the echo Developing a high quality, proactive voluntary sector for the benefit of the residents of

Dudley Borough by positively engaging partners in support of voluntary activity.

he Health and Social Care Bill has now gained Royal Assent to become the

Health and Social Care Act (2012). The core principles of the Act aim to enable doctors and nurses to be able to tailor services for their patients and to give more choice to patients over how they are treated. It also aims to reduce bureaucracy in the NHS. A government press release says the Act will: • Devolve power to front-line

doctors and nurses: • Drive up quality: Patients will

benefit from a renewed focus on improving quality and outcomes;

• Ensure a focus on integration; • Strengthen public health; • Give patients more

information and choice and a stronger voice through the Healthwatch schemes;

• Strengthen local democratic involvement: Power will shift from Whitehall to town hall;

• Reduce bureaucracy: Two layers of management – Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities – will be removed.

To see a full version of the press release go to: http://mediacentre.dh.gov.uk/2012/03/27/health-and-social-care-bill-gains-royal-assent/

Making it Real is the government's guidance on transforming adult social care through personalisation and community-based support. Over 30 national organisations are committed to work together to develop a set of markers. These markers will be used to support those working towards personalisation and will help organisations check their progress and keep moving forward to deliver positive outcomes with people. The exercise will also help Councils understand views about Personalisation from people who use services and those who support them. In Dudley, you can take part in the ‘I Survey’ – a series of questions about the way you feel about the information and support you receive as a user of services and/or carer. Follow the link below to complete the survey electronically. The closing date for the survey is 25th May 2012. https://online.dudley.gov.uk/about/surveys/makingitreal/making_it_real_survey.htm.

MAY 2012 Front Page Health Act and Making it Real Health & Wellbeing Second Health Network Event Dementia Monday Club Health Improvement Grants Alcohol and the Older Person Health Commissioning Event News Dudley Area Committee Grants Women’s Interfaith Event Befriending Service In a nutshell…. Funding B & Q Waste Donation Wolfson Foundation Green Grants Machine Giving World online Tilley Awards W.M. Police Charitable Trust Moto Community Trust British & Foreign Schools Peter Harrison Foundation Volunteering Volunteer’s Week Education Panels Job Substitution Volunteering Opportunities News Social Care Volunteer Fund Safeguarding Adults Training Big Meal Deal Update Netherton Park Fun Day Events Safety Advice

Health Act and Making it Real T

AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT ON REQUEST

www.dudleycvs.org.uk

2

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Second CVS Health Network Event Interim Report With huge changes taking place across the NHS, Dudley CVS invited representatives involved in strategic health and wellbeing decision-making in Dudley to provide an update. Neill Bucktin, Management Lead for Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) attended a second CVS health network event last month (April) and presented a progress report on the CCG, together with the latest developments of the Shadow Health & Wellbeing Board and Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Dr David Hegarty, Chair of the CCG answered questions from some of the thirty delegates representing local voluntary sector groups. News about the emerging HealthWatch were presented by Dudley MBC officers. A report on the event will shortly be available on the Dudley CVS website. CVS will continue to keep VCOs informed of developments in health and social care. Future network events have been planned for July and October. To receive further information about the network, please contact Jayne Emery on 01384 267410. E-mail: core@dudleycvs.org.uk

Alcohol and the Older Person Alcohol Concern has been commissioned by NHS Dudley to deliver Alcohol and the Older Person training to frontline workers across the region. The training aims to address the specific challenges faced when working with older people who could be drinking problematically. Participants will be better able to identify alcohol problems in older people and develop appropriate care plans. A training event has been arranged on Friday 18th May for details see contact below. The training is free for eligible workers. Call Anna Nagle on 0208 566 9806. E-mail: anagle@alcoholconcern.org.uk

Community Health Improvement Grants Dudley NHS Community Health Improvement Team

runs two small grant programmes which are designed to support people working in the local community to raise awareness of either alcohol (sensible drinking and harm reduction) or cancer (signs and symptoms and uptake of screening programmes). The grants are open to Organisations or Groups in the Dudley Borough who can apply for up to £500. The closing date for submitting applications is Friday 15th June 2012. To request an information pack contact Davinder Tiwana on 01384 322092 or E-mail: davinder.tiwana@dudley.nhs.uk

Nothing About You, Without You - Thinking Differently Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is hosting a public event at Dudley Concert Hall on Thursday 14th June. The CCG is responsible for spending in excess of £388 million pounds on healthcare in Dudley. To book a place, contact Natalie Harding via e-mail natalie.harding@dudley.nhs.uk or telephone Natalie on 01384 322056.

Monday Club for people with Dementia The Monday Evening Club for people with Dementia Club is run by volunteers who have between them over 30 years experience supporting people with dementia. The club meets at the Assemblies of God Church, Albion St, Dudley each Monday evening between 6.30-8.30 pm. It is free to attend and light refreshments are included. Carers may leave the person they care for, or stay and join in the activities. For more information about the group contact 01384 261860. Ring and Ride members can be picked up for the Club by prior arrangement. For more information on Ring and Ride go to: www.ringandride.org/

3

NEWS

Dudley Area Committee Grants Dudley Council has confirmed a total of £240,000 in area committee allocations for 2012/13 and announced changes to the qualifying funding rules to make the money available for a wider range of uses. Groups are now able to bid for a slice of funding to help cover running costs as well as capital spending on projects such as equipment and buildings. A Dudley Council statement said, “The council values the time, effort and resources that so many people contribute to making their communities better places. We now want to hear from groups who need extra funding for their projects, so that work can continue and expand. We hope the change to allow applications for running costs will further improve the use of the area committee allocations.”

Dudley Council has five area committees; Brierley Hill, Central Dudley, North Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge. For more information call 01384 815236. Download a funding application form via www.dudley.gov.uk or directly at http://cmis.dudley.gov.uk/cmis5/ and follow the link to public documents.

Stourbridge-based Dudley Mind is launching a new Befriending Scheme. The charity has trained volunteers

from a wide range of backgrounds to support people who may feel isolated due to mental health problems. Scheme Manager, Tina Swindles, said: “We are looking for people age over 18 who might need the service to come forward, it will be particularly helpful for those who are recovering from mental health problems, but lack confidence to socialise and find it hard to get out of their house.” Dudley Mind volunteers can do simple things like walking with someone in need or they might accompany them to an evening class. For further information contact Tina Swindles on 01384 442938.

In a nutshell... The Hope Centre in Halesowen is looking for some bird boxes to put around the area to encourage more wildlife into the town centre. Call Camilla or Wendy on 0121 602 1744.

Dudley Asian Women’s Network is hosting a multi-cultural Diamond Jubilee Event on Friday 8th June at The Venue in High Street, Dudley. The theme is Bollywood and Hollywood in the 1960s and 70s. Ladies, girls and boys under 8 only. Call Adeela on 01384 818981

Netherton Arts Centre is hosting a Spring Craft Market on Sunday 20th May starting at 11am. The market includes jewellery stalls, gifts, a vintage cafe and a raffle. Entrance is 50p which includes a raffle ticket. The event is on behalf of The Netherton Regeneration Strategic Group. Call 01384 813943.

Women’s groups from across Dudley are invited to ‘an exchange of experiences’ event on Thursday, May 24th between 11am and 1pm. A panel of specialists will provide an informal lead to encourage women to share their experiences of a woman’s role and responsibilities in different faiths and cultures. For further information and to reserve a place contact Gillian Lloyd via e-mail: interfaith@dudleycvs.org.uk or call mobile 07812 007 056. The venue is Brierley Hill Methodist Church.

4

FUNDING

Green Grants Machine provides information on grants, loans and awards available to

help organisations “go green” and save on energy bills. There are over 350 funding schemes totalling £1.2 billion and in order to access this information organisations need to register (for free) on the website. Following registration organisations will receive a weekly green funding e-newsletter. See website: www.greengrantsmachine.co.uk for more information.

B & Q Waste Donation Scheme Community groups can apply for products and

waste materials through the B&Q Waste Donate Scheme that operates through all B&Q stores in the UK. B&Q will donate products and waste materials (such as slightly damaged tins of paint, off-cuts of timber, odd rolls of wallpaper and end-of-range materials) that are unsold. Donated products should benefit the local community/environment and cannot be resold. Applications can be made at any time directly to B&Q stores. For more information, contact the nearest B&Q store in Halesowen: Tel: 0121 504 9100 Website: www.diy.com/diy/jsp/corporate/content/environment_ethics/ethics/community/waste_donation.jsp

Giving World Online Giving World Online (GWO) is a free giving scheme set up to encourage businesses to publicise surplus stock online and donate the goods directly onto charities and community projects working to help people in need. Over £700,000 worth of company donations has reached approximately 175,000 vulnerable people in the last 12 months. It is hoped many more businesses will register to donate online and use GWO to redirect their surplus goods free of charge. Voluntary sector organisations can register for free to participate in this scheme and obtain goods free of charge. For more information contact: Tel: 0845 833 3783 Website: www.givingworldonline.com

The Wolfson Foundation provide grants in many areas – the Special Needs programme supports small organisations working with people who have particular health needs or disabilities. Grants are made for new buildings, major refurbishment work, equipment or vehicles. There is a two stage application process. Initially an outline of the project (1-2 pages only) should be submitted by 20th July 2012 detailing a brief description of the work required, cost, current funding shortfall and the proposed timetable. The aim of the first stage is to determine whether a project is eligible. If invited to submit a full proposal, the deadline for the second stage is 1st September 2012. For more information, contact: Tel: 020 7323 5730 Website: www.wolfson.org.uk/grant-applicants/special-needs/applying-for-a-grant

Tilley Awards Recognises innovative crime fighting

projects where police, community groups and the public successfully work together to identify and tackle local crime problems. There are a variety of themes under which organisations can apply by 27th June 2012. See website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/partnerships/tilley-awards/

5

FUNDING

Moto in the Community Trust The Trust supports a wide variety of local community projects with grants (no minimum/maximum amounts but most

do not exceed £10,000) considered quarterly in January, April, July and October. Closing date for applications is 10 working days prior to Trustee meetings. Applications are looked on favourably when they clearly provide opportunities for Moto People to engage in the project. Only organisations within 25 miles of a Moto service area can apply – the nearest one to Dudley Borough is Frankley Services on the M5. Interested organisations are requested to contact Lynn Parslow at Frankley on 0121 550 3131 to enquire if she will support their application. For general information, contact Suzanne Hollinshead: Tel: 01525 714467/717303 E-mail: motocharity@talking360.com Website: www.motointhecommunity.co.uk

West Midlands Police Charitable Trust

The main focus of the Trust’s activities is youth issues; supporting projects tackling drug/alcohol misuse and providing diversionary tactics to direct young people away from a life of crime. Those who have, or are at risk of offending, are the prime concern of the Trust. There is no minimum or maximum grant available and the Trustees meet quarterly. All organisations applying must have identified a police partner as well as having evidence of partnership working with other agencies such as the Youth Offending Services, schools and other voluntary groups. For more information, contact Ann Penfold: Tel: 0345 113 5000 Ext 7630 6429 E-mail: a.penfold@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk Website: www.buildingblockscharity.co.uk

Peter Harrison Foundation Grants are available to registered charities running sporting activities or projects for disadvantaged and disabled people by applying to the Opportunities through Sport funding programme. The aim of this programme is to help these people fulfil their potential and develop personal/life skills. There are no maximum or minimum grant limits and applications can be submitted at anytime. Most grants are for capital expenditure although revenue funding will be considered. For more information, contact: Tel: 01737 228000 E-mail: enquiries@peterharrisonfoundation.org Website: www.peterharrisonfoundation.org/index.htm

British and Foreign School Society (BFSS) BFSS offers charitable aid to educational projects in the UK and around the world by funding schools, registered charities and educational bodies through a funding pot of £500,000 a year. Their priority is to support organisations that reach out to children in remote or impoverished areas, improving inclusivity in education and providing much-needed facilities. The Trustees meet on a quarterly basis to consider applications. For more information, contact Belinda Lawrance: Tel: 01883 331177 E-mail: enquiries@bfss.org.uk Website: www.bfss.org.uk/grants

6

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers’ Week 2012 takes place on 1st to 7th June. It celebrates the fantastic contribution of thousands of volunteers in Dudley and

millions of volunteers across the UK. The week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society and inspires others to volunteer too. It offers voluntary organisations a chance to showcase what they do in the community. Tell us about what you are doing during Volunteers’ Week and we’ll put it on the CVS website. Then send us details and photographs of your event and we’ll pick out some for the July Echo and the CVS website. E-mail Brendan at support@dudleycvs.org.uk

Education Appeals Panel Seeks New Members Dudley Council’s education appeals panel is looking for volunteers to hear and determine appeals for school admissions and exclusions. The panels are set up to hear and determine appeals for the admission or exclusion from primary and secondary schools within the borough of Dudley. The panels are independent and rely on voluntary membership. Appropriate training will be provided for all new members before hearing appeals. For further information contact Richard Sanders on 01384 815236

As the budgets of many organisations in the voluntary and public sectors are cut, the issue of job substitution – when volunteers replace paid staff – has become critical. Volunteering England has produced a guide to help organisations ensure they do not substitute paid staff posts with volunteers.

The guide notes a range of scenarios which could be considered job substitution.

An extreme case could be where an organisation decides to cut jobs and recruit volunteers to fill the gaps. In other cases, members of a local community may volunteer to run activities after a service has been withdrawn. In all such situations, the guide advises; "there is a need to review not only organisations' services and expenditure but their relationship with the volunteer group, the kind of roles they can expect of volunteers and

the resources or training required to support them." The guide sets out steps in managing the process and consulting about the principles, policy and roles and responsibilities of volunteers. Download the guide: www.volunteering.org.uk/images/stories/Volunteering-England/Documents/Campaigns-and-policy/Guide_to_avoiding_job_substitution_final.pdf

Job Substitution

Meals, Kneels, Deals and Wheels. Dudley Volunteer Centre has some interesting volunteering opportunities available this month. An older person’s Lunch Club in Dudley is looking for a cook who can serve up some interesting menus for up to 25 discerning diners. The same venue also needs someone who is up (or down) to the challenge of bringing a parquet floor back to its former glory; all tools and materials provided. A Dudley charity shop has an opportunity for someone to hone their retail selling skills. And a man (or woman) with a van is required in Netherton to collect and drop off four wheelbarrows and gardening tools for a group of young volunteers who have pledged to maintain older peoples gardens during school holidays. The youngsters will do one day during half-term breaks and one day per fortnight during the six week summer holidays. Collections and delivery will be within a 2 to 3 mile radius. Contact Eileen Fielding on 01384 573381. E-mail: eileenfielding@dudleycvs.org.uk

7

NEWS

The third round of the Department of Health – Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund local grant scheme is due to open shortly. Organisations that increase capacity in volunteering in health and social care are eligible to apply. Interested applicants are advised to attend a pre-application event in Birmingham on 28th May. See website: www.volunteeringfund.com/content/pre-application-events

The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidance for event organisers. An event organiser has a duty to plan, manage and monitor the event to make sure that workers and the visiting public are not exposed to health and safety risks. The information helps organisers understand their legal duties on health and safety, plan an event, manage an event, review an event once it’s over and plan for incidents and emergencies. For further information go to: www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/running.htm

Dudley MBC Directorate of Adult Community and Housing Services has released a schedule of Safeguarding Adults training dates. Six Abuse Awareness Training events have been arranged for anyone who provides care or support to vulnerable adults who live alone or are isolated. The events are all day from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The dates and venues are: 29th May at Halesowen library 31st May at Dudley Council House 12th June at Halesowen Library 14th June at Dudley Council House 21st June at Kingswinford Library 26th June at Halesowen Library A Safeguarding Adults training event for care professionals takes place on Wednesday 20th June between 1.30pm - 4.30pm at 3, St. James Road, Dudley. This event is entitled “Who’s after your money?” and aims to empower participants to help prevent vulnerable and elderly people from becoming victims of doorstep crime and scams. For further information and to reserve places contact Julie Totney on 01384 813125 or e-mail: julie.totney@dudley.gov.uk

Netherton Park Fun Day takes place on Saturday 14th July. The event is an opportunity for voluntary groups

and charities to advertise and promote their services, sell items or run fundraising activities. Stall areas can be hired from £10. Over 5000 people attended last year’s event. Booking forms can be downloaded from the website at www.NethertonPark.com

Big Meal Deal Update The Donate your Dinner week between the 5th and 9th March, helped the CVS-led campaign to provide 2000 children with a meal during the school holidays. At the time of writing £1538 (more is promised) has been received, together with over 1172 food items. There has been a significant increase in food donations at food bank collection points and a local mosque has set up a luncheon club for young people. Local schools, libraries and churches are also supporting the Big Meal Deal Campaign. The campaign team is working with local community organisation's that provide activities during the holidays as a way of distributing the meals to those most in need. Food collection has now ceased, but financial donations can still be made at any Barclay's Bank in Dudley Borough until 31st December quoting The Big Meal Deal.

How can we help?

DUDLEY CVS works with all community and voluntary groups, however small or large the organisation. We work with a range of partners, putting us at the forefront of voluntary and community sector representation.

KEEP UP TO DATE Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk to find out about new developments affecting the voluntary sector, locally and nationally. BECOME A MEMBER Membership is free to any voluntary and community organisation operating in Dudley. Sign up today and start enjoying a range of services and support. SOURCING FUNDING If your group is considering options for funding, Dudley CVS can help you identify sources of funding and assist in developing funding applications.

SPECIALIST HELP Dudley CVS offers support tailored to suit your specific needs. Our Core Service Officers have years of experience available to local organisations. Help is wide ranging and includes, among other services: community engagement; enterprise development; asset management; business planning; legal structures and conflict resolution. GROUP DEVELOPMENT Established larger organisations can sign up to our Building Blocks organisational development toolkit. New, emerging and developing small groups can receive expert one-to-one guidance through our Route Map programme.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Dudley CVS has officers dedicated to the needs of children and young people, families and those organisations and professionals working with children in Dudley. VOLUNTEERING Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre provides all the expertise that would-be volunteers and volunteer managers might need. Guidance and training on managing, legislation recruitment and retaining volunteers is available all year round. We can also match up those seeking to volunteer to those groups looking to recruit volunteers. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE With health services under review, our assigned support officers are in much demand by both services providers and service users.

PUBLICITY Our marketing and communications officers can help local groups to raise their profile and maximise their promotional needs. Advice on producing newsletters, leaflets promotional materials and media relations.

INTERFAITH Dudley CVS has a dedicated support officer to the Dudley Borough Interfaith Network which brings together Network members to develop greater understanding between faith communities. ADMIN SUPPORT Voluntary groups requiring ad hoc or regular support with learning basic computer skills, printing, mailings, book-keeping, payroll etc. can use Dudley CVS admin services at very competitive rates. CAN’T SEE WHAT YOU NEED? Call the number below.

For additional information about all CVS services contact: Telephone: 01384 573381 E-mail: admin@dudleycvs.org.uk