The Community Centre
Charity Auction of Promises
The Chippenham Lions are holding a Charity Auction on 15th April at Sutton Benger Village Hall.
Funds are being raised primarily for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and Fun Days for Young Carers in the Chippenham area and also for the other charities they regularly support.
They are looking for lots to include in the catalogue and are seeking quirky items exciting experiences, services, pub meals, craft items, artwork etc
Please contact jeff@chippenhamlions.org.uk (auction organiser)
On-Line Catalogue and Commission Bidding Form will be available on the Chippenham Lions website from 13 March.
Mayor's Midsummer Nights Ball
A night of magic, music, and mischief awaits at the Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday 29th April.
With a Midsummer’s Night Dream theme, the full event ticket includes a welcome drink, 2-course meal, costumed performers, live music and a disco. Or you can attend the after party only with live music and disco from 9:30pm.
Proceeds from the tickets and a cash raffle will support Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Heals.
With a dress code of Faerie Folk and Mythical Creatures, masquerade masks through to full costumes are encouraged and a costume competition will take place. A photographer will be in attendance to capture your creativity!
This event is brought to you with support from The Arts Society (Kington Langley) and Rag and Bone Arts.
Tickets: Full Event £50.00 | After-party only £12.00
Tickets are also available from the Neeld Box Office on 01249 446699, or at the Town Hall.
Help needed for community garden
Corsham Climate Action and The Pound Arts Trust are looking for volunteers to join a monthly working group to meet at the The Pound Community Garden.
The garden is designed to be accessible, easy to use and maintain, and aesthetically pleasing. It features flower and herb borders, raised beds for vegetable growing, with fruit tree planting along the path edges and against the walls surrounding the site.
From planting, mowing, weeding, mulching, and tidying, there will be plenty to help out with for all abilities and interests. Confirmed dates below (1st Saturday each month, apart from May), all days from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
1 April
8 May (Big Help Out Day)
3 June
1 July
5 August
2 September
7 October
Meet at the rear of The Pound arts Centre. Please access via public footpath to the side of the building not through Old School Yard. Free parking available in the arts centre car park.
Living Well discussion group
Alzheimer's Support are launching a training course for Dementia carers.
The course will provide more information about dementia, provide tips and advice for looking after someone with memory loss and the legal aspects of caring.
The relaxed and friendly online training course will run for 2 hours over a 6 weeks period on a Thursday morning from 9th March until 13th April. They'll be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
For more information visit the website alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk
Quiz Night at the Neeld
The ever popular Quiz Night with all proceeds going towards restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal is back at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre on Friday 14th April at 7.30pm.
Tea, coffee and cake will be available. They'll also be a licensed bar.
You'll need a teams of up to 4 and entry fee is £20 per team.
E-mail quiz@wbct.org.uk with Team Name no later than 6th April.
Recycling School Uniforms
Chippenham Uniform Exchange are a not-for-profit community interest organisation helping Chippenham families with the cost of school uniform.
There aim is to create a single unified scheme for reusing preloved items of school uniform in Chippenham.
They enable families to dispose of outgrown school uniform ethically for the benefit of the community instead of throwing it away into landfill.
Families can pass on to them any items of school uniform no longer needed which can then be accessed at very low cost through pop-up shops or provided for free to families who find themselves in financial hardship.
The scheme is available to all families with school-aged children in the Parish of Chippenham.
To donate or to find out more visit their website chippenhamuniformexchange.org.uk
Advice on how to help rough sleepers this winter
As the number of rough sleepers has increased nationally and locally, people are being offered advise on how they can provide real support.
If people see someone on the streets they can provide details to Streetlink which connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them. Streetlink will provide the council with details so officers can talk to the rough sleeper, help them find a warm place to stay and offer ongoing support.
If you want to advise them of someone sleeping rough visit their website, www.streetlink.org.uk.
Please give as much information as possible such as where they are, a short description of the person and if they have a dog.
Wiltshire Council works with rough sleepers throughout the year to help them find a place to stay and support to get back on track. The work is carried out alongside charities, which offer practical support as well as longer-term aid.
There are two Drop-in centres in Chippenham, one is located at The Citadel, Bath Road with sessions Mondays 9.30am - 12.30pm and Thursdays 12.30pm - 3.30pm and the other is at Unity House, 4 Wood Lane, which is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.
Drop-in centres offer things like food, clothing, showers, mail collection and help with day to day problems.
Ceroc Dance Classes
Ceroc is the fastest growing dance phenomenon in the country and now you can experience it at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre.
Classes are catered towards a range of different ability levels, from nervous first timer to dance floor master. Whether you turn up alone, with a partner or in a group, you will get the opportunity to dance with scores of other learners.
The classes teach dance in its general form providing you with all the skills necessary to start you off on your dance journey. They borrow moves and techniques from a wide variety of dance forms such as Ballroom, Latin American, Musical theatre, Street Dance, Argentine Tango and Salsa.
Classes take place every Wednesday.
Beginners classes are between 7.30pm – 8.15pm.
Short freestyle classes are between 8-15pm – 8.30pm.
Intermediate class are between 8.30pm – 9pm
Freestyle classes are between– 9.00pm – 10.30pm
For more information visit www.neeld.co.uk/ceroc-dance-classes
Chippenham Creative Carers
Drop in and join in a creative art/crafts session led by talented volunteers.
No experience of crafts is necessary – come along and enjoy some time to yourself, learn some new crafts and techniques and meet other unpaid carers.
The sessions take place at King Alfred Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Market Place, and run between 11.00am and 2.00pm on the third Friday of every month (dates below);
17 March 2023
Tea and coffee is provided but please bring your own lunch.
For more information email admin@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk.
Age UK Wiltshire is piloting a new service ‘Travel Friends’
The service aims to reduce loneliness for socially isolated older people and to help them to reconnect with their local communities, friends, and family. During Covid many older people have lost confidence in getting out and about.
Age UK Wiltshire are looking for people who will be able to work with an older person, over a short period of time, to help them gain the confidence to travel independently once again. A volunteer will support with accessing and understanding bus/train timetables, accessing community transport and Link schemes in their area and travelling with the client at first to help them feel confident to do so alone. All volunteers will receive training for this role and will be supported by a member of staff.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in finding out more about this volunteering role or using the service please contact Ginny Cooper or Anna Angel who will be only too happy to help.
Email: travelfriends@ageukwilthsire.org.uk or Tel: 07500 137 135
New Art Group
People living with dementia in Chippenham are invited to join a friendly new art group.
The group, which is kindly being funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, will give members the chance to explore a wide variety of art projects with professional artist Fran Young, and be creative together in a relaxed supportive atmosphere.
Family carers will also be welcome as full members of the group – and no experience of art is necessary to come along.
It will meet at King Alfred’s Hall.
For more information go to https://www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk/news/new-art-group
Join the Memory Shed
The Memory Shed meets on Wednesdays from 2pm and is for men and women living with dementia who like making things and working with tools. The friendly, sociable meetings allow people to work on practical projects supported by trained volunteers.
Projects include making bird boxes, memory boxes, wooden animals and outdoor planters. Members are also supported to work on their own chosen projects. Carers are welcome to join in as full members of the group.
The shed also has a seating area where members can chat and get to know each other over refreshments.
Occasionally the group has trips out to places of interest such as Lacock Abbey or museums in Bath.
For more information call Kerry Rose on 01380 739055.
The Memory Shed is based at Pockeridge and Potley Community Centre, Pockeridge Road, Corsham.
Bereavement Help Point Coffee Mornings
The Bereavement Help Point, Chippenham is a community based drop-in service where all people who are bereaved are welcome.
It’s a space to meet and talk with others who may be experiencing similar thoughts and feelings, in an informal and supportive setting.
All sessions are free of charge and there’s no need to book, just come along.
The sessions takes place on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at The Angel, 8 Market Place
Chippenham, between 10.00am and 12.00noon.
Mentor Volunteers
The Youth Adventure Trust is a registered youth development charity providing a programme of outdoor adventure camps and activity days for vulnerable young people from the Wiltshire area.
As a mentor you will be carefully matched with a young person and work with them on a one-to-one basis within their local community. Although individual arrangements will vary, you’ll meet for approximately 2 hours a fortnight, for up to a year, providing them with personalised support to achieve the most positive outcomes.
Although beneficial, no previous experience of working with young people is required, as full training will be provided. All they ask is that you’re enthusiastic, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship.
There mentors are role models to the vulnerable young people we work with, and therefore should be responsible, resilient, good at communicating and have a desire to help young people.
To find out more contact Becky Brotherton-Brown on 07592 664679 or email becky@youthadventuretrust.org.uk
The Children & Families Voluntary Sector Forum
Children and Families Voluntary Sector Forum is a networking group for organisations working
with children and families in Wiltshire and wants to attract new members.
They act not only as a forum for its 80 plus member organisations to share and learn but also as a representative voice. The bi-monthly group meets virtually and gives members a chance to share what is going on in their work as
well as hear from speakers and network.
Benefits of the forum’s free membership include:
- Access to like-minded groups, reducing isolation for workers and services
- Access to free training
- Building a common voice on issues which affect the sector
- Keeping up to date with national regional and local initiatives and opportunities
- Having the ear of the Wiltshire Council
- Place to promote your organisation and events services are putting on
To find out more about the forum and to join, contact admin@cfvsf.org
The Building Bridges Programme
The Building Bridges programme supports people across Wiltshire who are facing significant challenges in being able to develop their skills, access education or move towards the world of work. Taking part in the programme is entirely voluntary and all of our advice and support is offered free of charge.
The programme is a partnership of local organisations who are experts at supporting people and giving them the skills and confidence they need to move forward. They work with people on a one-to-one basis to help them address the challenges and barriers they are facing and develop a personalised plan to help them achieve their goals at a pace they are comfortable with.
Each participant will have someone who works with them as a mentor, helping them to access support from across the partnership. These mentors can also work with family members, carers, key workers or other people supporting you.
They understand that there are many different factors which affect whether people feel ready to take the next step forwards – this is why they also offer specialist help and support in a number of areas including developing physical and mental wellbeing, accessing debt and financial advice and help with issues such as transport and childcare.
The programme is jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
To find out more visit https://buildingbridgessw.org.uk/ or call 01308 732821.
Support for families of addicts
Families Out Loud supports families of addicts in Wiltshire. They offer one-to-one counselling, support group meetings and bereavement support.
Addiction in the family is devastating for all concerned and can be extremely isolating.
Family members, who are trying to operate within someone else’s chaos, can find themselves cut off from friends, colleagues and extended family.
Families Out Loud offers the opportunity to talk, which can be a lifeline for people going through such trauma and distress. Their support encourages people to make positive changes, enabling them to better function in their daily lives.
If you’d like to know more visit their website http://www.familiesoutloud.org
or email familiesoutloud@gmail.com
Wiltshire's Dementia Adviser Service
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with dementia, make an appointment to talk to a dementia adviser.
The adviser will talk to you about help that you might need during the course of the illness, including accessing health and community services.
They will listen to your needs and help you find the support that is right for you.
The adviser can visit you in your home or if you prefer, at a surgery.
To get in touch with your local adviser call 01380 739 055.
The Coffee Connection
Dorothy House and 'We Hear You' have come together to offer a virtual support group for anyone in the local area affected by a life-limiting illness or associated bereavement.
This group is an opportunity to connect with other people in a similar situation and chat to our team from the comfort of your home.
The virtual get together is FREE every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday where you will see some familiar faces, their team and others, with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. Each session lasts around 45 minutes.
Everything you need to join is at https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/the-coffee-connection
Free advice and support from Wiltshire Citizens Advice
Wiltshire Citizens Advice offers free, confidential, impartial advice online, over the phone and via email.
They give up-to-date advice on benefits, work, money and debt, consumer rights, family issues and more.
Coronavirus has made life hard for many people there here to help. Whether you’re facing a crisis, or just considering your options; checking a quick piece of information, or not sure where to start. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what your situation is, Wiltshire Citizens Advice will always give you free, confidential and impartial advice.
They'll give you all the facts and possible outcomes of different options. That way you can make the decision that’s right for you. They can also offer practical support such as help with filling forms, writing letters or negotiating with third parties.
Call for free (new freephone number): 0800 144 8848
Advisers are available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Textphone (if you can’t hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 144 8884
Email: visit their website and complete the short ‘Contact us’ enquiry form:
citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/contact-us
For more ways to get in touch, visit their website: citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk