They are developing new guidance for NHS and social care organisations across England (e.g. doctors, hospitals, councils).  This guidance will be an ‘Information Standard’ which will tell organisations how they should make sure that patients, service users and carers can understand the information they are given.

To help with this, they want to find out what people think about their plans. To find out more click on the link below, where you can find an introduction to this work (including getting the information in easy read format, BSL video and braille) and links to 3 online surveys: 

• Patients/clients and carers, 
• Staff
• Voluntary organisations and other partners

www.england.nhs.uk/accessibleinfo 

Deadline for responses is 21 February 2014.

If you are based in Derbyshire and have questions please contact: Sharon O’Hara, Service Manager (Information) Adult Care, Derbyshire County Council Tel: 01629 532451 or Email: Sharon.O’Hara@derbyshire.gov.uk

The document provides an overview of what constitutes data, the types of data available and advice is given on how the different data types should be evaluated. Links to websites run by key data providers, including the Office for National Statistics, are also provided.

There are three main chapters to the document:

Chapter 1 describes what data is and how data can be used (for example, to understand a problem) to help answer questions about what is happening and why. This chapter also explains different types of data and where they come from.

Chapter 2 shows what data is available across eight key themes (disability, education, employment, income, health and wellbeing, transport, housing and other disability data), where it can be found and gives examples of use.

Chapter 3 shows how data can be used and what information it can reveal. This section also explains some of the problems that can happen when using data incorrectly, and some of the ‘rules’ that need to be obeyed.

Download at odi.dwp.gov.uk/fulfilling-potential/toolkit.php

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales has announced its intention to launch a new funding strategy in April, reflecting discussions with charities and other funders. 

They will launch two new funding programmes, along with an optional support programme for successful applicants. These new programmes demonstrate the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to support charities that have the greatest impact upon improving the lives of disadvantaged people and their communities. 

• Invest – flexible, long term core funding programme for organisations delivering clear, targeted outcomes for disadvantaged people;

• Enable – smaller and shorter grants programme for organisations that have identified clear development needs;

• Enhance – programme working alongside the Invest or Enable programme providing an option of tailored in-kind support to strengthen and develop charities’ effectiveness. 

Details of the thinking behind the strategy are in 'Breaking Disadvantage : Bettering Lives'

The Foundation will continue to process grant requests under the current Community Programme over the coming months. However, to ensure a smooth transition between the programmes the existing Community Programme will be closing and no further funding enquiries will be accepted after February 14th. 

Changes include:

• The number of homes that should be built across High Peak up to 2031
• Options for sites that could be allocated for housing development
• Minor Green Belt amendments
• Other changes to land designated for employment, retail, education or their environmental value
• Significant changes to policy

The potential changes are proposed in response to previous consultation feedback and new evidence.  The consultation includes a number of potential sites that were not included in the Preferred Options Local Plan. It also includes some potential sites that have been consulted on previously, during the consultation held in Autumn 2012, but removed from the Preferred Options consultation in February 2013. Some new sites that have not previously been subject to consultation are also included.

How to respond - To view the consultation, people can call in at Buxton Town Hall or Glossop Municipal Buildings, visit any of the borough’s libraries or view the details online at highpeak-consult.objective.co.uk/portal

Consultees have until Monday 10th February to respond:

Online: highpeak-consult.objective.co.uk/portal

By email: LDF@highpeak.gov.uk

By post: Regeneration, High Peak Borough Council, Town Hall, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EL

In March/April 2014 the Council will publish the submission version of the Local Plan and invite representations on this final version.  It is intended to submit the plan for Examination to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2014, with the estimated date for Examination Hearings being October 2014. The Local Plan is expected to be adopted in February 2015.

Winter is here, the heating is on and energy prices went up before Christmas – it’s costing more than ever to keep warm 

But good news – We are offering free sessions to community groups to help people take practical steps to cut costs and stay healthy. It includes help to switch energy tariff or provider to get a better deal, a check to see that you are getting any energy-related benefits that you are entitled to and tips on energy-saving.

On average people who have never switched energy provider before can save £130 - £150 a year by doing so, but anecdotally we are finding that people in the High Peak are saving up to £700.

If you are interested in having a session for your group, staff or volunteers, please get in touch with Esther Jones at High Peak CVS via esther@highpeakcvs.org.uk or 01663 736 429.

The number of tenants falling behind with rent payments has more than doubled over the past six years, according to the Money Advice Trust charity.

Tony McIlveen, senior solicitor at Chesterfield Law Centre, said: "A recent report featured by Money Advice Service, stated that rent arrears has doubled in six years. People think there is no longer any legal aid for housing problems so they don’t seek advice. But if you have rent or mortgage arrears and are threatened with losing your home you can get free legal advice funded by legal aid. Both the Law Centre and Direct Help and Advice can help.”

Residents in Derbyshire and Derby City can get free legal aided advice from Chesterfield Law Centre’s main office in Chesterfield and Direct Help and Advice office in Derby, plus 3 other locations across Derby City. Both organisations also have branch offices at: , Bolsover, Buxton, Clay Cross, Ilkeston, Matlock, Ripley, Staveley and Swadlincote.

For more details on getting free housing and homelessness advice, contact free phone number 0800 707 6990. Or contact:Teresa Waldron, Tony McIlveen or Lisa Haythorne at Chesterfield Law Centre on 01246 550528 or email to clc@chesterfieldlawcentre.org.uk

chesterfieldlawcentre.org.uk

They will be in Manchester on the 5th, 6th and 7th February 2014 delivering workshops for current students. If you would like to meet to discuss their course and work-based learning options in more details during this time please visit www.anglia.ac.uk/csemnw or call 0845 196 6707.

Testimonial - "It has been one of the most valuable courses I have undertaken and certainly the most relevant to the work place.”  Karen Rabjohn, Head of Fundraising, LAMP

The documents are at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/wastestrategy. An online questionnaire can be completed at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/dealingwithwaste. Anyone completing a questionnaire can enter a prize draw to win £50. 

The Councils welcome further comments on the strategy and documents either by emailing to wastemanagement@derbyshire.gov.uk or by posting to Freepost DY76, Derbyshire County Council, Dealing with Waste, Derbyshire Business Centre, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG.

Share experiences and learn new skills.  Relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Please contact James at the Buxton office of Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health, on 01298 212602 for further details.

A planning meeting will be held on Monday 13th January 2014 7.00pm at Glossop Central Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Glossop SK13 8AT.

For further information about the proposed group and the services of Bipolar UK please call us on 01270 230260 or email: groupdevelopment@bipolaruk.org.uk