Echo march 2016

the echo Our vision: CARING, VIBRANT and STRONG communi es where everyone can fulfil their poten al.

Our mission: CONNECTING and INSPIRING people and organisa ons to achieve posi ve change, while CHAMPIONING their value to partners and the wider community.

National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day Friday 18th March 2016

In this issue March 2016 Front Page National Child Sexual Exploitation Day

News

Voluntary and Community Champions working with Dudley’s CSE team, Dudley Council and West Midlands Police will be out and about on the streets of Dudley raising awareness of child sexual exploitation from Monday 14th—Friday 18th March.

CSE is recognised nationally as one of the most important issues children and young people face today. Recent exposure in the media has alerted us to CSE incidents happening in other areas of the country, it happens across Dudley borough too. It is important that we raise awareness of CSE in the community as residents provide the “eyes and ears” needed in tackling CSE. The National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE, encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse. Perpetrators and victims alike can be any age, gender, culture or race without discrimination and Dudley must adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children developing inappropriate relationships with their peers.

CSE is a form of sexual abuse and it is against the law. It involves perpetrators grooming victims in a variety of ways, such as in person, via mobiles or online to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing them in return for gifts, money, attention.

We must all be vigilant. If you witness a change in a young person’s appearance and behavior, sexual relationships, unexplained mobile phones and gifts, or if they are missing from home call the CSE team on 01384 817777 and share your concerns. If a young person is in imminent danger, don’t delay— call 999.

For details of the week’s programme, visit www.dudleycseawarenessweek.wordpress.com Regional information can be found at www.seeme-hearme.org.uk or Dudley information http://safeguarding.dudley.gov.uk

Support at social media surgeries is expanding Dudley CVS new board member Integrated Plus update Dudley VSN campaign Changes to the Echo In a nutshell

Funding Ernest Cook Trust Healthy Hearts Breaks for Kids National Express Armed Forces Day Percy Bilton Charity Bruges Salmon Trust Cheruby Trust Big Lottery Fund guide to outcomes

News Social investment tax relief Coseley Working Together DVON launch Brierley Hill Civic update Female genital mutilation All Together Better

Our services What we can do for you

AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT ON REQUEST Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk

NEWS Support at social media surgeries is expanding As you may know, social media surgeries are completely free advice sessions for community and voluntary groups, clubs and societies. Lorna, Becky, Eileen and Mel run regular social media surgeries in Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge, supported by generous café owners who host us and generous people who share their social media know-how. If you want to use the web to communicate, campaign or collaborate we can help you do it easily and for free, whether you are a complete beginner and find the whole thing quite scary, or you want to find out how to get the most out of tools you already use.

Our regular social media surgeries are now being expanded to include support for people who would like to use the time for writing or other forms of storytelling online. There’ll be a team of us on hand to give tips around simple ways to share your great news, activities and ideas. You can increase engagement with your stories effectively by sharing them multiple times in simple, clever ways. We can help you think through this and introduce you to free online tools which can help you. To see upcoming dates simply visit www.socialmediasurgery.com

Dudley CVS new Board Member Mariann Harris joined the Dudley CVS board in October last year, bringing a skill set developed over a forty year career at senior management level within central and local government. Mariann is also possibly the most qualified person to be a Friend of Priory Park.

In her whole life she has lived in just three houses, all within a stone’s throw of Priory Park. “The park has been a constant in my life. My earliest memories are enjoying walks with my Mum and as a toddler I was allowed some freedom to run on ahead and hide behind the trees. As a young woman I progressed to playing tennis, but have to admit, I wasn't much good” said Mariann, “Priory Park is very dear to my heart.”

So dear in fact that Mariann is currently in her fourth year as Chair of The Friends of Priory Park. She leads the management committee and is an energetic fundraiser and promoter of Priory Park within the local residential community. “Priory Park is a Grade II Listed amenity which is totally open. We have established a solid link with Dudley College, encouraging more young people to enjoy what the park has to offer on a daily basis and to get involved with, and support planned events.”

Apart from the 16 hours a week she spends on Friends of Priory Park business (administration, litter-picking, problem solving and event planning) Mariann is also closely associated with a social enterprise serving the many and varied needs of unemployed people to find paid work or gain experience through volunteering. “I help them with writing CVs, create social media profiles, recording their competences and preparing a Personal Statement. Since February 2012, we have assisted over 500 people in the Black Country area back into work.”

Mariann said she had joined the Dudley CVS board to “give a little back” in return for the support and expertise she received from CVS officers in writing a new constitution for The Friends of Priory Park and introducing role descriptions for honorary officers. With so many hours taken up with her voluntary activities, it is fortunate for Mariann’s husband, Tony, that he is also a Friend of Priory Park and shares her passion for it.

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NEWS

Integrated Plus update Supporting individuals to engage in voluntary services is bringing positive change to the lives of Dudley borough’s most vulnerable people. Over the past 16 months, 1,058 individuals have been referred to Dudley CVS’s Integrated Plus project for support. People have been helped to access over 200 voluntary organisations and signposted to over 800 different projects and activities.

Link Officers attend all 46 multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) based at each GP practice. This approach is proving to be a positive and productive way of providing joined up care and support. The presence of Link Officers has increased health clinicians’ knowledge of the range of services provided by the voluntary sector. The sector is a core part of the health and social care integrated system and is not merely seen as an optional extra.

The health and social care economy faces many challenges in its ability to meet the health and social care demands of its population, as is the case nationally. Voluntary sector services are vital in supporting people to live independently, enabling people to manage their health conditions better, promoting self-help and much more.

For more information, contact Kate Green on 01384 573381 or email: buildingblocks@dudleycvs.org.uk Blog: www.integratedplusblog.com. Twitter: @intplusDudley.

Dudley Voluntary Sector Network In a nutshell... campaign to #keepdudleybostin Netherton Regeneration Group now has in response to planned cuts Dudley Council plans to cut £3million from the voluntary and community sector over the next three years.

Dudley CVS is supporting Dudley Voluntary Sector Network’s (VSN) campaign to highlight how the sector helps some of the borough's most vulnerable and demonstrate the impact of proposed cuts.  The sector supports 45,000 people  30% of organisations predict they will have to cut services  26% will make redundancies if they are cut Support #keepdudleybostin on Twitter (@DudleyVoluntary) or www.facebook.com/ dudleyvsn

a Facebook page. Visit and ’Like’ the page to view their events and public meetings www.facebook.com/nethertonregen

Sedgley Community Association has 10 folding tables (6ft x 2ft 6) with caster trolley free to a good home. They cost over £1,000 and have only been used a few times. Contact Robert Chesworth on 01902 883995 or email cluandches@gmail.com Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen is offering free ground-floor office space for organisations approved by its board. Contact Dionne Legge dionnelegge@acstourbridge.plus.com

Changes to the Echo newsletter Dudley CVS is making some changes to how it communicates with its members, friends and supporters in order to ensure that you get relevant and high-quality information.

As part of that, the Echo newsletter will now be produced on a bimonthly basis. The Echo will contain in-depth features, news and pictures.

In the intervening month, we will send you a simple bulletin packed with funding, opportunities and news about what’s on so you’ll always be up to date. Every other month your bulletin will be accompanied by the Echo. They will be sent to you in the way you currently receive the Echo and we will of course continue to communicate through our blog, website, Facebook page, Twitter and other platforms.

The next edition of the Echo newsletter will be available in May. For further information or to receive the Echo and the Dudley CVS bulletin, please contact Dale on 01384 573381 or email dale@dudleycvs.org.uk

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FUNDING Ernest Cook Trust Small registered charities working with young people are invited to apply to the Ernest Cook Trust for the following type of projects: 1. Encouraging young people’s interest in the countryside and the environment 2. Arts and/or science activities 3. Raising levels of literacy and numeracy The small grants programme provides funding up to £4,000 (most grants £1,000£1,500) mainly for projects that require a small amount of pump-priming in order to take place. Applications can be made at any time and the trustees meet bi-monthly.

There is also a large grants (£4,000£10,000) programme, however these funds are earmarked for comprehensive education.

For more information contact Jose Phillips (Grants Administrator): Tel: 01285 712492 Email: grants@ernestcooktrust.org.uk Website: www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk/ grants/how-to-apply

Youth Hostel Association Breaks for Kids Breaks for Kids is a discretionary fund to support disadvantaged young people under the age of 18 who are either eligible for free school meals or whose family receive housing benefit/income support.

Grants of up to 50% of the cost of a trip may be available for groups who have a provisional booking with a youth hostel and who have yet to pay the balance on their stay. Applications can be submitted at any time but they must be submitted at least eight weeks before the arrival date. Grants are deducted from the final bill.

For more information contact: Tel: 0800 0195 465 or 01629 592637 Website: www.yha.org.uk/school-trips/ breaks-for-kids

Healthy Hearts Community Grants Heart Research UK operates two grant programmes supporting innovative projects designed to promote heart health and prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease: 1.

Grants of up to £5,000 and up to £10,000 for organisations to spread the healthy heart message. Closing date for applications 30th March 2016.

2.

Joint regional grants programme with SUBWAY where funding up to £10,000 is available. This programme is open in the Central region from 18th March to 27th April 2016.

For more information contact: Tel: 0113 234 7474 Email: info@heartresearch.org.uk Website: www.heartresearch.org.uk/ community-grants

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National Express Foundation The National Express Foundation has announced that it has £150,000 funding available for organisations supporting young people aged 15-24.

To be eligible charities/community groups must be based in one of seven council areas in the former West Midlands county (Dudley borough is included) and provide positive activities for young people in deprived areas.

Grants of either £2,500 or £5,000 are available and the application deadline is 18th March 2016.

For more information contact: Email: foundation@nationalexpress.com Website: www.nationalexpressgroup.com/ our-way/national-express-foundation

FUNDING Ministry of Defence (MoD) Armed Forces Day Grant Since 2009 Armed Forces Day has been marked annually with events large and small throughout the UK. These events can be for the whole community or smaller local get-togethers for family and friends. Armed Forces Day this year is Saturday 25th June and, in support of this event, the MoD is providing funding to help organisations and individuals put on an event this summer.

Grants up to £10,000 are available, providing the MoD accounts for no more that 50% of the project costs. Funding can be spent on themed BBQs, a picnic in the park, street parties or fetes. Last year tea parties, parades and big band concerts were held throughout the UK to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The deadline for applications is 25th March 2016.

For more information contact: Tel: 020 7807 0970 Email: armedforcesday-events@mod.uk Website: www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-own-event

Burges Salmon Charitable Trust The Percy Bilton Charity provides capital funding to registered charities working with one or more of the following groups: • Disadvantaged/underprivileged young people aged up to 25 such as those who are unemployed or homeless • Children, young people and adults with disabilities (physical or learning) or enduring mental health problems • Older people (aged over 60) who are frail or suffering with dementia or any other age-related disorder The large grants programme (most £2,000£5,000) can be for one-off capital expenditure such as specific items of furniture and equipment. However the charity will not fund office items. Applications can be submitted at any time.

The charity also offers small grants up to £500 for equipment and furniture and these applications are assessed monthly.

NB. Percy Bilton Charity does not provide grants for revenue expenditure or running costs.

For more information contact: Tel: 020 8579 2829 Email: percybilton@aol.com Website: www.percy-bilton-charity.org/ percy-bilton-organisations

The Burges Salmon Charitable Trust supports registered charities with a local focus/remit providing services, projects or activities for the following: • Children • Older people • Education  Homelessness Applications can be submitted at any time.

For more information contact Alison Preece: alison.preece@burges-salmon.com or visit: http://tinyurl.com/jsh8lcc

Cheruby Trust The Cheruby Trust is interested in the relief of poverty and the advancement of education providing grants in 2013/14 averaging £2,500. Applications can be made at any time.

For more information contact Sheila Wechsler on 020 7499 4301

BIG Lottery Fund (BLF) and outcomes BLF has produced an excellent blog on outcomes. The blog explains the difference between outputs (facilities/services resulting from activities) and outcomes, the changes or differences they want to see in projects funded by them. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ z32bdjj

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NEWS Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) SITR is a way in which social enterprises can raise funds through offering investment in their organisation whilst giving their investors a return by way of tax relief as well as interest. Put simply this is tax relief to support trading and it is designed to fill the funding gap for social enterprises.

The process works as follows: 1. A charitable organisation or community interest company (CIC) announces that it wants to raise funding for a capital project or trading (working capital).

2. It approaches its supporters with a request for them to lend money/invest in the enterprise.

3. An interest rate is offered on the investment, e.g. 5% per year with repayment at a predetermined date in the future, say 5 years.

4. Individuals lending the money can also claim tax relief of 30% on their investment.

5. The organisation can then use the funds in whichever way they wish, repaying the investors in 5 years’ time.

From the investor’s point of view not only have they earned interest on their investment as well as receiving tax relief but they have also supported a social issue.

Visit the SITR page on the Big Society Capital website: http://tinyurl.com/zq3bst2

Coseley Working Together

is a new voluntary organisation that works with Dudley Council to keep Coseley Youth Centre providing local facilities and activities.

The group will promote the centre and encourage new users to run social, educational and recreational activities in and around the centre. Coseley Working Together will work in partnership with current and new users, community groups, residents and Dudley Council to make sure that the centre is used and a local focal point for ALL ages.

Current activities include a Monday evening youth club, a morning nursery, Big Local and Credit Union drop in starting Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Plans are in place for school holiday activities and a Saturday club.

If you live or work in Coseley you could become a member of Coseley Working Together, share your ideas for activities that you could run from the centre, volunteer at one of the clubs or become a member of the committee.

If you would like to find out more, join group members from 10am-4pm on Saturday 23rd April at their open day. There will be information stalls, taster sessions and the opportunity to share your ideas for future events and activities.

In the meantime you can contact Coseley Youth Centre on 01384 813923. The office is only open part time but please leave a message and they will get back to you.

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Dudley Volunteers Organisers Network (DVON) Did you know there was an independent support network for volunteer managers based in Dudley borough? It’s open to anyone from the Black Country area who manages volunteers and its quarterly meetings provide ideal opportunities for networking, support, sharing good practice, obtaining information and training.

DVON is holding a relaunch event in April at dy1 in Dudley and would love existing members and those who’d like to find out more, to come along to help energise the network, and plan the best way forward to support those who manage volunteers.

The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Steve Waltho will be supporting the event, along with Andrew Mullaney, the new Business in the Community Connector for Dudley, so why not attend to find out more?

Please use our booking link, so refreshments can be provided http://tinyurl.com/glwzsoa If you have any queries, please email dvonmembers@gmail.com

NEWS Brierley Hill Civic Hall – one year on It has now been a year since Dudley CVS took over the reins at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, so what’s happened?

For a start the tired, drab looking bar area has been given a modern facelift and has been extended to cater for larger events. Not only that but a cellar cooling system has been installed which will vastly improve the quality of the draught beer and cider that is served. Both the extension and the cellar cooling will eliminate the vast majority of complaints that were bought up in our community focus groups which were: taking too long to get served and warm, poor quality drinks.

Bookings have increased significantly since the takeover and an exciting calendar of events has started to emerge with boxing, comedy, party nights, wrestling and An Evening with the “Dark Destroyer” Nigel Benn all booked in for 2016 so far!

This exciting calendar of entertainment events has already enabled us to achieve our goal of making the hall available at a charitable rate for social enterprises, charities and community groups such as the Dudley Youth Council Awards, Whitehouse Cancer Support Band Night and Synergy group meetings to name just a few.

A year is a relatively short period of time in the scheme of things but for Brierley Hill Civic Hall it has been momentous!

To see what’s on at Brierley Hill Civic, visit the website www.bhcivic.co.uk, follow on Twitter (@bhillcivic) or ‘Like’ on Facebook The Civic bar now and (inset) what (www.facebook.com/bhillcivic) it looked like before refurbishment

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a crime, if a girl under 18 discloses that she has experienced FGM you must report it Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

It's also known as female circumcision, cutting or sunna. Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is child abuse. It is dangerous and a criminal offence. There are no medical reasons to carry out FGM. It doesn't enhance fertility and it doesn't make childbirth safer. It is used to control female sexuality and can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health.

If you have concerns about a girl in Dudley call 0300 555 0050 or the nonemergency crime telephone number 101.

Last month our front page feature was about activities Dudley CVS and Healthwatch Dudley are running with All Together Better partners. We’ve created an activity pack for local community groups and voluntary organisations - it includes all sorts of resources which can be used to run a discussion and ideas session with a group.

The Activate Pack includes facilitator notes, inspiring project examples, discussion and idea prompt cards, recording sheets and handouts with useful links, further reading and help available. If you’d like to request a pack or be notified when downloads are available simply contact Healthwatch Dudley on 03000 111 001 or email hello@healthwatchdudley.co.uk

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How can we help?

DUDLEY CVS works with all community and voluntary groups, however small or large the organisation. We work with a range of partners, putting us at the forefront of voluntary and community sector representation.

KEEP UP TO DATE Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk to find out about new developments affecting the voluntary sector, locally and nationally.

BECOME A MEMBER Membership is free to any voluntary and community organisation operating in Dudley.

Sign up today and start enjoying a range of services and support.

SOURCING FUNDING If your group is considering options for funding, Dudley CVS can help you identify sources of funding and assist in developing funding applications.

SPECIALIST HELP Dudley CVS offers support tailored to suit your specific needs. Our Core Service Officers have years of experience available to local organisations. Help is wide ranging and includes, among other services: community engagement; enterprise development; asset management; business planning; legal structures and conflict resolution.

GROUP DEVELOPMENT Established larger organisations can sign up to our Building Blocks organisational development toolkit.

New, emerging and developing small groups can receive expert oneto-one guidance through our Route Map programme.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Dudley CVS has officers dedicated to the needs of children and young people, families and those organisations and professionals working with children in Dudley VOLUNTEERING Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre provides all the expertise that would-be volunteers and volunteer managers might need. Guidance and training on managing, legislation recruitment and retaining volunteers is available all year round.

We can also match up those seeking to volunteer to those groups looking to recruit volunteers.

PUBLICITY Our marketing and communications officers can help local groups to raise their profile and maximise their promotional needs.

Advice on producing newsletters, leaflets promotional materials and media relations.

ADMIN SUPPORT Voluntary groups requiring ad hoc or regular support with learning basic computer skills, printing, mailings, book-keeping, payroll etc. can use Dudley CVS admin services at very competitive rates.

CAN’T SEE WHAT YOU NEED? Call the number below.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE With health services under review, our assigned support officers are in much demand by both services providers and service users.

Dudley CVS is a registered charity and company For additional information about all CVS services contact: limited by guarantee Telephone: 01384 573381 E-mail: info@dudleycvs.org.uk Place of registration: England Company number: 1998105 Charity number: 517766