Promoting your group in Slough

Transcription

1 Newslinethe newsletter for Slough s voluntary and community groups Promoting your group in Slough Slough Get Involved (SCVS) is the Slough Council for Voluntary Service Slough Council for Voluntary Service is registered charity No and company limited by guarantee, registered in England No It is a member of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. Issue 45 September 2015 The new updated Slough Get Involved website is a focal point for local residents to find out about what s happening in the town, from one off fundraising events to regular lunch or youth clubs. Designed for local residents to have easy access to services that will be useful to them, the website is a simple handy tool that can easily be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. What can you do? We are looking for fresh and exciting content to let residents know what s happening in the community and that s where you come in. With so many activities provided by the voluntary sector in Slough, the website is a fantastic resource for you to use to promote your group. Tell your service users and members about the website and help to keep them informed. They can also subscribe to a monthly Community News e-newsletter containing details of local volunteering opportunities, events, news and a special feature giving an in-depth insight about a different group each month. So what are the benefits for your group of keeping the content up to date? Let residents know about the services you offer Improve your profile locally Share your good news with the local community Get residents involved promote your volunteering opportunities For further information about becoming a featured charity or to add an event, news item or volunteering opportunity info@sloughgetinvolved.org.uk Slough Voluntary Sector Awards 2015 Come and join us on Friday 20th November 2015 at Heathrow/Windsor Marriott, Ditton Road, Langley, Slough, SL3 8PT from 6.45pm onwards for a fun evening to celebrate the contribution made by the voluntary and community sector to the people of Slough. The event will commence with a drinks reception at 6.45pm followed by a three course dinner and the awards ceremony. Cost: 30 (voluntary/statutory), 50 (business) per person Further details can be found at

2 News NHS Youth Forum launches posters for young people The NHS Youth Forum have developed a series of posters for young people. The posters focus on young people s right to consent, their right to complain and their right to comment and give feedback on the services that they receive. These are all an important part of the NHS listening to and working with young people in order to provide the best care possible. The posters come with an overarching leaflet that gives more information about each topic. The leaflet is also available in audio and easy read formats. They are available to download from Workplaces in Slough have joined Shake up September Workplaces across Slough have joined the nationwide Shake Up September challenge. Shake Up September encourages employees across England to increase activity levels by trying at least one new activity or sport during September. The ultimate aim for participants is to try a new activity and to log as much of the new activity as possible throughout the month-long challenge. To take part simply register yourself and/or your workplace at workplacechallenge.org.uk and start logging your activity! National Minimum Wage rates from 1st October 2015 The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you re an apprentice - you must be at least school leaving age to get it. 21 and over to Under Apprentice* 3.30 *This rate is for apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. All other apprentices are entitled to the National 2Minimum Wage for their age. The essential trustee The new Charity Commission s Guidance, The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do was published on 10 July Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. They may be called trustees, the board, the management committee, governors, directors or something else. This guidance explains what being a trustee involves, including: what trustees do who can be a trustee and how trustees are appointed their legal responsibilities specific trustee roles of chair and treasurer the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-toknow-cc3 What do you think about your local care services? The Care Quality Commission will be inspecting services provided by Wexham Park Hospital starting on the 13th October. Your experiences of services help them to understand what is good and bad at hospitals, so please get in touch and help improve your local services. Contact them at tellus@cqc.org.uk or Newsline Contributions Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue of Newsline. The next issue will be published in December We would be really interested to hear your news items. Please contributions to Lorna Allen at lallen@sloughcvs.org.uk or send to Slough Council for Voluntary Service, 27 Church Street, Slough, Berks, SL1 1PL.

3 Funding MSE Charity The UK has a massive problem with consumer and debt illiteracy. Companies spend billions on advertising, marketing and teaching their staff to sell yet we get no buyers' training. The UK is in debt crisis, a whole generation is in debt up to its ears. The MSE Charity is designed to try and break that cycle of debt. As the Trust's resources are modest, the trustees prefer to fund small to medium-sized charities with an annual income of less than 500,000 where small grants can have more impact. The MSE Charity supports personal financial literacy. Projects such as self-help groups and other innovative projects that will help educate people about money/debt/consumer issues. So whether you're a charity, or a group with a good idea, let us know and we'll see what can be done to help. Anything that fits our charity's remit; whether it's a project to teach squaddies about money before they leave the army, or support young people to be financially independent - it'll be considered. Grants of up to 5000 are available. Grow Your Tenner 2015 Dream Fund The Dream Fund gives organisations the chance to deliver the project they have always dreamed of, but never had the opportunity to bring to life. We are asking charitable organisations across Great Britain to think big, be ambitious and collaborate with other not-for-profit partners to deliver their dream project. Dream Fund 2016 will offer a total award fund of 2 million for charitable organisations to deliver their dream project in the areas of Scotland, England or Wales in Charities will be able to apply for up to 1 million to deliver their dream project. There will be two or three awards in total. Successful projects will be announced in January Registered charities and community organisations in Scotland, England or Wales can join forces to apply for up to 1 million to deliver a new and innovative project up to 24 months in length that meets one or more of the following funding themes: sports; community development; environmental protection; health; human rights; and, prevention of poverty. There will be two or three awards to be granted, of up to 1,000,000 each. dream-fund.htm Grow Your Tenner 2015 launches on 13th October From Tuesday the 13th October at 10am, they'll be matching one-time donations pound-for-pound up to 10, and monthly donations up to 10 per month for 3 months*. All charities with active Localgiving memberships are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 10,000 of match funding and the campaign will run across the whole of the UK. With Gift Aid, a one-time donation of 10 made through Localgiving.com during Grow Your Tenner will generate 21.67**, so make sure you spread the word and start growing those tenners localgiving.com/berkshire **One-time donations made during Grow Your Tenner will typically generate in funding for the charity. There may be some variation in this figure depending upon the payment method used.

4 News from the Groups 4 Slough Refugee Support Keriann, Family Support Worker from Slough Refugee Support (SRS) promoted the group s work at a Family Fun Day at Salt Hill Park on 5th August Keriann used the opportunity to sign up nine potential volunteers, tell mums about their crèche and entertain children with some guessing and art activities. SRS also showed its appreciation of the many volunteers who give their time to welcome clients, offer support and deal with their many challenges by holding a Volunteer Thank You Party during Volunteer Week in July. Volunteers and staff spent a happy afternoon together enjoying cups of tea and delicious cake. Welcome to Slough! SRS is also very pleased that Taz Mohammed joined the group at the end of July as their new Chief Executive Officer. Previously a Service Manager at the Royal Voluntary Service in Windsor, Taz brings with him a wealth of experience, local knowledge and enthusiasm. Local reading charity given a cash boost by Heathrow Community Fund Local reading charity ABC to Read has received a donation of 1,584 from the Heathrow Community Fund to recruit, train and support five reading mentors in the Slough area. The charity have been working with volunteers for over 10 years to mentor youngsters who are struggling with their reading. The primary school children selected to work with an ABC to Read mentor are identified by the schools as those children who would benefit most from one-to-one support. The Heathrow Community Fund grant will focus on the Slough area and increase the number of volunteers who are able to work with local children. The charity are regularly recruiting new volunteers to cope with the demand from local schools for ABC to Read support. Volunteers are continuously supported by ABC to Read who offer training sessions, books and games to use with the children as well as opportunities for further training. Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read Chief Operating and Development Officer, said: Every additional volunteer that we recruit and train impacts three more children every year who are given hope for their future as a result of the improved reading skills they develop with their mentor. With five more volunteers in the Slough area, the benefit to local children is immeasurable and we are very thankful to the Heathrow Community Fund. For more information or to book onto the next training course please visit or abctoread@btconnect.com

5 News from the Groups 1000 People. Sleeping in Boxes. In December. Beating Homelessness Last year The Big SleepOut raised 93k for Trinity and SHOC to beat homelessness in West London. At Trinity they believe everyone has the right to a home - they work to help people who are suffering the effects of homelessness to live independent lives. They offer more than just a roof over the heads of the people they work with: they coach them to ensure they never need to be homeless again and help them get jobs to secure an independent future. Homelessness can happen to anyone - 26% of homelessness happens because relationships with family and friends break down and a further 18% is because romantic relationships end. It really could happen to me, or you. They believe it takes the whole community to beat homelessness and would like to give you the chance to be involved - join us at The Big SleepOut 2015: 1000 people, sleeping in boxes - raising money to beat homelessness. It s a fantastic night of good food, entertainment and sleeping outside in the middle of winter! You will be changing lives by taking part and not just your own. Sign up today if you sign up as a team of 5 or more you will receive a free limited edition #ItCouldBeMe t-shirt; sign up as a team of 30 or more and receive a fantastic goody bag. Get your friends and colleagues to sign up today - don t miss out on this fantastic chance to change lives. Apna Virsa wins Heritage Lottery Fund support Apna Virsa has received 53,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, Khaana Khajana Wealth of Food, in Slough. This project will research, document and raise awareness about the important cultural heritage of South Asian food. The project will explore the significance of food in British Asian culture, from its importance in cultural traditions to its evolution in Britain. It will record traditional recipes, cooking methods and the stories behind specific ingredients and dishes before they are lost. Food is integral to British Asian culture, bringing families and communities together and connecting second and third British Asian generations with their rich heritage. Within South Asian culture, recipes are traditionally passed on orally, between generations within families. The fast pace of modern society and breakdown of extended families has impacted on these traditions and important recipes and understanding of their significance are at risk of being lost. Project volunteers will be trained and supported to capture and share this important knowledge through oral history interviews and community heritage activities. The project will attract new participants through inclusive and innovative activities, including recipe swap shops, pop-up cooking demonstrations and food tasting sessions. Apna Virsa is based in Slough and works to promote awareness of South Asian heritage and culture across our diverse community. Commenting on the award, Project Co-ordinator Seema Kamboj said: We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project will facilitate important intergenerational, intercultural dialogue, and sharing of heritage skills and knowledge. 5

6 News from the Groups 6 New President for St John Ambulance Helen Berg I am pleased to have recently taken up a volunteer position as Area President for St John Ambulance - SJA in Berkshire, with a particular focus on the Slough area. I have spent a long career as a tax consultant, latterly in the Thames Valley, but have fond memories of being an SJA cadet in my teenage years. Most will recognise the St John Ambulance vehicles providing emergency transport ambulances, and First Aid tents at public events community fetes, half marathons, sporting events, and other civic and ceremonial events. Youmay also be aware of our recent first aid advertisement The Chokeables which has to date been known to have saved the lives of at least 40 children. You may not be so aware of the vital first aid training offered by SJA. Individuals can book a half day essential first aid course for themselves, or organisations can book SJA trainers to come into the workplace and train staff on site, which can be a wonderful team building experience. Currently we are focussing on raising funds for first aid training in schools, so that children can feel confident that they too can make the difference between a life lost and a life saved. I would be happy to discuss how organisations in Slough can participate in the wonderful work of SJA in the local community, whether as volunteers, helping to raise funds, or participating in training. Contacts details: Helen.Berg@sja.org.uk Mobile: Building Bridges between Young People and the Police in Slough Local young people s charity Aik Saath (Together As One) and Thames Valley Police collaborated, to further understanding through cohesion at an event in August. 52 young people turned up at Aik Saath s Church Street office to take part in the event, featuring a workshop on Stop and Search, a question and answer session and a hands on exploration of the kit used by police officers when on duty. The Officers involved in the event were all drawn from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team at Langley Police station. Earlier in the year, Aik Saath staff had asked young volunteers at the organisation to identify areas that they would like to have a positive impact on in the community. The relationship between young people and the police was identified as something they would like to focus their efforts on. Consequently, young people were at the forefront of organising the event. Slough Older Peoples Forum 16th Annual Information Day Health and Wellbeing in later life Thursday 12th November 10.30am 3.00pm Kingsway United Reformed Church, Church Street, Slough, SL1 1SZ Welcome by Marcia Wright, Forum Chairperson. Opening by the Mayor of Slough Councillor M Rasib PROGRAMME Talks: am Trading Standards 11.10am. WEA 11.40am. Thames Valley Police 12.10pm. P3 Charity Contact Marcia Wright at wright@marciawright.orangehome.co.uk for more information.

7 Local News Information Advice and Guidance for Independent Living Enham Trust has been providing Information, Advice and Guidance since 2008 to people who want to remain independent, living in their own home and need to understand what care and support is available to them either through accessing Direct Payments or by funding their care themselves. Slough Borough Council, in partnership with Enham Trust, is launching a new service that will provide Information Advice and Guidance to enable local residents to have more choice and control over the care and support they receive. From 1st September 2015, Enham Trust will be based at the CVS offices. DIRECT PAYMENT ASSESSMENT Direct Payments are available firstly via an assessment from your local council or health care provider. If assessed as eligible, you are entitled to, Direct Payments from your local council which you can use to meet your care needs. Enham Trust can provide you with advice and guidance through this process, helping you find out about eligibility for a Direct Payment as well as helping you to recruit and employ a Personal Assistant (PA) if this is your chosen option. WILL I QUALIFY AS A DIRECT PAYMENT RECIPIENT? Direct Payments are provided by local authorities for people who are assessed as eligible to receive social care in their own homes so help with bathing or feeding on a regular basis, for example, or access to the local community. FUNDING YOUR OWN CARE AND SUPPORT? If you don t qualify for funding from your local authority and want to fund your own care, Enham Trust offers the same service providing you with advice and guidance while you plan your care and support, and then recruit and employ a PA if this is the option you need. WHAT IS A PERSONAL ASSISTANT? A PA is an employee that you recruit to assist with your support and care, enabling you to have more choice and control over how you are supported and who by. Enham Trust is setting up a register to recruit local people who are interested in becoming a PA. If you know anyone who may be interested in this work, they can contact Enham Trust. Enham Trust makes taking control of your independence simple and easy to do. Our Direct Payments Employer Support Services will take you step-by-step through recruitment, employment and payment options, so you can relax, knowing you are being supported every step of the way. Contact: or admindp@enhamtrsut.org.uk. 7

8 Noticeboard Does someone rely on YOU for help? Feel at home with your finances Monday 28th September Main Hall, 29 Church Street, Slough SL1 1PL 10.30am-12.00pm A series of FREE short informative sessions for all Carers Moving and Handling (Refresher) Friday 20th November Friends Meeting House, 74 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX 9.00am-1.00pm Safeguarding training for Carers Wednesday 21st October Maria Cowland Hall, Bower Way, Slough, SL1 5H 1.00pm-3.00pm Managing Your Emotions 23rd November 2015 Friends Meeting House, 74 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX 7pm-9pm Bowel Cancer Talk Wednesday 11th November Main Hall, 29 Church Street, Slough, SL1 1PL 12.30am-3.30pm 8 Alzheimers Dementia Support Services Slough - The Drop-In Centre at the Kingsway United Reformed Church, Church Street, Slough SL1 1SZ is open on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon. Langley - The Drop-In Centre at the Holy Family Church in St Joseph's Room, Trelawney Avenue, Langley, SL3 7RE (opposite the Library) is open on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1.00pm to 2.30pm. SINGING FOR PLEASURE This is a social get together for people with dementia accompanied by their carers. Refreshments are available. This is a fun interactive activity and a good singing voice is not required. Langley Sessions are each Monday afternoon (Term time only). Refreshments from 1pm and singing starts at 1.30pm to 2.30pm. We meet at Slough Mencap, Spitfire Close, (off Common Road), Langley SL3 8JU. AAP KI SEHAT SANGEET KE SANG (Your Wellbeing Through Music) at Age Concern, High Street, Slough (Lift to 2nd floor) A new service for Asian people with Dementia and their carers. Can help improve your mood and wellbeing through stimulation and gentle exercise. from 11am to 1pm. For further information contact Yasmein on MOVES TO MELODY WARZISH TAAL KE SAATH (Your Wellbeing Through Music). Age Concern, High Street, Slough (Lift to 2nd Floor) For Asian people with dementia and their carers. Come and join us for a fun activity to promote your health and wellbeing. Refreshments available. info@alzheimersdementiasupport.co.uk Facebook: Mindfulness and Compassion 14th December 2015 Friends Meeting House, 74 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX 7pm-9pm To book please telephone or on-line booking details at Slough Council for Voluntary Service, 27 Church Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1PL Tel: enquiries@sloughcvs.org.uk