good neighbour noticeboard
See also If you need help, our directory of Bucks-based support groups and advice lines
Volunteering in Bucks
Community Impact Bucks have recently launched Volunteer Bucks, an online volunteer platform to help organisations connect with volunteers in Buckinghamshire - and volunteers to find opportunities to make a difference. The aim is to publicise volunteer roles more widely and streamline the recruitment process, at no cost to not-for-profit organisations.
The new platform allows people to browse for local volunteering opportunities by personal interests, location, and availability. It has an interactive map and, for anyone who isn’t sure what sort of role would suit them, there is a helpful online quiz to help identify which types of roles best match their skills and interests.
The site includes nice, clear guidance for organisations to help them make best use of the platform.
Brill bus shelter box Foodbank collections
Please leave donations in the yellow boxes in the bus shelter box on The Square. Goods will be collected around 9am by the Bernwode Community Bus on the FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. Look out for posters and notices on Facebook regarding the items currently needed. Items in demand usually include rice, tinned meat or fish, tinned or fresh veg., UHT milk, soups and pasta sauces (but NOT pasta!), and mens’ and women’s toiletries.
Please don’t leave anything in the bus shelter until Friday.
Donations are taken to the Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse, a charity which provides furniture, household goods, children’s clothing, child and baby equipment and emergency food parcels, free of charge, to those in crisis situations and financial hardship. The foodbank is open to clients Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10am to noon. The Vineyard also holds a Community Advice Hub on Tuesday mornings, open to anyone who needs help and advice, from housing and benefit advice to help getting online.
Minimising the Risk of Fraud
A message from Bucks Council
Fraud protection involves safeguarding oneself against deceptive practices that can lead to financial or personal harm. Taking positive action to block the routes of communication often exploited by criminals is essential. Being aware of potential threats helps you recognise and avoid them.
Secure your accounts: use strong, unique passwords for each account, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update your passwords. This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
Monitor financial statements: review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions. Reporting suspicious activity promptly can help mitigate potential damage.
Protect personal information: be cautious about sharing personal information online or over the phone. Only provide information to reputable sources and avoid oversharing on social media.
Be wary of unsolicited communication: confirm the identity of individuals or organisations before sharing sensitive information or making transactions.
Say 'No' to doorstep callers: they might claim to offer services, products, or assistance. Politely but firmly decline any offers or requests and avoid sharing any sensitive details or signing any documents without thorough verification.
Image by Mohamed Hassan on Pixabay
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
If you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud, on 0300 123 2040 or via their online form. Reporting fraud helps track down and stop fraudsters and can prevent other people from becoming their victims.
Remember, falling victim to fraud is never your fault. Scammers are skilled at manipulation, and anyone can become a target. It's essential to acknowledge that the experience of fraud, even if prevented, can still trigger feelings of vulnerability, anger, or anxiety. Remember, these emotions are natural reactions, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can provide a safe space to process them.
If you have been a victim of fraud, contact Victims First on 0300 1234 148.
SCAM AWARENESS training
A scam is a fraudulent attempt to get money from someone after making uninvited contact by phone, email, letter or in person. Scams are an ever-present risk with even the most seemingly savvy amongst us at danger of being fooled.
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams. The organisation offers in-person and short online Scam Awareness sessions to increase understanding about the different types of scams, how to report them - and how to support a victim of a scam.
Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards also offer free trueCall devices to those whose are vulnerable and are susceptible to scam calls. The device plugs into a landline phone socket and automatically blocks unwanted calls. Call Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards on 0300 123 2329 to see if you or a family member are eligible for a free trueCall device.
Reading Well: books for those suffering mental health problems
Buckinghamshire Libraries supports Reading Well, a national scheme from The Reading Agency. The scheme supports five lists of recommended books from a range of self-help books that have proven value in helping people who live with common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, anger and panic attacks. The five lists are:
Click to visit Your Voice Bucks
Getting involved made easy!
Your Voice Bucks is a new online space for public consultations, surveys and engagement activities happening in Buckinghamshire. County-wide. local and NHS consultations altogether in one handy place. No more excuses for not having your say!
The one-stop resource for Voluntary and Community groups
Funding for projects
Volunteering opportunities and matching
Support and training for groups
Bucks Online Directory
Find activities and organisations near you. Search for:
Things to do
Advice and support
Education and learning
Staying active
Environment
And filter according to age, access needs, abilities and days required.
Bucks Community Transport Hub
The Community Transport Hub (funded by Bucks Council) aims to assist those from vulnerable groups who are struggling to maintain independence. The Hub provides information on community transport providers in Bucks, from Dial-a-Ride to community car schemes, mini bus hire to wheelchair accessible taxis. The hub doesn’t take bookings but will advise on the most appropriate method of transport.
Call the Transport Hub 01296 841026 Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm.
In Brill, first try Age Concern Bernwode. Call 01844 237279.
Buckinghamshire Libraries Home Library Service
For those who find it difficult to visit their local library due to age, poor mobility or health, or are full-time unpaid carers. Trained, accredited volunteers will choose, deliver and return library books on your behalf. Call 01494 475573 or visit this website. (Volunteers needed as well as readers!)
Neighbourhood Watch
England and Wales’ Neighbourhood Watch newsletter is well worth reading. Of particular interest in the early 2023 issue:
Becoming an Active Bystander
The Psychology behind Scams
Dangers of the Dark Web
Brill Parish is not a member of Neighbourhood Watch. Should we be? Would you be interested in helping make this happen? There are a number of membership options. Let us know what you think using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Safeguarding Adults
If you volunteer or work for a charity or community group, it is worth checking what safeguarding policies are in place. If you aren’t sure they are up-to-date or cover all safeguarding requirements, have a look at our Safeguarding resources to check what you should have in place, the latest safeguarding guidance for voluntary organisations, and how to access tailored safeguarding advice and training.
Family Support Volunteers Needed
Boost Parenting Advice and Support Service (launched in April 2020) provides support and advice to parents as part of Buckinghamshire Family Support Service. This volunteer-led service is looking for volunteers to support parents as Family Mentors, offering support, motivation, encouragement and advice to vulnerable parents enabling them to create a stable positive environment in which their children can thrive. An incredibly valuable service that deserves our full support. Find out more about volunteering, including information about recruitment and answers to FAQs.
Rothschild Foundation Community Fund
The programme aims to support organisations that combat disadvantage and inequality, including those that offer resources to address homelessness, financial hardship, social welfare, physical and learning disabilities, mental health and other areas. Grants of up to £10,000 per year for three years are available, prioritised for Buckinghamshire organisations. Find out more on the Rothschild Foundation website.