Dorchester Community Mail-Out
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This page is the mail out from:
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Emma Scott
Community Development Officer Dorchester Town Council 19 North Square Dorchester DT1 1JF e.scott@dorchester-tc.gov.uk |
Events and Activities
What’s On
For the April edition of ‘What’s On in and around West Dorset’ produced by the Tourist Information Centre, click What's On
Digital Cake Concert – with the BSO
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have created an online concert, specifically designed for people living with dementia, as well as those who enjoy a more relaxed performance.
You are encouraged to join the concert from your own home whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
The concert is available to watch from the 9 April. To register for a FREE ticket, go to: https://bsolive.com/events/digital-cake-concert/
City-Nature Challenge - 30 April-3 May
Over the last year we’ve had the chance to explore our local areas like never before. What have you spotted on your daily walks? Have you seen plants popping up in unexpected places, or is there a particular tree that you’ve watched transform through the seasons, or an unusual bug you’ve observed in your nearest park?
Whatever it is, you can share what you’ve seen and join this year’s City Nature Challenge.
City Nature Challenge is a global initiative to map the nature flourishing within urban areas, taking place between 30 April and 3 May 2021. People from 400 cities all over the world are coming together to share observations of the nature all around them. You don’t have to be an expert to take part. Simply download the iNaturalist app (https://www.inaturalist.org/), take a photograph of nature in your local area, whether that’s a tree, plant, animal or insect, and upload. Experts will be reviewing and updating the information that’s submitted, so you can log back in later and learn more about what you’ve spotted.
Dr Jessica Wardlaw, Citizen Science Programme Developer at the Natural History Museum in London says, “Whilst this event is usually a competition between cities, this year anyone anywhere in the UK can take part. All observations are shared with a global database used to shape conservation efforts, assist with scientific studies and land management. This is our chance to put the fantastic flora and fauna we have in Dorset on the world map!”
For more information go to: https://citynaturechallenge.org/participate/
Dorchester Outdoor Vegan Market
Taking place at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, on Sunday 16 May from 10am-4pm. For more information, follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DorchesterVeganMarket
Dorchester Roman Town House
Following refurbishment, the Dorchester Roman Town House has reopened and is welcoming visitors. The site, which is the only fully exposed Roman Town House in Britain, is now accessible from a new entrance on West Walks (on the west side of County Hall).
For more information go to: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/local-history-heritage/roman-town-house/roman-town-house.aspx
On your bike!
Dorset Council have teamed up with local cycle trainers to offer a refresher course to help adults feel more confident about taking up cycling.
Limited vouchers are available to provide one-to-one bespoke tuition at a reduced rate.
For more information, and to apply for a voucher go to:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/cycling/adult-cycle-training-vouchers.aspx
For the April edition of ‘What’s On in and around West Dorset’ produced by the Tourist Information Centre, click What's On
Digital Cake Concert – with the BSO
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have created an online concert, specifically designed for people living with dementia, as well as those who enjoy a more relaxed performance.
You are encouraged to join the concert from your own home whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
The concert is available to watch from the 9 April. To register for a FREE ticket, go to: https://bsolive.com/events/digital-cake-concert/
City-Nature Challenge - 30 April-3 May
Over the last year we’ve had the chance to explore our local areas like never before. What have you spotted on your daily walks? Have you seen plants popping up in unexpected places, or is there a particular tree that you’ve watched transform through the seasons, or an unusual bug you’ve observed in your nearest park?
Whatever it is, you can share what you’ve seen and join this year’s City Nature Challenge.
City Nature Challenge is a global initiative to map the nature flourishing within urban areas, taking place between 30 April and 3 May 2021. People from 400 cities all over the world are coming together to share observations of the nature all around them. You don’t have to be an expert to take part. Simply download the iNaturalist app (https://www.inaturalist.org/), take a photograph of nature in your local area, whether that’s a tree, plant, animal or insect, and upload. Experts will be reviewing and updating the information that’s submitted, so you can log back in later and learn more about what you’ve spotted.
Dr Jessica Wardlaw, Citizen Science Programme Developer at the Natural History Museum in London says, “Whilst this event is usually a competition between cities, this year anyone anywhere in the UK can take part. All observations are shared with a global database used to shape conservation efforts, assist with scientific studies and land management. This is our chance to put the fantastic flora and fauna we have in Dorset on the world map!”
For more information go to: https://citynaturechallenge.org/participate/
Dorchester Outdoor Vegan Market
Taking place at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, on Sunday 16 May from 10am-4pm. For more information, follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DorchesterVeganMarket
Dorchester Roman Town House
Following refurbishment, the Dorchester Roman Town House has reopened and is welcoming visitors. The site, which is the only fully exposed Roman Town House in Britain, is now accessible from a new entrance on West Walks (on the west side of County Hall).
For more information go to: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/local-history-heritage/roman-town-house/roman-town-house.aspx
On your bike!
Dorset Council have teamed up with local cycle trainers to offer a refresher course to help adults feel more confident about taking up cycling.
Limited vouchers are available to provide one-to-one bespoke tuition at a reduced rate.
For more information, and to apply for a voucher go to:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/cycling/adult-cycle-training-vouchers.aspx
Advice, Information & Support
Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month, and the theme this year is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control’.
For suggestions on how to manage your stress, including an invitation to take part in a 30 day stress management challenge go to: https://www.stress.org.uk/stressawarenessmonth/
For further information about mental health services available in Dorset, and nationally, please click here.
Vaccination information
If you have not yet been invited for a vaccine by your local GP, you can continue to wait for them to contact you, or you can book your own appointment through the NHS if any of the following apply:
If you need financial support to get to your appointment, via taxi, you can call the Dorset Together helpline on 01305 221000 or complete the online form
Ordering a rapid flow Covid test
From Friday 9 April, everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid Covid test.
Testing kits will be available through:
· Community testing sites operated by local authorities
· Collection from a nearby PCR test site during specific time windows
· Existing workplace testing programmes
· An online home ordering service with kits then delivered through the post
· Participating local pharmacies where a box of 7 tests can be collected to be used twice a week at home
Anyone who tests positive using a lateral flow test will be expected to self-isolate along with their household. They can then order a second PCR Covid test, typically used for symptomatic cases, which will be sent off to a laboratory for analysis. If the confirmatory test comes back negative, their quarantine period is considered over immediately and they can resume normal life.
Educational Psychology Service helpline for parents and carers
If you're concerned about how your child is coping during coronavirus you can request a 30 minute consultation with one of the Dorset Council educational psychologists.
Calls are confidential unless there's a risk of harm to you, your child or someone else. Call 01258 474036, Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm to ask for an appointment.
Adult Community Learning – fully funded courses available
Dorchester based courses begin:
Courses are delivered by experienced tutors in a classroom setting from 10am-2pm. These are accredited City & Guilds qualifications.
Learners must be Dorset residents: 19+, unemployed or earning £17k or below.
To register or for more information contact Tanya Bailey:
Call: 07776960019
Email: dorsetskills@wrecltd.co.uk
Safe and Well
A Safe & Well visit is a completely free service offered by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to help keep our communities safe in their homes.
Before they visit your home they will telephone you to provide you with home fire safety advice and to identify if any additional equipment may be required, such as smoke, heat or CO alarms. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will then arrange to visit you at a convenient time to install any equipment and briefly look around your home to identify any fire risks.
The Safe & Well discussion will cover topics such as:
· Using electricity safely
· Cooking safely
· Making an escape plan
· What to do if there is a fire
· Keeping children safe
· Good practice – night time routine and other points relevant to you
· Identifying and discussing any further support you may need if necessary
To book a free Safe & Well telephone appointment:
Call 0800 038 2323 or request a referral here: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/safe-and-well-referrals/
April is Stress Awareness Month, and the theme this year is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control’.
For suggestions on how to manage your stress, including an invitation to take part in a 30 day stress management challenge go to: https://www.stress.org.uk/stressawarenessmonth/
For further information about mental health services available in Dorset, and nationally, please click here.
Vaccination information
If you have not yet been invited for a vaccine by your local GP, you can continue to wait for them to contact you, or you can book your own appointment through the NHS if any of the following apply:
- you are aged 50 or over
- you are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- you have a learning disability
- you get a Carer's Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you are a carer
If you need financial support to get to your appointment, via taxi, you can call the Dorset Together helpline on 01305 221000 or complete the online form
Ordering a rapid flow Covid test
From Friday 9 April, everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid Covid test.
Testing kits will be available through:
· Community testing sites operated by local authorities
· Collection from a nearby PCR test site during specific time windows
· Existing workplace testing programmes
· An online home ordering service with kits then delivered through the post
· Participating local pharmacies where a box of 7 tests can be collected to be used twice a week at home
Anyone who tests positive using a lateral flow test will be expected to self-isolate along with their household. They can then order a second PCR Covid test, typically used for symptomatic cases, which will be sent off to a laboratory for analysis. If the confirmatory test comes back negative, their quarantine period is considered over immediately and they can resume normal life.
Educational Psychology Service helpline for parents and carers
If you're concerned about how your child is coping during coronavirus you can request a 30 minute consultation with one of the Dorset Council educational psychologists.
Calls are confidential unless there's a risk of harm to you, your child or someone else. Call 01258 474036, Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm to ask for an appointment.
Adult Community Learning – fully funded courses available
Dorchester based courses begin:
- Monday 19th April – Level 1 English Skills – Dorchester (6weeks)
- Friday 23rd April – Level 2 Support Work in Schools – Dorchester (10 weeks)
Courses are delivered by experienced tutors in a classroom setting from 10am-2pm. These are accredited City & Guilds qualifications.
Learners must be Dorset residents: 19+, unemployed or earning £17k or below.
To register or for more information contact Tanya Bailey:
Call: 07776960019
Email: dorsetskills@wrecltd.co.uk
Safe and Well
A Safe & Well visit is a completely free service offered by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to help keep our communities safe in their homes.
Before they visit your home they will telephone you to provide you with home fire safety advice and to identify if any additional equipment may be required, such as smoke, heat or CO alarms. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will then arrange to visit you at a convenient time to install any equipment and briefly look around your home to identify any fire risks.
The Safe & Well discussion will cover topics such as:
· Using electricity safely
· Cooking safely
· Making an escape plan
· What to do if there is a fire
· Keeping children safe
· Good practice – night time routine and other points relevant to you
· Identifying and discussing any further support you may need if necessary
To book a free Safe & Well telephone appointment:
Call 0800 038 2323 or request a referral here: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/safe-and-well-referrals/
Consultations Open
Homelessness and rough sleeping – closing date 30 April
Dorset Council want your feedback on their draft strategy to tackle the pressures of homelessness and rough sleeping in Dorset. Find out more and have your say at: http://orlo.uk/eKD1v
What do the public think about Dorset’s COVID-19 vaccination programme
Healthwatch Dorset have launched a new survey this month asking Dorset residents to share their views and experiences of the county’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. They want to identify what is working well and where changes could be made to help the NHS improve delivery of vaccinations across the county.
It’s easy to share your views via their short online survey, by phone or email, and your feedback can be anonymous. Feedback and share our survey.
Covid Volunteer Response Survey – closing date Friday 23 April
A joint survey, including the Volunteer Centre Dorset has been launched to evaluate Covid-response volunteer programmes in the BCP Council and Dorset Council areas.
The results of the survey will be used to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the various programmes that used volunteers in COVID-response locally and to suggest future improvements, volunteer crisis response methods and the legacy of our current volunteer programmes throughout the remainder of the COVID pandemic and beyond.
If you have been helped by volunteers, volunteered yourself, or used volunteers to support people during the COVID pandemic, please feel free to share your experiences.
They would also like to hear from people who can offer insight into reasons why they weren't helped by volunteers, why they didn't volunteer themselves or didn't use volunteers to support people during the COVID pandemic.
No personal data will be asked for and your answers will be anonymous.
To complete the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/covidvolunteerresponse
Dorset Council want your feedback on their draft strategy to tackle the pressures of homelessness and rough sleeping in Dorset. Find out more and have your say at: http://orlo.uk/eKD1v
What do the public think about Dorset’s COVID-19 vaccination programme
Healthwatch Dorset have launched a new survey this month asking Dorset residents to share their views and experiences of the county’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. They want to identify what is working well and where changes could be made to help the NHS improve delivery of vaccinations across the county.
It’s easy to share your views via their short online survey, by phone or email, and your feedback can be anonymous. Feedback and share our survey.
Covid Volunteer Response Survey – closing date Friday 23 April
A joint survey, including the Volunteer Centre Dorset has been launched to evaluate Covid-response volunteer programmes in the BCP Council and Dorset Council areas.
The results of the survey will be used to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the various programmes that used volunteers in COVID-response locally and to suggest future improvements, volunteer crisis response methods and the legacy of our current volunteer programmes throughout the remainder of the COVID pandemic and beyond.
If you have been helped by volunteers, volunteered yourself, or used volunteers to support people during the COVID pandemic, please feel free to share your experiences.
They would also like to hear from people who can offer insight into reasons why they weren't helped by volunteers, why they didn't volunteer themselves or didn't use volunteers to support people during the COVID pandemic.
No personal data will be asked for and your answers will be anonymous.
To complete the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/covidvolunteerresponse