News
Are smart tickets the way forward?
Thu, 27 November 2014
Fed up of having multiple tickets and passes for journeys around Nottinghamshire with different operators? Then have your say on whether Nottinghamshire should introduce integrated ‘smart tickets’.
Recycling of Unused Medicines Begins in Wirksworth
Thu, 27 November 2014Wirksworth residents can now pass on surplus medicines to rural health centres in the poorest countries in Africa by taking them to Hannage Brook Medical Centre. The medicines will be passed to charity Inter Care. The practice will take any medicines with at least 15 months before expiry and in complete strips in the original pack. Nationally over 1200 GP practices are now registered for this scheme. Last year Inter Care sent off nearly £700,000 worth of vital aid to those who can't afford to buy it. Until this year any surplus medicines in Wirksworth could only be disposed of in landfill or by incineration.
Case Studies sought for “Community Organisations and Household Energy” project
Thu, 27 November 2014Are you involved in or aware of any projects run by community groups or voluntary sector organisations that use home visits to support householders to carry out energy efficiency measures? This could mean “Green Doctor” schemes, volunteer-run energy audits, home visits for the elderly that incorporate energy saving advice, householders helping or advising each other, or much more.
Researchers at De Montfort University are working with the Chesshire-Lehmann fund to map what activity is taking place across the country, and to explore the impacts of these projects (on energy efficiency or otherwise), how these projects are set up and resourced, and how local and national government can best support this work.
They are looking for 12 projects to explore in more detail and are interested in hearing about as many projects as possible (big or small, urban or rural, on-going or no longer running).
If you know of any projects that may fit the bill, please get in touch with Dr Andrew Reeves at De Montfort University on areeves@dmu.ac.uk or 0116 250 6569 with some details about the project and contact details. For more information about the research, see http://www.dmu.ac.uk/cohe.
Nature Reserve Volunteers at Groundwork
Thu, 27 November 2014
Did you know that Amber Valley has five local Nature Reserves and did you know that YOU can get involved in helping look after them? There are 'Friends' groups established for all the Reserves. The groups are made up of local people who get involved in the management of these sites through meetings, practical work, surveying, events and walks. You don't need loads of time, be an expert in wildlife or be super-fit to get involved and help out. Most of the groups meet every 4 to 6 weeks to discuss any work that needs doing, or could be done, along with ideas for events and activities and they usually have an 'Action Day' during this time too. The Action Days are usually for a couple of hours in the morning during the winter and in the afternoon in the summer.
They undertake practical work every day of every week at a variety of local nature reserves. There is a great range of activities including planting trees, shrubs and bulbs, hedgerow laying, improving access points and footpaths, creating wildlife habitats, clearing shrubs, establishing wildflowers and more.
All tools, materials, protective clothing and training will be provided.
If you wish to apply or for more information on any of the above, contact the Volunteering Department on 01773 512076 or visit www.do-it.org
Energy mentor offer for community projects
Thu, 27 November 2014
Hockerton Housing Project, a Nottinghamshire-based project, is delighted to join a new community energy mentoring service, adding to their range of advice services.
The scheme will match existing and new community energy groups to mentors on the basis of the type of project and location, and there's a great range of experience to learn from. It's a limited offer, so we encourage you to find out more by visiting the website, sooner rather than later.