COMMUNITY FIRST EAST HAMPSHIRE

e-News No 54

January 2008

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WANTED! NEWDIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY FIRST

Audrey is retiring from Community First at the end of May so we are looking for an enthusiastic Director to lead our thriving organisation.  For more information contact Audrey on 01730 710017 or email admin@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk for an application pack.

INTERAGENCY FORUMS– AN OPPORTUNITYTO MEET OTHER VOLUNTARY GROUPS

Petersfield & Area Interagency Forum - Mon 11 Feb 08 from 2 - 4 at The Winton House Centre, Petersfield.  A joint Alton& Bordon Area Interagency Forum – Mon 3 Mar from 7 – 9pmat Selborne Village Hall.   Discussion focus: “Taking a fresh look at this year’s forums.” Need more information? Contact claire.coxwell@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

NEWOUTREACH WORKER FOR COMMUNITY FIRST

Our new part-time Outreach Worker is Janet Easton.  She started work this month and part of her role will be to offer support to small groups in East Hampshire especially in rural or deprived areas. janet.easton@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

NEED A VENUE FOR A COMMUNITY EVENT?

The Jan ‘08 issue of the East Hampshire Directory of Voluntary and Community Groups is now online at www.communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk . New for this version is information about rooms and other facilities available to hire. So next time you are looking for a venue for your community group don't forget to look here first!

HAMPSHIRE WIDEONLINE DATABASE OF VOLUNTARY ANDCOMMUNITY GROUPS

This database is known as Evolve. It provides an easy way for members of the public to find out about your group and contact you. Not on Evolve yet? Contact info@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk for a questionnaire or register online at www.e.volve.org.uk.

VOLUNTEER MANAGER’S FORUM - 28 FEB ‘08

Is your organisation on the right track?  Talk about a Good Practice Pack for organisations working with volunteers. Hear tips on how to turn your organisation into a ‘Volunteering Magnet’.  At Clanfield Memorial Hall from11 - 1.  Book your place by e-mailing sue.greene@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

ATTRACTING VOLUNTEERS  - 27 MARCH ‘08

Hampshire-wide free training for Volunteer Managers including lunch!  This day is for you if you are trying to recruit volunteers. Kingsley Centre, Bordon – 9:30- 3. To book your place e-mail sue.greene@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk .

VOLUNTEER CERTIFICATE CEREMONY - 2 MAY2008

The only East Hampshire wide event that is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the enormous contribution made by all volunteers to local community groups and organisations. Application forms can be downloaded from our website at www.communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk or phone for a copy. 01730 710017. Nominations must be in by 29 Feb ’08.

COMMUNITY FIRST TRAINING - SPRING 2008. 

First Aid - Emergency Life Support - FREEto participants - fully subsidised course.   Places must be booked in advance.  13 Feb 09.30 to 1.30 @ Horndean Community Association (Merchistoun Hall)

Learn how to Create Newsletters, Fliers, Posters, Brochures using Microsoft Publisher - includes using Wizards and Design, layout and different sizes and folds in Newsletters, creating interesting backgrounds + imported text and graphics.  25 Feb 09.30 to 3.30 @ HorndeanTechnologyCollege.  £40 members

 Contact: Liz Moore for details of these February workshops + other workshops that are running in March and April. Tel: 01730 710017 Email: training@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

HAVE YOU HAD A SKILLS REVIEW RECENTLY?
Why not try Learning Net’s short, on-line questionnaire and claim a free £10 gift voucher!  This simple, web-based questionnaire is designed to identify your personal training and development needs and should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.  To access the online questionnaire visit  

http://www.taurusresources.co.uk/surveys/action/9024.htm  To find out more, contact Liz Moore training@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk  

TRAINING FOR TENDERING

2 day course for service providers.12 & 13 Mar 2008. Hampshire Voluntary Sector Consortium is providing bursaries to voluntary and community organisations to attend this course free of charge, plus a contribution towards organisational expenses. For details of how you can apply for a free place and a course programme contact: nigel.keir@rocc.org.uk  and quote: “HVSC place”

THE ALLIANCE  - FREECOURSES FOR PEOPLE WHO WORKWITH CHILDREN

Safeguarding children is paramount and this can be a huge responsibility for people charged with this task.  These free workshops in Feb and March which will cover the common assessment framework. safer recruitment and child protection are aimed at all kinds of organisations, including sports clubs, faith-based community groups, youth clubs and parent and toddler groups. www.hants-alliance.org.uk

TRADING – IS IT THE ANSWER?

Free Social EnterpriseTraining Sessions in Feb and March.  Workshop 1 – What to Trade?  Workshop 2 – Sales and Marketing. Details from cris.jezard@action.hants.org.uk

TRAINING COURSES IN WINCHESTER

Time Management, Stress Management, Chairing Meetings, Effective Publicity and much more all on offer at www.waca.org.uk/html/training.html

COURSES/WORKSHOPS AT THE RELATE CENTRE, PORTSMOUTH

“Moving Forward” for those whose relationship has finished or broken down.  “Managing Challenging Clients”,  “Basic Counselling Skills”.  All in Feb and March. Call Dan Ferris on 023 9286 5051 for further information.

Not found the training you need here?  Contact Liz at Community First on 01730 710017.

NEW! BORDON CARERS CAFÉ  

Starting 6 Feb ‘08at The ForestCommunity Centre in Bordon. 10 – 11.30am. Then every 1^st Wed of each month , same time same place. Contact Michelle michelle@carerstogether.org.uk

DOES ANYONE LISTEN TO YOUR VIEWS? AREYOU ABLETO HAVE YOUR SAY?  

Come along to the annual meeting of the East Hampshire Compact and help to develop East Hampshire's Consultation Code.  Tues 19 Feb at Kingsley Centre from 12.20 to 3.30. YOU NEED TO BOOK to make sure of your lunch!  Phone 01730 710017.  More details at www.communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

EAST HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership’s Spring meeting will be at 10amon Mon 28 Apr ‘08at The Alton Maltings Centre and is open to all.  Book the date now.  More information available from mark.rose@easthants.gov.uk  

2008 HAMPSHIRE & ISLEOF WIGHT SPORTS AWARDS

Deadline for nominations 15 Feb 08.  Award ceremony 2 Apr 08.

www.sporthampshireiow.co.uk/sportingevents/sportsawards2008/sports-awards-2008-guidelines.htm

SOUTH EAST REGION BME NETWORK LAUNCH

UNIRegional Conference. Wed 12 March at Slough. UNIaims to ensure that the BME voice is heard locally and regionally. Places are free - contact RAISE for more information; jenny@raise-networks.org.uk

BIG LOTTERY FUND SUPPORT FOR THE KING'S ARMS PETERSFIELD

The King’s Arms are grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for helping to secure for a few years a vital mentoring service that the local charity offers to young people at the Petersfield School.  5 mentors from the King’s Arms meet more than 50 local teenagers on a weekly basis. www.thekingsarmsonline.co.uk

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE SLIDE NEEDS A NEWHOME

It’s about 4 ft high and suitable for ages up to 12 years.  Contact sue.crombie@ntlworld.com

FAMILY LEARNING AT THE PHOENIX

The Phoenix Arts Centre is committed to family learning through providing fun and enjoyable arts activities for parents/carers and children together. They are designing a series of arts based family learning courses to run during 2008 to include: Art & Craft, Storytelling and Drumming. The centre would like to ascertain the support for such courses.  E-mail info@phoenixarts.co.uk to comment.

NEWPRIORITIES FOR EAST HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP

These are being discussed at the moment.  If you would like to see what priorities have been put forward and perhaps indicate how your organisation can contribute towards them contact claire.coxwell@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk so that she can pass on your views to the appropriate officers in the team.

NEW! DIVERSITY FORUM FOR EAST HAMPSHIRE

Following a well attended meeting last August, we are developing a Diversity Forum for East Hampshire with an initial focus on black and minority ethnic issues.  The Forum has already held a couple of meetings and would welcome new members, especially from BME communities and the voluntary and community sector generally.  For more information contact Audrey on 01730 710017 or email director@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk

HAMPSHIRE GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD SCHEME

Closing date Fri 21 March ’08.  Download nomination forms from www.hants.gov.uk/bettertime

HAMPSHIRE CHILDREN’S CENTRES ANDEXTENDED SERVICES UPDATE

See http://www3.hants.gov.uk/winter_2007.pdf

DO YOU CAREABOUT SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN HAMPSHIRE?

If the answer is yes - you may well be interested in taking part in Hampshire’s Older People’s Well-Being Strategy consultation.  The summary document is very user friendly and easily filled in.  See www.hants.gov.uk/bettertime or call 01962 845687 for a hard copy of the documents.

NEWHAMPSHIRENHS STOP SMOKING SERVICE

Quit4Life  www.hampshirepct.nhs.uk/index/lifestyles/smoking.htm

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH THIRD SECTOR FUNDING ANDINVESTMENT REVIEW CONSULTATION

The Department of Health (DH) has launched a consultation into funding provision of third sector organisations. See http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_081183  or email thirdsectorfundingreview@dh.gsi.gov.uk

HAMPSHIRE ANDISLEOF WIGHT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (HIWCF)

This Foundation has announced the launch of the next round of small grant funding across the county.  See www.hantscf.org.uk or email HIWCF at info@hantscf.org.uk. Next deadline -11 Feb 08.

ACCESS TO NATURE

Grants (from £50,000 upwards) to encourage people from all backgrounds to understand, access and enjoy our natural environment.  See www.naturalengland.org.uk/leisure/grants-funding/default.htm

UNLTD BIG GREEN CHALLENGE

Got an idea to reduce CO2 emissions in your community.  Take part in this competition and win the funds to take your idea forward. www.biggreenchallenge.org.uk/  Deadline for entry – end of February 08.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND

Grants from £10,000 upwards for groups aiming to create an active nation through sport and active recreation.  Applications need to be in line with regional sports priorities. www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding/how_funding_works.htm

UNLTD SPORTS RELIEF AWARDS

These awards provide opportunities for young people to bring communities together to help them promote understanding and solve conflict through sport and being active. http://unltd.org.uk/index.php

AGECONCERN - BARCLAYS PROGRAMME (ENGLAND)

Voluntary organisations that are providing or wish to provide services for older people can apply for small grants through the Age Concern administered Barclays Programme. Grants from £150 to £500 are available. http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/A545E6C84B544DFCB027CE1A3BC1288C.asp

Next closing date is 14 Feb ’08.

GRANTS FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

3 grants of £500,000 from BBCChildren in Need and the Hunter Foundation will soon be available.        The three-year grants programme, called Positive Destinations, aims to fund innovative and effective projects to boost the future chances of vulnerable children and young people. 3 smaller grants adding up to £500,000 in total will also be on offer.  Details at http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/  from Feb 08

GOOGLE GRANTS (UK)

Designed for registered charities, the grants provide free advertising on Google AdWords, to charities seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. http://www.google.com/grants/

TAX EFFECTIVE GIVING

Gift aid, share giving, legacies, payroll giving, self-assessment giving and much more.  Find out how your organisation can benefit from these initiatives.  www.taxeffectivegiving.org.uk

ONLINE FUNDRAISING

http://www.icthub.org.uk/articles/Online_Fundraising_the_easy_way.html

UNITY TRUST BANK – GRANT BRIDGING FUNDING FACILITY

See http://www.unity.uk.com/index.cfm?itemid=3736

ISAREGISTER TO PROTECT CHILDREN ANDVULNERABLE ADULTS.
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been set-up following government review of failures to protect children.  It will become operational in late 2008 and aims to register all people, including volunteers and their management committee members, who work with children and vulnerable adults. A short fact sheet is available from www.farehamaction.org.uk/isabriefing.htm 

SOCIAL ENTERPRISEGUIDE

The Office of the Third Sector and Business Link have developed a new guide to social enterprise. Explaining why you might want to set up a social enterprise and what the benefits might be.  www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/news/news_stories/071115_business_link.aspx

COMMUNITY LEGAL ADVICE

www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

GUIDE TO MANAGING ICT
Covering all aspects of managing information and communications technology, this guide from the ICT Hub is aimed to be useful to anyone whatever their level of technical knowledge. 'Guide to Managing ICT in the Voluntary and Community Sector' http://www.icthub.org.uk/publications/managing_ict_guide.pdf.

CHARITY TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE

This trust helps other charities improve their efficiency through the use of technology.  It provides donated software, including many Microsoft products to UKcharities for a nominal administration fee.  www.ctxchange.org/ctx/about_ctx/default.asp

TENDERING?  BIDDING FOR CONTRACTS?

Useful information available at www.acevo.org.uk/index.cfm/display_page/Sucessful_Procurement2

HELP WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING

When your organisation is putting together a plan for the future it helps to be aware of the trends which are shaping the future of the voluntary sector.  This interactive website can help you www.3s4.org.uk

NET:GAIN

net:gain is a development programme to help leaders of Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) in England tackle planning for communications, technology and performance - whatever their existing expertise, organisation size, or area of work.  Any VCOinterested should be sure to register for the programme by 30 March ‘08to qualify for the generous subsidies on offer: Tel: 024 768 53054.

http://www.net-gain.org.uk 

DO YOU WORKOR VOLUNTEER WITH CHILDREN ANDYOUNG PEOPLE?

There is a new e-mail network for voluntary sector workers with an interest in supporting children and young people. Called CYPNet, the network is free to join and open to anyone who works directly with children or supports others who do. www.navca.org.uk/services/networking/networks/cypnet.

THE GOVERNMENT’S CHILDREN’S PLAN

Following the publication of the Children's Plan shortly before Christmas, a short briefing paper which outlines the key initiatives and implications for the voluntary sector has been produced by NAVCA. See http://www.navca.org.uk/stratwork/children/cwdc/briefings/.

GROWING AMBITIONS

An organisation that puts real people, doing real jobs, in front of young people to tell them what their careers are really like and give them great ideas for their future. Could you give occasional half-hour talks to make a lasting difference to young lives? Growing Ambitions is a UK-wide initiative.

http://www.growingambitions.org/

TIMETABLE FOR CHANGES TO THE COMPANIES ACT

See www.sandy-a.co.uk/managing.htm#companiesact-implementation