Since I wrote my last report and sent it off for printing a month ago, we have been informed that a General Election has been called. Councils were just getting back to normal after the Police and Crime Commissioners elections held in May and we are now, again, operating under election restrictions.
As well as being out and about campaigning and canvassing for my fellow County Councillor and now my Parliamentary Candidate, Peter Bedford, my work at the council continues, but many events have disappointedly been cancelled.
On Thursday 16th May, I was delighted to be invited to attend Leicestershire Carers Annual Awards ceremony. I was asked to take part in a Q&A on the evening, in front of the business community audience. This gave the peer researchers involved with ‘Joining Up Joining In’ an opportunity to ask me questions about how I led a motion within Leicestershire County Council to recognise those of care experience as if they were protected under the Equality Act (2010).
The peer researchers were keen to hear my motivation for change and what that might look like moving forward. They gave me a good grilling, and you can read the report here:
Bradgate Park
On Monday 20th May, as a Trustee at Bradgate Park Trust, I was delighted to be at Bradgate Park as it was declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) to protect its geological and archaeological treasures.
Natural England announced the new status for Bradgate Park as part of His Majesty The King's series of National Nature Reserves.
The 830-acre (336-hectare) park was recognised as part of a project to celebrate King Charles III's coronation last year.
The park is home to some of England's most important geology dating back to the Precambrian period, more than half a billion years ago.
Most of the park, which is home to a herd of 550 deer and trees up to 800 years old, is already a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The NNR will protect geological and archaeological treasures and create a bigger and better-connected area for wildlife.
I also joined the Volunteers summer barbecue celebration event on Friday 14th June. The Trust has over 210 active volunteers, and the park wouldn’t function without all the support and work that they conduct across the park and Swithland Wood. It was great to chat with some of the volunteers and to thank them for their hard work to ensure the park is looked after for generations to come.
On the morning of Thursday 6th June, I attended, with some of my fellow councillors, the flag raising at the Stand Easy Memorial at County Hall to commemorate 80 years of the D-Day landings.
In the evening I attended the D-Day service at Leicester Cathedral.
On Friday 7th June, I headed to Warwick University to graduate from the Leadership Diploma I completed last year. It was great to meet with my colleagues from around the country who completed the course with me last year and new councillors who also completed the Diploma last year. Over 100 councillors were attending their graduation. We received our certificates, took part in some workshops, and enjoyed dinner together, taking some time out to discuss how we would use our knowledge and training gained from our diploma for the benefit of our residents and councils.
GoLearn
The County Council’s adult learning service, GoLearn, has launched free classes as part of the ‘Have a Go Month 2024’ for anyone aged 19+. Classes are taught at venues across the county, by specialist tutors from across the GoLearn programme.
Free sessions include British Sign Language, Italian, drawing and painting, fused glass, mental health awareness for families, cookie in a jar workshop (Multiply Project, an initiative funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, designed to support adults across England to improve their numeracy skills through learning), drama for wellbeing, and more.
GoLearn is also offering 'Skills for Life Roadshow’ events in venues across Leicestershire, giving residents a chance to think about the skills they need for their future – whether it’s an English, maths, or IT qualification, or a new skill to boost a CV.
Sessions are available across the county, including Melton Mowbray, Loughborough, Enderby, Market Harborough, Wigston, Coalville and Hinckley. Courses offered by GoLearn are part-time and can be taken in the day, evening, or weekend for adults aged 19+. Courses are taught from dedicated adult learning centres and suites across Leicestershire, in community venues, and online.
Discounts of 70% are available for people on a low income and/or eligible for certain benefits.
More information is available online, as well as information on how to book the sessions. Please visit https://golearnleicestershire.ac.uk/ call Freephone 0800 988 0308 to speak to a member of the Enrolment Team, or email [email protected] to find out more.
Free Entry to Local Attractions
Unpaid carers across Leicestershire are being offered all-year-round free entry to two top county attractions.
*Free adult admission is available at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and 1620s House and Gardens for anyone with a valid Carers Passport.
Tickets will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue and they will also be eligible for a free tea or coffee (and cake at 1620s House) on their first visit.
The offer is open to carers who have or can evidence that they have a current adult Carers Passport when visiting either of the attractions, and free tickets need to be claimed by 31st August.
A Carers Passport is an ID card for adults caring for a loved one, friend or neighbour aged 18 and over living in Leicestershire who could not manage without their support, and they are not employed to look after them.
Applications for a Carers Passport can be made by calling Support for Carers on 01858 468543 or email [email protected](link sends email) giving your details and a phone number. Please quote FREEPASS 2024 when making an application. More information is available from Support for Carers: https://www.supportforcarers.org/
*The offer will admit the Carers Passport holder only. Anyone else visiting with the eligible carer will be charged standard admission. The offer does not include any special events or activities which will incur an additional cost, including the Bosworth Medieval Festival on 17th and 18th August 2024.
If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.
