New A-boards policy proposed for York

Birthday

 Following a recent review by City of York Council’s Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee into the use of A-boards in York, proposals to develop a new Policy for York will be taken to Executive on 27 August.

Executive will be asked to consider whether the council should prepare and consult on a Draft Policy so that a formal licensing arrangement can be established for A-Boards in accordance with strict criteria. Alternately, Executive will be asked if a blanket policy should be introduced to ban the use of A-boards, or comparable advertising materials, on the public highway.

The recommendation from officers is to develop a new Policy, which would involve consultation with the public, businesses and appropriate bodies such as the RNIB, Guide Dogs and the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society, which would also be subject to a full equalities impact assessment.

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Council plans for new healthy child service for 0-19 year olds

 Members of City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve plans for a change in the way future provision of services for children and young people in the city are delivered by health visitors and school nurses at a meeting later this month (27 August).

Healthy kids

The proposals come since the council became responsible for the Healthy Children Programme for children aged 5-19 years (which includes school nursing and the National Child Measurement Programme) with the transfer of public health to local authorities in April 2013.  Last year the Department of Health confirmed the transfer of 0-5 child public health services (which includes health visiting services) from 1 October 2015 which will complete the transfer of public health responsibilities to local authorities.

The Healthy Child Programme provides a framework of services for children and young people to promote the best health and wellbeing, prevent ill health and provide early intervention when required.

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More mentors for young people in care invited to apply

Mentors 2More independent mentors to help support children and young people in care are being sought by City of York Council to meet demand.

The council’s Independent Visitors Scheme allows young people time with an adult mentor who is at a distance from corporate systems and who gives them a chance to build a long-term, positive relationship with someone who can provide companionship and support. Legislation also requires those in care to have access to an Independent Visitor (IV).

Since City of York Council set up its scheme in 2008, over 30 young people have been matched with an independent visitor. Most of these matches are still running with some having continued for over seven years. Now, more are needed to give more young people in care a trusted adult in their life who has an unbiased view of the care system.

Responsibilities differ and are governed by the needs of each young person. Feedback shows that young people with an IV value the time given to them and the genuine interest shown in them by an individual with no agenda or statutory responsibilities. However some young people ask that their IV gets more involved in the formal process of reviews: the whole relationship is lead by the young person and their requirements.

An IV who has been supporting a young person in York for over six years and through a number of different life stages – including going to university – recently invited him to his wedding. The IV said: “I enjoy meeting up once a month and being able to support young people with life’s challenges. I am able to see them grow and develop into young adults, able to face what life throws at them with confidence and resilience. The role of Independent Visitor gives you and the young person the flexibility to make it work best for the young person and their needs. It is well worthwhile and can make such a difference to the lives of everyone involved. I cannot stress enough how important it is for us all to have someone to rely on.”
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Volunteers help brush up council housing schemes

cat-ripped-wall-paperA day’s painting by four teams of volunteers from a York training company is set to brush up communal areas at four City of York Council accommodation schemes.

A communal bathroom and two hair salons at three of the city’s sheltered accommodation schemes plus a computer training room in a supported hostel for the homeless will each get a fresh coat of paint by staff from EDGE Services.
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Crazy cartoons at the beanbag cinema

cartoons

Date: Thur 20 Aug
Time: 5.15pm – 6.30pm
Venue: New Earswick Library
Cost: £2 per child, £5 per family of 3

Come and share a whole load of “vintage” cartoons with your friends, children and maybe even grandchildren.

Will we show the cartoons you used to laugh out loud at?

Did they have the staying power to be funny to other generations?

Will you have to explain them?

Did Tom and Jerry ever speak?

Why was the Red Barron chasing a pigeon in a bi plane?

Will we answer any of these questions? Who knows, but for £2 per child and £3 per family of 3 plus you can come and see.

Cartoons start at 5.15pm and will finish about 6.30pm with a 15 minute intermission (remember those?) for popcorn and juice.

Suitable for ages 5 to 12 , and beyond. Book at any York Library, and particularly at New Earswick , 01904 552629 or email : newearswick@exploreyork.org.uk

Explore York Libraries in association with Cinema@