CCS Thatch Newsletter

www.somersetrcc.org.uk | info@somersetrrc.org.uk

Summer 2018 CCS Annual Community Buildings Training & AGM 25th October2018 Venue Horton Village Hall Time: 9.30am - 3pm

We hope to see you there!

The CCS team of Agents is expanding

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he Community Council for Somerset’s Agent service is expanding across the County.

In this Summer edition of Thatch see our latest Vacancies for Agents. Plus read our Carers Service Newsletter with information about the first

6 months plus CCS project updates & events.

There are exciting developments in our Agent Team with two members of staff working as Home First Community Agents - supporting individuals in hospitial to enable them to return home sooner see page 1.

SAVE THE DATE CCS Annual Community Buildings Training & AGM

High Lights Page 2

Page 3/4

Page 5

New Home First Community Agents

Positive People

Taunton Together Transform Ageing 2018 Inspire Awards & Grant

Funding JOB VACANCIES

The Witch In The Wardrobe Exhibition

Page 6

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CCS JOINS THE HOME FIRST SERVICE

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new social care and health initiative in Somerset has already helped hundreds of people return home earlier and safely from hospital.

Since the initiative launched in September 2017, over 300* people have been supported to move on from hospital sooner and average stays have been reduced by five days for each person.

As soon as someone no longer needs medical support in hospital, Home First allows people to leave hospital rather than waiting on the ward for

care assessments and rehabilitation planning, which can take time.

Instead, they receive those assessments and support at home, or in a specialist unit, care home or community hospital, to help them get back on their feet.

People will get the support they need, but in a different place where it can be more effective.

The Home First approach has been adopted both at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital.

CCS now has two Home First Community

Agents.

Lucille Simms working

in Taunton Deane, West Somerset, and Sedgemoor.

Carolyn Roche is working in Mendip and South Somerset.

Raj Singh, Operations Manager, said “ We are excited to be part of this initiative and support people in our communities to return home. Working so closely with individuals in all our Agent Services we recognise how important being in your own environment is as an aid to recovery.

We pride ourselves on giving high-quality one-to-one support in our services and this is another string to our bow and rounds off working with individuals to keep Somerset a happy, healthy county to live and work in.”

*Numbers stated in online article: https://somersetnewsroom.com/2017/12/14/hospital-stays-reduced-thanks-to-home-first/

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@ TALKING CAFE

What do I do now?

Digital Drop-ins

Positive People at the Talking Cafe.

General Advice and Information

Want some advice or support to get back into work, education or training?

Got a question about technology?

Come and see us at your local Talking Cafe Digital Drop Ins Bridgwater Arts Centre

Minehead

The Beach Hotel

Thursday 10-1 : 30th August, 8th October, 6th December

Thursday 10-1 : 26th July, 13th Sept, 15th November, 6th December

Monday 10-1 : 23rd July, 17th Sept, 19th November, 17th Dec

Monday 10-1 : 20th August, 22nd Oct, 17th December

Porlock

Tuesday 10-12 : 4th September

Library

Taunton

St Mary Magdalene Church

Wiveliscombe The Silver Street Centre

Williton Library

General Advice and Info

Monday 10-1 : 8th October, 10th December

Monday 10-1 : 3rd September, 12th Nov, 10th December

Wednesday 10:30-12 : 19th Sept, 21st November

Wednesday 10:30-12 : 29th August, 10th Oct, 12th December

Wednesday 10:30-12:30 : 18th July, 8th August

Positive People offers a lifeline to build hope, confidence and skills for people who are not in work.

It is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund.

Positive People Mendip ‘Drop-in’ Venu: Somerset Skills and Learning Centre The Portway Building Portway Ave Wells BA5 2QF Time: 10am – 3pm Every Thursday.

Contact: Jon Cousins, 07931 017 907, jon@ somersetrcc.org.uk

4 COLOUR AND COMMUNITY UNITE WITH MICHAEL EAVIS FOR RACHEL’S ‘THE WITCH IN THE WARDROBE’ EXHIBITION LAUNCH

colour, expression and personality and her surrounding collection compliments this piece perfectly.

The launch was supported by Positive People a programme funded by the European xhibition open to public: Thursday 31st Social Fund and the National Lottery, through May - Wednesday the Big Lottery Fund, to 15th August help people develop the confidence and skills to After 20 years in the making, local artist Rachel find work.

Pereira’s collection was Rachel says officially opened by “Positive Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis on People have played a Wednesday 30th May. crucial role Somerset-born, selftaught artist Rachel Pereira captured the crowd with a visually stunning collection of expressive art at the launch of her ‘Witch in the Wardrobe’ exhibition at Strode Theatre, Street.

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As the doors opened, art admirers, friends, family and community were greeted with organic mead, soft refreshments and nibbles which reflect Rachel’s personality and tastes. Rachel’s favourite piece took centre stage and made initial impact on arrival. ‘The Witch’ as Rachel refers to it, exudes

in the organisation of my launch party and exhibit, particularly in relation to promotion, connections and decision-making support. I have had great mentors, and cannot

thank Jon Cousins and Sylvia Hester enough, who have been my support network in making my exhibit such a success”.

Jon Cousins, Community Enabler for the Positive People project says, “I was blown away when I first met Rachel, at how talented she was. Art has always been her first love, and a dream she was unsure on how to move forward with. Through the Positive People programme

we could further explore Rachel’s options and start to develop an action plan with her Change Coach, Sylvia Hester, which has led us to the beginnings of her dream becoming a

reality!

“Michael is, without a doubt, one of the most positive people I have ever met and so was the obvious choice to officially open Rachel’s exhibit. His charitable work in the community and his links with the creative-arts make him the perfect reflection of what Rachel wanted to achieve. We knew she would be over-the-moon with his attendance!”.

“The Positive People programme is completely diverse and is open to anybody who is unemployed and over 18. It doesn’t have to be about getting back into work, we can help achieve ambitions, and support people to gain new skills and help overcome barriers to their success.

In Somerset, we are very lucky to have a dedicated team on the ground, and we look forward to seeing more people, like Rachel, securing the future they want”.

Positive People have so far supported 500 people across Somerset to recognise their potential.

• For more information about the exhibition visit www.strodetheatre.org.uk • For more information about Rachel Pereira’s art visit www.aeonloveboutique.com • For more information about Positive People • visit www.positive-people.org.uk

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Taunton Together 2018 Share & Celebrate Culture 0ver 20 groups and communities involved!

What are you doing on the 15th September 2018, from 11 am until 3 pm?

Why not pay a trip to the Albemarle Centre in Taunton and celebrate Somerset’s culture and diversity at the Taunton Together 2018 Event!

As part of Somerset Diverse Communities, the event is bringing together international and multicultural communities – to share, celebrate and experience something new.

Taunton Together 2018 offers over 20 different activities. Somerset Diverse Communities community engagement worker Beccy Jesson and Iwona Byrd from Diversity Group worked together to create the first Taunton Together event in 2017.

Download a poster & promote this event here - Taunton Together 2018 Carers Agents 1 Sedgemoor Carers Agent – 28 hours p/w • 1 Taunton Deane Carers Agent – 28 hours p/w • All above at £19,259 p/a, pro rata plus expense

NEW VACANCIES WITH CCS! We are recruiting for 11 positions 10 AGENTS home-based within locality areas Village Agents • 1 Sedgemoor Village Agent – 28 hours p/w • 2 South Somerset Village Agents – 2 28 hours p/w • 2 Taunton Deane Village Agents – 1 x 35 hours p/w and 1 x 28 hours p/w • 2 West Somerset Village Agents – 1 x 35 hours p/w and 1 x 28 hours p/w • All above at £19,259 p/a, pro rata plus expense

TO APPLY VISIT:

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Community Agent • 1 Mendip (West) 24 hours minimum • £21,268 per annum pro rata plus expenses

Closing date for all applications: NOON – Friday 3rd August 2018

Admin & Finance Support Officer • Salary: £18,319 to £19,446 per annum pro-rata, depending on experience •Hours: Minimum 24 hours per week, to include afternoons.

•Initial 12 months fixed-term contract

www.somersetrcc.org.uk/recruitment/

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D

o you know someone or a community group who has an idea about helping with people in later life?

GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT PEOPLE IN LATER LIFE

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re you an individual with an idea that you would like to try which helps older people?

you a dedicated award manager (one of our experts in helping social entrepreneurs to start and grow). The award manager will be If so, this opportunity there to coach you and may be for you. You can support you to achieve apply for up to £5,000 your goals. to help you build a social venture.

To find out more, and to apply for a grant, please Alongside giving you see: £5,000 to build your social venture, we’ll give https://www.unltd. you access to training org.uk/our-support/ and events, and assign starting-up/do-it

Or who has said they would like to know more about it?

Or has something they already do that they want to share? The Inspire Award might be just what they need.

The Inspire Award is part of the Transform Ageing funding programme (CCS is the Somerset delivery organisation for the programme). Have a look here for more information about Transform Ageing.

By the way, ‘people of later life’ is anyone over 50.

The Inspire Award is focused particularly on finding out more, and exploring an idea rather than funding the product in its own right.

INSPIRE AWARDS So, you may know someone or a community group who: • Has an idea but wants help with making it more concrete.

• Has identified a problem and wants to find out if anyone else is thinking about it too.

• Has developed a product or project and wants to share it with others • Or... well, there might be others.

The Inspire Award is for up to £500 and is designed, for example, to cover travel to a workshop, or fund a room rental and other things to host a sharing session. Or to travel to see another project already underway.

Download Inspire Awards Application

For more information please contact Jane: jane@somersetrcc.org.uk

7 Service newsletter – for a case Keeley Rudd reviews the impact of CCS’s work across study and further information about the service. If you are an the county.

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very year CCS undertakes a review of our work across the county to gain a sense of the impact of our services and projects and the difference we make in supporting you and your community. The last year has been exceptionally busy for CCS, not least because we launched the new Somerset Carers Service.

Since taking over the service in October 2017 we have received over 1000 calls to the AdviceLine from unpaid Carers across Somerset. Over 15% of the calls to the AdviceLine are triaged and resolved there and then with support from our team of dedicated, professional staff. Other callers may need more specific support and so they are referred to Carers Agents for one-to-one support or to partner agencies for condition specific support.

These numbers however are only part of the story and you can download our first Carers

unpaid Carer please either get in touch on 0800 316 8600 or email carers@somersetrcc.org.uk.

We also work to support communities across Somerset in many other ways, helping villages, parishes and towns to achieve their vision for their own community.

DOWNLOAD OUR

10 KEY IMPACTS POSTER

CCS are enablers for this vision to be realised and help Community Buildings and Village Halls, Parish Councils, community and minority groups with a range of bespoke advice and information.

To find out more about our work, Download the CCS Annual Review 2017-2018 here.

Please come and talk to us about your idea – we look forward to hearing from you. Call 01823 331222 or email info@somersetrcc.org.uk or funding@somersetrcc.org.uk

CLICK HERE

8 SANTANDER FOUNDATION DISCOVERY GRANTS

THE FAMILY FUND TRUST

Grants up to £5,000 for UK registered charities, Community Interest Companies and Credit Unions for local projects that benefit disadvantaged people (applications may be made at any time) for activities that support disadvantaged people in the UK to improve knowledge, skills and innovation in order to give them the confidence to discover, create and take advantage of new opportunities.

Funding is available for: • Small, local projects that last for up to 12 months; • Complete projects (the Foundation does not make contributions or part-funding); and/or • Part-time salaries, equipment or materials specific to the project.

Contact details for the Santander Foundation are: The Grants Team Santander Foundation 201 Grafton Gate East Milton Keynes MK9 1AN Email: grants@santander.co.uk

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Grants to help families (or organisations applying on behalf of a family) in the UK who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or less (applications may be made at any time) The Family Fund will now seek to: • Increase the number of families who receive a grant, or information and support from services from 88,119 to 150,000, an increase of 70%; • Amplify the experiences and voices of families to professionals, policy makers and the public, across the UK; and • Retain and identify new sources of income to ensure the practical support that families need is available when they need it.

The average grant tends to be around £500.

The grants can be used for a wide range of essential items such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, clothing and computers/tablets.

For more information email: Email: info@familyfund.org.uk

Bishop Fox’s Educational Foundation Grants 2018

he Bishop Fox’s Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for the young people in Taunton Deane, Somerset, through the provision of grants to individuals and organisations supporting young people.

2018 Grant Deadline Dates Monday 3rd September Monday 12th November 2019 Grant Deadline Dates

Monday 14th January Monday 18th March Monday 10th June The Foundation’s aim is to promote Monday 2nd September the education (including social and Monday 11th November physical training) of young people Any applications received between the ages of 11-24 years. after the deadline date will be considered at the subsequent meeting.

GET YOUR GRANT FORMS HERE www.bfef.org.uk/

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Somerset Community Connect

Talking Cafe Multi agency information cafe providing free advice and support.

Bridgwater: Bridgwater Arts Centre. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Burnham-On-Sea: Methodist Church, College Street, Every Tuesday 9.30am – 12.30pm Cheddar: Baptist Church, Lower North St. Every Monday (except B.H’s) 9.30am – 1pm Chard: Baptist Church, Lower North St. Every Monday (except B.H’s) 10.30am – 1pm Minehead: The Beach Hotel. Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 10am – 1pm Porlock: Porlock Library. 1st Tuesday of the month 10am – 12pm Taunton: St Mary Magdalene Church. Every Monday (except B.H’s) 10am - 1pm Wiveliscombe: The Bear Inn, North Street. Every Thursday 10am – 12pm Williton: Williton Library, Killick Way. Monthly on Wednesdays 10.30am – 1pm

Next dates: July 18th, August 15th, September 12th, October 10th, November 14th

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to p en

over 18’s

y& Friendl

informal drop-in ’s

ealth to fnance - support is here for you h m o .

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Call 01823 331222 or email info@somersetrcc.org.uk www.somersetrcc.org.uk/talkingcafe

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Support for Chairs and Vice Chairs of charities and non-profit organisations Chair or Vice Chair of a smaller charity?

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omerset County Council is excited to let you know that The Association of Chairs’ Beacon Programme will be coming to Taunton in the autumn to provide support to Chairs and Vice Chairs of smaller charities (with an annual income below £1 million) in their role. The programme will be delivering a series of workshops and providing a wide range of practical resources tailored to the specific needs of Chairs and Vice Chairs of smaller charities. Click here to find out more about the programme. If you are a Chair or Vice Chair of a smaller charity then this has been researched, designed and created for you!

Join Today…

By completing the registration form, you will be able to join fellow Chairs and Vice Chairs of smaller charities in Taunton at the programme’s first workshop called ‘Being an Effective Chair’ Thursday 11th of October 2pm – 5:45pm Albemarle Centre This interactive workshop will provide a unique opportunity for Chairs and Vice Chairs to: * Be clear about their role and legal responsibilities * Understand what can help you be effective * Have practical tools to help you run effective meetings * Meet and learn from other Chairs of smaller organisations

Don’t miss out!

Spaces for the workshop are limited, so click here today to register.

After you have registered for the Beacon Programme you will then be able to book your seat for the event here and join fellow Chairs.

Parish Councils, Village Halls and Recreation Grounds: Understanding the differences and how they can support each other.

Aimed at Parish Councillors.

Clerks, Council appointed trustees & representatives, Trustees of all Community Buildings, Village Halls , Recreational Grounds & Playing Fields. It will be an interactive session with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and a chance to share ideas, experiences, and best practices.

26th September 2018 Long Sutton Village Hall 1pm - 3pm Refreshments provided Topics Covered • Explanation of the different

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structures, responsibilities, rules and regulations • Similarities and Differences including public accountability, meetings & reporting • How they can help each other • When things go wrong

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NEW Village Hall, Playing Fields & Parish Council Workshop/Training Session.

Attendees have said: Chelmondiston “ Well

delivered and well organised” Oulton Broad “ Excellent course, well presented” Glemsford “ Well structured presentation”

BOOK YOUR SPACE TODAY! www.somersetrcc.org. uk/cb-bookings

Community Council for Somerset founded 1926

Address: Victoria House Victoria Street Taunton Somerset TA1 3JZ info@somersetrcc.org.uk somersetrcc.org.uk www.twitter.com/@ruralsomerset Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3541219 Charity No. 1069260

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