In Ryde Appley and Elmfield Ward, there is a local warm space every Thursday, 2-5pm at St. John’s Church Hall, High Park Road, Ryde (see below). The Ryde Library Warm space (see poster below) is open 5 days a week (Monday to Saturday accept Thursday). Ryde Aspire, Dover Street) has a warm space 4 days a week. There is now somewhere available 6 days a week in Ryde for support. The Warm Spaces provide a safe place to go in the warm and get support and information to help you through the winter. For more information about Warm spaces in Ryde – contact Alison Pearce at alison.pearce@rydetowncouncil.gov.uk
Please find below some useful information, advice and guidance for you to share with family and neighbours.
Support during the cost of living crisis
Please share these 5 top tips with your residents and colleagues. Support is available for all Islanders.
- Check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. Use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check. There’s a list on the government website.
- Get energy saving advice from local specialists The Footprint Trust.
- Join an Isle of Wight Community Pantry. They are open to everyone. For £5 a week, members receive over £15 worth of fresh, frozen, tinned and dry food. Read about them on our cost of living webpages.
- Get advice from the experts. Isle of Wight Citizen’s Advice provide free, independent and confidential advice. Contact them on 0800 144 8848 or visit their website.
- Look after your mental health. It’s OK not to be OK. Go to https://www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk/ or call NHS 111 for help and support.
Stay up to date with the latest cost of living information on the Council’s beta website.
We have added an events page to the cost of living pages on our website. Please email abigail.fox@iow.gov.uk if you have additional information that could support residents, especially if it’s to do with Christmas help.
Please share these social media posts on your own accounts.
Facebook – 5 top tips
Facebook – general cost of living
Facebook – warm spaces
Twitter – general cost of living
Twitter – warm spaces
A cost of living poster is attached to this email along with a social media graphic.
Keeping well this winter will help everyone during this time of crisis.
The following behaviours help stop transmission of COVID and other infections:
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly
- Meet outdoors if possible and try to keep indoor spaces well ventilated
- Wear a mask in busy indoor settings
- Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell, don’t go to work if possible
More information is available on our website.
COVID-19 vaccinations
Bookings are still open for all doses of the COVID-19 vaccine including the Autumn Booster. More information about the vaccine and eligibility is on the NHS website.
You can also book appointments via the national booking system
There are number of walk-in pop-up clinics in different Island towns up until 8 December. More information is available on this NHS website.
Please share this vaccination update on Facebook.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline is on 0300 561 0018 and is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm at weekends.
Flu vaccinations
For most people flu is unpleasant, but for some it can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly those with certain health conditions. It is important that you come forward for all the vaccines you need to protect yourself and those around you.
More information about the flu vaccination and eligibility is on the NHS website.
Funding available – applications close Nov 28
Early Help Community Capacity Building Grants of up to £3,000 are available to help organisations deliver initiatives that support families, children and young people living on the Isle of Wight.
The funding is intended to help providers organise activities, clubs or groups for families, parents/carers and/or young people up to the age of 19 (up to 25 with specified additional needs).
Grants could be used to set up and run schemes such as parental, baby or toddler groups, teenage groups, family-based groups, mental health and welcoming sessions/hubs, peer support groups, outreach support and community-led groups and activities.
Get more information and apply on our website.
Shared lives
Shared Lives provides care for adults who want to live independently but within a support network of family and community. It’s an alternative to other supported living or residential care. Our carers share their homes with local people who want to live a more fulfilled life, gain life skills and be part of their community.
Please tell your residents about Shared Lives. More information is available on the council website.
