Author: Liz Leatherbarrow

On 1 April 2023, North Yorkshire Council will replace the eight councils currently delivering public services in North Yorkshire. NYCC are kick-starting North Yorkshire’s biggest countywide conversation, Let’s Talk, this autumn to understand how the public are feeling, what their priorities for their local areas are and to get their feedback to help inform decision-making for the new North Yorkshire Council.

The ‘conversation’ starts on 26 September with the launch of ‘Let’s Talk Local’ engagement, finding out which local topics are most important. Later in the autumn, NYCC will be asking the public for their views on the budget for the new council to help inform decision-making, as well as taking the proposed Devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire forward for public consultation (subject to political decision).

Ripon Rotary Sponsored Walk 2022
Saturday 1 October 2022, starts at 10:00am at Ripon Cathedral

The sponsored walk covers ten miles starting and finishing at Ripon Cathedral (or as an alternative, five miles, finishing at the Community Link Walled Garden where refreshments will be available).

On completion, you will have experienced a healthy, interesting and scenic walk and you will have helped many through your sponsorship of Rotary’s nominated charities (Ripon City of Sanctuary and Ripon Walled Garden).
 

New Friendship Café for Older People
Starting 28 September, 1.30pm – 3pm and then 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month.
Holy Trinity Ripon

Craft, music, guest speakers, films, quiz.
£3 entrance fee includes tea/coffee and cake and lucky dip.
For more information or to book a place, phone Home Instead on 01423 774490 and ask to speak to Karen or Sheena.
 

 Citizens Advice North Yorkshire (CANY)

 
CANY is part of the Citizens Advice charity network providing free, confidential, impartial advice, helping find a way forward, whatever problem people face, especially with rising costs.

Please advise anyone struggling not to let things build up. The sooner a call is made to the Freephone Advice line 0808 278 7900 (9.00 to 4.30 Monday to Friday), the sooner the first steps can be taken.  The line is busy but calls are answered by an adviser who can help, so please encourage people to try again and they will get through.
 
There are drop-in sessions at the Harrogate office 10.00 – 12.30 on Fridays.

There are outreach services available at Ripon library (first Tuesday of the month) and at Allhallowgate Church in Ripon (last Tuesday of the month). There is a monthly outreach at Masham Community Office (first Thursday) and another at Nidderdale Plus (second Thursday by video link). Request for advice at an outreach venue can be made via the Advice line.

Using fraud figures provided by the. National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, this edition of the Metropolitan Police’s little (60 page!) booklet highlights the most common frauds people are currently falling victim to.

The Little Book of Big Scams 5th Edition

North Yorkshire ‘walk-in’ vaccination clinics

As part of ongoing efforts to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme, the NHS and pharmacies are providing walk-in and pop-up clinics.

You do not need to be registered with a GP practice or have an NHS number in order to attend a drop-in clinic. If you have any questions about the vaccine, you’ll be able to chat on-site before you have it.

If you would like to book your vaccination appointment in advance (for first, second, third or booster doses), please visit the NHS website.

There’s more information about accessing a vaccine, here.

Details of who can get a COVID vaccine are available on the NHS website

Just B – Hear to Help support line  

Feeling grief and loss after the death of someone you may never have met is natural – they may have been an important icon in our lives for many years, and we may have shared in important milestones in their lives. The news may trigger feelings, memories and emotions from a personal bereavement – whether recent or a number of years ago.

Grief is a natural response to loss. Sometimes the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, shock or anger, disbelief, and profound sadness.

These are normal reactions to loss, and if you need to talk, the Hear to Help support line is available seven days a week, 8am – 8pm for children, young people or adults across North Yorkshire: (01423) 856 799.

The Energy Savings Trust – advice and information to help to save money on bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Whether that involves being more energy efficient, generating your own renewable energy, switching to a green tariff or insulating your home to keep the heat in, the Trust has advice and information to help.

Need help with Winter fuel costs?
 
Winter Fuel Payment will usually be paid automatically without claiming. However, if a person has never had a Winter Fuel Payment before they will need to claim if they do not get benefits or State Pension. The form is here.

Arrangements following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A period of national mourning will continue until the state funeral on 19 September. The Government has issued guidance for the public, organisations and businesses for observing the period of mourning, including information on ceremonial events in central London.

The North Yorkshire County Council website has information about Books of Condolence across the county and the online Book of Condolence available from The Royal Family

The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September.