NEW Traffic calming in Birdham Village
Please click on NEWS to see the latest traffic calming report.
District Despatch from Chichester District Council
There may be times in our lives where we find ourselves experiencing an issue that is not medical, but is having a serious impact on our health and wellbeing. You might be feeling isolated, having financial worries, experiencing housing problems, or dealing with a traumatic event such as bereavement.
Trying to find a way forward through these problems on our own can sometimes be difficult, but I want all of our residents to know that our Social Prescribing Team is here to listen and work with you to plan the next step.
You may not be aware, but our Social Prescribing service began six years ago, and the nine-strong team supports individuals across the district, providing personalised care. The service is all about connecting people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
The team also includes our specialist Youth Connections social prescriber who looks after clients aged 13 to 19. One social prescriber is based in each GP practice across the district so that doctors can identify any patients who could benefit from the service and to make the service easily accessible. In addition, residents can now also refer themselves to the service.
The team makes a huge difference to people’s health and overall quality of life. Over the last year they have supported 1,200 people, which shows that there is a real need for this practical and emotional support. The prescribers come from a variety of different backgrounds, including social care as well as addiction, homelessness, and carers support. This huge breadth of experience means they can assist people with a broad range of needs and issues.
Our Social Prescribing service is here for anyone, whatever stage of life they are in, whether you are 13 or turning 100. For example if someone is feeling isolated, one of the team can offer an opportunity to have conversations around how that is impacting on the person’s health and then look at connection them to appropriate groups and activities in their area which will make them feel more connected and as a result, healthier. The first step is for the social prescriber to understand the individual’s situation.
If a teenager is considering their next steps in education, whether going into an apprenticeship or deciding that further education is not for them, then our Youth Connections social prescriber can help steer them in the right direction. She helps those who have a lack of confidence, are feeling lonely or isolated, or are wanting to have a greater sense of connection to the community and friends.
Someone may also be finding it challenging getting back into work after having a family, or a family may be finding things tough because of the cost-of-living crisis. Whatever the issue, our Social Prescribing Team is there to listen and help individuals find a way forward to feeling healthier and more positive about the future.
If you are experiencing an issue which you think the team could support you with, and you feel ready to move forward, then our Social Prescribing Team is here with their incredible local knowledge to help empower you to do that. They are here to listen – being heard and listened are often the first and most important things that people need before they feel able to move forward.
I know that the team find it really rewarding to help people get back on their path, and support people on their journey and they receive some wonderful feedback from clients full of appreciation for the work that they do.
If you or someone you know would find their help useful, I do encourage you to get in touch with the team by emailing socialprescribers@chichester.gov.uk or visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/socialprescribing
Best Wishes
Cllr Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council
SEWERAGE
Important!
The Cabinet member for planning etc, has been able to secure a meeting with Southern Water on this topic. We are well aware of the tendency to sewage backup in local homes and we need to have the photo/video evidence for this meeting. If you are aware of any residents who are affected and willing to share photos please ask them to forward to the Parish Clerk with a date of the evidence, as soon as possible and before 16th Feb 2024.
clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
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| Free rural bus travel in February as “Book-a-Bus” service expands |
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Following the success of the “Book-a-Bus” service in rural areas around Petworth and Chichester, the service has now expanded with the introduction of the “96 Flex” zone serving those in the northwest area of Chichester up to Midhurst. “Book-a-Bus” is a demand-responsive transport system for those living or working in the county’s rural areas with limited or no traditional bus service. The “96 Flex” has no fixed timetable or route, instead operating on the bookings it receives via the Ride Pingo app or via the call centre.
Plans for further expansion to areas such as Westbourne, Stanstead Park, West Ashling, Rogate, Nyewood, Little Torberry, Woodmancote, and Forestside are expected later this spring. “Book-a-Bus” is part of the West Sussex County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, funded by Central Government, that aims to make it easier and more attractive for residents and visitors to travel by bus. To celebrate the expansion, residents travelling via any of the “Book-a-Bus” services can travel for free during the whole month of February. Councillor Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "I am proud to share that ‘Book-a-Bus’ has had over 2,000 passengers carried since its launch. The flexibility this service provides helps keep our residents in rural areas connected with their communities and provide continued access to any essential and leisure services they may need. “I encourage anyone who hasn’t done so yet to give it a try.“Ensuring that we help our residents keep connected is at the heart of our strategic priorities as a council, so continually improving our transport network with better bus services is very important as it helps us maintain a sustainable and prosperous economy for all those in West Sussex.” Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I'm delighted to have worked alongside the local council and Gillian Keegan MP to give West Sussex over £19 million to boost its bus services. “This is a fantastic result for passengers north west of Chichester and in Midhurst, who will enjoy this extended on-demand bus service to get around Petworth and Chichester more easily and with greater flexibility.” Matt Roberts, Chief Executive Officer for Community Transport Sussex (CTS), the company providing the service for the county council, said: “We have seen how the local community values this flexible transport service and are very excited to expand the service to more passengers.“As a charity transport provider, we see first-hand how vital it is for those in rural areas to keep connected with their communities.” To “Book-a-Bus” or plan your journey, download the Ride Pingo app or contact our call centre at 01243 858854. Anyone can use the service anytime between 7.00am to 7.00pm, Monday through Saturday. Passengers travelling in groups can request up to 5 seats per booking, subject to availability. For more information on the “Book-a-Bus” service, how and when to book and the different locations it covers, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/travel-and-public-transport/bus-and-coach-travel/bus-passes-and-discounts/bus-it/book-a-bus/ |
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE MOBILE WASTE SITE ON MANHOOD - but does apply to Westhampnett and others.
20mph speed limit - reducing speed in Birdham
Support our drive for a 20mph speed limit on minor village roads - please click on this link http://birdhamreview.org/tro-20mph/.
Don't forget! We still need you to log any issues with infrastructure - sewerage; traffic; schools; flooding....
Please go to Neighbourhood Plan Review Group page and fill out the form, thank you.
Welcome to the Birdham Parish Council Website…
The village of Birdham is a small and welcoming community just south of the historic town of Chichester in West Sussex. This website aims to help our residents and visitors to learn about the village, the work of our Parish Council and to provide information about the businesses and people that make Birdham special...
The Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month, (except in August when there is no meeting), at 7pm, at the Village Hall and simultaneously on a remote video platform. If you would like to join a meeting remotely please contact the clerk.
The Village Hall
The Village Hall was opened in 1954 on land sold to the Parish Council in 1951 by William Farne and his sister Mildred Adams. The Hall was completely repaired and refurbished in 2005/6. A Scout Hut was added in 1964.
For bookings please contact: Betty Geary Caretaker and Booking Agent 01243 512581. For Birdham Social Club please contact: Marie Geary marie.geary@bushinternet.com 01243 514812.