William Dalgleish

Julia’s House Children’s Hospice’s Big Teddy Takeover involved more than 45 schools, nurseries and community groups across Wiltshire and Dorset during Children’s Hospice Week. Teddy-themed activities and donations are expected to raise more than £7,000 to fund specialist nursing care, respite and family support for children with life-shortening and complex medical conditions. The charity said rising costs and increasing demand make community fundraising essential, while Bournemouth Water sponsored the event.

Wiltshire Council is launching the first consultation on its new Local Plan, which will guide the delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure across the county. The formal scoping consultation will run from September 2 to 30, with public events and a webinar planned. Council leader Ian Thorn said community feedback will be central to decisions about how Wiltshire grows. The plan process officially begins on October 30 and is expected to follow the government’s 30-month completion timetable.

Homelessness charity Alabaré is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to include the charity sector in reforms to the national social-care system. Operations director Naomi Webb argues that fairer pay and better support are necessary for workers providing person-centred services alongside local authorities. Alabaré says budget cuts have reduced bed capacity and constrained staff pay, while low wages and burnout are worsening recruitment and retention.