Hope Springs : helping former addicts stay on track
How to secure grant funding
The Good Times Celebrating the organisations and projects making a difference across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire June 2018
Hope Springs' volunteers Alan Mullen and Shaun Haslam
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Welcome Sorry for the delay in getting this edition out to you. I have been pulled in a variety of directions with work, not to mention getting prepared for the introduction of GDPR. If nothing else, the whole exercise has vastly reduced the amount of unwanted emails popping up in my inbox every day! So, now, back to the important business of sharing examples of GOOD projects across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. In the course of my research I was moved by the dedication and compassion of volunteers at Hope Springs Recovery Centre in Chesterfield, many of whom have their own personal back story. Reporter Kate Partlow also did some sterling 'undercover' reporting on the Children's Sleep Charity. Some of their resources are well worth reading whatever age your service users are, or indeed if you could do with some extra zzzzs yourself! Do get in touch if you would like your charity or project featured in a future edition. Or perhaps you'd like to submit an expert article or comment piece? We'd love to hear from you. Please share THE GOOD TIMES with colleagues and on your social media channels. We'd also welcome any feedback via email: journowellreadpr@outlook.com Enjoy reading. Kate Dawson, Editor
Contents p 4-5 How Hope Springs Recovery Centre in Chesterfield is providing support to former addicts P6 Spotlight on: Ripley-based lawyer, Simon Hale describes his firm's commitment to the third sector 2
P7 Hot Topic: Read our comment piece on the Facebook scandal and why charities shouldn't lose faith in social media
p8 -9 Find out about the transformational work of The Children's Sleep Charity
p10 Top Tips for attracting grant funding for your charity by funding expert Katie Holmes
Contributors Katie Holmes is a charity consultant who helps charities become stronger and more sustainable. She offers fundraising, income generation, tendering and development services (and much more). Katie provides her top five tips on applying for grant funding on p 10
Kate Partlow, First-class (hons) PR and media graduate, budding journalist and avid reader. Using her writing skills for the greater good. Read her feature about The Children's Sleep Charity on pages 8-9, and interview with Simon Hale of Ellis-Fermor & Negus solicitors on p 6 THE GOOD TIMES is produced by Kate Dawson, a freelance communications consultant working as Well Read PR. The opinions, views and values expressed by contributors to THE GOOD TIMES are those of the authors of that content and do not necessarily represent my opinions, views or values. Nothing in the magazine constitutes advice on which you should rely. It is provided for general information purposes only. I do not accept liability for products or services offered by third parties. Links to third party websites are provided solely for your convenience. THE GOOD TIMES has not reviewed these third party websites and does not control and is not responsible for these websites or their content or availability. We therefore do not endorse or make any representations about them, or any material found on them, or any results that may be obtained from using them. If you decide to access any of the third party websites linked to THE GOOD TIMES, you do so entirely at your own risk.
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Hope Springs: offering
recovering addicts a life with purpose by Kate Partlow
Florence, Florence, 10 , Andy shows 10 years Sandra, with91 xxxxx some wild flowers Volunteer Ashmore sews items for the charity's Boho designs range By Kate Dawson
Hope Springs is the perfect name for the Chesterfield charity which provides vital support to those seeking to beat their addictions and find new purpose in their lives. It was established by a former Catholic priest, Father Terry Doherty, who saw the gap in services once people had gone clean and were at risk of isolation and relapse. The majority of people that come through the doors are on probation or have been referred by social workers and have made the decision to change their lifestyle. Coordinator Sharon Rodgers explained: We give them strategies to stay clean and build their skills and confidence as a bridge to employment. Some people have completely turned their lives around, others are still on their journey towards independence.�
The alternative is that people succumb to their former lifestyle choices, associated with crime, unemployment, disconnection from family and for many, a shorter life. The camaraderie between volunteers and service users at Hope Springs is palpable. The gentle clacking of knitting needles can be heard beneath the cheerful banter. Cups of coffee are washed down with pastries, (donated by Tesco), and once a week a full English breakfast is offered. Craft sessions, art, music and fishing, board games and gardening in the allotment aim to build skills and peer support opportunities. A meditation and recovery skills group furnish people with the tools to aid recovery and achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
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“Hope Springs has prevented me from feeling isolated and kept me on track in my darkest hours” enthused Shaun.
"I’m hoping that my bike ride will raise Shaun w funds so that Hope Springs can keep tumble on helping others who feel like they have no hope, no future. Mara, 10 and John, 83
"With Hope Springs everybody has a chance to get their life back on track," he added.
Shaun Haslam turned to Hope Springs five years ago. Having lost his job and with his first child on the way, Shaun realised he needed to take back control of his life.
To support Shaun's fundraising challenge visit his fundraising page on mydonate.bt.com (shaunhaslam1) Trustee and Vice Chair Ann Hoole described how the charity has evolved in the last five years:
Florence, 10 years with xxxxx Florence, 10 , meets Sandra, 91
Shaun gets ready for training “Walking through those doors was the hardest step” admits Shaun “but I was made to feel welcome from the start. Through the Recovery group sessions, I developed ways to cope with the bad days. There were a lot of penny-dropping moments as I began to really understand myself.” Shaun took ownership of Hope Spring’s allotments and discovered a love of cycling. He’s now planning to cycle from Whitehaven to Scarborough in just two days from 10-11 July to raise much needed funds for Hope Springs. . 5
• Hope Springs is reliant on grants and donations for which we write all the applications ourselves, and we're now much more targeted in our approach. • We now welcome people with mental health problems, not just those recovering from addiction. This is still in line with our original mission to support people at risk of falling through the gaps in service provision. • We've learnt that the informal conversations that happen are as important as the formal group sessions. That’s when people confide in us and we really become their friends
First Taste: bridging the generational divide To find out more about Hope Springs Recovery Centre visit hopesprings.org.uk
Spotlight on... Simon Hale, Director at Ellis-Fermor & Negus Ellis-Fermor & Negus is a Derbyshire based law firm which specialises in charity law. Kate Partlow spoke to director Simon Hale, who joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 1988. His particular areas of expertise are charity law and commercial property. 1. What legal services do Ellis-Fermor & Negus provide to charities? We offer everything from formation and governance issues, payment of trustees, and trustee training, to employee relationships for example the relationships between trustees, employees and volunteers. We also support charities that are merging or closing and the complex process of transferring all their assets. 2. What personally attracted you to charity law and how does it differ from corporate law? I am a charity trustee, so I have personal experience and I enjoy helping people help others. The principal difference between charity and corporate law is that the people running charities are not doing so for their own personal gain. There’s a different mind-set as they are running the organisation for other people rather than themselves.
of the law there’s far tighter regulation and becoming a charity is more complicated. People need expert guidance to ensure things are well run. 4. What do you think are the main legal challenges facing charities currently? The introduction of the GDPR legislation is going to be a big challenge. Charities that fundraise need to keep in touch with supporters whilst ensuring that their records abide with the data protection policies. 5. Why did Ellis-Fermor choose Framework Housing Association as a corporate partner? Framework helps homeless people and brings opportunities to vulnerable people in our local counties. We wanted to put something back into the community and help raise awareness of homelessness. 6. Is there a particular book which inspires you in your work with charities? The Bible, in particular the words “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men”. My faith guides me in everything I do.
3. How has your work with charities changed since you joined the firm? The charitable sector used to be much less regulated and under less scrutiny. Now thanks to a number of charities falling foul 6
To find out more about Ellis Fermor & Negus visit www.ellis-fermor.co.uk/
Hot topic The Facebook data sharing scandal Kate Dawson, says it's high time social media giants, such as Facebook, were held responsible for allowing the unlawful use of personal data on their platforms, but warns charities against throwing the baby out with the dishwater. Let’s be clear about this. Facebook is brilliant! You can join communities that share your interests; support the causes which you are passionate about; access support and information about any kind of health condition; join business and professional networks; and keep in touch with friends and family around the world.
Facebook will weather the storm, but Zuckerberg’s remonstrances that it is simply a platform and not a publisher and cannot therefore be held accountable for third party use of data no longer washes. Data transparency and control of individual users is now centre stage and the case for greater regulation of Facebook is no longer a case of if, but when. In the meantime, let’s Okay, we all know the downsides – the not give up on using Facebook as a force growing social malaise of feeling that every for social good and change, empowering experience needs to be documented and citizens and mobilising support for the darker side of ISIS and Alt Right groups important causes. spreading their ideologies on the platform. So, my top line advice for charities is: • Be transparent about the data you collect The biggest threat to Facebook’s hitherto on Facebook and how you use it. Post a invincibility has been the Cambridge link to your Privacy Policy stating that you Analytica data sharing scandal, whereby 87 million people’s data was harvested from never collect personal data for third parties. a personality test and used to influence • Don’t tag or feature anyone on your voting in the US presidential elections. Facebook page without their permission • Dont forget email marketing as an So should we be fearful that our communities will turn away from Facebook effective medium for engaging with as a two-fingered salute to Facebook's CEO supporters (so long as you’ve complied Mark Zuckerberg? Well, I certainly wouldn't with the new GDPR legislation). advise you to withdraw from Facebook marketing is response, but some precautionary steps should be taken. 7
Kate Dawson is a communications consultant to the charity and public sectors. See her website: wellreadpr.com
The Children's Sleep Charity: providing a life-line for families Many parents of children suffer poor sleep (especially those with babies and young children), but for some parents sleep deprivation can be more complex and enduring. The problem has reached such epidemic proportions that the number of children (under 14 years) with sleep disorders requiring hospital treatment has tripled over the past decade.
by Kate Partlow
Tired eyes is just one side effect of sleep deprivation
Thanks to The Children’s Sleep Charity, families whose children suffer from sleep disorders are receiving invaluable support and guidance. Florence, 10 years with xxxxx
Animal care is integral to learning at Turner Farm
They provide training for NHS staff through their accredited three-day practitioner course, a five-week ‘Sleep Tight’ parenting programme, delivered by Family support workers, and expert-led sleep workshops for parents.
The charity was set up in 2012 by Vicki Dawson, a mum of two who has personal experience of children with sleep issues. Vicki says “I felt there was not only a lack of support for families going through this, but also a lack of information.”
One parent praised the Sleep Tight course for changing her life: "My son has never slept through from birth and we were all suffering from fatigue and constant illness. My son now sleeps through and we all feel amazing!”
Sleep deprivation in children is linked with mental health issues, lower immunity, daytime behaviour problems and less ability to process learning. Vicki explained the impact it can have: “If children are not able to sleep, the sleep of siblings and parents can also be deeply disturbed. It’s a domino effect that impacts the whole family and can cause relationships to break down.”
The Teen Sleep Project funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation has enabled the charity to work with young people to develop guidance on getting better quality sleep. Dependence on technology combined with a poor diet were identified as enemies of good sleep.
First Taste: bridging the generational divide
The Children’s Sleep Charity works to raise awareness of sleep issues. 8
The feedback
A child-friendly guide has been developed as from this young partperson of thesays Teen Sleep guidance, in the form it all of things to avoid - such as screens an hour before bedtime and caffeine or energy drinks after lunchtime; and things to try - such as eating supper (a banana or a slice of toast) half an hour before bedtime and reading a book or a magazine before bed. A wide range of advice and resources can be downloaded from the charity's website to help families struggling to get a good night's sleep on subjects ranging from Sleep and Diet and Relaxation Tips for Bedtime.
The feedback from this this young man says it all. Florence, 10 years with xxxxx Copyright The Florence, 10 , shows Sandra, 91 some wild flowers Children's Sleep Charity.
There are five funded places up for grabs for individuals who meet the criteria (on a first come first served basis). To find out more email Lauren: info@thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk
Vicki Dawson, CEO, shared some of the challenges she’s overcome since founding the charity: • Setting up the charity was far more difficult than I had ever imagined. I think it’s really important to keep focused on your goals – both short and long-term. Phil Pearce with donated palletes • Ensure you have clear aims and outcomes and always think about how Animal care is integral to learning at Turner Farm you can best meet those aims. • One of the most important things is having people around you who share your and ambition your Farm Animalpassion care is integral to learningfor at Turner charity’s cause.
The charity also welcomes opportunities to work with public services and charities to provide training and development relating to sleep disorders and difficulties. A three-day practitioner course will be delivered later in the year on 20th and 21st September and 22 November, in Doncaster. It is aimed at those working in charities who require training to support children experiencing poor quality sleep.
• We have campaigned to highlight the importance of sleep support. Our Manifesto has received the support of organisations such as Netmums, The Sleep Council and The Mental Health Foundation. • Networking hastobeen a key way to gain Animal care is integral learning at Turner Farm support - attending relevant events and speaking with like-minded people to share our message and attract partners.
First Taste: bridging the generational divide
Find out more on the charity's website: thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk 9
Top tips How to successfully apply to a grant-making trust There are over 8,000 active grant-making trusts and foundations in the UK. Between them they give over £6 billion of grants to charitable organisations each year. But competition for grants is fierce. Here Katie Holmes, a consultant who supports charities to attract funding and stay sustainable gives her top tips for improving your chance of success. 1. Do your research - read the grant-making trust’s guidelines carefully to ensure your application is something it would fund. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your work fits their criteria and philosophy. 2. Have a clear plan – Your application needs to show why the work is needed, the change your organisation wants to achieve and that you have a well-thought-out plan of how you will deliver that change. Show that your staff have the skills and experience to deliver the work. 3. Make it “real”– use quotations, photographs and case studies to bring to life the impact of your work on individuals and communities. Consult your local Council for Voluntary Service and Community Foundation for funding opportunities. Not-for-profits in Nottinghamshire can access the register to access the Grant Finder database here. For more details about Katie's services visit her website kjholmes.co.uk 10
4. Be succinct - avoid waffle and jargon. Keep your application short and succinct. Get someone who does not know your organisation to read through the application and give you feedback. 5. Show you are on top of your finances – ensure that the budget included in your application adds up and that you have included all the costs. List your main sources of income. Be open about any financial difficulties and explain what steps you are taking to address them.
Katie is delivering an introductory workshop: “How to Raise Money from Trusts and Foundations” on behalf of the Institute of Fundraising East Midlands on 19th June at Treetops Hospice, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. £45 non members / £35 members . To book visit Eventbrite.
"When you wake up in the morning, wake your forgotten and forsaken dreams up as well, wake them up like an insisting rooster!� - Mehmet Murat ildandd
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Volunteer Volunteer Lynn Lynn Jagger Jagger who helping provides to make a listening items toear sellto at the service nextusers charity and sale helps for craft Hope items Springs. to raise money for Hope Springs
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things "Whentoyou in the wake and forsaken to happen you.wake If you up go out andmorning, make some goodyour thingsforgotten happen, you will fill the world dreams up ashope, well, you wake up like anhope.” insisting rooster!” with willthem fill yourself with ― Barack Obama
- Mehmet Murat ildandd
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