Kirklees Council has launched a new way of supporting communities - it involves sharing 'stuff', space and skills through Comoodle.  Local organisations are getting involved by sharing too.  Examples of Comoodle in action are: Children's activities were shared with a Shepley group for their May Day event, a van was provided to a group in Lepton for a day for use at their village fair.  It also covers space - if a local group or a business has space which is not being used, it could be shared with another group to hold a meeting in or to store equipment.

Everyone can be involved, and Duggs Carre of Kirklees Council is attending the Parish Council meeting on 7 September to tell us all about it.  Members of the public and local community groups are warmly invited to come along and find out how they can take part in this project.  It could make a huge difference to you.

More information on Comoodle can be found here: https://kirkleestogether.co.uk/2017/07/03/space-to-share/

The Council was pleased to welcome Samantha Jones of Mencap who made a very interesting presentation on the Safe Places Scheme, which operates for people over the age of 16 who might be vulnerable when they go out.  Individuals may have a learning disability, autism or asperger's syndrome, dementia / Alzheimer's or a physical disability. 

It is about giving those individuals help when they are outside and come across unexpected situations, which can confuse them. Businesses are being encouraged to join the scheme and display the Scheme logo, so these people will know there is somewhere they can go for help. The businesses who sign up will receive training in how to help the vulnerable people.

Please view the film to find out more details about how the scheme works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qigXlxVSXQ4

And here's more information from Mencap on the scheme: https://mencapinkirklees.wordpress.com/learning-disability-services-kirklees/safe-places/

The Council has approved the following grants:

Burton Environment Group: £2,600 towards the cost of refurbishing Burton Dean Park, subject to receipt of planning permission or evidence that it is not required.

Kirkburton & Highburton Community Association: £350 to install a new community noticeboard on the outside wall of Kirkburton Library.

Yetton Together: £2,368 towards the purchase of new tables and chairs for the Community Cafe in Kirkheaton.

Kirkburton & Highburton Community Association: £1,500 towards the cost of replacing the old iron pipework for the central heating system in Burton Village Hall.

Shepley Bowling Club: £1,800 towards the costs of replacing the old lighting.

Shepley Cricket Club: £4,000 towards the costs of a 3-phase power system for the cricket club and the new clubhouse.

The cheques will be issued soon.

It's nice to see the hanging baskets have now been delivered bringing colour to village centres throughout the parish.  The Council is grateful to Kirklees Rural District Committee for its grant of £1,461 towards the costs of the baskets, and also to Lepton Community Link, who paid for 4 baskets in Lepton Square.

In total the Council ordered 96 baskets, which have been installed in Farnley Tyas, Flockton, Grange Moor, Highburton, Kirkburton, Kirkheaton, Lepton, Shelley, Shepley, Stocksmoor and Thurstonland.  We hope you like them.

Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY) is working with Kirklees Council and the Dementia Action Alliance to try to improve facilities for people with dementia and their carers.  There is currently a lack of facilities in the Parish Council area, so it is hoped that this project will improve the situation with the help of groups and organisations in this area.  

Find out how you can help to become more aware of people's needs in everyday situations or to help establish a new group in your village from the DAA website

Or consider becoming a Dementia Reading Companion.  Find out what's involved here