Supported by Active Hastings, Decoda is a charity project that runs a music gym for people with profound disabilities. The gym is specially designed to use music to stimulate, inspire and energise the participants.
The Music Gym is not a typical gym, there is no loud dance music playing and it's not filled with hi-tech fitness equipment. This is something quite different. It's a room filled with technology and equipment designed specifically to spark creativity in the participants. All of the activities are interactive, and stimulate one or more of the senses. In one area, sensors allow music to be changed using minimal eyelid and head movement. Across the hall images are projected on to a big screen. Waving in front of a sensor or stepping on a control mat changes the image. A large ball sends out audio signals when hit or moved, creating sound. Close by, bubbles are produced by a colour-changing light. The benefits of these carefully tailored activities include improved interest and mobility, increased attention span and more positive interactions.
The music gym is a special place; the activities on offer clearly have a positive effect on the people involved. For more information, please email Decoda at enquiries@decoda.org or visit the website www.decoda.org.
The Government is looking again at Sunday trading laws. They want to know what people think about extending the present limit of six hours for big stores to open, or doing away with restrictions completely.
I think that would be a huge mistake. There are religious arguments to keep Sunday special, but even for those families who are not religious or who come from a different cultural background, it is important to have the opportunity to be able to spend time together. "Shop till you drop" may be the motto for many of us, but we do after all already have 150 hours during the week to do just that. And the six hours extra that we already enjoy on a Sunday should, I think, be sufficient to ensure that shoppers get to make their purchases but that shopworkers (who are often women with children) also get to spend some time with their families. In a recent survey more than 90% of shopworkers rejected any extension to Sunday trading hours. Half those surveyed also wanted to work less hours on a Sunday because it was the one day in which they had a fighting chance to be at home with their families. Unfortunately, while businesses may say that their workers can choose whether to work on Sundays or not, in practice many workers feel unable to say no even if they would like to. Indeed, the majority say they have already come under pressure to work on a Sunday.
Most people I think understand the negative impact that losing even more of our Sunday would have on families and communities. If you agree then let the Government know what you think - you need to do so by 14 April. The address to write to is:
Maria Bazell
Consumer and Competition Directorate
Bay 418
Department of Trade and Industry
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Or you can email sundaytrading@dti.gov.uk
Let's keep Sunday special for all of us.
Many of the buildings that GPs work from in Hastings and St Leonards are old fashioned, too small and do not meet the needs of the health service in the 21st century.
Hastings and St Leonards Primary Care Trust (PCT) is planning to develop three purpose-built primary care centres in the town centre, Ore Valley and Upper St Leonards which GP practices would move into and be able to offer a greater range of services from.
The GP practices that have shown an interest in relocating to the new centres are:
Work has already begun on finding suitable sites, and while these centres will have a positive impact on the town, they will mean GP surgeries moving to new locations. This is why the PCT is asking people for their views on the plans, so that they have the opportunity to feed in any ideas they may have and any concerns can be resolved.
The consultation runs until 22 May and there are a number of ways you can give your views. Information will be available in the GP surgeries that are planning to move, you can visit the PCT's website www.hastingsandstleonardspct.nhs.uk or request a copy of the full consultation document from Communications Manager, Hastings and St Leonards PCT, Freepost NAT21887, PO Box 124, St Leonards, TN38 9WH.
If you are having problems paying your electricity or gas bills - the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.
The CAB works closely with the Council and is currently promoting a grant scheme funded by EDF Energy Trust, aimed at people on low incomes struggling to pay their bills. Grants are not only there to cover electricity and gas charges, applicants may be suitable for help with other bills as well.
To qualify you must live in a home that receives its electricity or gas supply from any of the brands of EDF - London Energy, SWEB Energy, Seeboard Energy and Virgin Home Energy. The assistance takes the form of outright grants that don't have to be paid back. Grants to cover electricity and gas debts are paid directly to the energy companies. The Trust will not refund bills already paid or give loans.
Applications will also be considered for other essential domestic bills and costs, including rent arrears, household items, bankruptcy deposits, funeral expenses, water and telephone arrears. To apply, applicants should go through the CAB. If you have several debts including a fuel debt and need assistance telephone 01424 721386.
Are you a member of a youth group, play group or residents association? Are you limited to where you can go for days out? Well you could get help with transport costs thanks to a grant offered by the Council.
The Community Group Transport Scheme is open to community groups looking for help with the cost of transport. The aim is to improve the quality of life by helping with the cost of coaches so groups can take advantage of recreational and leisure opportunities.
Priority is given to youth and young family activity groups based in Hastings & St Leonards but any local group can apply. Applications should be received by the Council two months before your trip.
Applications are considered on a monthly basis. For more information or for an application form telephone 01424 781360.
Can you spare any terracotta or plastic pots? Even better have you got some spare time on your hands? If so the Potty About Pots At Southwater (PAPAS) project could be the place for you. This project washes and recycles pots for re-sale, with all profits going back into the Southwater Community Centre. If you've got pots or just pots of time, then give the centre a call on 01424 461414 or check out the centre's website on: www.southwatercentre.org.
There is free swimming at Summerfields Leisure Centre in the Easter Holidays, for certain periods between Saturday April 1 and Monday April 17 2006, if you are under 16 years of age and live in Hastings or St Leonards.
If you don't have a valid Swim card or Junior Passport to Leisure card, bring some proof of residency and age to Hastings Information Centre and they will issue you with one.
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This page last updated: 11/12/2006