EDVA Newsletter November 2013 - Christmas Edition

NEWSLETTER November 2013

Christmas Edition

Welcome to the EDVA Newsletter, Christmas Edition This edition is very much a celebration of the year at EDVA and within the sector and as such this is a bumper version.

We have now settled into our new premises which, after being a long time coming, has been a great relief for us to be able to have all of our staff in the one spot being able to provide integrated services to our members.

As we close the year, we will, within the Newsletter look back at the successes achieved within East Dunbartonshire over the year. EDVA have dealt with over 5000 enquiries, seen an increase of over 30% in volunteering, and saw more than a million pounds in new money come into the sector and local groups.

-Gilbert Grieve, CEO

Grand Opening of New Premises!

On the 19th September 2013 we had our official East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action launch for our new premises on Townhead in Kirkintilloch.

The launch was organised by our own Rachel Easson and board member Liz Ibbotson with invitations designed and distributed by our marketing team‌ Continued on next page.

Unit 4/5, 18-20 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NL Sally Magnusson cutting the ribbon for our new offices.

EDVA Official Opening Launch, cont.

19th September 2013

Overall, we had a great turnout from Council and Board members such as Rhondda Geekie (Leader of the Council), Jo Swinson (MP), Gordon Thomson (Chairperson of EDVA/ CEO of Ceartas Advocacy), Bhagat Jhund (Chairperson for the Minority Ethnic Forum) and many more, including our hardworking volunteers!

EDVA Team Leader, Elaine Smith, with Sally Magnusson.

Our special guest of the day though, and our official ribbon cutter, was BBC Scotland reporter Sally Magnusson! Sally joined us for about an hour and kindly allowed our marketing team to interview her in our media hub for the day! This interview can be heard on the EDVA Launch special of our EDVA podcast on EDRadio and may be watched in the future on our YouTube Channel, which is currently in development.

A great day was had by all with catering supplied by local shops and the Food Co-op, and all of our staff members pitching in from arranging the flowers, blowing up balloons, interviewing volunteers and council members for our radio show, designing the invites and preparing tea and coffee for everyone.

(Pictured below) Jo Swinson, Gordon Thompson, Rhondda Geekie and Sally Magnusson.

“Volunteering is tremendously important for so many reasons, one because there is a tremendous need for volunteers. Lots of things can and should be done by statutory services but loads of people fall through the hoops in many sorts of ways…

I know what it’s like to be lonely in the community and not to know where to turn and to have a whole statutory set up which just misses us out. Voluntary services were able to help us and I now contribute in my own way as a volunteer. It’s tremendous for the people who need it but also for those who are able to give a little bit of time. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to have a little bit of energy and to have a vision for a communal society in which we all feed in. This place is a symbol for that.”

- Sally Magnusson (BBC Scotland Reporter), EDVA Show #7.

“It’s fantastic that there are these new premises with training rooms and great offices and a real hub for volunteering in East Dunbartonshire.”

- Jo Swinson (MP), EDVA show #7.

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Befrienders Invade Callander On the 12th September the Befrienders celebrated another successful year by visiting Callander and Loch Katrine for their annual group day out. Not only was the weather great, but the enthusiasm by both the volunteers and their Befriendees was as well. The day started out at the Crown Hotel in Callander for lunch, followed by a short shopping trip and then onto Loch Katrine where we boarded the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ boat for a lovely journey around the loch with some hot chocolate and coffee.

(Above) Laura and Pearl.

(Left) Palo and Karen.

Fundraising in 2013 Some EDVA staff members also helped out this year to raise funds for the Befrienders project. First on the 21st September, Laura Davidson (Volunteer Support Staff Member) and her friend Alexis McWilliams climbed Ben Lomond and raised an amazing £1480 which included a generous donation by Barclay’s Bank.

Volunteer Champions Development Officer, Scott Lafferty, also ran in the Great Scottish Run this year on 6th October and raised £100 as well. Also Harestanes Tenants and Residents Association kindly donated £100! So in total this year we were able to raise £1680!!

Hopefully we can continue this enthusiasm for fundraising to raise money to help socially isolated older people of East Dunbartonshire in 2014 onward.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to those that helped raise the funds and to those that donated. This money will make a big difference to the service and allow us to provide extra group events.” - Beverley Lockhart, Befriending Development Officer.

(Above) Beverley with Scott and Laura.

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(Above) Befriender Group on their day out, Sept 2013.

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Minority Ethnic Forum’s Celebrating Diversity On the 7th September the Minority Ethnic Forum hosted a Celebrating Diversity event in the Milngavie Town Hall, where EDVA were able to provide some volunteers to help everything run as smoothly as possible. Between speeches, a buffet dinner and entertainment consisting of dancers and bands, a great time was had by all. The entertainment included Chinese dancers, Scottish Folk Players, Irish Dancers, South African Gigs and Punjabi Dancer.

(Above) Punjabi Dancers

(Above) Our volunteers: Rui, Diane, AnnMarie, Marthos and Yvette.

Intergenerational Practice Showcase Event

Volunteer Champions development officer, Scott Lafferty, assisting in a tablet workshop.

East Dunbartonshire Equality Engagement Group hosted an Intergenerational Event on the 26th September 2013 in Woodhill Evangelical Church in Bishopbriggs. With thanks to Generations Working Together, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, Breeze Production, and of course the pupils at Turnbull and Kirkintilloch High the event was a fantastic success.

Big Knit Intergenerational Event On Tuesday 22nd October, EDVA put on a Big Knit night for local knitters and anyone wishing to learn to knit. All the attendees made a superb effort and their knitting talents were second to none. We’ve made a total of 111 mini hats so far to send to Innocent Drinks (25p of each drink sold will go towards Age UK) and even managed to raise a bit of cash for the charity as well. The effect that knitting groups like this has is incredible and for some this winter, it will be a real lifeline.

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Zero Waste Scotland - The Complex World of Food

“

Bread is quite literally the stuff of life because it is a basic food that supports life, yet Scotland throws away the equivalent of 2.6 million slices of bread every day, most of which could have been eaten.

The well documented events surrounding food waste from a well-known supermarket could not, according to the media, have come at a worse time. Yet I welcome the news for no other reason than to bring to the people of East Dunbartonshire’s attention the horrors and complexity of food waste. Statistics do not make for good reading as it reveals that this supermarket throws away 28,500 tonnes of food (well over half the weight of the Titanic) a year, and an increasing number of people in the UK are relying on food banks to survive. It’s shocking to think that while the UK economy loses billions because of reckless packaging, and nearly a third of food fails to end up in stores because of how it looks, 350,000 people are at the same time just a box away from hunger in the UK. We have developed a wide ranging and easily affordable training programme open to anyone However awful that may sound the horrors of world interested in gaining new skills and broadening hunger are more disturbing. In the Asian, African and their horizons in the third sector. Although the Latin American countries, well over 500 million people training is for all, there are some benefits to are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute becoming an EDVA member. poverty".

Vouchers are available for £40 off your desired course(s) if you are a member, if you are not The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization already a member then you can easily become estimates that nearly 870 million people of the 7.1 billion one by contacting us at: 0141 578 6680, people in the world, or one in eight, were suffering from alternatively you can e-mail info@edva.org. chronic undernourishment in 2010-2012.

If you book more than one course and if they Every year 15 million children die of hunger. The World amount to more than £40 in value then you will Health Organization estimates that be eligible for a voucher. one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed Venue and one-third is starving. Since you've read this article at Townhead premises in Kirkintilloch. least 200 people have died of starvation.

Unit 4/5 18/20 Townhead As 2014 approaches it would be comforting if all in East Kirkintilloch Dunbartonshire made the New Year resolution of Loving G66 1NL Food and Hating Waste and in some way making a

East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action Training Programme 2013/2014

difference however small to tackling the complex world of food waste.

”

Written by Graham Branscombe Presently responsible for the delivery of the Zero Waste Scotland Programme in East Dunbartonshire.

Skills for Treasurers – 5th December 2013 £80 for members/£150 for non-members Good Governance – 6th December 2013 £30 for members/£70 for non-members Logic Modelling – 12th December 2013 £20 for members/£40 for non-members Minute Taking – 13th December 2013 £30 for members/£40 non-members EFQM Awareness – 11th January 2014 FREE/FREE Committee Skills – 19th January 2014 and 8th February 2014 £30 for members/£70 for non-members

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Funding Grants Awarded in 2013 On the 3rd October 2013, Paul Wheelhouse (Minister for Environment and Climate Change), awarded over £3.6 million for 32 projects from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. Here are some of the projects in East Dunbartonshire that received grants, congratulations everyone!

East Dunbartonshire's Cycle Co-operative

Good Moves Bishopbriggs project aims to reduce local carbon emissions through smarter (lower carbon) travel choices to school and work. The project aims to give direct support to 2,000 residents aged 3 to 83 and to influence a further 10,000 indirectly. £160,000 has been given to support the hard work of the ED Cycle Co-op which has helped to create three new jobs and other volunteering opportunities in Bishopbriggs.

For more information about these opportunities please visit: www.edscyclecoop.org.uk/

“

We are delighted to be awarded funding from the Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund for an 18 month project to help more people travel more sustainably in Bishopbriggs. Good Moves Bishopbriggs will be able to provide Sustainable Travel Surgeries to local employers, offering individual travel planning, with information on public transport, training on cycling skills and mechanics, loan bikes for those who need them and even looking into the feasibility of establishing a community car club for local residents. There will also be a range of programmes focused in the local nursery, primary and secondary schools reaching out across the age range. Good Moves Bishopbriggs will also be able to support local community events with additional resources and build on the annual Bishopbriggs Cycle Festival that has proved so popular in previous years. All in all, a great opportunity for a few more local jobs, many more volunteering opportunities and a chance to cut carbon emissions to improve the air quality of our community.

- Mark Keihlmann, Founder of ED’s Cycle Co-op.

”

Twechar Community Action The Community Action group were granted funds of an astounding £87,000 towards their East Dunbartonshire's Green Energy Aware Twechar Water Reduction project.

This project aims to explore how rain water harvesting and reduction of water consumption both in the home and other premises in the village can reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty and support local food growing and adaptation initiatives.

For more information about what Twechar Community Action do, please visit their website: www.twecharhlec.org.uk/

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Assets Maps for East Dunbartonshire Community Maps In East Dunbartonshire there are currently 18,000 people living with a long term health condition. The risk of being diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer increases with age. Many people aged 75 and over are coping with 2-3 conditions and may have the added responsibility of caring for an elderly partner.

The time in which individuals engage in face to face health consultations and accessing traditional services is varied throughout their condition and their life in general. It is estimated that 80%-90% of the management of a long term health condition is undertaken by the person themselves, with the help of their families/carers and local community assets and support systems.

In May 2012, East Dunbartonshire CHP, The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS), EDVA and East Dunbartonshire Council launched a project aiming to:

 Strengthen the links that individuals have with their community.

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 Connect services more closely with the

communities in which they work  Promote a strengths-based approach to health & well-being across service providers, local communities and individuals  Develop tools which support service providers, local communities and individuals to build upon their strengths.

To achieve this, extensive community engagement activities have taken place to understand what local assets people living in East Dunbartonshire value for their health & well-being. From this information, an electronic map of local community assets has been developed so that others can benefit from these resources.

Developed by the community, for the community, the map can be accessed by following the link below. http://www.eastdunassets.org.uk/ You can also upload the map onto your iPads or hand held device by scanning this code.

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Asset Maps, cont.

Personal Asset Maps This project also explored the development of personal asset maps with mental health service users. Practitioners within Adult Community Mental Health Services and Voluntary Organisations within East Dunbartonshire introduced personal asset maps to their service users and requested feedback, measuring wellbeing as a result of using the maps.

A digital personal asset app was developed as a result of this work. This app allows you to create your own personalised map of what things are important in your life to promote your own well-being.

It can be useful for anyone and can be downloaded free from the App Store. Follow the link below to download the app: http://appstore.com/witty The evaluation of the report can be viewed at: http://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/social-assets-action-evaluation-report

Local Support Groups For people living with chronic health problems, support and sharing of information with others facing similar challenges holds multiple benefits. Through sharing of experiences and inviting selected speakers support groups can result in benefits such as improved understanding of their condition, better self management skills, reduced social isolation and improved health behaviours. In East Dunbartonshire, several groups are available. These are listed below:

Group Name

Meeting Place

East Dunbartonshire Diabetes Support Group

William Patrick Library Kirkintilloch

North Glasgow Parkinson’s Support Group

Bishopbriggs Community Church 21 Park Ave, G64 2SN

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Meeting Time First Wednesday of the month 6pm-8pm

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Second Wednesday of every month from 2pm-4pm

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Group Name

Meeting Place

Meeting Time

East Dunbartonshire Visually Impaired Persons Forum

East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action Offices, Unit 4/5, 18-20 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NL

Every Wednesday from 10am – 12.30 pm

East Dunbartonshire Breathe Easy Group

Milngavie Community Centre 9 Allander Rd Milngavie G62 8PN

First Wednesday of the month, from 2-4pm

De Café

Various sites across Check website for details East http://www.ceartas.org.uk/ Dunbartonshire CHP. Check website for details. info@ceartas.org.uk

ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) Cafe

Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, 52 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NL

First Thursday of every month from 1.30 pm-3 pm

East Dunbartonshire Huntington’s Support Group

Asda, 276 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs

Third Thursday of every month from 1.30pm-3.30 pm

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Asset Maps, cont.

Neuro-disability Support Group Recent research estimates that approximately 50% of stroke survivors are left with significant disability. The results of living with other neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neurone Disease face similar challenges, particularly in terms of physical disability, memory loss and low mood. With this in mind, East Dunbartonshire CHP would like to identify if there is local interest in developing a support group so that those with a neurological disorder and their families/carers can link in to share their experiences, learn more about their condition and be supported to face the future in a practical way. Some focus events will be organised to gather people with active experience of these disorders together so that they can have a say in the group’s development.

If you are interested in being involved from the start and have an influence in how this group develops please contact: Email: Catherine.Exposito@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or Tel: 07920 283775

H.O.P.E Buddies

Healthy Outcomes and Positive Experiences Are you over 65 and have a long term health condition and feel that you would benefit from attending local leisure and social activities which could help improve your lifestyle? Then HOPE Buddies can help! Our volunteer HOPE Buddies will help YOU take the first steps to access local health, well-being and social opportunities of YOUR choice!

If you are interested then call Catherine Buchanan on 0141 578 6680 or email her on catherine.buchanan@edva.org

Holiday Volunteering Opportunity Are you interested in volunteering over the Christmas and Hogmanay holidays?

We have some opportunities within the Glasgow area that are looking for people to help out on the 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th December and the 1st and 2nd January.

If you are interested in this, please contact: janice.young@edva.org

or

rona.thomson@edva.org

Or call our office on 0141 578 6680 and ask for either Janice or Rona.

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Older People’s Access Line

OPAL (Older Peoples Access Line) is a one stop phone help line run by Citizens Advice Bureau, Ceartas Advocacy, Carer’s Link and EDVA. OPAL is an access line supported by the Change Fund, a Scottish Government Initiative based on the policy ‘Reshaping Care for Older People’ which aims to change the way we care for older people and try to help them live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, adding more healthy years to their lives.

Through this policy OPAL aims to provide easier access to information and services for older people, by trying to deal with any issues before they become major crises in their daily lives.

Once you call the help line you will be assigned an advisor, who works in East Dunbartonshire and will know the local area, and who will be your point of contact until the issue(s) is resolved.

OPAL also welcomes calls on behalf of older people: if you are a young neighbour, a carer or even a professional who needs information or access to services on behalf of an older person, you can call OPAL and we can provide you with the information you need.

If you are need to contact OPAL, the phone line is open

Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm

0141 438 2347 Scan this QR code to lead you to the OPAL page on the Ceartas Advocacy website!

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Congratulations Gordon!

East Dunbartonshire Public Partnership Forum are happy to confirm that Gordon Thomson, Chief Executive of CEARTAS Advocacy has been re-elected as the voluntary sector representative to the East Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership committee.

Gordon, who lives and works in East Dunbartonshire, has been employed in the voluntary sector for 14 years and brings a wealth of knowledge as the representative of the voluntary sector in East Dunbartonshire.

Gordon is also the Chairperson of EDVA and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.

Gordon is keen to ensure, that the views of the third sector within ED is represented. With this in mind, if any voluntary organisation in East Dunbartonshire wishes to bring an update or news to the CHP Committee, please contact your liaison officer Anthony Craig, who will bring this to Gordon’s attention.

Email: anthony.craig@edva.org.

EDVA Annual General Meeting Members and guests gathered on Monday 23rd September for EDVA’s first ever AGM. We had a guest speaker Paul White, Director of Networks from SCVO, who spoke about the state of the third sector in Scotland and highlighting issues such as welfare reform, joint commissioning and the future integration of health and social work.

Following on from the main business of the meeting, Gilbert Grieve, CEO, gave special thanks to Keith Moody who recently retired from the EDVA board after many years working within East Dunbartonshire’s Voluntary Sector.

If you wish to hear of future members’ meetings please contact info@edva.org for a membership pack.

Operation Christmas Child In November the staff all got together to participate in the Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ by collecting items to fill shoeboxes to send away to children in Eastern Europe.

In these boxes were some great items like gloves, scarves, puzzle boxes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, colouring books, colouring pencils, sweeties, skipping ropes and Yo-Yos! Fun for all children!

We shipped away 4 shoeboxes, 2 for boys aged 5-9 years old and 2 for girls aged 5-9 years. Check out their website! www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

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Living Positively with Dementia in East Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire Social Services, the Dementia Network and partners would like to explore with you how your public service can work WITH people with dementia and their carers more effectively to achieve a dementia-inclusive society in East Dunbartonshire.

We call this collaborative way of working ‘co-production’. For us, it means “professionals and citizens making better use of each other’s assets, resources and contributions to achieve better outcomes or improved efficiency.”

We would therefore like to invite you to attend a strategy workshop we are holiding on Friday 6th December 2013 from 09:3012:00, East Dunbartonshire Enterprise Trust Ltd, Southbank Business Park, Kirkintilloch, G66 1XQ. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Paula Brown on 0141 355 2200 or paula.brown@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Volunteer Of The Months

For the December VOTM interview with Martin and other EDVA Volunteer of the Month is a new initiative developed articles please visit to show our appreciation to those volunteers who have www.edvavolblog.wordpress.com worked very hard in their communities.

December 2013

The December Volunteer of the Month is Martin Brickley.

Chair of the E.D. Youth Question Time and he co-led on the intergenerational event on Thursday 26th September as well as planning an intergenerational project between Volunteer Champions at Turnbull High and Generations Working Together forum. He also sits on PPF, Change Fund Transformational Group and Secretary of Kirkintilloch and District Senior’s Forum.

“He’s practically a one man voluntary sector.” – Gilbert Grieve, CEO. November 2013

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October 2013

September 2013

August 2013

July 2013

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EDVA Success Stories Within 2013 we were able to employ a further 3 part-time staff members with the help of Community Job Scotland (CJS) and Third Sector Internship Scotland (TSIS). Those from CJS were given a 6 month part-time contract as Marketing Support Officers and from TSIS we were able to bring aboard a Social Media Intern for 16 weeks on a part-time basis.

Towards the end of these contracts we were to keep on two of these interns for a further few months and allow them to continue their work within EDVA as well as helping other external organisations.

These two staff members have this to say about their time so far with EDVA: “In March 2013 I was on job seekers allowance when I was offered, by my advisor at the local job centre, to apply for a job that was being paid for by Community Jobs Scotland. Luckily I was accepted for this position and I then became a Marketing Support Officer at East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action.

Originally this fund was for 6 month part-time contract but it allowed me the chance to prove my abilities within an office environment for the first time (as previously I had had no real job experience outside of retail) and I have now been given the opportunity to stay on for a further few months on a full-time basis which would not have been possibly without CJS. In the last few months I have been able to build up my confidence in the work-force and have met some amazing people. I am incredibly grateful to have been given that chance and look forward to continuing my work with EDVA.” Rebecca McCrosson Social Media & Marketing Assistant

“I started my internship with EDVA back in May and since then I have grown tremendously as a young marketing professional and as a person. I’ve known about TSIS since the beginning of my fourth year at University and was determined to get a place with them somewhere. EDVA was the perfect package for my first career orientated job. I’d already known for quite some time that I wanted to try and combine my passion for helping others with my professional path so becoming a marketing/ social media officer for a third sector interface was the perfect combination. If it wasn’t for TSIS helping me find the social media development internship with EDVA I probably would have graduated with very little job prospects as most students and post grads know, the media industry is a hard one to get into without substantial experience.”

Melissa Russell Social Media & Marketing Assistant

(Pictured left) Melissa and Rebecca with Sally Magnusson at EDVA launch.

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Customer Success Story Local Partnerships that work Thomas Willson Where do you live? Kirkintilloch How long have you been volunteering? About one year now.

What did you do before you volunteered? I used to be an engineer.

How does the Disability Community help the local community?

The group has several projects, the one I’m involved in is about delivering meals to the people in harder living conditions.

What do you do as a volunteer for them?

My role as a volunteer involves supporting the delivery of meals process or driving. I have been volunteering with the organisation for over 1 year now, on a Monday and Wednesday every week around six hours a week.

How did you find out about this opportunity?

I was referred through the Volunteer Centre in East Dunbartonshire, now EDVA. How did you find the EDVA registration process? How long after registering did you start volunteering?

The registration process is good. It was a little long after I registered that I managed to get this opportunity, the team at the centre tried to refer me to other opportunities but they didn’t work out.

Why do you volunteer?

To build my confidence and to meet new people in the process.

Not long ago there was an article in the Evening Times stating that the Disability Community won an award, can you tell us a little about that?

The Glasgow City Council has an award for some of the local Charities as a reward to their outstanding efforts, this year we were one of the chosen Charities. We will have a celebration in Springburn College and an event in the City Chambers in December 2013 and it will be great to see all involved present and the other groups as well.

What does this mean for the Disability Community and yourself?

It is really a great honour for the organisation but also for me as one of the volunteers of the group. This was recognition of the groups as well.

Would you recommend volunteering to others? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend everybody to volunteer. It’s good to boost your confidence, to develop new skills and to get the amazing sense of reward by helping others.

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Customer Success Story Local Partnerships that work Story from a Volunteer Champion, 16 years old, Bishopbriggs Academy.

“

I joined the Volunteer Champions because I volunteer with a football club and Glasgow Life and wanted to do more.

I wanted to see what other opportunities I could be involved in and wanted to do something different. The course, I felt, started off slowly, though it was interesting. I feel a shortened induction would give us more time to concentrate on our projects with the help of our tutors. We have so far looked at what is volunteering, the benefits of volunteering for you, young people and organisations, the volunteer champions role, communication and interview skills; and how to go about promoting volunteering, voluntary opportunities and the Saltire Awards to

other young people in Bishopbriggs Academy. Our tutor Scott is very helpful and supportive, helping us to understand our role and helping us through any challenges we encounter. The course projects are very much in our control, which I feel is a good thing because it gives us the chance to get our perspective and views across. My group Volunteer Champion project is to try and create a promotional video that shows the difference volunteering can make to young people getting a job or not. I am happy working with the Volunteer Champions and I am hopeful of other opportunities and volunteering roles in the near future.

”

Youth Question Time On the 14th November, Volunteer Champions and Bishopbriggs Academy hosted a Youth Question Time with members of various political parties across Scotland.

On the panel we had Jo Swinson MP representing Liberal Democrats; Greg McClymont MP for Labour; Cllr Gillian Renwick, SNP; Gordon Thomson, chairperson for EDVA, CEO of Ceartas Advocacy and representative from the Voluntary Sector; Ross Greer who is Co-convenor for the Green Party and a former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for East Dunbartonshire, or MSYP for short, and Conor Brady who is also former MSYP and a 6th year pupil at Turnbull High. Chairing the panel was Martin Brickley from the Equality Engagement Group and Kirkintilloch and District Senior’s Forum. Pupils asked questions on varying from topics such as Scottish Independence and the 16/17 year olds entitlement to vote in next years referendum to public transport issues in East Dunbartonshire, all of which were open to some very interesting discussion from both panel members and students in attendance.

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Celebrating Parliament Week Volunteer Champions celebration of Parliament Week continued over the following week from the Youth Question Time. Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th November, development officer, Scott Lafferty and Operations Manager, Elaine Smith accompanied six Bishopbriggs Academy pupils to London to visit Parliament!

These pupils were (from left to right) Courtney, Khayiana, Kenneth, Sianlee, Lucy and Jacob.

The two days were packed with lots of activity such as hearing debates, touring London’s sights, with the highlight being of a private tour around Parliament with Jo Swinson’s assistant, Corrine, followed by watching Prime Minister’s Questions in the Select Committee Room in Portcullis House and Jo Swinson MP joined them for a friendly Q&A session, which you can see pictured below. The trip ended with a short shopping spree around Oxford Street before catching the train back to Glasgow.

The pupils, Scott and Elaine with Jo Swinson, MP at Parliament.

(Pictured Left)

Social Enterprise Event at EDVA Every year, Social Enterprise Scotland (SES) runs a series of policy events across Scotland. The next event is in East Dunbartonshire on Thursday, 12th December in Kirkintilloch. This event will be hosted by SES, in partnership with Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA) and will bring together local SEs, MSPs, MPs as well as local authority officers and elected members. If you work in or with SEs in East Dunbartonshire and would like to attend the event please follow the link below: www.socialenterprisescotland.org.uk/news/events/1057

Community Fund Befrienders and everyone at EDVA would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who voted in the Bank of Scotland’s Community Fund Poll as we can happily announce we came first and won a prize of £3000! All of this will go towards continuing to help socially isolated older people in East Dunbartonshire!

Congratulations to others who were up for the vote as well and who also won some money thanks to the Bank of Scotland Community Fund! And another big thank you to Ann McGuire who is a volunteer Befriender for nominating us in the first place.

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GRACE

(Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise)

“

I have a Post Graduate Diploma in

It pledges through “the

Human Resources Management,

advancement of education

specialising in adult education and lifelong

and the relief of

learning and I hope to bring my

unemployment by providing

experiences in lifelong learning to support

volunteering opportunities for individuals

all the members of GRACE. Being a Board who have experienced addiction or other member with GRACE is very rewarding and life trauma and by delivering training which enjoyable. It is a great way to be involved

can be used in other settings to increase

in a cause which matters to me.

employment prospects.”

GRACE has survived against all the odds

In today’s society everyone needs support

and is continuing to grow through its

and encouragement to learn new skills and

volunteers continuous commitment and

GRACE offers its members a unique

hard work. It provides a wonderful

opportunity to learn new skills within a safe

supportive service to all in recovery within

and confidential environment where they

East Dunbartonshire and the wider area.

feel valued. I look forward to my time at

GRACE’s door is open to anyone who

GRACE and hope I can bring something of

needs a friendly face and through its

real value to its members.

supportive learning course offer a wide

- Jacqueline Hannah, New Board

range of adult education course to all its

Member of GRACE.

members.

”

“

I’m a newly elected member of the board of GRACE. I first heard about GRACE last year when it was meeting in Hillhead Community Centre. I realised the great value of the work it is involved in, helping folk who are recovering from some form of life trauma to see there is a future and a way ahead for them.

I am retired but served as a trustee for 6 years on the board of a small local charity and was also employed as office administrator for some years prior to my retirement. I hope that some of the skills I gained then will be helpful to GRACE. - Betty Shiers, New Board Member of GRACE.

www.edva.org

0141 578 6680

”

@EastDunVA

Don’t feel the pinch this winter!

We’re already approaching that time of year again when we start thinking about those dreaded heating bills. It’s difficult for many householders to stay warm in winter at an affordable cost.

However there is help available and householders are being urged to seek advice from Home Energy Scotland to stay warm this winter. Managed by Energy Saving Trust and funded by Scottish Government, our Home Energy Scotland advisors can offer clear and impartial energy saving advice as well as:

 A free Home Energy Check – A tailored report offering ways to make your home more energy efficient.  Access to Schemes and Finance Find out what Scottish Government schemes you could be entitled to from income maximisation to measures to help make your home more energy efficient.  Home Visits - If you would rather talk in person instead of talking in detail over the phone, then give us a call to arrange a home visit.

 Support for Community Groups - Are you part of a local community group?

Why not invite your local Community Liaison Officer along as a guest speaker.

Contact via phone or email if interested: Nadia.Winnick@sc.homeenergyscotland.org

For clear, impartial advice, call us free* on 0808 808 2282 *from landlines and the majority of mobiles

www.edva.org

0141 578 6680

@EastDunVA

Winter Hotlist Volunteering Opportunities

Befriending Plus – EDVA Location - East Dunbartonshire

Credit Union Volunteers Strathkelvin Credit Union Location - Kirkintilloch

Strathkelvin Credit Union is solely run by volunteers who contribute in many ways, from coming along to collection points and making tea to training to become tellers/ cashiers. They can also learn committee skills and eventually be on one of the committees or Board of Directors.

Active Schools - ED Leisure and Culture Trust Location - East Dunbartonshire

Active Schools offers year round volunteering opportunities for sport and physical activity during extra-curricular time (before school, lunch time and after school). The goal of the team is to offer all children and young people the motivation and opportunities to ‘get active’. This is done through recruiting and training volunteers to ensure there are more high quality extra-curricular opportunities for all children to participate in sport. Volunteers will be required to complete a Volunteer Application Form and a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check if required. This will be followed by an initial meeting with a member of the team who will signpost you to suitable roles and training if appropriate.

Member of Steering Groups - Wild

By Nature Location - East Dunbartonshire

A worthwhile chance for those wishing to promote the development of a community group working for schoolchildren through allocating annual charity events, fundraising and being involved in decisions relating to the good we do connected to conservation, heritage and people.

www.edva.org

The Befriending-Plus role is to provide informal support on a one-to-one basis (usually unsupervised) with a socially isolated vulnerable adult aged 65 years and over who is resident in East Dunbartonshire. By providing support to carry out basic tasks like shopping, attending appointments, signposting to other services/organisations and providing a discreet monitoring service (good day call) and maintaining contact with their local community.

Community Food Co-op Volunteers Location - Lennoxtown and Hillhead

We are looking for people who live in Lennoxtown and Hillhead to volunteer with community food co-ops. Each Food Co-op is run by community group of volunteers who are passionate about helping their communities to enjoy healthier eating. It is fun, you will meet new people and it gives you experience which could improve your job prospects if that is what you are looking for.

East Dunbartonshire Food Co-ops Advisory Group Location - East Dunbartonshire

ED Food Co-ops Advisory Group is a vibrant led group which supports community food co-ops. We are looking for members with partners (from East Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, Hillhead Housing Association and East Dunbartonshire Council) and use their combined experience to help the communities access fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy healthy eating. We are looking for members who have relevant skills in areas such as Health, Social Enterprise, Business/Marketing, Finance, Strategic, Charity Work and HR.

Treasurer - ED Food Co-ops Advisory Group Location - East Dunbartonshire ED Food Co-Ops Advisory Group is looking for members with the relevant skills to oversee budgets, accounts and financial statements, liaise with the committee, ensure appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place, to ensure that any recommendations of examiners are implemented. To present financial reports to the committee, to present the annual accounts at the group’s AGM.

0141 578 6680

@EastDunVA

Winter Hotlist, Cont.

DeafBlind Scotland Christmas Collection - East Dunbartonshire

DeafBlind Scotland are looking for people to commit to volunteering for just 2 hours and help collect donation money around East Dunbartonshire.

On Saturday 7th December at Tesco Milngavie, plus town centre.

On Friday 13th December at Asda in Bishopbriggs.

On Sunday 15th December on Buchanan Street in Glasgow City Centre.

And on Friday 20th December at Braehead with Kirkintilloch High School Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir.

Shop Assistant – Debra Charity Shop Location - Cowgate, Kirkintilloch

If you are interested in any of the opportunities mentioned or wish to hear about other opportunities available then all you have to do is pop along to our office and register with us!

If you are already registered with us, you can still contact us requesting more information on your chosen opportunity.

This will give an opportunity to people from all walks of life - while training in all areas of retail business. Debra can make a difference to many people in UK who suffer from EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). This opportunity will deal with, processing, selling, administration, using an electrical till, pricing and interacting with the public. Also working with a great team.

Where to find us?

Unit 4/5, 18-20 Townhead Kirkintilloch East Dunbartonshire Glasgow G66 1NL (Inbetween Sainbury’s and Farmfoods)

Hospital Escort – Royal Voluntary Service Location – Hospitals throughout West Central Scotland

Want to book an appointment?

0141 578 6680 or info@edva.org

Royal Voluntary Service escorts are based in foyer area of hospitals. Volunteers must have a good knowledge of hospital in order to direct patients to the right department. They may also be required to take the patient to their destination.

For updates on our monthly hotlist visit: www.edvavolblog.wordpress.com

Caring with Confidence AssistantCarers Link, East Dunbartonshire Location - Based in Milngavie office

Volunteers are required to help our 'Caring With Confidence' team responsible for organising training events and Carer Support Groups. The training team require a small team of volunteers who can assist them with admin tasks, helping with room set-up and clear away, meeting and greeting Carers, providing emotional support during training and regular support groups. Volunteers will be part of the team; the training sessions for Carers may also interest volunteers.

www.edva.org

0141 578 6680

Check out our Facebook: www.facebook.com/EastDunVA Or follow us on Twitter: @EastDunVA

@EastDunVA

Looking To Recruit More Volunteers?

Each month EDVA produce a monthly hotlist which features voluntary opportunities from local organisations that are looking for more volunteers (as seen on previous page).

If you are from a local group and wish to advertise your opportunities through this hotlist then please feel free to contact us and we will look into adding you onto our next edition.

Contact: Tel: 0141 578 6680 Email: info@edva.org Social Media: www.facebook.com/EastDunVA

or

www.twitter.com/EastDunVA

What’s On - Winter Special December 2013 – January 2014

December EDVA Knit Night – Festive Special East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action Unit 4-5, 18/20 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, G66 1NL Tuesday 3rd December 5pm – 8pm “Following the success of our Big Knit Intergenerational Event on the 22nd October, EDVA presents our next Knit Night: Festive Special. Come along and learn how to knit festive decorations and gifts which will be sold to raise money for the East Dunbartonshire Befrienders!”

Call 0141 578 6680 for more info.

Wild by Nature – Festive Toy Trail Mugdoch Country Park Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 10am – 11 30am / 12 15pm -1 45pm Cost £5 Booking call 0141 956 6100 Christmas Craft Fayre Bishopbriggs Library Saturday 14th December 11am – 3pm “Various stalls and free craft demonstrations.”

www.edva.org

Class Acts 2013 Lillie Art Gallery Milngavie 14th – 19th Dec “An exhibition of art works by senior pupils from East Dunbartonshire’s eight secondary schools, highlighting a wealth of young artistic and creative talent.”

January Lenzie New Year Family Run Tuesday 2nd January 10am onwards Registration Lenzie Union Church (old hall) Starts 11am sharp at Cedar Drive in Lenzie “Organised by Lenzie Community Council and Kirkintilloch Olympians, the Lenzie New Year Family Run has been on the go for many years now and is eagerly awaited by the men, women and children who take part, alongside the usual quota of grannies and dogs!”

For more information about forthcoming events in Lenzie, visit our website: www.lenziecommunitycouncil.org.uk

0141 578 6680

@EastDunVA

Get To Know Our Staff!

Name: Graham Branscombe Age: 155 (how I feel) Job Title: Volunteer and Advocacy Coordinator How long you have had that post for: 1 year + How did you get started with EDVA? They wanted someone good looking Favourite event that EDVA hold/ attend in the last year: Opening of new office Your favourite part about Christmas?

Boxing day Worst present you’ve ever received?

A pen (can’t write) Best present you’ve ever received? My daughter announcing she had bought a flat and was moving out.

Name: Amy Hughes Age: 21 Job Title: Development Officer How long you have had that post for: 1 year (although I have worked with EDVA/Volunteer Centre for 2 and a half years) How did you get started with EDVA? I was a volunteer mentor on a project called Youth Leading the Way and was sent out a job advert for bank staff and I applied – and here I am two and a half years later!

Memorable experience with a volunteer/customer: When I attended an evening with the First Minister with one of my volunteers to celebrate all the volunteering that she had done.

Your favourite part about Christmas?

Christmas dinner! and Christmas Lights Worst present you’ve ever received?

A hoover from my boyfriend’s mum last year –are you serious?

Name: Catherine Buchanan Age: Young at heart Job Title: Volunteer Support Staff How long you have had that post for: 02/06/13 till present How did you get started with EDVA? Volunteering Memorable experience with a volunteer/customer: They are all memorable and mostly positive. I enjoy working with the volunteers as they are involved in something they enjoy and want to do, unlike something they must do. Some of the clients I work with have a form of memory impairment and can’t always remember my name but recognise me on arrival and give me a great big smile and say where are we off to today.

Worst present you’ve ever received? An Iron. It was useful, but disappointing.

www.edva.org

0141 578 6680

@EastDunVA

Looking Towards 2014!

As we look to the future for 2014, which we hope will be one in which EDVA can provide even more support for our members, we have to thank the people who have made the activities of the last year possible.

First of all the Board of EDVA, representing community Groups and Individuals have put in a tremendous amount of work to support us.

Our Community Planning Partners; East Dunbartonshire Council, East Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership, The Police and Fire and Rescue amongst them, and of course you, our members and volunteers.

All the best for 2014, and a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all.

On behalf of everyone at East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action we wish you a happy holidays!

Bodhi Day (8th Dec) Hannukkah (9th Dec) Winter Solstice (21st Dec) Christmas Day (25th Dec)

Copyright Š 2013 East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) Registered Scottish Charity No: SC042983 This document can be provided in alternative formats as required. Please contact EDVA at the contact details provided to request this.