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.

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

Further to the proposal to expand Neighbourhood Watch duties to include Community Flood Warden activities, North West Leicestershire District Council are to commence a pilot scheme in August/September.

There will be a presentation at North West Leicestershire District Council offices in Coalville, on 28th/29th July 2008 (tbc), to introduce the scheme and recruit volunteers for the pilot project.

If you would like to get involved, please contact one of the following: -

Neil Tunnicliffe (North West Leicestershire DC) - phone 01530 454 680
- email NEIL.TUNNICLIFFE@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Ian Smith (Leicestershire CC / LRF) - phone 0116 3056733
- email ismith@leics.gov.uk

Neil or Ian may contact you directly before the meeting

Thank you for your support.