Newsletter Jan 2024

Get Chatting attendees including Betty the dog

Now we’re chugging along into the new year it’s time to keep everyone up to date with what’s going on with HEART and all our wonderful volunteers. So, with the spirit of wishing you all a very happy 2024, here goes…

Despite a broken boiler, and flood-damaged flooring still waiting for repair, HEART’s Community Info Hub re-opened on 10th January – and we’re so pleased we have! Temporarily, we’ve moved back into the smaller side room at the Town Hall to make things more comfortable, but we know our service is really needed, particularly at this time of year. And it’s been busy!

The Info Hub really made its mark last year, helping over 2000 people with our face-to-face drop-in service. Yes, you get to talk to a “real person”- plus there are a host of services about to take a space.

We’re looking for a part-time Desk Advisor to work in the Hub managing all types of enquiries, from finding services to help people get the support they need, navigating online forms and the digital world, to being an active listening ear.

It’s open 10-4pm Weds-Friday, with half a Saturday every fortnight where you would be working with our excellent Info Hub manager Maria and the team.

It’s  quite a challenging role that requires some particular skills but is really rewarding -

Find out more and apply here

A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who signed up to our Emergency Responders Team last year after the town centre flooded again. The emergency services are delighted we’re getting a team together who could be called on to help out - we’ll be organising a team get-together with them soon -  

Let us know if you want to join the team here

Get Chatting is at our new home The White Rock Hotel, if you or a family member or friend could do with getting out there, seeing someone and having a chin-wag please get in contact – and we can offer a lift from one of our volunteer drivers- if it’s needed  More info here      (dogs are welcome as pictured)