Inspiring change together

Skills Bootcamps are free flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for people looking for a new role or job opportunity. You could learn new skills in lots of different sectors including digital skills, engineering, construction, transport, and health and social care.

Skills Bootcamps are open to people who are employed, unemployed, and self-employed. They can help you gain new skills to progress at work or find a new career. For many of the Skills Bootcamps available, you don’t need any prior knowledge about the subject.

The best bit is that once you complete the course, you’ll be guaranteed a job interview.

You may be eligible to apply for a Skills Bootcamp if you:

• are aged 19 or over
• have the right to work in the UK
• live in England
• meet residency requirements – the training provider can check this
• claim Universal Credit you can apply for a Skills Bootcamp and continue to claim benefits.

Some Skills Bootcamps have additional eligibility criteria. Contact the training provider to check if you’re eligible and apply for the course.

You can see a list of Skills Bootcamps running in the North West of England on the government website.(External link)
Find a Skills Bootcamp - North-west - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(External link)

There are also some Skills Bootcamps available to view on the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership website.(External link)
Skills Bootcamps - Catalogue - Cheshire and Warrington(External link)

Check out these featured Skills Bootcamps:

• If you are interested in learning at your own pace, working on an online project with a mentor to guide you rather than having scheduled lessons, check out the bootcamps offered by OpenClassrooms. They have flexible Skills Bootcamps for a Data Analyst, Digital Marketer, Web Developer, or Agile Project Manager.
  Boost Your Career with FREE Digital Skills Bootcamps - OpenClassrooms(External link)
• If you are able to travel a little way to attend an in-person Skills Bootcamp on multi-trade construction, you can start one anytime in Trafford Park in Manchester:
  Skills Bootcamp in Construction Multi-Trade (gceducationandskills.ac.uk)(External link)
• Intrigued by 3D printing, 3D CAD and digital manufacturing? You could start a 10-week Skills Bootcamp with 3D 360 at any time. They are also advertising a free printer for every student.
  DfE Funded Skills Bootcamps - 3D Printer Training, Design Services & Consultancy - Northwest (3d360printer.co.uk)(External link)
• Would you like to become a care worker? You can choose between an online course (link below) (External link)or email Warrington & Vale Royal College on hsca@wvr.ac.uk(External link) to find out more about their care worker bootcamp.
  Care Skills Bootcamp course | W3 DfE Bootcamp (theskillsnetwork.com(External link))
• If you’ve always wanted to work in rail travel, email Cheshire College South and West via info@ccsw.ac.uk(External link) to get more information about their Rail Track Maintenance Skills Bootcamp.
• Whether you’re already a HGV driver looking to upgrade your licence, or a novice wishing to get started in the industry, the Driver Academy Group offers Skills Bootcamps for a range of ability levels. See the bootcamps they run and apply online.
  HGV Bootcamp | Government Funded HGV Training For Businesses and Individuals(External link)

During these difficult times with prices soaring and the general cost of living rising, many people are getting into debt and are looking for any option to help them out.

If you use social media, you have probably started to see posts appearing offering a way out of debt. ‘Get rid of up to 90% of your debt’ and ‘A new government scheme can write off the majority of your debt’ are now becoming commonplace but how trustworthy are they and what is this ‘new government scheme’?

The majority of these get out of debt schemes being advertised usually relate to a debt option called an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or IVA for short.

So, what is an IVA? Is it a new government scheme and is it right for you?

An IVA is one of several insolvency options that have been around for years, others you may be more familiar with include Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Orders.

An IVA ‘can’ be a good option, but this is mainly for people who wish to enter an insolvency option but also want to protect their property if they have expensive vehicles, a mortgaged property or they are a homeowner. An IVA also involves paying a monthly amount of at least £80 for a period of 5-6 years.

More recently these adverts are being targeted at people who do not have any assets, do not own a house or mortgaged property, and have limited income through benefits or low paid jobs.

Any provider of free debt advice would explain all the different debt options to you and which options are unsuitable or to avoid. The companies behind the adverts do not do this, and often their main purpose is to sell an IVA to you regardless of whether it is the right option for you, as they make a profit.

What happens when someone signs up for an IVA?

There is a fee for being in an IVA which can be up to a few thousand pounds. A reputable provider would spread this fee across the 60 or 72 months of the IVA and include it in your payments, however, a lot of the companies who advertise do something called ‘front loading’ of their fees. This means that any payments you make go to pay off their fees before any of your payments go to the creditors you owe money to. It’s important to note that in this instance if you fail on your IVA then you could find that you’ve only covered the provider’s fees and still owe all the money you were in debt for at the start of the IVA.

If you are worried about being in debt, there is plenty of free advice available to you. Here you will be advised of all the options available to you, to help you choose the right one.

Free debt advice is available from:
Citizens Advice Cheshire West - Tel: 0808 278 7806
Pennysmart - Tel: 01244 651210

Live Well Cheshire West: Debt advice(External link)

Cheshire West and Chester Council is inviting residents and local organisations to join a conversation to help shape a new plan for the Borough.

Building on the approach of the current Council Plan, the new plan will bring local people and local organisations together around shared priorities, so everyone can play their part.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Louise Gittins, encouraged residents, businesses and services to take part and said: “This is the start of an important conversation about the future of our communities.

“We know there are major challenges to address. Many residents find themselves under strain, our brilliant businesses have been challenged, our vital local services are under pressure, and public finances are very tight. But we remain hopeful that, by working together, we can tackle these challenges and grasp opportunities.

“We need to build on the strengths, hopes and aspirations of our incredible communities. That’s how real change happens. So, I am asking for your initial views to start the conversation.

“We will listen, and we will take your views seriously. Thank you in advance for your contribution.”

This phase of the Conversation launches today, Wednesday, 6 September, and closes on Sunday, 8 October. People can go online to share their ideas, highlight the things they are most proud of in their community, read what others have already said and see what the data says about west Cheshire. People will also be able to forward their ideas directly to us either online or through various other methods.

Responses and contributions will be used to develop a draft Borough Plan, which people will be able to comment on later in the year, before being taken for approval to a meeting of the full Council in February. As the conversation progresses, paper copies of the Council's proposals will be available in libraries throughout the borough. Alternative formats will be available upon request.

There are a number of ways you can get involved and have your say.

• Visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/jointheconversation to share your views on the strengths, challenges and opportunities you see in your community and across west Cheshire
• E-mail: jointheconversation@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Write: Join the Conversation, Insight and Intelligence, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BA
• Phone: 0300 123 8123 quoting ‘Join the Conversation’.

Feeling stressed about the rising cost of living can have an impact on your health.

From now until 10 September the Council is offering free blood pressure checks to help residents beat a potentially serious condition that has no symptoms.

The checks are taking place across the borough during Know Your Numbers Week, a national campaign run by the charity Blood Pressure UK.

The campaign is supported annually by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Brio Leisure, and the aim is to reach those who have high blood pressure and do not know it. People can then access the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.

Around a third of adults in the UK are estimated to have high blood pressure, but it’s not obvious because it doesn’t have any symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses so it’s important to find out if yours is high.

It’s never too early and never too late to start checking your blood pressure and taking action to lower it if you need to. A blood pressure check doesn’t take long and is really easy to do.

Brio Leisure is offering free blood pressure checks in a series of drop-in sessions during Know Your Numbers Week. These include:

Free blood pressure checks are also offered by GPs, pharmacies, some workplaces, some gyms and health clubs and as part of an NHS Health Check or Well Man Clinic attendance.

For videos and fact sheets about how to take your blood pressure and understand the results visit: www.bloodpressureuk.org(External link).

If you have received a renewal pack and still need to confirm your circumstances for the current tax year, it’s important that you do this by the annual deadline which is Monday 31 July, or you may be at risk of having your payments stopped.

Circumstances that could affect tax credits include changes to living arrangements, childcare, working hours or a change in income.

Two types of renewal packs were issued, as detailed below:
• ‘reply now’ packs had a red line across the first page and the words ‘reply now’. Customers must confirm their circumstances to renew their tax credits

• ‘check now’ packs had a black line across the first page and the words ‘check now.’ Customers whose details are correct do not need to do anything and their tax credits will be automatically renewed.

The quickest and easiest way for you to renew your tax credits is via the GOV.UK website or via the HMRC app which you can download to your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Manage your tax credits via GOV.UK(External link)

You can also renew tax credits by phone or post.
Telephone: 0345 300 3900
Post: Send tax credit renewal forms to the address below. You do not need to include a street name or PO box.

Tax Credit Office
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1LR
United Kingdom

More information on how to renew tax credits(External link)

Even in challenging times, everyone deserves to enjoy a day out.

Spending some quality time with family and friends can boost your mental health and wellbeing. Take a look at what west Cheshire has to offer.

Parks and green spaces
There are a variety of country parks, woodlands, and nature reserves across the borough for everyone to explore and enjoy. From Marbury Country Park in Northwich to Rivacre Valley local nature reserve in Ellesmere Port there are plenty of opportunities to get out in the great outdoors, enjoy a picnic and be marvelled by the nature around you.

Plus, for the younger members of the family there are over 100 play areas across the borough, including Winsford Town Park and Frodsham’s Castle Park where children can have hours of fun.

To find your nearest park and green spaces, visit:
Parks and open spaces | Cheshire West and Chester Council(External link)

Love Parks week is from 28 July to 6 August. This annual campaign celebrates parks and green spaces, and the team of dedicated staff and volunteers that look after them all year round. Keep an eye out on social media for more information about what’s planned for the week.

Summer activities for everyone

Jurassic extravaganza brought to the streets of Chester, by Chester BID
Families and dinosaur fans are invited to take part in a trail to find 25 dinosaurs hidden in businesses across Chester city centre. Trail sheets are available from the Visitor Information Centre or can be downloaded via the link below. Plus, there is a chance to meet dinosaurs up close every day until Sunday 30 July. The main dinosaur walkabouts will happen on the final weekend (Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July). Pre-historic fans are also invited to get into the spirit of the extravaganza and dress up too.
Find out more(External link)

Summer reading challenge - Ready, Set, Read!
This year’s summer reading challenge is all about games and sports. Children can join a team of characters (and their animal mascots) using their skills to weave through a summer obstacle course. The aim of the challenge is for children to read at least six books over the summer by visiting libraries across the borough. As well as books from the library, there are also eBooks and eAudiobooks available from our digital collection.
Find out more(External link)

Re-Living the Rows
On Sunday 30 July, a group of performers are taking on the roles of historic characters bringing Chester’s historic Rows to life in a fun and exciting way. Chester Young Producers, a group of Chester teenagers supported by The Grosvenor Museum will use objects, sights, and smells in this atmospheric performance.
For more info(External link)

Soldier School – DEVA Roman Experience, Chester
March through the streets of Chester visiting the old bath house and Amphitheatre. Learn how Romans kept clean and how they entertained themselves watching Gladiators battle it out for victory. Running every Saturday until the last one in October, Soldier School starts promptly at 1pm and finishes at approximately 2pm. It costs £3 per child with accompanying adults free of charge.
Find out more(External link)

Summer Splash Pass
Brio Leisure are offering a Junior Summer Splash Pass for just £20. The pass available to anyone under 18 years of age allows the holder to swim every day throughout the summer holidays from now until 3 September. It can be used at any of the six Brio pools across the borough during casual swimming and lane swimming, family fun sessions, wet and wild sessions and fun and floats sessions. You can buy a Pass online or at any Brio Leisure Centre.

Visit the Brio Leisure Summer Splash Pass page for terms and conditions or to buy a Pass.
Summer Splash Pass(External link)

Cycle the Whitegate Way
Get on your bike and cycle 10 kilometres (6 miles) along the traffic-free Whitegate Way from the heart of Winsford through to Cuddington, and don’t forget to look out for butterflies and dragonflies along the route. There’s even a place to stop and have a picnic at the old Whitegate station.
Find out more(External link)

Walking in Cheshire
Explore the stunning scenery and wildlife on foot, with hundreds of walks to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re up for a short stroll or prefer a more challenging hike, check out the many walking trails available using the link below.
Find out more(External link)

More information about events across Chester and Cheshire(External link)

And don’t forget… several restaurants and cafes are offering free, or £1, meals for kids during the summer holidays. Make sure you check out whether your local restaurant or supermarket is offering this deal.

Many residents are facing financial challenges due to the continued rise in the cost of living. If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, then it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible to support from the Government’s Household Support Fund.

It’s also important to note that any payment you receive from the Fund does not impact on any benefits you may be claiming.

The Household Support Fund is available to help a wide range of low-income households including families with children, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, with food, energy, water and other essential household costs.

The current round of funding is for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. You can apply once in any six-month period.

More information on whether you’re eligible, and how to apply, can be found on the Council’s website, using the link below.
Household Support Fund(External link)

If you have friends or family who may be eligible but don’t have home internet access, then please ask them to telephone the Council directly.

Tel: 0808 175 3599

If you live with an adult with a severe mental impairment, you could be missing out on a Council Tax discount. The discount is 25 per cent minimum off your Council Tax bill.

To qualify for the discount, the adult with a severe mental impairment needs to be receiving at least one of the following benefits and have a certificate from a GP. Although being severely mentally impaired is a medical diagnosis in itself, the underlying cause could be a condition such as dementia, profound learning difficulties, the result of a severe stroke, or something else.

• Incapacity benefit
• Attendance allowance
• Severe disablement allowance
• Disability living allowance (higher or middle-rate care component)
• Increase in disablement pension (due to constant attendance being needed)
• Unemployability supplement or allowance
• Constant attendance allowance
• Income support (which includes a disability premium)
• Personal independence payment (standard or enhanced daily living component)
• Armed forces independence payment
• Disability working allowance (based on getting income support including disability premium)
• Universal credit (including an element for limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity).

Adults who have been diagnosed as severely mentally impaired may be entitled to a Council Tax discount or if they live alone exempt from paying Council Tax altogether. This means that their households could be entitled to claim one of the following Council Tax discounts.

• If you are an adult with a severe mental impairment who lives alone or with one or more other adults who also have a severe mental impairment, you are exempt from paying Council Tax altogether.
• A 50 per cent Council Tax discount may apply if you are an adult with a severe mental impairment living with an adult carer.
• A 25 per cent Council Tax discount will apply if you are an adult with a severe mental impairment and you live with one other adult who is not severally mentally impaired.

When an adult with severe mental impairment lives with two or more other adults who are not severally mentally impaired then no Council Tax discount applies.

How to apply

1. You can read more about Council Tax discounts for adults with a severe mental impairment and apply online using the link below.
2. To complete the application, you will need a certificate from a GP showing that the individual has a severe mental impairment.
3. You might also be asked to provide evidence that you receive relevant benefits to qualify for the Council Tax discount.

Severely mentally impaired | Cheshire West and Chester Council(External link)

If you would like more information, you can contact Citizens Advice Cheshire West. You can also ask them about other benefits you might be eligible for.

Tel: 0808 2787 806

The Government has launched a new online Midlife MOT tool to get people thinking about their work, health and money and plan for a more secure retirement.

The Midlife MOT includes a five-minute money survey for people aged 45 to 65 who want help in identifying actions to improve their finances. It can give you tips about what to prioritise and where to turn for help before retirement.

You don't need any documents or extra information to use the free tool and any information you input will be kept completely anonymous. You can download your results to help you improve your finances.

Additional resources around getting your finances back on track, including a budget planner and debt advice is available on the Money Helper website.

Midlife MOT | MoneyHelper(External link)

There’s just one week left to redeem your Energy Bills Support vouchers before the Government scheme closes on 30 June.

If you are a customer on a traditional prepayment meter, your vouchers will have been sent from your electricity supplier by text, email or through the post. If you have lost your vouchers or they have expired, you will need to act quickly and contact your electricity supplier who can reissue these.

You can redeem your vouchers at the local Post Office or PayPoint indicated on your vouchers, but remember you will need to take along your ID.

If you’ve already claimed the energy support that you’re eligible for but you are still struggling with the rising cost of food, energy and other essential household costs then additional help may be available to you through the Household Support Fund.

Household Support Fund(External link)