Welcome to the Launcells Parish Council Website
Launcells has been an interactive parish since 2013, offering online access to its residents and beyond.
We have just upgraded our website to comply with the new website regulations for 2020.
Please browse and let us know what you think and please tell us if there is anything that you feel the website could add to benefit users.
Thank you
Launcells Parish Council
1. PASSWORDS / 2FA / 2SV. Use Strong Passwords. Consider using - ThreeR@nd0mWord$ . Your password MUST contain at least 12 characters. Don’t use the same password for all your accounts. The strongest should be for your primary email account and this password should not be used for anything else. Where possible activate 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) / Two-Step verification (2SV). This generally involves sending a text to your mobile phone to double check that it is you carrying out a particular transaction. If you have difficulties remembering lots of passwords, consider using an on-line ‘password manager’. There are various free and paid for password managers available.
2. UPDATES and APPS. Always take operating system and software updates as soon as possible. Turn on your Anti-Virus / Firewall and keep them updated. Don’t use old operating systems that are no longer supported. These are particularly vulnerable to attack. Only download Apps from accredited Apps stores.
3. BACK-UPS. Regularly back-up your important data onto a removable hard drive. Consider keeping your back-ups off-site, in a fireproof / waterproof safe.
4. PHISHING / SOCIAL ENGINEERING. Never assume incoming emails are genuine. Even if you recognise the email address because email accounts can be ‘hacked’. Never believe voice calls and text messages are genuine, even if you recognise the phone number. Phone numbers can be ‘Spoofed’ (falsified). ALWAYS CONFIRM using the contact information you have obtained from your own records or from publicly available sources. Remember – Criminals will PHISH to obtain information from you. DON’T GIVE OUT ANY SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO INCOMING CALLERS. Send all email PHISHING attempts to report@phishing.gov.uk and send fake text messages onto 7726 (Spam). Call 159 to quickly be directed to your banks Fraud Team.
5. PRIVACY SETTINGS. Regularly check the privacy settings on your Social Media accounts and be careful what you post on social media. Do you really want everyone to know your house is empty when you are away on holiday?
6. WI-FI. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi and don’t pass sensitive information, passwords, or bank account details over public Wi-Fi.
7. SECURING YOUR DEVICES. Ensure all your devices including your mobile phone(s) are password or PIN protected - Keep them ‘locked’ when not in use. Use Fingerprint or facial recognition if available. Only grant remote access to your device (computer / mobile phone / tablet), to someone you personally know and thoroughly trust. Never grant remote access to any incoming telephone callers. Try and avoid using publicly available USB re-charging points. These can be interfered with to compromise the security of your device (Juice Jacking). It is generally safer to charge devices from a standard electricity point or your own portable powerpack.
8. CREDIT CARDS. For added protection, please use a credit card for all your on-line transactions.
9. QR CODES. Carefully check QR codes before scanning them. Do they look genuine? Have they been tampered with? Can you do the transaction without using the QR code? Avoid Scanning from unknown / untrusted sources
10. INCOMING MESSAGES. Be wary of ALL incoming messages, including, voice calls, SMS text messages, emails and social media messages, even from persons you may know or email addresses you recognise. Remember accounts can be hacked and emails, social media addresses and phone numbers can be Spoofed (falsified). Both voice calls and videos from individuals know personally can be ‘DEEP FAKED’. Don’t rely on caller ID display. If you are concerned about an incoming call, hang up, call the caller back using another phone and the phone number YOU have obtained yourself from your own trusted sources. Never Assume, Never Believe, ALWAYS CONFIRM. Be particularly cautious of any requests you may get to change the details of a regular outgoing payment or to create a new payment.
11. Never share your passwords. Organisations including financial institutions, HMRC, the DVLA, the NHS, other Government bodies, and the Police will never ask for YOUR PIN, YOUR Passwords, YOUR personal / financial details. NEVER-EVER share those details. Any requests you get, claiming to come from such organisations WILL BE A SCAM!
12. Don’t Rush. Question Everything / Seek Advice / Never Assume, Never Believe, ALWAYS CONFIRM. Go to Have I Been Pwned: Check if your email has been compromised in a data breach to see if your email has been involved in a data-breach.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRIVACY & SECURITY SETTINGS
Recycle!
Rescue your recyclables from the bin so they can go on to enjoy a new lease of life.
Toothpaste tubes, trigger spray bottles, aluminium foil, shampoo bottles and yoghurt pots go in your red recycling bag.
Toilet roll tubes go in your orange bag, and glass bottles go in your black box.
Find out more about what you can recycle and how by searching our Recycling A-Z.
Have your say on living in a rural area
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has launched a landmark new research project to make sure the voices of rural communities are heard loud and clear in national policy.
The Delivering for All Research Project is a national survey designed to capture the everyday experiences, challenges and priorities of people living in rural England, from small towns and villages to hamlets and isolated communities. The survey, which takes just 8–10 minutes to complete, asks about key issues including housing, healthcare, transport, digital connectivity, planning, and environmental priorities.
Responses are anonymous, but will directly inform Government departments, Select Committees, and MPs representing rural constituencies. Following the survey, RSN will also be carrying out interviews, focus groups, and community case studies to build a powerful evidence base. This will feed into a major research report later this year, alongside policy briefings and community feedback reports.
The RSN would like as many communities as possible to take part to build a stronger case for fairer rural services.
Seatbelt covers to help motorists with communication needs
Devon and Cornwall Police are offering drivers and passengers with speech, language or communication needs free seatbelt covers to help make things easier after incidents on the road.
The covers contain a card inside which allows the user to add their name, age, address, medical conditions or other information about how they like to be communicated with.
Anyone who feels they may benefit from one can collect a cover from their nearest Police Enquiry Office.
Check where your nearest PEO is on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
Apply for your child's school place for 2026
Parents and carers in Cornwall can now apply for school places for children who are starting primary school or moving up to secondary school in September 2026.
Please apply in good time to ensure your child has the best chance of being allocated a preferred school.
Your postal vote may need renewing
Did you apply for a postal vote before 31 October, 2023?
Postal voting is now only valid for a maximum of three years under new government rules. That means you’ll need to reapply by 31 January, 2026 to continue voting by post.
We’re contacting registered postal voters across Cornwall with information about the new three-year rule, so look out for a letter or email from us.
If you want to find out more about reapplying visit our website.
Parish Council Meeting 06/10/25
Notice is given that Launcells Parish Council will be holding a parish council meeting in Launcells Parish Hall on Monday 6th October at 7.30pm.
If you would like to share your views on an agenda item, but are unable / uncomfortable attending, please email your comments to launcellspc@gmail.com no later than midday on Friday 3rd October.
The Council’s Handyperson Service remains in operation to support Cornwall residents aged 60 and over, or those with a disability, with household maintenance and minor repairs.
Are you looking for some fresh cooking inspiration? In Healthy Cornwall's latest video, learn how to make tasty Fajitas using everyday spices you likely already have in your store cupboard.
This simple recipe proves you don't need a meal kit — just a few basic ingredients and some spices can turn into a healthy, budget-friendly family meal.
Sensory bags now available in libraries
Sensory story bags are now available to borrow from Cornwall’s libraries.
Sensory stories are designed to engage people with sensory needs and use a variety of sensory props that help to bring the story to life.
The Library Service has purchased 11 different sensory stories written by Joanna Grace, founder of The Sensory Projects. The bags can be loaned out like a book – all you need is your Library Card. You can also reserve them online via the Cornwall Council website.
We're seeking talented architects and designers to support us in delivering a range of aids and adaptations projects for our elderly and disabled clients.
We're also on the look out for multiskilled stairlift installers, kitchen adaptation specialists, contractors for major extensions and conversions, door openers and entry system experts, as well as those skilled in associated building works.If you’re interested but want to know more before you apply, please call us on 0300 365 4050 or 07824 707 371.
You can also email us at support@incic.org.uk using the Subject: Cornwall Architect/ Major works.
Avian influenza
Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) are increasing in both kept poultry and wild birds across multiple areas of Great Britain. If a flock of poultry is infected, DEFRA imposes a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone. These zones protect other birds in the local area and prevent the disease spreading.
For these zones to be effective, DEFRA needs to know who is keeping poultry. For this reason, since 1 October 2024 everyone who keeps poultry must by law register their birds with DEFRA.
Free Safer Sleep training
Next week is Safer Sleep Week (10-16 March), which is The Lullaby Trust’s national campaign to raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the simple advice that reduces the risk of it occurring.
Cornwall Council Public Health and Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) are offering free Lullaby Trust safer sleep training for anyone working with families with babies in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Safer sleep advice is crucial in reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which still claims over 200 babies' lives in the UK each year. By promoting safer sleep practices, we can help save lives. This training is open to anyone working with families with babies. This includes anyone working in health, early years education, social care, voluntary and community organizations, emergency services, and housing officers. We spoke to some of those who have already completed the training and you can hear what they thought of it in this video.
To sign up, visit the OSCP website and complete a pre-training survey. Spaces are limited, so register as soon as possible.
To find out more about reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/safersleep
Return your unused meds to your local pharmacy
Do you have old, unused, unwanted or expired medicines at home?
Help keep your home safe and dispose of them properly by returning them to your local pharmacy - no questions asked!
Keep Everyone Safe
- Unused medicines at home can be dangerous, especially if accidentally taken by children, pets, or vulnerable famity members.
- Keeping old prescriptions just in case increases the risk of taking the wrong medication.
- For safety, medicines are prescribed for you-never share them with anyone else.
Protect The Environment
- Throwing medicines in the bin or flushing them can pollute water systems, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
- Returning them to your local pharmacy ensures they are disposed of safely, reducing environmental impact.
Support Antimicrobial Stewardship
- Returning unused antibiotics helps combat antimicrobial resistance, preserving their effectiveness so they work when you really need them. Improper use or disposal can make bacteria resistant, making infections harder to treat.
Reduce Medicine Waste
- Unused medications contribute to significant waste and financial costs within the healthcare system.
- Only order what you need, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they can't be reused or recycled.
Time to check for gaps in your pension
From the 6 April 2025, people will only be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.
The Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK is the quickest and easiest way to check what your pension will be in retirement and take action if needed. You can also use the HMRC app.
Time to cash in your young person's Child Trust Fund?
If your little one's all grown up it could be time to cash in their Child Trust Fund.
These trust funds are long-term tax-free savings accounts set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 with the Government making an initial deposit into the account.
The young person can claim their fund when they turn 18. The average amount is £2,200, but hundreds of thousands of accounts remain unclaimed.
Are you letting your property or considering letting it?
If you’re currently letting your property or considering letting it in the future, why not work with our Private Letting Service? We're helping local workers and families to find long-term homes.
Our service already manages 100+ properties and makes the letting experience as seamless as possible.
✅We're competitively priced
✅We carry out background checks and referencing
✅We offer dedicated tenancy sustainment if needed.
Call 0300 1234 161 to find out how we can help: www.cornwall.gov.uk/privatelettings
Low-income households to benefit from £4.5m Household Support Fund
Low-income households in Cornwall will once again receive payments to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis after we secured £4.5m from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Payments of £80 per person will be made automatically to those eligible, including pensioners receiving council tax support and vulnerable adults on a low income.
In a change to the way HSF funds are allocated, this latest round will see an £80 payment made to an additional 3,000 pensioners in receipt of council tax support – previously only those in receipt of pension credit received payments.
A payment of £80 per child will also be made to low-income households who claim council tax support.
The latest round of funding will run to 31 March 2025, and will provide urgent support for those most in need as living costs continue to rise.
Reduce your risk of developing dementia
We’re sharing some top tips for reducing your risk.
There are a whole range of things you can do to lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia in later life.
In this video Dr Vicky Brown, shares her top tip to avoid loneliness and isolation.
New chatbot to help you get information fast
Residents in Cornwall will get help from a new and improved chatbot which has just launched on the Cornwall Council website.
The chatbot nick named ‘Ker-Know' can answer questions on all the services offered by the council, from waste to education, and do tasks by responding to messages in real time.
It does this by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to search the website on behalf of residents, intelligently responding to their inquiries.
Ker-Know can now resolve almost three quarters of enquiries received by the council daily.
Protect your baby from RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically October to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, for some it can have much more serious consequences. The new RSV vaccination programme launched in September will help to prevent thousands of cases of RSV, GP visits and hospital admissions.
Around 20,000 babies under 1 are hospitalised with RSV in the UK each year. Sadly we see 20 to 30 infant deaths as well. You can have the RSV vaccine from week 28 of your pregnancy. Having the RSV vaccination in pregnancy reduces your baby’s risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first 6 months of life. Speak to your maternity service or GP practice to arrange an appointment
£3,900 for five minutes of your time?
Help spread the word to anyone you know over State Pension age that they could be missing out on extra money.
Spending 5 minutes using the government's online 'can I claim Pension Credit?' checker tool and find out if they're entitled to extra support.
They might be allowed to claim even if they :
have savings
own their own home
are working
are getting a small occupational pension
have been turned down in the past
Remember, you can report lots of things to us online like:
- missed waste collections
fly tipping
full litter bins
graffiti
broken street lights
potholes
abandoned vehicles
Borrow a blood pressure monitor with your next library book
You can now borrow a blood pressure monitor free of charge from your local library, just like you borrow a book - all you need is a library card.
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many don't realise it.
Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but, if left untreated, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The borrow a blood pressure monitor scheme launched as part of this week's Know your Numbers Week - the national campaign encouraging people to check their blood pressure at home.
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Learn First Aid Gestures
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Community Emergency Plan
The community emergency plan document can be found here
It was created in 2018 and distributed to all parish households - some details have changed but the general information is still relevant.
November 2020 -
Covid - 19 Directory amended pdf here
Launcells Parish Defibrillators
The first defibrillator is located at Launcells Parish Hall in Grimscott - EX23 9LS
The second is It is located at the Red Post Inn, by the post box - EX23 9NW.
As before, should you need access to this "self-guiding" piece of equipment, just phone 999 and follow the instructions on the cabinet. You will then be given the access code to open it. The machine then tells you how to use it.
We would hope to arrange another set of training for the use of a defibrillator, once we return to normal, but in the meanwhile, attached is the note that was in the Parish Magazine a while back.