Latest News
September 2011
This years AGM will take place on September 20th 2011 at One Community, 16 Romsey Road, Eastleigh, Hants. SO50 9AL.
Phone 02380 902400 for further details
March 2011
HCC TAKE OVER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL SCHEME
From 1 April 2011 administration of the bus pass scheme will pass to Hampshire County Council (HCC) under national changes. Following consultation from August to October this year, the County Council has now published a decision from its Executive Member on the new scheme which will operate in Hampshire. For more details please follow this link to Hampshire Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Please note that there are significant changes to many aspects of the scheme including eligibility criteria for the discretionary elements. Please check with HCC on the number found below.
before 6 April 2010, both men and women became eligible for concessionary travel when they attained 60 years of age.
From 6 April 2010, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel in England will be tied to the pensionable age for women. So, as the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten-year period from 2010 to 2020, so too will the age of eligibility for concessionary travel increase for both men and women.
There is a ready reckoner tool which enables people affected by the pension age changes to see at what age they become eligible for their state pension and associated benefits. You can find this ready reckoner on the DirectGov website
Any questions on the new HCC scheme should be directed to HCC Passenger Transport on 01962 845077
October 2010
SCRUTINY OF VETTING AND BARRING SCHEME GETS UNDER WAY
The system of checks that people working with children and vulnerable adults are required to undergo will be considered afresh in a radical examination of the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS).
The Government today outlined the terms of a thorough review of the VBS which will re-examine whether the scheme is the most appropriate mechanism to protect children and vulnerable people and, if so, how many roles should be covered by it.
In June the Home Secretary, Theresa May, made clear the Government’s intention to bring the scheme back to common sense levels. This was in response to public concerns that in its current form the scheme was overly bureaucratic and burdensome.
Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone said:
“While it is vital that we protect the vulnerable, this scheme as it stands is not a proportionate response. There should be a presumption that people wishing to work or volunteer with children and vulnerable adults are safe to do so unless it can be shown otherwise.
“We are also announcing a review of the criminal records regime which has developed piecemeal for years and is due for an overhaul to ensure that we strike a balance between protecting civil liberties and protecting the public.”
The final recommendations for the scheme will be announced early in the New Year.
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said:
"We have to strike the right balance in safeguarding vulnerable people. The risk of abuse can come from people close to victims not just from paid staff and volunteers. No one can subcontract responsibility for protecting at risk people, we all have a part to play. This review will help strike that balance and to consider afresh whether the scheme is the best way of moving forward.”
Children and Families Minister Tim Loughton said:
“Children must be protected when vulnerable and this is everyone’s responsibility. Any vetting system should not be a substitute for proper vigilance by individuals and society. At the moment the pendulum has swung too far and threatens to drive a wedge between children and well-meaning adults. Such individuals should be welcomed and encouraged as much as possible, unless it can be shown that children would not be safe in their care.”
The terms of reference laid in Parliament today will set out how the review will consider the fundamental principles and objectives behind the vetting and barring regime, including:
The criminal records regime review will be led by Sunita Mason, the Government’s Independent Advisor for Criminality Information Management.
Mrs Mason will consider whether the disclosure of minor offences and police intelligence to prospective employers within the criminal records check should still form part of this process.
Registration with the VBS was scheduled to begin in July this year for anyone starting a new job, or moving job who would be working with children or vulnerable adults, but this was halted after the Government announced its intention to fundamentally redraw the system.
September 2010
One Community AGM
One Community are holding their Annual General Meeting in the Molyneux Room at One Community on Tuesday 21st September 2010 at 11.30am. Our speaker will be Joy Grew who co-ordinates our LifeLine Project which celebrates its 21st birthday this year. LifeLine is a telephone linked support service designed to maintain a safer and more independent life style.
To assist with the arrangements and numbers for catering we would be grateful if you would confirm your attendance before 7th September 2010.
March 2010
£305,000 Big Lottery award for Carers Centre
We are delighted to announce that One Community has successfully bid for a Big Lottery grant of more than £305,000 over three years to part fund a Carers Support Project Network for the Carers Centre. The money will pay the (part time) salaries of a project leader, a counsellor, three life skills trainers, an alternative therapy specialist and four young carers support workers.
The project will enable carers of all ages to access advice, information and counselling, and give them the chance to take a well deserved break, through drop in sessions, clubs, outings and social events. They will also be able to relax through massage and aromatherapy treatments and receive the support they might need for their own personal development.
This funding boost is excellent news and means that carers can continue to benefit from the fantastic services provided by One Community. It is especially exciting for the young carers of Eastleigh Borough as with additional resources we will be able to offer more services to meet their needs.
Jan 2010
Eastleigh Visiting Scheme in new hands
After six successful years operating from Volunteer Centre Eastleigh, Eastleigh Visiting Scheme has been taken over by Open Sight, the Hampshire-wide charity for people with sight loss or risk of sight loss.
Eastleigh Visiting Scheme is a free, confidential visiting scheme for older and isolated people in the borough of Eastleigh, who live alone and may find it difficult to get out.
Find out more
If you would like to refer someone you know to the Scheme, or even join as a volunteer, please contact:
Leonie Montney
Reach Out Visiting & Befriending
Open Sight
25 Church Road, Bishopstoke SO50 6BL
Tel 023 8064 1244
Email Leonie.Mountney@opensight.org.uk