Christmas wishes from Harborough District Council |
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 | Cllr Phil King,
Leader of Harborough District Council |
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Christmas comes to Harborough district | It's been another busy month across the Harborough district. We've seen work start on the new, Changing Places toilets in Market Harborough’s Welland Park, with other areas being considered when further funding is available.
We're supporting 16 days of action, which is an international campaign, against violence towards girls and women. It's important to look out for each other so if you do have concerns or want to report suspected abuse you can find guidance here.
We're also asking residents within our community to consider standing as a councillor in the Harborough district either for district or parish.
You don’t need specific qualifications and we encourage residents from all backgrounds to stand. Here's a helpful video to see what becoming a councillor is all about.
I hope everyone has been enjoying the free Christmas events taking place across the district. It's great to be able to celebrate in person again and get in the festive mood.
Across our district we have such a fantastic community spirit.
On behalf of Harborough District Council, I’d like to thank everyone, who has volunteered, hosted a refugee, planted trees, litter picked, helped neighbours, recycled mindfully, shopped locally, donated, and supported one another this year.
You make Harborough district such a great place to be.
As we move into 2023, I wish you all a joyful Christmas and New Year. Thank you.
Cllr Phil King |
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Energy advice for households |  | We know the Energy Price Cap rise is worrying for many people.
If you are struggling with energy costs, OfGem offers practical advice and information. There are support services in the Help With Bills guide.
The Government has also shared details of an Energy Bills Support Scheme to help people deal with rising bills.
For other cost of living concerns and for help locally please visit our website.
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| | Be prepared - get weather ready | Just a few simple steps can help protect us and our homes in poor weather: - Think about how to be prepared this winter. Now is the time to check your garden and put away unused furniture, clear your gutters and put together a handy an emergency kit, just for peace of mind.
- Check out your vehicle, is it weather ready with correct oil levels? Perhaps pack an ice-scraper, blanket and water bottle as a precaution.Taking action now can save worry in times of severe weather and can help us make the most of whatever the weather brings.
- Look out for your friends and neighbours when the weather is challenging. People living with disabilities or on their own may really appreciate a friendly offer of support.
- Always check the forecast before you make long journeys, especially in winter and, if you can, avoid unneccesary travel when weather warnings are forecast.
WeatherReady brings together lots of helpful advice from expert partners so people know the simple actions people can take to prepare ahead of impactful weather.
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Festive information | All our festive information – including Christmas bin collections, recycling advice, Council and market opening hours, severe weather guidance, business support and lots more is available via our dedicated webpage
Harborough District Council will be open until 4pm on Friday 23 December 2022 and will re-open again on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
The Council's normal out-of-hours service will be operating for emergencies only between these dates.
Residents can continue to access a range of Council information via our website.
If you need urgent NHS mental health support for you or someone else, please call the Mental Health Central Access Point on: 0808 800 3302
This is a free helpline for people of all ages in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Don't forget to keep up to date with events across the Harborough district.
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Toys on the Table Appeal |  | The Toys on the Table appeal has launched again this year at Harborough Market.
Local radio station HFM is asking listeners to drop off their new toys at the indoor market, General Hall in Northampton Road, Market Harborough, which will serve as a collection point for the appeal.
Toys for babies to children, aged up to 16, can be donated and must be new and unwrapped. For older children, it can also be a gift such as new books, clothing, gloves, hats, toiletries, etc.
Toys on the Table is a charity working in Leicestershire which has enabled thousands of disadvantaged children to receive gifts during the festive period.
The charity distributes toys via referrals from social service, foodbanks, schools, and women's aid groups.
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Shop sustainably and recycle mindfully | We can all take steps to a more sustainable Christmas this year. Many markets, independent shops and larger supermarkets are now selling recyclable wrapping paper and paper tape.
With the rising cost of living there's no need to overspend this year. In Harborough district we are fortunate to have a wide range of great local businesses with something to suit all pockets.
In our joint fight against climate change we can all try to avoid purchasing single-use plastic where possible.
Many of us are now considering longer-lasting alternatives or choosing pre-loved items at local charity shops.
Not sure what you can recycle at home? Find guidance about what can be recycled in your blue-lidded wheeled bin.
Residents with a garden waste subscription can dispose of their real Christmas trees in the green wheeled bin collection.
The Christmas tree collection will be during weeks commencing 9 January and 16 January’23. Trees should be cut up / sawn and put in the green bin with the lid closed.
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White Ribbon Day 2022 | White Ribbon Day 2022 coincides with the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
#TheGoal for White Ribbon Day is to work towards ending violence against women and girls and to achieve a world of equality and safety.
Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council's portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, has signed the White Ribbon Pledge, saying "‘Most men do not commit abuse against women, but all men have a role in ending it. We all have a responsibility to challenge sexist and harassing behaviour against women when we see it. I encourage that we all make the pledge in the Harborough District to never excuse, commit or remain silent about male violence against women."
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 | Cllr Simon Whelband The White Ribbon Pledge |
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Keep Safe in Harborough District |
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| With the night’s drawing in and Christmas approaching, the shops, restaurants and pubs in Harborough towns will be bustling with activity.
Broughton Astley, Lutterworth, Market Harborough and Fleckney libraries have signed up as designated Keep Safe places.
The scheme, developed in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland, the police and local community safety partnerships offers a place of refuge to anyone feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, distressed or scared.
All locations will display a ‘Keep Safe’ sticker on their doorway. Keep Safe cards can be collected from Harborough District Council reception or police stations.
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 | Keep Safe Place Look out for this sticker |
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