Richard Shepherd’s County Councillor’s Blog

Chairman

Dr. Kevin Feltham has taken on the position of County Council Chairman for the second consecutive year. His role was confirmed at the Annual Council Meting on 17th May. Now in his sixth term as a County Councillor, Kevin Feltham represents the Gartree Electoral Division.

At the same Meeting County Councillor Joe Orson, who represents the Melton Wolds Division, was appointed as the Council's Vice-Chairman for the new Civic Year.

Healthier Workplaces

A new scheme has been started to help businesses and organizations in Leicestershire become healthier places to work. The Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme from the County Council's Public Health team has been designed to help places of work and local organizations achieve the "Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Accreditation". Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has become one of the first organizations to benefit from the programme, which covers both physical and mental health.

Information about the programme and becoming an accredited workplace is available at https://www.healthyworkplacesleicestershire.co.uk/

Fostering

An inspirational couple who dedicate their time to helping children in need of foster care are encouraging others to find out about fostering.

John and Michelle shared their story as part of a campaign for Foster Care Fortnight. Their experiences highlight the difference that becoming a foster carer can make to young people in the County. John and Michelle have said: "Whether it is a mum with her newborn baby, a teenager, or a frightened little boy of ten, the one thing they all have in common is the need for someone to care for them. This means not judging them, listening, investing in them (not financially but emotionally), and just being there for them when they need you."

There are around 700 children and young people in care in Leicestershire alone, so there is a great need for people to consider fostering. Information is available by calling the County Council's fostering recruitment team on 0116 305 0505, emailing them at fostering@leics.gov.uk or visiting FosteringLeicestershire.com.

Composting

Keen gardeners are being encouraged to volunteer and help more Leicestershire residents take up composting. More than 100 "master composter" volunteers have been recruited by the County Council and their work has helped see a reduction in the amount of organic waste sent to disposal.

Master Composter Lynsey, who volunteers in Charnwood, has said:

"Becoming a master composter meant I was able to learn more about composting and, in turn, share this knowledge with others in Leicestershire. I like being able to help people who may not compost at home yet and show them how easy it can be.

Putting organic matter into a composting bin is such an easy thing to do to reduce your black bin waste and in turn reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment."

Organic waste sent to landfill cannot decompose properly because it does not have any access to air, so methane is generated - a greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.

No experience is needed to become a Master Composter as people who sign up will receive free training and can use their own skills and enthusiasm to help raise awareness of the benefits of home composting and gardening – as well as bring together their local community.

The scheme is open to residents of Leicestershire aged over 18. To speak to a Master Composter and receive free guidance please email wasteprevention@leics.gov.uk

Anyone who would like to become a Master Composter, or find out more, is asked to visit https://www.lesswaste.org.uk/voluntering/.

Richard Shepherd, County Councillor

Telephone: 01509 413903

Email: richard.shepherd@leics.gov.uk