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Message Board

Thursday, 17 November, 2022

Get involved with the My Community map

Becoming a part of your local community has never been easier with the online My Community map, run by Bracknell Forest Council public health team, that promotes local community groups and activities run by local people, for local people.

Originally launched in 2015 as part of the ‘Warm Welcome’ project, the community map helped residents find their nearest community groups and activities.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 55.4 per cent of residents reported that the lockdown measures had a negative impact on their mental and emotional health. To help these people and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, the Bracknell Forest public health team have re-launched the community map with an increased number of activities available, for all ages.

The map will also be used by those working face-to-face with residents such as social care colleagues and health partners to help integrate people within their local community.

Cllr Dale Birch, chair of the Bracknell Forest health and wellbeing board and executive member for health, said:

“One of the main focuses in our health and wellbeing strategy for the next four years is to reduce loneliness and isolation in the borough and to improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“The My Community map allows people to find their local community groups and activities to become a part of. Whether it’s a knit and natter group or a sports club, these things give us purpose and help us make life-long connections with other people.

“The new and improved platform is easier to navigate, with an updated list of activities available. Training to use the map will be available for professionals and within the community.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with isolation and loneliness, please visit our public health portal for advice.

My Community Map Public Health Portal

Monday, 31 October, 2022

Free fix if TV interference occurs in Crowthorne

Mobile networks are being improved in Crowthorne boosting speed, performance and coverage. There is a small chance these upgrades may cause interference to TV received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView.

Symptoms could include intermittent sound, blocky images (pixelation) or loss of TV signal.

Free support is available from Restore TV. Restore TV's role is to ensure people can continue to enjoy free to view TV when mobile is upgraded in their area. It provides help to anyone experiencing interference to TV services caused by mobile signals. Restore TV offers additional support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner's Mobility Support.

Ben Roome, CEO of Restore TV, said: "We know just how important TV is to inform, entertain and provide welcome company. Restore TV exists to ensure we all can continue to access free to view TV as mobile services are improved across the country."

"If you see new TV interference, we're on hand to help you resolve the issue. We can send a Restore TV filter, free of charge, for you to fit between your aerial lead and TV or set-top box to remove mobile signals and allow you to watch free to view TV as normal. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.

"In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any issues, but if this isn't the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from a Restore TV engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility." Cable and satellite TV, such as Sky or Virgin, are not affected. However, viewers with these services, who also watch free to view TV through an aerial, can receive a free Restore TV filter. Residents are more likely to be affected if they live in an area with weak digital television reception, have a TV signal booster and whose TV aerial is close to a mobile mast. For residents in flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.

Any viewers who experience new interference to free to view TV should contact Restore TV on:

0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) restoretv.uk

For more information, please visit restoretv.uk on the link below.

Visit Restore TV website

Wednesday, 23 March, 2022

Thames Valley Police Alert: Thefts of Keyless Vehicles

Thames Valley Police have seen an increase in reports of thefts and attempted thefts of keyless vehicles across the Bracknell and Wokingham areas.

Offenders often use a device and a laptop to intercept the signal from the remote sensor on keyless fobs and gain entry to the vehicle. They can then start the vehicle without the key and drive away.

To help prevent thefts and ensure your car is not an appealing target for a thief, we are asking you to be extra vigilant and consider your vehicle security.

Keep key fobs away from windows and doors when at home.
Turn off the key fob's wireless signal (check your vehicle manual to see if this is possible or contact your vehicle manufacturer.)
Place key fobs in a metal tin or signal blocking RFID (radio-frequency identification) pouch and away from the front door. Be aware of where your spare key is located as well and where possible, keep this in a tin or signal blocking RFID pouch.
Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away. Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who's watching feels they've been spotted, they'll probably move off.
Consider the use of an on-board diagnostic port protective cover or lock.
Consider fitting a steering wheel lock as a physical deterrent.
If you have a garage, secure your vehicle inside.
If you have a driveway, park the car as close to the house as possible.

If you see or hear anything suspicious around houses with keyless cars in your area then please let us know on www.thamesvalley.police.uk (Link below) or by calling 101 or 999 if you believe a crime is in progress.

For further information and crime prevention advice please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk (Link below)

Thames Valley Police Website >>

Friday, 4 March, 2022

Humbled by community's response to Ukraine invasion

Bracknell Forest Council is once again humbled and touched by the compassion of the local community in trying to help people affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

Over the past week we have seen so many of our residents, community groups and organisations rally to help people affected by the invasion. The response has been nothing short of inspiring...