£2,000 in government funding available to help with childcare costs

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are today (18 October) encouraging families across the UK to not miss the opportunity for government-funded help towards their childcare costs. Families could save up to £2,000 a year towards their childcare costs to help pay for October half-term holiday clubs and wraparound care during the school terms. More than… read more

Second cost-of-living payment from 8 November

The government has today (4 October) announced that households receiving benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will receive the second part of the £650 cost-of-living payment from 8 November, continuing through to the 23 November. Over 8 million families have already received the first cost-of-living payment, worth £326, which was sent out… read more

Money navigator tool – a reminder

A reminder that those in financial difficulty can access money and debt guidance for free. Money Helper UK provides guidance based upon individual circumstances and helps people to find support in their area. There is information on: what issues individuals need to deal with first ways of staying on top of bills how to find… read more

Quote required in Chiseldon

2 sets of large double doors at Chiseldon Parish Council Chapel and Museum to be sanded back, filled as required and re-painted in a suitable colour external paint. All noticeboards to be removed before work takes place and re-fitted afterwards. Ironwork to be removed or covered as required to avoid being painted over or damaged.”… read more

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme July Newsletter

The July Neighbourhood Watch Scheme newsletter is available below. According to NWS: This edition offers expert Cyberhood Watch advice on keeping your digital lives safe and secure, impersonation scams, 999 British Sign Language app, measuring impact, addressing fly-tipping and discounts on products. We hope you find the newsletter valuable. NWS July Newsletter

New OUH Radiotherapy Centre at Swindon

Brighter Futures were invited to a small ribbon cutting ceremony at the new OUH Radiotherapy Centre at Swindon! We are now counting down the days until it opens later this Summer! We are so grateful to everyone who shared their stories of having to travel to Oxford and to all of you who supported the… read more

Roman remains hindering progress on brand new road

Swindon’s past is holding up its future as valuable pieces of Roman history continue to be uncovered on the site of a brand new road. When built, the Southern Connector Road will provide a link between the New Eastern Villages (NEV) and Commonhead roundabout, close to Great Western Hospital. Specialist consultants have worked extensively with… read more

World Refill Day

It’s World Refill Day on Thursday 16th June 2022! Refill is an award-winning campaign to help people live with less waste. It connects people to places they can eat, drink and shop without the pointless packaging. From a coffee on your commute, to drinking water on the go, or even shopping with less plastic, Refill… read more

Service Supporting National Home Fire Safety Week

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) national Home Fire Safety Week, running from 13 – 19 June 2022. Home Fire Safety Week aims to educate and spread awareness about fire safety in the home. The week of action is supported by fire and rescue services… read more

Help Available For Carers

This week is Carers Week, so Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding everyone in a caring role of the help that is available for keeping homes safe from fire. Whether you are a formal carer, or someone who ‘keeps an eye’ on an elderly neighbour or family member, the Service offers a… read more

16 things that could help with living costs

Many households in Swindon and across the country are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it’s important to know what help and support is available now – that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour. Check this list of 16 practical actions – is there any help you’re missing out on? Up… read more

Crimestoppers Community Ambassadors – Opportunity

There is an opportunity for people across Wiltshire to join the Wiltshire and Swindon Crimestoppers Community Ambassadors. Keeping communities safer together. As part of this opportunity, we at Crimestoppers will be able offer you support and resources to raise awareness of the anonymous service that we offer at Crimestoppers. In addition to this we can… read more

March Our News Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

This month’s newsletter includes articles on: our THINK WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign launch of our 40 YEARS, 40 ACTIONS pack Neighbourhood Watch Community Grants Fund International Women’s Day Neighbour of the Year Awards 2021 regional winners You can read about all this and more in our newsletter. Ukrainian Crisis Warning – We have begun to… read more

Women Encouraged To Sign Up For Firefighter Have A Go Event

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering a ‘have a go’ event in Swindon later this month for any women interested in becoming an on-call firefighter. Stations across the Service area are recruiting for new on-call firefighters, and the aim of this event is to encourage more women to apply. Station Manager Neil… read more

February Our News Newsletter For Neighbourhood Watch Supporters Out Now

Our second newsletter of 2022 sees the launch of our Volunteer Recognition Awards 2022 to recognise volunteers who have dedicated more than five years working in their communities on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch. Find out more on page 4. It features the findings of our Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey 2021, details of our… read more