Conference, on the 20 - Town Forum · Empowering the Voluntary Sector programme will be run by...

The current economic climate presents challenges and opportunities for the voluntary sector. Demands on services provided by the sector are increasing at the same time as pressure is building on budgets as many funders seek to cut their financial support to the sector. Voluntary sector organisations need to adapt to meet these challenges in ways which will make them stronger when the economic climate improves. The Chief Executive of Kent County Council, Peter Gilroy has arranged the Kent Voluntary Sector Conference, on the 20th May, 2009 at the Ashford International Hotel to investigate some of these issues for organisations in Kent. This promises to be a useful opportunity to share concerns and experiences. If you would like more information please contact Angela Bray at [email protected] or Malcolm Dingwall-Smith at [email protected].

We hope you will find much of interest and relevance to your organisation in this newsletter. We are keen to ensure this newsletter reaches all the right people. Are there others in your organisation who also should receive this newsletter from us directly? If there are please contact: Isobel Turpin ([email protected]) to arrange for them to receive a copy.

Young people's conference goes to plan! Dance and drama performances, an anti-bullying campaign, a 'Question Time' style panel and the naming of the Sevenoaks District Young Volunteer of the Year marked the unveiling of a three year action plan especially for young people last Friday 24 April. The launch featured a series of performances and presentations, and a 'Question Time' style panel who answered questions from the audience on issues important to young people. The Conference also saw Sevenoaks District Council's Young Volunteer of the Year named. The winner was 17 year old Edward Bankes from Sevenoaks who was nominated for his award by VSU Youth in Action. Edward has been volunteering for VSU Youth in Action since 2006, and is an active member of the youth committee - helping to organise volunteering projects and activities and fundraising for the organisation. The runners up were Judith Frost from Sevenoaks and Susie Lloyd from Edenbridge, both aged 16, and both were nominated by VSU Youth in Action. The Young People's Action Plan for 2009 to 2012 was drawn up following consultation with over 3,000 children and young people from across the District and can be found at: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/youngpeople.

news

April 2009 - issue no 90 2

Compact The Kent Partners Compact has now been finalised and is available on http://www.kent.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/partnerships/voluntary-and-community-sector/kent-partners-compact.htm. An implementation group has been created, with cross sector representation. This is in its early stages but if you would like more information please contact Liz James or Charlie Fox on 01892 530330. New Compact in November http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0i92I45rzjf0Iw A revised version of the national Compact is due in November as the Compact commissioner is to revise the agreement at the request of third sector minister Kevin Brennan. Related Articles Commission for the Compact applies for statutory powers Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0i92I45rzjf0Ix Lottery cash for consortium to investigate Compact breaches Empowering the Voluntary Sector programme will be run by NCVO, NAVCA and Public Law Project and is an advice and advocacy service to help Voluntary Organisations challenge decisions by public bodies. The programme will deal with issues such as breaches of the Compact, complaints procedures and judicial reviews. Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0k3oI45rzjf0I19

Recession Not surprisingly the mainstream and voluntary sector press is full of articles about the potential impact of the recession, and some ways to counter the most negative. Much of the advice is around collaboration and sharing the cost – and risk – of central services. We have selected a few of our favourites below. In addition, the Publications section includes some useful survival guides. Charity Commission urges collaboration to beat recession Merger advice among package of help for small charities to stay solvent. Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0j1hI45rzjf0I10

Regulation with Rosie: mergers More merger advice, an article from July 2007 looking particularly timely!

Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0j1hI45rzjf0I11

Craig Dearden-Phillips wrote an interesting piece in the Guardian on Wednesday 8th April, ‘Doing more with less’. This can be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/apr/08/public-manager And finally, an article from Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission with more tips on how to weather the storm. ‘Charity should begin with working together’ can be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2009/mar/19/suzi-leather-charities-recession/print

Citizens Advice Bureaux Figures from Citizens Advice Bureaux indicate that the South East CAB have seen by far the largest number of enquiries of any region regarding unemployment benefits and redundancy. Between January and March 2009 there were more than 5,500 enquiries about Jobseekers’ Allowance (almost one fifth of the total for England and Wales), and at least 5,000 enquiries relating to redundancy (more than one fifth of the total). This equated to more than 100 enquiries per working day. In addition, over 3,100 enquiries about mortgage arrears were received in this period, and more than 3,600 enquiries relating to council tax arrears.

Source: SEEDA Regional Intelligence Snapshot for the South East March 2009

news

3 April 2009 - issue no 90

Legislation

Government reconsiders rules for charitable incorporated organisations Draft regulations were 'too close to company law'. Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0k42I45rzjf0Ir Independent Safeguarding Authority delayed Government scheme to list those who fail criminal record checks on hold until 2010. Please see: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0haxI45rzjf0I18 New Rules Make It Easier For Charities To Calculate VAT The new partial exemption rules, which came into effect from 1st April, allow charities to calculate VAT based on estimates from the previous year, then make an adjustment at the end, rather than having to make exact calculations in each VAT return. For the full article please see: www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/FinanceBulletin/897152/New-rules-easier-charities-calculate-VAT-reclamation/35534D02CA3884D268F26A112788D463/?DCMP=EMC-FinanceBulletin Grievance & Disciplinary Policy Changes came into effect on 06 April 2009. This will have a direct effect on your current policies and employee handbook. ACAS has produced a revised Code of Practice and a new guide. Both can be viewed at: www.acas.org.uk Increase in Holiday Entitlement: From 01 April 2009, the statutory minimum paid holiday entitlement under the Working Time Regulations increases from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks. The basic calculation of leave allowance is to multiply the number of days worked per week by 5.6. Thus a person working five days a week is entitled to 5 x 5.6 = 28 days annual leave. For more information go to www.direct.gov.uk. To see this story with its related links on the guardian.co.uk site, go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/apr/08/public-manager

Local News Development of Volunteering and Work Experience Opportunities with West Kent Police Following a successful meeting between VAWK’s Life’s 4 Living team, West Kent Police Chief Inspector Gill Ellis and Catherine Mulholland, Kent Police Volunteering Coordinator, a number of opportunities have been identified for the development of volunteering and work experience roles for people with learning disabilities in the Sevenoaks District. These opportunities will provide benefits to all involved. The roles being developed include office/admin work, mystery shopper visits, police car valeting, grounds maintenance, assisting with new recruits training and school presentations. They will provide worthwhile vocational experience and help to develop existing and new skills for people. After winning the Community for All Inclusion Award (sponsored by Lloyds TSB plc) last year, CI Gill Ellis and the police in Sevenoaks District have been keen to progress their involvement with people with learning disabilities in the area. This has provided a great chance for the Police, VAWK’s Life’s 4 Living Team and the Sevenoaks District Partnership Group to work together in what is hoped to be a successful opportunity.

funding


Tudor Trust Announces New Funding Guidelines The Tudor Trust has announced new funding guidelines. Under the new guidelines, the Trust will continue to make grants across their established funding areas. These are; youth, older people, community, relationships, housing, mental health, substance misuse, learning, financial security and criminal justice. The Trust makes grants in the region of £19 million per year and aims to support smaller community, voluntary and charitable organisations and is looking to fund around 350 projects per year for up to three years. Grants can take the form of core funding (including salaries and running costs), development funding, project grants or capital grants for buildings and equipment. There is no maximum or minimum grant amount and applications can be submitted at any time. For more information please see: http://tudortrust.org.uk/Default.aspx New Awards for All Programme The new programme has four strands:

People have better chances in life - with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.

Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems. Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and

enjoy. Healthier and more active people and communities.

The new scheme will be the Fund’s biggest ever commitment to a small grant scheme supporting community projects, offering a more easily accessible programme with even quicker decision times. Grants between £300 and £10,000 are available to grassroots groups in the community and voluntary sector, health bodies, schools and parish or town councils. To find out if the programme is right for you please visit the Awards for All website: www.awardsforall.org.uk. or call 0845 4 10 20 30 for an application pack.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation - Education and Open Grants Scheme The Foundation is looking to fund projects promoting innovation and change in supplementary schooling, tackling school exclusion and truancy and developing speaking and listening skills for 11-19 year olds. Organisations need to demonstrate benefits to the wider community, resulting in increasing access to education and learning. Applications can be made at any time - in 2009/10, the average grant was £60,000 – Please see: http://www.phf.org.uk/page.asp?id=85 for details.

Get connected: BT Community Connections Award Scheme Applications by 09 June 2009 Organisations working in any field of community benefit from anywhere in the UK can apply for a laptop and a year's worth of broadband connection. This year, a new Cluster Award has also been added to the scheme, allowing up to 5 community and charitable organisations to apply together. Apply online here: http://www.btcommunityconnections.com/

5

funding

April 2009 - issue no 90

BBC Children in Need Grants are available for organisations working with disadvantaged children and young people (18 years and under) living in the UK. This disadvantage could include illness, disability, poverty, distress, neglect, or behavioural and psychological difficulties. Organisations should be able to demonstrate how the project will change the lives of the children involved for the better – there are 4 deadlines a year with a 3 month turnaround on decisions. Visit the BBC Children in Need website, go to www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants/applyingforyourgrant.shtml#3 and follow the step by step application guide.

The People’s Millions is Back for a Fifth Year The People’s Millions TV contest has launched giving communities a fresh chance to win up to £50,000 in Lottery good cause cash to improve their locality. This year ITV Meridian The People’s Millions is offering eight awards of up to £50,000 for projects that will enhance local facilities or help people to enjoy their local area. This is broken down into four awards in the East of the Meridian region and four awards in the West. The contest is particularly looking for projects that enable local people to get more involved in their community and that are original and imaginative. You can apply if you are a voluntary or community group, local authority, school, health body or social enterprise. Later in the year short-listed projects will be showcased on ITV Meridian local news where they will have to convince the public why they deserve the cash. It will then be up to the public to use their vote to decide which groups win the funding. Entry packs are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/peoplesmillions. Or you can call the hotline: 08450 101112. The application deadline is 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2009.

Sport England Small Grants Programme Launched The Sport England Small Grants Programme has been set up to support local community sport projects which seek to increase participation, sustain participation or develop opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport. Awards are for amounts from £300 to £10,000 and the total project cost should not exceed £50,000. The Fund is open to any bona fide not-for-profit club or association, statutory body or educational establishment in England, although Sport England will not fund individuals or organisations established to make a profit and distribute that profit to members. Please see: http://funding.sportengland.org/funding_programmes/small_grants.aspx Applications can be made at any time.

funding


Save the Children Increase Grant Scheme After 1 Million Calls Save the children plans to extend a new scheme to give cash grants to struggling UK families after an influx of calls. The organisation is working with charity Family Action to give grants of between £100 and £200 to families hit by what it calls a "crisis scenario". See the full article here: www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/896765/Save-Children-increases-UK-grant-scheme-1m-influx-calls/CA11D53642C1571F4DB19E897B3C5F19/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

Inspiring Communities £10 Million Fund Community groups have been invited to form partnerships with local authorities and secondary schools to apply for a share of £10m from a new government fund designed to improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people. Applications are now open for neighbourhood partnerships. The deadline for applications is 03 June. For the full article click here: www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/897482/Inspiring-Communities-offers-10m/6993E94B10B04A7C4998545567ADF48B/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

£6 Million Crime Safety Grants Community organisations throughout the UK will be able to apply for grants of up to £100,000 to improve safety in their local areas as part of a scheme launched this week by the Home Office. The funding can be used to help vulnerable people protect themselves from burglars. For the full article click here: www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/897411/6m-crime-safety-grants-community-groups/C0FCBED4406B012490A7AC2B4FEEDCF1/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

Kent Community Foundation Kent Community Foundation has been appointed to administer £1.9million in grants over the next three years. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to voluntary and community groups across Kent and Medway. Groups must have an annual income of less then £30,000 per year and be established for longer than a year.

The Brook Trust Fund; Small Grants Programme to Benefit Unpopular or Hard to Fund Causes. The Brook Trust Fund, administered by Kent Community Foundation, will make grants to organisations and individuals working to achieve positive social outcomes particularly in the areas of the elderly, offenders, women’s groups, parenting, and extra-curricular education for all. Organisations that apply need not be registered charities but must demonstrate exclusively charitable objects.

Minimum and maximum grant size: £500.00 to £5,000.00 For more information and application forms, please contact:- Manjit Sohal, mob: 07812 555024 e-mail [email protected] Or the grants team at Kent Community Foundation on 01303 814500.

children & families


Kent & Medway vinvolved Team – VSU Youth in Action Kent and Medway’s vinvolved team are looking to recruit 50 young people aged 16-25 to join its local Youth Action Team (YAT). It’s the third year of this very exciting project. There are Youth Action Teams in over 100 areas across the country. The aim of a YAT is to inspire other young people to get involved in volunteering and community action. The YAT will encourage their peers to volunteer in VSU Youth in Action’s new and exciting community projects in Kent and Medway.

“This is a great opportunity to play a leading role in your community, be part of a team, and improve your CV - so if you’ve got loads of energy and you can motivate others, then get in touch and get vinvolved!” – vteam

This is a youth led project so how, when and where you meet and what you want to do will be up to you! The vinvolved team will support the YAT to create innovative and inspiring volunteering opportunities for other young people. We are looking for energetic, creative and enthusiastic 16-25-year-olds from all backgrounds. They don’t need to have had previous volunteering experience – just a commitment to helping others and making a difference in their community.

To find out about vinvolved visit the youth volunteering website www.vinspired.com

For more information or to apply, join a Youth Action Team in your area contact:

Zoe Young, VSU Youth in Action 01622 762510 [email protected]

Summer Residential Youth Action Team 2008

children & families


Kent Has a New Director of Children’s Services Rosalind Turner is joining Kent County Council as the new Director of Children’s Services (DCS) from 11 May 2009. Rosalind has come from Suffolk County Council where she was the Director for Children and Young People. In the three and a half years that she was in that role she brought together all children’s services into one department, established a high-performing management team, increased the number of schools rated outstanding or good by OfSTED and achieved good inspection results for fostering and adoption services

Source: Kent Children’s Trust News

Safeguarding The new Third Sector Safeguarding Unit - The NSPCC and Children England (formerly NCVCCO) have been commissioned by the government to set up and jointly manage a national safeguarding unit for the Third Sector. This Unit is being set up to support Third Sector organisations to have effective safeguards in place to keep children and young people safe from harm, including support for recruitment of staff and volunteers, training, risk management and the integration of Third Sector organisations into local inter-agency safeguarding arrangements. The Home Office has announced more detail about the vetting and barring scheme - VBS, parts of which will come into force on 12 October 2009. People wanting to work with children will be able to register with the VBS from 26 July 2010.

VSU Update VSU in Tonbridge are starting a Weekend Away scheme at Halls Green Adventure Centre in Weald from 26-28 June with a group of their volunteers, children and staff from Family Action in Edenbridge. SDC have provided the accommodation for free and the volunteers have raised the money for the activities and food. Activities include low ropes course, swimming and climbing.


disability & older people

Are you a Rehab or Care Assistant, a nurse, a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist? Do you work with older people and can see the benefits of them doing exercise? Could you become a Postural Stability Instructor? The Good Neighbour Project, currently run ‘Falls Preventative’ exercise classes for older people. The possibility has arisen to fund the training you will need to embark on this fulfilling and flexible career. “I have found the most enjoyable and rewarding career where I can do my bit to make a difference!” Jane Hobden, Postural Stability Instructor If you are interested in becoming a Postural Stability Instructor, please telephone Theresa Halliday on 01892 510200 Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP Tel: 01892 510200 Email: [email protected]

Disability Those on a low income and needing financial help with the cost of dental care can phone the Benefit Agency Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.

health & social care


Health Inequalities To Be Prioritised In The South East According to the first joint report of the South East England Regional Directors of Public Health, health inequalities across the region must be a priority. Professor Yvonne Doyle said the picture of health in the South East looked good but there is “no room for complacency”. The picture is a mixed one with areas of very good health, but also evidence of diseases of affluence and pockets of real deprivation.’ The 2008 annual report aims to explain recent changes in health and act as a progress report/data compendium on the six themes of the South East Health Strategy. For the full article please see: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=397686&NewsAreaID=2 For a copy of the 2008 annual report please see: www.raise-networks.org.uk/inform/docDisplay.cfm?iDocID=1294

To comment on the report or to request a hard copy of the report please email [email protected]

ICE (In Case of Emergency) Vodafone carried out research and found that 75% of people carry no details of who they would like to be contacted following a serious accident or illness. In conjunction with the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust they developed ICE (In Case of Emergency). The scheme encourages people to store the details of the person they would like contacted in an emergency, in their mobile phone’s phonebook using the word ICE in front of the person’s name. This makes it much easier for the emergency services to identify quickly who they should be calling. Several numbers can be stored, using ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. The person whose number is being used should have agreed to be the ICE contact and should have a list of further people to contact, such as a place of work. In addition, they should know about any medical conditions that could affect the emergency treatment, including allergies or medication. People under 18 should have an ICE contact who is a parent, guardian or immediate member of family authorised to make decisions on their behalf. Friends and other relatives cannot make decisions on behalf of a person admitted to hospital.

Source: Neighbourhood Watch Good Ideas booklet

Would you like to become an NHS Health Trainer?

Are you a good listener? Can you motivate others and be supportive? Are you keen to learn new skills?

If so, you may be suited to the role of Health Trainer. Leave your details at: [email protected] or tel: 01622 723824 (Answerphone out-of-hours)

publications & websites


Recession Support Created by ACEVO, Recession Support has published a number of useful guides and tools. Their website is: http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/main/index.php Some of our favourites are listed below; we particularly like the cost saving tips. http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/expert_guides/ccla_surviving_a_recession http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/expert_guides/ifc_fundraising_in_a_recession http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/finance/cost_saving_tips http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/finance/sustainable_funding http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/managing_your_organisation/essential_guide_to_involving_volunteers http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/finance/maximising_statutory_funding_in_the_downturn

The Charity Commission hopes to draw on talent pool from other organisations and a new Website has been developed. Website to encourage new charity trustees: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0k42I45rzjf0I10 Online service to help charities find trustees: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0k42I45rzjf0I11

The Charity Commission home page is http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/index.asp The Commission publishes updates on charity law and changes in the general law which affect voluntary and community organisations. A recent Commission Press Release; see here: www.charity-commission.gov.uk/news/changes.asp outlines how red tape has been cut for charities by raising reporting thresholds.

The Cabinet Office: Office of the Third Sector carries articles on government policy as it affects the voluntary and community sector: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector.aspx


VAWK Training Programme Training Update April 2009 Dear Colleague We are delighted to announce that we have limited funding, through the Learning and Skills Council NLDC U-Turn programme to deliver our Open College Network training courses at a highly subsidised rate of £15 per person, for organisations in West Kent. This funding is available for 10 learners so “FIRST COME FIRST SERVED”. The courses available at a subsidised rate are as follows:

Effective Communication Thursday 11 Jun 2009, 9.30am - 4.30pm. Cost £15 Venue: TN2 Community Centre, Greggswood Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3LZ Enhance your skills through practicing techniques, developing understanding of others and increasing self-awareness. We are able to offer one day courses in a wide range of professional and personal skills that aim to meet the needs of voluntary and community organisations.

Appointed Person First Aid Tuesday 19 May 2009, 9.30am - 4.30pm, and Monday 6 Jul 2009, 9.30am - 4.30pm. Cost £55 per person Venue: Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship Christian Centre Hanover Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EY Learn how to handle emergency situations safely. You will be able to recognise the need for and be able to perform effective CPR and practice how to control bleeding, deal with fractures & burns, treat a patient in shock and be able to recognise and treat a conscious choking casualty.

Criminal Records Bureau Information Workshop Thursday 9 Jul 2009, 10am - 12.30pm, Cost £25 per person Venue: Pembury Village Hall, 49 High Street, Pembury Kent TN2 4PH The purpose of this workshop is to be able to share good practice, advice and information to enable groups that are or who are prospective members of Voluntary Action West Kent’s CRB service

Fire Marshal/Warden Training Monday 8 Jun 2009, 9.30am - 1.30pm. Cost £40 per person Venue: Pembury Village Hall,49 High Street, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 4PH A one-day course intended for staff members who have the responsibility for Fire Safety within your organisation. It will provide the necessary training to enable them to effectively carry out their legal duties and responsibilities.

training & events

training & events


VAWK Training Programme Continued

Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in Health and Social Care 11 Apr 2009, Tuesday 14 Jul 2009, 9am - 5pm. Cost £90 per person Venue:TN2 Community Centre, Greggswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3LZ This course will provide employees with a good understanding and knowledge of health and safety in the health and social care setting. This course is a beneficial progression from the Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace course.

Level 2 Award in Principles of Risk Assessment Thursday 16 Jul 2009, 9am - 4pm. Cost £75 per person Venue:TN2 Community Centre, Greggswood Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3LZ This course ‘raises employees’ awareness of the concept of risk assessment in a work environment

Mental Health Awareness Monday 22 Jun 2009, 9.30am - 1.00pm. Cost £40 per person Venue: Pembury Village Hall,49 High Street, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4PH To enable participants to gain a wider understanding, for themselves and others, of the issues surrounding mental health and thereby to work more effectively with people with mental health problems.

Principles of Manual Handling Monday 29 June 2009, 9.30am - 1pm. Cost £40 per person Venue: Pembury Village Hall, 49 High Street, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4PH This Manual Handling at Work training course will give you an understanding of the causes of fatigue, strain and injury and an awareness of which parts of the body are most at risk when lifting. You will also understand the six key principles of safe handling and lifting. By the end of the course you will understand legal obligations relating to manual handling at work and what is meant by risk assessment. A manual handling risk assessment will be undertaken to test your skills. For further information or if you are interested in an in-house or specialist training day please contact Angela Holland [email protected] or Diane Brenham [email protected], or contact us on 01892 530330 Full details can be found on our website www.vawk.org.uk

Leadership Programme We are excited to announce the latest training opportunities through our new “Leadership Programme – Empowering the Voluntary and Community Sector in Kent and Medway. Full details of opportunities available can be found on our website.

training & events


VAWK Training Programme Continued

Mentoring Support Available Are you interested in receiving Mentoring Support? We are recruiting “Volunteer Mentors” from a variety of differing backgrounds to provide “leadership” support to key individuals in voluntary and community organisation across Kent. A Mentor is someone who can guide you and help you:

Acquire an open and flexible attitude to learning Assist you to understand different and conflicting ideas Enable you to acquire technical expertise Support you to self develop Enable you to problem solve Listen when you have a problem Provide feedback

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the above opportunities, please contact Angela Holland on 01892 530330 or email [email protected]

Other Training and Events Free Media Training Kent Volunteers are providing free Media Training Workshops for voluntary groups:

11 May 2009 - Kings Hill Conference Centre, Maidstone 01 June 2009 - Oakwood Park, Maidstone

Both events are being held from 9.00am to 4.30pm. For information contact Kent Volunteers by email at [email protected] or

Real Help For Communities – Regional Roadshows Following the publication of the £42.5 million action plan 'Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises', the Office of the Third Sector is holding 9 free regional roadshows for small and medium frontline Third Sector Organisations to provide a practical understanding of how to access the support available. Each event will run for a full day starting with registration at 09:30 and finishing at 16:00 with lunch provided. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and are strictly limited to one person per organisation. A roadshow will be held in Epsom on 24 June and London on the 07 May. For the full range of roadshows across the UK use the following link: http://digbig.com/4ynnp

Disabled Go Launch: Attend South East Regional Conference Attend, which is a membership based organisation which supports volunteering in health and social care is holding its regional conference. The conference will take place on the 9th May at the Royal Surrey Hospital Guildford and will include networking, panel debates and the Attend Diamond Jubilee South East Recognition awards. For more information see: http://digbig.com/4ynah

training & events


Other Training and Events Continued Would you, a colleague, friend or family member like to learn some BSL?

British Sign Language (BSL) Taster sessions are being held at Church in Society, Maidstone, on the following dates:

Thu 07 May 7-9pm Thu 14 May 7-9pm Thu 21 May 7-9pm Thu 28 May 7-9pm Thu 04 Jun 7-9pm Thu 11 Jun 7-9pm

Participants will learn a bit about deaf culture, basic BSL and some everyday signs such as how to say their name and where they live and work. There will also be an emphasis on learning worship signs. The cost (for 6 sessions) will be £30. If you are interested, please contact either Mary Bucknall or Christine Bostock at Church in Society for a booking form. Tel: 01622 755014, Minicom: 01622 683258 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Church in Society, Robert Runcie House, 2-3 Bedford Place, Maidstone, ME16 8JB Tel: 01622 755014 Fax: 01622 693531

U-TURN Project As part of the U-Turn Project, KAES is making available a variety of learning opportunities for adults. The “Health Warning”: all courses are in principle at this point and specific offers will depend on tutor availability, suitable venue etc – days, dates, and times will vary. Parenting: options from 5 x 3 hour one-off workshops and 7 x 12 hour courses; free for groups of 9+ adults. Introductory ICT courses, 12 hour basics (one-off workshops also available). Basic DIY Skills, saving the Call-out Charge to Flat Packs (simple plumbing, “find the fusebox”, routine maintenance, “What’s in a toolbox?”). Basic Maths and English leading to L1 and L2 National Tests. FREE. KAES offers the ITQ and Customer Service NVQ2 free of charge as well as NVQs in Playwork, Children’s Care, Learning and Development and Supporting Teaching and Learning For further information regarding these and other learning opportunities provided by KAES learning opportunities, please contact: Susannah Ireland Partnership Development Manager, Voluntary and Community Sector 01795 415907 07774 554173 [email protected]

training & events


Other Training and Events Continued

Signalong The SIGNALONG Group is now inviting applications for SIGNALONG Foundation courses detailed below. Signalong is a system of signs based on British Sign Language, which is designed to help people with communication difficulties, learning disabilities and autism to understand and express their needs, choices and desires. Phase 1 manuals will be available at the course at the special price of £20. The cost of the course will be £80 per person and a minimum deposit of £30 should accompany your application. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Phase 1 Foundation Course

Venue: Stratford House, Waterside Court, Neptune Way, Rochester. ME2 4NZ Dates: May 05 – June 23 (Tuesdays) October 01 – November 19 (Thursdays) (Allowing for 1 week half-term break) Time: 9.30am to 12.00 noon

Please contact Sarah Bissett Tutor Development Office for an application form and further information: 08454508422, www.signalong.org.uk or [email protected] Stratford House Waterside Court, Neptune Way Rochester, Kent ME2 4NZ

National Learning at Work Day: Thursday 14 May 2009 National Learning at Work Day, is the biggest annual celebration of workplace learning. The day is about workplaces making a public commitment to learning and skills by holding events and activities for their employees. By getting involved in the biggest annual celebration of workplace learning you could uncover new skills, build new partnerships and help reach your business goals - all at the same time! This year’s theme is 'Skilled for Success' - the focus on skills has already sharpened with the changing economic circumstances and the Government has announced more money and increased flexibility for training through Train to Gain . The Campaign for Learning offers support for organisations wishing to run Learning at Work Day, including planning guides, activity ideas, promotional materials and special offers. Last year thousands of organisations took part including large corporations, SMEs, public sector organisations and government departments. For more information visit: http://www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/cfl/workplacelearning/lawday/

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Rural Volunteering – Paddock Wood and Cranbrook Over the last month and due to a successful bid, Tunbridge Wells Volunteer Centre has been ‘out and about’ holding two volunteer surgeries in each of the rural towns of Cranbrook and Paddock Wood. The aim was to raise awareness of the Volunteer Centre and encourage local people and organisations to come and discuss volunteering. With a number of new volunteer enquires, it was very beneficial to hear about the opportunities, experiences and interests of the rural towns of Tunbridge Wells. Overall, the majority of volunteers in Cranbrook and Paddock Wood wanted to put something back into their local community and hear about what their town has to offer, so as part of this project, we have also been developing more volunteering opportunities in these areas.

01 - 07 June

What are you doing for Volunteers' Week? This is the UK's annual celebration of volunteers and volunteering. This year Volunteers’ Week reaches a special milestone as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. During the week events are held across the country to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers. 01 June 9am-6pm – Volunteer Recruitment Event in Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells In partnership with Town and Country Housing Group the three VAWK Volunteer Centres will be hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Event in the Royal Victoria Place all day on 01June 09. Representatives from volunteer involving organisations are invited to join us in talking to the public about how they can help you. We will be co-ordinating displays from participants as there is not sufficient space for each to bring their own. If you would like a slot in the either the morning or afternoon, please contact us immediately or before 13th May. Details from Christine Terry on 01732 866901, email [email protected] or Jessica Morris on 01892 554438, email [email protected] Wednesday 03 June – Volunteer Centre Sevenoaks will be on walkabout at Sevenoaks market. Thursday 04 June – Volunteer Centre Edenbridge will be on walkabout at Edenbridge Market. Saturday 06 June - Volunteer Centre Edenbridge and the Bridges Charity will be sharing a stall at the Friends of Edenbridge Hospital Fete. Would you like to join them? Contact Christine at Volunteer Centre Edenbridge 01732 866901. If you have any plans for volunteers week or if your organisation would like hear about what is happening in your area, then please contact the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438

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Volunteers Coordinators Forum We are already looking forward to the next meeting of the West Kent Volunteer Co-ordinators’ Forum on Wednesday 13 May 2009. The British Red Cross in Tunbridge Wells has kindly agreed to host the meeting and we will meet from 10.00am – 12.30pm. The topic we will be focusing on is ‘Recruitment and Selection documentation’. It may include information about the organisation, details about different ways in which volunteers can help in the organisation, role descriptions or any packs that you give to volunteers at discussion/interview stage. It is necessary for each member to bring some examples of materials to aid the discussion. Please also bring any other information that you may wish to share with your colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there! Further details about the meeting will be sent to all members in due course. If you are not already a member and would like details about the Forum, please contact a member of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks Volunteer Centre on 01732 454785

Tap into the Student Resource in the Summer Holidays? Does your charity or not for profit organisation need some help over the summer holidays? Do you have a wish-list of things you would like to achieve but not the time or staff to achieve them? Every summer we experience an increase in the number of young people/students looking for voluntary work during their long summer break. Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain practical experience as well as giving something back to the local community. Do you have a piece of work that you would like completed in a short time frame, for example, getting a database up to date, designing websites, PR and marketing projects, or any other role that you may need filled? By thinking about an exciting project you may achieve a long-held ambition for your organisation and give a student valuable work experience – a win, win situation! We would be delighted to discuss any potential projects with you so please do contact one of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438.

'Spring into Action' Are you looking to enjoy the outdoors now spring is here? Would you like to enjoy the beautiful countryside whilst learning new skills? We have a number of outdoor and conservation opportunities across West Kent. Which could include tree planting, maintaining paths, vegetable gardeners and woodland management. If you would like to find out what’s happening in your area, and how to get involved, then please contact one of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438.

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Short Term and Flexible Volunteering Opportunities needed Due to the economic climate we have had a number of volunteers, who have recently been made redundant. Whether it’s to learn new skills, improve their CV or change career direction they have all recognised that volunteering will help them improve their future job prospects. A recent CSV survey asked 261 participants whether volunteering had improved their employability, or helped them develop skills, and whether volunteering could help unemployed people during the recession and distinguish them from other jobseekers. Almost 90 per cent of volunteers believe volunteering has helped to boost their job prospects; eighty-nine per cent of people who had volunteered with CSV between 2000 and 2009 said their employment prospects had improved as a result. Jason Jones, full-time volunteer national manager at CSV said: "In the current economic climate, volunteering is more important than ever as a route back to work.” "The experiences of former volunteers have shown us how giving up time to make a difference to the lives of others can help a person's CV stand out from the crowd and improve their chances of landing a dream job.” If you have any short term or flexible part time volunteering roles that could fit around interviews and job applications, please let us know as they are in great demand. We have a number of highly skilled volunteers who are unable to commit long term and are available now. If you can help please contact one of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438.

Val Joy Community Awards reward local volunteers

In May, Town & Country Housing will hold their second Val Joy Community Awards as part of their Volunteer Week programme. The awards reward people who give up their time to improve community life. The categories this year are:

Young Volunteer of the Year Volunteer of the Year Community Group of the Year Community Champion of the Year *NEW* Good Neighbour Award

The awards are open to everyone, no matter where you live, but the person or group you nominate must:

Live on a Town & Country Housing Group estate as a tenant or resident. Currently be carrying out work or an activity which is unpaid and which shows their

commitment to the local community. This may be something that makes a difference to the life of a group of individuals or benefits their community overall.

More information and nominations forms will be available from Community Development Manager Dawn Grant on 01892 501702, community centres, the Tunbridge Wells Gateway and at www.tchg.org.uk from 05 May.

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Don’t Keep Your Light Under a Bushel – Become a Charity Trustee and Share Your Talents There are lots of good reasons to become a trustee or board member for a charity and most of them can benefit not only the group you join, but you too. The following are just some of the reasons to get involved.

Using your existing skills. Making a worthwhile contribution to your community. Developing your skills and experience. Adding to your CV. Networking. Having fun and socialising. Meeting new people. Enhancing your confidence and self esteem. Making a difference to a cause you care about.

You will bring your life skills and experience to the organisation you join. Trustees come from all social and cultural backgrounds and bring their own unique insights, vision and support to organisations and so long as you are over 18 you can be a Trustee, though there are a few exceptions to the rule. If you would like to discuss potential Trustee opportunities please contact one of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438.

Are you an Organisation in Need of Trustees or Board Members? Contact us now to register your requirements. We will:

Arrange to talk to you about your trustee board. Offer you a skills analysis of your existing board to help you identify any gaps. Promote your vacancy through our volunteer centres and their network of volunteers and business

contacts. Refer suitable candidates to you to undergo your own selection procedure.

If you would like to discuss potential trustee opportunities please contact one of the Volunteering Development Team at Sevenoaks on 01732 454785 or Edenbridge on 01732 866901 or Tunbridge Wells on 01892 554438.

World Environment Day 05 June 2009 Commemorated yearly on 05 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests. For more information visit: www.unep.org/wed/

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Give and Gain – Cripps Harries Hall and Woodbury Park Cemetery

On 27 March as part of our Employee Volunteering Scheme, local lawyers Cripps Harries Hall spent a day at Woodbury Park Cemetery. Armed with secateurs, stout gloves and garden forks the team got down to basics. They cleared away undergrowth and debris from memorials, carried out planting work and provided an accessible area for elderly and disabled people to sit to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Finds of the day included memorials long lost in mounds of brambles. Another exciting find was a hitherto unknown memorial to Martha Harden a Victorian clergyman’s widow, and her sister, Caroline Tarbutt. Ed Weeks, partner in charge of community involvement at Cripps Harries Hall said "It was a wonderful opportunity to help conserve this tranquil old cemetery which is also a vivid physical record of the history of Victorian Tunbridge Wells. It was very exciting to uncover memorials that had been hidden for years." The Friends of Woodbury Park cemetery have so far repaired nearly 40 memorials for a wide spectrum of Tunbridge Wells people ranging from Crimean veterans to local brewers. Next on the priority list is that of lawyer William Charles Cripps and his four young children who died- three of them within a fortnight of one another. “We are delighted that Cripps Harries Hall are helping us to repair this touching memorial” said Angela Phillips, Chair of the Friends. If you would like to hear about some Employee Volunteering opportunities in your area, or if you are a Volunteer Involving Organisation and have some projects in mind then, then please contact Christine Terry on 01732 866901

Above: Steph Corah and Sarah Kemp with memorial to Charlotte Hollamby born Ceylon and husband Edward, tea dealers in Camden Road. Right: Ed Weeks with newly discovered stone

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And finally, some articles from the national voluntary sector press:

Charity Trustee Networks to combat 'negative perceptions' of governance http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0ky5I45rzjf0I13 Potential recruits may be put off by myths, says trustees' organisation Councils urged to make use of volunteers http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0ky5I45rzjf0I18

LGA and Volunteering England to showcase successful projects Related Articles Profile boost for volunteering: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0ky5I45rzjf0I19

BTCV unveils back-to-work volunteering plans http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0jq9I45rzjf0I1h

Environmental charity aims to help 50,000 into employment Related Articles BTCV launches youth volunteering project: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0jq9I45rzjf0I1i

BTCV report highlights increase in disabled volunteers: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0jq9I45rzjf0I1j

BTCV multiplies investment by four: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0jq9I45rzjf0I1k

Website to encourage new charity trustees http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0j1hI45rzjf0I16

Charity Commission hopes to draw on talent pool from other organisations Related Articles Online service to help charities find trustees: http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0j1hI45rzjf0I17

It's true: volunteering boosts job prospects http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0hkaI45rzjf0I1c CSV research finding coincides with new recruitment campaign Related Articles Volunteering 'is not a panacea': http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew0hkaI45rzjf0I1d

Volunteer Centre Edenbridge The Edenbridge Centre Four Elms Road Edenbridge Kent TN8 6AD t 01732 866901 f 01732 863518 e [email protected] w sevenoaksvolunteers.org.uk

Volunteer Centre Sevenoaks Bradbourne School Bradbourne Vale Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LE t 01732 454785 e [email protected] w sevenoaksvolunteers.org.uk

Volunteer Centre Tunbridge Wells The Gateway 8 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1LS t 01892 554438 f 01892 532539 e [email protected]

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Spadework Celebrating their 25th Anniversary Offham Open Days: Friday and Saturday 08 and 09 May from 10am till 4pm Hildenborough Open Days: Friday and Saturday 15 and 16 May 10am till 4pm At both sites there will be a range of bedding plants, baskets, ceramic pots, fruit, herbs and vegetable plants. At Offham they have the official opening of their new Farm Shop (The Vegetable Patch) plus many attractions and side shows too.

Tunbridge Wells Drop-In The Community Drop-In is run from The Christian Centre in Tunbridge Wells every Thursday from 11.30am-2.30pm. It is open to everyone in the community who would like to gain information, widen their social circle or who would like an affordable cup of tea and light snack in a friendly environment. The Drop-In currently provides light refreshments including tea, coffee, squash, toasted sandwiches and toasted teacakes provided by trainees on the U Turn Programme. The Drop-In has regular attendance from the Tunbridge Wells Health Team who are on hand to offer health advice, healthy eating tips and can help with health action plans. We also have representatives from a variety of organisations and groups who can offer specialist advice. Please see below for advisors attending in April and May.

30 April: Health Team: 1-2pm 07 May: Housing Focus Group Presentation: 12pm 14 May: Police-how to be safe: 1-2pm 21 May: Bingo, Art and Photography: 12-2pm 28 May: Health Clinic: 1-2pm

The Community Drop In is funded by Tunbridge Wells District Partnership Group For more information please contact Helen Kevan: 07890486963, [email protected] or Kate Hasted: 01732 452492, [email protected]

This year sees the 20th anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter between Tunbridge Wells and Wiesbaden, in Germany. The aims of the charter are fully supported by the Borough Council, so it is only right that you have the opportunity to join in with some of the celebrations, which have been organised by the Twinning & Friendship Association Details are as follows:

Free concert on the Pantiles Bandstand, given by the Wiesbaden Symphonic Brass Ensemble, Friday 22 May at 3pm.

Free concert on the lawns of St John’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, led by the Bloco Fogo Samba Band, Saturday 23 May at 7pm (which precedes a concert at St John’s Church given by the Wiesbaden Symphonic Brass Ensemble and local school choirs, costing £3 each or £5 for a family).

Finally, there is a request from the Twinning & Friendship Association for some help with providing B&B accommodation for members of the Wiesbaden Brass Ensemble, for the period Thursday 21 to Monday 25 May (4 nights). If you can assist, again I have a flyer with further details. For further information contact Mike McGeary, Democratic Services Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Tel: 01892 554179 or email [email protected]

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The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be taken as VAWK policy. Whilst every care is taken to provide accurate information, VAWK undertakes no liability for any error or omission.

We are continually seeking to improve the services that we provide and would be pleased to hear your comments on our new-style newsletter. Is it clear and easy to read? Is the information useful to you and

your organisation? Are there any areas that you feel we are currently omitting and that you would like to see

included? We would welcome positive feedback as well as suggestions for improvement and would appreciate you taking the time to contact us. You can email us on [email protected] or call 01892 530330 and speak to Isobel Turpin. Any comments will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Older Peoples Forum If you are 50 and over, you will be made very welcome at the Older Persons Forum; to be held on Tuesday 9th June 2009, from 10:30am at TN2 Community Centre, Greggswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3LZ. Join us for coffee and take the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns you have about your local services and facilities at the ‘mini market’ of information and advice stalls as well as find out how to have a voice in matters that concern all over 50s. Maybe you would just like to drop in for a coffee or tea and make new friends, or perhaps you would like to help organise this event in the future? A light lunch will be served at 12.30pm. We would like to know numbers for catering purposes. Please let us know if you have a mobility problem and find public transport difficult. For further information and to book your place contact Fiona Watkins on 01732 452492, [email protected] or Diane Aslett on 0208 851 0401, [email protected]

Budget Guide The Government has designed a Budget 2009 page which provides links to all the information from across government in one place. For more further information. Please see: http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/related-links/1206629

Volunteering Tunbridge Wells The Gateway 8 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LS t 01892 554438 f 01892 532539 e [email protected]

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