News from CEU
Current CVS training, workshops and events
+++ Exeter Vision Forum +++
The next Exeter Vision Forum will look at the Social Health and Inclusion Partnership (SHIP) themes of Stronger Communities, Improving Health and Housing and Homelessness issues for the city. The SHIP includes the city council, county council, NHS Devon and voluntary and community sectors.
The forum will look at the SHIP progress towards addressing the themes for 2010 and discussion on priorities for 2011, particularly in the light of the expected cuts in national funding to support this work.
The Forum will take place on the 21 October between 2pm and 4pm at the Corn Exchange.
For more information and to register your attendance see www.exeter.gov.uk/forum
+++ Open letter to voluntary and community organisations +++
Francis Maude (Minister for the Cabinet Office) and Nick Hurd (Minister for Civil Society) have written to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors asking them for their ideas to help reduce the deficit. They are keen to receive ideas and examples from the sector, please see the link below for more details.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/newsroom/news_releases/2010/100729-voluntary.aspx
+++ PM - Big Society Speech +++
In a speech on Monday 19 July, the Prime Minister David Cameron outlined the Government’s plans for the Big Society. He suggested that the Government would seek to empower communities by involving people in running and controlling local services. Read the full text of the PM’s speech at http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/07/big-society-speech-53572
+++ Abolition of charity music fee exemption delayed +++
The removal of the charity exemption from music licensing charges (those levied by Phonographic Performance Limited) has not been actioned, as had been anticipated, before Parliament's summer recess. NCVO and others have been lobbying, for further information see their website: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/news/civil-society/sector-leaders-call-protect-small-charities-music-charges
+++ Rate Relief for Empty Property +++
Empty property owned by charities and community amateur sports clubs is eligible for 100% rate relief, so long as it appears that it will next be used wholly or mainly for charitable purposes or the purposes of the club. However, property held by a charity as an investment is subject to the same rules as non-charity property.
The Non-Domestic Rating (Unoccupied Property) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 are at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20100408_en_1.
+++ Community Groups may get reductions on ‘Rain Tax’+++
After extended campaigning by a coalition of organisations, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 allows (but unfortunately does not require) water companies to provide concessionary charges to community groups for surface water drainage.
Consultation on DEFRA's draft guidance for water companies, intended to ensure charges are fair and affordable for community groups, closes on 22 October 2010.
The consultation (and further information) is at: ww2.defra.gov.uk/2010/07/12/surface-water/.
+++ Getting ready to trade: organisational structure +++
If you are thinking about setting up a new trading venture or social enterprise, it is vital to get the right legal form. A new tool from NCVO's Sustainable Funding Project and Hempsons helps you go through some of the key issues before you decide which form is right for you. 9 key questions cover issues such as the purpose of trading, ownership, decision-making and tax benefits. Download the Choosing the Right Legal Form Tool at: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/funding-finance/income-sources/open-market/getting-ready/structure
+++ Helping Prevent Charity Scams and Fraud +++
The Charity Commission has been working with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) to identify scams or fraudulent activity which could affect the charitable sector. They have produced some brief advice to help charities tackle website spoofing, mass market fraud and 'boiler room' fraud. See news release at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/RSS/News/pr_scams.aspx.
+++ Mapping the Gaps +++
The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) has launched a major piece of research called ‘Mapping the Gaps’. The report explores the gaps that currently exist between the income generation needs of frontline organisations and the support available to them. To read more and to download the full report see website:
+++ WRC (Womens Resource Centre) +++
WRC has set up a free online national network by women, for women to create a safe space where women from all groups, large and small can discuss things in a private arena.
For more information click onto the Women’s Café or contact:
Skye Sandhu, Membership & Events Officer, Women's Resource Centre
Tel: 020 7324 3039 Email;skye@wrc.org.uk
+++ Devon Disability Network +++
Devon Disability Network (DDN) is a new representative body supported by Living Options Devon, Devon County Council and NHS Devon. The DDN will allow people with physical and/or sensory disabilities and Deaf people (whose first language is British Sign Language) to campaign independently on issues that are important to them and be involved in developing services that they use.
In the first instance, they are looking for people who would be prepared to stand as a Representative for their area. If you know someone with physical and/or sensory disabilities who would like to run as a Representative or support the DDN please contact Diane Silcock, Devon Disability Network Development Officer, Living Options Devon on 01392 459222 or email diane.silcock@livingoptions.org
+++ Turn2us +++
‘Turn2us’ help people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.
Their free, accessible website has been designed to help people find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on their particular needs and circumstances.
Turn2us is part of Elizabeth Finn Care. See Website: http://www.turn2us.org.uk
+++ Free IT consultants and IT help from iT4Communities +++
iT4Communities match IT professionals who want to volunteer their time and skills to organisations that need IT help. They will help define your IT needs and put your projects onto their website for volunteers to apply for. On average organisations get £3,000 worth of support from volunteers. Volunteers can help with databases, websites, networking computers, strategic advice, training and maintaining computers.
Register (annual fee £85) and request an IT volunteer at: www.it4communities.org.uk.
+++ Free goods available to community groups +++
Giving World Online (GWO) is a scheme set up to help community groups and charities access free surplus goods from businesses and organisations whilst at the same time helping reduce the amount of goods sent to landfill. Any bona fide community group or charity can visit our website and register to receive goods as well as publicising items that they need. The process is very simple. For further details visit website: http://www.givingworldonline.com
+++ Okehampton Summer Music Club +++
Devon's folk arts charity Wren Music presents its annual Summer Music Club for 8 to 18 year olds at Fairplace Church, Okehampton from Monday 9 to Friday 13 August, 10.00am - 3.30pm. The fun-filled week, led by professional musicians and singers, will cater for all levels of ability, including those with no previous experience of playing or singing.
The whole week is £75 (£30 for children of full-time students or income-related benefit recipients) - more from the same family: £45 (£15). Daily attendance is £20 (£10) - more from the same family: £12 (£5). ‘Don't Stop Me Now scheme’ - free. Places are limited, so book in advance - Tel 01837 53754
Email admin@wrenmusic.co.uk
+++ Exeter CVS Learning Programme+++
The 2010-2011 programme is now available. You can access it on line at www.exetercvs.org.uk/learning or request hard copy 01392 202055
+++ The Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs +++
The Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs is enrolling now for the 2011 programme. They are looking for people with great ideas to achieve positive change in their communities and who have the resilience and passion to make them happen.
Taster Events will be held in several locations around Devon – confirmed dates so far are:
Wed. 1 September 12.00 – 2.00pm the Morning Room, Dartington
Thurs. 16 September 5.00 – 7.00pm, The Mayor’s Parlour, Devonport Guildhall, Plymouth
Thurs. 23 September, 5.00 – 7.00pm, North Devon venue tbc
Mon. 27 September 4.00 – 6.00pm the Morning Room, Dartington
Wed. 29 September 5.00 – 7.00pm, the Fountain Room, St Sidwell’s Centre, Exeter
For more information contact Rachel Williams, Programme Administrator, on devon@sse.org.uk, call 01803 847066 or visit their website www.sse.org.uk and click on Devon.
+++ Commissioning Training +++
Training for organisations who are already involved in procurement processes or are in the process of getting ready for contracts. The training is run by ACEVO and all courses are £50.
How to Successfully Approach Commissioning Procurement Processes
Taunton 2 September 10.00 - 4.00pm
Setting Targets and Measuring Benefits
Taunton 5 October 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Influencing Commissioning Processes
Taunton December at 10:00 – 4.00pm
How to negotiate during the Commissioning Processes
Taunton 7 December 10.00 - 4.00pm
Guidance on booking can be found at http://www.acevo.org.uk/Page.aspx?pid=1492
Or contact: Deborah Fisher, VCS Commissioning Officer, Teignbridge CVS
Tel: 01626 215914 Email: commofficer@teigncvs.org.uk
+++ FREE informal one-to-one advice clinics for social enterprises +++
If you run a social enterprise or established community organisation and need good advice to develop your ideas further, here is an opportunity for a one-to-one chat with qualified advisors who will provide no-obligation, practical advice on how to grow your organisation to the next stage.
Taunton 18 August
Exeter 26 August
Barnstaple 15 September
Bridgwater 6 October
Honiton 1 December
Appointments can be booked for one hour between 10am and 4pm.
For more information and to make your appointment contact Marie White:
Tel: 0845 519 5759 Email: marie.white@co-active.org.uk
+++ RSPH Level II Award: Understanding Health Improvement +++
This course introduces participants to factors influencing health and wellbeing and how to help people make lifestyle changes which improve their health. Holders of the qualification will gain the background knowledge and understanding necessary to help people who need support and encouragement to make positive changes in their lives, including how to help them access further assistance.
The qualification is aimed at all employees and volunteers with an interest in the health and wellbeing of their staff, colleagues, customers and client groups.
In Training Room 1, Newton Abbot Hospital on Wed 21 Sept and Thurs 30 Sept. 9.30am – 4.00pm (refreshments provided, please bring own lunch)
Free for NHS Devon staff, volunteers and voluntary sector.
Contact: Learning & Development Department, NHS Devon.
Tel: 01392 352100 Email: learning.devonpct@nhs.net
+++ Equality & Diversity Course +++
This course aims:
to create understanding of what we mean by the terms equal opportunities & diversity
understand why equal opportunities and diversity are important
how they can create a better working environment and improve the organisation
learn from the experiences of other colleagues & service users
In the Paris Room, Oldway Mansion, Paignton on 16 Sept 10am – 1.00pm
Cost: £35
Contact: Sandra Marsden, Training Co-ordinator, Torbay Advice Network
Tel: 01803 207532 Email: tan-info@torbayadvicenetwork.org.uk
Further information on the courses and booking instructions can be found on website
http://www.torbayadvicenetwork.org.uk
+++ Mental Health Services – Feedback +++
Have your say about Mental Health Services at a local Network Action Group meeting.
Meetings will be held at:
The Ballroom, Wonford House Hospital on Mon. 16 August
The Alexandra Road Resource Centre, Barnstable on Wed. 8 September
All meeting run from 2.00 – 4.00pm (refreshments provided).
For further information contact: Ruth McClelland, Tel: 01392 208700
Email: r.mcclelland@nhs.net Website: www.devonpartnership.nhs.uk
Created on September 17th 2009