In the Loop Autumn 2023

Welcome to the Autumn 2023 edition of our In the Loop members’ newsletter, where we focus on the work of new members who are joining us at Hunts Forum. Please take a while to learn about these organisations as they introduce themselves. Each one is a possible partner, collaborator and inspiration.

Our monthly News Forum newsletter now includes all the latest news from our members and the wider VCSE, as well as training, events and funding updates. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our News Forum newsletter then you can do so here. These are published on the third Thursday of the month. If you have something you would like to be included in either In the Loop or News Forum, please do get in touch.

We have 4 new members to tell you about this month, click the images below to read about them:

Vera Chilly Social Care Huntingdon Freemen’s Trust Doddington 100 Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers

Vera Chilly Social Care

Vera Chilly Social Care, a registered Social Enterprise, prioritises community well-being. Led by an experienced social worker, Vera Chilly Consultancy Services Limited is dedicated to improving social care services and outcomes. They work with individuals of all ages, including those with various challenges, to provide tailored support, including shopping, pet care, decluttering, gardening, and more. They also offer respite care, companionship, monitoring, and access to community activities.

Additionally, they provide support for housing, benefit applications, managing health needs, building life skills, and assisting care leavers. Their services are client-focused and encompass family support, contact supervision, home visits, and advocacy services. The duration of support is based on individual needs and consent.

Contact Information

Lead Contact name: Vera Nnadozie

Address: Suite 41 Wentworth House Dunstable Bedfordshire

Telephone number: Office landline- 01582 665080

Mobile: 0330 043 0609

Manager: 07485136286

Email address: Referrals@verachillysocialcare.co.uk

Website: https://verachillysocialcare.co.uk/

306400285_188971676825489_6260085910656125714_n

370945706_314315657624423_3619524928296396267_n

Huntingdon Freemen’s Trust

The Huntingdon Freemen’s Trust, a longstanding charity with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, is dedicated to providing support to organisations and residents within Huntingdon town council boundaries. We focus on assisting programs related to education, health, and well-being, offering financial aid for recreational equipment, education, and essential relief, including household items and medical equipment.

Our small but experienced team, comprising four employees and seven trustees, boasts strong local connections and a deep understanding of the community’s needs. We maintain a discreet and confidential service with a high acceptance rate for applications reviewed by the Trustees each month.

If you require assistance, please apply for funding via our online application form on the “Apply for funding • Huntingdon Freemen’s Trust” page of our website.

You can also reach us at:

Telephone number: 01480 414909

Visit our office: 37 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3AQ,

Working hours: Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 15:00 (excluding public holidays).

For further information, please visit our website, “Huntingdon Freemen’s Trust • Supporting local residents.” If you have any questions, contact our office or email us at info@huntingdonfreemen.org.uk. We look forward to assisting you.

Doddington 100

Doddington 100 Club is a friendly group that meets monthly in Doddington for friendship and fun activities that promote wellbeing. The Club got its name from being the 100th Club set up in Doddington and has been operating for 70 years. The group is a socially integrated club run by volunteers and is set up as a non-profit organisation.

You can be sure of a kind welcome when you join and the club welcome people of any age, creed or nationality. They have a caring group of volunteers that have been in their roles for over a year; Valerie, Anne, Heather and Yvonne.

The groups are:

· an opportunity to meet and greet other people

· to support and care for residents

· to have fun and experience some new activities

New members and guests are welcome to attend the monthly meetings and if you decide to join there is a small membership fee. The committee organised a range of guest speakers and presentations and day trips and meals together.

The group provide refreshments of tea and coffee.

The group has around 51 members, men and women. Most members are retired, and the group are happy to welcome more members.

How to contact

Phone: 07392 994294 (Valerie – Chair) Email: doddington100thclub@outlook.com

Venue: Doddington Pavilion, Benwick Road, Doddington March, PE15 0TX

Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers

Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers began as a Facebook group in early 2021, initiated by Sophie Etheridge. Frustrated by her isolation as a person with a disability in open water swim events, she sought to connect with others facing similar challenges. Sophie established the group while training for a two-way swim of Lake Windermere, with the goal of raising awareness about open water swimming for individuals with disabilities and showcasing their potential with the right equipment and support.

The group’s rapid growth, now comprising 908 members as of the end of 2022, includes people with disabilities, swim buddies, coaches, and event organizers. Their common aspiration is to make open-water swimming fully accessible and inclusive. This community provides a welcoming and supportive space for individuals to openly discuss the challenges they encounter while open-water swimming. It also serves as a platform for coaches and event organizers to seek advice and enhance their understanding, promoting inclusivity in both coaching and event management.

If you are interested in:

helping to spread awareness and improving accessibility in open water swimming
committing to being more inclusive
or are a person with a disability that is facing any kind of issue within open water swimming

Please contact Sophie, details are on her website:

Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers (sophie-adaptive-athlete.com)