Householders urged to insure their house contents

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1 Date: 15th December 2014 Welcome to the 63rd Edition of Supporting Communities NI E-Biz Consultation A Tenant Participation Strategy for NI? Over the last few months SCNI has been facilitating engagement between DSD officials and community representatives on the Social Housing Reform Programme and in particular a proposed Tenant Participation Strategy for social housing in NI. The Committee for Social Development met on Thursday 27th November 2014 and considered some of the issues arising out of this engagement and received a briefing on the draft consultation paper on the Tenant Participation Strategy. Following his attendance at the Social Development Committee Colm McDaid, SCNI Chief News Officer, welcomed the draft Tenant Participation Strategy and reflecting on the committee s discussion added, I very much welcome the forthcoming opportunity to consider the draft Strategy and to work with Departmental officials in facilitating tenant and community engagement in the consultation process early in the New Year. The Committee also received a briefing from departmental officials on outcomes arising from the public consultation on developer contributions. You can listen to or watch the committee meeting on the Assembly website at: 27-November-2014/ Householders urged to insure their house contents Each year families across Northern Ireland have had to face up to the reality of replacing carpets and furnishings after heavy rain or burst pipes caused flooding in their homes. Some did not have their possessions insured. A Housing Executive spokesman explained: The Housing Executive or housing associations will carry out repairs to the structure of their properties. It is, however, the tenant s responsibility to have insurance cover for personal property, furnishings and the decoration of their home.

2 For many, with competing pressures on the household budget, house contents insurance may not seem a priority. But we are urging everyone, including Housing Executive and housing association tenants, to have their possessions insured. If you do not have insurance for your personal property, you run the risk of having to find all the money necessary to repair or replace items that have been damaged. Over the past few years there have been many examples of extensive damage being caused by flooding, fire and severe cold spells resulting in burst pipes. Many of those affected had no insurance. There are numerous contents insurance policies available and you can obtain details by looking in your yellow pages or contacting your local insurance broker. SCNI has encouraged insurance companies to tailor their products to better suit tenants needs. For more information and to obtain a quotation go to; SCNI%20Insurance%20leaflet%20Summer% pdf Housing Executive to set up oil buying clubs Households are to benefit from reduced heating costs with the establishment of a network of oil buying clubs across Northern Ireland. The Housing Executive has appointed Bryson Energy to establish a network of clubs and will work on behalf of the club members by negotiating the best price for a bulk order and arranging delivery. With the majority of all households in Northern Ireland (68%) dependent on oil heating this new scheme will assist householders in budgeting for oil deliveries on a monthly basis, as well as providing savings as part of a larger buyer group. The scheme is open to all housing tenures including owner-occupiers, housing association and Housing Executive tenants as well as private-rented tenants. Anyone interested in forming an oil buying club should contact Bryson Energy on Welcoming the scheme, Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, said: Oil buying clubs offer people the opportunity to join with others in buying their home heating oil in bulk, achieving a better price than smaller, more costly refills. There may be some communities who have been interested in embarking on such a scheme but perhaps are unsure of going it alone. This initiative will offer households support through Bryson Energy who will act as project co-ordinator. Mags Lightbody, Acting Chief Executive of the Housing Executive explained: Fuel poverty remains a major issue for many of our tenants with the main causes being the high cost of fuel and low household income. The Housing Executive recognises the excellent work done to date with some local community groups and local councils facilitating the establishment of oil buying clubs. As the Home Energy Conservation Authority for all residential tenures we believe this concept should be replicated across Northern Ireland. Further information on the establishment of Oil Buying Clubs is also available on: [email protected] or

3 Ministers agree next steps for developer contributions Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, and Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, are to commission research on the likely economic impact of Developer Contributions Schemes. Developer Contributions Schemes are a means of providing additional numbers of social and affordable housing units, often alongside new owner-occupied housing, in mixed income communities and are already in place across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department of the Environment (DOE) consulted on the possible introduction of a Developer Contributions Scheme in Northern Ireland. The consultation ran from 3rd June 2014 to 23rd September Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA said: The consultation process has given my Department a valuable opportunity to take views from a wide range of consultees on the broad principles behind developer contributions. Views on the introduction of such a scheme were mixed, with some very much in favour and others being more cautious. Responses have also pointed us towards a number of areas where further economic research should be undertaken. I have therefore asked my officials to commission this as soon as possible to provide up-to-date and Northern Ireland specific research to fully explore the likely economic impact, both positive and negative, of the various options for developer contributions schemes that could be implemented here. Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Compulsory Registration This is the last opportunity to make sure that the Commission knows that your group exists and that they have your contact details for registration. You can do this now by checking the registration lists at If you find that your group is not on the list you must complete and submit an Expression of Intent form to the Commission and do so before the deadline of 16 th December This is important if your group remains unregistered it will affect your ability to apply for funding in the future and you will be in breach of new legislation requirements. SCNI is a local helper group for registration and if you have any questions or would benefit from our assistance contact us at [email protected]

4 Rural communities win 4000 Four rural communities each won 1,000 in the Housing Executive s Rural Community Awards competition Launched at the Balmoral Show in May, the awards scheme aimed to reward rural communities working to better their areas. The winners were: Cleaner and Greener Rural Community Award Small Village - Loughmacrory Community Development Association Large Village - Cloughmills Community Action Team Rural Community Spirit Award Small Village - Loughgiel Community Association Large Village - Portaferry Community Collective Presenting the winners with their cheques, Mervyn Storey, Minister for Social Development said: It is a great pleasure for me to be invited to present these Rural Community Awards. With my background, I am fully aware of the invaluable work carried out by local people in rural communities to make them better places to live and raise a family. My Department provides important support to individuals, families, households, and communities in rural areas in a number of ways and I am committed to ensuring that rural communities get their equitable share. A vibrant, living countryside where people want to live is one issue I want to see further developed. I would like to congratulate not just the winners but everyone in the rural community for the fantastic work they do. There may be four awards for the overall winners but the work carried out by local community associations throughout Northern Ireland ensure that our rural communities are all winners. Siobhan McCauley, Housing Executive Director of Regional Services, commented: We are delighted to present these rural communities with their prizes. While we have presented four communities here today, the competition entries have highlighted the tremendous work being carried on in rural communities across Northern Ireland. Each and every entry was highly commendable and I would like to pay tribute to all those who are actively engaged in their communities, making their contribution to improving not just the environment but also the community spirit within their rural neighbourhood. Orla McCann, of Supporting Communities NI who was involved in the assessment of the applications commented: It was a pleasure to be involved in the Rural Community Awards and have the opportunity to see the really valuable work being carried out by Community Associations in rural areas throughout Northern Ireland. I would like to congratulate not only the four winners, but all who took the time and trouble to submit an application to showcase their areas. The standard was set at an extremely high level indeed and was reflected in the variety of projects being carried out as well as their impact on the ground. It is a testimony to all those involved in working to improve their own areas and communities, they are an inspiration to us all!

5 Attitudes of Disabled and Older People to Public Transport Services Survey Imtac has launched a survey designed to seek the views of disabled people and older people towards public transport in Northern Ireland. The findings of the survey will be used by DRD to develop plans for future improvements to public transport services once the Accessible Transport Strategy comes to an end in The survey can be completed in a number of ways. There is an online survey at The survey can also be printed from the Publications Section of the Imtac website. Hard copies and copies in larger print are available by contacting Michael Lorimer by telephone / textphone on or by ing [email protected]. FoodCloud Tackling food waste, food poverty and helping to restore community spirit based on shared food. FoodCloud is a not-for-profit social enterprise that connects businesses that have too much food with charities that have too little in their community. How Does FoodCloud Work? It s simple! Businesses upload details of available food via the FoodCloud app or website Local charities will be notified via a text message that the donation is available The donation of fresh surplus food will be packaged and made available for collection for the charity, who will then distribute it to those in need within their community To find out more, please visit the website [email protected] or call 028) Assembly News Weekly Answers Booklet 2013 / 2014 The Written Answers Booklet (WAB) is no longer be available in PDF format. An electronic version of the Written Answer Book is now available via AIMS at the following link: It provides questions and answers in a similar format to the WAB, i.e. on a weekly basis by department. However, unlike the weekly WAB, it will be updated daily as answers become available and it is also readily searchable for key words, reference numbers or phrases.

6 Assembly Round-Up Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey introduced a Regeneration Bill at the Plenary session held on Monday 8 th December 2014; Mr Storey (The Minister for Social Development): I beg to introduce the Regeneration Bill [NIA 32/11-16], which is a Bill to confer functions on district councils in relation to regeneration; to amend the Social Need (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and Part 7 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 in relation to the functions of the Department for Social Development; and for connected purposes. Bill passed First Stage and ordered to be printed. At the meeting held on Tuesday 18 th November 2014 Minister Storey responded to questions on stock transfer, co-ownership in west Tyrone, housing shortages in north Belfast, bungalow new-builds, homelessness and housing association performance. The full report for this meeting is available at: report.aspx?&evedate=2014/11/18&docid=213941# A daily digest of events and sessions at the assembly is available on the Assembly website at: Department of Justice The Criminal Law on Abortion Lethal Foetal Abnormality and Sexual Crime: A Consultation on Amending the Law Consultation on abortion 2014 Closing date: 17 th January 2015 Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Draft Adult Safeguarding Policy Closing date: 31 st January 2015 Northern Ireland Assembly Commission EQIA on the Review of the Policy on the Flying of the Union Flag at Parliament Buildings Closing date: 2 nd February 2015

7 KESS what the Assembly will be up to... The Programme of the Knowledge Exchange Seminar Series (KESS) will run from November to June, featuring 16 seminars. The Series will be jointly delivered by the Assembly s Research and Information Service (RaISe), with the Queen s University of Belfast, the Ulster University and The Open University (OU); formally partnering the Assembly with academia. Each seminar will start at 1.30pm in the Long Gallery, and, usually end no later than 3.45pm. The seminars will address 2/3 themes under a broad heading, covering a diverse range of issues; and can be viewed on the Assembly website. The KESS format starts with an Assembly Committee Chair/Deputy Chair/ Member providing Opening Remarks in his/her committee capacity; followed by academics presenting key research findings on themes that are relevant to Assembly business; with Researchers facilitating proceedings. Audience participation is encouraged. KESS regularly welcomes a broad spectrum of attendees, including those from devolved and local government, as well as those from the public and private sectors, academia, voluntary and community groups and members of the public. For more information and for a list of topics for 2015,go to: Assembly-Business/Research-and-Information-Service-RaISe/Knowledge-Exchange/? u t m _ s o u r c e = e N e w s + s u b s c r i b e r s & u t m _ c a m p a i g n = f e 0 c f d 1 - enews_24_november_2014&utm_medium= &utm_term=0_3f6979e667-f315e0cfd Vital Statistics Important User Engagement Event 18th December 2014 from 10.30am pm NISRA Headquarters, McAuley House, 2-14 Castle Street, Belfast NISRA s Vital Statistics Team would be grateful for your views on potential changes to its current publication schedule. By taking part in this important event you will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of the work and ensure that your needs are taken into account. To register, go to: Reg

8 Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching Following a very successful pilot, Mindwise in partnership with Kingston College, are delighted to launch the new 2015 Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching. This course is designed for those practicing in the Mental Health field and associated areas; it will equip you with the skills to diversify your practice, while learning techniques that can powerfully benefit your client on their journey from recovery to discovery. An information day will be held at NIVCA, 61 Duncairn Gardens on Thursday, 15th January 2014 from 11.00am 2.00pm. The purpose of this day will be to: Give you an opportunity to find out more about the course. See some of the tools and models in action, as Paula King presents the ROSE model of coaching. Have an opportunity to talk directly to the course directors and past students. To register for the information day or request an application pack please [email protected]. Spaces are limited and early booking discounts will apply for bookings confirmed before 31st Jan Publications LawCentre (NI) Newsletter available online The latest e-newsletters are now online, with invitations to Law Centre events, new training courses, case details, new rules on benefits for migrants, members survey and more: Law Centre (NI) e-newsletter November 2014 is available at: In addition Law Centre (NI) has published its most recent edition of Frontline magazine. It is also available online at; Reform Inform- Newsletter on the progress of local government reform The department of the Environment has published a further newsletter on local government reform. The September issue details capacity building for new councillors and regulations and statutory guidance. The latest edition can be accessed at;

9 NIEL EU Matters November 2014 NI Environment Link s Monthly look at European Environmental News is available at: NIEL Assembly News Keep up to date with all the environment related news and events taking place at Stormont. To see the main agenda items to be discussed this week at the Assembly and view NIEL s monthly review of the outcome of various Statements, Debates and Questions on environmental issues go to: NICVA Annual Report 2014 NICVA s Annual Report showcasing it s year in numbers is now available online. The report and financial accounts provides a summary of performance and achievements in 2013/2014. The report is available at: enews_8_december_2014&utm_medium= &utm_term=0_3f6979e667-1c5db024ba Ulster Community Investment Trust More and more community enterprises are realising that grants cannot fully meet all of their funding needs. It is now becoming necessary for them to generate their own capital in order to fulfil both development and cash flow requirements. Consequently loan funding, and in particular Social Finance, is becoming a primary tool in satisfying these needs. Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT) was established in 1995 in response to decreasing grant support from government and the difficulties experienced by community organisations in accessing commercial loan facilities. The organisation now stands as the key provider of social finance, free advice, business support and mentoring to the social economy sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As a registered charity, all profits generated by UCIT are recycled for reinvestment into the community and social enterprise sector. UCIT provides a regular newsletter: for more information and to subscribe go to: Inpartnership- the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships Newsletter The latest edition of inpartnership now available to view online at the link below. web_.pdf

10 Community Relations Council The most recent newsletter is available to download at: 08/November-2014.pdf Issue no. 18 of Shared Space containing 13 articles in a larger than usual edition will be available later this month from CRC. To be included on the mailing list contact [email protected]. The text will also be available from the CRC website. Youth Justice Agency Stakeholder E-Briefing This briefing is designed to keep you abreast of developments right across the Agency. For regular updates, visit the website of the Agency at: FUNDING Space and Place Programme upcoming deadlines The Space & Place Programme is a 15million, 5 year capital grants project that will support local communities to connect people by developing under-used, contested and/or difficult spaces. The programme is funded by the BIG Lottery Fund, and managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland in conjunction with the NI Housing Executive, Public Health Agency, NI Environmental Link, Rural Community Network and Groundwork NI. Space & Place will support the integration of communities, across various divides in Northern Ireland, through the development of local space and place. There are three levels of project grant available: Medium Grants of 50,000 (minimum) up to 100,000 (It is estimated that there will be some 76 grant awards in this category) Large Grants of 100,001 up to 350,000 (It is estimated that there will be some 20 grant awards in this category) Flagship Grants of 350,001 up to 1 million (It is estimated that there will be 4 grant awards in this category) The dates and deadlines of these tranches are listed below: Tranche 2 (Flagship Grants) - Stage 2 Deadline: 9th January 2015 Tranche 3 (Medium & Large Grants) - Stage 2 Deadline: 30th April 2015 (Please remember, Stage 2 applications are by invite only) For more information on how to apply please visit:

11 Telecommunity Fund The Telecommunity Fund was established with capital from BT, management and unions. It exists to support small, locally based community projects with an annual income of less than 200,000. Grants available: 500-1,500 (for exceptional projects, grants may be awarded up to 3,000) In 2014, The Telecommunity Fund celebrated 25 years of grant making. As part of this celebration, there will be 5 additional special grants of up to 5,000 each awarded to eligible community groups. Applications may be made from 3rd December 2014 until the extended deadline below. The usual smaller grants will also be considered and the guidelines below apply for all amounts requested. The panel will select the most outstanding projects for special grants which will be announced around Easter What will be funded: Grass roots projects run by and for teenagers Projects run by and for older people Grass roots projects for people with disabilities Applicants should be community based organisations Projects must be in deprived or disadvantaged areas Types of projects that may be supported: Community education and training opportunities Communication and leadership skills Local initiatives to improve resources and community facilities Creativity and self-expression through drama, music or a range of arts activites Out of school projects for young people Telecommunity will not fund: Individuals Salary Costs Ongoing running costs Capital projects and large equipment Trips outside Northern Ireland and holiday schemes Playgroups Sports activities Promotion of religion Projects that have already started Replacement for statutory funding Portable IT equipment (except in exceptional circumstances and at panel s discretion) Next Application deadline will be 1.00pm on Friday 30th January 2015 Please note: Throughout the application process, when you recieve Part B of the application, please state clearly in section 5.4 that you wish to apply to the Telecommunity Fund. For further information: Tel: (0) [email protected]

12 European Social Funding Programme Priority 1: 1: Access Access to Employment to Employment Prior ity Priority 2: Social 2: Inclusion Social Inclusion The Department for Employment and Learning invites applications in the competition for financial assistance under Priorities 1 and 2 of the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme The aim of the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme is to combat poverty and enhance social inclusion by reducing economic inactivity, and to increase the skills base of those currently in work and future potential participants in the workforce. The Programme will fund activity to enhance and extend employment opportunities, in particular, for those groups at a disadvantage in the labour market. Social innovation will be encouraged in an approach to helping those experiencing significant barriers to employment. Activities and groups which may be supported under Priorities 1 and 2 are set out in the guidance notes which accompany the application form. Both documents are available on the Department s website: All applications which meet the criteria, as detailed in the guidance notes, are welcome. Applicants should note that the Department wishes to encourage applications from organisations forming local partnerships on either a geographical or client group basis. Successful projects will receive funding for up to three years, applicable from 1st April 2015, on the basis of 65% provided through the Programme and 35% match funding secured by the successful organisation. Applicants should initially register by completing Part A at: Part B can be accessed at A completed and signed hard copy of part B must be received by the ESF Managing Authority no later than noon on Friday 9 th January Any queries regarding the application process should also be directed to the following address: [email protected] The address for submission of applications is: ESF Managing Authority Dept for Employment and Learning 1 st Floor, Waterfront Plaza 8, Laganbank Rd Belfast BT1 3LR

13 Comic Relief Local Communities There are still many communities in the UK that suffer from economic and social deprivation and the current economic climate may make this situation worse. This programme aims to empower local people enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. These grants shall be used to support work where there is clear evidence of a sustained beneficial impact on the lives of people who are excluded or disadvantaged through low income, rural or social isolation, age, disabilities, race, sexuality or gender. Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with and priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community. Grants available: 1,000 to 10,000 Applications will be considered from organisations that are in receipt of a Community Cash grant, but not organisations which are in receipt of a grant directly from Comic Relief. Grant priorities: To support community groups running projects working towards the following outcomes: increasing local services building skills of local people increasing community cohesion responding to local economic needs Who can apply? Community Groups Residents Associations Community Centre s Social Enterprises/Community Interest Companies Credit Unions Work can cover a small geographical area such as a housing estate or village, but we will also consider work covering a slightly larger area such as a town or borough where there is evidence of community involvement. Examples of the type of activities that may be supported: Community sport activities that increase access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation (where sport is being used strategically as a community development tool) Furniture Projects Projects providing access to benefits advice Projects combating fuel poverty Community consultation exercises Community employment projects Food Co-ops Running costs; including salaries, core costs and project costs Committee and volunteer/staff training

14 Exclusions: Grants will not be available to: individuals statutory organisations, including schools fund trips abroad fund buses, mini-buses or other community transport schemes (this does not exclude transport costs forming part of a project) fund building costs, including access adaptations to buildings organisations who are in receipt of a grant directly from Comic Relief large funded projects where Local Communities grant would only be a small part The deadline for applications is on Monday 19 th January 2015 at 1.00pm. If you need further information or advice on a potential application, please contact a member of The Community Foundation s Grants Team on: Tel: Web: [email protected] Illness, distress, abuse or neglect Any kind of disability Behavioural or psychological difficulties Living in poverty or situations of deprivation Main Grants Programme The Main Grants programme is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations applying for grants over 10,000 per year for up to three years. Funding is available to not-for-profit organisations in the UK that are supporting children and young people of 18 years and under who are experiencing disadvantage through: Organisations must be working to combat this disadvantage and to make a real difference to children and young people s lives. Grants of over 10,000 are available to support projects for up to three years. There is no upper limit but very few grants over 100,000 are made and most grants are for much less. The deadline for applications is 15th January For further information Contact: BBC Children in Need Appeal Tele: Broadcasting House Ormeau Avenue Belfast BT2 8HQ [email protected] Web: