Just a note for businesses. Please don't bother asking to join the loop, as free advertisements aren't wanted in this loop.

To anyone else wanting to join, please be patient! (If you can, send me a message, as that should let me know you're waiting.)

Celebrating Carers Rights Day

Slough Carers Support hosted a Carers Rights Day event on 21 November at Elite Banqueting Suite and this year’s theme was ‘recognising your rights’. The event aimed to help unpaid carers understand their rights and highlight key resources and support available.
More than 100 carers attended the event alongside representatives, volunteers, and partners from the local community.
Fourteen local organisations were on hand to provide advice and information to carers on benefit entitlements, carers assessments, and much more, including Health and Wellbeing Slough, NHS support, Adult Social Care, and local carers support groups.
The event kicked off with a welcome and introduction by David Coleman-Groom (Executive Director People – Adults (DASS) from Slough Borough Council, followed by talks from guest speakers from the Debt and Welfare team (SBC) and the Carers Lead from CMHT (Community Mental Health Team).

An important part of the event was giving carers the opportunity to spend time relaxing with each other in beautiful surroundings, with refreshments and entertainment.
A varied buffet lunch with everything from sandwiches to samosas, to freshly made cakes and cookies was served, and The House of Chaat restaurant chefs were also on hand serving delicious Chaat, Bhel Puri, and savoury snacks.

Dhol player Karan (from the Dhol Show) kicked off the celebration with his loud and vibrant drumbeats enticing our carers onto the dance floor. This was followed by Sunita from Amina Khayyam Dance Company with her beautiful kathak dance. Finally, a winner of Slough’s Got Talent - singer Roy Armentano performed his captivating prayer for the carers to give them strength on their caring journeys and give them hope for the future.

Jane Senior, Director of Commissioning, Slough Borough Council, said: “This was a fantastic event to promote and provide information to carers on their rights. Thanks go to colleagues, partners, local businesses and of course carers for making this such an enjoyable and informative event. We are particularly grateful to all our wonderful Carers Groups whose representatives made the day run so smoothly.

“We would also like to thank Elite Banqueting Suite (Slough) for their kind and generous support for the event, DJ Dips (from Apollo DJ) for the relaxing background music, and Jody (from JK Balloons) for the decorations. You can find out more about our Carers Support Service at: https://www.slough.gov.uk/carers/carers-slough/3 .”

The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Balwinder S Dhillon, said: “It has been my pleasure to attend this event and meet so many of our wonderful carers who do such an incredible job looking after their family and friends through illness and disability. My thanks also go to Slough Carers Support for organising such an informative and fun event, and continuing to provide ongoing advice, information, and support to the borough’s unpaid carers.”

Happy 21st Birthday to Creative Academy!

The Creative Academy turned 21 this month, having launched in 2003 as part of the Heart of Slough redevelopment, where its remit was to create training opportunities.

The Creative Academy is a unique not for profit partnership between Slough Borough Council and The University of West London, allowing the organisations to re-invest all funds into the programmes to enhance the student experience.

Offering a BA (Hons) Dance and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance in partnership with the University of West London, graduates have gone on to successful performing arts careers in choreography, performing and teaching including cruise ships, theatre and film including dancing for Rita Ora, Sean Paul, Jay Sean, X-Factor, VMAs and The Brit Awards.

Creative Academy’s professional performing arts programmes have high contact hours and small classes to ensure maximum impact in the creative industries. The team works locally with RIFCO Arts, Slough Music Service, Slough Council for Voluntary Services, Resource Productions, SWIPE and Together As One, and has featured on TV shows Britain’s Got Talent, Got To Dance and Strictly Come Dancing.

Currently you can see Creative Academy’s 2019 graduate Tasha Ghouri competing on Strictly Come Dancing with partner Aijaz Skorjanec, this week scoring the first 40 of the season. Their 2015 graduate Georgia Bradshaw has recently finished a West End run of Sunset Boulevard with Nicole Scherzinger and Joshua Pilmore who graduated in 2014 choreographed Rina Sawayama’s USA tour last year.

Their 2017 graduate Molly Southall is launching a fully funded further education performing arts school called Prodigy College of Performing Arts in Slough, in September 2025, providing a real opportunity to support local talent to achieve.

The Creative Academy runs several other local projects to increase dance participation including a partnership, Prodigy Dance Studios prodigydancestudios@gmail.com offering acro, ballet and musical theatre, and the Inspire programme with Slough Schools Sports Network & Windsor Sport Network which delivers dance to all local primary and secondary schools. Alongside their spiral dance programme which offers adults with learning difficulties the opportunity to dance weekly in the purpose-built studios at The Creative Hub, Stoke Poges Lane.

Plans for the next five years include developing a creative industries support programme, creation space and developing their MUGA (multi use games area) into a performing arts and sports space. The newest programme ‘The Academy’ sees local young creatives curating fortnightly events to showcase their work within their newly refurbished dance studio.

George Kirkham, Creative Academy Principal, said: “The Creative Academy has worked with thousands of local people, over the past 21 years, to create performance, employment, and further training opportunities. We are very excited to see what the next 21 years brings, and we are very proud of all of the creative individuals we have supported to achieve their dreams and aspirations.”

Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “We are extremely proud of The Creative Academy, and would like to wish all students and staff a happy 21st Birthday. Over the years Creative Academy’s students have gone onto some amazing careers and we can’t wait to see what the academy and its students achieve next!”

To learn more about The Creative Academy visit: https://creativeacademy.org/

Meet the 2024 Slough Youth Award winners

Nine years ago, the first Slough Youth Parliament (SYP) created the Slough Youth Awards to highlight the great things our youth do locally. They wanted to shine a spotlight on those who have overcome and contributed in impressive ways. Now supported by the Youth Voice Team and a standing part of Slough Youth Parliament’s manifesto, the awards help to recognise and celebrate the amazing achievements of Slough’s youth.

For this year’s awards there were 76 nominations and 138 people in attendance on 22 November at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

The event kicked off with a speech from MP Tan Dhesi, highlighting all the positive work in the community done by young residents, and applauding the personal challenges many have overcome in their lives to go on and succeed at personal goals.

Our keynote speaker was Sara who shared her story of unexpected challenges and personal loss, whilst searching for a meaningful way to move forward with her life, started volunteering with Sakoon Through Cancer as a young cadet, and then started her path to medical school.

Two of the nominees gave a DJing performance on the night, Avion Richardson and Fabian Richardson.

Hosting the awards were Junior Jonski, chair of SYP, and Rijuta Acharya, our local representative on the UK youth parliament. The awards were planned and delivered by members of Slough Youth Parliament, Slough Young Inspectors, and the Youth Voice team at Slough Borough Council.

‘Reach Out’ a short mental health film was also shown during the ceremony – a film made by Young Health Champions volunteering with Together As One and professionals from Resource Productions, delivered for the Frimley integrated Care Board.

Alongside this year’s sponsors, Sakoon Through Cancer, Asian Star Radio, Salt Hill VR, Thrive 365, Cardo, Quadrin Group; we congratulate 2024’s Slough Youth Award Winners:
• Making A Difference Award 2024 Winner - Inaaya Shahab
• Making A Difference Award 2024 Finalist - Nyah Richardson and Mya Forde
• Creative Expression Award Winner - Aisha Hashmi
• Creative Expression Award Finalist - Bryan Njore
• Being Active Ambassador Winner - Phoenix O’Neill
• Being Active Ambassador Finalist - Ahmed Abdeljalil
• Resilience Award Winner - Dylan McGhee
• Resilience Award Finalist - Shianne Sullivan
• Going Green Champion Winner - Slough Young Beekeepers (Together As One)
• Going Green Champion Finalist - Dakshayani Rajamarthandan
• Being Ambitious Award Winner - Hayley Foster
• Being Ambitious Award Finalist -Mika Cazeneuve
• Youth Voice Supporter - Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

Some of the previous winners have gone onto work at Sky TV, be part of national committees, volunteer internationally, progress successfully onto university and work in our community.

The award judges were:
• Aditcha Chhatre – A slough youth parliament elected member and active member of the community.
• Nur Farooq – youth speaker and volunteer.
• Jay Younes – Immersive producer at Salthill VR.
• Betty Axtell – former SYP member and now a community safety analyst at Slough Borough Council.

Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “Congratulations to all of the Slough Youth Award winners, this is a fantastic achievement for you all and is testament to your talents, dedication, and achievements. Thanks also go to our dedicated Youth Voice team, who plan these awards every year and give our young people opportunities, support, and guidance.”

Of the 25 people who gave feedback at the end of the night, 19 rated the event 5/5, 5 rated it 4/5 and 1 person rated it 3/5 and they all enjoyed the award ceremony and the keynote speaker the most, out of all elements on offer. SYP will now go onto evaluate the event and use their new event management skills and feedback, to plan the next Slough Young People’s Question Time, in February 2025.

For more information contact Nadine Barrett, Youth Work Team Leader - Youth Voice.
07540148520 nadine.barrett@slough.gov.uk

Early Years health and wellbeing kitemark awards presented

The Early Years health and wellbeing accreditation was created and launched in Slough in January 2021, and since then 13 settings have achieved awards. Three settings were presented with their certificates this week by Cllr Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, these were Cippenham Nursery, First Steps Day Nursery and Little Diamonds Preschool.

The initiative supports early years settings to establish and develop the best health and wellbeing practices. These embedded practices benefit the whole family, and settings can showcase the great work they are doing. The awards require assessments in the four areas of: health and wellbeing, nutrition and oral health, physical activity, and emotional and mental wellbeing.

Settings are required to provide evidence that shows how they are helping to tackle health inequalities and enabling families to have a better health outcome. A panel of health professionals evaluate submitted evidence, and the setting is graded with their achieved level of accreditation.

The scheme has four levels of achievement; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and settings are encouraged to work through each level of the accreditation at a sustainable pace, with support and guidance given from the moment of engagement, and throughout.

Councillor Smith said: “It is my pleasure to be here today presenting these awards to three of our early years settings, who have worked so tirelessly to achieve them. The dedication and consistent focus on the health and wellbeing of the children has shone through at assessment stage. Slough is very lucky to have such excellent early years settings throughout the borough with committed and talented teams working to achieve the very best for the children in their care.”

Cippenham Nursery School was presented with a gold certificate and the highest award, a platinum plaque, Nisha Gill, Headteacher, said: “Achieving the Platinum Award for Early Years health and wellbeing is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, who have integrated essential training and practices into every aspect of the nursery.

“The kitemark has enabled the team to reflect on and enhance the ways they promote health and wellbeing throughout the curriculum, ensuring each child and family is supported in leading healthier, happier lives. By focusing on the whole child, the nursery has built a foundation for a brighter future, prioritising holistic growth and lifelong wellness.”

First Steps Day Nursery was awarded a gold certificate, Amanda Bryant, Nursery Manager, said: “First Steps Day Nursery are proud to have received the gold award certificate for Children and Families, Health and Wellbeing Accreditation. For many years this has been part of our daily practice, it is wonderful to have the recognition from our early education partners at Slough Borough Council and to celebrate our achievements.”

Little Diamonds Preschool was awarded a silver certificate, Jagjeet Kaur, Manager of Little Diamonds said: “At Little Diamonds Preschool, we are committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and positive environment where young children can thrive. Our dedicated staff foster a love for learning through engaging, age-appropriate activities that support each child's development in a warm and caring setting.

“We are proud to have earned the prestigious Children and Families Health and Wellbeing Accreditation, recognising our high standards in early childhood care and education. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care, promoting safety, and ensuring the wellbeing of every child entrusted to us.”

If you are a parent/carer and would like to know more about the accreditation, please speak to your child’s early years setting.

If you are an early years provider and would like more information, please contact Jacqui Shadrache, Senior Health improvement Officer on 07889304302 or Jacqui.shadrache@slough.gov.uk

Council to sell land to the rear of Trelawney Avenue, Langley

Slough Borough Council is selling a piece of land to the rear of Trelawney Avenue, it announced today (Monday).

At the moment, the site is in two parts.

1. A former garage site, where the garages have been demolished and hoardings placed around the site.
2. The other half of the site is an open tarmac area with a bin storage location. Hoarding is to be erected around this half of the site tomorrow (Tuesday).

The site will be launched to market on Thursday 21 November, for auction on 12 December through online site BidX1.

Notices have gone out to local residents, commercial tenants and cars parked within the open tarmac area, informing them of the area to be sold, and the new fencing which is to be installed.

The two bin storage areas for the residents in this area will be relocated. The new locations will be positioned outside the area to be disposed of but will be situated less than 100 yards of their existing locations.

Any purchaser of the site will be required to obtain appropriate permissions, with any design being sensitive to neighbouring properties.

The sale is part of the council’s programme of asset sales which is designed to release unused parcels of land and buildings within the borough to bring them back into use.

Councillor Wal Chahal, lead member for finance and assets, said: “We hope this piece of land will find a new use which will enhance the area. There is the potential for a variety of uses here, and I look forward to seeing this parcel of land have a new life.

“Our asset programme will continue into the new year, including land and buildings for sale across the borough.”

New stop vaping service for teens now available in Slough

The council’s public health team has commissioned Health and Wellbeing Slough to launch a brand-new, free service to help teens in Slough quit vaping. No matter the reason you started vaping, because of peer pressure, curiosity, or just thought it was “no big deal,” this is your chance to stop - and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

While vapes may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, they aren’t harmless - especially if you’ve never smoked before. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, and did you know that it's illegal to buy them if you’re under 18? If that’s not enough, there’s the added risk of younger kids getting their hands on them.

Now is the time to quit, and Health and Wellbeing Slough has got your back by offering:
• free nicotine replacement therapy to help you cope with any withdrawal symptoms
• confidential, judgement-free support from trained stop-smoking advisors
• talk to your school nurse for a referral, text QUIT Vape to 66777, or visit www.healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk to get started.

There’s no cost to access this service - it’s completely free. Plus, everything is confidential. No one needs to know you’re reaching out for help unless you want them to. If you’re ready to take a step towards quitting, you’re not alone. Thousands of teens across the country are choosing to leave vaping behind.

Farida Majidy, Slough Integrated Services Manager, Health and Wellbeing Slough, said: “We are excited to announce our dynamic 6 to 12-week youth vape reduction and cessation programme. Our dedicated wellness coaches are equipped to provide critical information about the dangers of vaping and offer essential nicotine replacement products, along with personalised behavioural support tailored for young people.

“We are actively engaging with local colleges and schools to extend this valuable opportunity and would love to conduct workshops. Additionally, we offer brief advice sessions for adults working with young people, empowering them to confidently support and refer young individuals to our programme.”

Cllr Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “This free and confidential support service is aimed at supporting our young adults to stop vaping. Currently the longer-term effects of vaping are unknown, and we would urge teens to contact the service where they can receive support from stop-smoking advisors and nicotine replacement therapy.”

Contact:
Farida Majidy - Slough Integrated Services Manager – Health and Wellbeing Slough
info@hws.net

Council to sell land off Churchill Road, Langley

Slough Borough Council is selling a piece of unused land off Churchill Road, near Broom House it announced yesterday (6 November 2024).

At the moment, the site is in two parts:
1. A former garage site, where the garages have been demolished and hoardings placed around the site
2. Open grassland with a large cedar tree, protected by a tree preservation order (TPO)

The site will be going to auction on 21 November through online site BidX1.

The residents of Broom House have been advised of the sale, as though the flats and car park will remain the same, there will be a right of access to the site through the Broom House car park.

The site had previously received planning permission for four homes, though that permission has now lapsed.

The sale is part of the council’s programme of asset sales which is designed to release unused parcels of land and buildings within the borough to bring them back into use.

It follows earlier sales that targeted out-of-borough assets and land and buildings within the borough which could net high returns to help stabilise the council’s financial position.

The disposals programme continues after a comprehensive re-evaluation of all assets; including those which continue to provide a positive return on investment and are therefore of benefit to the council.

Councillor Wal Chahal, lead member for finance and assets, said: “This old garage site is unsightly, and we hope it can be transformed into something far more attractive, potentially much-needed homes.

“We have a programme of assets which we will be bringing to market over the coming months, land and buildings which can be brought back to life and enhance the town or where long leases make them attractive to other freeholders.”

Any purchaser of the site will be required to obtain appropriate permissions, with any design being sensitive to neighbouring properties and the large, protected tree.

Ends

More details of the site including images can be found on the BidX1 website: https://bidx1.com/en/en-gb/auction/property/100343

Gardening season ends with a big thank you to all our volunteers!

The council’s parks team has been lucky this year in leading a large number of corporate volunteering days across our parks and open spaces. Last week a team of 38 from National Grid spent the day at Herschel Park clearing footpaths in the Nature Reserve and cleaned out one of the ponds and this week a group of 27 volunteers from Equinix spent their team building day in the park continuing the great work done by the National Grid employees.

On SEGRO’s Day of Giving event, on 27 September, volunteers tidied overgrown allotment plots at College Road Allotments by Cippenham Village Pond. This was arranged in partnership with one of our allotment site representatives.

Earlier on in the summer a group of 14 volunteers from British Gas gave up their time to weed, dead head, and rake the rose beds at Salt Hill Park.

This year, corporate volunteers, together with our regular parks and allotments volunteers, have carried out an amazing 13,000 hours of work helping look after Slough’s parks, allotments, and streams.

If you are interested in corporate volunteering with your place of work, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email our parks team on: parks@slough.gov.uk

There is also an opportunity to become a weekly volunteer at Herschel Park, Salt Hill Park and Baylis Park. Our Parks Volunteering Scheme is looking for more volunteers to look after our parks. As a volunteer, you will receive hands on training and meet other likeminded people.
Bruce Hicks, senior parks improvements officer, said: “We are extremely grateful to our volunteers who give up their time every Tuesday at Herschel Park and/or every Thursday at Salt Hill Park (both 10am-3pm). They continue to make such a difference to our parks, and we are very proud to have them working alongside us.”
As well as assisting with making improvements to the park, planting, seeding, and weeding, it is a great way to keep fit, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new people.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or want to find out more details, please email: parks@slough.gov.uk
Councillor Gurcharan Manku, lead member for environment, environmental services, and open spaces, said: “We are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers who help us look after our parks and green spaces. Either those who to come to us for a day as part of corporate volunteering or those who regularly donate their time and skills. On behalf of the council, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of you. For anyone who is interested in volunteering there is a great sense of achievement knowing that you are making a difference to the environment and your community.”

Fostering is…Everything

Fostering can mean everything to those involved. That is the message of a powerful new fostering film from over 100 councils.

‘Everything’ will be launched on 17 October. It is the seventh film produced by a growing partnership of councils and children’s trusts to promote local authority fostering. The ‘Everything’ project is the largest collaboration yet, with participants from Cumbria to Devon and Lancashire to Essex.

Sue Butcher, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First, said: “Together with over 100 councils we are delighted to have been part of this initiative to create such an impactful and heart-warming film. It really is something to be proud of.
“In Slough Children First our vision is for children and young people to be ‘Happy, Safe & Loved, Thriving’ and we know that foster carers play a vital role in delivering this vision.
“The ‘Everything’ project has given our fostering service an amazing film that shows the long-term impact fostering can have, with relationships between carers and children lasting well into adulthood.
“All councils need to recruit more foster carers, and by collaborating to produce this emotionally powerful film, we will show people how rewarding and life-changing fostering is.
“The message is the same for all of us – we need more people to step forward and become foster carers. ‘Everything’ will help us to reach more people in our communities and encourage them to find out more about this really rewarding role.”

‘Everything’ follows foster carer Mike and his family on a journey through time with two of the children they have looked after, who are now adults. A surprise 60th birthday party for Mike gives Will and Zara a chance to reflect on how being fostered made a difference to their lives, thanking him for everything.

Thanks to footage shot on a genuine old camcorder, we are taken to the 1990s, to see how Will settles into the family. We also jump back to the 2010s, when a young Zara is being taught to play the guitar by Mike, something that comes full circle when she performs a song at the party. Mike’s son Chris is involved throughout, showing the important role the children of foster carers play.

The concluding message of the film is that what you do with your life could forever change someone else’s – encouraging people to foster in order to make that change.
The film was developed with the input and insight of foster carers and people with care experience, was produced by Reel TwentyFive and project managed by public sector media partner CAN/Rachel Brown.

Project Director, Rachel Brown describes the main message of the film: “Many people don’t realise how common it is for relationships made through fostering to last well beyond the ‘official’ caring role. This has a huge impact on the lives of those who have been fostered, giving them stability and security well into adulthood.
“We also wanted to reflect how the children of foster carers make a difference to children when they come into care, helping them to feel part of the family.
“Having over 100 councils taking part in the project, the film will reach a very wide audience, encouraging people to find out more and take the steps towards becoming a foster carer.
“Fostering with your local council or children’s trust means you can better support local children and young people who need a safe and nurturing home where they can grow and thrive.”

The national launch of ‘Everything’ will be held at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham on 17 October and council fostering services involved in the project will also be holding local launches around the country.

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of the Fostering Network says: "The Fostering Network has been proud to support the collaborative film projects since 'Giants' in 2017. It's great to see local authority fostering services pooling resources to produce another amazing film. 'Everything' will help to amplify their message about the chronic shortage of fostering households, encouraging more people to come forward and foster.
“One of the main characters in the film, Chris, shows how important other family members are when it comes to fostering. This is something we champion throughout October, which is Children of Foster Carer's Month."

‘Everything’ is the latest in a series of film collaborations that started in 2017 with ‘Giants’, which was supported by a small number of local authorities in the midlands and has now grown into a national project across England, reflecting the need to recruit more foster carers.

You can view the film here: https://youtu.be/_a68qCVSefw

Slough Youth Award nominations are open

Do you know a young person in Slough whose contribution to the community inspires you and deserves recognition? Maybe, it’s an individual who has overcome personal challenges or opened their own business! Now’s the time to speak up, nominations are open for the Slough Youth Awards, which recognise and celebrate young people’s achievements.

Now in its ninth year, the awards are supported by the council’s Youth Voice team and Slough Youth Parliament.

The annual ceremony started from the very first youth parliament’s manifesto commitment to raise the profile of young people in a positive way, by celebrating their many achievements.

Please acknowledge the achievements and breakthroughs of our resilient and talented youth community by nominating them for an award in one for the following categories.

1. Making a Difference Award
2. Creative Expression Award
3. Being Active Ambassador
4. Resilience Award
5. Going Green Champion
6. Being Ambitious Award.

Submissions must be for a young person aged 11-19 or up to 25 years old with learning difficulties, disabilities or is a care leaver who lives in Slough. All nominees will be invited to the awards, where winners and runners up will be announced. It will be a high energy night with performances, food, and lots more!

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “We are so proud of all our young people in Slough, especially those who go above and beyond to help their community. If you know a young person who you think excels in one of our six categories, please get your nominations in before 30 October.

“The judging panel looks forward every year to reading all about the amazing contributions to the community Slough’s youth have made.”

The awards show will be hosted by members of Slough Youth Parliament and there will be a variety of performances on the night from local artists.

Nominations close on Monday 30 October. Save the date for the awards which will be held on 22 November 6-9pm, at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Stoke Road, SL2 5AY.

Read more about the categories and fill in the nomination form at https://www.slough.gov.uk/slough-youth-awards/slough-youth-awards-1

For general enquiries, please contact the Youth Voice Team: sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk

The Youth Voice team are looking for sponsorship for the awards with different packages available: https://app.goodhub.com/sponsorourevents

Stop smoking for Stoptober

Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign previously.

More than five million adults in England still smoke. Approximately 15,542 adults in Slough smoke.

The smoking prevalence among pregnant women has risen from 5.7% to 6.7% between 2021 and 2022.

Smoking causes 64,000 deaths in England each year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to join the thousands of others who are committing to quitting for the month of October – quit smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

When you stop smoking good things start to happen – quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend. The health benefits start straightaway:

within 20 minutes of stopping, your heart rate and blood pressure drop
after 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal
long-term benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Cllr Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “There is a huge amount of free resources available to help residents stop smoking. The stop smoking clinic van will be at various locations across the borough starting with Slough High Street opposite the old cinema on Sunday 29 September, 10am-4pm. Drop in and receive advice, guidance, and support to quit from Health & Wellbeing Slough professionals. Quitting smoking is such a positive step for your mental and physical health and there’s no better time than now to try.”

You can get involved in Stoptober by:

Using available resources: Take advantage of Health and Wellbeing Slough , the local Stop Smoking Service, which offers free advice, support, and nicotine replacement therapies. https://healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk/services/stop-smoking/ Or you can contact them by:

•Telephone: 0800 0614734 / 01753 373646

•Text QUIT to 66777

•Quit with Bella app www.quitwithbella.co.uk

•online referral form: https://healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk/referral-form/

Signing up: Visit the Better Health website to sign up and receive daily support emails, access to the Stoptober app, and a free Personal Quit Plan. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Joining local events: Find a list of events providing face-to-face support and resources at: https://www.slough.gov.uk/events

Healthy weight, healthy future: Slough’s plan for change

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for overall wellbeing, and it plays a key role in preventing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

In Slough, the challenge is particularly pressing, with around one in three adults living with obesity and nearly half of all Year 6 children above a healthy weight – one of the highest rates in the South East.

To address this, we recently held a Healthy Weight Summit, bringing together more than 60 representatives from local organisations, including schools, community groups, the voluntary sector, the council, and the NHS, to discuss ways to help people in Slough achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Following the summit, we are working with our partners to develop solutions. Key areas of focus include supporting children and young people, promoting physical activity and active travel, improving weight management services, and creating environments that make healthy eating more accessible.

Initial work has started to drive these priorities forward, with organisations across Slough committed to making real progress. By working together, we aim to create lasting changes that will help residents lead healthier lives.

Cllr Ishrat Shah, cabinet member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “One of the council’s three strategic priorities in our corporate plan is - a town where residents can live healthier, safer, and more independent lives. Part of that work is looking at health inequalities, and how we can work with our partners to really make a positive difference in our residents’ lives. This is just the beginning of a continuing project that will aim to improve the health of our residents across the borough, whatever their age.”

For more information on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/public-health/healthy-weight

Are you ambitious enough for Slough’s children?

Following on from the Cabinet approval announcement of our 2024-27 Corporate Parenting Strategy in July, we are excited to share that we held an official launch event on Thursday 12 September.

The evening was hosted by a group of our young people and was filled with fun, music, ambition and talent, all while being underpinned by our six key priorities (developed alongside children, young people, carers and partners). These priorities are:
• supporting engagement and achievement in education, training, and employment
• ensuring that our children looked after, and care experienced young people have stable homes
• listening and responding to the voice of our children, young people and care experienced young people. They will help to develop and shape our strategic plans and delivery of services
• ensuring that our children, young people, and care experienced young people are healthy. We will help our children and care experienced young people to have access to help for their physical needs and emotional wellbeing
• developing a highly effective care leavers’ partnership to provide ongoing help in a variety of ways for them
• Supporting children, young people and care experienced young people to have fun and have new experiences to develop their own interests.

Our young people filled the room with their amazing talents, including art, photography, and sporting achievements, while the audience shared their words of wisdom to them and how they would support in delivering the corporate promises.

Sue Butcher, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First said: “The term ‘Corporate Parenting’ and being a ‘Corporate Parent’ is a collective and a partnership responsibility, not just for Slough Borough Council and Slough Children First members and employees. It is also for our partners including police, education, and health services, to provide the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are in our care or have left our care. This is why you are ALL here, each and every one of you has a valuable role and contribution to make.”

Will Tuckley, Chief Executive, Slough Borough Council, asked the audience to think about whether we are being ambitious enough for Slough’s children as corporate parents.

Nick Barwick, Director at Insight Wellbeing and a care experienced person reminded us that “every child is one successful adult away from being a success.”

Also speaking on the night, Rick Flo, Motion Designer and Rap Artist spoke powerfully about turning trauma into triumph and the importance of someone seeing a child and their dreams.

Through collaboration and partnership, we will achieve our vision (for every child to be Happy, Safe & Loved, Thriving), values and promises (all outlined in the Corporate Parenting Strategy) by focusing on the six key priorities.

Our Corporate Parenting Strategy sets out our commitments as corporate parents, to our children and young people who are looked after and those who are care experienced.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported in so many ways, including our keynote speakers for inspiring and motivating us all.

A special thank you to Wexham Secondary School for allowing us to host the event.

To view the full strategy, please visit: https://www.sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Slough-Corporate-Parenting-Strategy-2024-27.pdf

Slough parents reminded of the importance of getting their children vaccinated

With millions of children across the country going back to school over the last week, parents and carers are urged to check that their children are up to date with their immunisations.

Including both doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) in the wake of rising measles cases across the country.

Childhood vaccination rates have fallen over the past 10 years and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on parents to help reverse the downward trend of the past decade and have warned that unless action is taken and uptake improves, we are likely to see the diseases that these vaccines prevent against re-emerging (GOV.UK, March 2024 ).

It is estimated that more than 102,000 children aged four and five years old starting in reception are not protected against catching measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is highly infectious and nine out of 10 unvaccinated children in a classroom will catch the disease if just one child is infectious (NHSE, 2023 ).

Childhood vaccinations give children the best protection and prevent more than 5,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions each year in England. Whilst measles can be mild for some children, one in five will require a hospital visit and the infection can lead to complications in one in 15, such as meningitis and sepsis. There is no specific treatment for measles and vaccination gives the best protection from serious illness. Measles can start with cold like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, with a rash not showing until they have been infectious for up to four days. In a classroom it may not be easy to spot that they have the measles infection at first and before they have a rash, they could have infected nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated classmates.

The MMR vaccine is given at one year old and again at three years and four months in readiness for starting school. Two doses are enough to give lifelong protection from becoming seriously unwell with measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is often given at the same time as the pre-school booster including protection against polio and if parents / carers do not want their child to have the MMR vaccine that contains porcine gelatine, they can ask for the Priorix vaccine.

The UKHSA and the NHS launched a second wave of its national campaign to support efforts to increase uptake of childhood immunisations among children aged 0-5 and highlight the serious risk childhood diseases can pose if children aren’t vaccinated. This is particularly important as children go back to school.

In line with this, Slough Borough Council Public Health Team advises that anyone who has missed any of their vaccinations can catch up at any time and parents / carers should check their child’s red book or ask their GP practice to make sure their child is fully vaccinated. If any doses have been missed, an appointment can be made with the GP practice to catch up and become protected, alternatively if your child is school aged you can speak with the School Immunisation team, who are the NHS providers of all routine school immunisations, who can offer you a clinic appointment and/ or offer alongside other planned immunisations within a school setting (see below for contact details).

The World Health Organisation identifies measles as one the most contagious infections in the world, yet the disease is completely preventable with vaccination. The UK lost its eradication status for measles in 2018 following an increase in measles cases in the country and vaccine levels lower than the 95% target set. The most recent data for quarter four (January - March 2023/24) of Slough children at five years who had received these vaccinations are: MMR1 (91%), MMR2 (86.7%) and Preschool Booster (Td/IPV) (85%).

Cllr Ishrat Shah, cabinet member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “It’s really important that residents look after their children’s health by ensuring they are vaccinated against childhood diseases. Equally if you are an adult that hasn’t completed your MMR vaccinations you can also contact your GP practice to get vaccinated. There are also options available if parents do not want their child to have the MMR vaccine that contains porcine gelatine, for example, they can ask for the Priorix vaccine. Looking after our own health and that of our families and the wider community is so important.”

Contact details:

The Berkshire School Aged Immunisation Team can be contacted for advice and to book appointments, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (term time only) by telephone or email.

Telephone: 0300 365 0077

Email:

For children and young people who live or attend a school in Bracknell, Slough or Windsor and Maidenhead: Eastschoolimms@berkshire.nhs.uk

Useful immunisation information and resources:

Berkshire Immunisation Team (NHS commissioned provider of routine school-aged immunisations) - https://cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/public-health-nursing-health-visiting-school-nursing-immunisation/immunisations/

Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-important-and-the-safest-way-to-protect-yourself/

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/4-in-1-preschool-booster-vaccine/

Berkshire Healthcare School Aged Immunisation Service : For information on immunisations and details on how to refer to the service for missed immunisations. https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/5720#:~:text=We%20are%20a%20team%20of,vaccination%20to%20all%20young%20people.

NHS England September 2023 NHS facts about measles- https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/2023/09/07/more-than-32000-children-across-london-at-risk-of-catching-measles-as-new-school-term-gets-underway/

Vaccine knowledge : is a source of independent, evidence-based information about vaccines and infectious diseases, the webpages can be translated. https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/home

It’s GCSE results day for Slough’s students

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services said: “As our young people receive their GCSE results today, we as a council would like to wish all of our students the absolute best for the next stage of their lives.

“Results day is always nerve wracking as our teenagers receive the exam results, they have worked so hard for. Our students have achieved some excellent results, which are a result of their dedication and commitment to their studies.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hardworking teachers and support staff who help our students achieve their potential. It is times like these we must acknowledge what a difference your guidance, inspiration and dedication make to our young people throughout their academic life.

“Slough has consistently achieved some impressive results, continuing to demonstrate a high quality of education across our diverse town.

“It’s our priority to continue working in partnership with schools and to support them in whatever way we can, to ensure students reach their full potential.”

New community equipment drop-off sites launched


The council has two new drop-off sites for small to medium sized community equipment. These facilities are part of our ongoing commitment to improving community social care services and enhancing accessibility for our residents.

When equipment is dropped off at the allocated sites, NRS Healthcare will collect, clean, repair and recycle/reuse it by providing it to others in need.

Locations of drop-off sites

1. Observatory House Car Park
• Address: 25 Windsor Rd, Slough SL1 2EL.
• Opening times: Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm.
• To access please speak to reception to be let through the gate.
2. Chalvey Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)
• Address: White Hart Road, off Spackmans Way, SL1 2SF.
• Open 7 days a week.https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-recycling-centres-waste-transfer-station/opening-hours-chalvey-household-waste-recycling-centre
• Access by vehicle only. https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-recycling-centres-waste-transfer-station/access-requirements-chalvey-household-waste-recycling-centre

At both locations, residents will find a dedicated container clearly labelled for the return of community equipment.

Items accepted:
• adjustable bed rails
• adjustable shower chairs
• bathing equipment
• commodes
• perching stools
• rollators
• toilet frames
• other similar small community equipment.

Items not accepted
Please note that due to size and safety restrictions, the following items cannot be accepted at these drop-off sites:
• mattresses
• profiling beds
• mobile hoists
• wheelchairs
• any other large community equipment.

This is to make sure the containers can be used efficiently and remain accessible to all users who need to return smaller items. You can return larger items by calling NRS on 0344 893 6960 who will be happy to arrange collection.

Cllr Anna Wright, cabinet member for adult social care, mental health and learning disabilities, said: “Rather than leaving the equipment you no longer need getting in the way at home, pop it down to Chalvey HWRC or Observatory House. By reusing and recycling equipment, access to items needed is improved for our residents, as well as being kinder to the environment. All equipment is cleaned, repaired, and stored by NRS Healthcare ready for the next user.”

If you have any questions about what can be dropped off, or if you need further information about the new community equipment drop-off sites, please do get in touch by:
• email: reablementadmin@slough.gov.uk
• phone: 01753 475 111, option 1 for Adult Social Care.

Big day for A-level students across Slough

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services said: “It is my pleasure on behalf of everyone at the council to congratulate the young people of Slough who have received their A-level results today.

“Today will have been one of the most important days in their academic life so far, and we are proud of their hard work and dedication. We wish our young people every success and good luck as they move onto further education, apprenticeships, or the start of their careers.

“Of course, this couldn’t be achieved without the support, guidance and hard work of our school staff and support staff, who encourage, support, and nurture our young people throughout their studies. We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated professionals working in Slough’s schools.

“Our young people are the future, and we are committed to ensuring that our children and young people enjoy learning and aim to achieve their full potential. Today’s results show again that Slough has improved it’s average point score from 32.56 in 2022/23 to 33.42 in 2023/24, however the average point score as a grade has remained the same as a C+.”

One Slough Community Fund awarded additional funding

Slough Borough Council and Frimley Integrated Care Board provide much needed funding to local voluntary and community sector groups through the One Slough Community Fund.

Following a high number of bids this year, funding has been awarded to 31 organisations to deliver a number of projects in the town.

These range from supporting youngsters with their reading, providing accessible sports and fitness activities for all ages, and befriending activities for our elderly residents to combat loneliness and isolation. Projects share the same goal of supporting the health and wellbeing of all members of Slough’s diverse communities.

The voluntary sector has a huge impact on the continued wellbeing of Slough’s communities and the part it plays in keeping people well. The council and Frimley ICB understand that without providing support to the sector, many groups would cease to operate, and the loss would be felt across the whole borough.

To give community groups the best opportunity to flourish, Slough Borough Council and Frimley ICB have come together with additional money to support the Community Fund. This will see an extra £65,000 added this year, and a further £70,000 added to the pot from next year onwards.

Cllr Anna Wright, cabinet member responsible for adult social care, mental health and learning disabilities, said: “Slough has a wonderfully active and supportive voluntary sector, making a difference in every part of Slough. This additional funding will make a huge difference to local groups and their truly essential volunteers. I look forward to learning about the impact their projects make.”

Jane Senior, commissioning director, Slough Borough Council, said: “The One Slough Community Fund provides an opportunity to invest in local voluntary and community sector organisations to support the health and wellbeing of the local community. We are delighted that the council and Frimley ICB are able to support the sector in this way and contribute to the delivery of a key council priority – to support a town where residents can live healthier, safer, and more independent lives.”

HCRG Care Group awarded new contract to deliver the Healthy Child Programme

The programme delivers health visiting and school nursing services for 0-19 (up to 25 for SEND) and delivery from HCRG Care Group will start in October.

The Healthy Child Programme works across various teams within the council including public health, early years, social care, and education, and with local health and care, and voluntary and faith-based organisations to ensure Slough families receive a comprehensive and joined-up service.

The new contract will see the council and HCRG Care Group address obesity in primary schools through targeted interventions for healthy eating and physical activity which will be supported by specially trained colleagues. They will support more children to meet the development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage by implementing a school readiness pathway; particularly focusing on fine and gross motor skills and communication skills, as well as support the 'Good Level of Development' attainment programme in schools; and collaborate with the early years sector and family hubs for integrated reviews.

Additionally, the new service will place a strong focus on children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health issues, for which a Specialist Parents and Infant Emotional Wellbeing Portfolio Lead will be appointed. The new service will also support with the uptake of immunisations; improving children’s oral health; and reducing infant mortality through early intervention schemes and contribute to universal "Preparing for Baby" workshops for expectant parents.

A well-trained, multidisciplinary workforce will deliver person-centred care through the family hubs and multiagency partnerships, and practitioners will be assigned to families to ensure continuity of care.

Sarah Wardle, Chief Nursing Officer at HCRG Care Group, said: "We are thrilled to be awarded the contract to deliver 0-19 health visiting and school nursing services in Slough. This is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise in providing high-quality, person-centred care for families. We look forward to working closely with the community to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families."

Debbie Rowe, Director of 0-19 Public Health Services at Solutions 4 Health, said: “It has been our privilege to support the many families in Slough over the years, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and relationships we have built with each and every member of the community, our fellow Slough organisations, and Slough Borough Council.

“Our team has been dedicated to promoting and supporting health and well-being across the Slough community, and we remain committed to ensuring a smooth handover to the new provider, who shares our dedication to high-quality health services. We are confident that they will continue to deliver the exceptional care that Slough deserves.”

Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health, and public protection, said: “I am looking forward to the start of the new service in Slough, and seeing the benefits for our children and young people, who are the heart of the borough. Their health and wellbeing are of upmost importance to the council as we want them all to have the very best start in life. It is programmes like the Healthy Child Programme that make this possible.”

Slough launches three-year Corporate Parenting Strategy

We are proud to announce that Slough Borough Council’s Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2024-27 has been approved by Cabinet.

The strategy sets out our commitment and care as corporate parents, to our children and young people who are looked after and those who are care experienced.

It has been developed alongside children, young people, carers, and partners, in order for us to have clear aspirations for our children ‘as if this were my child’. It also sets out clearly to our children and young people, what they can expect from us.

We set out our priorities as:

education, training, and employment
stable homes for our children
we will listen to the voices of our children and young people, and we will respond
we want all of our children to be healthy, including having access to mental health and emotional wellbeing support
we will build a care leavers’ partnership
our children and young people will have fun!

We have also outlined promises, developed with our children and young people, to help them be healthy, be ambitious, be resilient, be happy, be independent and be safe.

Slough Borough Council and Slough Children First look after 212 children and we support 171 care experienced young people in a variety of home settings.

Our foster carers are hugely important to us and to our children and we are always looking for new carers.

Because of this, it was important that our strategy demonstrated our vision, ambition and how we would listen to their voices and ensure they are heard.

Councillor Puja Bedi, cabinet member responsible for education and children’s services, said: “Producing the Corporate Parenting Strategy for the next three years has been a collaborative piece of work between our partners, involving our looked after children and carers. It includes comprehensive priorities that are clear and easily understandable for our children and young people. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on producing this strategy and who works hard every day to ensure that our looked after children thrive.”

Councillor Christine Hulme, chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, said: “This strategy puts our looked after children at the forefront, developed in collaboration with our young people, children, and their carers, we want them to achieve the best they can whilst in our care. Their health, safety, and happiness are our top priority, and throughout the strategy we have set out our commitments to them.”

To view the full strategy: https://www.slough.gov.uk/strategies-plans-policies/corporate-parenting

4 June 2024

Celebrating our unpaid carers this Carers Week

This Carers Week (10-16 June) the council’s Slough Carers Support team is celebrating our carers in Slough.

The theme for the week is “putting carers on the map.” There is a packed timetable for the week with many events and workshops. For more information about the events including details about how to book please call 07519 751640 or email Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk

Carers UK estimate 5.7 million people living in the UK today are carers. This could be a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or is affected by mental health or substance misuse. It includes young people under 18 who may be caring at home. Providing care for another person can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But there can also be times when people who care find themselves struggling.

This year to thank our unpaid carers, beautiful Ditton Manor has kindly donated their venue for free, for our carers week launch event. We are so grateful for this kind gesture and the team have been extremely generous with both their time and use of the venue. The event is open to all unpaid carers in Slough and runs from 11am-3pm on Monday 10 June. It includes live entertainment (magician and dance show), a delicious buffet lunch, laughing yoga, taster massage treatments and beauty treatments and art therapy to name a few. You need to book your place to attend by calling 07519 751640 or emailing Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk Entrance will not be permitted without a valid booking.

The Slough Carers Support team also want to thank all of the other companies that have also kindly donated their time and/or products for this event.

Caroline Bowler, Sales Manager, Ditton Manor, said: “We wanted to provide an opportunity for carers to have much-needed time for respite to relax and unwind, we value the work that unpaid carers in Slough do to support their loved ones and are proud to be able to give a little back to them this Carers Week.”

Ramandeep Gogna, Carers Support & Development Officer, Slough Borough Council, said: “We learnt from the pandemic what valuable role unpaid carers carry out in Slough. We are very lucky to have such selfless people in our borough caring for their family and friends. National Carers Week shines a light on these wonderful residents and allows us to celebrate them and arrange a pampering launch event for them. There is a whole timetable of events to attend, and we hope that any unpaid carers understand how appreciated you are by not only the people you care for, but by the wider borough.”

Many people who carry out caring responsibilities do not recognise themselves as carers but may benefit from some support and could be unaware of the help available to them. Many may feel they are simply carrying out ordinary responsibilities as a friend or family member.

For more information:
You can contact Slough Carers Support at: Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk or 07519 751640.

Alternatively, if you require extra support or guidance, please use the contacts below:

• If you’re caring for an adult, contact Slough Borough Council Adult Social Care on 01753 475111 Option 1.
• If you’re caring for a disabled child, please contact Slough Children First on 01753 875362.
• If you’re a young person providing care, please contact Slough Young Carers on 01753 875510.
• If you’re caring for a person with mental health problems telephone the Community Mental Health Team: 01753 690950 or Older People’s Mental Health Team for a person with dementia on: 01753 635220.

Company pleads guilty to parking vehicles for sale on a public highway

Auto City Trader Ltd, whose Director, Muhammad Akhtar, appeared in court on Friday 19 April, pleaded guilty to two offences of exposing vehicles for sale on a public highway and must pay a total of £2,823.

Slough Magistrates’ Court heard how Auto City Trader Ltd parked vehicles for sale on Lascelles Road, Slough, SL3 7PW. They were previously fined for the same behaviour in 2022.

Auto City Trader Ltd was convicted and fined £76 for each of the two offences, meaning a £152 fine to mark the offences after giving credit for an early guilty plea, and must pay prosecution costs of £2,610 and a victim surcharge of £61, making a total of £2,823.

Linda Corcoran, Resilience and Enforcement Lead, said: “We hope this will be a deterrent to both Auto City Trader Ltd and anyone else who is considering parking vehicles for sale on Sloughs streets, or indeed in the car parks of our local parks. This nuisance parking not only causes problems for local residents to park but can stop residents enjoying local amenities such as Upton Court Park. This is illegal and we won’t hesitate to take action whenever necessary.
“We will continue to monitor hotspots in the borough and would encourage residents to let us know if they see this occurring on 01753 475111 or via the website: https://www.slough.gov.uk/parking-permits/nuisance-parking .”

Food dumped in Baylis Park

Large amounts of food have recently been dumped in Baylis Park, contributing to a rat issue in the area. This has been an ongoing issue for many years and residents are again advised not to leave any food in the park. There have recently and frequently been large amounts of rice, chapatis, and bread left all across the park.

The council will be carrying out active patrols around the park and anyone seen dumping large amounts of food will receive a fixed penalty notice of £75. The no feeding sign near the pond will be replaced and the council would encourage residents not to feed the ducks, as well as not leaving food.

Linda Corcoran, Resilience and Enforcement Lead, Slough Borough Council said: “I would remind all residents not to leave large amounts of food on the ground at Baylis Park or indeed at any of our parks. This causes issues with attracting rats and also makes areas of the park unusable. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our open spaces, and it is up to all of us to keep them clear of rubbish and dumped food.”

New Youth Parliament elected for Slough!

Young voters aged 11-18 took part in the UK’s largest youth consultation to cast their vote on one of 10 issues impacting young lives and their communities.

The results mirror the last ballot in 2022, where health and wellbeing also came top of the list and after national consultations and research this developed into a campaign called ‘food for learning’ calling for free school meals to be available for all school students.

The 2024 Make Your Mark ballot attracted nearly 100,000 more votes nationally than in 2022, showing participation in democratic processes is growing among young people. Make Your Mark began in 2011 and since then health and wellbeing topics have been highlighted eight times, showing the ongoing concern by young voters and improvements in services still needed.

In Slough we held our Slough Youth Parliament elections alongside the make your mark process and attracted 161 candidates to apply for the roles. Voting took place online, across schools, colleges and youth groups and the successful candidates were announced in a results evening at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy on 22 March.

We thank all the organisations for supporting this process and all the candidates for taking part.

Our 31 new youth parliament members are:

Rijuta Acharya – Slough Young Inspectors
Aloysius Fernandes – Beat Routes
Aisha Hashmi & Diama Fall – Baylis Court School
Jalon Mensah & Lucia Doana - Beechwood School
Laxmi Sandal & Paula Wiecek – Churchmead School
Aditya Chhatre & Toby Dunford-McLeod – Ditton Park Academy
Anam Aslam & Armish Sardar – Eden Girls School
Katrina Masih & Shammah Mirza – Grove Academy Reps
Hadie Saleeban – Haybrook College
David Essien & Gunveen Kaur – Herschel Grammar
Lakson Bakeerathan & Yihang Chai – Langley Grammar
Emaan Asif – Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Dakshayani Rajamarthandan & Elsa Francis – Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College
Joshua Arul & Tinotenda Magaya – St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
Mateusz Skowera – St Joseph’s Catholic School
Felicity-Mai Ford – Westgate School
Junior Jonski & Abbi Mohanaraja – Wexham School
Cameron Jack & Rhiannon Fountain-Meek – Langley College
Rachita Dhoke – SEND Reps.

Sadly, the British Youth Council made a shock announcement on 21 March that they would be closing after 75 years dedicated to championing and strengthening youth voice and involvement in decision making. Due to this any further analysis of the ballot is unlikely to be released. The continuation of the national youth voice programme, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and UK Parliament, is unknown at this time.

Nadine Barrett, Youth Work Team Leader (Youth Voice), Slough Borough Council, said: “My team and I are committed to providing meaningful mechanisms for our young representatives to have their voice heard and acted upon. The youth voice team will continue our important work to empower young people in Slough to influence social and political change.”

Equality Objectives – public consultation now open – have your say!

In November Cabinet gave approval for the council’s draft equality objectives to go to a public consultation. Setting these objectives is a key part of our public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010 and will cover a period of four years.

The objectives set out what we want to achieve and our priority areas of focus to:
• reduce inequalities for Slough residents and service users
• reduce inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion for the council’s workforce.

The council is now seeking views on five draft equality objectives and wants to hear from as many people as possible on:
• if they agree with the objectives we have proposed
• which ones are most important
• if there are significant areas of equalities focus or groups that are missing.

The consultation can be completed at: https://slough.citizenspace.com/corporate/equality-objectives-consultation

If there are any questions regarding the consultation you can contact the team at: equalities@slough.gov.uk

Library staff are available to help any residents who have difficulty completing the questionnaire. The consultation closes on 2 February.

The outcome of the consultation will be presented alongside the final version of the objectives when this is brought to Cabinet and Full Council later this year.

Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council and cabinet member responsible for improvement & recovery, performance, governance and young futures said: “I would encourage all residents, service users and council staff to take part in this survey to help inform us that we have proposed the right equality objectives and which they see as the most important. The survey closes on 2 February.”

Learning Disability Strategy approved at cabinet

A new Learning Disability Strategy for 2023-28 describes how the council will work with its partners to reduce health inequalities for adults with learning disability, to live a good quality of life as independently as possible within the local community.

The strategy sets out our ambitions to further integrate the work of health and social care professionals to identify solutions that improve the lives of people with learning disability.

The strategy sets out seven key priorities for the council and people with learning disability.
These include:
• promote independence
• ensure access to good quality care and support
• progress the integration of health and social care
• ensure effective transitions
• facilitate access to employment, training and skills
• embed an evidence based and data driven approach to commissioning
• keep people safe.

The action plan illustrates how the priority areas will be delivered.

The strategy has been developed through a series of engagement events, both in person and online, with learning disability service users, family members, formal and informal carers, professionals in health and social care and the volunteer sector organisations. Furthermore, a multi-lingual questionnaire in the nine most spoken languages in Slough has been circulated to all stakeholders known to the Community Team for People with a Learning Disability (CTPLD)
and the commissioning team.

The Learning Disability Strategy will be overseen by a new steering group. This will be formed by representatives of the new Learning Disability Partnership Board which will be created following stakeholders’ feedback. Implementation of the strategy will be overseen by the commissioning team.

Councillor Anna Wright, lead member for adult social care, mental health and learning disabilities, said: “This strategy has been created through engaging with our residents with a learning disability and their families and carers to ensure that we focus on what is most important to them. Our primary goal is ensuring that we help to improve our resident’s quality of life and the new steering group we are forming will help us to deliver in the seven priority areas identified.”

Trader fined for nine food safety offences

A fruit and vegetable business has been fined £32,000 for numerous food safety offences, including failure to keep the premises clean.

Adams Fruits Limited, owner of Adam’s Fruit & Veg, 283 High Street, Slough, pleaded guilty to all the offences which included not keeping the food premises maintained in good condition.

Other offences included not ensuring raw materials were stored at the premises to protect them from contamination, the walk-in chiller was disorganised, with raw meats being close to ready to eat fruit and vegetables, such as berries. The raw meats and the fruit, vegetables and herbs were not sufficiently segregated, posing a high risk of contamination.

An adequate number of washbasins for cleaning hands with hot and cold running water, and hygienic drying, was not provided and there was no hot water in the WC basin or drying facilities.

There were no pest control procedures in place, as there were mouse droppings at various parts of the premises, including on shelves, in a box displaying walnuts, on a plastic container of dates and a packet of tortillas, near the butchery display counter.

As well as this, the rear door was dirty, with a hole at the bottom of the door, the door to the walk- in chiller was filthy, with traces of blood and the WC basin was dirty, causing concerns of cross contamination.

The top of a dirty chest freezer was being used with cardboard on top for a cutting surface for watermelon. This is not a material that can be cleaned and attracts moisture, allowing bacteria to grow.

A chest freezer full of products (meat/fish) was defrosted and emitting an unpleasant odour, and the bottom of the freezer contained liquid drippings from the bags, including blood.

There were no regular cleaning schedules of hand contact points to avoid cross contamination, no schedules to check temperatures on chillers and freezers to ensure they were at the right level and staff were not demonstrating good standards of personal hygiene.

These offences relate to poor standards found in November 2022 and June 2023. The premises was formally closed on 17 November 2022 due to a health risk condition. Significant improvements were made to allow it to re-open on 18 November 2022. It took several visits for standards to improve sufficiently. The premises was visited again in June 2023, where standards were found to be very poor again, and further enforcement was taken by the Food & Safety Team.

Ann Stewart, food & safety professional, Slough Borough Council, said: “We will support businesses in achieving compliance, however when a business presents a risk to public health and do not improve after we have asked them to, we have no option other than to take enforcement action. We hope that this business and other businesses in Slough will learn and ensure satisfactory food safety controls are in place at all times to protect Slough residents and visitors.”

Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for community cohesion, public health, public protection, leisure and planning, said: “We have a fantastic Food & Safety Team here in Slough who are dedicated to making sure that standards are met for our residents’ safety. If you run a business here and do not adhere to those standards, we will work with you to achieve them, but will not hesitate to take action if you not do not comply.”

Chance to say how you’d like to get involved in shaping Berkshire’s blueprint for nature recovery

Communities across Berkshire are invited to say how they’d like to get involved in shaping plans for protecting and improving natural habitats in the county.

Berkshire’s six councils, led by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, are keen to work with residents, landowners, NGOs, developers, community groups and others to create a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the county.

Funded by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) as part of a wider national nature recovery project, the result for Berkshire will be a nature map of opportunities, as well as a list of biodiversity priorities.

This will prioritise where time and investment are most needed to improve, protect, or enlarge habitats, create wildlife corridors, or create new habitats on land or around watercourses. It will also help to inform and support funding bids for specific projects.

To ensure as many individuals and organisations as possible are involved in the planning stage during 2024, the project team is holding an initial survey to hear people’s preferences around how best to engage them in the conversations.

This engagement survey covers how people would like to contribute to the strategy and stay up to date with project progress, as well as important accessibility considerations, and the chance to say if you have any specialist skills or knowledge to share around particular habitats and species.

Find out more and take part in the survey until Tuesday 2 January at https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/berkshire-local-nature-recovery-strategy If you don’t have online access, you are welcome to use the public-access computers available at all local libraries, where staff are happy to help you get online if needed.

Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “We are extremely interested to hear how Slough and Berkshire residents would like to contribute to this important strategy which will protect, improve, and create natural habitats across the whole of Berkshire.

“Please fill in the short engagement survey to allow us to start the process of involving residents and organisations in this collaborative piece of work, for the benefit of our local wildlife and environment. Berkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy is so important for us all, we would like to hear views from as many people as possible. The survey closes on 2 Jan.”

Waiting times cut for stairlifts

The council introduced a new Housing Assistance Policy (HAP) detailing the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) options that an individual can receive, in November 2022.
One of the key aspects of the policy was fast tracking certain types of equipment, such as stairlifts. The policy will help improve the lives of local people as it will provide more flexibility in how the grant can be administered. This will help reduce waiting times.

The stairlift contract agreed yesterday (Monday) at cabinet with Handicare Accessibility Limited, will streamline the process of the stairlifts and cut waiting times for people who have been assessed and have had their DFG grant approved.

The council is including key performance indicators and will manage the process to ensure the provider delivers and installs stairlifts within suitable time frames. Previously local people were waiting more than one year for equipment such as stairlifts, and with the introduction of the new policy and working with the new stairlift provider, the council will reduce the waiting time for the process of stairlifts to less than half.

Stairlifts can have a huge impact on helping people to continue to maintain personal independence within their own homes. Enabling people to access all areas of the home reduces the need to adapt ground floor living space, especially important in homes occupied by other family members or care givers, where the alternative option would be residential care settings.

The contract will be for three years with two possible extensions.

Councillor Anna Wright, cabinet member for public health, social care, and wellbeing, said: “This new contract with Handicare Accessibility Limited will cut waiting times in half for residents in need of a stairlift, allowing them to stay in their own homes, and improving their quality of life. Previously the waiting times residents were facing were unacceptable and meant that they potentially couldn’t access the first floors of their homes. I am really pleased that this will be a quicker and easier process for those in need of assistance.”

21 November 2023
Children & Young People’s Placement Sufficiency Strategy approved at cabinet

The Slough Children’s placement sufficiency strategy sets out our ambitions for children and young people who may become looked after or who are looked after over the next three years (2023-26.)

Central to the strategy is a fundamental belief that every child has the right to grow up in a family home wherever possible. We will do everything we can to support children and young people to stay within their family where possible, where it is safe to do so, before considering that they need to be cared for outside of their family home. The sufficiency strategy will achieve this by focusing on 5 key priorities:
1. strengthening Early Help and developing ‘Edge of Care’ and reunification support
2. a clear focus on our recruitment and retention of foster carers and developing options for children to exit residential care into a family home, where possible
3. ensuring robust commissioning arrangements and value for money relationships with providers
4. achieving permanence for children at the earliest opportunity
5. providing care experienced young people with a variety of placement options and support to independence.
Slough Children First and Slough Borough Council are committed to achieving the best for our children and work across all council departments to achieve this for our cared for children. The five priority areas will be delivered via specific workstreams, led by our strategic managers, and overseen by a Sufficiency Board to ensure progress and that outcomes are achieved.

Sue Butcher, director of children’s services and chief executive of Slough Children First, said: “Every child and young person deserves a supportive and loving home where they feel cared for and safe. However, if you have ever been a child or young person in the care of a local authority or a young adult that has previously been looked after, this is all the more important.

“Slough’s new Children and Young People’s Placement Sufficiency Strategy sets out how we will provide these homes which could mean staying at home with family support in place, living with foster carers, living in a residential children’s home, or being supported to live independently. Our vision is ‘Happy, Safe and Loved, Thriving’.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: “The placement sufficiency strategy puts processes in place to ensure the best outcome for each child in our care. It is our priority that looked after children feel secure, supported, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential. This strategy will be overseen by a Sufficiency Board to ensure key milestones are met, and that we are on track to achieve the five key priorities laid out within it.”

16 November 2023
Local pupil wins logo design competition for Local Offer website relaunch

The Family Information Service team at the council has soft launched a revamped resource for local residents.

The new Local Offer website is a guide to services available for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities: https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk/localoffer

A competition, which ran in the summer, gave local pupils an opportunity to design the new Local Offer logo. From many entries Zehra Hamid, a student at Ryvers School, won first place and two of her designs were made into a logo by the council’s graphic designer, Caroline Steele.
Zehra won a £30 Amazon voucher kindly donated by Special Voices group and received a certificate signed by Sue Butcher, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First. This was presented by Neil Hoskinson, Interim Associate Director of Education, Slough Borough Council and Pete Rowe, Executive Headteacher, Ryvers School.

Zehra said: “I love to draw and have lots of ideas in my head that are aching to burst onto paper and sometimes I can't stop myself. I loved to participate because I love drawing storyboards, book covers, posters and now logos! I was so surprised and shocked to hear I had won and then ecstatic!”

Zehra’s father, Hammad Hamid, said: “Our daughter Zehra is great at drawing; she has books of drawings stuffed in her cupboard. Immediately, we knew she would be keen on the logo competition and there was some satisfaction in knowing that the service itself would benefit someone like her. The finished logo was an amazing composition of two of her logo designs, we were awed, humbled and proud.”

The revamped website is to be soft launched and also presented at a Special Voices Information/Local Offer Live Day on Friday 24 November, 9.30am - 1pm, at Singh Sabha Sports Centre, Stoke Poges Lane, SL1 3LW. For more information call 07990693439 or email info@specialvoices.co.uk
The new website has been co-produced with children and young people, parents, carers, and professionals. Young people have created new videos featured on the site, and through talking to parents, carers, and professionals the team gathered feedback about the look and feel needed, and what content was important to them.
The Local Offer website has been redesigned to make it easier for children and young people and their families to independently access information. The new look website has been designed following consultation with a range of partners and engagement with children and young people. We are continuing to co-produce the Local Offer and will be constantly updating and reviewing the website based on feedback.
The team want to use the soft launch to gather feedback on using the new website, on what isn’t working and what users would like to see. You will be able to feedback through a series of smiley faces down the side of a webpage – just click and let the team know. If you include your email address as part of the feedback, you will be entered into a prize draw with a first prize of a £50 Amazon voucher. The draw runs from now until 4 January 2024.

Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: “This is a fantastic, relaunched website for our local residents which aims to provide easy to access information all in one place. There is still time to feedback during the soft launch period to gather information on what residents think. Please do take the time to let us know and we will aim to improve on any areas needed.”

Slough choir sings for Children in Need

Children from Slough Community Youth Soul Choir were selected to sing for Children in Need this year alongside other choirs from across the country.

They are singing ‘You Raise Me Up’, in a performance which was filmed in Slough, as well as other areas of the UK. The children were commended for their positive and professional behaviour as well as beautiful singing voices during the recording.

The choir was formed in 2019 by Rebecca Richardson, Head of Slough Music Service, and is supported by local music charity Beat Routes and Slough Music Service. The group meet weekly, term time Mondays at The Curve 5-7pm. There is no cost to joining the choir. To join they only ask for commitment to weekly rehearsals and also performances. If you would like your child to join the choir, the next intake is January 2024. Email: sloughyouthchoir@gmail.com

Rebecca Richardson, Head of Slough Music Service said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to sing on a national platform and show the talent and commitment our young people in Slough have. I have run the choir for the past four years and it’s been amazing to see young people’s confidence grow in performing. The show is this Friday at 7pm on BBC One, please donate if you can.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children's services, lifelong skills, and governance said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the choir to showcase some of the talent our children and young people have. A big thank you to Rebecca for founding the choir and helping them flourish under her guidance. I look forward to seeing the choir on BBC One! Well done Slough Community Youth Soul Choir.”

Travel made easier by bus route improvements


A number of bus routes in Slough have changed since 27 August. Key improvements include more frequent buses on route 4, which is being renumbered route A4, and an extension of Chiltern Hundreds route 103 to Windsor.

Cippenham residents now benefit from buses every 15 minutes on First Beeline route A4 along the A4 Bath Road bus lanes, and a new hourly all night service, running to Slough town centre and Heathrow Central Bus Station. Route A4 buses will now serve St Andrew’s Way in both directions, no longer serving Cippenham Lane or Cippenham Green. These improvements are funded by Heathrow Airport and aim to provide more attractive alternative travel options for Heathrow Airport workers affected by the extension to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from 29 August.

Other improvements funded by Heathrow Airport include more frequent buses on Sundays on First Beeline route 8 and an additional early morning journey on route 7 from Britwell to Slough.

Residents in the Farnham Road area now enjoy direct buses to Windsor as well as more buses at peak travel times, thanks to improvements to Chiltern Hundreds route 103 by Carousel Buses.

Route 83 has been recombined with route 583 and is now run by Carousel Buses as route 583, with some journeys extending beyond Wexham Park Hospital and Langley to Richings Park, Iver and Uxbridge. Route 583 is supported by Buckinghamshire Council.

There are also changes to timetables to improve reliability.

Routes which changed on 27 August are: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12 (eves and Sundays), 15, 83, 103, 106 and 107. More details are available at https://www.slough.gov.uk/buses.

Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “I very much welcome these improvements to Slough’s extensive and growing bus network. With the climate emergency we need more than ever to travel sustainably, and these improvements make it easier for residents and commuters to get around by bus in the town and to neighbouring areas including Heathrow Airport, and the current £2 maximum single fare on most routes makes bus travel cheaper too. We welcome the continued support of Heathrow Airport, and are working with them and with our bus operator partners to continue to progress our Bus Service Improvement Plan https://www.slough.gov.uk/transport-travel/national-bus-strategy-bus-back-better/3.”

Ends

A-level results day for thousands of students across Slough

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children’s services, lifelong skills and governance, said: “I am delighted along with everyone else at the council to congratulate the young people of Slough on their A-level results received today.

“Today will have been nerve-wracking for many as these results may determine their next steps, to further education, apprenticeships, or the start of their careers. Whatever path they have chosen to take, we wish them good luck for the future.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our hardworking and dedicated school staff and support staff, who enable our young people to achieve their full potential. They go above and beyond for the borough’s students every year and that effort does not go unnoticed.

“Our young people are the future for Slough, and making sure that our students enjoy their educational experience and feel confident about their futures is a top priority for the council.”

Ends

Slough Borough Council votes to welcome care experience protected characteristic

Councillors have unanimously voted to make care experience a protected characteristic.

The motion, which was approved on Thursday 27 July, is for anyone who has spent time in care and will protect them in the same way the Equality Act protects characteristics such as race, religion, age, and sexual orientation. This means that SBC will consider care experienced young people alongside other groups with protected characteristics, when making or suggesting any changes to service delivery or policy design.

SBC wholly owns Slough Children First (SCF) – a company providing social care and support services directly to children, young people, and families in Slough.

Accepting Councillor Qaseem’s motion, Councillor Gill acknowledged that: “Care experienced people face significant barriers that impact them throughout their lives, including discrimination and stigma in accessing services such as housing, education, employment, and criminal justice to name but a few. The Public Sector Equality Duty does not currently treat care experience as a protected characteristic, and as such Slough Borough Council does not include care experience when conducting Equality Impact Assessments of its policies.”

It is hoped that this approved motion will be a formal yet big step to providing further opportunities and equality to care leavers in Slough.

Sue Butcher, SCF’s Director of Children’s Services/Chief Executive said: “As Corporate Parents, our children in care and our care experienced young people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission at SCF is that we should all be constantly working together to improve the lives of children and young people by protecting, supporting, and enabling them to thrive. We are delighted that care experience is now a protected characteristic in Slough as this will significantly boost young people’s confidence when applying for roles in whatever career path they choose.”

Councillors (in Slough) have also recognised the importance of working with and listening to the voices of its care-experienced people when creating and developing policies about the issue, and to continue to support campaigns that affect them such as the Show Us You Care Too campaign.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children's services, lifelong skills, and governance said: “This is a fantastic step forward for our young people in care and care leavers. Care experience being recognised as a protected characteristic in Slough will help our young people in their future aspirations and careers. We couldn’t be prouder of our young people and continue to find ways to support and encourage them to fulfil their potential.”

Taxi drivers caught out on surprise inspection

A high number of the taxi drivers stopped during a random inspection were found to be failing in their responsibilities.

Slough Borough Council licensing officers, in partnership with Thames Valley Police, conducted vehicle stop checks on the borough’s licensed fleet.

Of the licensed trade 50% of those checked shockingly had identified issues:

1 vehicle was stopped with an unlicensed and uninsured driver – the vehicle was seized by TVP, and the licence suspended
2 drivers received points on their private hire drivers’ licence for failure to display their badge
1 driver was cautioned by TVP for speeding
1 vehicle was found to be displaying an expired vehicle licence, despite a renewal application being made and a new plate issued. The plate was removed, and the driver was advised to display the correct vehicle licence.
Any driver who receives 12 council penalty points will be brought to the Licensing Committee for a decision as to whether they are a fit and proper licensed driver. The minimum expected is that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, with the plate always displayed day or night. It is also expected that the driver displays their driver badge.

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “It is so disappointing to hear that during these random vehicle stop checks, a high number of the taxis and minicabs stopped had serious issues. It is particularly shocking that one driver was unlicensed and uninsured when people trust these drivers with their safety. Thank you to the licensing team and to Thames Valley Police for their continued hard work to keep our roads safe.”

More joint enforcement operations have been scheduled by the licensing team with TVP in the coming months, to ensure the rigorous standards to be a taxi or private hire driver are met.

If members of the public see Slough Borough Council licenced drivers not upholding the standards, please report via 01753 457111 (option 6).

Council’s travel plans get pupils moving!

Slough Borough Council’s BetterBy team is working with schools in the borough to increase the number of children who walk, cycle or scoot to school, and decrease the number of parents who drive their children all the way to the school gate.

One tool used to help, is to encourage schools to create effective School Travel Plans. These are vital for a healthier, greener, and safer future, as they promote and enable more sustainable and active modes of travel.

There are five levels of School Travel Plan, from Green (Approved) to Platinum (Outstanding). Three Slough schools have made great strides on this journey with two achieving Bronze (Good) and one achieving Silver (Very Good). The best School Travel Plans can win a national prize.

James Elliman Academy (Bronze), Slough Central Nursery (Bronze) and Penn Wood School (Silver) all received their certificates recently from Alison Derrick, senior transport planner, at the council.

Kellie Carroll, early years practitioner, Slough Central Nursery said: “We try to keep the children as active as possible and are lucky to have plenty of outside space where they can go come rain or shine. It can be hard for parents to walk or cycle if they have other children at other schools. However, our children encourage their parents. For instance, children knew they would get a stamp on the wallchart every time they walked during Walk to School week, and they did everything they could to ensure they did not miss out on that stamp.”

Hayley Downer, PE Lead, Penn Wood School, said: “We are very passionate and value the importance of travel at Penn Wood School. We encourage the children to increase levels of travel by ensuring they are aware of the impact on the environment, and the positive effect that it has on the health of the community. We are proud to have achieved the silver award level from Modeshift Stars for our excellent travel plan.”

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment and environmental services, said: “I am delighted to hear that three of our schools and nurseries have been awarded certificates for their travel plans. Promoting active ways for the children to travel to school and working towards more sustainable travel is so important for our children’s health and the environment. I look forward to hearing of more certificates awarded as the year progresses. Thank you to all our hardworking teachers and students who have worked so hard on achieving these awards.”

#OneSlough Awards launched — Time to nominate!

After a four-year break, Slough CVS has re-launched the voluntary awards to acknowledge the volunteers who made a difference during Covid and beyond.

The #OneSlough initiative was created at the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. Bringing together the voluntary and business sectors and faith communities, with Slough Borough Council and statutory sectors, resources and skills were combined, to deliver essential services to Slough residents.

The awards are designed to celebrate the successes of all those working to achieve a positive change in Slough, and the prestigious awards evening will be back in November. All those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket to the ceremony.

There are four categories for nominations, with 16 awards in total, including:
• Volunteer of the Year
• Public Sector Partnerships Awards
• Group of the Year
• Charity & Business Support Awards.

Ramesh Kukar, CEO, Slough CVS said: “The #OneSlough Awards celebrate the very special people and groups who give so much of themselves to make our community a better place for all. There are some amazing contributions that ordinary residents of Slough make to their families, their neighbours and communities at large and the awards are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our groups and volunteers’ achievements.”

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted to be a judge at this year’s #OneSlough Awards run by Slough CVS, a vitally important local organisation who play a key role in furthering opportunities for Slough people.

“I look forward to taking part in the event and seeing the continued positive impact of volunteering across our town.”

Nominate now by going to http://www.voluntarysectorawards.org.uk/home/ All nominations must be submitted by Wednesday 2 August 2023.

Slough Carers Support joins Slough Borough Council

The carers service, which was provided by Slough CVS, has moved back in-house as the contract expired at the end of June.

It was agreed last year at the 21 November Cabinet meeting that carers assessments and some activities run currently by Slough Carers Support will be undertaken by a Carers Co-ordinator who will be part of the adult social care team in the council. They will also link in with carers support groups, and support access to carers groups and activities within the community. The Co-Production Lead will be supporting this role whilst recruitment is underway.

Any future changes in the service will be co-designed with carers and the wider voluntary and community sector. Now the service has switched over, the contact number has remained the same: 01753 303428 and emails can be sent to sloughcarers@slough.gov.uk The website will remain in its current form until the end of July.

Ramesh Kukar, CEO, Slough Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) said: “Although the project is coming to an end at Slough CVS, we will continue to offer support to groups working with carers through the #OneSlough Fund, financed by Slough Borough Council via the Better Care Fund and Public Health Slough. Grassroots level organisations supporting those who face inequalities and health and wellbeing issues in Slough, will be able to apply for up to £10,000.”

Cllr Anna Wright, lead member for public health, social care and wellbeing, said: “When Slough Carers Support service joins the council on 1 July it will become part of the Adult Social Care team. It will enable the Slough Carers Support service to continue helping and supporting our carers throughout Slough and allowing Adult Social Care to build on the fantastic work that Slough Carers Support have done previously.”

Cabinet to make decision on recommendations from children’s centres consultation

Slough Borough Council’s cabinet members are set to make a decision on the paper containing recommendations from the recent consultation, this Wednesday 24 May.

The consultation took place between the 3 February and 17 March this year, and the previously recommended option was to retain three children’s centres. With Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close retaining the early years provision and full services, Penn Road offering services to families with no early year’s provision, and Yew Tree Road remaining for just early year’s provision and no services.

Having considered all the data and the information gathered from partners, families, service users, and residents during the consultation, and the updated childcare sufficiency, the recommendation that will be presented to cabinet on Wednesday 24 May has been adapted.

It will be recommended to cabinet the council retains Chalvey Grove, Penn Road and Romsey Close Children’s Centres for full children’s centre services and early years provision. Monksfield Way and Yew Tree Road Children’s Centres will remain with early year’s provision and services offered in the centre/community.

Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education, children's services, lifelong skills and governance, said: “The council has listened to all who completed the consultation and developed an adapted plan for our children’s centres which will retain five sites in total, and supports our residents across the borough.

“We are committed to ensuring our youngest residents receive the best support and early years education possible, in locations that are local and convenient to their families. I look forward to seeing the development of family hubs which will benefit even more families throughout Slough.”

Mayor opens newly renovated Slough Station Northern Forecourt

Mayor Cllr Dilbagh S. Parmar has opened the Slough Station Northern Forecourt following the completion of the Public Realm improvement work. The project, achieved through the partnership working of Thames Valley, Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, includes provision of parking spaces together with accessible parking, as well as a turning area to the east.

In front of the station there is also a shared space area aimed to enhance the pedestrian experience. The works also comprise new planting and landscaping, street lighting, a new retaining wall along Railway Terrace, and revisions to the existing surface water drainage network.

Mayor Cllr Dilbagh S. Parmar, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here to open the renovations of the Northern Forecourt, the space is a fantastic welcome to Slough for all those that commute here, and residents alike.”

Savio DeCruz, associate director place operations, Slough Borough Council, said: “I would like to thank all of you for attending this launch of the new Station Forecourt and especially the Mayor and Mayoress. Thanks also to GWR and Network Rail for supporting the team in delivering the project, and a special thank you to Vaishali Shah, our principal engineer, for project managing the scheme in difficult circumstances.

“I started developing the scheme designs in 2012 following completion of the Southern Forecourt and so it has been 10 years in its making. The forecourt has been transformed and this could not have been made possible if the Local Enterprise Partnership and Department for Transport had not funded the project. This is a very befitting scheme to celebrate the Elizabeth Line now being in full operation and am sure the area will be well used and welcomed by all who visit Slough.”

Tom Pierpoint, GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, said: “GWR is delighted to be working with Slough Borough Council and it is fantastic to see the station forecourt scheme come to fruition. Improving access to stations and making it easy and simple to use rail services supports the switch to sustainable travel.

“We are committed to partnership working and to working towards net-zero carbon emissions. It is great to see that at work here in Slough, particularly given that the new timetable from May 21st will see faster GWR services to London and a frequency increase on the Elizabeth line.”

Ends

A Slough business which fly tipped a freezer the same day previous waste was removed, has been fined £9,000 in court.

On 17 August 2022 Slough Borough Council’s Environmental Services attended Grove Parade, Slough and cleared two caged vehicles of fly tipping from the rear service road.

This fly tipping was a result of a build up over time of commercial and business waste, from unknown properties, which had been unlawfully deposited on the public highway.

This clean-up cost the taxpayer £743 in clean up and waste disposal costs.

After clearing this area of all unlawful waste, on the same day, the business Hamza, of 285 High Street, deposited a large industrial freezer onto the public highway.

Environmental Services discovered the additional fly tip during their routine rounds and CCTV in the area witnessed the offence which was used in court.

Council officers attempted to speak with Hamza representatives regarding the incident, but no one attended the interview or responded to any communication about the issue.

Greg Edmond, the council’s principal housing and enforcement officer, said: “Fly tipping on the same day the area was cleared shows a blatant disregard for their waste responsibilities. All businesses have rules to follow regarding waste disposal and fly tipping it isn’t part of the brief. We hope other businesses will look at the fine given and think twice before dumping anything.”

The hearing was held at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (Friday). Representatives from Hamza did not attend, neither did they attend at the first hearing on 14 April, so the court proceeded in their absence.

The judge found the company guilty and issued a fine of £9,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and full costs were awarded.

The company has 28 days to pay.

Household Support Fund (HSF) applications open

Applications for support through the Household Support Fund (HSF) can now be made up until the fund closes on 31 March 2024.

The council has been awarded £2,355,383 by the Department for Work and Pensions to help families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, who may be struggling to pay for basic living costs.

The grant covers costs such as energy, food, water bills and essential goods, with most of the award given in goods or services by online vouchers. The Fund will also consider supporting households who are struggling to afford wider essentials, including housing costs where existing housing support does not meet this need.

A lot of the HSF funding will be used:
• to provide £15 food vouchers, per week per child, to households in receipt of Free School Meals during all school holidays, April 2023 – March 2024
• for the direct provision of support to care leavers and other vulnerable families.

The remaining funding, which runs until 31 March, or until all the funding is spent, will be provided through an application-based scheme to support families and individuals if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications are particularly welcomed from groups who didn’t receive any other government support packages.

Andy Jeffs, interim head of transactions, revenues, benefits and charges, said: “This funding is essential in supporting those most in need in the town. Last year we made 1,662 awards, which highlights the struggle for families during the cost-of-living crisis. The money is there to help people who have exhausted all other means of support for these basic needs.”

Criteria for the application-based scheme includes being over 16, having a settled residence in Slough, having a reduction in income, and not having savings that could be used.

Please check the criteria for the application scheme at https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/household-support-fund/3

For more information and to find the online application form, visit www.slough.gov.uk/hsf

Applications close on 31 March 2024 or when all the funding is spent.

Slough in Bloom returns for its 29th year

This year’s Slough in Bloom gardens and allotments competition has launched!

Entries are open until 1 July, with judging taking place from 10 July.

Anyone can enter for free and there are 10 different categories to choose from:

• Residential front garden
• Residential hanging baskets, window boxes and containers (front of property)
• Community project
• Business/ commercial/hospital
• Student project
• Public house/restaurant/hotel
• Sponsored roundabouts and roadside planting
• Best allotment plot
• Best allotment newcomer
• Environmental project.

Bruce Hicks, senior parks improvement officer, said: “Slough in Bloom have been working with new sponsors who have enabled this lovely competition to continue for its 29th year. We are pleased to be able to support the competition which helps to lift the spirits of people who live in and visit Slough by encouraging everyone to brighten the town with flowers.”

Margaret Inniss, Chairman of Slough in Bloom, said: “The Slough in Bloom Committee were delighted by the number and quantity of the entries last year, but we still want to see more gardens and allotments entering this free competition. We are looking forward to seeing this year’s entries to see what exciting new ideas have been thought up. Everyone can enter. Even if you only have enough space for a few containers and hanging baskets, it makes all the difference to the appearance of our town, makes you feel good and helps wildlife.”

Entries can be posted to the address on the entry form. Paper copies of entry forms are available at the libraries and a downloadable version which can be posted to the address on the form is available at: https://www.slough.gov.uk/downloads/download/1044/slough-in-bloom-application-form

You can also email to enter with your contact details to: sloughinbloom@gmail.com

Entries close on 1 July, and the winners will be announced in August.