Dudley CVS Echo - November / December 2016

the echo November/December 2016

Volunteer AWARDS edition

FEATURING

VOLUNTARY SECTOR update Impact of voluntary sector funding cuts

Volunteer Awards 2016 Worth their weight in gold. Celebrating the gems in our community

Please give generously Public attitudes to giving to charity revealed

Trade school A place to share skills and talent

“

A message from MIKE IN THIS ISSUE Impact of voluntary sector funding ......... 2 CVS Carers update .................................... 3 Charity Commission consultation ............ 3 Integrated Plus introduces ‘Airtime’ ........ 4 Dudley Mind, taking wellbeing to work .. 4 Volunteers Awards special ....................... 5 Operation Santa 2016 has launched! .... 9 In Kind Direct - Save money on supplies 9 Trade School ................................................ 10 Wall Heath Tennis Club courts success! .. 10 Attitudes to giving to charity revealed ... 11

Welcome to our special volunteer awards edition of The Echo. This will be the last edition of the year, so on behalf of Dudley CVS I sincerely wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mike Abrahams, Dudley CVS Chairman

Impact of voluntary sector funding cuts Dudley CVS has been collecting information from voluntary sector organisations to assess the likely impact of funding cuts to their organisations and local residents.

Dudley MBC has been a major funder of the voluntary sector but due to national government austerity measures, the Council has had to make significant cuts. 37 voluntary sector organisations have received a total of £990,000 cuts in 2016/17 and will receive a further £2.1 million cuts during 2017/18. A loss of 102 contracts and service level agreements.

Cuts on this scale significantly reduce voluntary sector organisations ability to draw in external funding, reduce their capacity to recruit and manage volunteers and deliver much needed services for vulnerable people across Dudley borough. Services provided by the 37 organisations include: housing support,

AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT ON REQUEST

sheltered housing schemes, rehabilitation services, social activities, befriending services, mental health services, specialist sight loss and stroke services and much more.

Unfortunately, these cuts will result in many organisations downsizing or closing. Information gathered from voluntary sector organisations shows that the likely impact on local people will be: more people needing social care packages, increased isolation and falls, poorer independent living skills, increased mental health issues, increased A&E/GP visits, increased pressure on carers.

Data extracted from PSIAMS IT system has identified the following numbers of people that may be affected by the cuts to services.

Total affected: 15,000+ Sedgley, Coseley & Gornal 4500+ Vulnerable including, more than: 1100 Older people 2450 Long term health condition 160 Community mental health 370 Integrated Plus referrals

Stourbridge, Wollescote & Lye 4000+ Vulnerable including, more than: 1100 Older people 1800 Long term health condition 170 Community mental health 360 Integrated Plus referrals

Dudley & Netherton 2000+ Vulnerable including, more than: 700 Older people 1000 Long term health condition 80 Community mental health 100 Integrated Plus referrals

Kingswinford, Amblecote & Brierley Hill 2500+ Vulnerable including, more than: 1100 Older people 1600 Long term health condition 140 Community mental health 250 Integrated Plus referrals

Halesowen & Quarry Bank 2500+ Vulnerable including, more than: 750 Older people 1500 Long term health condition 60 Community mental health 270 Integrated Plus referrals

To read feedback from people accessing such services visit: http://bit.ly/2fdejNY

news New Starters Dudley CVS is pleased to welcome the following new members of staff: Helena Norman, Communications Officer Read about Helena’s first few weeks at CVS www.dudleycvsblog.com/my-first-weeks-at-dudley-cvs Tel: 01384 573381. Email: comms@dudleycvs.org.uk Steph King, Admin Assistant Steph will be supporting Dale in the Admin department Tel: 01384 573381. Email: steph@dudleycvs.org.uk Faye Hall, Young Person’s Project Coordinator Faye has joined the Healthwatch Dudley team.

Tel: 01384 573381. Email: fayehall@dudleycvs.org.uk Nina Gee, Respiratory Coordinator - Airtime Nina has joined Integrated Plus to coordinate the ‘Airtime’ project. Refer to page 4 for more information.

Tel: 01384 217058. Email: nina@dudleycvs.org.uk Aiesha Parker, Link Support Worker. Aiesha will be supporting the Integrated Plus Locality Link Officers.

Tel: 07508 307528. Email: aiesha@dudleycvs.org.uk Georgia Davis, Link Support Worker. Georgia will be supporting the Integrated Plus Locality Link Officers.

Tel: 07508 307498.

Email: georgia.davis@dudleycvs.org.uk

Dudley CVS is now a Carer Friendly Employer!

Dudley Carers Alliance, an organisation which aims to provide a voice for carers, is focusing on encouraging local employees to make the pledge to become a carer friendly workplace. A number have already signed up including Dudley CVS. The pledge ensures that carers are able to balance work with their caring, helping them to juggle work alongside their caring responsibilities.

Carers Alliance Live Chat Charity Commission consultation: Reporting serious incidents Charity trustees have a duty to report any serious incidents which pose a risk to the organisation and its reputation to the Charity Commission. These serious incidents could include financial crime, breaches of data protection, safeguarding issues, links to terrorism and extremism, suspicious donations or trustee disqualification.

The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on what to do if something goes wrong. It is welcoming comments on the guidance from anyone involved in the charity sector. The deadline for comments and feedback is 12 January 2017. i To view the updated guidance, visit: www.tinyurl.com/ok8nzdh.

the echo | 3

Dudley Carers Alliance has added a new live chat service to its website. Live chat is an instant messaging tool allowing carers to speak with an officer in real-time. i Live Chat is available 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours you are asked to leave a message and an officer will get back to you as soon as possible.

news

Airtime , Tai Chi

Integrated Plus introduces ‘Airtime’ ‘Airtime’, developed by Integrated Plus, is a weekly group which targets members of the community with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and related conditions.

The project is coordinated by Nina Gee, who has recently joined the Dudley CVS Integrated Plus team.

The main aim of the project is to reduce social isolation and take pressure off the NHS by reducing hospital admissions relating to the disease. The idea is that by providing an environment for people to meet and to have a weekly focus, they are more equipped to manage their symptoms and to feel a greater sense of belonging.

There are also clinics currently running in Coventry and Wolverhampton, the aim of which is to bring patients together and combine advice, support and the chance to socialise in a safe and caring environment.

Dudley is still in its early stages of setting up, but has already had a great response from service users who really value Airtime, enjoy the activities and opportunity to mingle. They enjoy a wide range of activities such as Tai Chi, seated yoga, singing and art therapy plus a free buffet lunch, quizzes and bingo. The sessions are fun, engaging and welcoming. i For more information on ‘Airtime’ contact nina@dudley.cvs.org.uk

Dudley Mind, taking wellbeing to work Local mental health charity Dudley Mind is taking the wellbeing message to local employers to help improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.

With almost one in three people now experiencing mental health problems in the workplace, Dudley Mind is looking to engage with and support local employers in Dudley and the wider Black Country to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The charity hosted its first workplace wellbeing networking event in October to mark World Mental Health Day 2016 where local employers found out more about mental wellbeing at work and discussed ways they could start to create healthier workplaces.

Looking after the mental health of your employees makes real business sense. Tackling the stigma of mental health and putting in place measures to improve wellbeing can make a real difference to sickness absence rates, presenteeism levels, staff wellbeing and productivity, and retention. Liz Sewell, Training Manager at Dudley Mind said: “With mental health problems being so prevalent in the workplace, we are keen to work with local employers and encourage them to start talking about wellbeing and taking action to improve the health of their employees. Running events like this is a great way to start that conversation.” i The next networking event is due to take place in January 2017 (date to be confirmed) and employers from all sectors are encouraged to attend. If you would like to receive details of the event simply email training@dudleymind.org.uk

the echo | 4

VOLUNTEER awards

Volunteers are worth their weight in gold Celebrating the gems of the community

“

“Our society is built on the passion and desire of selfless people giving up their time, energy and commitment to benefit others. I don’t believe there is any greater gift that can be given other than giving a bit of yourself to help others. Perhaps this relates to my role and belief as a police officer and the reasons I joined the service. However I am financially rewarded for giving to the community. To give up yourself purely as a volunteer is so special.”

T/Chief Superintendent Richard Fisher

Volunteers are worth their weight in gold Dudley CVS have hosted its 14th annual Dudley Volunteer Awards to recognise the amazing, inspirational people who generously devote their time to volunteer in the Dudley borough.

Around 300 people attended the event at the beautifully decorated ‘gold themed’ Brierley Hill Civic Hall to celebrate volunteering and the difference it has made to the community, including the Mayor of Dudley and Volunteering Champion, Cllr Mohammed Hanif.

The first award of the evening, the Business Supporting the Community Award was presented to Sara Morris, Asda Community Champion, for her passionate contribution to the community. Sara’s unwavering and enthusiastic support to good causes and individuals has made a real difference in the Coseley area.

Karl Denning, Dudley SOUP active citizen, won the Community Action Award presented by Chief Superintendent Richard Fisher of the West Midlands Police. Karl’s passion for the community led him to become an active member of Dudley SOUP, a group supporting creative community projects. Karl also volunteers on many other projects and regularly gives talks to schools about his disability and the challenges he has faced helping children to understand adversity, accompanied by his faithful guide dog Quasia.

View the full image gallery: www.dva2016.wordpress.com /event-photos

Jane Grainger, Dudley Carers Forum, won the Healthy Communities Award. Jane has been a carer for over 30 years and devoted many hours of her time to support other carers. Since creating the Carers to Carers helpline via the Dudley Carers Forum back in 2005 she has acted as the Vice Chair and Treasurer.

Jane has been heavily involved in the forums social programme, helping to organise trips and activities, assisting at Carers Week.

Steve and Tracey Bull, Big CHAOS, won the Wellbeing Award, for their volunteering work planning and delivering activities to help young people with disabilities in the borough. They have successfully created a family atmosphere providing happiness to everyone that they come in to contact with, helping young people to make friends, develop confidence and participate in sports groups.

During the evening there were very special performances from talent

Celebrating the gems of the community

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Sally Evans, Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company, won the Arts and Heritage Award presented by Councillor Judy Foster. Sally has been a member of the theatre company since she was 15 and has been enthusiastically involved in productions and choreography. During her 8 years at the theatre, Sally has devoted many hours of her time to help children and adults combat low self-esteem and confidence.

Steve Mukanovic (aka Steve Ford), Dudley Group of Hospitals, won the Children and Families Award, for the support he gives to children and families and the huge amounts of money he has raised for charity. Steve has volunteered for over 30 years. Now suffering with poor health he still manages to visit the children at least twice a week at the hospital, granting their wishes such as working with animals. Steve is widely known for his admirable character and is very highly regarded as a truly inspirational and humble human being with a very contagious smile.

Volunteer awardees at the Brierley Hill Civic Hall

The Sporting Champion Award was awarded to Paul Gough for his efforts in the development of the Priory Boxing Club, following the vision to extend and improve facilities. Paul secured a substantial amount of funding for the club, engaged local people and managed the delivery of the construction phase of the project. The club is now a much larger modern space, specific to the sport but also available for use to the wider community.

Paul has encouraged hundreds of local young people to train and focus on a positive activity.

The next award, the Ray McGuirk Young Volunteer Award, was presented to George Langford and Harry Gibbons, 1st Coseley Scout Group. George and Harry eagerly organise events, help raise funds and look after the welfare of others during activities. They have both now progressed into leadership roles going above and beyond for the group.

ted musicians, Danny Miller and the Gentleman Songsters Choir.

the echo | 7

The last award of the evening went to Dave Brownhill, Black Country Festival/Black Country Radio/ Dudley Hospital Radio, who won the Gordon Lindsay Award for long service. This award was presented in recognition of Dave’s long term commitment to volunteering. Dave has benefited the community by giving his time to support in a variety of areas including setting up Dudley Hospital Radio, helping to develop Black Country Radio and also his involvement with the Black Country Festival.

VOLUNTEER AWARDS Hightly Commended awards Highly commended Business Supporting the Community Award Higgs & Sons

Highly commended Community Action Award DIYYA

Highly commended Healthy Communities Award

Andrew Evans, Dudley Stop Smoking Service

Highly commended Children and Families Award

Martin Francis, Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company

Highly commended Sporting Champion Award

Harilal Patel, Stourbridge Cricket Club

Highly commended Ray McGuirk Young Volunteer Award

Marissa Evans and Holly Westwood, CHAOS

special thanks to our sponsors:

news “In these hard financial times, it’s amazing to see so many donations from businesses and individuals.

We have received twice as much stuff this year from last year’s mystery business donor, which will help thousands of disadvantaged children in the Dudley borough.”

Eileen Fielding, Dudley CVS

Brett Harris , Blaze Hairdressers, and his team of helpers

Operation Santa 2016 has launched!

Like a chain of magic Christmas elves unloading Santa’s sleigh, Brett Harris, owner of Blaze Hairdressers in Kingswinford, and his faithful team of hard-working helpers yet again delivered a magnificent collection of assorted gifts for the Dudley CVS Operation Santa Appeal.

Brett, and his team of loyal buddies, industriously lifted heavy boxes of Christmas presents, filled with 4422 brand new gifts, including: baby clothes, blankets, bath towels, books, hats, games and toys, to be distributed out to disadvantaged children across the Dudley borough.

The business benefactors and source of donations have

by choice gone ‘under the radar’ this year, but there is no denying they are the ultimate ‘Secret Santa’.

The mountainous pile of presents will be stored at a temporary grotto to be sorted and allocated to voluntary groups and charities in Dudley for distribution to children and families in need throughout the borough for Christmas.

There's still time to make a donation of a new toy, book, game, clothes, bedding etc, call Eileen on 01384 573381.

The closing date for donations is 12th December 2016. i For more information on the wish list please visit the Operation Santa blog: www.operationsanta.wordpress.com

Save money on essential supplies One of The Prince’s Charities, In Kind Direct helps you to get the things you need to support your community.

They do this by taking donations of goods from manufacturers and retailers and redistributing them to charities and not for profit organisations.

Items include toiletries, cleaning products, household goods, toys, clothes, and just about anything you can think of to run your services or give to the people you support.

Goods are all new and good quality but become surplus because they are short dated, have slight defects in the packaging or branding or are returns.

Simply register for free on the In Kind Direct website: www.inkinddirect.org/join. You can then browse the online catalogue and order the goods you need. You pay a small handling charge for the service which is typically around 20% of the retail price you’d usually pay per item, and includes delivery. i To find out how In Kind Direct can help you do more for the people you support, visit www.inkinddirect.org, email info@inkinddirect.org or call 0300 30 20 200

news Trade School Trade School is a great way of sharing skills and talents. Anyone can teach something they are skilled at, or passionate about. Learners ‘pay’ for class with a small barter item, such as food, supplies, advice or an offer to teach a class in future.

Trade School started as an experiment in New York in 2009. The team behind it created space for 76 classes to be run over 35 evenings. The classes ranged from scrabble strategy to composting, from grant writing to ghost hunting. In exchange for instruction, teachers received anything from running shoes to mix CDs to flowers. Over 800 people participated!

Today there is a collective of local Trade School organisers in different cities and towns across the world. A team of people now organise a Trade School in Dudley. The 3 classes run at the launch of Trade School Dudley in July this year bought together 27 learners aged 8 to 80, with fluffy baby chicks, pens and pastels, and lots of wool and laughter.

The next Trade School Dudley classes will be in December. If you or any of your family or friends have a skill or talent to share and would like to teach a class we’d love to hear from you - there’s an online form you can fill in at www.bit.ly/tsdudleydec2016 or email or call Lorna Prescott if you’d like to ask anything (lorna@dudleycvs.org.uk 07501 722255).

If you’d rather come along to learn we’ve already got some great classes lined up. Jane will be back to help Demystify Crochet, Janet is offering a class on learning to look at: ‘Modern’ Art (cracking the code), Guy will be running a class making with wood, and Karl will get you cooking. i Classes will take place at Gather on Dudley High Street between 4pm and 7pm on Friday 9 December and between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday 10 December.

Wall Heath Tennis Club courts success!

Dudley CVS team member Becky recently attended the grand opening of Wall Heath Tennis Club’s £75,000 clubhouse, the result of 2 years’ hard work by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The club’s previous clubhouse was so unappealing that the committee thought it would put off potential members. But what the club did have was a dedicated group of people with an array of skills and a loyal membership that could rally wider support.

To help the club achieve its vision for a modern, welcoming clubhouse and a great space for all kinds of other activity, Becky supported with: • Encouraging the committee to think about setting the club

up in a way that gave them more protection.

• Thinking about getting a lease, which would help them with funding applications.

• Identifying appropriate funders and reviewing an early draft application to Ibstock Cory.

• Sharing ideas about how the facility could benefit the wider community and involving people in making

a great place to get active.

The opening demonstrated the results of all this effort. Members of all ages mingled with residents and local businesses were thanked for offering sweets, flowers and cakes for the event. It was clear that the club had been cultivating links with the wider community.

“Unlocking funding is about more than putting pen to paper; it’s about bringing together people with skills and commitment, building support, demonstrating why funding is needed, showing funders exactly what will happen with their money and how that will improve people’s lives. The volunteers at Wall Heath Tennis Club did it admirably!” Becky Pickin, Dudley CVS

the echo | 10

In Kind Direct

news Public attitudes to giving to charity revealed Recent survey results of public attitudes towards giving to charity make interesting reading and could help you to plan better, more transparent fundraising campaigns.

The research was undertaken by research consultancy nfpSynergy, which also released results of its survey into what puts people off giving to charity.

Based on 1,000 respondents aged 16+, it reveals that the top factors that encourage people to give to a particular charity are: charity is clear about what donations are 56% The spent on 47% Learning about the impact the charity has 37% Positive stories about the charity in the media studies / stories about individuals that 33% Case have been helped Interestingly, the results suggest that people aged 55 and over were more likely to want a charity to be clear about what donations are spent on and information about the charity’s impact. People under 35 preferred case studies more than older age groups and they wanted to be able to take part in fundraising events, receive thank yous and have volunteering opportunities.

The results also showed the top reasons people would feel more confident about their donation being spent well, which are:

44% The charity is mostly run by volunteers member of staff ever travelled first class 36% No on expenses Nobody in the organisation is paid more than

35% £50,000 31% Nobody got a bonus

the echo | 11

It’s notable that these reasons are less important to respondents than they were in January 2014.

To accompany this research, nfpSynergy released results into what puts people off giving to charity. The top 4 reasons are:

54% Too little money actually going to the cause 43% Too much money spent on staff salaries 40% Not being clear on how donations are spent 36% Bad publicity about the charity It seems that people want more of a relationship with their charities, to learn more about a charity’s work and why that work is important. Perhaps charities need to improve the way they tell their stories and demonstrate their impact, to show how money, time and support invested in them translate into results. So, what can charities do to make it easier for people to give to their cause? How can they address the concerns that people may have and improve their relationships with their stakeholders?

On a related note, Becky is interested in starting a regular informal session where people from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups can come together to share their ideas and support each other around telling their stories and demonstrating their work. If you’re interested in this, please get in touch.

i Join this conversation at www.tinyurl.com/zlhxxq9 i Download the nfpSynergy report ‘What would

encourage people to give to charity’ by visiting: www.tinyurl.com/han4dow i Download the nfpSynergy report ‘Public irritation with fundraisers declines’ by visiting: www.tinyurl.com/j8kbv9p

Photo credit: jovike via Foter.com / CC BY-NC

And finally....

Never too old…or too young to volunteer Age UK Dudley are extremely proud to have nominated one of their most long serving volunteers, Judy Nicholls, and also one of their youngest...and cuddliest, Bailey, a 6 month old Doberman puppy for an award at the Dudley CVS Volunteer Awards.

The Age UK Daybreak centre in Ettymoor Road, Sedgley, provides a warm, welcoming, safe environment for older people to take part in activities and make friends in the aim to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Judy has lovingly devoted her time to support and befriend local people at the Daybreak centre for many years and is an honoured member of the team. Jenny Bates Co-ordinator of Age UK Dudley’s Daybreak service, and owner of Bailey, said: “Judy is a much valued member of the Sedgley Daybreak team, the service simply would not be the same without her.”

Since Bailey became a fully badged volunteer he has frequently visited the centre spending his time providing companionship, cuddles and unlimited licks and dribble, promoting the organisation and proudly wearing his volunteer badge.

“Bailey loves to visit the centres to see his friends and as a working breed he has to earn his treats like everyone else! He can sense when he needs to be gentle around our clients and behave accordingly, unlike when he is at home!”

Age UK’s volunteer manager René Evans said: “Dogs have an amazing talent to bond with people and Bailey is no exception. Our clients love having him around and really look forward to his visits.”

Bailey continues to provide cuddles to enrich the lives of older people, in between his other interests including eating toast and nose-diving shepherds pie.

This echo was brought to you by...

Dudley CVS TEAM MEMBERS: Helena Norman, Communications Officer Becky Pickin, Small Groups Developement Officer Lorna Prescott, Senior Development Officer Kate Green, Integrated Plus Manager Nina Gee, Respiratory Coordinator Eileen Fielding, Volunteer Centre Development Manager Sharon McGlynn, Carer Coordinator with further contributions from: Mark Evans, Dudley Mind Laura Hales, In Kind Direct

Dudley CVS is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee Place of registration: England Company number: 1998105 Charity number: 517766

Dudley CVS Office: 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE T: 01384 573381 W: www.dudleycvs.org.uk @DudleyCVS

facebook.com/cvsdudley

DY1 : Stafford Street, Dudley, DY1 1RT To hire the venue, call Dale on 01384 573381 @dy1venue

BRIERLEY HILL CIVIC haLL: Bank Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3DH To hire the venue, call James on 07801 710807 @bhillcivic

facebook.com/bhillcivic w: bhillcivic.co.uk

Contact Telephone: 01384 573381 Email: dale@dudleycvs.org.uk