Leicestershire Matters

The Sustainable Community Strategy runs from 2008-13 and aims to achieve:

These aims are based on what local people want and need, identified through a range of consulations.

David Parsons is Leader of the County Council and Chairman of Leicestershire Together. He said: “This strategy shows how much progress we can make when working with our partners. I am delighted that months of work have culminated in such an attractive and forward-looking strategy.”

The second Local Area Agreement has also been published, this sets out how the aims in the strategy will be achieved.

Both documents can be seen at: www.leicestershiretogether.org or by calling 0116 305 6977 or e-mailing: nrickard@leics.gov.uk

We are working with our partners which help to fund voluntary activity, including the Leicestershire and Rutland PCT, to have it in place by April 2009.

Support is currently given by a number of groups. Local voluntary action and volunteer centres across the County will still play a key role as community hubs and deliver specific services.

Local face-to-face support for community groups and volunteers is very important and this will not be taken away.

For more details call 0116 305 6946 or e-mail: abhatt@leics.gov.uk

The new Made in Leicestershire web directory showcases high quality work including jewellery, sculpture, furniture, photographs and paintings.

If you would like to buy a unique piece of handcrafted work either for yourself or as a gift, the new directory is a great place to look.

Whatever your budget, there is plenty of choice, simply visit: www.madeinleicestershire.org.uk

The directory has been set up by the County Council-led Creative Leicestershire scheme.

For further details, visit: www.creativeleicestershire.org.uk , e-mail, chudson@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 267 0017.

One lucky winner will receive a £25 gift voucher to spend with an artist, designer or maker featured in the Made in Leicestershire directory.

For a chance to win, simply browse the directory and find the profile for designer and costume maker Rebecca Godfrey to help answer the following question.

To enter, e-mail your answer to: ehorwood@leics.gov.uk
The deadline for entries is Monday, 4^th August.

The £350m Highcross Leicester shopping centre, which opens on September 4^th, will incorporate the existing Shires centre and include more than 100 shops, a multiplex cinema, 120 apartments and 15 cafes and restaurants.

You can hear more about the job opportunities, and training on offer for those who would like to fill the new positions, by visiting one of the recruitment roadshows.

For dates and venues or more information, visit: www.workhighcross.com or call 0116 242 8644.

To enter our competition, simply answer the following question:

Send your answer by e-mail to smccartney@leics.gov.uk.
The deadline for entries is Monday, 4th August.

There are 27 forums across the County. They enable residents to discuss local issues with County, district and parish councillors. They can also talk to representatives from the Police, the NHS and officers from the County and district councils.

In Charnwood they are called ‘area forums’ and in Harborough District they are known as ‘have your say’ meetings.

Visit: www.leicestershireforums.org for details on when forums are held, what will be discussed and to suggest topics for your local meeting.

For more details, please call Derk van der Wardt on 0116 305 7581 or e-mail: leicestershireforums@leics.gov.uk

www.Activities4u.org has been set up so young people can find out about activities for their free time. It gives details on sports, clubs, music groups, volunteering and arts groups.

Jo Pudney of Connexions, said: “How young people spend their leisure time really matters. There are so many activities on offer, but some young people don’t take part because they say they can’t find any information.

“This website means more can enjoy the benefits of taking part in activities.”

Young people have been involved in all areas of the project from the start.

Peter Osborne Cabinet Member for the County Council, said: ”This website will provide crucial support for young people throughout the County. Being involved in a positive activity improves young people’s self confidence and reduces the risk of anti-social behaviour.”

The project is jointly funded by Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council and is managed by Connexions Leicester Shire, which is a key partner within Leicestershire Together.

For more details call Jo Pudney on 0116 261 5900 or e-mail: jpudney@connexions-leics.org

Post offices are at the heart of our communities and many people in rural areas rely on them for essential services.

The Post Office has announced the closure of 16 of their branches across Leicestershire. We are working to find practical and innovative ways to help remaining post offices to stay open and support communities which have lost their service.

For example, a new grant scheme has been launched through the Leicestershire Rural Partnership. The scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 to post offices and retailers in rural communities with a population of less than 7,000.

Awards can be made for improvements such as helping to introduce new services, improving access and enhancing security. Businesses need to contribute at least 50% of the costs.

For more information about how we are supporting post offices and services in rural communities, visit: www.oakleaves.org.uk call 0116 305 6179, e-mail: mkempson@leics.gov.uk