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We strive to bring you the latest news from within the voluntary sector. if you have any community news, events, vacancies that are of interest to the members please contact our office on 01786 469916 or email info@cvs-stirling.org.uk
**NEWS ALERT**
Forth Bank
Stadium
12th November, 2- 4 pm
Please note that the above event has been CANCELLED.
Instead, you are invited to attend the next MAG (Multi-Agency Group) meeting
for Stirling.
This will be
held on the 2nd December, in the Lecture Theatre, Stirling Royal at 10am.
Details will follow in the CVS Stirling e-Bulletin and on this website.
Help Develop the Way We Train and Work
The new Standards Council for Community Learning and Development in Scotland is now looking for people to serve on its committees.
As a peer-led professional body, we need you – practitioners, employers, training providers, students – to shape the ways in which we develop as a profession.
We are looking for:
18 people to sit on the Council Executive Committee
Up to 25 people in total for its three Sub-committees
(Approval, Registration and Continuing Professional Development)
We need people who can represent the interests of our diverse and complex field, whether newly qualified or with many years of varied experience. You should have a commitment to raising standards across all aspects of our work.
Log on to our website, find out more and complete the application form by 17th November 2008. See www.scotland.gov.uk/CLDStandardsCouncil for more details.
For further information please contact Karen Geekie – Tel. 0141 271 3779 or Email contactcld@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneurs
UnLtd, the national charity that supports social entrepreneurs, has announced that the Autumn 2008 UnLtd Millennium Awards (Level 2) competition is open for applications.
UnLtd's Millennium Awards provide practical and financial support to social entrepreneurs in the UK to develop their ideas and projects.
There are two levels of support available:
Level 1 Awards provide grants of between £500 and £5,000 to develop new ideas into real projects. They are aimed at individuals or informal groups of people who have an idea and want help getting it off the ground. The money is to help with the running costs of the project.
Level 2 Awards support people whose ideas are already developed or pay for the living expenses of Award Winners to help them devote more time to their projects. These Awards are given out once in the spring and once in the autumn.
UnLtd offers support to individuals, not organisations. If you're interested in applying they recommend you take an eligibility quiz to find out whether you qualify – these can be accessed on the website, www.unltd.org.uk
Charity Bank Launches New Loan Service
The Charity Bank is the UK's only regulated bank that is also a registered general charity, and the only bank that uses its depositors' funds solely to support organisations providing solutions to society's problems.
It has now launched an asset finance service for charities and emerging social enterprises.
The Bank’s team of assessors will work with local charities, social enterprises and community organisations across the UK to agree loans of up to £1 million. These loans can help with anything from working capital to building purchase and refurbishment.
It also operates an Asset Finance service, aimed at organisations struggling to obtain finance for the purchase of equipment, (e.g. a new minibus, computer system) that could transform their ability to deliver services. Loans are available for between 2 and 7 years at a fixed interest rate of 7.5%
.
More details on the Bank’s website, www.charitybank.org
Children in Need Event
St Mungo’s RC Church Hall, Mar Street,
Alloa
Wednesday 3rd December, 2 – 4 pm
Come and find out about Children in Need’s new application process!
In response to feedback from applicants, BBC Children in Need is changing its application process. These changes include:
Increasing the number of application deadlines
The presentation will explain what this means for your organisation, and any organisations you support.
It will also look at what makes a good application to BBC Children in Need. This will help you to find out if we’re the right funder for you and help increase your chances of success.
If you can’t attend you can find out more information about how to apply on the website www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
If you would like more information about the event please call 0141 422 6111.
The Scottish Investment Fund (SIF) is a £30m fund established by the Scottish Government to build on the activities of the Futurebuilders Scotland Programme which invested almost £18m between 2004 and 2007 in expanding the role of the social economy in delivering public services.
While SIF shares a number of the aims associated with Futurebuilders Scotland, it will target social outcomes achieved in specified priority areas and adopt an investment-based approach fundamentally different to traditional grant-based schemes.
Current investment priorities will be organisations with social missions to address issues of employability, environmental action, and the underlying causes of health inequality.
Key features of SIF:
A total of £30m will be subscribed over a three-year period - £4m in 2008/2009, £10m in 2009/10 and £16m in 2010/11;
SIF is targeted at established, ‘investment ready’ social enterprises which have been trading successfully, generating income other than grants, for at least three years and which aim to achieve a step change in their activities;
SIF aims to provide a blend of funding solutions including loan finance and non-repayable strategic investments as well as other financial products providing the equivalent of risk capital;
Loan funding will be a key element of all SIF investment packages.
NB: Organisations unwilling (or unable) to consider loan finance
will not be eligible for SIF investment.
The website went live on the 1st September when the SIF opened for applications.
A key feature of the website is an Online Appraisal mode, which enables organisations seeking investment to establish
whether or not they meet SIF eligibility criteria
whether they meet investment-ready criteria, and
the extent to which their activities and social outcomes fit with the fund’s investment priorities.
On completion of all three stages of the online model, they will be given an initial indication of the likelihood of their proposal progressing to the next stage.
The SIF is managed by Social Investment Scotland and further information can be found on the SIF website www.scottishinvestmentfund.co.uk or by phoning 0131 558 7706.
The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has announced that its flagship volunteering investment fund is once more open for business. The Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme (VSGS) can provide grants for up to three years for projects that attract harder to reach volunteers. The philosophy behind VSGS is simple: that with dedicated resources, organisations can develop and sustain high quality volunteering opportunities for people who need more support to get involved; and that with this extra resource of volunteers, the organisation can enrich its services.
Applications for grant are now invited. Substantial grants for one or two years are available, as well as one-off small grants of £5,000 to smaller organisations.
To download an application form and guidance notes please follow the links below:
The closing date for the second round of the main grants (for one and two years) was 30th September 2008, however applications for small grants are considered throughout the year.
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
The origins of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland go back
to the early 19th century, to the Rev'd Henry Duncan who founded
the Trustee Savings Bank in Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire in 1810. Something of an
idealist, Duncan believed that everyone, regardless of wealth or position,
should be able to benefit from a savings bank.
In 1995, with the spirit and principles of its founder in mind, the Trustee
Savings Bank Group set up four independent charitable trusts (Scotland,
England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands) to distribute 1% of
pre-tax profits. Almost 20% of this goes to the Foundation for Scotland.
That same year the TSB Group merged with Lloyds Bank, significantly
increasing the Foundation’s income. To date, Lloyds TSB Foundation for
Scotland has received over £62 million from Lloyds TSB Group plc, and this
money has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across
Scotland and, more recently, overseas through Scottish Charities working
abroad.
What is funded?
The Foundation distributes its funds to recognised charities in Scotland
which are focused on improving the quality of life and creating equality of
opportunity for people in Scotland. This applies particularly to those who
are disadvantaged and marginalised, with particular emphasis on grassroots
charities, and organisations which help those most in need become
self-sufficient or improve the quality of their lives.
Funding is distributed through various award programmes, each of which has its own criteria, application form and deadline. Prospective applicants should consult the detailed information about the relevant programme, which can be found on the website at www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk
The award programmes comprises:
· Standard Grants
· Capacity Building Grants
· Overseas Awards
· Staff Matched-Giving Scheme (only applies to staff of TSB and its subsidiaries)
The website also gives examples of previous grant awards, which can help give a picture of the sort of projects that are funded.
As a service to prospective applicants, the Foundation
holds surgeries around the country, giving people the opportunity to discuss
their application before it is submitted. This means over 80 opportunities a
year to get face-to-face support with an application, as well as the option
of speaking to someone by phone (0870 902 1201)
The Foundation stresses that attending a funding surgery
is in no way a requirement, and that it’s not something they take into
account when we assessing an application. However, they point out that
generally people who have been to a surgery complete better applications and
so are more likely to receive an award.
A schedule for the 2008 surgeries can be viewed on the website. For more
details about the above, visit the Foundations website at
www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk . Contact Number: 0870 902 1201.
£30 Million Investment
Fund
A £30 million Scottish Investment Fund has been launched to help enterprising Third Sector organisations become more effective and efficient.
The fund opens on September 1, 2008 and will provide support to established Third Sector organisations with the potential to grow their turnover or become financially sustainable.
The Scottish Investment Fund will be targeted at established Third Sector organisations which are:
· Located and trading in Scotland, with an appropriate legal constitution in place, and reinvest surpluses for a social purpose
· Have been trading successfully, partly through income generation, for at least three years. In the case of new joint venture or consortium arrangements at least one of the partners must have been trading successfully for at least three years
· Have established, successful experience in public service delivery or trading in other markets
· Have potential to grow their turnover and/or become financially sustainable
· Are investment-ready in terms of management, governance and financial position or in a position to become investment-ready with business support
Organisations not eligible will include those with no track record of generating income other than grants; support, intermediary or infrastructure functions and those where the beneficiaries live outside Scotland. Proposals that relate to the running costs of services and projects and proposals that could normally be funded by commercial loan finance or other funding sources will not be eligible.
For more details, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/06/18150321
Helping Rural Access to Funding
The Scottish Government has contracted with the Crofters Commission and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) to provide a technical support service for rural community organisations to help them access funding from a range of sources, including the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
The Rural Direct service will offer advice, support and technical expertise. This is a free service available to constituted community groups in rural areas throughout Scotland. The Crofters Commission are delivering the scheme in the Crofting Counties and the SCVO are delivering the service in the rest of Scotland.
Rural Direct won’t write applications for you, but they will help your community group with the applications process to programmes such as Rural Priorities, Big Lottery Fund, Climate Challenge Fund and more. If you’re applying for Scotland Rural Development Funding, Rural Direct can help you in a range of ways. They will also help you understand the range of other funding opportunities available and to write the best possible funding applications.
You can contact the service by calling 0845 838 8598. Calls will be charged at local rate. You can also email your query to ruraldirect@scvo.org.uk
The Institute of Fundraisers now has a dedicated website offering a comprehensive, free, online resource for the UK's 16 million volunteer fundraisers.
The site contains ideas, tips, events, news and resources, all to do with raising money for good causes. Share what you know and get inspired by others...
The site is supported by The Vodafone UK Foundation and The Office of the Third Sector. Visit www.how2fundraise.org to see what’s on offer.
GRANTnet, a straightforward free-to-use service from GRANTfinder, can help groups and small businesses find suitable funding. It allows community and voluntary groups, sports and other clubs, schools, social enterprises and small businesses to search across EC and UK sources including Government departments, local authorities, charitable trusts and corporate sponsors.
It is presented in the format of an online, step-by-step questionnaire that provides the enquirer with information on over 4,000 grants and other incentives. Visit www.grantnet.org.uk to find out more.
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Charities Christmas Event
CVS Stirling took over responsibility for organising the Combined Charities Christmas Event 11 years ago.
Over 40 charities take part each year at this important annual event - an opportunity both for fundraising and to raise public awareness. A wide variety of goods are on offer and refreshments are available in the Lesser Albert Hall.
This year’s Event takes place on Thursday, 27th November in the Albert Halls and will run from 3pm until 7pm. Please contact Linda for further information about the event linda.flockhart@cvs-stirling.org.uk
Facing the Future: New
Realities in Social Care and Support
CCPS Conference 2008
Dunblane Hydro Hotel, Dunblane
27th and 28th November
The CCPS (Community Care Providers Scotland) Conference is Scotland’s premier opportunity for all those involved in developing, planning, providing, monitoring and using care and support services to share information, hear from expert speakers, learn from each other and develop contacts and networks.
This year’s event will focus on the major changes in social care taking place nationally, locally and at the level of individual support: It will focus on three priority areas:
A limited number of free or reduced rate places are available for service users, carers and small or unfunded voluntary organisations (annual income less than £25,000) - please contact the CCPS office for details.
Full details of the conference programme can be had by downloading the flyer from www.ccpscotland.org/events/documents/conferenceflyersml.pdf (Booking form at www.ccpscotland.org/events/documents/bookingform08.pdf)
Aberlour Christmas Concert
Albert Halls,
Dumbarton Road, Stirling
Sunday, 14th December, 5 pm
There will be lots of festive fun for all the family at the 12th Annual Aberlour Christmas Concert in Stirling’s Albert Halls.
The audience will be treated to music from young, talented musicians and singers from Alva Academy as well as the renowned Clackmannanshire and District Brass Band. Also appearing will be young dancers from the Stirling Academy of Dance.
Tickets cost £7/£9 and will be available from the Albert Hall booking office from Monday 27th October. The show starts at the earlier time of 5pm this year.
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Community Planning – Getting Involved
Community Planning is the term used to describe the process whereby public agencies, such as Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley, work together in partnership with the Voluntary Sector and local communities to plan and deliver better services.
It is vital that the Voluntary Sector has a voice to influence and add value to this Partnership, so CVS Stirling and the Volunteer Centre are encouraging participation from volunteers and volunteer groups.
In order to gauge levels of interest and to find out how the Sector sees itself represented within the Community Planning Partnership, CVS Stirling have sent out a short Questionnaire. This should be returned as soon as possible, preferably by 20th June. (If you haven’t received a Questionnaire, contact us and we can email one or you can print off a PDF version of the questionnaire and the Community Planning Structure complete and post to address on form)
Getting involved in your
Local Health Service
Health provision in the Forth Valley is undergoing major changes and developments. The planning process for the future Stirling Community Health Facility on the Stirling Royal site is now fully under way.
To function effectively, a Public Partnership Forum needs representation from all sections of the community. Stirling PPF currently has a vacancy for a Voluntary Sector Representative and also a Community Representative. Interested parties should contact Jessie-Anne Malcolm, Public Partnership Forum Development Co-ordinator for further information, Tel: 01324 614660 or 0845 130 3714. Email: jessie.malcolm@fvpc.scot.nhs.uk
Another way to get involved is to join the Public Involvement Network PIN). Involvement can range from e-mail or postal surveys to attending meetings and joining a PPF - you can do as much or as little as suits you.
To find out more about PIN, call the freephone line on: 0800 456033, or email YourHealthService@fvhb.scot.nhs.uk
Car Parking improvements at Local Hospitals
Car parking at Stirling and Falkirk Hospitals has been a headache for patients for some time.
At a meeting of joint PPF/Voluntary Sector representatives on May 15th, 2008, David McPherson, Interim Director of Strategic Projects and Property, outlined proposals to improve the facilities.
Among the main points of his presentation were
Additional spaces will be provided by replacing grassy areas with tarmac.
Staff will be supported to find alternatives e.g looking at car sharing schemes.
A car parking Management Company will be employed to control parking in both sites.
Parking will be limited to 4 hours between 8.30 - 4 pm
Staff will now be permit controlled
Fixed penalty for over staying time or parking irresponsibly
He confirmed that, ‘if patients need to stay longer within the hospital, such a range of different appointments, they would not incur a penalty if they inform the Clinical Receptionist.’
Parking on NHS Forth Valley sites will remain free of charge to patients, visitors and staff. Staff will have access to designated spaces, although will not all be guaranteed a space.
Access for emergency and service vehicles will be protected, and parking for patients and those with mobility difficulties will be protected Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.00pm
Public Transport Access Found Wanting
A new report from the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability has found that disabled people in Scotland are routinely let down by public transport access arrangements.
Over two-thirds of those surveyed claimed to have missed a social activity due to lack of accessible transport, and 41 per cent said they had had to turn down a job offer because it was too difficult to get to work.
Also, access barriers on Scottish public transport often made it very difficult for disabled people to carry out their day-to-day routines.
The report, “Mind the Gap: The Next Step,” called for disability equality training for all frontline public transport staff, for transport providers to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act, and for a government-led public awareness campaign on accessible transport.
The publication of the report came as rail minister Tom Harris MP announced that five Scottish rail stations would receive money from Scotland’s share of the Department for Transport’s £370m Access for All funding, which aims to improve accessibility across the UK’s rail network between 2006 and 2015.
Also launched was a new code of practice on accessible train and station design for disabled passengers. This aims to provide a single set of design standards to establish a basic level of accessibility across the whole rail network.
For more information on the code of practice and the Access For All scheme, visit www.dft.gov.uk
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ACTION FOR EQUALITY
The Equalities Forum for Forth Valley
Since May last year Central Scotland Racial Equalities Council (CSREC) has been working with various voluntary organisations who have expressed their desire for an Equalities Network or Forum in Forth Valley.
This need was highlighted by the forming of the new Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the interest in participating in Community Planning Partnerships (CPP). Many organisations are directly affected by these structures and require a platform to enable discussion, exchange information and respond to them. It has been generally agreed that an Equalities Forum or Network is able to provide this.
There was also a general feeling that a lot of good work is being done in equalities. However, all stakeholders are interested in finding out what others are doing and in coordinating better linked up thinking. A mechanism or structure was needed to enable equalities organisations, voluntary organisations, public sector funded organisations and public bodies to communicate more efficiently with each other and the communities and individuals that they serve.
Clackmannanshire Council and Falkirk Community Planning Partnership have also identified the need for an Equalities Forum or Network in Forth Valley to facilitate communications between themselves and the voluntary and community sectors.
CSREC has therefore secured the funding to establish an Equalities Forum from the Scottish Government Equalities Unit.
ACTION FOR EQUALITY: The Equalities Forum for Forth Valley held its first meeting on the 18th December 2007 and has been meeting regularly since. ACTION FOR EQUALITY is providing the following to organisations that are interested in promoting equality:
A platform to communicate more easily and regularly
A space to exchange information and ideas
Allow for better and easier discussion about the new Equalities and Human Rights Commission and engagement with the commission
A means of establishing partnerships and working relationships with organisations from all the equalities strands in order to enhance service delivery
A mechanism for providing joint training, seminars and conferences
Provide support and assistance on how to deal with equalities issues
A gateway for the distribution of marketing material to a wider audience
A vehicle for interacting with statutory bodies throughout Forth Valley
Additional member organisations are currently being welcomed. If you are a major player in Equalities, have great ideas on how this forum can work, or just want your voice to be heard, then please contact:
Sam Rankin — CSREC Community Development Officer on 01324 610 950 sam.rankin@centralscotlandrec.org.uk
All comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.
Council for Voluntary Services - Thriving and Connecting Communities in Stirling
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