E-bulletin Novemeber 2015
Inside:
East Renfrewshire Collaborates
VA Academy Articles
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Pension Fraud: Concerns About Increase Risk to Pensioners
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Seniors Together - Social Isolation
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Third Sector Showcase Event
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Two Big Third Sector Wins in Autum Statement
Resources
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Tax Help for Older People
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The Perfect Present for any Envirobunnies you Might Know??
Events
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Alzheimer Scotland
Public Contracts & Funding
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New Public Sector Procurement Guidance to Promote Fair Work
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Public Contract Notice
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Funding
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Website
East Renfrewshire Collaborates VAER Third Sector Forum has changed. In order to be even more inclusive the forum has grown to incorporate other partners within the new East Ren Collaborates. We will continue to co-ordinate networking and discussion through two bi-annual events supplemented by our VA Academy – a flexible programme of smaller issues based information sessions.
VA Academy
Welfare Reform Update – 19th January 2015 Because December is often a little bonkers we have decided not to hold a VA Academy this month. The subject of January’s event is a follow up from May’s session to discuss updates on Welfare Reform and Universal Credit, and specifically changes anticipated to be rolled out in Barrhead. Brian Fyles and one of his colleague from the DWP Job Centre Plus will be giving a presentation with an opportunity to ask questions. More information will follow later this month.
Pension Fraud: Concerns about increase risk to Pensioners In a report published 19th October 2015, the Commons’ Work and Pensions Committee predicts that the issue PENSION FRAUD could become the next mis-selling scandal, warning that the pension reforms “have increased the prospect of people being conned out of their life savings”. The report also says savers who have received access to their retirement funds have been “endangered” by a lack of protection against rip-offs and high fees. It predicts that “insufficient” guidance will mean that millions of savers will suffer unexpected financial losses or run out of money too quickly if they use new the bank account-style pensions to access their cash. The freedoms, introduced in April, were designed to prevent savers feeling forced into buying annuities when they retire, instead giving them the option to take their entire savings, if they wish, as cash. While the Government has already promised to address rip-off fees on withdrawals, the MPs said it was ignoring some of the biggest threats that the new freedoms pose to savers. Frank Field, the chairman of the committee, said: “These reforms have been in operation for six months now: it is evident that that has been long enough for the scammers to get going, working on defrauding people out of their life savings.” The report adds: “To not provide the basis for a well-informed choice could lead to the next major pensions mis-selling scandal.” Since April, a surge of older savers have cashed in their retirement money, with more than 200,000 people accessing their pension pots during the first three months of the scheme, more than double the number of the same period in 2013. But because around 70 per cent of those retiring cannot afford or are unwilling to pay for financial advice, the committee is concerned that many will make bad choices and end up losing out. It has asked the City watchdog to crack down on pension scams, which typically invite unsuspecting investors to buy assets such as fine wine or overseas property. Evidence suggests that even savvy savers have become more susceptible to con men and need protecting. Excerpt taken from The Telegraph 19th October 2015
Seniors Together - Social Isolation Social isolation affects older people throughout East Renfrewshire on a daily basis. Social isolation may result from a change in a person’s life circumstances such as the loss of family members and friends or declining health and mobility. Research has also suggested that loneliness and social isolation can affect an older persons’ wellbeing and quality of life and is associated with depression and higher rates of mortality. The Seniors Together Project aims to help older people who are affected by social isolation by offering group events, interest groups and 1:1 befrienders being provided to those who are unable to get out and about independently. The main role of a volunteer 1:1 befriender is to provide social company for an older person for one to two hours a week to chat about common interests or listen to what the older person has been doing that week. However a challenge many volunteer befrienders have found is when the older person they support experience an episode of low mood and how they, as a befriender, can best support the older person within their role. For example Pauline, a volunteer 1:1 befriender was recently matched with Margaret. Both ladies “hit it off” and enjoyed each other’s company. However Margaret had recently come home from hospital and was adjusting to the changes in her life. Pauline found that in the initial visits, Margaret would talk only about the problems in her life and would be very emotional. Project staff spoke with Pauline about how best to support Margaret as Pauline was concerned about Margaret’s low mood. It was suggested given Pauline’s own experiences and skills that the most beneficial support was to be there, listen and where possible, keep the conversation light hearted. Margaret has commented on what a wonderful influence Pauline is and how she thoroughly enjoys her visits. Project staff are aware of how challenging this can be for 1:1 befrienders and do offer further training around mental health awareness. This training provides and insight into spotting the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and how best to support an older person. As with Margaret and Pauline, it is evident that often the most beneficial thing a 1:1 befriender can do is to be there and provide a listening ear as often, the volunteer 1:1 befriender may be the only regular contact an older person has. If you could make a difference to an older persons life like Pauline or know of someone like Margaret please contact Voluntary Action on 0141 876 9555.
Third Sector Showcase Event VAER hosted a third sector showcase event on the 6th Nov in the Barrhead Health Centre where local people could see some of the vital work organisations and groups were doing in their area but also tell us what we could do together to make Barrhead and East Renfrewshire even better. VAER believe the most important voice is the local voice. And this is what they said. “Link community stuff and have more community events” “Be kind and friendly to each other”
“Educate residents of East Ren of groups available in the area, for example, local ad in local newspaper each week showcasing a number of groups available”.
“Have telephone number that folk can call to see if there is help available for them – “More social media better presence” dedicated number staffed by volunteers not everyone has access to PC”. “Encourage for more peer support and peer awareness of best practice, new groups, facilities or services and improve access to support as early as possible for people with ASN” “Put more attention on good news stories and highlight what is good “Build more parks and play areas about the area”. for tots to teens” “Periodic newsletter telling residents what “Share resources i.e. venue hire the council is doing”. services”. “Getting youth involved in community. Everyone can do a little bit of voluntary work”. “Look seriously at paying for some services we can’t get everything for nothing” “Just be kinder and friendlier to each other”.
“Begin to break down the barriers between what folks thinks we need & what we actually know we need”. “buses from Newton Mearns to take to New Southern Hospital”.
“Using the museum as a museum”.
Two Big Third Sector Wins in Autum Statement
Charities in Scotland can breath a sigh of relief after the scrapping of plans to raid the Big Lottery Fund, which could have seen our sector lose £30-£70 million. Along with a U-turn on the scrapping of tax credits, this is the big news coming from the Chancellor’s autumn statement. Our policy team have put together seven top points on today’s announcements: 1. No Big Lottery Fund cash grab to fund public spending shortfalls. 2. Tax credits will not be cut in advance of their integration into Universal Credit. 3. The Treasury announced another tranche of UK-wide grants to specific women, military and arts charities. 4. Five housing associations pilots in England to sell of their assets through right to buy. 5. The Scottish block grant will endure a real terms cut of 1.2% per year to 2020 (in England, there will be cuts to local authority budgets, but because of increases for policing and health (in England), the overall position for the Scottish Budget is more secure). 6. More cash for youth volunteering in England and Northern Ireland through the National Citizens Service. 7. A mechanism for ensuring a fair share of the Chancellor’s apprenticeship funding for Scottish employers, including charities, is currently being worked on but access to the fund won’t be till 2017 at least.
Tax Help for Older People Do you know or work with older people who are confused by their tax Tax Help for Older People is a charity service from Tax Volunteers that provides free, independent and expert advice and help for older people on lower incomes. (£20,000 gross per annum or less.) The objective of to provide accessible tax help and advice for older, more vulnerable and unrepresented people on low or modest incomes. Their volunteer tax advisers are spread right across the United Kingdom. Most of them currently practising or retired tax professionals, including retired HM Revenue and Customs staff. These volunteers give their time and expertise free of charge because they recognise how difficult the tax system can be for older people who can’t afford professional advice and they want to use their skills to benefit the community. The answer simple questions over the telephone. For other problems, they’ll arrange aface-to-face meeting with a volunteer adviser. For anyone unable to travel because of disability, they’lll arrange a home visit. The advice is free, independent and confidential. Advice can be give on any personal tax matter, large or small. If you are worried about tax, they are here to help. For information http://www.taxvol.org.uk/ or phone either 0845 6013321 or 01308 488066
The Perfect Present for any Envirobunnies you Might Know?? ReUseIt, in Barrhead, is now offering Gift Vouchers (for £5 or £10) to be redeemed against any purchase within their Aladdin’s cave of delights warehouse on Muriel Street. So if you know someone who loves helping to save the planet – this could indeed be the perfect present for them. And for those who may be dog-lovers? ReUseIt are selling their own Christmas card which features wee Skye the staffy, the project’s mascot. The large, glossy A5 cards are £3.50 for a pack of five or if you’d just like one card for that doggy-loving friend or relative, that would set you back a modest 80p. Please contact ReUseIt on 0141 237 1646 or 07733 446341 for further information.
Alzheimer Scotland Neilston community members and retailers are invited to an information drop–in evening 10th December anytime between 6pm-9pm at “The Bank” 84 Main Street, Neilston. G78 3EA. Interested in making your community more “Dementia Friendly” then join us for an informal discussion and meet people who can support you and your community. Representation from various services and organisations will be there. This event is supported by Neilston Development Trust, East Renfrewshire HSCP and Alzheimer Scotland. Light refreshments provided. For further information please contact either Richard Leckerman, Dementia Advisor 0141 410 5327 or Alan Stevenson, Community Link Worker 0141 800 7070.
New Public Sector Procurement Guidance to Promote Fair Work The Scottish Government had formalised its commitment to making Scotland a fairer place to work with new statutory guidance for public sector procurement. The document represents the first time any administration has gone as far, and ensures that public sector procurements can take account of the fact that employers whose staff are treated fairly are likely to deliver higher quality services. Those bidding for public contracts will now be expected to adopt fair work practices, which may include – • • •
paying the Living Wage no unnecessary use of zero hours contracts giving workers an active voice in the workplace
Read More
Public Contracts Notice Ref: OCT224389 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Training in Lanarkshire Published: 27/10/2015 Published by: NHS Lanarkshire Deadline: 11/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: OCT224409 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Service Framework for Young People Impacted by Substance Misuse Published: 27/10/2015 Published by: NHS Lanarkshire Deadline: 11/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: OCT224410 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Corporate Resource Partner to Assist Change Published: 27/10/2015 Published by: East Renfrewshire Council Deadline: 07/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: NOV225298 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Consultancy Services for Glasgow City Centre Districts Strategy Regeneration Published: 05/11/2015 Published by: Glasgow City Council Deadline: 16/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: NOV225324 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Audit Scotland invitation to tender for the external audit of public bodies in Scotland Published: 05/11/2015 Published by: Audit Scotland Deadline: 16/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: NOV225525 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Modern Apprenticeships - Provider for 2016-17 (P15-086) Published: 06/11/2015 Published by: The Skills Development Scotland Co. Limited Deadline: 10/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: NOV225527 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: Modern Apprenticeships - Employer for 2016-17 (P15-087) Published: 06/11/2015 Published by: The Skills Development Scotland Co. Limited Deadline: 10/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Ref: NOV226158 Notice Type: Contract Notice Title: “Positive Futures” Research & Evaluation project (2015-2018) Published: 13/11/2015 Published by: Venture Trust Deadline: 04/12/2015 Full Text: Here
Funding Henry Duncan Awards Grants of between a few hundred pounds and £7,000 are available for projects that will make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that at least one of the following will be achieved: • • • • •
Improve family welfare. Reduce isolation. Improve health and wellbeing. Increase independence or life skills. Improve community cohesion and integration.
Grassroots charities operating in Scotland are eligible to apply. Organisations must have an income of less than £500,000 per annum. The 2016 application deadlines are: 25 January 2016, 14 March 2016, 16 May 2016, 18 July 2016 and 19 September 2016. Full details on website
Hilden Charitable Fund The Hilden Charitable Fund is open for applications. Within the UK, the Hilden Charitable Fund makes grants to projects that address disadvantage, notably by supporting causes which are less popular. In particular, the Fund wants to support projects that address homelessness; supports asylum seekers and refugees; support community based initiatives for disadvantaged young people 16 - 25; and penal affairs. The average grant awarded is £5,000 and preference is given to supporting small community organisations with an income of less than £500,000 per year. The Trust will consider funding project as well as core running costs of organisations. The closing date for applications is the 16th December 2015 Full details on website
Lush LUSH supports small, grassroots organisations around the world working in environment, animal protection and human rights. They look for organisations that take on issues that others don’t, those that push the boundaries and challenge mainstream opinion. They support non-violent direct action groups that play an important part in bringing about social change. Up to £10,000 is available. Deadline: none given. Full details on website
Plunkett Foundation The Plunkett Foundation’s “Our Urban Shop Grant” pilot programme is offering funding for communities in urban areas of the UK to develop and run a community-owned shop that will stock food and other basic provisions. Any urban community group or organisation in the UK can apply for grants of between £20,000 and £30,000 to set up an urban community shop that will stock food and other basic provisions. The grants can be used for: • • • • • • •
Incorporation fees. Planning applications. Accountancy support. Other professional fees. Purchasing and/or refurbishing premises. Printing and promoting a community share offer (up to £50). Other essential costs, such as fixtures, fittings, equipment and stock.
The deadline for applications is 18 December 2015. Full details on website
The Royal British Legion Organisations running or planning, charitable activities in support of the Armed Forces community can apply for up to ÂŁ50,000. Funding Priorities are employment and training, support for families, supporting the elderly and homelessness and outreach. Next deadline: 26 February 2016. Full details on website
Youthlink Scotland The CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund aims build the capacity of young people and the youth work organisations who work to support them. They will support operating costs related to the delivery of youth work activity programmes that adds to or consolidates the excellent youth work already being undertaken throughout Scotland. Each local authority has its own allocation funds. Deadline: 9 December 2015. Full details on website
Next TSF Bulletin The next edition of TSF Bulletin will be out on Wednesday 23rd December 2015. To submit any news items or community events, contact us no later than Wednesday 16th December 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 emai Lesley. 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