Please click on the link to read details of the inaugural meeting of Charnwood District Development Forum

Our new Services Brochure detailing all the services provided at John Storer House and Volunteer Centre Shepshed for 2009 - 2010 is now available. Copies can be collected from Reception at John Storer House or at Volunteer Centre Shepshed. Alternatively the brochure can be viewed electronically in the 'Reports and Documents' section of the website.

Each of our services has its own webpage under the 'Services' section of the website. These pages also contain regularly updated and comprehensive information on the services they provide.

We would welcome any feedback on our new brochure and look forward to hearing from you.

The staff at JSH worked hard over the summer to contribute towards Loughborough In Bloom.

The staff were assisted by the Garden Project Well-being Group, children from New-Start Pre-School which is based in the building and the Sathi Group provided herbs for the raised planter. Work was concentrated on three beds one to the rear of the building and two at the front. The judging panel arrived in July and commented on the improvements which had been made in a short space of time.

Work is continuing and over the Bank Holiday weekend trees were removed to allow a clearer view of the House. Plans are currently underway to introduce new signs both externally and internally.

We are pleased to announce the Launch of the new Well-being Service on Monday, 8 June 2009 which will take place at John Storer House from 10 am - 3.30 pm. The Launch marks the start of a 'New Era' at Voluntary Action Charnwood in which the new Well-being Service will significantly enhance those services already provided by the organisation.

The aim of the Well-being Service is to encourage the 'feel-good factor' among local people. Also to try to help people feel better about themselves by assisting them to get involved in the community, socialise and take care of both their physical and mental health.

On Monday there will be activities suitable for all age groups and tours of the building will take place throughout the day for anyone who is interested to see the variety of activities on offer.

All the many organisations and groups who use the House for their activities have also been invited to attend the Launch to promote their own services. These groups include the Playgroup, CAB, Smoking Cessation and social groups such as the Scrabble Club, Line-dancing Group and Music For You.

Staff will be out and about in Loughborough Market Place on Thursday, 4 June. They aim to promote our new Well-being service whilst raising awareness of the Launch event and offering free tea and coffee vouchers which will be valid for Monday, 8 June only.

If you would like to find out more about the day or the services available at John Storer House please call us on 01509 631750 and ask to speak to Karen Chamberlain, Well-being Service Manager or
e-mail karen.chamberlain@voluntaryactioncharnwood.org.uk.

We do hope you will be able to join us on Monday for this exciting event.

Voluntary Action Charnwood is pleased to announce the launch of two services - an enhanced Well-being Service and a new Community Development Service.

A full launch of the Well-being Service will take place during week commencing 8 June to coincide with Carers' Week. The team are currently devising a programme of events to include an Open Day at John Storer House and an information event in the Market Place, Loughborough.

The Community Development Team aim to hold their events over the next few months in each of the seven Forum areas across Charnwood to introduce their service.

Both teams will announce full programme details as soon as possible.

Last week all staff completed a full induction programme designed to ensure a smooth transition to the 'New Era' on 5 May when all staff will be in post in their new positions.

Work has commenced on a new Services Brochure which will provide detailed and up-to-date information on all the services which now operate from within John Storer House and our Shepshed office. This will provide a useful insight into the many ways which you and your communities can benefit from the extensive services provided by Voluntary Action Charnwood for the whole borough of Charnwood.

John Storer House celebrates its 43rd anniversary on 29 April and a progamme of events has been planned to which an open invitation is offered to all members of the public, staff and trustees. The celebrations commence on Saturday, 25 April with a Garden Club sale, craft sale and refreshments in the morning. This will be followed by a line dance session on Saturday afternoon which is always popular.

On Tuesday, 28 April an Anniversary Ballroom Dance will take place in the Club Room from 2 - 4 pm. Starting at 2 pm on Wednesday afternoon Rob Farrer will host a sing-a-long followed by an Anniversary Tea. The week of celebrations will finish with a trip to the Town Hall to see 'We'll Meet Again' on Thursday afternoon.

Loughborough and Shepshed
Changes are beginning to take shape as new services come on stream after Easter; some things are already different this week, or are happening during April, either side of Easter.

The new services will be on-show during the annual John Storer House Anniversary week, commencing Saturday 25th April, to promote the new era, which will start after the May Day bank holiday, Tuesday 5th May 2009.

Details of Open Days will appear here soon
An outline of the new staff roles follows on below
As well as continuing to publish Charnword we shall be launching Charnwell to publicise Well-being for all in Charnwood, incorporating the Carers’ newsletter.

There will be an Induction week from 20th April for all staff, as we move forwards in new roles, and with new responsibilities.
Some services and staff will be moving within John Storer House in response to the new opportunities – The Well-being Service will replace the Volunteering Service in the main general office.

Shepshed – Volunteer Centre 9A Charnwood Road.
Sally Bardsley will continue to be based in Shepshed but the office will be opening reduced hours in future. We want to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, but to make the necessary changes required by the new funding regime, which mean fewer staff hours in Shepshed.

VAL on-line from 6th April
The new Countywide Infrastructure Organisation begins with a website, e-mail enquiries and telephone support

www.valonline.org.uk

helpline@valonline.org.uk

Tel 0116 257 5050

The new staff are being appointed in May, and are expected to operate from John Storer House in Loughborough by national Volunteer’s Week at the start of June. The VAL staff will have desks in the Development Office on the first floor, and the “public access” facility, telephone helpline and dedicated computer will be in the room opposite.

Neil Lambert
Chief Executive, 31st March 2009

The latest important document we are being consulted on these days is known as the Local Development Framework, years ago the local plan. There is a core strategy, which presents a vision and how to achieve it.

More houses need to be built in Charnwood, including affordable homes, and employment sites and opportunities need to be encouraged: All in the context of environmental protection and not building on green fields etc.

Therefore, Councillors are asking you to let them know how you think the choices should be balanced between development and conservation. Where should new housing be placed? Various options have been considered and are reported on in the consultation document. Now you can comment on the proposals.

To see the document log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood2026
The closing date is, or was, 5th December so hurry if you’ve anything you’d like to say
There are further stages to follow during 2009 and years to come, but do get your view heard now, if you so wish.