E-bulletin March 2015
Inside:
Next Forum Meeting
Articles
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ACUMEN Radio Slot
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Dementia Research
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New Campaign Launches to Attract Foster Carers
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Soup, Can it Change the World?
Resources
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Free Publication: Monitoring and Evaluation on a Shoestring
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Scales on Living with Dementia
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Help for People who are ill, Injured or have a Disability
Events
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Big Lunch Extras Youth Group
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Flower Programme
Public Contracts & Funding
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Firstport Provide Business Model Bank ‘Ditto’
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Public Contract Notice
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Funding
Find Us on
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:
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Employability Operational Network - Contact Maria@va-er.org.uk
Next Meeting: 30th April 2015, 3pm - 4.30pm
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR
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Older People’s Network - Contact Peter@va-er.org.uk
Next Meeting: 27th April 2015, 10.30am - 12 Noon
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: 5th May 2015, 3.00pm - 4.30pm
Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead, G78 1LR
ACUMEN Radio Slot Just to let people know that ACUMEN’s monthly Mental Health on Air slot is back on Pulse FM, on the 2nd Wed of the month 12 - 1pm. We discuss mental health issues, give out information and highlight upcoming events. It’s all interspersed with a bit of chat and plenty of relevant tracks. Listen on 98.4 FM or on www.pulseonair.co.uk
Dementia Research Join Dementia Research (JDR) has been launched. It’s a new way for people to get involved in dementia research. JDR promises to accelerate the pace of dementia research by allowing people with and without dementia to register their interest in studies, helping researchers find the right participants at the right time. If you want to register someone you can: • Go online at www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk • Phone Alzheimer Scotland (free) on 0808 808 3000 • Phone Alzheimer’s Research UK 0300 111 5 111 More details are on the website: http://www.sdcrn.org.uk/node/812 JDR is a UK wide service supported by the SDCRN, NIHR, Alzheimer’s Scotland, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and funded by the Department of Health. It’s the first time we’ve all come together like this! Please support us by telling your friends & colleagues about JDR.
New Campaign Launches to Attract Foster Carers A striking new foster campaign was launched Friday 20th March 2015 to encourage more residents to step forward and transform the lives of East Ren’s young people. Featuring characters Kyle and Kate the campaign is appealing to anyone who thinks they could make a difference to ‘help transform the lives of amazing young people’. The drive to find more local foster carers follows a lack of placements for children in East Renfrewshire foster homes and means many East Ren youngsters need to be fostered out with the area. Being placed with the right foster carers locally will give East Renfrewshire teenagers and children the opportunity to continue with their education in the same area, keep the same circle of friends, and give them the stability to thrive with a family that can give them the love and support that they need. East Renfrewshire needs foster carers for children of all ages from birth to 18 years of age. There’s also a need for foster carers who can foster siblings, to keep brothers and sisters together. East Renfrewshire foster carer Irene Wright has fostered 15 children over the years. She explains why: “It was our way of giving back to those children who haven’t been as fortunate as our own.” She and her husband Peter look after children aged from 0-3 years old. “It’s given us a bigger insight and awareness of other people’s lives. The council is very supportive to us, we have a link worker and there is always someone there at the end of the phone if we need them. If anyone is thinking about fostering I would say give it a go. You won’t know if you can do it until you start. You get a lot of joy along with frustration but you also get a lot of reward. When you get your first smile or cuddle it makes it all worthwhile.” East Renfrewshire convener for health and social care, Councillor Lafferty said: “There is no one type of foster carer, they have different backgrounds and life experiences. But they do all have one thing in common – they are committed to providing a loving and secure home, and to help children in their care to grow and develop. If you are interested in helping children in need, have time and energy, a sense of humour and an ability to talk to children, the fostering team would like to hear from you. The fostering team will help you to learn about the challenges and rewards of caring for a child who has lived in difficult circumstances. You will receive training, and social workers are available around the clock to offer advice and support. For more information on becoming a foster carer Call: 0141 577 3367 or Visit: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/foster
Soup, Can it Change the World? Detroit – once a manufacturing giant – went bust in 2013, an innovative crowd-funding project called Detroit Soup is helping the city get back on its feet. With a small team of dedicated volunteers, an empty hall is quickly filled with tables laden with huge loaves of bread, and the waft of soup. Kaherl and friends started Detroit Soup to help local artists fulfil their creative ambition. Five years on, “Soup” as it’s more commonly known is a city-wide movement which has reached well beyond the artistic community. It’s a simple concept: people turn up, pay $5 (£3.30) at the door, and listen to three or four people pitch an idea to improve the local community. Pitchers may not talk for more than four minutes, and definitely must not use PowerPoint. The audience can then ask a maximum of four questions. With the presentations over, soup is served.
Forty people attended the first event and raised $110 (£75) for a local art project. Having outgrown that first venue, home is now a renovated film studio which was once used to produce US Army propaganda films. These days Detroit Soup winners often go home with more than $1,000 (£670).
Past winners include a new theatre company which puts on free performances of Shakespeare, a two-man team making benches for bus stops, and a start-up which turns one of Detroit’s most bountiful local resources - graffiti - into jewellery. Inspired? Here’s how it works Detroit Soup: Top Tips • Gather - as diverse a group as possible • Pitch - four ideas, four minutes each • Ask - four questions, no more • Eat - and discuss the ideas • Vote - winner takes proceeds
People mull over the ideas and then they vote on their favourite. The winner gets to take home all the money taken at the door and use it to fund their plan, with the promise they will come back three months later to report on their progress. The ideas bidding for funding tonight include an urban farming project, an adult literacy programme, a community library for Black History Month, and a support group helping people facing repossession. In its early days, Detroit Soup was run from a bakery in the Mexican town neighbourhood.
If you think Soup could work for your community, here’s a how-to People have faith in Detroit Soup. Thanks to funding from a range of charitable foundations, the project is now a full-time job for Kaherl, and she helps launch in other US cities and beyond. She has been recognised for her hard work, too - the town of Warren, Ohio declared 5 October 2013 as “Amy Kaherl Day” and she has also been invited to the White House. Find out more at www.bbc.com/soup
Free Publication: Monitoring and Evaluation on a Shoestring This free to download booklet offers a simple yet systematic approach to monitoring and evaluating. It can be used by trustees, staff and volunteers of third sector organisations and will be particularly useful for those who have responsibility for self-evaluation and for using the information both internally and for reporting to funders and investors. Download from the website *Please note you must be signed in to the website to download.
Help for people who are ill, injured or have a disability The onset of an illness, injury or disability could happen at any time, and have a huge impact on a person’s finances. In this article, we’ve put together some key tools and resources which can help if your clients have a disability, illness or injury and they need financial help. Find out what help exists
Scales on Living with Dementia Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects how your brain works and in particular the ability to remember, think and reason. As we get older, many of us notice our brain is not as agile and our memory not as sharp as it used to be. It’s a common observation, but many of us wonder if these memory problems could be an early sign of dementia. Here we look at what is known about dementia, symptoms that could suggest you should seek further advice, steps to reaching a diagnosis, and where you or your family can go for more specialist information about dementia treatment and support. Dementia is predominantly a condition that affects older people although it affects people under 65 too. It is estimated that there are around 800,000 in the UK with dementia. If dementia is diagnosed early enough there are lots of things that can be done to help you live well with dementia. What is dementia? Dementia is not a disease in itself - but a group of symptoms that may accompany conditions that affect your brain. The most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease. Another is vascular dementia which can develop following a stroke or if there is blood vessel damage that interrupts the supply of blood to your brain. Dementia is not a normal consequence of growing old. Where next? How do you recognise the symptoms of dementia? How is dementia diagnosed and treated? Am I or a family member at risk of dementia? Further help and support with dementia
Big Lunch Extras Youth Camp Big Lunch Extras are offering young people who are interested in creating positive change where they live the opportunity to apply for a funded place at their Youth Camp at the Eden Project 27-29 March. The weekend will include skills development, ideas, inspiration and networking activities just like their other Camps. Travel and accommodation costs are covered for all attendees including accompanying adults and everyone will stay at YHA Eden Project, an innovative onsite accommodation formed out of shipping containers. Please note that anyone aged under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or an adult from the group that they are a member of. Any interested individuals should email: blextras@edenproject.com to request more information and an application form.
Flowers Programme ‘Lateral Thinking, the value of collaboration between the arts, health and environment’ aims to show work commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and explore opportunities to develop and sustain creative-led social and environmental initiatives within the healthcare setting, building on and going beyond the capital design investment of public art programmes. As NHSGGC launch the flagship state of the art new hospitals with a fully integrated art strategy, the conference will take key strands of The ‘Working Well: People and Places Strategy’ as a starting point. Both healthcare and creative practitioners will be asked to consider how current and future collaborations can be developed and sustained across the following areas of work. • Meeting stress with dignity – designed environments, wayfinding, green design and nature; • Distraction – participation and personalisation in relation to artists work in visual communication and clinical practice; • The value of engaging creatively through arts. The event will be of interest to healthcare professionals, artists and cultural organisations delivering or looking to deliver on healthcare agendas. The aim of the conference is three-fold:
1. Provide a forum for networking, discussion and exploring ideas between healthcare professionals, artists and local community organisations to help to set the agenda for future, sustainable creative-led programmes within healthcare environments. 2. Provide an opportunity for artists, healthcare professionals and community organisations to visit the new hospitals to experience the creative approach that has been delivered throughout the buildings. 3. Disseminate the learning which has taken place through the delivery of the ‘Working Well: People and Places’ Programme, the wider arts and health work across NHSGGC and examine the collaborations that have been developed, reflecting on how these can be enhanced for the delivery of a better healthcare. The event is free but booking is essential. To book through Eventbrite click here Places are limited therefore early booking is recommended. Delegates need to book places for both Wednesday evening and the Thursday conference if they wish to attend both days. Lunch is included at the Lighthouse. If you have any special requirements please contact: shaziah.latif@ggc.scot.nhs.uk For programme updates and further information please visit: www.ginkgoprojects. co.uk/projects
First Port Provide Business Model Bank ‘Ditto’
Ever thought about starting up a social enterprise but don’t know where to start? Ditto! , a new service provided by social enterprise support provider ‘Firstport’ could be the answer. Firstport are an organisation who have helped many social entrepreneurs with business advice and funding. Ditto is a new service facilitated by Firstport where budding social entrepreneurs can choose a social enterprise model from a bank of business models. The social enterprise models from the ‘Ditto Ideas Bank’ have all been tried and tested from those that are continuing to succeed in the world of social entrepreneurialism. Each idea can be tailor made to address the issues your passionate about. Once an idea has been chosen from the Ditto Ideas Bank, participants on the Ditto programme receive a number of supports including: direct access to a peer network, tailored guidance through the start-up phase and the opportunity to apply for funding. For more info on Ditto, follow this link: http://www.firstport.org.uk/projects/ditto
Public Contracts Notice Ref: MAR203816 Notice Type: Contract Award Notice Title: National Services Scotland - Internal Audit & Services Audits Published: 18/03/2015 Published by: The Common Services Agency (more commonly known as NHS National Services Scotland) (“the Authority”) Deadline: Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR203617 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: United Kingdom-East Kilbride: Foreign economic-aid-related services Published: 17/03/2015 Published by: Department for International Development Deadline: 14/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR203633 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: LIT 0443 Investment Advisor for the University of Edinburgh Published: 17/03/2015 Published by: University Of Edinburgh Deadline: 10/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR203643 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Consultancy for Utility Efficiency Identification and Assessment Published: 17/03/2015 Published by: South Lanarkshire Council Deadline: 15/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR203687 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Tender for the Provision of an Adult Disability Advice Service Published: 17/03/2015 Published by: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Deadline: 28/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR203069 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Flow Country digital 3D virtual landscape model and game Published: 10/03/2015 Published by: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland (RSPB Scotland) Deadline: 07/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR202897 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Board Health Checks and Skills Audits Published: 09/03/2015 Published by: Highlands and Islands Enterprise Deadline: 08/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR202739 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Provision of External Advisers for the Independent Assurance Review Programme (Framework Agreement) Published: 06/03/2015 Published by: Scottish Government Deadline: 01/05/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR202504 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: WDC 1314-48 Supply & Delivery of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Published: 04/03/2015 Published by: West Dunbartonshire Council Deadline: 20/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: MAR202160 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Early Years Partnership Training Published: 02/03/2015 Published by: Scottish Borders Council Deadline: 24/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: FEB201676 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Young Peoples Managed Support Service Published: 25/02/2015 Published by: The City of Edinburgh Council Deadline: 17/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: FEB201728 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: UK-Kilmarnock: Provision of External Training Services Framework Published: 25/02/2015 Published by: East Ayrshire Council Deadline: 08/04/2015 Full Text: Here
Funding CashBack for Communities Cashback for Communities is a Scottish Government initiative that uses funds recovered from criminal activity to support positive activities for young people. Through the scheme Volunteer lead youth groups in Scotland can apply for funding of up to £2,000 to enhance their programmes for young people and get their projects off the ground. The scheme can provide up to £1,000 to support the start up costs of new projects or groups or up to £2,000 to support projects run by existing local groups. CashBack got Communities is a partnership of six national, volunteer-led youth organisations; Scottish Council - The Scout Association, Girlguiding Scotland, Boys Brigade, The Girls’ Brigade in Scotland, Clubs for Young People (Scotland) and Youth Scotland and to eligible the applicant needs to be a member of one of the six partnership organisations listed above. The next closing date for applications to the CashBack for Communities small grants scheme is the 1st June 2015. Full details on website
Prince’s Countryside Fund The Prince’s Countryside Fund has £800,000 of funding available for inspiring rural initiatives. Grants up to £50,000 are available to support: • • •
thriving rural communities rural livelihoods farmers of the future
The deadline is 9th April 2015. Full details on website
Santander Awards Banking group Santander has launched its annual Social Enterprise Development Awards (SEDA) for social enterprises and enterprising charities across the UK. A number of awards are made in two categories: Growth Award: £5,000 or £10,000 to fund a capital item or growth project for registered charities and constituted community groups with a turnover of £50,000 to £250,000. Catalyst Award: £5,000 or £10,000 to fund a capital item or a project to grow the business for CICs, Limited Companies with asset lock and Co-operatives with a £25,000 to £100,000 turnover. The deadline for applications is 10 April 2015. Full details on website Spirit of Achievement Arts and Culture Challenge Fund Funding is available in the UK for the creation of opportunities to enable disabled people to participate in arts and cultural activities, individually and with their families. The Spirit of Achievement Arts and Culture Challenge Fund is available for the creation of opportunities to enable disabled people to participate in arts and cultural activities, individually and with their families. Projects should: • Increase opportunities for disabled people to participate regularly in arts and cultural activities. • Provide opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people (particularly families) to participate in activities together. • Provide regular and sustained opportunities for participation (not one off activities). • Provide opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to volunteer together to deliver those activities. • Provide disabled and non-disabled volunteers with training and skills that both ensure a high quality volunteering experience and boost employability. • Address a clearly identified and evidenced need, reflecting current public health priorities and including the views of potential beneficiaries. • Articulate a clear vision of how the project will impact beyond the life of Spirit’s funding. Charities, voluntary and community organisations, Social Enterprises, Community Interest Companies, statutory bodies and private companies in the UK are eligible to apply for grants of between £100,000 and £250,000. The deadline for applications is 20 April 2015 (9am). Full details on website
The Creative Breaks funding programme Creative Breaks provides grants to third sector organisations working in Scotland to increase the range and choice of short break opportunities for carers of adults, kinship carers, young carers and the people they care for. The programme will distribute around £1 million of Scottish Government funding in 2015. The deadline for applications is Noon, Friday 8th May 2015. Full details on website Triangle Trust 1949 Fund Funding for charities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies in the UK that are working to support unpaid carers or the rehabilitation of offenders or exoffenders. The Triangle Trust provides Development Grants to specialist community and voluntary organisations working with carers or the rehabilitation of offenders or ex-offenders within the UK. There are two application rounds each year which focus on one specific area. The current round is open to organisations with the primary purpose of supporting unpaid carers. Development Grants provide funding towards any costs incurred by the applicant in undertaking its core business so that sustainable income sources can be developed and the organisation’s income will not be reduced when the grant comes to an end. Grants are available for up to £40,000 or 50% of current annual income, whichever is lowest, per year for three years. The amount requested each year is expected to taper down as applicants develop other sustainable income streams. Registered charities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies that are working within the UK and have a UK office are eligible to apply. Applications for organisations working with carers are now being accepted with a deadline of 30 April 2015 (12 noon). An application round for organisations with the primary purpose of supporting the rehabilitation of offenders and ex-offenders will open early in September 2015 with a deadline of 5 November 2015 (noon). Full details on website
Next TSF Bulletin The next edition of TSF Bulletin will be out on Thursday 30th April 2015. To submit any news items or community events, contact us no later than Monday 20th April 2015 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 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