Talk community newsletter 18 Sep25
Baton of Hope – Hereford Itinerary and Final Updates
The countdown is on! On Thursday 2 October 2025, the Baton of Hope will make its way through Hereford, carrying a message of hope, connection, and support for mental health.
The day will begin with a tractor run from the Hereford Livestock Market at 8.30am before the walking route sets off from Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College at 9.30am. Along the way, the baton will pause at key locations before reaching its finale at the Town Hall at around 3.30pm. Please note that timings are approximate, so plan ahead if you’d like to see the baton in your area.
There will also be a programme of events across the city, from market stalls in High Town with organisations offering information and support, to activities at Herefordshire MIND, The Courtyard, Hereford Football Club, and Hinton Community Centre. The day will close with a performance from the Sing Out Strong Choir at Hereford Cathedral, before the baton reaches its final stop.
We’re also making a last call for Animals of Hope. Handmade animals, each carrying a message from a local child, will form part of the Under-5s Hunt for Hope Trail across the city. If you can knit or crochet, we’d love your help to bring this creative project to life.
And don’t forget – Talk Community is offering small grants of up to £150 to local groups, hubs, and organisations across the county to run their own events and activities linked to the Baton of Hope. Whether it’s a coffee morning, picnic, craft activity, or drop-in session, we want to make sure this message reaches every corner of Herefordshire.
Find the full itinerary, timings, and details of events on the Talk Community Directory
Walk Leader Opportunity
Are you interested in leading a walk in your local area?
The Healthy Lifestyle Service at Talk Community are offering free Walk Leader training for anyone who is interested in leading a short, accessible walk in their local community.
The training is delivered under the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks framework. The walks provide an important community resource to anyone looking to get, or stay active and connect with others in their local area. There are already several walks taking place around Herefordshire; come along to learn more about the role of a Walk Leader, and to see for yourself how beneficial these walks are!
Find details of your nearest walk on the Talk Community Directory or contact the Healthy Lifestyle Service on 01432 383567 or email HLTS@herefordshire.gov.uk
Play Streets – Bringing Play Back to Our Neighbourhoods
Imagine a few hours where the street outside your house becomes a place for kids to play safely, neighbours to meet, and communities to come alive. That’s the idea behind Play Streets!
A Play Street is a temporary, stewarded road closure where children can enjoy outdoor play – running, cycling, scooting, chalking, and adults can relax, connect, and catch up. It’s an opportunity to reclaim streets for fun and creativity, reduce traffic risks, and build community spirit. These events are perfect if you’ve ever wished for more play space close to home, or wanted to bring your neighbours together.
For more information on Play Streets, or if you’d like to get involved or host a Play Street, visit the Talk Community Directory.
Stop Loan Sharks training seminars – New sessions available!
Would you be able to spot a loan shark or help someone report one in your community? With the cost of living crisis, it’s increasingly concerning that people might turn to illegal lenders to make ends meet.
Due to popular demand, Stop Loan Sharks is running more of their free online training sessions to show what they do and how we can all work together to help victims of illegal money lenders.
The live, trainer-led sessions last for an hour and there are some places still available to book throughout the coming months. For further details, visit the Talk Community Directory.
Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 confidential help line: 0300 555 2222
Have Your Say on Herefordshire’s Homelessness Strategy
Herefordshire Council’s five-year Homeless Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy is coming to the end of its cycle, and work has already started on shaping the next strategy for 2026 – 2031.
Over the past five years, the Housing team has been working with partners to deliver against 14 priorities, from developing stronger outreach support for rough sleepers to securing nearly £10 million in additional funding for housing and specialist services. Initiatives such as Project Brave, which began as a multi-agency response during the pandemic, have played a key role in reducing the number of long-term rough sleepers in the county.
Now the council is asking residents to share their views on progress so far and to help decide what the focus should be for the next five years.
The consultation is open until 5pm on Tuesday 30 September and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. You can read more and take part via the Herefordshire Council website.
Visit Herefordshire
Looking for inspiration on what to do and where to go in Herefordshire?
The Visit Herefordshire What’s On section is your go-to guide for the latest festivals, markets, and cultural happenings across the County. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting to explore from food and drink trails to live performances and family-friendly fun.
You can now stay connected while on the go with the Visit Herefordshire Radio! Tune in for event information, local businesses and the best of Herefordshire’s music and culture. It’s the perfect companion for planning your weekend or discovering hidden gems.
Check it out on the Visit Herefordshire website and listen on your smart devices to the sounds of Herefordshire today!
Whats-on : www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/whats-on
Website Radio Link: https://player.seedl.com/herefordshire/
Download the Visit Herefordshire App: Google Play and App Store search for Visit Herefordshire Radio.
What’s new on the directory?
Autumn’s here and there’s no shortage of ways to get involved in your community. This week on the Talk Community Directory you’ll find everything from bingo nights and bonfire celebrations to coffee mornings and new opportunities to get active. Whether you’re looking for a social get-together, family fun, or a chance to try something new, there’s plenty happening across Herefordshire.
Bingo night at Holme Lacy Village Hall
Wednesday Morning Mums Club – Herefordshire FA
Female Only – Learn to Play Football
Coffee morning in support of Baton of Hope at Holme Lacy Village Hall
Our socials are a great way to keep in touch with what’s on too, whether you’re
Have you heard of Shared Lives?
Our Lives get better when they’re shared
Herefordshire Shared Lives is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered service provided by Herefordshire Council. Shared Lives is a highly personalised form of care that supports people
