Lyndhurst Parish Council

15/10/2026

Switch to Passkeys: Protect Your Accounts as Email and Social Media Hacking Soars

Report Fraud is urging the public to protect their online accounts after stolen sums from email and social media hacking surged by 417 per cent in the last year. Reported losses rose from £1.2 million in 2024/25 to £6.3 million in 2025/26, while reports of account hacking increased by 34 per cent, making it the most reported form of cyber crime in the UK.

Other types of account takeovers were also identified within reports, including gaming and streaming accounts, as well as travel and online delivery accounts. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud has launched a campaign encouraging people to better protect themselves online by switching to passkeys and strengthening account security.

Account hacking occurs when criminals gain unauthorised access to an email, social media or online account and use it to commit further fraud. Once an account has been compromised, fraudsters may impersonate the account owner to target family and friends, request money, sell fake tickets or carry out other scams. One of the most common themes identified from reports is criminals using hacked accounts to impersonate trusted contacts.

What starts as a single compromised account can quickly have a wider impact. Victims may lose access to important accounts, have personal information exposed and face the distress of knowing criminals could be using their identity to target others. Friends, family members and colleagues may also become victims if they mistakenly trust messages sent from a hacked account.

The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to improve their online security and make it harder for criminals to gain access.

Protect yourself online
• Use passkeys wherever they are available. Passkeys are more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords. Where passkeys are unavailable, use strong, unique passwords generated by a password manager and enable two-step verification whenever possible.
• Review your privacy settings. Make sure your social media content is only visible to the people you want to see it, such as friends and family.
• Be careful about sharing personal information online. Details such as your birthday, where you live, family relationships or pet names can be used by fraudsters to build a picture of you and make scams more convincing.
• Verify unexpected messages. If someone you know contacts you through social media or email, don't automatically assume it is really them. Contact them through another method, such as a phone call, text message or in person, before responding.

If you believe your account has already been hacked, report it to Report Fraud and seek advice on recovering access and securing your accounts.

Join the Report Fraud Social Media and Email Hacking Webinar

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud is hosting a webinar on protecting your email and social media accounts from hackers and fraudsters. The session will cover the latest threats, practical security measures, and the simple steps you can take to keep your accounts safe from compromise. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own online security or help protect friends and family, this webinar will provide expert guidance and actionable advice.
Register your place here: 53994f64-090f-4887-8744-3422da79ad56@9386af3d-781b-4bad-8559-7170be76bad9" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/53994f64-090f-4887-8744-3422da79ad56@9386af3d-781b-4bad-8559-7170be76bad9

13/10/2026

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme at Hampshire County Council.

Now that the DfE have confirmed funding for this programme for the next 3 years, HCC are keen to make sure as many of their eligible families as possible are aware of the funded holiday places, and are accessing them regularly.

More information can be found here https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/haf-faqs

12/10/2026

08/10/2026

Free tickets to see Saints take on Juventus at St Mary's!

Southampton FC are offering free tickets for adults and children to watch Saints U21s take on Juventus U21s at St Mary's Stadium.

📅 Tuesday 20 October
⏰ Kick-off 7pm
🎟️ FREE for adults and kids when claimed in advance through the provided link

It's a relaxed, family-friendly game, and the perfect first visit to St Mary's. It's also a great chance to watch Southampton take on one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Arrive early for a free signing session with Matsuki & Peretz in the Stadium Store from 4pm to 5:30pm (match ticket required; players subject to change).

Claim your free tickets here: https://tickets.southamptonfc.com/selection/event/date?productId=10229444354977&advantageId=10229451994518

08/10/2026

New Forest Heart Police are giving out DNA Selecta security marking kits – they let you mark your most valuable items with a number that is unique to you and not visible to the naked eye - then if your property is stolen and recovered they can return it to you.

It also proves that the item was stolen and helps them with the prosecution of offenders.

If you would like one of these DNA kits, and they are FREE bring one of your most valuable items to the Lyndhurst Parish Council Offices off the garden at the Community Centre in the main car park in Lyndhurst on Monday 16th November between 10am and 11am.

And if you can’t make it on that day email [email protected] and he will let you know of the other sessions coming up in the future.

07/10/2026

New Forest District Council approves new policy to support tenants wishing to downsize their home.

New Forest District Council (NFDC) has approved a new policy to support tenants who wish to downsize, helping to reduce underoccupancy across its homes, increase the availability of larger family homes, and ensure tenants are supported in finding accommodation that best meets their needs.

The Right Home, Right Time voluntary downsizing policy is designed to support tenants who are under-occupying their council property and wish to move to a smaller home, enabling larger accommodation to be re-let to households in housing need.

The policy has been developed through engagement with tenants and in consultation with the Tenant Engagement Group (TIG) to make sure it best reflects their needs. It sets out how the council will provide practical, emotional, and financial support to tenants, including tailored housing advice, help with property bidding, wellbeing and welfare support, financial guidance, and assistance with settling into their new home.

To encourage voluntary moves, NFDC is also offering incentive payments based on the number of bedrooms released, with a maximum payment of £3,500.

Following approval of the policy, NFDC will begin contacting tenants with further details and how they can register their interest.

The full report is available athttps://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s50531/Right%20Home%20Right%20Time%20policy%20report.pdf

07/10/2026

Lyndhurst Cemetery open day

Ever wondered what the inside of the chapel looks like?

Come and visit the chapel at Lyndhurst Cemetery and see the new stained glass window.

Saturday 17 October 10.00am - 2.00pm.
(Parking exemption will be in place, cemetery car park only).

07/10/2026

Hartwood House Care Home, are incredibly proud to be part of such a caring and supportive local community. They have seen first-hand how small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference, and They are writing to ask for your help with a very special celebration.

One of their cherished residents, Joan, will be celebrating her 101st birthday on Sunday 18th October.
Reaching 101 years of age is a truly remarkable milestone, and they would love to make this birthday one that she will always remember.

As part of the celebrations, they are hoping to gather as many birthday cards and messages as possible from local businesses, organisations, community groups, clubs, and individuals. Whether it's a handmade card, a signed birthday message from your team, or simply a few words of congratulations, every gesture will help show Joan the warmth and kindness that exists within our community.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate not only Joan's incredible life but also the community spirit that makes our area such a special place to live and work. They know that receiving cards from people across the local community will bring Joan immense joy and remind her that she is surrounded by kindness and goodwill.

Please let them know if you are unable to post the card, and they will arrange to come and collect them from you.

Thank you for helping us create a truly unforgettable 101st birthday for Joan.

02/10/2026

Free pallets

Free to collect and take.
Located in the garden at the top of Lyndhurst Community Centre.

First come first served.

02/10/2026

Litter pick

This Sunday 4 October 0930 at the Parish Council office. Off the garden at the Lyndhurst Community Centre.

All equipment can be supplied.