Talk Community Newsletter 5th June 2025
Welcoming June, raising awareness
June is a big month of community and celebration, punctuated with many awareness weeks and supporting activities. We’re talking about weeks to celebrate and recognise people within our communities, including unpaid carers, refugees, armed forces and people living life with a learning disability.
Here’s a taste of a few of the campaigns taking place this month:
Pride Month (1st – 30th June)
Across the UK (and beyond) June is celebrated as the month of Pride. An opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community and their ongoing struggle for equality. To mark the occasion, Hereford Pride have organised a march through Hereford town centre this Saturday (7th June), meeting at Hereford Leisure Pool at 12pm to begin at 12.30pm.
Volunteers’ Week (2nd – 8th June )
This busy month has opened with Volunteers’ Week which provides an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role across the communities of Herefordshire, from the Talk Community Hubs and beyond, so it’s a big THANK YOU from us to you!
We’re very excited to be coordinating a new initiative, which will build volunteering opportunities in Herefordshire. The new, commissioned service from Goal 17 will help Herefordshire grow volunteering capacity and enable residents, voluntary groups and community organisations to get more involved and thrive through volunteering activities. We’re looking forward to sharing more news soon!
Read more about volunteering on the Talk Community Directory.
Carers Week (9th June – 15th June)
Carers Week is an annual campaign celebrating unpaid carers and the enormous contribution that they make to individuals, families and communities throughout the country. You can read more about Carers Week on the Talk Community Directory.
Unpaid carers in Herefordshire are invited to a free, friendly event at the Kindle Centre, Hereford on Monday 9th June. For more information or to register your interest in attending please visit the TuVida website.
Loneliness Awareness Week (9th – 15th June)
This year’s theme ‘Meeting loneliness together’ is all about reducing the stigma of loneliness and recognising that it is a natural, human emotion. If you’re experiencing loneliness there’s information and advice to support you on the Talk Community Directory. If it’s in-person connections you’re looking for, why not explore the network of Talk Community Hubs and our busy ‘what’s on calendar’ to explore what’s going on in your local community.
The Marmalade Trust website is packed full of great resources for anyone looking to find out more, or to create a community event to tackle loneliness!
Refugee Week (16th – 22nd June)
Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. This year, the theme is ‘Community as a Superpower’. Visit the Refugee Week website for a wide range of resources, from suggestions of ‘Simple Acts’ that individuals can take to show solidarity with refugees, to a programme of films and event organiser packs.
Learning Disability Week (16th June – 22nd June)
Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that people with a learning disability bring to society. This year the theme is ‘Do you see me?’ and it’s about ensuring that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, included and valued in all aspects of life. The Mencap website has lots of useful resources including an easy read guide to Learning Disability Week, activity ideas as well as myth busting videos.
Armed Forces Week (22nd – 28th June)
Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make up the Armed Forces community. Visit the Talk Community Directory to find out about Armed Forces support in Herefordshire, explore the Armed Forces Day website for learning resources and visit the Herefordshire Council website to find out about Armed Forces events in 2025.
If you are planning an event to celebrate your community this month, please do get in touch by emailing talkcommunitydirectory@herefordshire.gov.uk
Household Support Fund Update
The Household Support Fund is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, to help support low income households struggling with the cost of living.
There’s a range of support available for households, from families with children under the age of 5, unpaid carers and households with high energy medical equipment. For more information, please visit the Herefordshire Council website and please help spread the word in your local community!
Herefordshire Council is working with a number of third party organisations, including but not limited to local food banks, Citizens Advice, and Age UK Wyvern to deliver support in the community. You can find more information to support anyone struggling with the cost of living on the Talk Community Directory.
As part of the Household Support Fund, applications are now open for the WOW grant. The WOW grant is open to organisations in Herefordshire that can identify a particular community need and provide support to those who are most financially vulnerable. Visit the Talk Community Directory for more information and details of how to apply.
Baton of Hope – 73 confirmed baton bearers!
We are thrilled to share that 73 amazing individuals have now been confirmed as baton bearers for the Baton of Hope as it makes its way through Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October 2025.
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, aiming to spark meaningful conversations, reduce stigma, and bring communities together in support of a zero-suicide society. Each of our local baton bearers has a powerful story to share, whether through personal experience, supporting others, or championing mental health in their community. Together, they will carry the baton through the city as a symbol of hope, strength and connection.
We’ll be sharing more details on the route very soon. For more information on the Baton of Hope, please visit the Talk Community Directory.
What’s new on the directory?
With summer on the horizon and sunshine starting to make a more regular appearance, it’s a great time to explore something new in your local area. From family-friendly events to gentle group walks, the Talk Community Directory has a growing list of activities to help you feel more connected, supported and active.
Here’s what’s new this week:
Ross Family Hub Activities for Parents, Carers and Children with SEND
Family Activities at Ross Family Hub
Greytree Cottage Open Garden – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July
Hereford Weekly Walk – Newton Farm Route
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
