E-bulletin June 2014
INSIDE:
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Next Forum Meeting
• Adult Support and Protection • Care Accolades • East Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre • ‘Enjoy Your Baby’ Classes • ERDA - Taxis • ERC - Medicine Review Service Rolled Out • More Business Anyone? • National Care Standards Consultation • Volunteers’ Week 2014 • Welfare Safety Net • Public Contract Notice • Funding
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Website
NEXT FORUM: The TSF facilitates an annual forum meeting held in April each year. Along with this annual forum meeting we have developed thematic sub-groups meeting on a six to eight ‘weekly’ basis. A ‘flexible programme’ of smaller issue based meetings will also be held as required. The Sub-groups that have been established to date: •
Employability Operational Network - Contact Lesley@va-er.org.uk
Next Meeting: TBC
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR
•
Faith Network - Contact Peter@va-er.org.uk
•
Older People’s Network - Contact Peter@va-er.org.uk
Next Meeting: TBC
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR
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Volunteer Managers Network - Contact Maria@va-er.org.uk
Next Meeting: TBC
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR
We are aware that during the summer holidays it can be difficult to free up time to attend networks and meetings. As such please note that the above network meetings due to run in July will be rescheduled. An email will be send to confirm the next date, time and venue for each.
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 Why do I need to know about the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007? The Adult Support and Protection Act provides greater protection for certain adults thought or known to be at risk of harm and who are unable to protect themselves, their property or other interests. Depending on your job and where you work you may require to have a degree of knowledge of the legislation to ensure your agency meets its duty under the Act or you may only need to know who the Act protects, what the Act means by the term harm and what signs to watch out for that could indicate that someone is being harmed. The training will give some detail about the legislation in context and will provide an opportunity to discuss practice issues and look at case examples. Date:
19th August 2014
Time:
9.30am - 12.30pm
Venue:
Barrhead HQ, Civic Room 1, Barrhead
Who Should Attend? The course is offered to all East Renfrewshire Council employees, CHCP staff, and voluntary and private sector staff working in the East Renfrewshire area who come into contact with the public. This session also provides an opportunity for those who have had some ASP Training in the past to refresh their knowledge. Nominations: email your name, job title and agency details to: Daniel.pettigrew@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Care Accolades The SSSC Care Accolades was launched in 2004 to celebrate and promote good practice in workforce development in social services across Scotland. The Care Accolades is a joint initiative by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Scottish Government. Find out more about the winning projects on the Care Accolades website: http:// www.sssccareaccolades.uk.com/ You can find out what’s happening each step of the way by following the Care Accolades on Facebook and Twitter. Click on the icons on our website or go to Facebook or Twitter and search for ‘Care Accolades’. The SSSC was set up in October 2001 under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to: • protect those who use services • raise standards of practice • strengthen and support the professionalism of the workforce. Our main tasks are: • to establish registers of key groups of social service staff • to publish Codes of Practice for all social service staff and for employers
• to regulate the training education of the workforce
and
• to undertake the functions of Skills for Care and Development, the sector skills council for the social care, children’s and young people’s workforce and this includes workforce planning. Each country in the UK has its own regulatory body that is responsible for the registration and regulation of social workers and/or social service workers in their country. They are: the Care Council for Wales, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and the Scottish Social Services Council. The Health and Care Professions Council regulates social workers in England only. For further information about the SSSC please visit: www.sssc.uk.com Skills for Care and Development represents more than 60,000 employers with a workforce of over 1.87million Find out more at: www.skillsforcareanddevelopment.org. uk
East Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre Â
Coffee morning for Carers
Why not drop in for a coffee/tea and a chance to spend time out from your caring role with other carers. When: Friday 4th July 2014 Where: United Reform Church 10.30am - 12.00pm Arthurlie Street, Barrhead If you need support for the person you care for or support with transport, please contact the Carers Centre. Tel: 041 638 4888
or
E-mail: claire@eastrenfreshirecarers.co.uk
‘Enjoy Your Baby’ Classes In just five, enjoyable 90-minute sessions, best gift you can give your baby. Build this program can help mums to make closeness through storytime and play, and positive changes in their lives and start to learn to rebalance relationships with other enjoy new parenthood. With the help of important people around you. Finally some a little book and expert guidance at each hints and tips on staying calm even when session, participants learn how to improve you’re exhausted. their feelings when they feel low, worried or hopeless and will learn skills that help Session 4 Looking at things differently. Build your
them tackle problems in their lives.
They will also meet other new mums and confidence and tackle your doubts. Learn how to be detective and discover bad
have a lot of fun!
thoughts that worsen how you feel. Learn tips for getting a better nights sleep.
Session 1 Why do I feel like I do….and how to change
things around. You were hoping for a fairy Session 5 tale – but what you got was poo! You’ll get Planning for the future. Learn how to eat to understand how to start to feel better and tackle any other life problems. Here’s when you’re exhausted and stressed out.
a chance to make life changing plans that will look towards a bright future for you and your child. And you get a certificate
Session 2
Making Positive Changes. Find out how too! working
on
enjoyment,
closeness
to
others and getting stuff done can help you www.llttf.com discover a happier and healthier you. Session 3 Building Closeness. Discover the very
ERDA - Taxis East Renfrewshire Disability Action (ERDA) recently held a Community Cafe event with members and the wider disability community in East Renfrewshire to discuss the strengths disabled people have in the local area, how we can build on these and what are the priorities for change we need to focus on. As a result of these discussions one of the key issues was the lack of wheelchair accessible taxis in East Renfrewshire, which is one of the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating and contributing in our local communities and also increases many people’s social isolation. To help us address this issue we are asking individuals and organisations to provide us with details of your experience in relation to this matter so that we can make an evidenced based case for change, as unfortunately some people at East Renfrewshire Council do not think that there is a problem regarding this.
We would appreciate if you could tell us: . If you or someone you know has had difficulty hiring a wheelchair accessible taxi . How did that affect you? For example? Did it prevent you from doing something? How did that make you feel? . Have you had to hire a wheelchair accessible taxi from outside East Renfrewshire because there was not one locally? . Would being able to use a wheelchair accessible taxi improve your transport needs? . Any other experiences or thoughts you have on this issue. Please reply to erda847@gmail.com
ERC – Medicine Review Service Rolled Out A new scheme where pharmacists will visit a patient’s home to review the medicines they are taking is being offered to all East Renfrewshire residents over 65 years of age. Those who take up the offer will receive a home visit from a pharmacist. They will take a comprehensive look at the medicines a person is taking, including those prescribed by a doctor and those bought from a community pharmacy. The visit will: • Make sure all current medicines are still needed and working for a patient • Ensure a patient is not getting any bad side effects from their medication. So far, around 100 people have benefitted from having their medications reviewed. This review often results in some kind of change to the person’s medication, including stopping unnecessary medication, starting new ones to help symptoms or illnesses, and altering doses or formulations to make them safer or easier to take. Seeing a patient in their home setting enables the pharmacist to gain a well-rounded holistic view of someone’s health. This means they can see what’s actually happening, and can offer suitable solutions. They can also refer people on to further support which will benefit them such as physiotherapy or make changes to their homecare arrangements. The pharmacists are already working with the East Renfrewshire GP practices, and will work alongside the practice team to offer this service. So far, the pharmacy team has been working with vulnerable groups including dementia patients, people living with Parkinson’s disease and sheltered housing residents. The service is now being extended to anyone 65 years of age and over who lives in East Renfrewshire. Mrs Bell, Barrhead, who looks after her 69 year old husband said about the service: “We are delighted with the service and the time taken to speak to us, would recommend to others.” Donald Irvine, Whitecraigs, aged 81 said the medicine review was: “It is very beneficial for someone living alone.” If you’d like someone from the pharmacy team to review your medication, or know someone who could benefit from the service please call 0141 577 3291 or 0141 577 3354.
More Business Anyone? MBA is a networking event that runs on the 4th Monday of each month at Mearns Castle Golf Club. This is a friendly and informal ‘no hard selling’ network, for people who would like to extend their business contacts. The network itself is quite small so they are looking to expand. If you would like to come along then feel free to do so or if you know someone who might like to come along please let them know. It’s on between 8:15am and 10:15am. However, if you would like to pop in for half an hour in between those times for a coffee then that’s fine. The next network will be on Monday July 28th. More info can be found here: http://www.meetup.com/More-Business-Anyone/
National Care Standards Consultation The consultation on the National Care Standards was published on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/06/7325 and runs until 17th September. Almost all of us will use a care service at some point in our lives. This consultation asks you to play your part in shaping the quality standards for services that the people of Scotland deserve. The National Care Standards were created to help people understand what to expect from services, and services understand the standards they should deliver. There are currently 23 sets of standards covering a wide range of care services, including nurseries and childminders, care homes for older people, housing support services, hospice care and independent hospitals. There have been many changes since the standards were created in 2002 and this document seeks your views on how the standards should be updated and improved. • Watch a video Introduction to the Consultation The document sets out a range of human rights-based proposals for developing new standards that improve the quality of care and protect vulnerable people. We believe that there are core elements of quality that should be common across public services. We ask if a shared set of standards for health and care should be developed so that people working in health and care services have a common understanding of what quality means and work to common core values. •
Respond to the consultation online
Volunteers’ Week 2014 This year was the 30th anniversary of Volunteers week, which runs from 1st to 7th June each year; it was an opportunity for everyone to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers that make our society a better place. To mark this special occasion, Voluntary Action made the most of the week celebrating all things volunteering! The week kicked off with one of our own volunteers, Chair of the board Anne Marie Kennedy; stepping forward to receive the Betty Cunningham OBE Lifetime Achievement Award for the vast contribution she has made through many volunteering roles over the years. The Award was presented by MP Jim Murphy and MSP Ken Macintosh at the East Renfrewshire Volunteer of the Year ceremony. Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire set up Volunteer Information Stalls in various locations across the authority showcasing the wide range of volunteering opportunities available locally. In addition to these information events, we held our annual ‘Thank You’ party to recognise work and achievements of Voluntary Action’s amazing volunteers. The afternoon get together began with the Chair of the Board presenting certificates to each volunteer. Afterwards, everyone had an opportunity to socialise, share experiences and, of course, eat a cake! On that note, Voluntary Action would like to thank ASDA, Newton Mearns for their generosity in donating some absolutely delicious cupcakes for the event. They definitely went down well. “Thank you ASDA.” Volunteers’ Week has now ended, but that doesn’t mean that our work is done. Saying ‘Thank You’ to volunteers can, and should, happen all year round; the same holds for promoting values and benefits of volunteering. Need help with Volunteer Recruitment and Management? Voluntary Action provides advice, training and networking opportunities; just get in touch with us. Telephone: 0141 876 9555 Email: reception@va-er.org.uk
Welfare Safety Net Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill published. The first step towards setting out in law the permanent arrangements for the ÂŁ33million Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) has been made with the introduction of the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The SWF, which has been delivered by local authorities on a voluntary basis since April 2013, provides day-to-day living expenses to those on low incomes who are in crisis as well as providing essential household items to those in need. The Bill will place a duty on local authorities to maintain a welfare fund, which will allow this local safety net to continue.
Public Contracts Notice Ref: JUN177785 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: CE-48-13 Criminal Justice Support Service for High Risk Offenders Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: South Ayrshire Council Deadline: 16/07/2014 Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177791 Notice Type: Contract Award Notice Title: Inverclyde Care & Repair Service (Inc Small Repairs Service & Care & Repair Charitable Fund) Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: Inverclyde Council Deadline: Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177804 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Tender for Residential, Specialist Dementia Nursing and Mental Health Care Services Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: Inverclyde Council Deadline: 18/07/2014 Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177817 Notice Type: Contract Award Notice Title: Design & Build Framework Agreement - Affordable Housing Programme Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: South Ayrshire Council Deadline: Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177825 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: CE-06-14 Provision of Framework Agreement for Emergency and Temporary Accommodation Service Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: South Ayrshire Council Deadline: 16/07/2014 Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177836 Notice Type: Prior Information Notice Title: Administration of various Energy Loans and Grant Schemes Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: Scottish Government Deadline: Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177847 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Direct Mailing Campaign (2015) Published: 06/06/2014 Published by: University of St Andrews Deadline: 04/07/2014 Full Text: Click Here Ref: JUN177705 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: IS Social Business Platform Published: 05/06/2014 Published by: Improvement Service Deadline: 15/07/2014 Full Text: Click Here Ref: JUN177343 Notice Type: Contract Award Notice Title: Delivery of the SCQF Level 7 Qualification in Career Information Advice and Guidance (CIAG) Pilot Published: 03/06/2014 Published by: The Skills Development Scotland Co. Limited Deadline: Full Text: Click Here
Ref: JUN177431 Notice Type: Contract Award Notice Title: Employee Survey Published: 03/06/2014 Published by: Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Care Inspectorate) Deadline: Full Text: Click Here
Funding Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) seeks to transform the world by supporting people who address the root causes of conflict and injustice. It is interested in funding work which: The trust offers grants to a range of organisations for work which is legally charitable as defined in UK law. The Trust is now inviting applications to its new grants programme under the following priority areas: • Peace and Security - to support a transition towards: • Power and Accountability - to support people to create a world in which power is more equally shared, and in which powerful institutions are responsive and accountable to wider society and aligned with the long-term public interest. • Rights and Justice - to promote racial justice and equality of opportunity as a basis for a harmonious multi-racial, multi-ethnic society in the UK. • Sustainable Future - to develop and promote sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current consumerist and growth-based paradigm. There are two closing dates for applications: • 18 August 2014 (noon) - for the Right and Justice, Sustainable Future, and Northern Ireland Programmes. • 1 September 2014 (noon) - for the Peace and Security, and Power and Accountability Programmes. Full details on website
Rank Carer’s Grant Fund This fund aims to give carers the equipment and skills they need to carry out their caring roles in a more effective way, while also ensuring that their own health, wellbeing and quality of life are looked after. Carers Trust Network Partners can also apply for funding to set up group activities, such as relaxation workshops, day trips or courses that will benefit carers. You need to apply through your local Carers Trust Network Partner. They can give you details of the funds available, including amounts and application dates. Full details available on website
See me ‘See me’ is launching two new funding programmes and is inviting applications for funding from organisations from all over Scotland. The ‘see me’ Local Fund and the ‘see me’ Community Innovation Fund provide two new opportunities for those who are committed to challenging mental health stigma and discrimination in their local area. ‘See me’ is committed to supporting the full engagement and leadership of people with lived experience of mental health problems and both funds reflect that priority. The ‘see me’ Local Fund is an opportunity for community and voluntary sector groups and organisations to fund specific short term project ideas and initiatives, up to a total project value of £4,000. The Local Fund will be focused on changing behaviour in relation to mental health stigma and discrimination and will support activities by local groups and organisations across Scotland who have innovative and effective ideas to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination in their community. The deadline for applications to the Local Fund is 01 August 2014. Full details on website A total of £40,000 is available in this fund this year. The ‘see me’ Community Innovation Fund will support longer-term pieces of work up to a total project value of £20,000. The Community Innovation Fund has a two stage application process to support groups and organisations develop local change networks, take part in innovation labs and develop innovative ideas and activities that will change behaviour on mental health stigma and discrimination. The deadline for stage one applications is 30 June 2014 and for stage two applications 30 August 2014. Full details available on website A total of £120,000 is available in this fund this year.
Social Fund Scottish charities and social enterprises are to benefit from a new £16 million Social Growth Fund which opened earlier this month and will run for the next three years. The Social Growth Fund is being managed by Social Investment Scotland (SIS), Scotland’s leading funder for the third sector. The £16 million fund has been created with £8 million in funding from Big Society Capital and £8 million in matched funding from the Scottish Government. The Social Growth Fund will support the further development of Scotland’s third sector by focusing on funding and delivering projects which make a ‘real, measurable and sustainable impact on people’s lives’. This new risk capital product will provide long term finance from £100,000 up to £1 million with repayment tailored to each organisation’s needs. Around £10 million will be available for investments of this type. It will also introduce flexible finance packages from £10,000 to £1 million, tailored to individual business plans. Further details on website
Waste Prevention Fund This two year £800,000 programme from DEFRA will make grants of £5,000 - £50,000 which must be match funded. It will support community partnerships that generate more action to prevent waste It specifically supports communities to take forward innovative waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in their local areas, working in partnership with local businesses, councils, charities and voluntary groups. The scheme can be used to help introduce a new business idea or to increase local re-use rates, resulting in potential new jobs and a boost to voluntary opportunities. Deadlines for the first round is 1st September 2014. Full details on website
Next TSF Bulletin The next edition of TSF Bulletin will be out on Thursday 31st July 2014. To submit any news items or community events, contact us no later than Thursday 24th July 2014 for submission into the next bulletin. For more information about any of the above or if you would like to include anything in the next TSF Bulletin email Linda. To unsubscribe, click here.
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire connects and supports volunteering, social enterprising activity and voluntary groups to make East Renfrewshire a better place to live.
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire Registered Address: underCOVER, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR Scottish Charity: SC028103 Company Registered in Scotland: 187421 Tel: 0141 876 9555 Email: reception@va-er.org.uk Web: www.va-er.org.uk