Welcome to Loughborough

The Grapevine is a brand new online message forum aimed at older and disabled adults, their family, friends and carers, but it can be used by anyone - from anywhere in the world!

Users can log-on to discuss topics including news, sport, the arts or share jokes, poetry and recipes.

Visitors to the site can also talk about what it's like to be getting older, to live with a disability and to care for others.

You can also send a message to David Sprason, our Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care. You could give feedback about your care or make suggestions to help us continue to improve our service. Don't miss your chance to have your say!

Jackie Harman, who is disabled and deafened, is a regular user of The Grapevine. She said: "I found it hugely difficult to communicate and interact with people. The Grapevine has opened up a whole new world for me as I can now communicate with others safely through the internet."

The Grapevine is run by Leicestershire CareOnLine, which uses the internet to help reduce isolation and improve the quality of life for older and disabled people and carers.

CareOnLine recently won the Innovative Information and Communications Technology Award at East Midlands Health and Social Care Awards 2008.

For questions or help using the site, please e-mail: grapevine@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 7538.

Don’t worry - it’s not a threat! In fact, Mark Goodwin, one of Leicestershire’s best-loved poets, celebrates the publication of his first collection of poems - entitled ‘Else’ - at Loughborough Library, Granby Street Loughborough, on Monday July 7th. The launch will take place from 7-9pm; admission is free and refreshments will be provided.

As well as being a widely-published poet, Mark is a mountain climber, and many of his poems show his appreciation of nature and the landscape. He has been BBC Wildlife Poet of the year, and his writing about the natural world gives the reader some beautiful images.

Mark is also a very popular workshop leader - many people in Leicestershire and beyond, children and adults alike, will have written their first poem with Mark’s guidance and encouragement. Literature Officer Kerry Featherstone said “Mark is talented and charismatic, and it’s great to be able to celebrate his collection being published - not least because he’s done so much to encourage other people to write as well”.

Come along an listen to Mark reading, and celebrate the publication of ‘Else’. Admission free, all welcome.

Further information from Kerry on 0116 2678004.

Substations
Substations are secure and protected structures where high voltage electricity is distributed from the National Grid, or local supply networks, and transformed down into more manageable voltage levels for homes and businesses. The equipment contained inside the substation is regularly inspected and maintained. They can be found in both local and rural areas displaying yellow warning signs, and are locked and protected for everyone's safety. Only authorised employees and supervised emergency workers are allowed to enter substations. Please stay out of these substations.

Substations are 'Danger Zones' and every year, despite warnings, people are still killed, or seriously injured, after illegally accessing them.

If you see this or anything like it you need to call us on: 0800 587 3243