Sunderland Voluntary Sector Youth Forum - Issued: March 2011
Welcome to the Spring Edition of our newsletter. If you have any comments please don't hesitate to get in touch, and send Olga stories for our next edition in July.
We keep regularly updating our website. We have added multiple new documents to our public documents library, updated the ASDAN page, listed all upcoming SVSYF events and training on our events page which also has an online calendar. Also, keep checking vacancies page for new paid and voluntary jobs. 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. Send us any examples of good practice, however big or small they are, and we will gladly add it to our best practice page.
Local / Members News
Pallion Action Group
Pallion Action Group (PAG) have been involved in various youthwork activities, such as Dance Coaching Project, Gardening Project, Saturday Fever, Parenting Club and Great Aspirations Project.
Watch the video to find out more about these projects from Karen Wood, Community Development Worker at PAG.
PAG are also organising a Charity Fun Day that will include a raffle, face painting, cake sale and various other activities. This will help to raise money for two volunteers who are climbing Kilimanjaro for Childreach International.
Sans Street Youth and Community Centre Family Event
Sans Street held a massive Family Event on Monday 21st of February 2011, from 1pm till 4pm, this was the first day of the half term holiday in a bid to attract more of the community to come along and see what we have to offer.
Activities included: Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Duel Challenge, Face Painting, Cake Decorating Competitions, Tombola, Chocolate Raffle, Guess the Dolls Name, Guess how many Sweets in the Jar, Willow Making with CEED, Bingo, Raffle, Chocolate Fountain, Tasty Food and refreshments.
The Event was free to all ages and the staff from Sans Street were overwhelmed at the amount of people who were queuing up outside to join in with the activities. Over 100 people attended the event and a great time was had by all.
This event was supported by Young Asian Voices, Hendon Young People`s Project, Hendon Detached and CEED, Sans Street really appreciated the help and support from the whole community at the event.
Community Relations Officer at Nexus - opportunity for engagement
An introduction from James Third, the Community Relations Officer for the Sunderland area:
"I act as a lead contact for public transport matters, including to liaise with bus operators in providing services to areas. I actively promote increased use of public transport in consultation with users and stakeholders.
I would like to offer my services to your centre users in providing any information needed in relation to public transport and can offer a point of contact for any issues / travel needs. I would welcome any opportunity to engage with your group users and offer to act as a speaker to promote the work of Nexus, i.e. the services we provide to the community at any meetings. Please let me know if I can assist you further."
Contact Details:
Tel: 0191 203 3471 Mob: 07909 878028 Email: James.Third@nexus.org.uk
Vacancies
Youth Almighty Project are looking for two qualified youth workers and a youth worker assistant to set up and deliver two exciting new projects, a girls group and junior club. Qualified Youth Worker x 2 5 hrs per week - £9.60 ph Assistant Youth Worker 2.5 hrs per week – £7.13 ph Find out more.
NEW WEBSITE
Youth Almighty Project have launched a new website for young people where they can find out about the project, the team, various activities, watch videos and much more.
Events
Speed Networking - 'Effective Networking for Busy Projects and Busy People'
We are delighted to invite you to our free ‘Speed Networking Event’ where you will have the chance to meet colleagues from local, city-wide and regional organisations (stall holders to be confirmed). The event will consist of 7 minute time slots where you will be encouraged to visit each stall, meeting providers who will tell you about their service / product or organisation. Everyone will visit each stall in turn. Coffee and cupcakes will be served and then colleagues will be free to spend the final 45 minutes networking and visiting any stalls they require more information from.
This is the ideal opportunity to network, meet new organisations and find out what organisations actually do. Our last Speed Networking event was fully booked so please ensure you secure your place early! We look forward to seeing you! Visit our last year's Speed Networking event's webpage to get a flavour of the event.
Please note this is for organisations that work with children and young people in Sunderland only.
Any questions can be directed to Amanda Gerry on 5655144.
When: Thursday, April 07, 2011 from 4:00 PM - 6:30
Where: Arts Centre Washington. Find out more and register.
Take Part in Sunderland's First Big Bike Ride
The Sunderland Big Bike Ride will take place on 29 May 2011 at Herrington Country Park and there’s a ride to suit everyone. With a focus on leisure, recreational and family cycling, the Sunderland Big Bike Ride offers three alternative rides, providing a route to suit all ages and abilities.
1. Family Ride – This 5 mile route which circles the perimeter of Herrington Country Park is ideal for beginner cyclists and families with younger children.
2. River Ride – A 20 mile route for those wanting to stretch themselves that little bit further and enjoy a cycle along the River Wear.
3. Tour de Sunderland – This 40 mile route allows participants to enjoy the city’s excellent cycle routes and take in some of the Sunderland’s finest views and landmarks.
All rides are non-competitive and there are no prizes for 1st place, however everyone who takes part will receive a Sunderland Big Bike Ride goody bag and t-shirt. Prices differ on rides. Find out more.
NCVYS's FREE regional hot topics events
NCVYS is organising 5 free events that will provide a platform for young people aged 11- 25 to express their views about what they want changed for young people in England.
Events will take place on 19 and 26 March.
Benefits to young people include:
• A space to discuss issues affecting young people
• A chance to feed into the larger Youth Summit report
• Get involved in more opportunities and events across England
• Help plan and sign up to the next regional event Find out more.
Funding Workshop
Do you have an idea for an activity or project which will help alleviate alcohol related issues in your local community? Would you like to know if your project idea could be considered for a grant from £250 - £5000?
Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland is running a funding workshop on the Safe, Sensible, Social Small Grants Scheme on Friday 8th April 2011 10 am – 12 noon at 21 Frederick Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LT
This workshop is for Voluntary and Community Groups, including Youth Groups working with people under 18 years of age and Community Interest Companies. Find out more.
Livity works with Google on a new competition Young Minds
It's a competition to find the pioneers, change-makers and leaders of tomorrow to take their place alongside the greatest minds and innovators of today at Google’s Zeitgeist 2011 event near London on May 15th – 17th.
They are looking for 18-24 year olds who are making a positive impact in their communities and the world, by asking them to upload short (60 secs) YouTube videos at Zeitgeist Website. The winners will be invited to attend Google's annual Zeitgeist event at The Grove, a huge, sprawling estate just outside of London. Find out more.
Hot Topics
The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) will be hosting this year’s first regional events across England for young people aged 11-25. This FREE event is called Hot Topics and allows for young people to discuss and debate on issues they are faced with today and to develop solutions to these issues. Find out more.
The Decentralisation and Localism Bill
Children England is running an event to give all voluntary organisations an opportunity to comment on The Decentralisation and Localism Bill. If you would like to join this session which is being held on 4 April at Barnardo’s. Orchard House, Buston Terrace, Jesmond NE2 2JL from 10.30 – 12.30 and includes lunch, please send details of your name, organisation, e-mail address and dietary requirements to Lesley Lee. Find out more.
Training
FREE Understanding Health Improvement Course
A level 2 Understanding Health Improvement course is being offered for FREE during February and March.
It teaches participants the importance and benefits of promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace and community settings, and also raise awareness of the factors that create barriers to health improvement.
It will also equip participants with the necessary skills to enable people to make positive lifestyle changes.
Download a promotional flyer or visit a website.
Volunteer to Progress
FREE accredited training for the voluntary and community sector young people's workforce. Training towards qualifications is offered in the following areas:
• Level 2 award in youth work practice
• Level 2 award in mentoring for Young People
• Level 3 award in working with vulnerable young people (specialising in NEET or ASB)
This is a time-limited offer and all registrations and training induction must be completed by the end of March to receive this training at no cost. Find out more.
Active Sunderland Offers Subsidised Coaching Qualifications
Active Sunderland was successful in securing funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to offer subsidised level 1 and level 2 coaching qualifications. Working with NGBs and local clubs we have helped a number of coaches become newly qualified or up skilled. Keep an eye out for further opportunities.
Understanding and Supporting People Who Self-Harm
One-day workshops: 28th June - Washington Community Fire Station and 12th July 2011 - Newcastle Springfield Centre. Informative & participative workshop to help you develop a general understanding of self-harm and which will include:
- What is self-harm?
-
The meaning and purpose of self-harm?
-
What are the reasons and issues behind self-harm?
-
A Personal insight into self-harm
-
Discussion of Case Scenarios – good practice in supporting people who self-harm
-
Developing a Harm-Minimisation Approach
-
Possible Alternative Coping Strategies
-
Issues and Support Needs of Staff
Cost: £114. Find out more and download a booking form.
The Award for Working with Vulnerable Young People - ABC accredited at level 3
This FREE training opportunity to workers/volunteers in the Voluntary Sector is offered by The Regional Youth Work Unit in partnership with Young People in Focus.
Included in the course will be a group work unit training day and participants can choose whether they want to get this unit assessed or just attend it as a free-standing day. Download further information.
The dates for the course are: 24/03/11 21/04/11 05/05/11 30/06/11
The venue is: Regional Youth Work Unit Design Works William Street, Felling Gateshead NE10 0JP
Eating Distress - Training for Professionals
This one day interactive training course delivered by Them Wifies and NIWE Eating Distress Service addresses a serious health issue, eating distress, which is affecting an increasing number of young people, particularly young women. Using a film made by young people as a guide it will provide a clear definition of the term “Eating distress” and an understanding of events or situations that could “trigger” an eating disorder.
It promotes alternative ways of coping with difficult emotions, providing ways to raise self esteem and identifying support available to young people.
The training course will improve the knowledge about eating disorders for professionals and so aid prevention and provide vital information to help and guide those young people at risk. Find out more or download a training booking form.
Cost per place: £100 – Voluntary Organisations £120 - Statutory Sector
Venue: Newcastle City Library (Bewick room)
Dates: Tuesday 5th April 2011
Tuesday 7th June 2011
Tuesday 2nd August 2011
Tuesday 27th September 2011
Tuesday 30th November 2011
Time: 10am – 4pm Watch the trailer for the DVD used on the training course which explores the issue of eating distress.
Funding
Brathay Funding
Funding is available to subsidise the ultimate residential programmes for disadvantaged young people.
Brathay has funding available to assist your group to access a challenging, experiential, outdoor residential programme in a stunning location in the heart of the Lake District at Ambleside. Find out more.
Sportsmatch
Sportsmatch offers pound for pound matched funding to investments made by businesses, trusts and individuals into projects that encourage sports participation at grass roots level. The funding available is primarily for running costs (maximum grant £100,000) although capital awards of up to £25,000 can be made through the scheme. This can include non personal sports equipment such as outdoor basketball nets, kwik cricket surfaces, boats, sports wheelchairs etc. Find out more
Cash 4 Clubs
Local grassroots community sports clubs in the UK that require funding for equipment, facilities or coaching can apply for grants of between £250 and £1,000 through Cash-4-Clubs. Find out more. Funding support for Talented Young Musicians
The Awards for Young Musicians is a programme that supports young people aged between 5 and 17 that are in financial need or have exceptional musical talent and potential. Grants of between £200 and £2,000 are available. Grants will be made directly to institutions, music organisations music teachers and other suppliers, not to students or their families. The deadline for applications is the 25th March 2011. Find out more. Cameron launches new contract finding tool
The Prime Minister has launched the Government’s Contracts Finder, a new online tool that displays details of all new procurement opportunities, tender documents and contracts for central government over £10,000. Find out more from their website or go to the Contracts Finder online tool.
Enhancing Communities Fund
Grants of up to £50,000 are available to not for profit organisations, community groups, parish councils, local authorities and charities for projects that make physical improvements to community facilities and historic buildings / structures. Find out more.
Funding Central
Are you looking for funding? Funding Central is a free website enabling you to identify thousands of grants, contracts and loan finance opportunities. It is updated daily and features statutory and non-statutory funding all in one place. It has practical tools and resources supporting you to develop sustainable income strategies appropriate to your needs. Visit the website.
Funding for Arts and Science The Welcome Trust is inviting organisations and individuals to apply for funding through its Arts Awards. The Arts Awards support projects that engage the public with biomedical science through the arts including dance, drama, performance arts, visual arts, music, film, craft, photography, creative writing or digital media.
Applications are invited for projects of up to £30,000 through their small & medium-sized grant programme, and for projects above £30,000 through their large grant programme. Projects should involve the creation of new artistic work and must have some biomedical scientific input either through an expert taking on an advisory role or through direct collaboration.
The next application deadline for small & medium sized projects is the 28th April 2011, and for large projects is the 25th March 2011. Find out more. Child suffering and deprivation
The Monica Rabagliati Charitable Trust gives grants primarily in support of organisations that focus on the alleviation of child suffering and deprivation. The trustees have decided to prioritise small/medium sized organisations where possible and grants are usually between £1,000 and £5,000. Find out more.
Beyond the Comfort Zone funding
As some of you may be aware, NCVYS Director of Service Development, Beth Parker walked 184 miles along the Thames pathway to raise money for the Beyond the Comfort Zone challenge. Beth's success has inspired the idea for more money to be raised through a variety of challenges throughout the year which NCVYS can offer to our members.
With the money raised at present, the aim is to provide funding for a young person(s)/youth organisation with a sustainable business venture that is of social benefit. NCVYS will be awarding up to £1000 to a young person(s)/youth organisation that are members of NCVYS and can demonstrate an innovative venture that involves and/or benefits young people and can generate enough income to, at least, cover costs.
Beyond the Comfort Zone will be an on-going project with the intention of raising money to offer more funding to their members throughout the year.
To apply, please read the Applicant Information document and fill in the Application Form.
The deadline for the application form is 5pm 18th March 2011. If you have any queries please contact Beth.
Free Resources
Answers Youth Information
Answers Information is a city wide project that works toward supporting young people in accessing services and addressing their needs. It also operates to support professionals working for young people to access relevant information. The project is centrally located and is opening to anyone between the ages of 13-19 years.
They also provide Showt / C Card registrations, distributions of condoms, Chlamydia testing and Smoking Cessation. Resources for youth workers available from answers youth information.
Leaflets and posters Various leaflets on issues affecting young people - Alcohol Smoking, Drugs, Homelessness, Healthy Eating, Health, Sexual Health, Sexuality, Pregnancy and Mental Health. Download informational booklet.
Note: Resources are only available for loan to youth groups within Sunderland.
For more information email Cynthia Grieves or call 0191 567 0410. Answers Information are open 12-5pm Monday to Friday.
Some examples of the resources available:
Shortness of Breath Cigarette
Smoking Prevention Bingo
Tumble N Teach Drug Abuse Cube
Wheel of Misfortune
Drug Facts Card Game
Alcohol Dilemmas Game
Teenager Think Twice Workshop
The Bump
Nutrition Bingo
Documents
Free Outdoor Activities for 16 - 25 year olds
Do you work with 16 - 25 year old who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET? Would you like to add outdoor adventure into that work at no cost? Mobex North East specialises in supporting young people through personal & social development using outdoor adventure as a tool towards identifying and gaining skills in these areas. Find out more.
Truth About Youth Quality Mark
The Truth About Youth Quality Mark has been designed and developed by young people in Tyne and Wear to support organisations that promote a positive image of young people. To apply please contact Laura.
Find out more.
Cost effectiveness
All services and agencies need to use public funds wisely and efficiently to secure the maximum improvements for children, young people and their families. C4EO has developed a model to apply to local practice, to help leaders and managers assess the cost of effective interventions at a time of reducing resources. Have a look at the comprehensive list of cost effective children's services products including tools, calculators, best practice examples and cost models.
Schools and communities research
The final recommendations from C4EO's research into schools and communities are now available on their website in the publications section. The summary brings together findings from three different reviews encompassing the latest research evidence, local practice and the views of service managers, young people and families.
January 2011 NCAS monthly update.
In this update the latest news from NCAS and the Department for Education are highlighted and publications from other organisations working with young people in care and leaving care are showcased. Read the issue.
The Source
The new issue of Source is out. It is packed with a lot of interesting and useful information, like the health education article about the contribution of Youth Workers and the 'Guerilla Gardening.
Youth employment figures
The Office for National Statistics has released the latest unemployment figures. They reveal that the number of adults under 25 out of work jumped by 66,000 in the quarter, to 965,000, pushing the youth unemployment rate up to 20.5% - the highest level since records began in 1992. Download.
Abuse and neglect
The NSPCC has published Child cruelty in the UK 2011. This is a study into childhood abuse and neglect over the past 30 years, following a survey of 2,275 children aged 11 to 17 and 1,761 adults aged 18 to 24. The findings reveal that 18.6 per cent of the 11- to 17-year-olds said they had been physically attacked by an adult, sexually abused, or severely neglected. A quarter of the 18- to 24-year-olds also reported severe maltreatment during childhood. Download.
Case studies into youth organisations and tendering
The National Coalition for Independent Action has published two case studies which show that small community organisations are still expected to comply with over-complex tendering processes and evaluation systems that fail to value their local knowledge and independence. Localism in action? A case study of a small community project's experience of a local authority's tendering process shows how bidding for a contract to run a local estate's youth provision put an unnecessary strain on a small community organisation and contributed to delaying the project by 12 months. Find out more.
Hub News
The latest issue of Hub News is out, created by Contract Matter, The Regional Skills & Employability Supply Chain for the Third Sector.
This issue has information on SFA NEET Co-financing, Transition Fun, lists a number of funding sites and funding opportunities. Download.
Skills for the Job: Digital literacy
Youth professionals need to embrace digital media and new technologies in order to support young people. Digital literacy involves being able to navigate the digital world - making the most of the many opportunities it provides for accessing information, creating connections, having a say, being part of communities and developing skills and knowledge for now and for the future. Find out more.
Young people's involvement in governance
NCVYS member The British Youth Council (BYC) has recently revised and updated four guide booklets as part of their Youth at the Table training programme, which aims to support young people's involvement in governance. The guide booklets are designed to help develop the skills of young people in order for them to become effective members of a committee or a charity trustee board. Find out more.
Monitoring and evaluation
The Charities Evaluation Services has published Next steps: Monitoring and evaluation on a shoestring. The report says that third sector organisations need to be able to show the difference they make, and improve their performance. It is designed as a practical guide to help organisations to develop their monitoring and evaluation approach and improve their effectiveness on a limited budget.
Advice, Support & Resources - March 2011
Do you work with 5-12s? Or are you a parent involved with a play group, sports club, holiday activity scheme, arts project, or uniformed organisation? Do you need help with funding, your committee, planning for the future, or just a 'critical friend' to provide advice?
The Positive Play Activities programme, funded by Sunderland City Council, offers free, flexible advice and support tailored to the exact needs of your project. Recent sessions have included one-to-one fundraising training and the drafting of grant applications, developing an Action Plan for a new project, and updating a business plan. Sessions can be held with one or more staff, trustees, and volunteers, in your premises, and at a time that suits your organisation.
Places for March sessions are filling up quickly so call Carol Meredith on 07971 985226 to discuss your project and arrange a session.
You can now access a portfolio of materials for charitable groups to use or reference once support sessions have finished. The presentations and training materials, plus other resources, are available on the EBC website as a bank of relevant information and support on areas including business planning, fundraising, governance, preparing for a grant assessment, etc. Visit the electronic hub.
National News
Vetting & Barring Scheme and Criminal Records Regime Review - Recommendations Announced.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has unveiled a new scaled back employment vetting scheme and fundamental reform of criminal records checks. Announcing the findings of the parallel reviews of the Vetting & Barring Scheme and the criminal records regime on Friday 11 February Mr Clegg revealed that millions of people will be removed from the need to carry out compulsory pre-employment checks.
Children's Minister Tim Loughton said:
"Protecting children and keeping them safe remains our top priority, but it's also important that well meaning adults are not put off working or volunteering with children.
The new system will be less bureaucratic and less intimidating. It will empower organisations to ask the right questions and make all the appropriate pre-employment checks, and encourage everyone to be vigilant.
This is a common sense and proportionate approach which will ensure that children are properly protected without driving a wedge between them and adults." Read the full story.
National Citizen Service
Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled the National Citizen Service (NCS) Facebook page that was built as part of the campaign to encourage 16 year olds to sign up for its NCS scheme this year.
The two month programme will mix sixteen year olds from a variety of backgrounds, and will include a two week stay away from home. Starting in July, after exams have finished, 12 NCS pilot programmes will take place across the country with a total of 11,000 spaces. The page gives young people more details about the programme, including where the pilots will be happening. Find out more.
£10m of funding cuts to charities quashed by Judge
Three London charities have won the right to a judicial review challenge of London Councils’ decision to cut £10 million of funding. They should also receive further funding beyond any fresh decision made following the new process, in line with Compact principles.
Mr Justice Calvert-Smith held that London Councils’ consultation process was flawed and that they had failed to meet their statutory equality duties. All the funding cut decisions for 200 plus projects were quashed and he said that London Councils must re-run the process, this time with full equality impact assessments.
Compact Voice encourages any voluntary or community sector organisation that wants to strengthen or enforce their Compact to seek advice from them.
Big Society has a rocky fortnight
Liverpool City Council withdrew from the government 'big society' pilot. The city was one of four pilot areas for the scheme, aimed at giving community groups and volunteers more control over their local services. But council leader Joe Anderson said government cuts had threatened the future of many local volunteer groups.
A
retiring executive director Dame Elisabeth Hoodless of Community Service Volunteers said the government lacks a strategic plan for the big society. She said spending cuts are undermining volunteering and ministers had misunderstood the level of responsibility volunteers were willing to take on. Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, responded to Hoodless’ claims saying “Building the big society is not about pouring taxpayers’ money into the voluntary sector.”
Some better news came in yesterday’s announcement that the Big Society Bank will receive £200m from high street banks over the next two years. It will also receive all money reclaimed from dormant bank accounts, which is expected to amount to between £60m and £100m in the first year of operation and more than £400m over the next few years.
The bank is expected to provide working capital for voluntary organisations wanting to run public services and deliver the big society.
The big society requires some sort of investment
Read an article by John Freeman, a former director of Children's Services, about investing to improve the educational outcomes of children in care, volunteering and philanthropy.
Homelessness
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has announced £18.5million funding for the main national homelessness charities, to support the work of the voluntary sector in tackling rough sleeping. The 'Homelessness Grant' includes £8million to Crisis over the next 2 years, £1.5million to Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for homelessness charities, £3.4million for the National Homelessness Advice Service and £8.45million a year to the Mayor of London to commission and run pan-London rough sleeping services. Find out more.
Commissioning aid is terminated despite saving councils millions
A government-funded support programme for commissioners that ceases next month has saved councils more than £200m over the past three years. The Commissioning Support Programme (CSP) was set up in 2008 to help councils deliver more effective commissioning in education, health, social care and 14 to 19 provision. The Department for Education and Department of Health-funded programme is now drawing to a close as councils have to manage major cuts. Read the full story.
Community Organisers delivery partner
The Cabinet Office has announced that Locality - the new organisation formed through the merger of the Development Trusts Association (DTA) and bassac - has been chosen as the selected partner to deliver and train 5,000 community organisers. Community Organisers will work closely with communities to identify local leaders, projects and opportunities, and empower the local community to improve their local area. Up to five hundred senior Community Organisers will be trained and given bursaries of £20,000 for their first year, along with a further 4500 part-time and voluntary organisers who will support them. Find out more.
Bailey Review on the Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Childhood
What is it all about? Reg Bailey, chief executive of the Mothers' Union, has been asked by the government to look into the issue of the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood after parents voiced concerns about pressures on their children to grow up too quickly. They believe that their children are under pressure to become consumers and that they are living in an increasingly sexualised world. What are the main points? The review will look into a range of issues, with a focus on the concerns that sexualised imagery forms a universal background to children's lives; that some products are inappropriate for children and others are in dubious taste; that businesses sometimes treat children too much as consumers, particularly regarding the kinds of marketing techniques associated with digital media; and how to tell advertisers, broadcasters and retailers about things parents are unhappy about. Who can have their say? All organisations and individuals with an interest in the issues. There is a separate questionnaire for parents and carers. When is the deadline? 18 March. Responses can be completed online. Results are due in May.
Bronze, Silver & Gold Young Advisers
There are now three ways of setting up a Young Advisor team to help make our enterprise programme more accessible: Bronze: Young Advisors who do the work for no charge to enhance their communities. These voluntary teams are building a foundation for an enterprise-based scheme in the future. Silver: Young Advisors who charge or seek donations for their work. They then decide together as a team how they will spend this money to improve their community. Gold: Young Advisors who charge for their work and are both paid themselves and raise money for a pooled budget that they use to invest into their community.
To find out more about setting up a Young Advisor Project, go to our site, or drop us a bell on 0161 850 1077.
Childline hotline
Minister for Children and Families, Tim Loughton has announced that the NSPCC will be awarded a grant worth £11.2 million over the period 2011-2015 for continued investment in Childline and the NSPCC Helpline. The NSPCC Helpline is the only UK service offering anonymous and free access to trained child protection staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It provides specialist support, advice, counselling and information for anyone with concerns about a child who is either being abused or is at risk of being abused. Find out more.
Community Empowerment and the Right to Challenge
Jay Kennedy, DSC’s Head of Policy offers a light-hearted sketch on community empowerment and the proposed Right to Challenge in the Localism Bill, as well as a more considered analysis in an article for the Guardian.
Eric Pickles Announces 3 Tests of Reasonableness
In his speech the Secretary of State set out three tests of reasonableness.
-
First that councils should not pass on disproportionate cuts to local and voluntary groups.
-
Secondly that they should talk to voluntary and community groups at a very early stage about how services need to change.
-
And thirdly that they will have at least three months notice about the need to end or alter a grant or other support. Find out more
Locality wins £15m community organisers programme
Locality, the charity formed by the merger of Bassac and the Development Trusts Association, has been awarded a £15m contract to deliver the government’s community organisers programme. Find out more.
Participation in Practice: Mosquito ban in Sheffield
A member of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) has successfully led a campaign to ban the controversial Mosquito device on council and police property in Sheffield.
After months of lobbying, councillors in Sheffield voted in favour of the ban at a council meeting in January. However, that was not the end of the matter. "The Libs Dems got the ban through but some Labour councillors objected to it". Read the full story.
Helping to bridge the divide with intergenerational events
The National Youth Agency and Beth Johnson Foundation hosted a series of regional Intergenerational Network events to provide opportunities for local authorities and voluntary and community sector organisations to share intergenerational practice and network.
Peta Halls suggests: "Intergenerational practice can bring many benefits to participants. These include: increased understanding and mutual respect between the generations, reducing fear of crime and providing volunteering opportunities for both young and old alike. One of the challenges for youth sector organisations is to make intergenerational practice a part of integrated youth support services and ensure it fits strategically with localism and the big society and healthy community agendas." Read the full story.
International Young Person’s Short Story Award
Calling all young storytellers, share your tales and have the chance to see your words published. Litro Magazine is proud to announce that the Litro & IGGY International Young Person’s Short Story Award will be held again in 2011. It is open to young people from around the world aged 11-19. In addition to a cash prize of £2,500 the winner will be published in the free short story and poetry magazine Litro Magazine and will see parts of their work displayed on a poster in a London Underground station. The winner and two runners-up will also have their story published on Litro Online and on the IGGY website. The deadline for entries is 25th July. The email address for submissions is: iggy.litro@warwick.ac.uk
This newsletter is made up of contribution from our members, as well as Sunderland City Council, The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS), Children England, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Regional Youth Work Unit, Children and Young People Now, Voluntary Organisations' Network North East (VONNE), Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland (VCAS), Directory of Social Change, Active Sunderland, Young People in Focus, Funding Central, Third Sector and UK Youth.
In this newsletter:
.jpg)
Pallion Action Group 
Sans Street held a massive Family Event on Monday 21st of February 2011, from 1pm till 4pm, this was the first day of the half term holiday in a bid to attract more of the community to come along and see what we have to offer. 
Vacancies
Speed Networking - 'Effective Networking for Busy Projects and Busy People'
The Sunderland Big Bike Ride will take place on 29 May 2011 at Herrington Country Park and there’s a ride to suit everyone. With a focus on leisure, recreational and family cycling, the Sunderland Big Bike Ride offers three alternative rides, providing a route to suit all ages and abilities. 
Livity works with Google on a new competition Young Minds 
Active Sunderland Offers Subsidised Coaching Qualifications
One-day workshops: 28th June - Washington Community Fire Station and 12th July 2011 - Newcastle Springfield Centre. Informative & participative workshop to help you develop a general understanding of self-harm and which will include: 
This FREE training opportunity to workers/volunteers in the Voluntary Sector is offered by The Regional Youth Work Unit in partnership with Young People in Focus.
This one day interactive training course delivered by Them Wifies and NIWE Eating Distress Service addresses a serious health issue, eating distress, which is affecting an increasing number of young people, particularly young women. Using a film made by young people as a guide it will provide a clear definition of the term “Eating distress” and an understanding of events or situations that could “trigger” an eating disorder.
It promotes alternative ways of coping with difficult emotions, providing ways to raise self esteem and identifying support available to young people. 
Brathay Funding 
The Awards for Young Musicians is a programme that supports young people aged between 5 and 17 that are in financial need or have exceptional musical talent and potential. Grants of between £200 and £2,000 are available. Grants will be made directly to institutions, music organisations music teachers and other suppliers, not to students or their families. The deadline for applications is the 25th March 2011. 
Are you looking for funding? Funding Central is a free website enabling you to identify thousands of grants, contracts and loan finance opportunities. It is updated daily and features statutory and non-statutory funding all in one place. It has practical tools and resources supporting you to develop sustainable income strategies appropriate to your needs. 
The Welcome Trust is inviting organisations and individuals to apply for funding through its Arts Awards. The Arts Awards support projects that engage the public with biomedical science through the arts including dance, drama, performance arts, visual arts, music, film, craft, photography, creative writing or digital media. 
The latest issue of Hub News is out, created by Contract Matter, The Regional Skills & Employability Supply Chain for the Third Sector.
NCVYS member The British Youth Council (BYC) has recently revised and updated four guide booklets as part of their Youth at the Table training programme, which aims to support young people's involvement in governance. The guide booklets are designed to help develop the skills of young people in order for them to become effective members of a committee or a charity trustee board. 
The Charities Evaluation Services has published 
Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled the National Citizen Service (NCS) Facebook page that was built as part of the campaign to encourage 16 year olds to sign up for its NCS scheme this year. 
Liverpool City Council withdrew from the government 'big society' pilot. The city was one of four pilot areas for the scheme, aimed at giving community groups and volunteers more control over their local services. But council leader Joe Anderson said government cuts had threatened the future of many local volunteer groups. 
Locality, the charity formed by the merger of Bassac and the Development Trusts Association, has been awarded a £15m contract to deliver the government’s community organisers programme.