan Groups in the Borough.  The Borough was a vanguard for Neighbourhood Planning back in 2012.

Ascot and the Sunnings was one of the very first Neighbourhood Plans to be adopted in the country.

Hurley and the Walthams has now passed examination and is awaiting referendum.  Arlene Kersley from CCB has been a member of the Steering Group and the chair of the Housing Task Group, in addition to providing support getting the plan through submission. Arlene is also a Locality Neighbourhood Planning Champion.

Several other plans are nearly at the point of examination. Including Horton and Wraysbury, and Bray, with the Windsor plans following close behind.

The training was particularly aimed at helping the groups who are still at the early stages of the process to understand the importance of writing clear and meaningful policies that will stand up to examination and will serve their community long into the future.  In addition all the groups were given an idea of what the processes are to get to the point of submission of a plan and what to expect from an Examination report.

With the end of this event comes the end of an era, as this will be Arlene's last training event with CCB.  Arlene will be retiring from CCB from Monday 24th of April.

Volunteer for Berkshire Community Foundation

Berkshire Community Foundation are looking for two volunteers to join our busy team, the role details are below and the adverts we are using are attached. 

Role Title: Administration Volunteer

Role Description: Berkshire Community Foundation is looking for an administration volunteer to help with tasks such as:

• ·         Database updates
• ·         Assisting with event organisation
• ·         Marketing assistance including social media
• ·         General correspondence and producing letters and reports

Requirements:

• ·         Between 6 and 12 hours per week
• ·         Good Microsoft skills
• ·         Attention to detail

Contract type: Part-time Volunteer

Location: Green Park, Reading

Contact: Rosanne Hall, PA/Office Manager

Main contact telephone: 0118 930 3021

Email: info@berkshirecf.org

How to apply: Email us or call us to discuss your experience and the hours you can offer.

Role Title: Marketing & Events Volunteer

Role Description: 

Berkshire Community Foundation is looking for a Marketing & Events Volunteer help with the following duties:

• ·         Assist with the production of the newsletter, Impact Report and general BCF publications
• ·         Event Management assistance
• ·         Project Management assistance
• ·         Source and promote fundraising challenges/events
• ·         Develop local media relationships
• ·         Assist with social media content and scheduling
• ·         Copy-writing for case studies

Requirements:

• ·         Between 6 and 12 hours per week
• ·         Good Microsoft skills
• ·         Attention to detail

Contract type: Part-time Volunteer

Location: Green Park, Reading

Contact: Rosanne Hall, PA/Office Manager

Main contact telephone: 0118 930 3021

Email: info@berkshirecf.org

How to apply: Email us or call us to discuss your experience and the hours you can offer.

West Berkshire Leaner Achievement Awards now open for nominations

The Learner Achievement Awards are now open for nominations.

These annual awards celebrate the success of post 19 education and training across West Berkshire. Nominations can cover individual learners, tutors, learner groups and volunteers who have excelled in a learning environment in the last 12 months. Post 19 education includes a range of courses including professional, vocational education and apprenticeships, health and wellbeing, life skills, leisure, family learning and community development. #

During the last financial year CCB has delivered training to over 270 adult learners in West Berkshire on courses like; How to Use Social Media, Be a Better Trustee, Start a Neighbourhood Development Plan, Rural Housing in 2017, Defibrillator Training, Arts in Village Halls and many more. If you would like to nominate CCB as a learning provider or indeed one of our tutors please click here. The deadline for all nominations is 5pm on  Friday, 28th April 2017.

Each award winner receives a certificate, a cash price (£100 for individual awards and £250 for the group award) and are invited to the awards ceremony at Shaw House, Newbury on Friday, 9th June 2017 from 5:30 to 7:00pm.

For more information please click here or contact the community learning team on aclteam@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 519060.

2016-17 Rural Housing Enabler Report - last blog from CCB's RHE Arlene

CCB Rural Housing

The year was characterised by uncertainty with regards to waiting for changes in the National Policy Planning Framework – which are not now expected until autumn 2017.   Brexit created turmoil in legislative terms which has stalled government from putting in place anticipated legislation clarifying affordable housing. Some good news came when Gavin Barwell announced there would be ne flexibility with regards to tenures and the HCA is now permitting some grant funding for affordable rents, although there is no specific amount allocated.

There remained during the beginning half of the year little parish interest in having either housing need surveys or sites appraised, however there has been a sudden increase in activity and interest across the board and demand for housing need surveys and site appraisals.  This is mirrored with Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) projects around the country.

What activity there has been of late has been largely landowner, agent or, developer led, which has led to much frustration on the part of the RHE who has found two key issues:
1 .Motivations for demand are largely financial, without any true understanding of the principle of rural exception sites.
2. Costs need to be charged back to private landowners/developers, which is fine, but often they are simply on the receiving end of free consultation and information before any actual costs kick in.

So with a heavy heart in December 2016, I decided that the time had come for me to leave the RHE Project in Berkshire.  A special meeting was called with the funding partners, who seemed surprised but relieved as ongoing funding may have been problematic.

The intractable problems of affordable housing shortages have not gone away.  Myself and Tim have been putting in considerable effort to ensure the RHE project can (and should) continue to operate across Berkshire and possibly the wider region as RHE coverage is diminishing beyond Berkshire borders as well.   The issue of affordable housing in rural communities should not be forgotten.  What is clear from housing survey evidence, is that really affluent communities in the area are already at tipping point.  Too unaffordable to have existing affordable housing, and therefore all the less interested in having any developed.   These communities are the most at risk as they will become victims of unsustainability in the future, particularly as they age.

Successes / Outcomes 2016-17

Housing Need Surveys 
In West Berkshire one Housing Need Survey took place during the year in Compton which was delivered in December 2016. The survey was in part funded directly by Compton Parish Council who took on the cost of printing, delivery and freepost costs of returns. 

CCB also undertook a survey on behalf of Community Impact Berkshire during the year as they no longer have a funded RHE.  The survey was funded directly by a local landowner.  We hope that this will form the basis of a longer term partnership relationship with CIB in delivering rural housing outcomes.

Neighbourhood Plans and Rural Housing
In February the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) approved the Hurley and the Walthams Neighbourhood Plan, which passed examination in January.  The plan will go to referendum shortly.  The Plan includes a policy written by myself  in support of rural exception site and since its publication I have seen an increased interest from landowners in the area in making land available for affordable housing.  2 site appraisals have taken place to date as a result.

Community Led Housing Fund
I was named as key contact for the Community Led Housing Fund and along with Tom Archer from the CLT Org. met with the RBWM Regeneration Group in February to discuss the RBWM options for putting this fund to best use.  This work will be ongoing and hopefully CCB will be able to help with the Community Engagement aspects of the RBWM project.
Training Activity
2 CCB/RHE led training events took place in during the year:
• Introduction to Affordable Housing at Calcot in February
• Housing Need Survey Training for RCCs in March 2017

National Activity
In the absence of local activity I continued to be a strong voice for rural housing at national forums and events. In February I relinquished her representation of the RHE Network on the Rural Housing Network and handed over the Chairmanship of the RHE Network to Mark Deas from Cambridgeshire ACRE.  The Network is in good hands and with activity picking up by the end of the year, the short-term future at least is secure.

CCB Neighbourhood Planning

Hurley and the Walthams NP
The year has been devoted to bringing the Hurley and the Walthams Neighbourhood Plan to final draft, getting it through its Regulation 16 consultation, and in November it finally went to examination.  In January the Plan passed examination but with the loss of 7 of the policies that were specific to the individual parishes.  However what did get through was an Exception Site policy that includes specific criteria for cross-subsidy.  At a meeting in February the group voted to accept the Plan as modified by the Examiner and it is expected that the Plan will go to Referendum later in 2017. During the year I attended and facilitated not less than 7 NP meetings, as well as editing and compiling all of the submission documents.

That brings a close to the RHE activity for the year in Berkshire, and heralds the start of a new Programme for the future.

CCB and myself in particular wish to thank all of the Partners for their longstanding commitment to the project. I have been very happy to have been a part of this project for the past 11+ years.

By Arlene Kersley, CCB Rural Housing Enabler
April 2017