Sunderland Voluntary Sector Youth Forum - Issued: December 2010
Welcome to our Christmas edition
We hope you enjoy reading our Christmas edition.It's been an incredibly busy but rewarding year for the forum with a lot of partnership working. We are pleased to introduce our new member of staff Olga Volodina - Information Officer; why not put a face to a name and watch her video!
We know that the current economic climate will create tough times for many of our members and as we say goodbye to 2010 we know we are entering a year of change. We face a fierce challenge and the F word has crept into our sector: Fear! Fear of losing funding, fear of losing jobs, fear of failing to be able to meet the demands of the increasing number of beneficiaries that we fear will emerge as a result of the cuts in public expenditure.
Debra Allcock Tyler says we should replace the F word with another - Faith. Have faith in your ability to overcome the challenges that you may face. Have faith in the willingness of your staff, your volunteers and your trustees to stand by you and your beneficiaries and to work with you so that you can continue to serve. Have faith in your own ingenuity – the knack for adapting to new and different circumstances, even if that means doing things in a completely different way .
"Don’t think about what you can’t do, think about what you can do.’ In times like this, it’s more important than ever that we believe in ourselves and our ability to change things for the better. We must have faith."
We hope you enjoy reading this Christmas edition, if you have any comments please don't hesitate get in touch, and send Olga stories for our next edition in March. Please feel free to circulate this to other colleagues in your networks.
The forum will be closed from 23rd December for our Christmas break, so on behalf of the SVSYF Team we would like to say "Happy Holidays" to all our colleagues across the city and a very restful New Year. We have achieved a lot this year and we are grateful for all your continued support and look forward to working with you all again in 2011.
Tracey, Amanda and Olga
New to SVSYF website this month
If you have seen a copy of our What's on Where for Young People (WOW), please take 5 minutes to take a very shortsurvey.
Your feedback is very much appreciated. Thank you!
The date for next year's Member's Away Day has been agreed upon - please add the 6th of May 2011 (9.00am – 1.30pm) to your diary. Venue TBC.
SVSYF - We're on facebook! If you're a practitioner and you have your own facebook account why not check out our NEW fan page?
We have created a new, improved facebook page. It will be updated with events and interesting links on a weekly basis. Join us!
Updated SVSYF website We have recently made multiple updates to the SVSYF website. You can now enjoy an easier navigation panel, up to date information, new pictures and videos.
We have also added a page with examples of the best practice of our members, updated our 'events and training' page and added partnerships and awards and nominations pages. We hope you find the information useful.
Please let us know if there is anything else you think we should add to our website or if there are any improvement suggestions you may have.
Please let us know of any examples of good practice you have undertaken in your organisations, however big or small they are, and we will gladly add it to our 'best practice' page. Enjoy our updated website .
Code of Practice and Model Code of Conduct
SVSYF has designed a Code of Practice to support all those engaged in consultation, research or engagement with young people. The Code is also intended to reassure young people, parents/guardians and their support staff that research is carried out in a professional and ethical manner.
SVSYF has also designed a detailed model code of conduct for Trustees. Please contact us to receive a word document version that you can use in your organisation.
National News
Local Authority Settlements
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced the local authority settlements for the next two years. As many expected there are cuts in each local authority grant, however at first glance they are not as severe as many were expecting. The national average decrease for 2011/12 would be 4.4%, with no local authority losing more than 8.9%. However the North East looks set for an overall 7.08% cut in the first year and 3.79% in the second.
The changes in estimated revenue spending power (i.e. amount of savings to be made) for the North East’s local authorities and Tyne & Wear Fire service are given below.
2011 Census
On 27 March 2011 all residential households in the UK will be taking part in a census.
It provides an excellent source of information about the population. This enables central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to plan housing, education, health and transport services.
Young Adults
Celia Samater, the Area Manager for Sunderland, is working with the Local Authority to look at who is least likely to complete the Census questionnaire. Young Adults is a large group that is likely to fall into this category. She is working out how best to get the message out to these people, understand their concerns and any potential barriers that may affect them completing the form. From this, appropriate support can be put in place.
How You Can Help
Are there any groups or organisations that can get involved to deliver the message?
Are there any newsletters or bulletins that could be used to put an advert in early next year?
Please contact Celia with any information you think would be of benefit. Find out more.
Adverse Weather Warning!!
2 feet of snow!
Survey on cuts to youth services
The British Youth Council wants to hear the stories of young people and youth workers across the UK about the cuts their local youth services are experiencing. They believe that youth services provide lots of valuable services for young people such as youth centres and clubs, youth councils and forums, and places to get advice and information. As part of their Save our Youth Services campaign they want to hear your personal story about how cuts are affecting youth services in your local area and the impact it is having on you. You can tell your story here.
The NCVYS Community Interest Company (CIC) - yeah
NCVYS has announced the launch of a community interest company 'yeah'.
It is a positive, recognisable and modern brand which sits well within the mission, vision and values of NCVYS.
The purpose of yeah is to:
1. Inspire an enterprise culture across the NCVYS community and beyond by supporting the development of enterprising activities which place young people and/or the benefit of young people at their core – an 'incubator' of ideas.
2. Mainstream, market and license key products developed by NCVYS and/or its members;
3.
Facilitate consortia of members and broker relationships between members, non-members and any other appropriate organisation relevant to the promotion of working with young people;
4.
To act as a social finance retailer for the NCVYS community and the youth sector more generally.
For further information on how you can get involved in 'yeah', please email the Director of Service Development Beth Parker or call her on 020 7843 6455.
YWCA have changed their name to Platform 51: girls and women at heart.
They feel that Platform 51 more accurately represents who they are and what they do. 51% of people are female, and girls and women use them as a platform to have their say and a place from where they move into the next stage of their lives. Girls and women are at the heart of what they do. For more information please visit their new website.
Understanding the Equality Act - Video
Equality and Human Rights Commission Chair, Trevor Phillips and Commissioner, Stephen Alambritis introduce the Equality Act. View the video
Charity Commission News - Autumn 2010
The latest edition of CC News is out. This edition includes information about the Commission's budget settlement, a summary of lessons from our compliance work and information about new equality legislation which could affect your charity's ability to limit the group of people it helps.
Importance of youth work
Baroness Ritchie, chair of the children and young people board at the Local Government Association, has told delegates at the Confederation of Heads of Young People's Services (Chyps) conference that youth work was not viewed as a "luxury add-on" by the coalition government and that it remained of vital importance. She said: "Youth work is essential to meet the coalition government's aspirations for young people. We know the contribution that youth work makes to the lives of young people - for many it's the pivotal moment that sets them on the path to success."
Sunderland Partnership VCS Co-ordinator
The Sunderland Partnership would like to receive expressions of interest from individuals who are able to assist in the establishment of new arrangements between Sunderland Community Network and Sunderland Partnership.
Individuals must be employed by an organisation that belongs to the Network and is signed up to the Sunderland Compact. Find out more.
Share and Learn Grant Scheme
A new scheme has been launched that is targeted at voluntary and community sector organisations working with children, young people and families. The Share and Learn Grant scheme is funded by CWDC and managed by the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) on behalf of a Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Workforce Consortium. Further details.
Breakfast Meeting with Tim Loughton
Tim Loughton MP held the second of his breakfast meeting with representatives of the youth sector. Also in attendance was Nick Hurd MP from the Cabinet Office who spoke about the launch of the Big Society Bank – expected to begin operation around this time next year.
The meeting then went on to discuss the Department’s Vision for Young People. They plan to publish a coherent policy document in early 2011. They are looking to the sector to help develop the policy and CHYPS has committed to taking part in this process.
Key principles of reform the Government is proposing are:
• A more positive place and active role for young people in society
• A stronger focus for public funding on evidence based targeted intervention with greater flexibility for local areas
• A more contestable market for publicly funded services with a greater role for voluntary and community organisations and a stronger focus on results
• A greater sense of responsibility in communities, including business communities for the engagement and well being of their young people. Download full presentation
Ofsted has published the outcomes of their annual children’s services assessments of local authorities in England for 2010. Download Sunderland City Council children’s services assessment report 2010.
Call for Local Training Providers working with the Voluntary and Community Young People’s Sector
The Regional Youth Work Unit is looking for local training providers to be part of an exciting new national workforce reform programme called Progress.
The Regional Youth Work Unit is working with the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) to deliver a capacity building programme for the young people’s workforce in the North East.
Progress is a project being delivered on behalf of CWDC’s Young People’s Workforce Reform Programme Board, by a partnership lead by NCVYS. The purpose of Progress is to build workforce capacity by providing skills and training for those working with young people in the voluntary and community sector.
The programme aims to develop a more skilled confident workforce that works in an effective joined up way to deliver the best possible outcomes for young people. Find out more.
Do you know a young person who stands out for their leadership, community involvement, positive influence or who show courage in overcoming adversity? Do you have a worker to thank or that needs to be recognised for developing outstanding Youth Participation? Is there a particular organisation that you think is doing well involving young people? Why not Consider nominating them for one of the ICA Youth Participation Network awards? Please request a pack from Amelia Lee and send completed nominations by 23 December 2010.
Local / Members News
BlueGiro is coming to Arts Centre Washington
BlueGiro is Open Clasp’s Theatre Company’s brand new show which comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 10 February.
Inspired by women across our region, this new writing aims to expose the myths that protect perpetrators of sexual violence. Jodie might have that undefinable "something" that makes for star quality, and she’s on the move, and so is mum Evie and neighbours Lisa and Laura. Set against the backdrop of a televised singing competition BlueGiro tells the story of a young woman’s desire to grow and a mother who threatens to stop the show.
Tickets are available from Arts Centre Washington by calling 0191 219 3455.
The show is recommended for 13yrs+ - contains strong language of a sexual nature.
PoSBO Awards Winner - Maria Adeel Butt
On Thursday, December 2, 2010, Maria Adeel Butt won a ‘PoSBO’ at the Centre for Life in Newcastle for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ and Dedication. The awards were organised by the Regional Youth Work Unit’s ‘Truth about Youth’ scheme to highlight the positive achievements of young people.
Maria said: “I’m so happy. It’s the first award I’ve won, so thanks very much to all who nominated me. Really, it’s out of this world!”.
Maria, of Sunderland, has been involved in a vast number of projects, volunteering her service for free since she arrived in this country over three and a half years ago. She has created awareness surrounding the issues of refugees and asylum in schools, excelled on the Prince’s Trust programme, Mentored vulnerable individuals and helped others gain employment through REIS and gained distinctions in her sport studies despite having barriers to education such as no access to sport facilities equipment or computer. Maria has helped vulnerable adults with their language translation and food shopping and has recently assisted with the facilitation of NERS’ All Points North project.
Jay Arnott the project worker for All Points North had this to say: “Having known Maria for around 4 years, I have witnessed how punctual, dedicated, and honest she is. She has faced a number of ongoing personal barriers where many others may have crumbled, but Maria faces these challenges with a beaming smile, a sense optimism and hope. Maria epitomizes the word ‘POSBO’ and anybody who has met her will validate this. She thoroughly deserved the award.”
Mini motors
A690 Youth Initiative has launched a new weekly mini motors programme providing young people with an opportunity to ride their own or project’s vehicles in a safe environment instead of driving dangerously on the streets. As part of the programme, young people can try out their biking skills and learn about motorbike safety.
The sessions take place in the grounds of Sandhill View School, every Thursday evening, between 6pm and 9pm. Six to 16 year olds learn how to ride, race and repair the bikes and most importantly – how to use them safely. The mini motors programme provides safety equipment, qualified marshals, youth workers, mechanics and first aiders at each event. This is the only initiative of this kind in the area and it is free for young people to take part in.
Watch this podcast to find out more and see pictures.
A690 has gone to the dogs
A690 Youth Initiative is running a club where young people can learn about hunting using lurchers, ferrets and other animals. Young people are taught how to look after the animals, groom them and keep them healthy. They also learn about the crafts and rules used at the country side, about building and using nets, bobbins and other hunting equipment.
A690 is also planning to organise dog shows that young people and their pets could get involved in. This youth group is open to 14 – 18 year olds. They don’t have to own an animal to take part. This is a great opportunity for young people to learn about taking responsibility, caring and looking after animals as well as find out about the country side and hunting.
Watch this podcast to find out more and see pictures.
All Points North is a project for all young people aged 16-25 living in Tyne and Wear.The group meet once a week, explore issues around culture, citizenship, mental health and wellbeing through group-work, media, music, sport and art. The project also aims to support and encourage Integration. Find out more
NEW WEBSITE
A690 Youth Initiative has launched a new exciting website for young people where they can find out about the initiative, its projects, read the blog, watch the videos and look at the pictures of past activities, learn what to do in Sunderland, what youth clubs and sports to join, what events to attend and much much more.
The website is very colourful, animated and interactive. Check it out.
West Area Committee - Community News
Dear all, I would appreciate your help please. We are planning for the next edition of Community News which comes out in March, but need story ideas for beginning of January so we can start planning the pages. Voluntary sector and community groups make a massive contribution to life in all our communities at ward level. If you could provide any news ideas please from your organisation based around people, achievements, activities or events etc we could list these ideas to possibly be developed later as stories with interviews and photographs. Please contact Kevin Douglas on 0191 561 1139.
‘Free’ use of the City of Sunderland College facilities for local community groups
City of Sunderland College have agreed to open their doors to local community and youth groups, including schools during the school holiday periods in the 2010-2011 academic year. General purpose classrooms, computer rooms, learning centres, sports facilities, motor vehicle workshops, dance and music studios, science labs and much more are available ‘at no cost’ or at a nominal fee. The facilities at the College’s five sites will be available to hire. Most of the facilities will be ‘free of charge’, however, there may be a nominal fee for the use of those facilities that have a high risk and may require a technician and/or curriculum support officer available on site. To find out more and see the list of facilities on offer, download the informational document.
The Active Sunderland Project has been developed to help adults understand the benefits they will gain as a result of increasing their activity levels and to signpost residents to sport and leisure opportunities which meet their needs.
To ensure the Active Sunderland Project is successful it is vital for the Activators to have access to our residents in places where our residents tend to go. We need to be available at the venues, organisations and places where the community visits. Therefore the Activators are looking for opportunities to work weekly with community and voluntary groups for 6-8 week periods to provide a FREE tailored range of fitness taster sessions including Nordic Walking, seated exercise, cycling, dancercise etc.
In addition to this, the Active Bus can attend any events or sessions you may be holding, providing body analysis, fitness testing and the opportunity to receive free incentive vouchers to try a variety of activities for free or at a discounted rate across the city’s Wellness Centres. Find out more.
Events
The Children's Commissioner wants your views...
on your experiences of GP services. Aged between 11 and 18? Have something you'd like to say about your local doctor's surgery? Just click on the handy link to jump straight to the online survey. The deadline for completion is January 3rd, but why leave it until Christmas?! Go to the survey now!
Why do children and young people join gangs?
Children & Young People Now presents a half-day seminar - Children and Gangs that will take place on Wednesday 26 January 2011 at 2.00pm - 5.00pm in Central Hall Westminster.
A half-day workshop unveiling exclusive findings from research with children and young people aged 10 to 14 and frontline professionals, to reveal why these children join gangs, and featuring a Question Time-style debate. First 50 places receive a £30 discount. Find out more and book your place.
Increasing Impact Through Technology – free events for CEOs and Trustees
At a time of real uncertainty for the voluntary sector we are all having to review how we run our organisation as efficiently as possible, how we reach people more effectively, how we can deliver services at a lower cost and how we can demonstrate our impact to funders and the public.
Technology offers opportunities to voluntary organisations in all of these areas but have you thought about how technology might work for you.
NCVO are running a series of free events supported by the City Bridge Trust, for CEO’s and trustees, to help you explore how technology can support your work at this difficult time. Find out more and book online.
Big Society Awards - open for nominations
The Big Society Awards are now open for nominations. Created to recognise individuals, groups or organisations that are demonstrating the Big Society in their work or activities, you can find out more here: Big Society Awards
Apprenticeships - voluntary sector
Skills-Third Sector in partnership with Fair Train are holding a free event in London on the 10 February 2011 to introduce the new Advanced Apprenticeships being developed for the voluntary sector e.g. Managing Volunteers, Fundraising. The event will include guidance to non-profit training providers who may be interested in offering apprenticeship training.
Places are limited so the organisers are inviting expressions of interest to attend. Please email Skills-Third Sector and include ‘apprenticeships event' in the title of the email.
November edition of News from Children England -
Monthly comprehensive newsletter capturing news from the sector and across the Children England membership. Download
The benefits of mutual organisations
The Cabinet Office has announced a range of measures to support public sector staff wishing to run their services as mutual organisations, notably the creation of a £10million fund to cover start-up and transition costs.
FPM are offering an intensive one day workshop which will provide the knowledge needed to decide whether the mutual route is one worth taking and explore the steps needed to make the transition. Please click here for full details of this programme and for information on how to book. If you would like more information on this workshop or on our services in this area more generally, please email Jack Grosvenor or call 0116 2495000.
Training
SVSYF have been asked to coordinate names of Managers and practitioners who are interested in the training outlined below for VCS organisations working with young people.
This training is free and available until 31/03/2011 so if you or your staff team would like to take parts then please fill in the attached form and email it to us asap. The training complements the e-learning safeguarding course many of you have already accessed (if you haven’t and still want to please contact Amanda and she will get you access to this course). It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, after which a certificate can be printed off.
The aim of the training is to: • look at the context and importance of sharing information • learn how to share information appropriately and securely • look at legislation and a basic understanding of the Data Protection Act • consider when it is and is not appropriate to seek consent
• consider confidentiality
• explore the seven ‘golden rules’
The training is aimed at all managers and practitioners who work in services or organisations that support children, young people their families and carers in any of the localities in Sunderland Please get in touch if you are interested or you have any questions.
Would Your Project Benefit From Free Fundraising Advice?
The Positive Play Activities programme of support for groups working with children aged 5-12 is funded by Sunderland City Council. Education Business Connections is delivering the capacity building element of this work through bespoke fundraising support.
The programme offers a series of individual fundraising advice sessions tailored to the exact needs of your project.
Bookings are now being taken for the January programme and sessions can be held with one or more staff, trustees, and volunteers, in your premises, at a time that suits your staff.
Please call Carol Meredith on 07971 985226 to book your session in early 2011.
NB There is still limited availability on 20, 21, 22, and 23 December.
VCAS Winter Training Programme
Voluntary Community Action Sunderland offers a range of workshops and courses, including, health & safety, fire safety, first aid, project planning. sustainability and much more. Some of the courses are free to attend.
Places are limited so please book now to avoid disappointment. Find out more.
Victim Support are looking to recruit young people to be trained as peer mentors to young people who are victims of, or witness to, crime in the Newcastle area. As well as providing support to the young person, the peer mentors will be expected to develop and steer the project to make sure it is focused on a service for young people.
• Young people don’t need to worry about previous training or experience as full training will be provided.
• Victim Support does not discriminate against anyone
All they ask is that young people are: Responsible, committed and enthusiastic. Find out more, look at person specifications for mentors and download an application form.
FREE Training Courses for people working or volunteering in Washington
The Washington Health Champions programme aims to develop community leadership skills with FREE courses, so that passionate individuals can make a difference to health in their work, community and social networks.
The benefits of completing the five training courses are that you can get involved in your community and gain new skills through access to training opportunities. You may improve your own health as well as friends and families. Find out more.
As you know the Equality Act 2010 has come into effect, it replaces the existing anti discrimination laws. Do you know which groups have protected characteristics, the changes to direct discrimination, what is covered in discrimination by association and what is indirect discrimination? Are you up-to-date with your knowledge of the law, so that you and your company are fully covered? If not, then you need to book on a course organised by D'art!
Find out more from D'art flyer, the unit content, download the pre-elegibility entry form and the course booking form
EBC Training
Education Business Connections are a training provider and they are offering free NVQ Course in community development work (level 2) for those volunteer staff in your organisation who wish to take advantage of this government funded initiative.
All volunteer workers may be eligible so please encourage the application to this opportunity.
Please email Pamela Crawshaw or telephone (0191 5166411) with the names and national insurance numbers of any of your volunteering staff who may be interested.
Deadline for applications: 31st of December, 2010.
UK Youth working together with NCVYS to deliver training opportunities to the voluntary and community sector young people's workforce.
UK Youth will support voluntary and community sector youth organisations to access the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Peer Education and Peer Mentoring Award and Certificate for their learners at a fraction of the real costs. Organisations will also be able to access specific units for their learners at a reduced rate. Download the information pack about the Peer Qualification Programme.
Are they safe? FREE workshop
The Safe Network is hosting a FREE workshop on 27th January in Newcastle Based on the resource pack Are they Safe?
The aim of the workshops is to familiarise participants with the resource and to explore how they can use it to Improve safeguarding practice in their own group or organisation. Find out more.
CAF Champion Training
There are 4 dates scheduled for CAF Champion Training in 2011. They are 18th February, 23rd March, 5th April and the 5th July. The course is an all day event 9.30-3.30 and will be held at Leechmere. To book a place please contact Marie or Tony
Funding
Football Foundation Grow the Game - Open to Applications
This Week Grow the Game provides funding for projects that use football to increase participation by both players and volunteers in England. This is done by supporting the costs associated with providing new activity.
Organisations will be able to receive a £5,000 grant over two or three years with financial support being reduced in the second or third year of the project.
Applications are accepted from any not-for-profit organisations in England, including the following:
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Football clubs
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Youth clubs with a football programme
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Community groups/centres/clubs
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Charitable organisations
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Parish councils
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Sports associations
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Local authorities
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Leagues.
Close for applications: 8 February 2011 (Midnight).
Find out more.
The Jubilee People's Millions
The People's Millions will be replaced by the Jubilee People's Millions in 2011, to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee in 2012. It will award £3.6m to good causes that will run projects in time for the celebration year. Community groups throughout the UK will be able to bid for one of 60 grants worth up to £60,000, that will improve local places and the lives of people in the community. The public will choose the winners from finalists featured on ITV regional news programmes in June 2011. The deadline for entries is 4 Feb 2011. Please get full application details and an entry form from their website.
Kelly Family Charitable Trust
The Kelly Family Charitable Trust supports charities whose activities involve the whole family in initiatives that seek to tackle problematical issues that face one or more of its members, and whose aims include the strengthening of family bonds by helping all elements of the family unit to grow together and support each other. Next deadline 1 Mar 2011. For more information please visit their website.
Ben Kinsella Fund
The Ben Kinsella Community Cash Awards will provide grants for young people to run positive anti-knife crime activities and projects in their local areas in England and Wales.
The total fund is £250,000 and fifty grants of £3,000 are available. Priority will be given to young people's projects and activities in areas already suffering from serious levels of knife crime and high youth violence. The money will enable young people to deliver valuable anti-knife crime work that will not only benefit the local community but will equip them with new skills. Find out more.
Why Challenge Funding Decisions?
Download the paper produced by Children England which talks about the recent cuts to public spending, why and how to challenge them legally.
Community Spaces grant - open for applications
Community Spaces is a £57.5 million open grants programme funded through the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces initiative. Applications must show that the projects will improve local neighbourhoods and environments, e.g. community gardens and parks. Applications close on Friday 7th January 2011. Find out more
Transition Fund
The Cabinet Office has launched a £100million Transition Fund to help charities, voluntary groups and social enterprise affected by public spending cuts to make necessary adjustments so that they can continue to play an important part in public service reform and the Big Society Agenda. BIG Fund has been appointed to administer the Transition Fund and are holding the following briefing events for organisations who are interested in applying to the fund and meet the required criteria. Check for eligibility.
Working with young people in need
The Hilton in the Community Foundation is committed to supporting those most in need to have a brighter future. They consider grant applications of up to £5,000. Grants of up to £10,000 are reviewed by the Grants Committee and, if favoured, grant applications for more than £10,000 are recommended to the Trustees for final approval. Aside from disaster relief projects, grants are only awarded to schools and registered charities/causes working with young people that are considered to be most in need or who have special needs within the UK and Ireland. The next deadline for application is 15th February 2011 for more information and to apply please visit their website.
Comic Relief
The latest cycle of Comic Relief funding is now open. Current programmes include: mental health; domestic and sexual abuse; sport for change; local communities; and young people aged 11-25. Grants on average vary between £25,000 and £40,000 per year, for up to three years. For more information and to apply please visit their website.
Disabled children
The Department for Education has announced plans to invest more than £800m in short break provision for disabled children and their families over the next four years.
The announcement follows the publication of an evaluation of the short breaks programme, which found that while 88 per cent of families surveyed were benefiting from short breaks, services need to be better targeted, so that all families have access to a wide range of support. To help improve the way short breaks are provided, the government has also pledged to provide £40m of capital investment next year, which will support innovative local services such as the Hull bicycle project, which provides adapted bicycles for disabled children. Find out more
Free Resources / Documents
The DWP announced the nine organisations that have made it on to their preferred provider list for the North East for the provision of Employment Related Support Services. The full list is:
Steve Hawkins Email: steve.hawkins@workinglinks.co.uk, Telephone: 07984 651 213
If you are interested in partnering with any of the nine please contact the organisation via the contact details given above.
Do you need a computer for your charity project?
IT Schools Africa is offering refurbished computer systems for just £99 inc VAT. They supply high specification, 2nd user computers from leading brands, such as Dell, HP and Compaq. The computers have been refurbished to a high standard and are suitable for most office applications.
The computers are pre-installed with Microsoft Windows XP (Home or Pro edition) operating system. For an additional £20 Microsoft Office 2007 Basic can be installed.
Laptops are also available.They are £110 inc vat. Find out more.
Launch of new online health information system
A new web based online health information booking and request system will go live on the 1st September. Anyone working to improve health including PCT staff, local authority staff, voluntary and third sector organisations, private business, GP practices, pharmacies, dental practices will be able to access the system via www.sotw.nhs.uk. Find out more.
How to fundraise
The The Institute of Fundraising have created a free online tool to support all volunteer fundraisers. How2fundraise.org offer assistance to the millions of volunteer fundraisers that help to generate income for charities. The site is designed to increase the success of these vital workers in a number of different ways. Users can access How2guides, templates and tools, and know how sheets. The How2guides describe fundraising activities, (the templates range from letters to press releases), whilst the 'know how' sheets offer information on topics such as sponsorship, gift aid, and involving children in fundraising. Users can also use the website to build contacts with other fundraisers, exchange experiences and best practice, advertise their events and identify suppliers. Visit the website.
The new issue of Source is out.
December issue of the youth online magazine the Source features stories about outdoor learning, circus skills, stories from Think Big and much more.
This digital magazine provides information on various activities, workforce development, opinions of young people, accreditation for non-formal learning, policy, news and listings. Read the magazine.
Share Street
If you work with children or young people and their families, Share Street is for you. It’s a community for sharing resources and discussing best practice in the workplace, for building networks and communicating with colleagues.
Nearly 2,300 people have registered to be members of Share Street, our online community of learning.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Order your free Campaign Pack for HMD 2011. It is the essential resource for anyone who is thinking about planning a HMD activity on or around 27 January 2011. The campaign pack is essential for HMD event organisers.
It gives you all of the important information that you need to know to facilitate your planning. It contains a set of posters, an example of our new handout materials, guidance on putting on your event, and the HMD 2011 Film. Download the Campaign Pack.
The new VCAS ebulletin is out. It is packed with news, events, resources, training opportunities and vacancies. Download the bulletin.
Children England are the leading membership organisation and collective voice for the children, young people and families voluntary sector.
Their members include the UK’s largest children's charities through to small local groups, representing a workforce of over 100,000 like-minded people. Membership benefits include: weekly email news, free practical resources, funding updates, policy briefings, quarterly magazine and networking opportunities.
For a limited time only, they’re offering a FREE trial membership for 3 months. To find out more, see the attached flyer or visit their website.
Microsoft Charity Donations
In an effort to strengthen and support the UK voluntary sector, Microsoft invests in several programmes designed to help voluntary and community organisations make the best use of technology. Working with the Charity Technology Trust (Registered Charity No.1073954) through their Charity Technology Exchange service, Microsoft is one of a growing number of technology companies who make donations of their products to the voluntary sector. They offer eligible organisations up to six titles, including their most popular software packages such as Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010. If you would like more information about these programmes please contact Donna Whitehead. For more information and to apply please visit their website.
Supporting a Stronger Civil Society
NCVYS and Children England have jointly responded to question 9 of Supporting a Stronger Civil Society consultation, "How can central Government best work with national infrastructure to support and deliver the Big Society?" The paper sets out the role of national infrastructure and NCVYS and Children England's work to influence, build capacity and increase engagement and collaboration. Download
We hope you enjoy reading our Christmas edition.It's been an incredibly busy but rewarding year for the forum with a lot of partnership working. We are pleased to introduce our new member of staff Olga Volodina
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West Area Committee - Community News 
The Children's Commissioner wants your views...
Why do children and young people join gangs?
Victim Support are looking to recruit young people to be trained as peer mentors to young people who are victims of, or witness to, crime in the Newcastle area. As well as providing support to the young person, the peer mentors will be expected to develop and steer the project to make sure it is focused on a service for young people.
FREE Training Courses for people working or volunteering in Washington
Are they safe? FREE workshop