NHS England and NHS Improvement has launched the next phase of the latest ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign which focuses on the NHS 111 service as a new way to access A&E.

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, make sure you contact NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E. If you do need urgent care, then NHS 111 can now book you in to be seen quickly and safely in A&E. 

As well as this, NHS 111 is also able to direct to or book an appointment at Urgent Treatment Centres, access to Out of Hours GP Services, pharmacies, emergency dental services and walk-in clinics.

Contacting 111 first will also help the NHS to keep you safe by maintaining social distancing and ensure that you receive the right care in the right place, in a more timely and safe way.

If you or your loved one have a life-threatening illness or injury then you should always use 999 and if you do arrive at A&E without contacting NHS 111 you will still receive medical care, with emergency treatments prioritised. 

Just think 111 first. When you think you need A&E, contact NHS 111 by phone or online at https://111.nhs.uk/

Further information about NHS 111 First is available at www.northamptonshireccg.nhs.uk

Free christmas meals prepared by local caterers are available for those struggling to feed themselves or their families over the festive season.

If people in your community need a little extra support this year, please get in touch to find out how they can receive one of the Food4Heroes Christmas Meals.

Call us on 07974 919 221 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Parish Council held its December meeting on Weds 2nd.  At this meeting it was reported that, probably due to cars obscuring the signs saying No Dogs, there have been occasions when dogs have been seen on the Charles Cowper field. It is likely that these are from outside the Parish but the Council has agreed new signs will be put in more prominent places.  It is very much hoped that this will keep the Cowper field as a clean and safe place for all to enjoy.

Public consultation on the proposals for the new Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for West Northamptonshire will go live for a six-week period, beginning on Monday 2nd November, until midnight on Sunday 13th December 2020. The final scheme will be agreed by the West Shadow Executive Committee on 26th January 2021.

Residents and stakeholders across Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire, along with countywide stakeholders, will be invited to have their say on the proposed changes to the LCTRS. The schemes provide a reduction for working-age people and households on low incomes, to help them pay their council tax bill. There are individual schemes in place for Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire, which are administered by the councils in each area.

Boddington Parish Council is delighted to report that the new cycle track on the Charles Cowper field is proving to be a great success.

It has a learn-to-ride area as well as an exciting track around the field and provides fun opportunities to enhance cycling. 

However, the Parish Council wishes to remind users of all ages that safety helmets MUST be worn at all times. Other safety equipment is advised but not mandatory.

Anyone found using the tracks without a helmet will be asked to leave.

Enjoy!

A new, updated Northamptonshire Care Services Directory has been published recently in association with Northamptonshire County Council. It gives readers crucial information on how to access, and pay for, care services throughout Northamptonshire.