The Neighbourhood Wardens had their “Meet the Wardens” Drop-in sessions at Horsham Library this month and it was a resounding success.  They were able to signpost Horsham residents to various services, charities and events and ensure they are accessing all support and help available to them. Their next date is Wednesday 27^th March at 11am. Please do go along and say hello!

The Neighbourhood Wardens also provided a drop-in at the Community Fridge which takes place at the Methodist Church on London Road and aims to reduce food waste by offering it to the community. The Wardens took resources and spoke to both attendees and staff about the Neighbourhood Warden role and services and charities available. https://faredivide.org.uk/horsham/

The Leonard Crosbie Awards

Horsham Trafalgar Neighbourhood Council (HTNC) seek nominations from residents for the Leonard Crosbie Awards.

Councillor Leonard Crosbie served Horsham for around 50 years, and enjoyed representing Trafalgar Ward for 25 years; right up until a fortnight before his death in September 2020.   He was a compassionate and popular resident and colleague, and was able to draw councillors together from all parties, uniting us all for the good of the community.  The Leonard Crosbie Awards are presented in his memory.

Please consider all the good work that goes on, in and around the Trafalgar Ward area and let us know who you would like to nominate for an award under the following categories:

• The Leonard Crosbie Award for Service to the Community – Group Volunteer Category
• The Leonard Crosbie Award for Service to the Community – Individual Volunteer Category
• The Leonard Crosbie Award for Service to the Community – Business Category
• The Leonard Crosbie Award for Service to the Community – Group Category for Climate and Ecology
• The Leonard Crosbie Award for Service to the Community – Individual Category for Climate and Ecology

Please email your nominations to Rhoda Hatton, HTNC Clerk at clerk@horshamtrafalgarnc.com by 21^st April 2024.

Horsham Matters, the charity that supports those suffering food and household poverty, has launched a campaign to recreate that pandemic community spirit and tackle the serious issue of isolation in Horsham District.

According to their Hidden Poverty Survey, that investigated the affects of the cost-of-living crisis on residents, isolation is an issue with more than a third of respondents.  The poll also showed that 22% of respondents did not have a friend or neighbour that they could rely on for help. 

To tackle this, the charity has launched the Helping Hands campaign to encourage the community to ‘lend a helping hand’ to their neighbours, friends, and even strangers, to break down barriers to combat isolation, reduce stigma and to encourage people to reach out and talk to someone about how they are feeling. 

Amalia Lovett, Network and Campaigns Lead for Horsham Matters, said “Our Hidden Poverty Survey highlighted the fact that too many residents are still struggling with isolation, not only the elderly, but across all demographics.  We spoke to many young mums and professionals who also felt that they had little social connections.  Our campaign aims to bring back the community spirit much like during the pandemic when checking in with our neighbours was the norm.”

Studies show that social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.  

The Helping Hands campaign will feature tips on how people can support those most vulnerable in their community. The charity wants to encourage residents to share their campaign and to promote initiatives that support activity in community spaces to promote social connection, such as community cafes, coffee mornings and village lunches.

Amalia points out that Helping Hands is about small steps we can all take. “It can be small and easy gestures like saying hello, asking someone how their day is going… small steps that can help people feel less isolated.  It’s also important to encourage people to develop new relationships by volunteering with a local charity, or joining a local interest group.”

Horsham Matters runs their weekly Connecting Café on Tuesdays from 11:30-1:30 at St Andrews Methodist Church Methodist in Roffey.  Everyone is welcome.  It’s a pay it forward café, so if someone doesn’t have funds to pay, they don’t have to worry as they can have a free hot meal.