Help and Care

Help and care provide support for disabled and vulnerable people and their carers.

Click here for their web site and latest newsletter.

Cannabis farms

Police are clamping down on cannabis cultivation. It usually takes place in rented houses and can have serious negative consequences both for landlords and neighbours.

If you suspect a property is being used in the production of cannabis, look out for:

• A strong, pungent small coming from the property
• Electrical wiring that has been tampered with
• Booby traps. Electrical wiring may have been rigged up to door handles etc
• Powerful lights left on in the house throughout the night
  
• Blacked out windows
  
• A sudden jump or increase in the cost of electricity bills
  
• Scuffed paint or wallpaper
  
• Bin bags full of vegetable material dumped in the garden
  
• Rewiring efforts or tampering with meter boxes.

The production of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine (crystal meth), amphetamine (speed), LSD and MDMA (Ecstasy) is incredibly dangerous. Most chemicals required are readily available but the process involved in producing them is extremely volatile. Productions of these drugs can be small scale and may not necessarily take over a whole house or apartment.

Signs inside the house include:

• Large amount of chemicals
  
• Coffee filters
  
• Boxes of red matches
  
• Stripped battery cases
  
• Cold or allergy medicines
  
• Strong or unpleasant chemical smells such as ammonia
  
• Chemistry equipment such as glass flasks, chemical reactors etc

If you suspect cannabis production in a property, inform the police immediately.

Bridge to work

bridge2work has now engaged and supported over 120 people across Bournemouth and Poole. These people are now experiencing new jobs, voluntary placements or attending courses to start them off in the right direction.

This FREE service includes information, advice and guidance, one to one job coaching, and/or a 6 week course to support individuals in returning to work.

The bridge2work team has consulted with the local community to design the course which has then been tailored to individual's needs. A custom course has recently been held for a Black Minority Ethnic group, which was a great success. Clients from the course are now applying for various jobs in all areas of work including childminding, care, translation, administration and driving.

bridge2work has developed good working partnerships with both big and small local businesses, ensuring all clients are supported into work.

For more information about bridge2work and to apply for access to the FREE programme please contact the bridge2work co-ordinator Karen Reid on 01202 262317 (Poole) or 01202 451994 (Bournemouth)

The BAT Bus
Difficulty getting around and unable to use public transport?

Try the BAT Bus (Bournemouth Accessible Transport).

It operates four morning shopping trips to either Boscombe (the Sovereign Centre) and Castlepoint shopping centre.
 
During weekday afternoons the BAT Bus operates a Hospital Visiting Service to the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Kings Park Hospitals to help people attend Outpatient appointments and visit friends and relatives in Hospital.
 
It costs £6 annual membership and £4 return for each shopping trip. It is a door to door service and drops members off at the Shopmobility units in either Boscombe (the Sovereign Centre) or the Castlepoint Shopping Centre, where they can for a small charge hire a scooter. There is also a list of afternoon and full day Saturday outings.
 
The Hospital Visiting Scheme is charged at £4 return and you do not need to join the BAT Bus to qualify for this service.

Tel. 01202 598295

Thought of volunteering?

There is now a centre in Winton - every Friday morning 9.00 - 12.00 at the Winton Resource Centre, 582 Wimborne Road.

• Meet new people.
• Learn new skills / gain different experiences.
• Help your career prospects.
• Have fun and combine your interest /use existing skills.
• Put something back into the community.
• Keep yourself occupied and active.

At the new Outreach Centre in Winton we aim to help people of all ages and backgrounds who want to volunteer. We can help you identify the type of volunteering you think you would enjoy and put you in touch with organisations that need your help.

Call: 01202 675100 or 01202 466130

http://www.bournemouthcvs.org.uk/

Recycle your unwanted stuff

Bournemouth UK Freecycle(R) is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away - whether it's a chair, a fax machine, board game or an old door.

Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself! Join in and have fun gifting. Everything posted on the Freecycle website must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.

Freecycle is a movement of people interested in keeping stuff out of landfills while building a sense of community.

Click here for the web site

Fire Safety Message

Make your home fire safe and keep it that way with this 5 step plan:

Step 1 - Fit a smoke alarm on each level of the property. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital. Make sure you replace battery operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively consider installing a 10 year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.

Step 2 - Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.

Step 3 - Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.

Step 4 - Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Also, never leave cooking unattended.

Step 5 - Ask the experts. Dorset Fire & Rescue Services are always willing to help you prevent a fire in your home. Find out more at www.dorsetfire.gov.uk

Graffiti Blitz

A 12 month campaign has been launched to remove all graffiti daubed at low level up to four square metres in size from brickwork, concrete or similar surfaces, free of charge from any property in Bournemouth.

To take advantage of the service or report graffiti call 451199. There is a £250 reward for information leading to a conviction.