“The situation is rapidly turning from an economic crisis to a health crisis”
Ann Taylor, executive director of the food foundation on the shocking levels of food insecurity reported in their most recent survey
Worrying new data from The Food Foundation has shown that food insecurity levels have continued to rise rapidly, jumping from 4.7 million adults to 7.3 million in the past three months. 1 in 5 households with children struggled to put food on the table in the past month. This research shows the catastrophic impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on UK families. This is a worrying time for many and the SFPA and other Shropshire organisations are encouraging anyone concerned about their finances not to wait to reach out for help. Information below on some of the resources out there to support people through this period.
SFPA updates
New online, interactive version of the ‘Worrying About Money?’ leaflet now available
We now have an online version of the Shropshire ‘Worrying About Money?’ leaflet. The digital version allows people to select the options applicable to their circumstances and will show them the support available locally in a clear, concise and coherent way. You can access this resource at the link below:
This resource has been co-produced by local Shropshire organisations and the Independent Food Aid Network. We are in the process of reviewing the leaflet so please do let us know if there are any changes you would like to see. Free hard copies are still available via SophiePadgett@cabshropshire.org.uk.
Shropshire Council’s new cost of living webpage also brings together lots of the support available locally.
Job opportunity- help tackle food insecurity in South West Shropshire, Communications and Community Project Coordinator
This exciting role will involve working with communities in South West Shropshire to develop sustainable community led solutions to reduce health inequalities by focussing on food insecurity.
The post is funded by the Health Foundation and Local Government Association until September 2024 as part of the Shaping Places for Healthier Lives Program. The project is a partnership between Citizens Advice Shropshire and Shropshire Council, Public Health.
Fixed term contract until 30th September 2024.
Part time 30 hours per week, Salary £24,920 pro rata. (Actual £20,205)
To start as soon as possible.
The post will be subject to a DBS check.
Closing date: midnight Sunday 22nd May 2022
Interviews: 30th/31st May 2021
Full details can be found here.
Shropshire Good Food Partnership- Healthy Food For All working group
We’re excited to say that the SFPA will be working with the Shropshire Good Food Partnership to lead the ‘Healthy Food For All’ working group. This group is for anyone in Shropshire who is working/ would like to work to increase access to good food.
With the help of key organisations and projects, we’d like to map what is already going on in the county and explore the ways we can maximise the impact of this. We’d like to help capture best practice and all the amazing examples of what is already going on, as well as identify willingness to set up new projects/ expand existing ones.
As a starting point we plan to hold quarterly meetings around key themes, more updates on this to follow once dates have been set. If you are interested in finding out more/ contributing to setting working group priorities please contact SophiePadgett@cabshropshire.org.uk
Shropshire news
Shropshire Council invite applications from local schools, voluntary and community organisations and childcare providers to apply for grant funding, to run exciting and high-quality programmes of activity, during the summer and winter school holidays 2022.
Guidance notes and link to online Application Form can be found here.
The deadline for applications is 9am Tuesday 17th May.
If you have any questions please contact the Shropshire HAF Co-Ordinator: HAF.programme@shropshire.gov.uk
A new online survey aimed at people who have or are caring for someone with severe mental illness (SMI) and complex needs in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
The survey is an opportunity to feedback on the care and support services in primary care, secondary care, specialist mental health and voluntary care sectors within the County. Deadline May 31st.
Link to the survey and further information here: SMI and complex need survey | Shropshire Council
Don’t miss your chance to provide input on the National Community Fund strategic review
The National Lottery community Fund want to hear from you to help them understand how they continue to effectively support communities across the UK.
You can read more about it here and provide your views by responding to the survey. Deadline May 20th.