CCS Thatch Bulletin December Issue

H C T THA Bulletin

We l c o m e !

December 2020

Firstly, we would like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you for your support it has been a super tough year.

We do hope that despite all the upheaval this year

I n t h i s Is s u e Feeding Somerset • P. 1 & 2

you still feel supported and haven’t encountered many hiccups. CCS is now cloud and home based -

New CCS 2020 Film P.7

delivering so much online, more than we ever have before!

Happy Holidays from the CCS Team,Smart Communities and Somerset Diverse communities & Our Trustees

New Covid-19 Community Buildings Guidance • P.8 • New BAME Community Group Course P.12 - 14

Somerset Food Resilience Task Force - delivering to a community near you!

Lockdown has been very difficult for Carers, with little if any of the usual respite facilities available.

Recognising this and so to give some Carers a little respite, our CCS Agents have now delivered over 200 food boxes to people, with a weeks worth of meals for the Carer AND the person they care for.

Funded by Somerset County Council, and as part of the Somerset Food Resilience Task force, we hope this gave these Carers a well-earned break. If you are a Carer and need help and support please do call the free phone Carers Advice Line on 0800 31 68 600 or text ‘Carer’ to 78070 www.somersetcarers.org

Thank you from Taunton Deane

Cotford St.Luke families said:

“I wanted to thank the Village Agents for

I am writing to say thank you very much for

their incredibly generous support and

the food parcel via Cotford St Luke Primary

the much appreciated carers box we

School for my children.

received. I never thought I needed to ask support from a charity with the stressed of caring for my husband. I am very pleased I did. It has helped us a lot.

Thank you!

I am overwhelmed by the amount of food supplied and the kind treats of biscuits and sweets which the boys are overjoyed with!

It was incredibly kind, so thank you to you and everyone involved.

F o r m o re i n fo rm ati o n v i s i t : www. c c s l o ve s o m e r s e t . o rg /fo o d

P. 1

Feeding more of Somerset!

To read the full article and hear about how Oake Community Kitchen are supporting the community visit: https://ccslovesomerset.org/ network_news/oakes-newcommunity-kitchen/

FOOD Resilience Grants

heard about the initiative, more and more people from the Polish community

Communities are also

in and around Yeovil have

benefiting from a food

been doing shopping

resilience grant. Like t Polonia

from their own pockets to

and Friends who received

support other vulnerable

£500:

families. It has really

“

brought our community

We at Polonia and Friends

together and has given

have been supporting

people a sense of purpose,

vulnerable members of the

spreading love and kindness,

Polish Community through

especially before the run up

providing groceries for these

to Christmas

Volunteers from our partner

“

families as a ‘gift from Santa’. organisation ‘Passion Bikers Squad’ were able to deliver these on their motorbikes.

The original funds came from money we received through Somerset Diverse Communities Food Resilience Fund, but as people have

P. 2

We a re re c r u i ti n g !

C C S is a n awa rd-wi n n i n g , l e a d i n g l o c a l c ha ri t y o ffe ri n g a ra n g e o f p e r s o na l is e d su p p o r t fo r i n d i v i d u a ls a n d c o m mu n i ti e s a c ro s s S o m e r s e t .

We wa nt to h e a r f ro m y o u i f y o u a re a n e x p e ri e n c e d , e m p ath e ti c , s e l fm o ti vate d , H R Ma n a g e r . We o ffe r a s a la r y u p to u p to ÂŁ 3 5, 37 3 p e r a n nu m p ro rat a, 25 day s h o l i day p l us B a n k Ho l i day s , h o m e -wo r k i n g , a c c e s s to o u r Em p l o y e e A s s ist a n c e Pro g ra m m e a n d th e o p p o r tu n i t y to ma ke a re a l d i ffe re n c e i n o u r o rga n is ati o n. Ho u r s b e t we e n 2 8 a n d 3 5 p e r we e k , to b e a g re e d.

In th e f i r st i nst a n c e , p l e as e e ma i l re c r u i t m e nt @ s o m e r s e t rc c . o rg .u k wi th y o u r c o nt a c t d e t a i l a n d to e x p re s s y o u r i nte re st , fe e l f re e to att a c h y o u r C V. We wi l l re sp o n d to y o u i n th e f i r st we e k o f Ja nu a r y wi th f u r th e r d e t a i ls a b o u t th e a p p l i c ati o n p ro c e s s . We a re l o o k i n g fo r p e o p l e to c o m m e n c e wo r k as s o o n as possible.

Download the job description & person spec here C C S G e n e ra l Me e ti n g D e c e m b e r 2021 Ou r G e n e rna l m e e ti n g i n D e c e m b e r was we l l l atte n d e d a n d th e n e w a r ti c l e s o f as s o c iati o n we re u na n i m o usl y a p p ro ve d. In th e Ne w Ye a r is su e we wi l l c o ve r what th is m e a ns a n d p ro v i d e m o re d e t a i l Tha n k y o u to a l l wh o atte n d e d a n d vo te d.

P. 12

Somerset Good Neighbours - when neighbours become good friends!

Good Neighbours Schemes are community projects run by local groups of volunteers to help those who are frail, elderly, disabled, vulnerable or isolated to enjoy a better quality of life. Help is given free of charge with simple tasks such as shopping, collecting prescriptions, attending hospital appointments, dog walking, gardening as well as the opportunity for a regular friendly chat.

Why not set up your own scheme

Our useful tool kit is available by visiting the CCS website CLICK HERE P. 4

H ave yo u launched a n ew G o o d Neighbours scheme i n yo u r community?

Help is at h a n d!

We can offer support with your some of the costs that you may need to cover. Insurance, purchase of equipment or promotional materials.

Nearly 90% of the population growth in Somerset between 2011 and 2019 has been in the 65 and over age group. With an aging population are you supporting those who need it most in your community?

With government services and care being reduced nationally communities have been doing things for themselves. CCS has been working with communities to establish local Good Neighbour Schemes across the county, filling the gap with a more flexible approach.

Plan ahead for your community ’s future and join think about joining the Good Neighbour movement.

P. 5

Be part of the Somerset Good Neighbour m ove m e n t . . .

We are working with many local communities who are doing things for themselves to look after those who need it most.

From small acts of kindness to regular keep in touch phone calls, dog walks and gardening.

A Good Neighbour scheme is tailored for your community. With our network you can speak to others, share experiences and learn from groups who are already established.

The Somerset MicroProviders Network is there to support the work of your Good Neighbour Scheme...

If you are established or supporting people in your community and their needs are more complex than you imagined. Don’t panic, Somerset Micro Providers could be the answer.

The Somerset Micro-enterprise programme aims to support the development of very small, communitybased care and support services that provide: • personal, flexible and responsive support and care • give local people more choice and

control over the support they get • offer an alternative to more traditional services.

For more infomation visit:https://tinyurl.com/y3t52n6c

info@somersetrcc.org.uk 01823 331222

P. 6

Wa t c h t h e C C S 2 0 2 0 f i l m a n d s e e h o w we have been supporting communities across Somerset

htt p s : / / www.y o u tu b e . c o m / watc h? v = K D 4 nZeD30 Community Buildings Energy Conference Thank you to ever yone who joined us for the C o m m u n i t y B u i l d i n g s E n e rg y C o n f e r e n c e .

A special thank you to Mike Rippon who g av e a n i n f o r m a t i v e p r e s e n t a t i o n o n t h e n e w e n e rg y, l i g h t i n g a n d v e n t i l a t i o n s y s t e m s a t We d m o r e V i l l a g e Ha l l . R o b e r t H o r n t o o k u s t h r o u g h t h e d i ff e r e n t h e a t i n g s y s t e m s f o r communit y buildings and there were wide ra n g i n g d i s c u s s i o n s b e t w e e n p a r t i c i p a n t s o n t o p i c s i n c l u d i n g s o l a r a r ra y s , a i r s o u r c e h e a t p u m p s , e l e c t r i c c a r c h a rg i n g p o i n t s and funding sources. More communit y building networking events to follow in the N e w Ye a r. Wa t c h t h i s s p a c e !

P. 7

NEW Community Buildings COVID-19 u p d a t e 1 6 .1 2 . 2 0 ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) has issued new information for community buildings to help village halls reopen in light of new government rules.

UPDATE 16.12.20 – Version 8 of ACRE’s Information Sheet has been updated to take account of the tier regulations which came into effect on 2nd December and are due to remain in force until 3rd February. Changes have been made to Sections 2,4 and Appendices C,D J and K .

Click here to visit the Community Buildings web page and download your copy

New Lock Down Grants from District Councils During this second lockdown, many community buildings have been forced to close, save for a limited number of exempt activities.

District councils have now opened grant schemes to support local businesses that have been forced to close for this four week period. Some of you may have been contacted already about this funding and, depending on your circumstances, may wish to make an application.

There are two funds available visit: https://ccslovesomerset.org/lockdowngrants-from-district-councils/

P. 8

G e t We s t S o m e r s e t Mo v i n g i s g e tt i n g i n gear! o We called on the generosity of Somerset ’s people to donate their second-hand cars, that are in working order but that the no longer need, to help get West Somerset moving.

WHAT A WONDERFUL RESPONSE! In our first weeks of asking Somerset for donations we have got two great cars on the books and are searching to match them up with new owners from West Somerset as we speak!

If you have a car to donate please get in touch with CCS Community Involvement Officer Katherine via email katherine@ Somersetrcc.org.uk with your name and phone number and a brief description of the car, or call 07985 744623, to discuss the donation further.

Somerset Community Oil Scheme Bulk purchasing offers significant savings and the scheme is open to individuals, community groups and businesses across the whole of Somerset.

The next group order is Friday 8th January 2021, however you can still order anytime in December, at the daily rate.

P. 9

Cl i e nt F e e d b a c k : “ Thank you ver y much for providing s u c h a n e x c e l l e n t s e r v i c e t h i s y e a r, especiall y under the pressures of COVID. May we wish you all a ver y Happy Christmas”

To j o i n t h e s c h e m e e m a i l : s o m e r s e t b u y i n g @ a f - a ff i n i t y. co.uk Or for more details visit: w w w. c c s l o v e s o m e r s e t / o i l

Wo m e n o f C o l o u r E v e n t - a HUGE Success!

Somerset Diverse Communities held their first Women of Colour virtual meeting on Saturday 28th November.

With 19 attendees if was small but perfectly formed!

The meeting was a safe and open platform to discuss personal experiences of living in Somerset. What have you felt, experienced, and been challenged with? How have you dealt with or what have you learned about your local community or the wider county?

“ Thank s for bri nging us and I ho togethe pe we b r uild mom from he e ntum re to inf l u e n ce chan in our so ge ciet y an d make d i ff e r e n things t for our children .”

p e ri e n c e , x e g in z a m a n “ It w a s a u c h fo r th a n k y o u s o m I a m lo o k in g o rg a n is in g it . e x t m e e ti n g .” n e th r fo rd a fo rw

P. 10

“ It is rea ll y e xcitin g to see t pote ntial he for grow t h with all the beau ti full y am azing wo continuin men g to join.

I have a feeling th e nex t me eting will much bus be ier indee d .”

c o a s te r o f “ Q u it e a ro ll e r t n ig h t. I’ m rs fi e th n o s n o e m o ti to m a n y m o re .” rd a rw fo g in k o lo

Employment Rights Wa t c h a g a i n We b i n a r !

Are you being treated fairly in y o u r w o r k p l a c e ? Wa t c h a g a i n t h e employment webinar with the British Tr a d e U n i o n G M B a n d t h e C i t i z e n s Advice Bureau sharing lots of important information and advice about your rights at work .

Attendee feedback : “ The migrant workers are often confused what rights they have and what support is out there.

That ’s why the Employment Rights webinar was very useful and informative. I shared it with my f r i e n d s a n d c o - w o r k e r s .”

P. 11

Watch here https://youtu.be/Fnyihkz99M0

Sign up today!

If you are par t of a BAME group or planning on star ting a new community group look no f u r t h e r.

Part 1

Join our FREE 5 week online course to ensure your BAME group star ts o ff o n t h e r i g h t v i r tu a l f o o t !

Wh e re a re we g o i n g ? T h e benefits of a clear Vision fo r y o u r g ro u p’s fu tu re . ( L e d b y A d e Mu rp hy ) Have y o u e ve r wo n d e re d why s o m e o rga n is ati o ns a re a b l e to re c ru i t n e w m e m b e r s e as i l y ? Why d o s o m e B A M E g ro u p s f i n d f u n d ra is i n g s i m p l e? O n e re as o n is that th e y a re c l e a r why th e y e x ist a n d what th e y h o p e to a c h i e ve . Wh e n th is is sha re d wi th p e o p l e i t wi l l i m p ro ve y o u r f u n d ra is i n g a n d h e l p i n c re as e m e m b e r sh i p. Th is sh o r t c o u r s e wi l l

h e l p g u i d e y o u a n d y o u r m e m b e r s to c o - c re ate a v is i o n a n d m is s i o n st ate m e nt fo r y o u r g ro u p to h e l p fo cus y o u r a c ti v i ti e s a n d p o l i c i e s .

P. 12

Part 2

G o ve rn a n c e a n d Po l i c i e s – S e s s i o n L e a d – K ath e r i n e A rms t ro n g Is y o u r B A M E g ro u p s e t u p to b e a b l e to d o what i t wa nt s to a c h i e ve?

Th is o n l i n e s e s s i o n wi l l l o o k at th e m o st a p p ro p riate g o ve rna n c e fo r y o u r re q u i re m e nt s su c h as a c o m mu n i t y g ro u p, c ha ri t y, Cha ri t a b l e In c o rp o rate d O rga n is ati o n , S o c ia l Ente rp ris e . We wi l l a ls o l o o k at th e p o l i c i e s that y o u wi l l n e e d.

Th e s e asp e c t s a re v i t a l fo r ma k i n g su c c e s s f u l f u n d i n g a p p l i c ati o ns!

Part 3

A V i r tu a l G u i d e to S a fe g u a rd i n g fo r B A M E C o m m u n i t y G ro u p s ( S e s s i o n l e d b y A d e Mu rp hy ) Th e re has n e ve r b e e n a b e tte r ti m e to ma ke su re y o u r o rga n is ati o n is d o i n g a l l i t c a n to p ro te c t c h i l d re n at risk . Th is c o u r s e wi l l h e l p y o u to ga i n a n u n d e r st a n d i n g o f th e te rm s afe g u a rd i n g fo r c h i l d re n a n d vu l n e ra b l e a d u l t s a n d h ow i t a p p l i e s to y o u r g ro u p. Th is v i r tu a l i ntro d u c ti o n s e s s i o n is

d e s i g n e d to h e l p y o u c h e c k that y o u r o rga n is ati o n is d o i n g s afe g u a rd i n g we l l a n d m e e ti n g th e l e ga l re sp o ns i b i l i ti e s that E V E R Y g ro u p fa c e .

P. 13

Part 4 Fu n d i n g

S e s s i o n L e a d – K ath e r i n e A rms t ro n g Th is s e s s i o n wi l l l o o k at h ow to ra is e f u n ds fo r y o u r B A M E g ro u p o r p ro j e c t . Un d e r st a n d th e b e st way o f c o m p l e ti n g a p p l i c ati o n fo rms , e v i d e n c i n g n e e ds a n d th e n ma k i n g su re a ny m o n e y ga i n e d is sp e nt a p p ro p riate l y as we l l as m e e ti n g re p o r ti n g re q u i re m e nt s .

Part 5 C o m m u n i c ati o ns –

Session

L e a d Ni c o l a G re e ns l a d e Th is s e s s i o n wi l l l o o k at h ow y o u r B A M E g ro u p c a n c o m mu n i c ate us i n g a ra n g e o f m e a ns i n c l u d i n g p re s s re l e as e s a n d s o c ia l m e d ia .

Th is s e s s i o n wi l l a ls o l o o k at h ow to e n ga g e wi th th e wi d e r l o c a l c o m mu n i t y.

To book onto the course visit: P. 14

P. 12

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