ROAD CLOSURE NOTICES
SILVER STREET, TETSWORTH 25th July 2022 for 8 weeks
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – Section 14(1)
Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Tetsworth, Silver Street
Prohibition of Through Traffic
Date of Order: 18 July 2022, Coming into force: 25 July 2022
This Order is being introduced because of water main renewal works in Silver Street and High Street which is anticipated to take 8 weeks to complete working weekdays 9:30am to 3:30pm.
The effect of the Order is to temporarily prohibit any vehicle proceeding in Silver Street (cul-de-sac) near its junction with High Street. Appropriate traffic signs will be displayed to indicate when the measures are in force.
Exemptions are included for emergency services and for the works and for access to premises which are only accessible from the closed section of road.
This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.
Traffic Regulations Team (Ref: T9921/MR) for the Director for Infrastructure Delivery, County Hall, Oxford OX1 1ND. 0345 310 1111.
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – Section 14(1)
Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Tetsworth, Silver Street
Prohibition of Through Traffic
Date of Order: 18 July 2022, Coming into force: 25 July 2022
This Order is being introduced because of water main renewal works in Silver Street and High Street which is anticipated to take 8 weeks to complete working weekdays 9:30am to 3:30pm.
The effect of the Order is to temporarily prohibit any vehicle proceeding in Silver Street (cul-de-sac) near its junction with High Street. Appropriate traffic signs will be displayed to indicate when the measures are in force.
Exemptions are included for emergency services and for the works and for access to premises which are only accessible from the closed section of road.
This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.
Traffic Regulations Team (Ref: T9921/MR) for the Director for Infrastructure Delivery, County Hall, Oxford OX1 1ND. 0345 310 1111.
B4009 Aston Rowant 7th-8th July
TRAFFIC REGULATION NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT, 1984
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, that the Oxfordshire County Council TEMPORARILY PROHIBITS THE USE OF THE HIGHWAY BY ALL MOTOR VEHICLES
LOCATION: Aston Rowant, B4009
REASON: To facilitate carriageway patching works.
DURATION: Starting on 07 July 2022 The anticipated completion date is 08 July 2022 (date included). This will operate between 20:00 and 05:00 (Traffic Regulation Notices cover a maximum of 5 consecutive days.)
ACCESS: Limited access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for frontages within the closed section of road, subject to the progress of the works
SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: via A40 London Road – B4012 – B4445 – Station Road – B4009 and vice versa
Paul Fermer, Assistant Director of Environment and Place Date: 25 April 202
TRAFFIC REGULATION NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT, 1984
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, that the Oxfordshire County Council TEMPORARILY PROHIBITS THE USE OF THE HIGHWAY BY ALL MOTOR VEHICLES
LOCATION: Aston Rowant, B4009
REASON: To facilitate carriageway patching works.
DURATION: Starting on 07 July 2022 The anticipated completion date is 08 July 2022 (date included). This will operate between 20:00 and 05:00 (Traffic Regulation Notices cover a maximum of 5 consecutive days.)
ACCESS: Limited access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for frontages within the closed section of road, subject to the progress of the works
SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: via A40 London Road – B4012 – B4445 – Station Road – B4009 and vice versa
Paul Fermer, Assistant Director of Environment and Place Date: 25 April 202
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND SURVEYS
COMMUNITY SUPPORT - General
SODC message on Support for Ukraine
We’re working really hard with our partner organisations across Oxfordshire to provide support for any Ukrainian refugees that arrive in our districts along with help and guidance for their host families.
The government has published some outline information for the Homes for Ukraine scheme for local authorities to help support Ukrainian families and individuals to come to the UK. The only route for people to enter the UK currently is through the sponsored visa process, which triggers a request to local authorities for support.
The government is working on a second scheme that will enable organisations and community groups to sponsor multiple guests. As soon as we have more information, we’ll share the details with you.
We have set up a Support for Ukraine page on our website for you and our residents on these government-run schemes and links to international charities and organisations that are helping those still in Ukraine by providing food, water, medicines and shelter during the conflict.
We’re working really hard with our partner organisations across Oxfordshire to provide support for any Ukrainian refugees that arrive in our districts along with help and guidance for their host families.
The government has published some outline information for the Homes for Ukraine scheme for local authorities to help support Ukrainian families and individuals to come to the UK. The only route for people to enter the UK currently is through the sponsored visa process, which triggers a request to local authorities for support.
The government is working on a second scheme that will enable organisations and community groups to sponsor multiple guests. As soon as we have more information, we’ll share the details with you.
We have set up a Support for Ukraine page on our website for you and our residents on these government-run schemes and links to international charities and organisations that are helping those still in Ukraine by providing food, water, medicines and shelter during the conflict.
Information for South Oxfordshire residents about the £150 ‘rebate’ to help with energy bills
Thousands of council taxpayers in South Oxfordshire will soon receive a £150 council tax ‘rebate’ to help with rising energy bills.
The government has announced that most households in council tax bands A-D will be eligible for the rebate however, contrary to some reports, the ‘rebate’ will not be taken off people’s council tax bills when they are issued.
South Oxfordshire District Council is putting arrangements in place to make a separate payment to households as soon as possible. Here’s how the payments will be made:
To receive the £150 payment as quickly as possible, residents can still sign up to pay their bill by direct debit – for more information on how to do this, visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax.
If you are struggling to pay your council tax bill, please visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax to find out about the support available or call 0345 302 2313.
For advice if you are struggling to pay other bills please visit Citizens Advice website – citizensadvice.org.ukFor more information, visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax
Thousands of council taxpayers in South Oxfordshire will soon receive a £150 council tax ‘rebate’ to help with rising energy bills.
The government has announced that most households in council tax bands A-D will be eligible for the rebate however, contrary to some reports, the ‘rebate’ will not be taken off people’s council tax bills when they are issued.
South Oxfordshire District Council is putting arrangements in place to make a separate payment to households as soon as possible. Here’s how the payments will be made:
- If a household pays their council tax by direct debit – they should be able to receive the £150 directly into their bank account. South and Vale are hoping to start making these payments by the end of April.
- If a household is not on direct debit – it will take longer to make these payments as the councils will need to write to them to confirm their bank details.
To receive the £150 payment as quickly as possible, residents can still sign up to pay their bill by direct debit – for more information on how to do this, visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax.
If you are struggling to pay your council tax bill, please visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax to find out about the support available or call 0345 302 2313.
For advice if you are struggling to pay other bills please visit Citizens Advice website – citizensadvice.org.ukFor more information, visit southoxon.gov.uk/counciltax
SODC Household support fund
SODC has made more funds available to residents through their Household Support Fund (HSF) voucher scheme: Oxfordshire County Council has provided a further £82,500 and SODC has also topped this with £35,000 from one of their Covid funding pots. Demand is high, so they expect these funds to be spent within the next couple of weeks. Since the start of HSF in December, they’ve supported 1,052 households (351 in South and 701 in Vale). They’ve now allocated a total of £391,100 of vouchers to residents in both districts to support them with winter essentials – that’s £256,100 in the Vale and £135,000 in South Oxfordshire.
People who are struggling to pay for food, energy, water bills and other related expenses can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7907 / hsf@osavcab.org.uk to apply for support. They will refer all successful applicants to receive vouchers from the councils’ Community Hub.
Due to the high demand for support from this fund, please note that Citizens Advice phone lines are very busy and we ask that you leave a voicemail if you don’t immediately speak to an advisor – they will call you back as soon as possible.
Anyone in need of emergency support with food or medication, can contact NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 or the Community Hub on 01235 422600.
SODC has made more funds available to residents through their Household Support Fund (HSF) voucher scheme: Oxfordshire County Council has provided a further £82,500 and SODC has also topped this with £35,000 from one of their Covid funding pots. Demand is high, so they expect these funds to be spent within the next couple of weeks. Since the start of HSF in December, they’ve supported 1,052 households (351 in South and 701 in Vale). They’ve now allocated a total of £391,100 of vouchers to residents in both districts to support them with winter essentials – that’s £256,100 in the Vale and £135,000 in South Oxfordshire.
People who are struggling to pay for food, energy, water bills and other related expenses can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7907 / hsf@osavcab.org.uk to apply for support. They will refer all successful applicants to receive vouchers from the councils’ Community Hub.
Due to the high demand for support from this fund, please note that Citizens Advice phone lines are very busy and we ask that you leave a voicemail if you don’t immediately speak to an advisor – they will call you back as soon as possible.
Anyone in need of emergency support with food or medication, can contact NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 or the Community Hub on 01235 422600.
ADVICE AND HELP ABOUT DAMP FOR PROPERTY RENTERS
Many households suffer from health-damaging damp and mould in their homes, which during winter often become worse, and at times unliveable. Research from Shelter shows the health of one in five renters (22%) in England – or 1.9 million households - is being harmed by poor housing, with damp and mould affecting 26% of all renters. But what can be done about it?
At the end of the day, your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in from the start of your tenancy until you leave.
For more information on how to deal with housing issues and your rights:
Visit Shelter's online advice page
Many households suffer from health-damaging damp and mould in their homes, which during winter often become worse, and at times unliveable. Research from Shelter shows the health of one in five renters (22%) in England – or 1.9 million households - is being harmed by poor housing, with damp and mould affecting 26% of all renters. But what can be done about it?
- Mould is caused by damp conditions. The first step is to work out where the problem is coming from. Find out more about the different types of mould, and what you can do about it here.
- Landlords and tenants have different responsibilities. Tenants have a duty to ensure their home is well-ventilated and have a general temperature of at least 15 degrees. Landlords need to take action if the damp or mould is caused by a repair problem or affecting your health and safety.
- Need to report damp and mould to your landlord? Make sure you follow up any initial phone calls to your landlord with a letter or email. Shelter’s website has information on how to report repairs and also a template letter that tenants can use.
At the end of the day, your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in from the start of your tenancy until you leave.
For more information on how to deal with housing issues and your rights:
Visit Shelter's online advice page
Oxfordshire County Council SEND support
OCC invite you to contribute to two consultations on plans to develop a more inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Oxfordshire.
Their proposals include making more high quality SEND education available closer to home, reducing reliance on out of county provision, and improving educational outcomes for children through closer partnerships between the council and schools.
They’re also seeking views on a draft Local Area SEND Strategy to develop high quality services across education, health, and social care to support children and young people and their families.
Find out more and access the consultations here: https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/children-with-special.../
OCC invite you to contribute to two consultations on plans to develop a more inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Oxfordshire.
Their proposals include making more high quality SEND education available closer to home, reducing reliance on out of county provision, and improving educational outcomes for children through closer partnerships between the council and schools.
They’re also seeking views on a draft Local Area SEND Strategy to develop high quality services across education, health, and social care to support children and young people and their families.
Find out more and access the consultations here: https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/children-with-special.../
Accessing dental care in Oxfordshire
December 15, 2021 - A message from Healthwatch Oxfordshire.
Access to NHS dentistry has been one of the most significant issues people have raised with us over the last 18 months. We know that many people are still struggling to get the dental treatment they need. Here is a summary of what we know, and our advice to local people.
Why is it so hard to see a dentist?
The last update we had from NHS England and NHS Improvement said that practices were concentrating on providing urgent care and treatment for patients with the greatest clinical need. This does mean that some patients, including those with a regular dentist, may be unable to access routine care. It is also unlikely that dental practices providing NHS care will be able to accept patients for non-urgent care or those not considered as having greater clinical need.
How can I find an NHS dentist?
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area. You can find a dental surgery that’s convenient for you and phone them to see if there are any appointments available. Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.
Where can I find a list of NHS dentists in Oxfordshire?
You can search for a dentist near you using the Find a Dentist tool on the NHS website.
Do I need to be registered with an NHS dentist to get help?
If you’re not registered with an NHS dentist and feel you need urgent help, you can contact any dentist and ask if they can help. You should explain to the dental practice why you urgently need to see a dentist. Even if they’re not taking on new patients, they may still be able to see you as a one-off. However, this will depend on their capacity, and you may need to spend time ringing around many dentists.
What happens if I can’t find an NHS dentist for urgent help?
Call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 Online service. They may refer you to a local Urgent Dental Centre or advise you about pain relief and self-care.
Can I go to A&E for help with an urgent dental problem?
The NHS website says only for very serious problems. Call 111 if you’re not sure.
Do I have to pay for urgent dental care at a dentist?
Yes. Urgent NHS dental care costs £23.80, under the national list of NHS dental fees, but you can check if you are exempt from paying NHS costs by checking the NHS Business Services Authority’s checker online as well as this online list of those exempt from charges.
Private urgent dental care costs vary and could cost more than £100. Dentists can offer both NHS and private care, so make sure to be clear on which type you want and ask for details of charges upfront.
How do I make a complaint?
NHS dental care is arranged by NHS England so you can raise concerns or complaints by calling them on 0300 311 22 33 or for more information see here
December 15, 2021 - A message from Healthwatch Oxfordshire.
Access to NHS dentistry has been one of the most significant issues people have raised with us over the last 18 months. We know that many people are still struggling to get the dental treatment they need. Here is a summary of what we know, and our advice to local people.
Why is it so hard to see a dentist?
The last update we had from NHS England and NHS Improvement said that practices were concentrating on providing urgent care and treatment for patients with the greatest clinical need. This does mean that some patients, including those with a regular dentist, may be unable to access routine care. It is also unlikely that dental practices providing NHS care will be able to accept patients for non-urgent care or those not considered as having greater clinical need.
How can I find an NHS dentist?
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area. You can find a dental surgery that’s convenient for you and phone them to see if there are any appointments available. Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.
Where can I find a list of NHS dentists in Oxfordshire?
You can search for a dentist near you using the Find a Dentist tool on the NHS website.
Do I need to be registered with an NHS dentist to get help?
If you’re not registered with an NHS dentist and feel you need urgent help, you can contact any dentist and ask if they can help. You should explain to the dental practice why you urgently need to see a dentist. Even if they’re not taking on new patients, they may still be able to see you as a one-off. However, this will depend on their capacity, and you may need to spend time ringing around many dentists.
What happens if I can’t find an NHS dentist for urgent help?
Call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 Online service. They may refer you to a local Urgent Dental Centre or advise you about pain relief and self-care.
Can I go to A&E for help with an urgent dental problem?
The NHS website says only for very serious problems. Call 111 if you’re not sure.
Do I have to pay for urgent dental care at a dentist?
Yes. Urgent NHS dental care costs £23.80, under the national list of NHS dental fees, but you can check if you are exempt from paying NHS costs by checking the NHS Business Services Authority’s checker online as well as this online list of those exempt from charges.
Private urgent dental care costs vary and could cost more than £100. Dentists can offer both NHS and private care, so make sure to be clear on which type you want and ask for details of charges upfront.
How do I make a complaint?
NHS dental care is arranged by NHS England so you can raise concerns or complaints by calling them on 0300 311 22 33 or for more information see here
Vouchers will help residents with winter essentials - South Oxfordshire District Council will be supporting residents struggling to afford household essentials this winter through a new voucher scheme.
The new, targeted programme uses money from the government’s Household Support Fund. It will help pay for vulnerable households’ food, energy, and water bills and other essential household costs.
The funds are not restricted to people who receive benefits, and a range of factors are taken into consideration when assessing applications. The scheme will open in the next couple of weeks and will end in March 2022. Details on how to apply will be on our website.
The county council is also providing support for children and young people eligible for free school meals from the same government fund.
The new, targeted programme uses money from the government’s Household Support Fund. It will help pay for vulnerable households’ food, energy, and water bills and other essential household costs.
The funds are not restricted to people who receive benefits, and a range of factors are taken into consideration when assessing applications. The scheme will open in the next couple of weeks and will end in March 2022. Details on how to apply will be on our website.
The county council is also providing support for children and young people eligible for free school meals from the same government fund.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT - Please use the link to find out all you need to know about Universal Credit
Carers Oxfordshire - Carers Oxfordshire gives support to parent carers, those who are aged 18 and over and care for a disabled child, delivered by Action for Carers and Rethink Mental Illness. The service offers a bespoke training package, A Carers Journey which gives all carers that practical help when they need it. It is a free service for all unpaid adult carers in Oxfordshire.
Their goals are to:
Their goals are to:
- Help people recognise their role as a vitally important carer so that they can access the support they are entitled to.
- Make the caring journey easier by enabling carers to navigate what can be a confusing system.
- Work with carers to help them find ways to care for themselves as they care for someone else.
- Encourage and champion all carers in their caring role.
Saturday music sessions for children - Children aged six to 13 are able to join in musical groups in a series of new sessions at venues across the county on Saturday mornings. The music groups are aimed at children who have been playing an instrument for at least a term and up to grade 5 and who are looking to develop their skills and performance with other players of similar ages. They offer a fun, safe supportive atmosphere where children can make new friends and improve their playing by performing with others.
The 90-minute Saturday music centre sessions are available through school term times from 18 September and are available in Bicester, Oxford, Didcot, Thame and Witney.
Music centre instructors will offer expert tuition to allow the children in the sessions to develop their musical skills by playing as a group in an orchestral style. All of our instructors are DBS checked and risk assessments and safety precautions are being taken to reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
Booking lessons is easy; parents can visit the council’s webpage, select the nearest venue and reserve a place. The groups will run on an ongoing basis through school terms. Participating children will need to bring their own instruments to the sessions. The sessions will run each Saturday from 9am until 10.30am.
The new sessions come after school choirs and bands have not been able to rehearse together for more than a year, and children learning to play an instrument had to rely on remote instruction from their teachers.
URL : http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/saturday-music-sessions/
The 90-minute Saturday music centre sessions are available through school term times from 18 September and are available in Bicester, Oxford, Didcot, Thame and Witney.
Music centre instructors will offer expert tuition to allow the children in the sessions to develop their musical skills by playing as a group in an orchestral style. All of our instructors are DBS checked and risk assessments and safety precautions are being taken to reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
Booking lessons is easy; parents can visit the council’s webpage, select the nearest venue and reserve a place. The groups will run on an ongoing basis through school terms. Participating children will need to bring their own instruments to the sessions. The sessions will run each Saturday from 9am until 10.30am.
The new sessions come after school choirs and bands have not been able to rehearse together for more than a year, and children learning to play an instrument had to rely on remote instruction from their teachers.
URL : http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/saturday-music-sessions/
COMMUNITY SUPPORT - Safety
Thames Valley Victim Support Survey
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber has launched a survey inviting views on the support needs of victims to help inform possible options for the future commissioning of services.
The survey is anonymous and is seeking views of victims of crime or abuse and of professionals who work directly with victims or refer people into victims services. It covers areas such as feedback on current provision including the PCC’s Victims First service, access and potential barriers to support, and gaps in services.
The survey is launching on 2 March and closing at 12pm on 6 April.
The link to the survey is www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/victims-survey
Further information can be found in the TVP press release at Police and Crime Commissioner seeking views to improve support for victims of crime · Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber has launched a survey inviting views on the support needs of victims to help inform possible options for the future commissioning of services.
The survey is anonymous and is seeking views of victims of crime or abuse and of professionals who work directly with victims or refer people into victims services. It covers areas such as feedback on current provision including the PCC’s Victims First service, access and potential barriers to support, and gaps in services.
The survey is launching on 2 March and closing at 12pm on 6 April.
The link to the survey is www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/victims-survey
Further information can be found in the TVP press release at Police and Crime Commissioner seeking views to improve support for victims of crime · Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)
New NHS campaign to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse
The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
New data published from an England-wide survey has revealed:
The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
New data published from an England-wide survey has revealed:
- over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident.
- 44% of people said they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted
- 72% of respondents are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.
Sessions to help hair and beauty staff support victims of domestic abuse
The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership and Oxfordshire charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse are running a series of free online training sessions for people in the hair and beauty industry to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The events called ‘Transformations - changing our response to domestic abuse’ will highlight what staff should do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk or suffering from domestic abuse.
The sessions are available for anyone working in South or Vale in hair and beauty, including, nail bars, tattooists and ear-piercing establishments.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, so it’s very important that people know how they can support and signpost those affected.
More information is available on SODC's Eventbrite page.
The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership and Oxfordshire charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse are running a series of free online training sessions for people in the hair and beauty industry to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The events called ‘Transformations - changing our response to domestic abuse’ will highlight what staff should do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk or suffering from domestic abuse.
The sessions are available for anyone working in South or Vale in hair and beauty, including, nail bars, tattooists and ear-piercing establishments.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, so it’s very important that people know how they can support and signpost those affected.
More information is available on SODC's Eventbrite page.
Help is available for victims of domestic abuse - Stencils raising awareness of the support available for victims of Domestic Abuse have been appearing in public places across South Oxfordshire. South Oxfordshire District Council is working with local charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse to highlight the issue. They have stencilled messages in district council car parks as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, an annual international campaign which began on 25 November with White Ribbon Day – the International day for the elimination of violence against women, and ends on 10 December with Human Rights Day. The stencils ask one of three questions:
The council also has several other schemes and projects that helps residents’ safety and ensures they have access to support should they need it, including Ask for Angela and Safe Places.
All messages will be stencilled in washable chalk spray paint, with permission from South Oxfordshire District Council.
For more information visit southoxon.gov.uk/communitysafety
- Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells?
- Are you afraid of your partner?
- Are you worried about someone you know being controlled?
The council also has several other schemes and projects that helps residents’ safety and ensures they have access to support should they need it, including Ask for Angela and Safe Places.
All messages will be stencilled in washable chalk spray paint, with permission from South Oxfordshire District Council.
For more information visit southoxon.gov.uk/communitysafety
Drink and needle spiking - You may have seen reports in the media recently following an increase in instances of alleged drink and needle spiking. Being spiked with alcohol or drugs can make you seriously vulnerable. If you have any concerns, please take a look at the Talk to Frank website which has some great tips on staying safe and what to do if you think you or a friend has been spiked. Everyone deserves to feel safe while out enjoying time with friends.
Safety and Reassurance for pub-goers - Ask for Angela provides reassurance for pub goers. If you’re on a date or out celebrating Christmas or the New Year in one of the many pubs or bars in our town centres this Christmas, help will be at hand if things take a turn for the worse.
In many licensed venues in South Oxfordshire, if you feel uncomfortable you can now go to the bar and ask; “Is Angela in?”. Staff will then offer discreet help, such as keeping an eye on you, calling a friend, relative or taxi, or the police - or simply help you to leave the building via an alternative exit. To find out which venues are signed up to Ask for Angela visit southoxon.gov.uk/askforangela.
In many licensed venues in South Oxfordshire, if you feel uncomfortable you can now go to the bar and ask; “Is Angela in?”. Staff will then offer discreet help, such as keeping an eye on you, calling a friend, relative or taxi, or the police - or simply help you to leave the building via an alternative exit. To find out which venues are signed up to Ask for Angela visit southoxon.gov.uk/askforangela.
A Safe Place to go - Being in a town centre can be quite a daunting experience, this can be especially true in the run up to Christmas when it’s a lot busier with people trying to find that all-important present. If someone does feel vulnerable it’s important that they have someone to go to for help.
That’s why many of our town centre locations are now registered as Safe Places. This means that if someone does need help then trained staff will be available to offer support and will contact a family member, adult social care, or the police, for assistance and keep them safe until they arrive.
Safe Place locations are identified by a distinctive orange and yellow Safe Place window sticker, you can also find out where they are by visiting safeplaces.org.uk.
That’s why many of our town centre locations are now registered as Safe Places. This means that if someone does need help then trained staff will be available to offer support and will contact a family member, adult social care, or the police, for assistance and keep them safe until they arrive.
Safe Place locations are identified by a distinctive orange and yellow Safe Place window sticker, you can also find out where they are by visiting safeplaces.org.uk.
Laughing gas is #NoLaughingMatter - A campaign has started across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to highlight the issues and dangers of Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. The campaign sees #NoLaughingMatter stencils painted across the districts.
Most people will have seen the small silver cannisters discarded in public areas, such as parks and high streets. Perhaps they didn’t know what they were, became concerned about people using them or were annoyed at the litter. Maybe they knew exactly what they were and had used them before. Laughing gas is the second most used recreational drug among young people in the UK aged 16-24. It is sold in small cannisters that can often be found discarded in streets and parks.
Laughing gas is a psychoactive substance – when inhaled it slows down the body’s response time, which can lead to fits of laughter, dizziness and feeling relaxed. However, it can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and headaches, and if too much laughing gas is inhaled, the user could suffer shortness of breath or even pass out, potentially putting their life at risk. When discarded in public areas, the cannisters also cause a litter nuisance.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched the #NoLaughingMatter campaign to raise awareness of laughing gas and the risks of using it, and are encouraging residents to report any cannisters they find and to seek advice/support where needed.
#NoLaughingMatter – to find out what you need to know about laughing gas visit southandvale.gov.uk/nolaughingmatter
If you see people using laughing gas, or notice cannisters discarded in a public area, please report it by contacting the Community Safety Team at communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk or by calling 01235 422590.
For advice and help about laughing gas please Talk to Frank.
Most people will have seen the small silver cannisters discarded in public areas, such as parks and high streets. Perhaps they didn’t know what they were, became concerned about people using them or were annoyed at the litter. Maybe they knew exactly what they were and had used them before. Laughing gas is the second most used recreational drug among young people in the UK aged 16-24. It is sold in small cannisters that can often be found discarded in streets and parks.
Laughing gas is a psychoactive substance – when inhaled it slows down the body’s response time, which can lead to fits of laughter, dizziness and feeling relaxed. However, it can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and headaches, and if too much laughing gas is inhaled, the user could suffer shortness of breath or even pass out, potentially putting their life at risk. When discarded in public areas, the cannisters also cause a litter nuisance.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched the #NoLaughingMatter campaign to raise awareness of laughing gas and the risks of using it, and are encouraging residents to report any cannisters they find and to seek advice/support where needed.
#NoLaughingMatter – to find out what you need to know about laughing gas visit southandvale.gov.uk/nolaughingmatter
If you see people using laughing gas, or notice cannisters discarded in a public area, please report it by contacting the Community Safety Team at communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk or by calling 01235 422590.
For advice and help about laughing gas please Talk to Frank.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT - Covid-19
Move Together - Help to move more and feel better - Have you been shielding due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Has your physical or mental health and wellbeing been negatively impacted by COVID-19? If so, Move Together can help! This is a new county-wide partnership project aiming to support people to move more to help improve their physical health, mental health and wellbeing. Find out more here.
SODC is looking for more volunteers to help with the project They are working with Active Oxfordshire to support people to move more, to help improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing, with activities tailored to suit individual needs. Moving more can help with mood, energy levels, sleep and weight management, as well as with helping to manage long term health conditions.
If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a Move Together volunteer, or someone who already runs activities in the district that help to improve physical and or mental wellbeing, and has the capacity to take on more clients, please ask them to contact the Active Communities team. Training and guidance will be given.
If someone is able to help, please ask them to contact Adam Godwin on 07717836750 or adam.godwin@southandvale.gov.uk.
You can find out more about Move Together on the Get Oxfordshire Active website.
SODC is looking for more volunteers to help with the project They are working with Active Oxfordshire to support people to move more, to help improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing, with activities tailored to suit individual needs. Moving more can help with mood, energy levels, sleep and weight management, as well as with helping to manage long term health conditions.
If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a Move Together volunteer, or someone who already runs activities in the district that help to improve physical and or mental wellbeing, and has the capacity to take on more clients, please ask them to contact the Active Communities team. Training and guidance will be given.
If someone is able to help, please ask them to contact Adam Godwin on 07717836750 or adam.godwin@southandvale.gov.uk.
You can find out more about Move Together on the Get Oxfordshire Active website.
Supporting Businesses to Survive and Thrive in 2022 - Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
As the COVID-19 Pandemic enters its third year, it is clear that businesses must continually review their resilience to a wide range of challenges and adapt. I am sure you will agree that we have some fantastic businesses in Oxfordshire, and it is essential that everything possible is done to help those businesses to survive and hopefully in most cases, thrive.
For the last 3 years our teams at Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) have been supporting SMEs with business resilience, innovation, and growth. In fact, we have supported well over 2700 businesses with grants, leadership development, training, mentoring, coaching and advice.
We hoped we were drawing a line under this most challenging of times for businesses, when we produced an impact report on our work in Oxfordshire, covering the period of the pandemic from April 2020 to August 2021. This report, ‘Supporting businesses to survive and thrive’, has been published and shared widely online, but I also wanted to make sure you had seen it.
We know we could have improved our support to businesses over this period, we have adapted already, and we will be taking further learning forward over the coming year. We hope that by sharing this Impact report we can raise the profile of the support available, so that more businesses can receive the best support possible to survive and thrive in 2022 and beyond.
The Impact Report is also available to read online here:
https://www.oxlepbusiness.co.uk/2020-21-impact-report
Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss how we could engage and support more Oxfordshire businesses in 2022.
As the COVID-19 Pandemic enters its third year, it is clear that businesses must continually review their resilience to a wide range of challenges and adapt. I am sure you will agree that we have some fantastic businesses in Oxfordshire, and it is essential that everything possible is done to help those businesses to survive and hopefully in most cases, thrive.
For the last 3 years our teams at Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) have been supporting SMEs with business resilience, innovation, and growth. In fact, we have supported well over 2700 businesses with grants, leadership development, training, mentoring, coaching and advice.
We hoped we were drawing a line under this most challenging of times for businesses, when we produced an impact report on our work in Oxfordshire, covering the period of the pandemic from April 2020 to August 2021. This report, ‘Supporting businesses to survive and thrive’, has been published and shared widely online, but I also wanted to make sure you had seen it.
We know we could have improved our support to businesses over this period, we have adapted already, and we will be taking further learning forward over the coming year. We hope that by sharing this Impact report we can raise the profile of the support available, so that more businesses can receive the best support possible to survive and thrive in 2022 and beyond.
The Impact Report is also available to read online here:
https://www.oxlepbusiness.co.uk/2020-21-impact-report
Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss how we could engage and support more Oxfordshire businesses in 2022.