Colchester’s Strategic Partnership Announces Borough’s Winter Resilience Campaign
Posted on: January 13, 2022
Colchester’s strategic partnership, One Colchester launched its 2021-22 Winter Resilience campaign to help those in need stay safe, warm, well and connected this winter.
Thanks to partnership working, funding and community spirit, this project continues to provide advice and support through the One Colchester initiative delivering roadshows in the community and distributing winter packs to those affected by the cold weather, including families on low incomes, people living with long-term health conditions or at risk of social isolation,
A Winter Resilience Steering Group, chaired by Community360, who co-delivers the project, brings together representatives from the public and voluntary sector to facilitate more action over the coming months.
Tracy Rudling, Chief Executive Officer of Community360 said: “We are delighted to be working once again with key partners who provide much needed help and support when things get tough during the winter months. This also includes funding local projects and conducting outreach across the borough. We are still facing challenging levels of inequalities across North-East Essex as a result of the pandemic. That’s why it is crucial that we continue working together with partners to support our communities.”
She added: “We also have the welcome addition of our new Community Hub in Long Wyre Street which has recently opened its’ doors. A huge asset to the town as well as an important focal point for our communities this winter. The COVID-19 lockdown forced the Hub to pause its usual activities and we had to adapt to support our communities in new ways. It is fantastic our wonderful staff can once again welcome the people of Colchester, a welcoming space and access point for a wide range of activities, programs, services, social and wellbeing activities.”
The Winter Packs, a crucial part of the campaign will include a guide to local support services ranging from Colchester Borough Council’s Emergency Heater Scheme to social groups, and contain practical items, such as clothing, basic refreshments, a torch, blanket and flask and will be distributed to those identified as being in need by partnership members. In addition, this year the packs will provide help and support to encourage people to stay safe but to try and maintain some form of physical activity and to maintain a healthy mind. A dedicated supply of packs will be held at the Hub and will also be held at Colchester Hospital for staff to distribute to patients who would benefit from the packs when they are discharged.
Pam Donnelly, Colchester Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Customer and Relationships, said: “Winter is always a tough time, but for the second year running the pandemic will make the colder months even more challenging for many in our communities.
“Colchester has a fantastic community spirit – exemplified by this campaign and the excellent partnership working that will make a significant difference by providing much-needed help for some of our most isolated and vulnerable residents.”
This winter has also seen the creation of six neighbourhoods, Colchester South, Central and North and Tendring West, East and South all of which will have a Live Well Neighbourhood Team which is able to support individuals and communities with whole population, urgent care, ongoing care and high needs in a joined-up way. The aim of the neighbourhood’s team is to break down barriers and to work more closely together to focus on the improved health outcomes for local people.
Emma Strivens is Associate Director for North East Essex Mental Health and Senior Reporting Officer for the Neighbourhood Model (North East Essex Alliance) she said:
“We are delighted to announce that the first neighbourhood, Colchester Central has been launched which sees a collaboration between the local voluntary sector, communities, leaders, boroughs and health and social care.
The opening of the One Colchester Hub comes at a crucial time to this project, with a Community Connector working from the premises. Community360 is an important part of the Neighbourhood Leadership Team and will be on hand to support this new and exciting way of working.”
Cllr Beverly Oxford, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “With winter approaching it is important residents keep warm and look after themselves. Our ongoing partnership work and funding continues to support this excellent winter resilience project, offering free support for our residents to stay well and warm this winter.”
Pam Green, Chief Operating Officer at the North East Essex CCG said:
“Keeping the residents of Colchester and the surrounding areas warm and safe during the winter is essential to avoid people becoming unnecessarily unwell. C360 are essential partners with the NHS and this is just one of the amazing projects we do together. Connecting with people in their own homes and communities is so much more than just the winter packs that C360 can provide when they see the need. Brilliant work and thank you to all the volunteers and staff that make this happen.”
The Winter Resilience project has been funded by North East Essex Alliance and supported by donations in kind from the COOP and Waitrose. More sponsors are expected to be announced shortly.
For further information log onto: https://www.community360.org.uk/winterresilience/
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