Newsbites brings you news and updates from GRCC and other relevant organisations. This edition welcomes two new trustees to the GRCC family, tells the story of our digital inclusion sessions and brings you three vacancies from the Independence Trust.

Our umbrella organisation, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) says the government must fully consider how it’s plans for levelling up will address disadvantage faced by rural communities.

You can read the full response by clicking below:

GRCC are pleased to welcome Roger Godwin and Paul Hinchcliffe to the GRCC board, both of whom offer a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Click below to find out more about our two new trustees:

Daniel Gale, our GEM Digital Inclusion Officer, has been delivering sessions for the Churn Project in Cirencester and has been credited by their Employment and Skills Navigator Developer.

Read more about the sessions by clicking below:

The Independence Trust, who are part of GRCC, have three vacancies available. There is the chance to become a Bridge Builder (CALMHS), Peer Worker (CALMHS), or Peer Worker (Autism).

If any of these roles take your interest or if you know someone who would be suitable, please click below to find out more:

During January, local Samaritans volunteers ran ‘Brew Monday’ sessions at Gloucester and Stroud Railway Stations and at GL11 Community Hub in Cam. Free teabags were offered as a prompt for people to have a cuppa and a catch up with those whom they care about.  

Gloucester & District Samaritans have a small YouTube channel where they have posted a few webinar videos that deal with some important messages; these were originally themed presentations to mark Mental Health Awareness week.

Click below to head over to their Youtube channel:

A reminder that our Cotswold Community Wellbeing Service is still available to anyone over the age of 16 living in the Cotswold area, or registered with a Cotswold GP.

Please get in contact with our team if you need support with your wellbeing. You can find out more by clicking below:

Helen Richards and Jonny Gilder had great fun doing the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch for the GRCC Office garden last month!

Plenty of Blue Tits, Robins and our resident Blackbird 'Splodge' were amongst the birds spotted.