June 2022 News

We are so delighted to have received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in the recent Honours list. It is thanks to our 120 volunteers and all our supporters that we are able to achieve what we have managed, and to change so many people's lives. 
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Friendship lunch and Gentle Walks some of our regular activities
Winslow Big Society Group is now running all activities again.

Following the change in Government guidelines, we would still recommend that masks are worn when moving about but not whilst seated at the events.

As the pandemic has clearly not ‘gone away’ but most people are vaccinated, we hope this works for you all but each group will be working out what works best for them to try and accommodate their own members. 

If either the driver or one of the passengers using the car scheme prefers a mask to be worn on the journey then the other person/people in the car for that journey are asked to comply and also wear a mask.
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For information on medical services please check the Norden House Surgery website or check their Facebook Page (3W Health)

​See Below for details of the activities we are running and new projects.
​See also the monthly Winslow Parish News for updates and we also have a Facebook page you can follow. If you have a question that you cannot find the answer to or need help in any way, or if you wish to get involved and help others, please contact us: 07508 330750 or email ​contact@winslowbigsocietygroup.info

Note In the event of any future changes details will be posted here or on Facebook  www.facebook.com/WinslowBigSocietyGroup
Need help?
WOULD YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW BENEFIT PROM JOINING IN WITH BIG
SOCIETY ACTIVITIES OR USING OUR SERVICES?

For example have you/they:
• Not gone out since pandemic started
• Find that confidence has gone
• Friends or relatives have passed away
• Mobility has decreased
• Now wheelchair bound
• Hearing has deteriorated
• Just missing company
• Would love to have a singalong
• Watch a film with people
• Play a board game
• Just need someone to chat/write to

IF ANY OF THIS FITS YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, DO MAKE CONTACT
TO FIND OUT MORE.CONTACT

WBSG hotline: 07508 330750 or Email: contact@winslowbigsocietygroup.info
Volunteering?
Volunteers are still needed so if you feel able to offer assistance, please make contact as above indicating in which of the areas you feel you might be able to help and those you cannot.
​Relevant checks and references will be made on all new volunteers
(If leaving a phone message, emailing or texting please give your name and postcode and contact details and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.  If possible state whether you need or can offer help.)
Our existing services
Our transport schemes and long term Telephone Support Service calls are continuing and need volunteers plus there are 2 new services needing volunteers: Accompaniment and Pen Pal– see below for more information on these and also the current position of our other activities..
​Check the latest COVID information via the Buckinghamshire Council Facebook Page

What we are doing .....

Click below to find out more details....
Community Car Scheme
 Our Community Car Scheme provides DBS checked volunteer drivers at low cost to take you to the GP, library, dentist, shops, hospital visiting etc.

For WINSLOW RESIDENTS ONLY

Hospital appointments are now covered by  the North Bucks Hospital Car Scheme NBHCS please book through Norden House. 

For all journeys passengers must be Covid symptom free and they will be required to sit in a back seat unless this is physically impossible. If either the passenger or the driver would prefer a mask to be worn then they should come to an agreement – ideally their wishes should be respected and masks should be worn by both. A Carer or a member of the same household may be carried too.
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Contact : Co-ordinator 07508 330750
24hr. notice is required and new passengers have to register.

Telephone Support Volunteers
As a Service to the Community we are recruiting people that would volunteer to become 'Telephone Volunteers' to people in the community, that are alone and in need of social contact.

All we ask is that you can strike up a friendship by simply having a chat with someone on the phone, perhaps, no more than once a week.

We will endeavour to 'match' you with someone who has similar interests and we will stay in the background making sure everything runs smoothly.

The Service is run in conjunction with the 'North Bucks Patient Support Service' run out of Norden House Health Centre but covers a wider geographical region than just Winslow..

Contact the Volunteers' Coordinator for more details..

​email - keith.hofgartner@nhs.net

Pen Pal Service
This is a new service, and is intended for those who feel isolated and maybe housebound, but would like to receive letters from another person about what’s going on, what they are doing etc. It can be a one or two way service. The person will be matched with one volunteer, so they can build up a relationship by letter writing. If you’d like to be either a letter writer or a receiver of letters, please contact us.

Zoe Sutherland 07732 867864
Accompaniment Service
Do you lack confidence to get out, maybe anxiety or just wobbly?
We can provide you with a matched volunteer for 6 weeks to help you get your confidence back.

Please make contact for more information Vron Corben 01296 712460
Winslow Wheelchair Vehicle
Mobility for local people
available to be driven by a carer or family member with our permission. It can also be driven by a dedicated driver that we will supply when we can.
Pilates & Exercise
Exercise for all Abilities - 
Various online and Face to Face exercise classes are now available, check for availability and times with Sandra Pratt directly on 07775 428594 or by email at sandrapratt45@yahoo.co.uk

Mondays 9.30 - 10.15 am.
Stretch and Tone, Winslow..

Thursdays 10.00 - 11.00 am.
The Lavender Workout, Great Horwood

Thursdays pm 2.30 from Aug 5 th
Parkinson’s Pro Workout (also recommended for MS), Winslow
(Contact Liz Mostyn 715736 for details) 

Prices £8.50 per session.
Really Useful Guide
Really Useful Guide
All the contacts you need for Winslow Groups and activities in one document.

One of this useful publication is hand delivered to all houses in Winslow together with an updated map of Winslow.

​It is hoped you will find them useful.
If you do not receive them please let us know.

Please let us know of any other changes – a directory never stands correct for long – and we will aim to publish them on this website​
Gentle Walks
Specially designed for those who find walking difficult, are unused to walking or not able to walk regularly.

Usually every Wednesday meet outside the George just before 10:00 am for a prompt departure at 10:00 am. 

Small accompanied groups socially distanced. Everyone welcome NO NEED TO BOOK but please ensure you are Covid symptom free.
​More info from Christine on 714336 
Hard of Hearing
Now restarted to discuss topics of interest over a cuppa with speakers some months.
​Meets monthly in the library, usually, but not always the first  Thursday in the afternoon 2:30 pm. so please check.
​
Contact Diana Slevin 07803 174583 or diana@slevin.plus.com if interested for more information.
Dementia Friendly Memory Group
This has now reopened, every 3rd Wednesday at Winslow Community Library, 2.30-3.45pm. 

Come along and enjoy a structured conversation, listen to music etc. in a safe friendly environment with others, over a cuppa. 

No need to book, but for more details, please contact Vron Corben on 01296 712460 or email - vcorben1@gmail.com
Share your Memories
Join the group every 3rd Monday at 2.30pm in the library  to discuss a particular topic over a cuppa..
Contact: Sue Keane 01296 713106 if interested for more information.
Parkinsons Group
A group to  meet other people with Parkinsons and carers and share experiences,
Meet monthly on a Tuesday (usually the first one) in the afternoon in the library
PLUS a specialised exercise session class has been established and is now very well attended. The popular local teacher, Sandra has completed a specialised course with Fitness Professionals and The Neurogym in order to run this class

The Parkinson’s classes are held on Thursday afternoons at 2.30 in the St. Laurence Room. Price - £8.50 per session
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Contact: Liz Mostyn 715736 if interested for more information.
Cards & Games
Keep your mind sharp and enjoy an afternoon of cards and board games, with refreshments. 1st Monday of each month, 2:30 - 4:00 pm.
In the Winslow Bowls Club.

£ 1.50 donation towards cost of refreshments
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Contact: Zoe Sutherland 07732 867864
Parents & Carers Drop-In
 Every Monday during Term time in the Library. A chance to unwind after the weekend?
An opportunity for free coffee/tea and friendly chat with others. Toys and games for the children.
Every Monday in term time, 9-10 am.
Accompanied pre-school children welcome.
No need to book.

Contact: Cathy Tracy - 01296 712023 
Singing for Pleasure
Monthly singing session for all, with refreshments, normally 4th Thursday of each month,
St Laurence Room 2.30-4.00 pm
Cost £1.50 per session
Contact Angela or Graham Bowe
​01296 714678 gandabowe@btinternet.com
Friendship Lunches
Our monthly Friendship Lunch at the Bell Hotel is usually held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Please check for details.
Previous attendees will be contacted.
Contact Kay Peck 01296 714253
Sitting Service
Are you a carer, not able to leave your loved one to get out?
Maybe we can help! 
We can provide you with a matched volunteer, same one each time, to sit at home and let you get out for approx. an hour each week.
As with most of our services  they are free! 

Contact Vron Corben on 01296 712460 for more details.

​ What we are also aiming to do in 2022... 

Film Shows
Restart date to be confirmed.
Held in the past on an occasional basis in the Bowls Club in the afternoon.

Details of dates and films in future will be published in the Winslow Parish News, posters round town.
Contact Ann Abraham by email ama21@btinternet.com

What we are up to...

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter...

When you can do it .....

Now we are back on track....

Winslow Wheelchair Vehicle available

An exciting development for Winslow and the local villages. A dedicated vehicle for Wheelchair access is available for hire.

Latest Volunteers Newsletter

Now available for download..

Annual General Meeting & Report


Almost 60 people attended on 10th November 2021, giving people an opportunity to meet volunteers they had not met before, as well as hear about the past year, share stories and new ideas. Click here for a copy of the Annual Report