Kingston Voluntary Action Newsletter Autumn 2012

October 2012

Newsletter The newsletter for Kingston’s voluntary & community sector Incorporating the GO Kingston Volunteering Newsletter Pages 7 — 9

Olympian volunteering effort in Kingston great for Games “Just going through Kingston there at the end the noise was amazing and I don’t think my sporting career will ever top that” enthused Bradley Wiggins after winning the 44km men’s time trial.

KVA would like to thank the 200 volunteers that joined the Go Kingston Volunteering team to make the Torch Relay, Kingston Cultural Programme and cycle races happen.

Thank you also to all of Kingston’s Games Makers, Kingston University, Kingston First, Rotary, police, council officers, and community organisations that contributed their time, passion and

diligence to making sure London 2012 will be known in Games history as one of the greatest shows of community spirit.

And finally to Kingston’s people, who came out on the streets in their droves to lend their roars and cheers to an electric atmosphere that our sporting heroes will never forget.

In this edition News

2-4

Funding

5-6

Go Kingston 7-9 Volunteering news (Olympics special) Health & Social Care news

10

ICT Hub

11-13

KVA contacts

16

Keep up to date with KVA online:

twitter.com/KingstonVA

Kingston Voluntary Action, Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road, Kingston KT2 6LX Tel: 020 8255 3335 Fax: 020 8255 8804 Email: info@kva.org.uk Website: www.kva.org.uk Registered Charity No. 257551

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www.kva.org.uk

News

RBK grants review reaches its final stage of consultation A review of Kingston Council’s Corporate Grants Programme is currently being carried out, led by a Project Team with representatives from the Voluntary Sector including KVA Council service areas and Kingston Council Strategic Business.

Initial work implemented on the review involved revising

the application forms and guidance for the year 2012/13 to reflect more closely the vision set out in the Kingston Plan.

The core team has now come up with proposals for a revised framework for the Corporate Grants Programme which addresses the issues and findings from a range of voluntary sector

workshops and meetings.

RBK are now seeking formal views and comments on these proposals through workshops and consultations and an online survey.

You can download the Corporate Grants Review Proposals and take part in the survey at: http://bit.ly/S7jOOy

Keeping children safe in your care requires the right training ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010)’ Chapter 4 outlines expectations for employers around safeguarding children training.

familiarisation with child protection responsibilities and policies and procedures to be followed if they have concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.

As an employer and an organisation that engages or is run by volunteers, you should ensure that all those in contact or working with children and young people and/or adults who are parents or carers have mandatory induction in Safeguarding Children.

Kingston’s Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) expects this requirement to be met for both staff and volunteers.

Level 1 includes

In order to more accurately understand the safeguarding children training needs, the LSCB and Kingston Voluntary Action need to

Coming soon - online training Safeguarding Children Level 1 We are proud to announce that from October 2012 you will be able to access a Level/Group 1 Safeguarding course online at www.kva.org.uk

capture the training requirements across all the sectors and organisations that work with children, young people and/or adults who are parents or carers.

Take part online today at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ 2DBN6ZS

And the winner is...

Kingston Citizens Advice Bureau, who won a free place on a course of their choice on our Autumn capacity-building programme after completing a Training Needs Analysis survey, and entering our prize draw.

Autumn 2012

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News

Love Kingston puts fundraising at the heart of the community Love Kingston, a new fundraising campaign will launch on 4 October at John Lewis.

Kingston Food Bank, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, Oxygen and Kingston Savers.

The campaign is part of Kingston Voluntary Action’s Transforming Infrastructure project. Working in partnership with London Community Foundation the charitable venture will seek to raise vital new funds for the local voluntary and community sector.

Half of donations secured will also help to build a Legacy Fund for Kingston, supporting local groups long into the future.

Half of donations received

by Love Kingston will specifically support five local groups working on a common theme of Pathways out of Poverty. We are delighted to announce that the five organisations to receive funding are Hestia,

Until March 31st 2015 we will be able to boost all donations to this Fund by 50% under the government’s Community First programme. A total of £128,702 is available to Kingston for match funding.

Donations are invested as

part of an endowed fund and the annual income will be used to support charitable activity year on year.

Individuals, businesses and groups are currently being invited to donate to the campaign, which is an opportunity for donors to maximize the impact of each donation and invest in a long term strategy for change.

Love Kingston is funded by the Big Fund on behalf of the Office for Civil Society (Cabinet Office).

For more information contact Elaine Miller on the contact details at the bottom of the page or visit www.love-kingston.org.uk

Could you run the London Marathon for Love Kingston?

KVA and the London Community Foundation are asking local people to take part in the 2013 Virgin London Marathon to raise money for our Love Kingston campaign.

The money you raise will support the five projects in Kingston working on the theme of ‘Pathways Out of Poverty’, and help to build our Legacy Fund for future funding of the local voluntary and community sector (see our article above).

Funds will be divided equally between Pathways Out of Poverty and the Legacy Fund.

There are five places available for anyone keen to put on their running shoes and help us fight poverty in Kingston and save for the future.

For those who choose to sign up for a place, a full fundraising pack will be sent out with more information and goodies!

A big thanks to the people that are already taking part!

For further information or to book your place please contact Elaine Miller on elaine@londoncf.org.uk or 0208 255 3335

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News

www.kva.org.uk

New award to celebrate women in Kingston’s community The local club of an international women's organisation are marking the Jubilee and Olympic year by launching a Woman in the Community Award.

It will honour a woman who has contributed in a voluntary capacity to the wellbeing of women and girls in the Kingston Club area.

Soroptimist International of Kingston Upon Thames and District is part of an international women’s service organisation who for almost one hundred years have been striving to

improve the status of women.

This has included raising awareness of important issues affecting women, speaking on behalf of women who cannot speak for themselves and acting to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.

Kingston Club was founded in 1944, and is looking forward to celebrating 70 years of supporting women, girls and the local community. The Kingston Club area includes the Boroughs of Hounslow,

Richmond and Kingston.

Club Joint Presidents Christine Hay and Lynn Park are using the Soroptimist International key areas of Educating, Empowering and Enabling and Enhancing lives as the criteria for the Award. The trophy will be presented at a reception in March 2013 at The House of Commons.

The deadline for awards submissions is 30 November.

Contact Club Secretary Pat Harman on kingstons1@hotmail.co.uk

Are you protecting your data?

The Information Commissioner’s Office is offering small and medium-sized organisations a free day advisory visit to improve their data protection practices.

Advisory visits are provided free of charge and give small and medium-sized organisations the opportunity to discuss and receive practical advice from the ICO aimed at improving their data protection practices.

Visit http://bit.ly/R1XyVs to apply for your advisory day.

Kingston Green Pledge supports local organisations in reducing their negative environmental impacts.

Published by Kingston Council with help from Kingston Environment Group (KEG), it provides manageable goals, ideas, support, and recognition for their positive environmental actions, existing and new.

KEG Co-Chairs Hilary Gander or Marilyn Mason can come and talk to your organisation or network about the Kingston Green Pledge. Visit http://bit.ly/QElIU2

Free online human resources advice from HR professionals HRNet is a free scheme offering a unique online resource developed by the Cranfield Trust. Registered charities can obtain answers to Human Resources questions from HR professionals in the commercial and voluntary sector.

Visit www.cranfieldtrust.org to sign up for free HR advice

Autumn 2012

Funding

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KVA Investment Fund for one-off working capital available Kingston Voluntary Action has developed a new Investment Fund targeted specifically to build the capacity of organisations in Kingston to become tender ready for commissioning. The Fund has been established using RBK London Councils (Reduced Contribution) funding.

Local voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises are being invited to submit applications for oneoff investment of working capital to gear their organisation for public service contract delivery.

Organisations must provide evidence of their engagement with statutory

providers to be eligible to apply.

Applications for funds must not exceed £50,000. Applications must be made in writing, clearly stating an outline of your proposal including the public service contract you would be aiming to deliver, evidence that you can meet the outcomes for the service you will be delivering, and a detailed budget.

For further information contact Hilary Garner on 020 8255 3335. You can submit your application to Hilary Garner at KVA address (see back page). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Grow your income with the Grow your Tenner campaign Localgiving.com has been given £500,000 from the Office for Civil Society to increase the number of charities receiving regular donations through the website.

From 10am on 25th September 2012, Localgiving.com will match up to £10 of donations made to local groups. Funds will be matched to both one-off donations and monthly donations made by direct debit (for the first three months).

Although supporters can donate any amount between £5 and £1,000, only a maximum of £10 will be matched per donation. For example, if a supporter makes a one-time donation of £6, then £6 will be matched. If a supporter makes a one-time donation of £15, then £10 will be matched.

Or if a supporter signs up to donate £7 per month, £7 will be matched each month for the first three months (a total of £21 will be matched). If a supporter signs up to donate £15 per month, £10 will be matched each month for the first three months (a total of £30 will be matched).

Local organisations such as Learn English at Home are making the most of Localgiving.com

Localgiving.com will continue to match donations until the full £500,000 has been allocated to charities across England.

KVA can fund your first year's subscription, usually costing £72, so you can try out this fundraising website for yourself. KVA also runs regular two hour workshops to get your webpage started. You do not need any technical or web experience.

Contact Sanja Kane at KVA on training@kva.org.uk or 020 8255 3335

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www.kva.org.uk

Funding

How to win contracts and influence commissioners Commissioning by public bodies such as the NHS and local authorities is becoming increasingly significant as more public services are delivered by private and voluntary sector organisations. The Health and Social Act is now enshrined in law and the Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group will launch as an independent statutory organisation in April 2013.

For many voluntary sector managers these developments provide new challenges at their organisations.

The Cranfield Trust, in partnership with KVA, can offer free management support to 6 local organisations who would like to raise their knowledge and capability in commissioning.

More information on The Cranfield Trust can be found at their website www.cranfield trust.org

Many of The Cranfield Trust projects focus on helping organisations prepare for tendering and commissioning.

Cranfield Trust volunteers recently worked with Carers in Bedfordshire to help the organisation successfully tender for a new contract., increasing their client numbers from 70-80 per month to 180 per month.

“Winning the new contract has enabled us to offer a complete family support service” said Yvonne Clark, Chief Executive of Carers in Bedfordshire.

“The whole tendering process was a foreign concept to us and we will always be indebted to The Cranfield Trust and their volunteers who guided us through the process with unending patience and first hand knowledge of what was required.”

Kingston Bereavement Service (KBS) is the first Kingston-based voluntary organisation to take up Cranfield Trust's offer of help on commissioning.

“The benefits of this will be to have someone highly experienced in commercial commissioning looking at where KBS is at present to see where our organisation falls short of the evidence/documentation that would normally be required for tendering, said Linda Soutter “so that we can be prepared no matter what the eventual process turns out to be.''

The Cranfield Trust has a dedicated Project Manager working to support organisations in Kingston by matching them with skilled volunteers from the commercial sector.

Contact Sanja Kane on training@kva.org.uk or 0208 255 3335

You can get business help with: 

Understanding unit costs, challenging costings and ensuring budgets are robust



Project management for the tender process, and future planning for change under new contract conditions



Financial and performance management to support effective contract management and reporting



Communications support to prepare for communication with new service users, or new services for existing contacts



Presentation and negotiation skills for meetings and pitches

GO KINGSTON VOLUNTEERING Celebrating 40 years of volunteering in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Go Kingston Volunteering Olympics special: the legacy Kingston was lucky enough to have 6 Olympic events in the Borough and over 200 Kingston volunteers helped them happen.

On Tuesday 24th July the torch passed through the Borough and our volunteers helped manage the crowds at the start at Chessington and in the centre of the town.

On Friday 27th the Torch made its final journey down the Thames from Hampton Court to the stadiums passing under Kingston Bridge.

The first events of the 2012 Olympics included the Men’s cycle race on Saturday 28th and Women’s cycle race on Sunday 29th.

Followed by torrential rain, thunder and lightning on Sunday, just as the women racers entered the Borough over the Bridge, an emergency purchase and distribution of ponchos was made to most of our volunteers, keeping them drier than the police, spectators and riders.

Finally on the Wednesday 1st August the cycle time trials shot through Kingston with the women at midday and the men dominated by Bradley Wiggins in the afternoon. Our volunteers again smoothed the passage through the crowds.

At the finale to the Olympics and Paralympics there was a parade of athletes including the irrepressible Mo Farah through London city centre, with volunteers forming the final crowd on the Mall. Go Kingston Volunteering was represented by 6 members of the volunteer team.

Our volunteers were there in strength to help the crowds of supporters and shoppers cope with the considerable impact of the roads through the town centre and Kingston Bridge being closed.

Their dedication received many words of thanks from passers-by.

The “predictable” British weather struck with high heat on Saturday, requiring urgent supplies of water to sweltering volunteers.

GoKingstonVolunteering

Continued on page 8...

@GKVolunteers

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GKV Newsletter

My View - Karen

www.gokingstonvolunteering.org.uk

immediately. I felt so happy that I was given this opportunity regardless of my disability.

Hey! My name is Karen, I am 25 years old and. I am a volunteer for the awesome Go Kingston Volunteering.

Three years ago, I had a fall resulting in severe mobility problems, meaning I rely on a wheelchair. Through intense rehabilitation, I was released back into the world less than a year ago and I now live in a cosy bungalow with a little kitten for company.

From my determination to increase my independence, I wanted to volunteer and I decided to meet with the manager of my local volunteer centre. After a brief meeting, I was given a role at the centre almost

Every Friday, I assist a GVK project worker, Hedley Featherstone, with the Olympic events this summer, specifically the Torch Relay. An Olympics event is great to get involved in when you didn’t get a ticket (grrrr) so this opportunity cannot be missed!

GKV has really empowered me. I have been on courses, attended volunteering events and I enjoy the fun atmosphere. I do not see this role as ‘just volunteering work’, because it has done so much for me in a few short months. I recommend GKV for people who want to volunteer.

Our team after a momentous morning as marshals for the Torch Relay

Continued from page 7 The Red Arrows roared over the athletes marking the tremendous support of the military, which together with more than 70,000 volunteers helped make these games such a success.

It is hoped that the 200 plus volunteers recruited for the torch Relay and the cycle events will remain with the Go Kingston Volunteering team and form the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic games.

These volunteers are trained in event management and customer service and are real assets to any organisation planning an event.

Try out our new online training taster!

As part of the KVA supporting change and impact project we have developed a short video and taster training session for you to try out our forthcoming Volunteers and the Law workshop.

Take part and watch our video at: http://tinyurl.com/cozolsa

Need event volunteers?

If you would like a team of volunteers to help you with your event then please get in contact with our team on: gkv@gokingstonvolunteering.org.uk or 020 8255 8685

Autumn 2012

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GKV Newsletter

Good Practice Project - Next Volunteer Management Training The good practice project runs regular volunteer management training sessions as part of the KVA training programme. We have 2 workshops coming up this Autumn.

Managing volunteers can often be challenging. A well managed team of

volunteers is beneficial to both the individual and the organisation.

It is vital that staff who have this responsibility receive the appropriate training and are also up to date with legal issues and their duty of care towards volunteers.

In response to the recent KVA training needs analysis we are re-running the “Volunteers and the law” workshop and a new workshop “Managing risk in your volunteer programme”.

Find out more below.

Volunteers and the Law - Staying Legal 25 October 2012

It is always advisable to stay the right side of the law and it is important to think through carefully what the legal position is on much of what you do as a volunteer manager.

This workshop will look at how your organisation can keep its relationship with its volunteers legal.

very useful overview, good participation from trainees

very interesting/informative – blew away some myths. Plenty of questions allowed to be asked

Managing risk in your volunteer programme - New workshop!

6 Dec 2012

Volunteer involving organisations and volunteers are natural risk takers and effective volunteer programmes cannot operate without taking risks. It is essential that organisations control and minimise risk both to volunteers and the organisation itself.

What risk will look like will be different in each volunteer programme depending on how you involve volunteers. The workshop will cover it from both organisation and volunteer perspectives.

If this has inspired you then you can book onto to either course via http://www.kva.org.uk/events-and-training/training/ or for any help with best practice in volunteer management contact Pat Stanley, Good Practice Adviser on goodpractice@gokingstonvolunteering.org.uk or 020 8255 8685

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Health & Social Care

www.kva.org.uk

Have your say on proposed changes to local health services Local doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals leading the Better Services Better Value review want to hear local residents’ views on proposals to reorganise health services to improve the quality of care for their patients.

Local doctors and patients leading the review developed proposals for improving the following services; planned care, urgent and emergency services, maternity care, children’s services, long term conditions, community and end of life care.

Kingston residents can have their say about recommendations to reshape health services across south west London during the public consultation being held throughout the winter.

Clinicians are saying their patients are not currently getting the high level of care that they deserve and

changes need to be made in order to meet the growing challenges for NHS services, such as an ageing population.

They would like to hear what local people think of their ideas to reorganise health services. All residents are invited to take part in the public consultation.

Download the consultation document at www.bsbv.swlondon.nhs.uk or phone 020 8251 1512 for a copy. Comment on Twitter @NHSSWLondon #BSBV

Who’s new in Health & Social Care at KVA?

protection. For a time I also chaired the Monitoring and Evaluation sub group of the London Safeguarding Children Board, of which I was a member.

Hi, I’m Patricia Turner and I am currently covering for Maria Tunmer, KVA’s Health and Social Care Manager.

After leaving RBK I undertook freelance work and research for Children England and the Safe Network around safeguarding standards and faith organisations. I have been involved with children’s social care voluntary organisation since the late 90’s and was the Chair of Home-Start Merton for three years between 2000 and 2003.

I previously worked for RBK, in its Voluntary Sector Unit. I was the Children’s Voluntary Sector Worker and established Kingston’s Children’s Network, working closely with KVA. I have worked with many voluntary and community groups in Kingston, particularly in the areas of representation and child

I live in Raynes Park with my husband and two sons. I am an active member of my local church and manage the parish flower group of 20 plus volunteers. In my spare time I love to garden and I belong to a local community choir.

You can contact me on health@kva.org.uk

Get well soon Maria We wish Maria Tunmer a speedy recovery following surgery, and will look forward to seeing her very soon. With love from KVA.

Autumn 2012

ICT Hub

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Helping Kingston’s carers get online and using email Superhighways is delighted to be working in partnership with Kingston Carers Network to get local carers online and using email.

“Carers have busy enough lives and we want to help them to save time” says Kate White, Project Manager. “If we give someone the skills to search the internet and access essential services from home, they can choose how they spend their extra time. Keeping in touch with friends online?

Developing new hobbies and interests?

There is no limit!”

“We have a flexible training model that tailors the learning to individuals. For some it’s starting with the basics like handling a mouse and finding their way around the keyboard. For others it’s about building confidence to explore and develop what

they already know”.

The training is free and delivered locally by an experienced trainer. Superhighways are busy recruiting a team of IT volunteers to assist.

Learners can also choose to log in from home, because if they get stuck they can phone for one-to-one support from the IT Help Desk. And since a computer is essential to learning at home, any learners who don’t have one can apply for a Community Connected refurbished PC, with support to set up broadband.

If you know someone who is in a caring role, or you’d like to volunteer to help out, contact Superhighways on 020 8255 8040.

Community Connected re-launches Superhighways joined Cambridge Road Estate Community Group (CREst) for their annual fun day in September to re-launch our Community Connected project. Community Connected works with Kingston Community Furniture to provide refurbished computers at a very reasonable price to the public.

The PC Plus programme provides refurbished computers free of charge to residents of the Cambridge Road Estate, Cambridge Gardens and Kingsnypton Park Estate. Lots of people signed up for a new computer at the fun day.

Free computers are distributed on a "first come, first served" basis, although priority can be given to those currently without any PC at home, or people who can demonstrate a particular need (e.g. limited mobility, school-aged children, etc.).

Congratulations to Colin Cregan at Superhighways on the birth of his baby girl twins. Born in April, with weights 6lb 8oz and 5lb 15oz, it may be some time before Niamh and Cerys join us on the IT helpdesk with their dad!

Visit www.communityconnected.org.uk for more information. If you'd like to apply for a FREE refurbished computer, please download a PC Plus Application Form (from the Our Files section). You can also contact Superhighways on 020 8255 8040.

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ICT Hub

In our regular column we are looking at transforming how you work using ICT - we are focussing this time on Cloud computing and some options for you to consider trying yourselves.

www.kva.org.uk

Cloud computing What is it?!

There are a range of definitions and models for Cloud computing but the central concept is that you are accessing and using applications and / or data over the Internet.

So, for example, instead of locally installing a program or saving files on your computer or server – you would now be accessing them online and so a good Internet connection is a must.

One example featured in the newsletter last time was Dropbox. Here you upload files to a shared stored space on a remote server accessed via the web. The obvious benefits include accessing it from anywhere (not a specified PC in the office) + time saved not having to install updates locally.

Superhighways is currently testing Office 365 in conjunction with the South London CVS Partnership’s BESPOKE and KVA's Transforming Local Infrastructure projects.

This is the Microsoft Cloud offering which comes in a range of pricing plans (it’s quite important to opt for the right one for you).

We are trialling the E3 package which includes Outlook, SharePoint intranet (we are testing collaborative working using this including sharing documents with external partners), the ability to both view and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files online, as well as Lync - the Office 365 communication tool (similar to Skype) which includes messaging, audio & video calls and sharing desktop & application features.

We have quickly realised that it isn't quite as straightforward to set up as we had expected and there are lots of things groups will need to consider before making the switch.

The pricing, like with most other cloud products, is subscription based with a monthly fee - and whilst there is no current listing of the charity pricing to signpost you to, we are likely to pay £6 per month per user / mailbox, which is under 50% of the usual cost.

However, the enhanced flexibility of working from anywhere along with the communication and collaboration options are proving really beneficial and we plan to arrange a demo session for groups in Kingston later in October as our trial comes to an end.

If you are interested in Office 365 as a future option for your organisation contact katewhite@superhighways.org.uk as there is the potential for us to support a number of groups to move to this option as part of KVA’s TKI project next year.

Kingston Centre for Independent Living and Kingston Community Furniture have already registered interest and it makes sense to share our experiences and knowledge from this testing phase with other groups exploring a move to the cloud.

For further information see www.microsoft.com/office365

Autumn 2012

ICT Hub

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Transforming your ICT using Anyone for Huddling! Huddle provides more of a structured work space than Dropbox, our featured tool in the last KVA newsletter.

You can use it simply to share and collaborate on documents by uploading them and then inviting people to view, edit or comment on them or use the whiteboard space, or alternatively use it as a full project management tool - delegating tasks, setting up discussions, posting deadlines and milestones in the calendar, and having online meetings.

Huddle is a discounted product through the CTXchange programme and currently costs ÂŁ64 ex VAT admin fee with unlimited workspaces and up to 25 users. See http:// www.ctxchange.org/node/5492 for further details.

We have been using Huddle to collaborate with colleagues across the South London CVS

Partnership, with local groups project managing systems tenders for Refugee Action Kingston and Age Concern Kingston as well as for a number of internal KVA projects.

It does a great job cutting down on emails and attachments back and forwards but you do need to switch to a new way of working with all communication occurring via Huddle for it to be successful. It works particularly well for people working disparately - so why not try it for your Trustee board or partnership projects?

Further information can be found at www.huddle.net and there are extensive support / training materials at https://huddle.zendesk.com/home and there is a free version that you can try before buying.

Online tools for Collaboration Come along to this session on Monday 8th October to learn about and see in action a range of online tools (mostly free) that you could set up to improve collaboration both internally within your organisation (think volunteers and trustees too) as well as with external partners / agencies you work with. For booking information see www.kva.org.uk

Why Voice works for us...

Jenny Pitt from Kingston Mencap on why a free Voice website with support and training from KVA works for their group...

After several attempts to get a website up and running, we decided to choose Voice because it is a local authority funded project (essential for a charity like us) and offered a high level of local technical support. We wanted our website to be informative, extremely easy to navigate (as our members have learning difficulties) and quick and easy to update.

There are many useful applications that we intend to use regularly on the website, like

the customised includelets (to display content from other websites), the translation option and the private members’ area for our trustees who need to share documents, like minutes and policy papers.

We already own a domain name and the fact that KVA is happy to arrange for us to carry this name over to our new website is an extra bonus. The training has been especially helpful to understand just how much our new website can offer.

To get a website or join us for Voice for Beginners training in November contact Sorrel Parsons on 020 8255 3335 or communications@kva.org.uk

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Meet a Group

www.kva.org.uk

Meet a group: Sunray and Egmont Residents’ Association Sunray and Egmont Residents’ Association (SERA) launched in July 2011 to raise the community spirit and improve the local environment for the community.

It has a growing membership of 200 households, with 50 residents working hard over the last year to make the estate a cleaner and safer place to live, clearing flytipping, undergrowth and litter from its service roads and grounds.

Working closely with Kingston Council, SERA now has an action plan for the estate established at Director level. “Looking at the list of achievements, including 4 significant clearances, and 5 social events and much more, I am very pleased with the overall progress made this year” says SERA’s Stuart Wears.

“Although not readily visible what I believe is significant progress is the contacts we have made with over 50 people from various authorities and agencies, all of whom have made a contribution to our present position. Some fleetingly, but others a substantial contribution”.

Social events held at Sunray Community Centre have brought residents together, with the Diamond Jubilee street party attended by 200 visitors.

“I have found the last year very rewarding, particularly meeting many neighbours and engaging with the various authorities and encouraging them to support our efforts” says Stuart.

“I wish to give Peter Day, his wife Linda, and supporters credit for running the Sunray community Centre so well for over

67 children came to SERA’s Diamond Jubilee event, also attended by the Mayor

10 years. It’s achieved on an entirely voluntary basis, providing a community hub for hundreds of people throughout the year with social events, a weekly ladies club and various classes”.

Zahida Saddiq, Capacity Building Manager at KVA met Stuart last year when he was seeking advice for SERA. “I was encouraged by his enthusiasm and helped him with the governance of SERA, namely the constitution and membership. Recently, I helped them with a funding application, which was successful. I’m really pleased for them. SERA have come a long way since and have achieved so much”.

Approval of a Neighbourhood Grant in September 2012 will enable SERA to meet future challenges including continuing to raise the community spirit, clear more service roads and encouraging younger membership.

If you are interested in starting a new project or developing your existing organisation /project contact Zahida Saddiq on 020 8255 3335 or zahidas@kva.org.uk

Autumn 2012

Training

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KVA Autumn training at a glance ICT tools for collaboration Monday 8 October, 10am to 12pm Fundamentals of health & safety in the workplace Tuesday 16 October, 10am to 4.30pm Excel intermediate Wednesday 17 October, 10am to 12.30pm Outcomes focus including ICT: day 1 Tuesday 23 October, 10am to 5pm Volunteers and the law: staying legal Thursday 25 October, 10am to 1pm Getting started with social media Tuesday 6 November, 10am to 4.30pm How to prepare robust funding applications Wednesday 7 November, 10am to 2pm Safeguarding Children - Child Protection Awareness, Group/Level 1&2 Saturday 10 November, 10am to 1pm

Our training brochure is now out! If you would like a hard copy of the brochure sent to you please call us on 020 8255 3335.

Creating a website using Voice: Beginners Wednesday 14 November, 10am to 1pm Developing a website using Voice: Advanced Wednesday 14 November, 2pm to 4.30pm Commissioning in Kingston Thursday 22 November, 10am to 5pm Outcomes focus including ICT: day 2 Tuesday 27 November, 10am to 5pm Setting up an online survey Thursday 29 November, 10am to 12pm Organisational risk management Tuesday 4 December, 10am to 4.30pm Managing risk in volunteering Thursday 6 December, 10am to 1pm

To book on any of the courses above contact Sanja Kane on training@kva.org.uk or 0208 255 3335. You can also find full details of courses and a booking form on our website at www.kva.org.uk/events-and-training

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www.kva.org.uk

About Kingston Voluntary Action

Mission Statement KVA leads community engagement, creating opportunities for organisations and individuals to become empowered to reach their full potential so that they may make a difference in their communities.

Kingston Voluntary Action 020 8255 3335 Hilary Garner Lynda Evans Keith Morton Maria Tunmer Patricia Turner Zahida Saddiq Sanja Kane

Chief Executive Deputy Chief Executive Business Manager Health & Social Care Manager Interim Health & Social Care Manager Capacity Building Manager Transforming Kingston’s Infra-structure Project Co-ordinator Sorrel Parsons Information & Communications Co-ordinator Judith Naylor Children & Young People First Project Worker Julie Woodhouse Community Accountant Polly Healy Administrator Sue Lawrence Finance Administrator Rianne Eimers HealthWatch Kingston Pathfinder Manager Debra McCarthy HealthWatch Kingston Pathfinder Support Co-ordinator

Kingston Community Furniture 020 8942 5500 Adrian Collins James Deane Selo Turanli

Project Manager Operations Manager Driver / Warehouseman

Kingston Eco-Op 020 8942 5503 Bart Ricketts Chris Williamson Sue Illsley John Legate Sam Carey

Eco-Op Project Co-ordinator Workshop Supervisor Support Worker Bike Mechanic Support Worker

Superhighways 020 8255 8040 Kate White Colin Cregan Nine Htet Sue Quilter

Manager ICT Support Worker ICT Support Worker Admin Worker

GO Kingston Volunteering 020 8255 8685 Maria Jarvis Richard Craig Pat Stanley Hedley Featherstone

Manager Buddy Scheme Co-ordinator Volunteer Good Practice Advisor GO Kingston Volunteering Project Worker

Photographs: Many thanks to Dave Hand from Superhighways for our front page Bradley Wiggins photo, and to www.freedigitalphotos.net for photos on pages 2, 3 and 9.

Newsletter Information The Newsletter is distributed free of charge four times a year, to all known voluntary organisations in the Borough, key personnel in the statutory sector as well as to local councillors, libraries, doctors’ surgeries and schools.

The Newsletter, along with the KVA website, provides opportunities to promote voluntary and community organisations and events.

Share your stories If you have some great news or know of a resource that’s useful for the voluntary and community sector please get in touch with me, Sorrel Parsons, (left) on 020 8255 3335 or communications@kva.org.uk

To advertise in the newsletter or include an insert contact Sorrel Parsons for costs and deadlines.

If you would like to amend your contact details or prefer to receive the newsletter by email, please also contact Sorrel.

The current and back issues of the Newsletter are available in PDF format on the KVA website. The newsletter can be put on tape if required.

Next Edition: January 2013 Deadline for Copy: 10 December 2012

Membership of KVA Membership is open to all voluntary and community groups who are based or work in Kingston. For details of how to become a member contact Polly Healy, admin@kva.org.uk

Disclaimer: information contained in the Newsletter and inserts come from a wide range of sources. Opinions or statements expressed may not necessarily reflect those of KVA. KVA aims to ensure all information is correct and up to date.