GVOC Training news

Job Opportunities

Friday 10th February 2012

The Place, Athanaeum Street, Sunderland SR1 1QX

9.00am - 11.00am

From October 2012 onwards, significant changes to Pension law will affect all employers in the UK regardless of size.

Voluntary & Community Action Sunderland and Lucas Fettes & Partners in association with NCVO would like to invite you to our seminar focusing on the forthcoming changes to workplace pensions.

The seminar will be of interest to employers and trustees who will be responsible for the provision of workplace pension and auto-enrolment duties.

To reserve a place or to find out more, please contact Voluntary & Community Action Sunderland on 0191 565 1566 or email audrey.thompson@vcasunderland.org.uk with your details.

Places are limited to two people per organisation.

If you cannot attend, but wish further information or wish to arrange a meeting please contact Lucas Fettes & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd 0161 972 2430 or email gary.tate@lucasfettes.co.uk

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Thursday 14th February 2012

9.45am - 3.00pm

Newcastle University Business School

There is an increasing focus on public service delivery, procurement and commissioning as means by which the third sector can sustain itself. However, it does not come without risk – to third sector organisations as well as to the commissioners who are purchasing services from the sector.

This special event aims to unpack some of the key issues around managing and mitigating risk and outline some of the support available from Sustainable Solutions North East partners and others.

Topics will include the following:

• Public service delivery – what are the risks?
• Risk - what do commissioners think?
• Managing cashflow and budgets
• Employment issues
• Managing risk – ensuring your policies and procedures are up to date
• What support is available?

To book your place at this free event please email jon.goodwin@voda.org.uk stating your name, organisation, email address and telephone number. Please also tell us if you have any access or dietary requirements.

Sustainable Solutions North East is a Big Lottery funded programme, delivered by a partnership of North East infrastructure organisations, designed to enable third sector organisations to engage and trade with public sector commissioners and procurers. For more details visit www.ssne.org.uk.

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On 7th December 2011 a public consultation was launched, inviting patients, healthcare professionals and the general public, to give their views on the future of services for acutely sick and injured children across Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

The consultation is the result of three years work looking at how services can be improved.  During this time the PCT has engaged widely in developing these proposals, with input from healthcare specialists, the children and young people who use the services, and their parents.

The consultation will end on 31st March 2012.

To have your say about these proposals please go along to one of their local consultation events, full details are available on their website www.sotw.nhs.uk/yoursay/consultations.  Alternatively, you can complete the questionnaire which is also on the website or call 0191 529 7374 for a copy.

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Do you can for someone who is affected by mental ill health?

An opportunity for Carers, Relatives or Friends to meet and obtain advice, information and be supported in your caring role.

Meet at the Blaydon Centre (opposite the Shopping Centre) Community Room on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between 10am and 12noon.

Visit their website for further details www.gatesheadcrossroads.org.uk.

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Lawnmowers—Find Your Voice!

Music and Song

Lawnmowers is launching a new singing club on 22nd September 2011!

The club will run every Thursday evening from 6pm-8pm.

Come along and make new friends,

 learn songs and have musical fun!

Each Session costs £5 and will be held at

Lawnmowers premises: 

Swinburne House, Swinburne Street, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 1AX

Book your place by telephoning Wendy on

0191 4789200

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As funded by Safe, Sensible, Social Grants, North-East based Charity Eye Of the Fly are seeking young people from within the Gateshead area to take part in producing/directing/acting in a play called Ronnie and Julie. The play is based loosely on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with a modern-day edge, set on either side of the Tyne in Gateshead and Newcastle. It is a wonderfully written Four Act play and can be requested by emailing eyeofthefly@hotmail.com or via Eye Of The Fly's Chief Executive, Tor Bruce, on 07903550720.

The Charity is working with professional Actor, Rachel Adamson, who is currently on a break from touring with other work in Scotland and New York. She will be guiding young people through initial run throughs and rehearsals, with the play then being performed at a North East venue.

The intention is to provide young people with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience behind the scenes and completely deliver a production by their own interpretation.
Any Gateshead individuals or groups in particular are asked to contact the Charity directly.

Eye Of The Fly
Postal office address:
65, Dartford Road
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE333NL
United Kingdom
Tel: 07903550720
Web: www.eyeofthefly.co.nr

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Gateshead Advice Centre is moving 

From 13th September 2011, Gateshead Advice Centre will be in The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead NE8 1BG (opposite Tesco and behind JobCentrePlus).

They will not be open between 12noon Friday 9th September and 9am Tuesday 13th September.

The advice line number remains the same 0844 848 7990.

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Tyneside Rape Crisis Centre have launched their training programme covering Autumn 2011 - Summer 2012.

Please click here to download a copy.

For further information please ring 0191 222 0272 or email enquiries@tynesidercc.org.uk or visit their website www.tynesidercc.org.uk/training.htm.

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The Health Education Service works with employers, community groups, training providers and education services to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol.

If you are interested in finding out more about their free workshops then contact them on 0191 414 6446 or email: alcoholhealtheducationservice@neca.co.uk.

Please click here for a full list of services provided.

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Springwell Community Centre

Every Friday 9am - 12noon

Gateshead Community Legal Advice Centre will be running Family Law Outreach sessions at Springwell Community Centre.

No appointment is necessary and you will be seen by a family law specialist adviser.

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Dickinson Dees seminar programme aims to keep you up to date with the latest developments in employment law and provide practical guidance for employers and HR professionals.  Those attending will also hear from knowledgeable guest speakers with practical experience.

For each seminar, breakfast and registration will begin at 8.30am, with presentations taking place between 9 and 10am. 

If you would like to sign up for these seminars, or if you would like to be added to their mailing list, please contact Krystle Elder on krystle.elder@dickinson-dees.com or call 0191 279 9986.

For a full list of seminars coming up please click here.

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A leading website promoting learning & skills opportunities in the voluntary sector is
seeking individuals to feature as inspirational stories.

The award winning website voluntaryskills.com already hosts several profiles of individuals working in the voluntary sector, who discuss their current role and how training has helped them along the way. Their aim is to motivate people active in the sector to continue developing their own skills or inspire others to consider a career in the voluntary sector.

voluntaryskills.com wishes to create several new video’s so the stories can be viewed in a different way – as not everyone likes to read text on a computer screen! The video’s will appear on the voluntaryskills.com website and monthly e-bulletin.  So don’t be shy, have a look to see what they are looking for:  www.voluntaryskills.com/realpeople

Shaun Nichols of voluntaryskills.com says, “This is a terrific opportunity for someone to make a contribution to our Real People content, as well as being free publicity for themselves and their organisation.”

They would be delighted if you would be willing to share your work and learning experiences with others, inspiring more likeminded individuals to achieve their goals. Interested parties should contact 0191 423 6262 or email shaun.nichols@voluntaryskills.com.

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Pointing the way to a new source of funds – Newcastle Journal 26 May 2011

Funding Information North East (FINE) is the leading provider of funding information to North East voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises.

Read more …….

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The 5th Ediition of the North East Guide to Grants for Individuals (2008/2009) is now reduced in price to £10.00 per copy. 

Read more at: http://www.fine.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=48)

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Equal Arts

Creative Ageing Project

Teams and Bensham Areas

Please contact Equal Arts on the e-mail address or telephone number below if you know of any older person with memory loss, who is at risk of social isolation and who might benefit from any of the groups below:

E-mail: alice@equalarts.org.uk

Tel: 0191 477 5775

All sessions are free

Current Programme:

Life story through pictures

Gateshead Central Library

Thursdays from 1.30pm – 3.00pm

Music Group

Victoria House

Victoria Court

Gateshead

Fridays from 10.00am – 12 noon

Movement Group

Fountain Court

Armstrong Road

Gateshead

Fridays from 10.00am – 12 noon

Local Film/Reminiscence

Gilmour House

Whitehall Road

Gateshead

Fridays from 10.00am – 12 noon

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The Functions of GP Commissioning Consortia: A Working Document

‘The Functions of GP Commissioning Consortia: A Working Document’ has been published by the Department of Health to provide a description of the proposed duties and powers of GP commissioning consortia as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill. The information highlighted in this briefing sheet outlines some of the most significant aspects for local voluntary organisations.

The proposed legislation gives consortia and the NHS Commissioning Board specific public and patient involvement duties. It is proposed that consortia must make arrangements to involve individuals in the commissioning process, and to report on how they have done this as part of their annual report.  

The Commissioning Board may publish guidance for consortia on how to discharge their public involvement duties, and if such Guidance is published, consortia would have to have regard to it.  Under the proposals, the Board and consortia will also have to have regard to the need to promote the involvement of individual patients and their carers in decisions about their own care (shared decision-making) and management of their own care.

Proposed Duties of GP Commissioning Consortia include

• Involving patients and the public in developing, considering and making decisions on any proposals that would have a significant impact on service delivery or the range of health services available.

• Having regard to the need to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare and healthcare outcomes, promote patient and carer involvement in decisions about them (“no decision about me without me”) and enable patients to make choices with respect to aspects of their healthcare.

• Contributing to the joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA) and the joint health and well-being strategy led by the relevant Health and Well-being Boards and to have regard to the JSNA and the joint strategy in exercising any relevant functions.

Proposed Powers of GP Commissioning Consortia include

• Power to make grants to voluntary organisations which provide or arrange for the provision of similar services to those in respect of which the consortia have functions.

• Power to make payments to local authorities and voluntary organisations towards expenditure on services.

• Power to make direct payments to patients (instead of commissioning services for them), subject to the learning from the personal health budgets pilots.

What these duties and powers could mean in practice

Input to Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

• Assessing people’s healthcare needs and identifying likely trends in healthcare needs, building on the JSNA.

• Determining the nature, volume and range of services that will need to be available locally to meet needs as part of working with HWBs on the JSNA and developing a joint health and wellbeing strategy

Health Inequalities

• Identifying inequalities in access to healthcare services, quality and outcomes.

Working with local partners

• Working with Directors of Public Health and their teams, adult social services, children’s services, other local government services and police/probation services. to identify opportunities to work better together to improve people’s health and wellbeing and to achieve more efficient and integrated delivery of services.

• Collaborating to provide effective multi-agency responses to safeguard vulnerable adults and children.

Patient, public and voluntary sector involvement

• Involving patients and carers in redesigning services and/or pathways to deliver improved outcomes and better meet patients’ needs.

• Consulting with the public, and working with local Healthwatch and local authorities.

• Involving groups representative of patients and carers in the planning of services.

• Supporting practices in improving patient involvement in their own health and care and in planning how to improve GP practice services

Commissioning

• Determining how best to secure services and patient choice through the ‘Any Willing Provider’ model.

• Developing joint commissioning arrangements for locally agreed health and care services such as pooled commissioning budgets, lead commissioner arrangements and/or commissioning of integrated health and care services.

Service improvement

• Assessing the quality of patient experience and using the information to inform local improvement activity and influence commissioning decisions.

• Handling complaints or issues raised by patients, or their elected representative and providing advice and practical support.

SOURCE: NAVCA

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GVOC have had around 50 blue A4 ringbinders donated to us and we are unlikely to use them all.

If you would like any for your group or project please contact Reception on 0191 478 4103 or email enquiries@gvoc.org.uk.

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CREATIVE AGEING is for older people who are getting isolated or a little forgetful. This equal arts project aims to help people meet new friends and to share skills and experiences.

Doctors and other health professionals are suggesting participation in the project, but you can also take part without seeing your doctor, if you think you may benefit from creative activities. The sessions are free and there is free return transport (by taxi) from home to the sessions.

There are sessions for;
- people who enjoy music and exercise;
- people who enjoy watching films about the local area
- people who like photographs or photography

Information and advice about all sorts of creative projects for older people in Gateshead will be available at the sessions.

To find out more, please call Equal Arts on 0191 477 5775. The project is funded by South of Tyne Health NHS and is free for participants.

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The Open Clasp Theatre Company have just published the Evaluation Report of their last project, 'Herstory Told'.

Herstory Told focused on how issues including sexual exploitation, homelessness, addiction and losing children to adoption negatively affect women and how things could be improved. 

To view a copy of the Report please follow the link.

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Funding Information North East has published the latest edition of its popular North East Guide to Grants for Voluntary Organisations (2011-2012).  The Guide contains details of over £55 million available from more than 90 Trusts and Foundations making grants in the North East of England.

One of the team who produced the guide, Fiona Christian, said; “During a very difficult period for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations are working hard to identify funding. This guide brings together all the essential ingredients organisations need to get their funding applications to the right funder with the right information.”  The guide includes funders’ grant-making policies, procedures and examples of recent grants, as well as advice on how to successfully raise money from Trusts and Foundations  Thanks to support from the Northern Rock Foundation FINE can offer the guide to smaller organisations at half the usual price.  

The North East Guide to Grants for Voluntary Organisations costs £9.00 for organisations with an income/turnover less than £50,000 and £18.00 for larger organisations.

For orders contact FINE on 0191 477 1253 or email enquiries@fine.org.uk

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NAVCA have produced a new publication with hints and tips on how to create a sustainable development action plan for your organisation.  This publication is only available online.

To download a copy of the publication please click here.

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Find HR support in your area with NCVO’s new directories

NCVO has developed a series of directories to help make it easier for voluntary and community sector employers to find appropriate HR services at a local, regional or national level. The entries in each directory make clear how you can contact the service provider, providing their location and the geographical region(s) they serve. Most importantly, each entry identifies the key HR services that each provider offers, so you are able to make informed decisions about which providers to contact. The directories highlight HR support providers from across nine regions.

To download your copy, visit: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/hr-services-mapping

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ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.  They offer a variety of services to the charities sector, including a wide range of events, some of which are listed below:

• Engaging with Government and Parliament
• Strategic Planning for the Board and Chief Executive
• Leadership and Governance Workshop
• How Big is Your Bang: Setting Targets and Measuring Benefits
• Infrastructure Over the Next Decade

For further information on ACEVO and further events, please visit www.acevo.org.uk/eventsandcourses

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Safer Gateshead has produced this directory as a practical resource for frontline staff, volunteers who work with adults and children and victims of domestic abuse, honour based violence and forced marriage. It provides information about agencies and the support available in and around Gateshead.

Please click here for the Directory.

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Vinspired.com presents:

ITV Fixers - What's bothering you?

If you're aged 16-25 and:

• Sick of people being pigeon-holed and stereotyped?
• Think people should be given more info about things like drugs, alcohol and sex?
• Lack of sports facilities, late night transport or recycling really wind you up?
• Fed up with attitudes to young carers, disability or healthy eating?

Whatever the problem you could be the person who fixes things.  With their crack team of project and media experts, you can take on any issue that matters to you and do something about it.  They'll help you find a creative way to fix the problem, and feature your project online.

So what's in it for you? Well apart from fixing a problem and the glory that comes from knowing it was all thanks to you, it will look great on your CV.  Plus they'll help you make a film, website, podcast or presentation, so one day you can show your grandkids what you've done to make a difference.  Every month selected ITV Fixers projects are highlighted on the ITV regional news.

Sign up now:  www.itvfixers.com, email talk2me@itvfixers.com or call 0191 350 6253.

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Drop In

Thomas Hepburn School

Mondays - Fortnightly from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm

On offer is refreshments, chat and the chance to find out the latest information.

For more details call the local helpline - 0191 267 0594; e-mail newcastlegateshead@mssociety.org.uk or check out the website  www.mssociety.org.uk/newcastle

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Is your project looking for office space?

Then why not come and join us!

Here at John Haswell House we have lots of projects and activities going on within the building, we do however also offer office space to external groups from time to time.

This can be a real advantage to smaller organisations who may otherwise find themselves quite isolated or based in an area they feel has security issues.

An accessible office on the ground floor will be available for rent and a smaller (not fully accessible) second floor office is available.  As well as the office space you will be able to book meeting/training rooms (our large rooms have hearing loop systems fitted), have the use of  the kitchen facilities, your office will be regularly cleaned and our friendly reception staff will greet your visitors, all for no extra charge. The building is secure, accessible and open Monday to Friday from 8.45am until 4.45pm for visitors and 7.45am until 6.45pm for staff and Occupiers.

For those organisations just starting out we may be able to loan some basic office furniture (IT equipment not included) to get you going, this again is at no extra cost.

For more information, cost or to view contact Beryl Robinson tel: 0191 478 4103 email:  berylrobinson@gvoc.org.uk

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Would you like to

• Receive clear and accurate information about mental illness?

• Improve your skills in recognising mental health problems?

• Be confident in your ability to provide initial information & support to someone with a mental illness?

• Increase your understanding of your own mental health?

• Receive a nationally recognised certificate as a Mental Health First Aider?

What is Mental Health First Aid and what does it mean to be a Mental Health First Aider?

Mental Health First Aid or MHFA is about providing initial support for someone with a mental health problem. The course teaches the basics about different mental health problems and how to help someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties. It will not teach you how to be a therapist, but you will feel more confident in supporting clients, colleagues, friends and family. You will receive a certificate on completion of the course and a MHFA handbook.

Who is the course relevant for?

Anyone can attend the training – the benefits to individuals AND organisations are well researched and evaluated. The course has been delivered to organisations in the public and private sector worldwide. It is especially relevant to those who come into contact with members of the public who may be distressed and in need of support.

About the course

MHFA is a 12 hour course, usually spread over 2 full days.  It gives a basic knowledge in explaining the most common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as crisis first aid for suicide, panic attack and psychotic episode. For more information on cost, venues and dates please see contact details below. We also offer in house courses to organisations.

Contact us

Further information on the course content, dates and locations can be obtained from:

Lee Wyman, Training Support Officer

Telephone: 01642 803727

Email: lee.wyman@middlesbroughmind.org.uk

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Gateshead Housing Company Community Fund has grants of up to £10,000 available for groups working with housing residents who are looking to bring people together or improve their local environment.  Both cash and in kind support if offered to direct project costs, activities and equipment.  Salaries and ongoing running costs cannot be supported.  To apply visit www.communityfoundation.org.uk where there are guidelines and an application form to download.

Applications will be considered every 3 months.

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Get involved in shaping services for children and young people

The Children’s Workforce Development Council’s (CWDC’s) vision is to build a world-class workforce for children, young people and families, and part of our mission includes making sure the child is at the centre of all services. For us, participation means ensuring the structures, resources and processes are in place so that we and our workforce can be steered by what children, young people and their families tell us.

One of the ways that we make sure this happens is by inviting groups of children and young people to help us shape our work. We are keen to keep building our existing database of groups so that we can reach as wide a range of children and young people across the country as possible.

We would like to invite you to join our database so that you hear about opportunities to shape our work when they arise, and so that we can listen and act upon what the children and young people you work with tell us.

If you would like to join our database, please fill in the attached form and we will make sure you hear about future opportunities. Your details will not be used for any other purpose or passed to any other parties. Please feel free to forward this invitation to other groups that you think may be interested.

For more information see our website, which includes information for children and young people:

www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/participation or www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/young-people

If you have any other questions suggestions or ideas email: us@cwdcouncil.org.uk.

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