VAC - Improving Local Lives

14/10/2026

It's that time of year again! ❄

As part of the NHS Winter Pressures Campaign, VAC will once again be distributing free Winter Care Packages to Calderdale VCSE organisations to help support vulnerable communities this winter.

This year's packs are our biggest yet, with 10 essential items in every pack! To request your packs, scan the QR code or complete the form below ⬇️

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/gmeb7kqXEu

13/10/2026

This week is extra special as Our Place Calderdale celebrates 35 years! 🎉

We're marking the occasion by re-sharing our Decades of Difference video featuring Our Place. A fantastic milestone, and huge congratulations to Melanie and the team. We're sure Mary would be incredibly proud. 💙

Happy 35th Birthday, Our Place! 🎂

12/10/2026

💚Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

Our aim here at Healthy Minds, is to ensure everyone who uses our services feels heard, understood and supported. That people within Calderdale receive the best accessible community-based care and help when they need it. We're also working continuously to reduce stigma around mental health.

We work together, with communities and partner organisations for better mental health and wellbeing in Calderdale.

If you need to talk, you can contact our Safespace team 7 days a week
www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk/safespace.html or call 01422 345154.

If you would like to support us and help support more people with their mental health in Calderdale:

Become a valued member and have a voice:
www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk/membership.html

Make a donation:
www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk/donate.html

Every bit of help no matter how big or small, makes a big difference.

09/10/2026

Our Community Car Service provides transport for older and vulnerable people. These may be people who struggle to leave their homes due to; location, having mobility issues, not having family or friends nearby and lack of access to public transport.

We have a pool of Volunteer drivers that provide help with people attending medical appointments to places such as Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s University, Huddersfield Royal etc, also helping residents throughout Calderdale to attend social events, day centres, lunch clubs, hairdresser appointments, shopping and visiting friends and much more, helping them overcome isolation and loneliness.

We are always on the lookout for more volunteers especially in the Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Brighouse areas.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer please contact us Todmorden Together Halifax UK chit chat Bridge & Hebden Royd Community Group.
Rise and Shine Ripponden Barkisland, Ripponden, Rishworth & Soyland Residents Group Totally Locally Sowerby Bridge Transport Organisation Mytholmroyd Community & Leisure CentreBrighouse Central Foodbank

09/10/2026

Last but by no means least, meet our Link Officer, Lynn!

When Lynn is at VAC, she is our Finance extraordinaire and our spreadsheet wizard! 🪄

When Lynn isn't working, she fully enjoys her free time at her allotment, ziplining, making wicker baskets, cycling, book making, quilting and more! She definitely has her work life balance right! 💙

It's been so lovely this week seeing all the things we do at VAC individually to keep a healthy work life balance. 🫶

09/10/2026

To round off National Work Life Week, we have two people to spotlight today! ✨

First up is another member of our Leadership Team, Gary!

Gary leads on all things Community Development and is also the Building Manager here at VAC.

When Gary isn't working he spends most of his Fridays DJ'ing at his local pub! His music of choice is, Funk, Soul & Jazz - perfect to get people up and dancing. 🎶

He is also an avid Celtics fan too! 💚

08/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Home-Start Kirklees on successfully renewing their Level 2 Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing accreditation! 👏

This morning, our CEO, Julie Robinson, was delighted to present the award alongside Kirklees Mayor Karen Allison and Deputy Lieutenant Kate France at Home-Start's Annual AGM.

Home-Start continues to demonstrate what outstanding health and wellbeing support looks like in practice. The powerful testimonials and personal stories shared throughout the AGM highlighted the outstanding difference the organisation makes to families across the community, reinforcing why this accreditation is so thoroughly deserved.

Well done to everyone involved in achieving this fantastic recognition ✨

08/10/2026

When Skircoat looked set to lose its local library, an army of determined volunteers stepped in to save the day.

08/10/2026

🌟 WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP? 🌟

Fancy trying something new, meeting people and having a go? 💛

We’re bringing a brilliant range of FREE community taster sessions to Elland and Sowerby Bridge — and everyone is welcome!

You could try:
🧘 Gentle exercise & Chair Yoga
💃 Line Dancing & contemporary movement
🥋 Martial arts
🌿 Gentle walks & Tai Chi
🎶 Singing & live music
🤝 Community support and stalls
☕ Refreshments and plenty of opportunities to meet people

📍 Elland Community Hub
📅 Wednesday 14th October

📍 Foundry Street Community Centre, Sowerby Bridge
📅 Tuesday 20th October

There’s something for everyone, whether you want to get active, try something completely new, meet others or simply come along and see what’s happening in your local community.

FREE • ALL WELCOME • FULLY ACCESSIBLE
Seating, toilets and nearby parking available.

Why not tag a friend, neighbour or family member who might enjoy coming along? 💙

💚 Proudly supported by Calderdale Council

Bankfield Surgery Brig Royd Surgery Stainland Road Medical Centre Station Road Surgery Sowerby Bridge

08/10/2026