Meal Planner and Shopping List

I'm a lucky lady. This week I have been bought TWO cookbooks by two separate, darling friends. This makes me super-duper happy! (T'other was Hugh's Three Good Things). Both in their own different ways, beautifully thoughtful gifts.

I have already made a successful rhubarb and custard jelly...

...and some not so successful lavender marshmallow. Tastes good, but didn't quite set (I believe, because I scrimped and used powdered gelatine instead of leaf gelatine). Not a complete disaster, as I just whacked it in a couple of jars and changed it to marshmallow spread!

So now I am sat on my new (to me) green sofa and I am going to browse through the books and plan our meals and shopping list for the week or so ahead. I knew I could get used to spending my time alone wisely and enjoyably :)

Meals

• Mackarel, oatmeal, rhubarb (Three Good Things, page 210) plus green salad
• Smoked haddock, sweetcorn, batter (Three Good Things, page 224) plus new potatoes plus homemade tartare sauce
• Smoked haddock, spinach, béchamel (Three Good Things, page 227) plus poached egg
• Beetroot, mozzarella, balsamic (Three Good Things, page 145)
• Fennel, lemon and king prawn risotto (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1089640/fennel-and-lemon-risotto
• Egg, toast, anchovy (Three Good Things, page 123)
• Tuna and sweetcorn pasta bake
• King prawn, cherry tomato & avocado salad
• Olives, capers, tomatoes (Three Good Things, page 113)
• Fennel, apple, goats cheese (Three Good Things, page 22)
• Courgette, cheese and penne spoufflé (Veg Everyday page 23) 
• Honey-baked rhubarb (Everyday page 30)
• Macaroni Peas (Veg Everyday page 264)
• Pasta with green, garlic and chilli (Veg everyday page 261)

To Buy

Cyder vinegar

Mezze to impress(e?!)

Dinner

Grilled aubergines with honey and chilli (Hugh)

Saag paneer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paneerwithspinach_86756)

Patatas bravas (Hugh)

Salmon / broad bean dip with salad leaves (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/01/peas-broad-beans-recipes)

Guacamole?

Breadsticks?

Chorizo in red wine

Breakfast spread

Breakfast cheesecake with macerated strawberries and blueberries, balsamic and pepper (Hugh)

Grilled halloumi and tomatoes with honey chilli dressing (Hugh)

CAB Introduction

I spent a fascinating afternoon being introduced to the role of gateway assessor at my local CAB today. I had such a massive smile on my face by the end - I have never been in a situation that felt so 'me'. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity. Just need to apply and get trained up now!

I enquired thinking it would be great to get the face to face contact with people experiencing the welfare state, while I'm learning about the theory and history at uni. However, it looks like it might be even more relevant than I thought - as the introduction included a part about social policy, and how the patterns we see with clients are fed back to head office who then lobby government. They didn't use the word lobby...

Anyway, my research and journey with the CAB starts here. This is their 'evidence cycle' (taken from http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/policy.htm)

I wonder if there are any work experience opportunities with the policy team...

Work experience ramblings

I am starting a University in October, and I'm trying to get 'ahead of the game'. I'm applying for work experience, and I'm aware I need a clear idea of what I want to get out of a placement in order to really gain some understanding.

So.

Questions

I imagine that the LSOA of the claimant is being captured by the database. Who looks at this information, and what is done with it?

What are the timescales for dealing with particular enquiries?

Are there any statutory guidelines to adhere to or are these decided by the local authority?

Is there any automatic information sharing with other departments, for example adult social care?

Is the paperwork sent out to claimants in clear, plain English?

What allowances are made to ensure paperwork is accessible to all?

Who deals with the complaints received and how is this data analysed?

What is the most common reason for complaint? Does this differ by year / quarter? Is there a pattern?


Letter sent 


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am due to start a Social Policy degree at Bristol Univeristy in October 2013. I am keen to start exploring career options, henceforth I am due to complete a three day work experience placement with North Somerset Council Revenues and Benefits team in July. I will be spending a day with; the service centre receiving housing benefit and council tax support enquiries, housing benefit processors, and finally the council tax and enforcement team. I am hoping to gain an understanding of the enquiries received, and the procedures the staff follow to solve them.

To broaden my understanding, I would like to take part in a similar opportunity within neighbouring local authorities. Can you please advise if this is possible, or who I need to contact to apply for work experience within Bristol City Council?

Yours Faithfully,

Holly Young


Somerset County Council - Emailed 10th June 2013
Bristol City Council - Web enquiry 10th June 2012