Community RedbridgeCVS

March 2012

Communitya newsletter for the community and voluntary sector in Redbridge

RedbridgeCVS

InsideOlympics Latest page 3Primary Care page 7Credit Union page 10Computer backups page 11Funding Diary page 14

Network MeetingWednesday 4 April• Jewish youth activities• NHS: expert patients• Domestic abuse

Austerity Bites in the Voluntary SectorWe know what a tough year this last one has been for the voluntary and community sector in Redbridge. At this time last year, Ross Diamond was writing about the proposed reduction in the Redbridge Council grants programme of 5% for strategic partners and 10% for emerging needs and new initiatives bids. That was for the 2011-2012 financial year.

Now, twelve months later, Redbridge Council’s Cabinet have just agreed a further 5% reduction in strategic partner grants for 2012-2013, whilst bids which were made for the emerging needs and new initiatives funding were generally approved for 54% of the amounts asked for. The biggest losers this year, though, will be those small organisations who rely on relatively small amounts of funding made through the small grants programme run by East London Community Foundation. The amount of money they will have to allocate has been reduced by over 26%.

All of this comes on top of the fact that organisations providing vital services to residents of Redbridge are having to cope with rising costs due to inflation – currently running at 3%. The scope for obtaining funding from other sources is reducing, with the most common reason for funding bids being turned down being “that the fund was hugely oversubscribed”. Some funders are making it clear right at the start of the process that the odds are stacked

against them and they may only have a one in twenty (or worse) chance of their application being successful.

The only slight glimmer of light has been the launch of the Redbridge Community Fund which has recently been accepting applications. This has £200,000 worth of funding for voluntary organisations to bid for. We will be pressing for this to be enhanced in the coming year.

While we fully understand the difficult financial times in which we are operating, the voluntary sector does not have large amounts of “fat” which can be cut from it. Many of our organisations are run by volunteers who willingly give up their time and expertise to provide services which they are passionate about. We’d like to know how they are supposed to do this with diminishing resources available to them.

• COMMUNITY • March 2012

CommunityLarge format

Anyone who requires large print versions of the newsletter please email [email protected] or phone 020 8514 9616.

We want to hear from youWe want Community to reflect the voluntary and community sector in Redbridge. Tell us about the news and issues that affect you. New project? New funding? Looking for training? For advice? Let us know.

Community by emailThis newsletter is available as a PDF file by email as well as on paper. Save trees and the environment, save RedbridgeCVS printing costs, and get Community in colour. Just email [email protected].

Deadlines for publicationIssue DeadlineMay 9 May August 8 August

DisclaimerThe views expressed by contributors to this newsletter are not necessarily those of RedbridgeCVS.

Much of the information in this newsletter is received from other agencies. RedbridgeCVS cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

Room Hire from RedbridgeCVSRooms for training, conferences and meetings• Modern, spacious rooms• 2 minutes from Ilford station• Very competitive rates

Convenient and AffordableWe’re just two minutes walk from Ilford train station. Different sized rooms are available in different layouts to meet your needs, with lower prices for community organisations, particularly small ones.

Modern Rooms and Friendly StaffAll rooms are spacious and comfortable. All are reached by lift, and an accessible toilet is available. We’re used to working with local community groups, and our staff are friendly and helpful.

Services from Internet Access to SandwichesWe can provide equipment including a laptop, internet access, speakers and a data projector, allowing you to display presentations and play DVDs. We provide any help and technical support you need with the equipment. Black and white and colour photocopying, and printing from computer files, is available at low prices.Unlimited Fairtrade tea and coffee is available at an affordable price. We can arrange sandwich lunches, hot food, or menus that meet your religious or cultural needs.

“ The room is very comfort-able. The CVS staff are always ready to help with technical equipment, which as a small group we really appreciate.”

“Just wanted to say thank

you very much for the

help and support you gave

us with our Open Day

yesterday. it was a great

success and ran smoothly

due to your input.”

COMMUNITY • March 2012 • page 3

News

RPCEG LatestThe Redbridge Police Community Engagement Group held its latest meeting on Monday 19 March.

The Group had their regular performance update from the Police Borough Commander, Sue Williams, who also answered questions submitted prior to the meeting

They heard a presentation from Wendy Rollings of the Council’s housing department and Sgt Mel White from Valentines Safer Neighbourhood Team, relating to problems associated with squatted properties in the borough, and how these matters can be dealt with. Liz Pearce from RedbridgeCVS

Engagement Group

Red

bridge Police Comm

unity RPCEG

also gave a presentation to the meeting on the setting up of a new Redbridge Community Action Project – RedCAP. More information about this project will be included in the next edition of Community.

The Borough Commander also drew the attention of members to the Police “Neighbourhood Links” text messaging service and encouraged people to sign up to it to receive news and information from their local police. Those signing up to Neighbourhood Link will receive emails and text messages about crime and safety in the areas they sign up to.

Through Neighbourhood Link, Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will keep recipients updated with local police activity, crime prevention advice and what they are doing to address community concerns and make Redbridge Borough one of the safest boroughs in London.

In order to receive messages, individuals will need to register their details. Registering is free of charge and will enable the police to send messages relevant to the areas where they live and work.

To register please visit www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk

Don’t put these on your leaflets!

Olympics

No Fundraising, and Take Care with BrandingThe law puts strict limits on what local charities can organise around the games.

In the last issue of Community, we suggested that groups could use the games to fundraise, or raise their profile. We’ve since learned that you need to be very careful when doing this.

The Games depend financially on their sponsors, who don’t want to see other bodies claim a link with the games they don’t have. So certain images and words are protected by law, in the Olympic Act, which also sets down other rules.

The first of these is about money. You

can charge a small amount to cover the costs of an event, but you cannot raise funds (see http://l2012.cm/GMCHxf).

The second issue is images and words. You cannot use various images, such as the ones below, because they are trademarks. Various words are also protected, including “Olympic”, “Paralympic” and “London 2012”.

You also need to be careful when using various other words, because they may create the impression that your event is endorsed by the games organisers. These include “2012”, “games”, “London” and “summer” (see http://l2012.cm/GLsrEN).

The organisers are mainly concerned with private sector companies. It’s not their priority to police small charities, and they won’t have the resources to do so.

However, the law remains the law – and we know of one Redbridge voluntary organisation which has been told it cannot promote an event using the phrase “during the Olympic games.”

We continue to liaise with the Council and the Games organisers – if you want advice, ring Colin Wilson, RedbridgeCVS Information Officer, on 020 8514 9616.


Voluntary sector news

RCYPN update us on their progress in the last few months. It has been a very hectic time for their team.

VolunteersRCYPN now have four regular volunteers, who assist in all areas of the group’s work including updating the database, finance and helping with meetings and training. The progress RCYPN has achieved would not be possible without their commitment and enthusiasm.

The four volunteers are Virginija, Sehvish, Vibhuti and Jenny. In addition, Nabela helps with all admin tasks. Virginija recently received a certificate for completing over 50 hours of volunteering with them.

Network MeetingsThe Network Meetings are continuing to attract an increasing number of representatives, including guest speaker colleagues from both the voluntary and statutory sectors.

In January, Chris Denton spoke about the work of Crossroads, whilst in February they had two speakers – Dr Dianne Borien, Manager Early Years and Amanda Jones from Teenage Pregnancy Strategy.

For the March Meeting, Jo Baty, Senior Officer, Children’s Services, spoke about the Children and Young People’s Plan consultation.

Training for GroupsRCYPN have held six training courses for member groups since November.

These have included two on Writing Fundraising Applications, Management Committees – Roles & Responsibilities, Safeguarding Level 1, Monitoring & Evaluation and Paediatric First Aid. All the courses were fully subscribed with people on waiting lists.

Support from Local BusinessesCineworld and Nando’s in Ilford and Barking are continuing to be very generous and providing free cinema tickets and lunch vouchers for volunteers. This is a great boost to RCYPN and helps them to thank their volunteers for their time and efforts.

Working in PartnershipRCYPN’s AGM from September 2011 and the training on ’Safenet’ has been featured in the Children’s Services newsletter ‘One Children’s Workforce’ which was published in February.

Network Trustees and members continue to attend various strategic meetings organised by the Council. They have an input in such important documents and strategies including ‘Children and Young People’s Plan’ and ‘Early Intervention Strategy’. As mentioned above, the Network regularly invites colleagues from the statutory sector to speak at meetings and to undertake training.

Looking AheadAnnual General Meeting (AGM)RCYPN are very pleased that both Patrick Power, Managing Director Redbridge Children’s Trust (RCT) and Pat Reynolds, Director Children’s Services have accepted their invitation to speak at their AGM in September.

TrainingThe group is in the process of organising more training from April and have already booked a ‘Safeguarding’ course Level 2 for July and ‘Paediatric First Aid’ in February 2013.

They are also working towards producing a calendar of Training, Events and Meetings.

Redbridge Children and Young People’s Network

Sharing Success!

Network meeting, 22 February



Network Meetings

Dates have been set till March 2013. Speakers include Dr Mathukia (Clinical Director for Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (Children’s Lead). If you would like to have the dates of all meetings, please get in touch.

VolunteersA ‘Volunteer Guide’ has been produced and RCYPN hope to begin work on their Annual Report soon.

Farooq Alamgir of Ilford Cineworld and Saffina Masood from RCYPN

Volunteer Virginija Baliukoniene

Community group praises Valentines Mansion facilitiesEast London Soroptimists meet monthly at this high-quality venue.The group have been using Valentines Mansion as their club venue since it opened after refurbishment in 2009. Soroptimist International is a women’s service-giving agency which addresses issues that affect the quality of life of women and girls locally and internationally in a practical way.

The Soroptimimists say, “The Mansion provides us with excellent rooms both large and small and facilities to run our meetings, to have guest speakers and to hold fund-raising events.

“As a voluntary organisation we appreciate that Redbridge’s commitment to the community has provided us with not only an affordable venue but also one which we can be proud to invite guests and speakers to.”

For more information on hiring the mansion, ring 020 8708 8100 or e-mail [email protected]. Room hire for local community groups starts from as little as £12.50 an hour. See also the website at www.valentinesmansion.com.

Partnership involves children and young people in servicesParticipation Works is a partnership of six national children and young people’s agencies.The group enables organisations to effectively involve children and young people in the development, delivery and evaluation of services that affect them.

The organisation offers training and consultancy; a national network of participation workers (the Participation Works Network for England); and an

online gateway that offers a wide selection of information, the latest news and supporting resources on participation.

The next training course available is:

How to use creative methods for participation 16 May, Central London This new, innovative one-day course is based on the popular How To Guide on the same topic. At the end of the training day participants will have developed knowledge in this specific area of participation, ideas and exercises to use with children and young people and the confidence to incorporate the training in their work.

For further information on any of these resources or training please visit www.participationworks.org.uk, or email [email protected]


Future meetings • Voluntary sector news

Redbridge Voluntary Sector Network

RedbridgeCVS5th floor, Forest House, 16-20 Clements Road, Ilford IG1 1BA12.30pm: Lunch and light refreshments Agenda starts at 1pm and finishes at 2.30pm.

JLGB, Jewish youth organisation Rebecca SearNELFT Expert Patients Programme Julie AtkinsRedbridge Action against Domestic Abuse

1pm Wednesday 4 April

If you have access requirements, or suggestions for future meeting topics, contact Colin on 020 8514 9616 or by email at [email protected]

plusthe latest news from partnerships with the statutory sector, including with the NHS and Redbridge Council

AWAAZ Celebrates International Women’s DayLocal women’s group Awaaz celebrated International Women’s Day on Wednesday 14 March at Loxford Polyclinic. The local councillor for Loxford ward, Mr Marawala, attended the event and presented certificates to ladies who have recently completed training courses with the group.

Awaaz activities include:

• Yoga ClassThursday from 6.30 to 8pmStarting from 19 April

• Zumba Dance Class Saturday from 11am till 12Starting from 21 April

• Drop in Session Wednesday from 12 till 3pmCome and meet with new people and make friends, share the ideas and learn more from each other. and enjoy chair-based exercise

All events take place at Loxford Polyclinic, 417 Ilford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2PF. For more information, contact Bushra Tahir on 07956 661 508 or email [email protected]

International Women’s DayThe day has been celebrated for over a hundred years.• It was inspired by events in

1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

• In 1910 German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of

Awaaz trainees at the event with Cllr Maravala

International Women’s Day at a conference of working women in Copenhagen

• Events for Women’s Day in Russia in 1917 brought democracy – they initiated protests which brought down the dictatorial Tsar

• The day is an official holiday in twenty-seven countries.

• 451 events for International Women’s Day took place around the UK.

• Annual UN themes for the day have included ending poverty, providing training and opposing violence towards women and girls.


Health • Voluntary sector news

Voluntary groups have their say on health careVoluntary groups in Redbridge actively participated in the Primary Care Strategy consultation, writes Swati Vyas, Health Partnerships Officer at RedbridgeCVSOver 140 participants from Redbridge Asian Mandal and Disabled Asian Women’s Network took part in the process. They provided feedback and shared concerns regarding Primary Care services in Redbridge at events on 17, 24 and 25January facilitated by RedbridgeCVS. Dr. Ken Aswani, Linda Finch and Rowan Taylor from NHS Outer North East London presented the strategy at the three separate consultation events.

The main purpose of the strategy is to make sure that the NHS can provide primary care services in Outer North East London that are of high quality and fair. Services should also be provided from buildings that are fit for purpose, and deliver value for money for tax payers. Participants were consulted on six main changes within the primary care services recommended in the new strategy.

A large number of participants at the consultations raised issues like difficulties with GP appointments systems and not being able to see the same GP.

The consultation period ended on 20 February and based on feedback from local residents, the five year strategy will be revised by March 2012 and implemented.

Taking part in the consultation meeting

Network Rail retreat at Chadwell HeathThe welfare of local children was held to be paramount following a safeguarding alert raised by a local resident.

Kevin Page writes:22 February 2012 was a red letter day, when Network Rail abandoned its plans to install a freight train loop at Chadwell Heath. The deepest

concern was that as the freight loop adjoins the mainline fast track, in the event of a major collision toxic fumes, hazardous chemicals or even nuclear radiation would leak or be blown across into the playing fields of Mayfield Secondary School, and nearby houses located very close to the railway lines.

Since these homes with very short gardens are only protected by a flimsy wire fence, I will be urging Network Rail to replace this with a much sturdier fence and a densely planted hedge, closer to the existing fast railway lines. This would create a narrow buffer zone between Chadwell Heath and Goodmayes stations which could also be used as a safe pedestrian or cycle route going via Mayfield School, and could in

time possibly be extended towards Romford and the Selinas Lane Industrial Estate.

This latest victory follows on Network Rail’s decision in July 2011 to abandon a badly designed and constructed footbridge after just six days! Thanks to the Redbridge Sustainability Forum and Friends of the Earth for all their support.

Kevin Page 020 8590 9626


Volunteering

The last government planned major changes to CRB checks and created the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the ISA. Then the coalition put many of those plans on hold. What’s the latest news?

After the threatened changes to the Criminal Records Bureau checking process brought about by the introduction of the Independent Safeguarding Authority [ISA] and its Vetting and Barring Scheme, the latest news is that registration for the new scheme has been halted as part of the Coalition Government’s review. The ISA website says, ‘There is no longer a requirement for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups to register with the ISA’.

ReviewThe Government commissioned an independent adviser, Sunita Mason, to undertake a two-stage review of the ISA and criminal records system. She was asked to examine whether the current system strikes the right balance between respecting civil liberties and protecting the public and what actions were needed to rebalance the system.

The first phase of the review looked at how employers access criminality information to help them make informed decisions about an individual’s suitability, especially in relation to working with children and vulnerable adults. The second phase looked at wider issues concerning criminal records processes.

The review has made several recommendations, most of which have

been accepted by Government, but which require new legislation to be passed before the recommendations can be implemented. The recommendations are included in the Protection of Freedoms Bill, introduced into Parliament in February 2011, which is currently going through the House of Lords. Overall the recommendations call for the Vetting and Barring Scheme to be scaled back.

RecommendationsTwo key recommendations made by the review are a reduction in the range of posts in which barred people cannot work or volunteer and the merger of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to create a single, new Non-Departmental Public Body. The new organisation will be called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and plans are that it will be operational by the end of November 2012.

The Government has responded to the review with proposals to:

• Allow those applying for a criminal records certificate the opportunity to see, and if appropriate dispute, information about them which is included on the certificate prior to passing it to their prospective employer.

• Introduce a new, on-line status checking capability that will allow

individuals to re-use (or “port”) their certificates with different employers across the same workforce. This means they will no longer need to apply for a new certificate every time they want to take up a new role if no new relevant information has come to light.

• Make 16 years the minimum age for applying for a CRB certificate, on the basis that individuals younger than this should not be acting in a supervisory role with children or vulnerable adults.

The Coalition Government has confirmed that until all the appropriate legislation has been introduced and the new arrangements are established, the existing responsibilities of employers and the ISA will remain. This means that a person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups. An organisation which knowingly employs someone who is barred from working with those groups will also be breaking the law. If your organisation works with children or vulnerable adults and you dismiss or remove a member of staff or a volunteer because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or you would have done so if they had not left, you must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Safe NetworkThe Safe Network is funded by the Department for Education and the NSPCC, and is run as a partnership between Children England, the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) and the NSPCC. The Safe Network’s website contains practical safeguarding information and advice for community and voluntary groups working with children and young people, as well as training events and an enquiry service. You can visit the Safe Network’s website at http://bit.ly/GEsFja.

Moving Ahead on CRB Checks


Volunteering • Voluntary sector news

Success for local volunteerEvents volunteer Amrita Jagdev has won a prestigious Vodaphone award.

Amrita Jagdev says that she has always known that she wants a career in events management. ‘I just really love being around people – parties, weddings that sort of thing’. Of course although being a people-person certainly helps, it is not enough to break into this competitive field and this is where Amrita’s focussed career-planning skills and eye for detail have proved invaluable.

She contacted Volunteer Centre Redbridge last September and by October was volunteering both for

RedbridgeCVS’ BASIS team, assisting with training events, and for local domestic violence support charity Aanchal, organising a fundraising and awareness-raising event. Alongside her volunteering, Amrita, who completed AS levels in Art and Business Studies last year, has been studying for a Diploma in Event and Wedding Planning and gaining admin experience in a private company.

Amrita’s passion and determination have really paid off, as she has now been selected for one of Vodaphone’s World of Difference awards. Supported in her application by Aanchal, Amrita was one of thousands of young hopefuls who applied for Vodaphone sponsorship to enable them to work for two months in the charitable organisation of their choice. Of the 750 shortlisted, 500 people have been awarded funding and provided with a Vodaphone mobile to enable them to write a daily blog about

their experience. Amrita is naturally delighted to be able to support Aanchal’s much-needed work, whilst gaining a paid event management post for two months and can’t wait to see where this experience will take her next.

Frenford Clubs Helps Out for Mothers’ Day at ExchangeFrenford Clubs have been appointed charity of the year at Exchange Ilford.

For Mothers’ Day, the group organised a family day in the lower ground-floor atrium. They were kept busy all day as shoppers swarmed to join in.

A team of volunteers, mainly 16 to 21-year-olds, led and presented activities including face painting, dance and sports activities. Their ‘create your own Mothers’ Day card’ table was a hit with young families, producing lots of lovely designs.

Short-mat bowlers, basketball teams and zumba dancers were also all very

well received, and participants were buoyed by the vocal support of the gathered public.

Volunteer Michael Prempeh, aged 20, said that “It was great seeing the number of people who made time to listen to what our team of young people had to say about the club and the support they showed.”

Frenford say they couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic response to their Charity of the Year Programme. Their involvement with the Exchange began in the autumn, when a group of young people from Frenford met with Exchange staff to discuss promoting an event. The group was invited to make an application to become charity of the year. The process involved demonstrating that they met the Exchange’s criteria, and also making a presentation.

Their success has meant various kinds of support. A bucket collection in February, carried out by young volunteers from Frenford working in 2-hour shifts, raised over £300. They are also able to do collections at events organised by the Exchange, such as the forthcoming Easter fashion show.

Businesses based in the Exchange are also helping by donating raffle prizes – Frenford have received a hamper worth £75 as a raffle prize.

All this money goes towards Frenford’s £100,000 target for the construction of a community gym. And in the words of Nicholas Hurst, the chair of the organisation’s board, “It’s another indication of the valuable work Frenford does for the borough. We’re obviously delighted.”



Do you want a credit union for Redbridge? As the recession continues to bite, and the number of High Street payday and loan shops increase, RAMFEL is keen to help support the development of a credit union in the borough.

For those who don’t know, credit unions are financial co-operatives, owned and managed by the members who use them. They offer an easy way to save, access low cost loans and a range of other benefits.

Membership of a credit union is based on a ‘common bond’, usually linked to where a person lives or works. Members of a credit union save in a common fund. This fund is used to make low interest loans to the credit union members. All interest on loans repayments is reinvested in the credit union and nothing leaves the community.

RAMFEL is working closely with Waltham Forest Credit Union and looking for like minded agencies that would be interested in helping support the development of a local credit union facility.

At this stage they are looking for individuals and agencies that would be interested in both banking with a credit union as well as helping RAMFEL with a needs analysis of their service users’ needs.

More informationFor further information contact Rita Chadha on 0208 478 4513 or email [email protected]

Your sector needs you!Could you represent the voluntary and community sectors’ interests with Redbridge Council and other public sector partners?

The Public and Voluntary Sector Partnership is made up of five voluntary and community sector representatives, five local Councillors and a single representative from each of NHS Redbridge, the Fire Service and the Police. Chair and vice-chair positions rotate between the different sectors.

The Partnership meets every two months to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern that specifically affect the voluntary and community sectors. Examples of the work that the Partnership has carried out include overseeing the development of the refreshed local Compact between local statutory bodies and the

voluntary and community sector.

RedbridgeCVS manages the election of voluntary sector representatives. We encourage as many people as possible to apply, to ensure that a good cross-section of local groups and a wide range of views is represented.

The positions up for electionThere are five positions, which last for three years. One person will also be Chair of the partnership for the first year.

What these positions involvePartnership meetings are not a chance to promote individual groups, but give us the opportunity to support and promote the needs of the sector as a whole. So partnership representatives must consult with the wider sector.

You can do that consulting by occasionally attending the monthly Network meetings hosted at RedbridgeCVS on the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm. You will need to gather comments from sector colleagues, and share feedback on how the Councillors and others they meet with are responding to the voluntary and community sector’s issues.

RedbridgeCVS staff are available to brief, train and support the voluntary sector representatives. Partnership meetings take place every two months, and currently are held at 5pm at the RedbridgeCVS office in central Ilford and last no more than two hours.

How to stand for electionDownload the nomination form from our website, or ring Colin on 020 8514 9616 to be sent one by post. We will also post out information about this to groups in our database. Nominate someone else or nominate youself. Send the form back to us by 9 May.

How the election worksWe will send out information about candidates and a ballot form to groups in our database. Details of candidates will be included in the May issue of Community. Ballot forms must be returned to us, by post, by 8 June. Each organisation has one vote.

The result of the vote will be publicly announced at the Public and Voluntary Sector Partnership awayday in July.

More informationRing Colin on 020 8514 9616 or email [email protected]


IT

Colin’s Computer Column

Backups • Ubuntu • IT Support WebsiteColin Wilson looks at some key IT issues for community groups.

BackupsWe all know that computers go wrong at the most inconvenient time. How much damage would it do your organisation if your computer failed, and you lost all the information on it? Or if the machine was stolen?

Most organisations say it would be a huge problem. So you need to do “backups” – to make copies of all the information.

Make sure that everything is saved in one place. If you’ve just got one computer that will be in the folder called “My Documents” or “Documents”.

Copy everything in there regularly – every week, or every day – to a USB memory key. If you have more data than will fit on a memory key, consider buying an external hard drive that plugs into a USB port. Prices start at £40 or £50.

Develop simple and foolproof procedures for getting backups completed. It’s a boring job, so if it’s at all complicated to do people will start postponing it, and then it won’t ever get done. If you buy a hard drive it will probably come with backup software which can help – after you have set the process up, you should only have one button to push. Or check out Microsoft’s free SyncToy software on their website (see http://bit.ly/GUx22RL).

Finally, decide whose job it is to do the backups, and who else will do them if that person is off sick or on holiday.

UbuntuWe mentioned in the last issue of Community that Microsoft will stop supporting Windows XP in the spring of 2014. This means that there will be no updates for XP after this time – so it won’t be safe, and groups should stop using it.

This is a major problem. If you stick with Windows, you’ll need to move to Windows 7, and to buy a new computer to run it. What if you don’t have the money?

One alternative is free “open source” software. It can run on your old machine and keep it going for a few more years.

Many groups are understandably nervous about moving away from Windows and Office. Will staff and volunteers find Ubuntu very differerent, and hard to use?

Come and Try UbuntuWe’ve installed Ubuntu on an old computer at RedbridgeCVS. Our staff have tried it – it took only a little while to get used to the new system.

But don’t believe us. Come in and try Ubuntu for yourself. And we can give you advice on how to install it, and everything else you need to know.

For more information, ring Colin on 020 8514 9616 or email [email protected].

IT SupportIf you need help on IT issues, try Lasa’s IT Knowledgebase. It’s a website full of articles about how to complete IT tasks, and manage the computers in your organisation. All the articles are jargon-free, and written with small voluntary organisations in mind. Issues covered include security, websites, buying hardware and accessibility. The site also features downloadable guides, including checklists.

The Knowledgebase is at http://ictknowledgebase.org.uk.


Running Your Organisation

Course title Trainer Times Date(s)

Recruiting & Selecting Volunteers (OCN level 2) Trish Mossey 9.30am – 3.30pm 12 and 17 April

Supporting & Developing Volunteers (OCN level 2) Trish Mossey 9.30am – 3.30pm 25 April and 1 May

Writing Effective Funding Proposals Kemi Labinjo 10.00am – 3.00pm 10 May

Train the Trainer Aileen Shrimpton to be confirmed 17 May

Confidence Building through Assertiveness Trish Mossey 9.30am – 3.30pm 24 May

Website Training Paula Graham 10.00am – 4.00pm 7 June

Dealing with Difficult Behaviour Trish Mossey 9.30am – 1.30pm 20 June

Disability: Awareness, Equality & Inclusion Cathy Turland 10.00am – 3.30pm 3 July

Funding Fair to be confirmed 19 July

Emergency First Aid at Work HSH Ltd 9.30am – 4.30pm 12 September

Online Fundraising Douglas Brown 9.30am – 12.30pm 27 September

Commissioning – Are you Ready? ACE 10.00am – 2.30pm 2 and 3 October (to be confirmed)

Understanding & Getting Involved in Partnerships and Common Issues in Partnerships

Trish Mossey 9.30am – 4.00pm 18 October

RedbridgeCVS TrainingThese are the courses we will be running this year as part of the BASIS programme. BASIS groups have priority, but other groups can also do the training, which is free.

We charge a £50 deposit, which will be returned after you have attended

the training. More information about courses, and booking forms, will soon be available on our website.

Lunch is included in full-day courses.

If you have any queries, contact our Training Manager Trish Mossey on 020 8514 9611.


Running

Training DiaryCertified Fire Warden Training4 April, Bethnal GreenThis full day Fire Warden training course covers evacuations, legislation and includes live demonstrations with hands on use of fire equipment (including the ‘smoke room’) £140

Consumer Advice5 April, IlfordThis course will give volunteers a basic understanding of consumer issues including statutory consumer rights, contract rights, unfairness and discrimination and specific problems with credit.

Difficult Families17 April, IlfordThis course aims to provide a variety of tools and techniques for working with parents and families who exhibit difficult, dangerous or evasive behaviour. Free

Emergency First Aid in the Workplace20 April, StratfordThis one day programme is designed to enable employers and organisations to meet their Health and Safety obligations for the provision of first aid to employees and members of the general public. £99

Citizens Advice: Gateway Assessor Course4-weeks from 16 May, Ilford

The 4-week course is aimed at volunteers from organisations who can not support a full advice service but still want to help clients by signposting or referrals. This course will give you a basic introduction to benefits, debt, employment, housing, consumer, family and personal, immigration and nationality. Free

Safeguarding Children in a Digital World17 May, IlfordThe cyber world opens up immense opportunities for children and young people. It is integral to modern day youth culture. It also however, carries many threats. This course aims to equip staff with an understanding of what the risks are and how to prevent, recognise and respond to them. Free

Family and Relationships Advice31 May, IlfordThe course will give your volunteers a basic understanding in family law and the different options available to client’s individual circumstances. Free

Communicating with Children and Young People20 June, IlfordThis course aims to raise awareness of the legal and procedural requirements; to increase skills in enabling children and young people to talk about abuse; and to assist practitioners to involve children and young people in the safeguarding process. Free

For more information and booking details for courses on the left, see our website at www.redbridgecvs.net.

There are lots more training courses on our website, and in our weekly eNews bulletin.

Need IT training? Get Happy!It’s crucial for many voluntary organisations that volunteers and staff have the IT skills they need to do their jobs. There is lots of IT training out there – but it’s often aimed at the private sector, and prices can be high.

An exception is Happy Computers, based in Aldgate in East London. They have years of experience of delivering training in a friendly, accessible way that really works.

Courses cover the whole range, including Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint and Outlook. There is also a beginner’s course, training in design and publishing software and in accounts packages. More advanced certifications are also available.

Happy typically change £140 or £180 for a one-day course. It’s less than many other IT trainers, but still a lot of money for a small organisation. But they often make last-minute reductions, so it’s worth joining their mailing list.

More informationRing 020 7375 7300 or go to the website at www.happy.co.uk


Funding

Grant Funding DiaryDevelop entrepreneurial ideas to help local communities

Community Groups looking to re-search and develop a sustainable and entrepreneurial idea that meets social needs of their local community can apply for funding of between £10,000 and £25,000 through the Community-builders Feasibility Grants scheme. The Adventure Capital Fund (ACF) which runs the scheme has a total of £500,000 available to award between 20 and 30 grants and up to 5 days business sup-port to community groups seeking to develop services that generate income.

Deadline13 April

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GDodEV

Small grants for volunteering projects owned by 14-25 year olds

SITA Trust Young Person’s Volunteering Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 for volunteering projects owned by 14-25 year olds. The SITA Trust can support projects in any of 90 funding zones around qualifying waste processing sites operated by their donor, SITA UK. This fund has been created to assist young people aged 14-25 to volunteer their time to create or enhance facilities that can be enjoyed by the wider community. To be eligible applicants must be able to demonstrate that young people will be fully involved in the design

and development of the project and projects must be compliant with the rules of the Landfill Communities Fund.

Deadline19 April

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GEKjrQ

Grants to improve heart health

British Heart Foundation have “Help a Heart Grants” for between £300 and £2,000 available for voluntary and community groups for projects that could make a real difference to people living with a heart condition, or those who are at high risk of heart disease. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting original and creative ideas. To be eligible projects must be patient led. The more evidence of patient involvement and need applicants can provide, the stronger their application will be.

Deadline20 April

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GI90zm

Help young people take part in film production

First Light Movies provides grants to projects that enable young people to participate in all aspects of film productions. Since launching in 2001, First Light Movies have enabled over 12,000 young filmmakers to write, act, shoot, light, direct and produce over 800 films. Three funding streams are

available:• The Studio Awards provides grants

of up to £30, 000 for between two and four films of up to 10 minutes.

• The Pilot Awards provides grants of up to £5,000 for one short film of up to five minutes in duration.

• The 90 seconds Comedy Shorts which provides grants of up to £20,000 to support between three and six short comedy genre films each up to 90 Seconds in duration.

Deadline23 April

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GDRmAz

Funding for work with deprived children

Organisations that work with young people have the opportunity to apply for grants through the Hilton Foundation. Organisations such as charities and other not for profit organisations can apply for grants ranging from a few hundred pounds up to £30,000 per year for up to 2 years that meet one of the Foundation’s chosen areas of focus, these are:• Disabled children• Children in hospital• Homelessness• Life-limited children in hospicesThere is approximately £100,000 available to distribute each quarter.

Deadline1 May

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GEhghh23

Grants around learning disabilities

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund supports projects in the area of learning disability and aids the care and relief of those affected by learning disability. The Trust consider under learning disability the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, they consider projects concerning children or adults. Application for funding is normally


Funding

considered for capital and revenue costs and for both specific projects and for general running/core costs.They offer grants from £250 upwards.

Deadline1 May

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GULP6723

Funding to promote global justice

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is accepting applications to its large grants programme. Groups and not for profit organisations can apply for over £3,000 for projects that promote global justice. In particular, CAFOD want to support projects that increase awareness of poverty and injustice in the world and the structures which cause them:• Discern how our lifestyles

contribute to injustice and how this can be changed

• Encourage individuals to make an option for the poor and foster partnership between people in the global North and the South

• Celebrate the Christian vision of human solidarity, development and the integrity of creation.

CAFOD also runs a small grants programme for grants of less than £3,000. Applications to the small grants programme can be made at any time.

Deadline16 May

More informationhttp://bit.ly/AvdmNm

Reducing poverty and inequality

Trust for London funds community and voluntary organisations that address the Trust’s priorities. These are;• improving employment

opportunities• promoting the inclusion of recent

arrivals to the UK• promoting social justice (policy

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change and campaigning work)• strengthening the skills of the

voluntary and community sectorThe Trust will also provide small grants for small groups in the areas of:• speaking out and campaigning

activities - including support for disability groups

• promoting the inclusion and integration of recently established communities

• mother-tongue and/or supplementary schools providing creative educational opportunities

The Trust will not normally make grants that exceed £100,000.

Deadline30 May

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GDydeP

Funding for financial literacy projects

The MSE Charity provides grants to both individuals and constituted community based groups to help fight financial and consumer illiteracy and to educate and inform adults and children about consumer and debt issues. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for group projects such as:• Self-help groups• Schools• Workshops• Other innovative schemes that

seek to educate people about money, debt and consumer issues.

Deadline31 May

More informationhttp://bit.ly/G2BMTb3

Education and other charitable purposes

The Ford Britain Trust provides grants for the advancement of education and other charitable purposes. Grants are made for the following activities:• Work that has clear benefits to the

local community/environment.• Work with young people/children• Education/schools (mainstream).

• Special education needs.• People with disabilities.

Grants made by the Trust are usually one-off donations for a specific capital project or part of a project, typically items of furniture and equipment.

Small grants of up to £250 are available, and large grants for up to £3,000.

Deadline1 June for small grants; 1 May for large grants

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GCTAQh

Strategic legal work with refugee children and young people

Funding for work which goes beyond securing justice for an individual to make a significant contribution to law, practice and procedures that upholds and promotes the rights of refugee and asylum seeking children and young people (up to the age of 21).

Deadlines11 June and 9 July

More informationhttp://bit.ly/GMfKxt

MissionTo promote a strong, effective and independent voluntary and community sector in Redbridge

Aims1. Redbridge voluntary &

community sector to be strong partners when working with local statutory bodies.

2. Redbridge voluntary & community sector to maintain its independence and flexibility.

3. RedbridgeCVS to be a credible and authoritative representative of the voluntary and community sector.

4. RedbridgeCVS to be able to respond to the voluntary & community sector support needs; enabling Redbridge voluntary and community sector to grow to meet local needs.

5. RedbridgeCVS to continue to encourage, support and facilitate the development of sustainable services to children.

6. RedbridgeCVS to provide sound financial planning in order to continue the furtherance of our work with the voluntary and community sector within Redbridge and across the East London Network.

RedbridgeCVS3rd Floor Forest House 16-20 Clements Road Ilford IG1 1BA

Telephone: 020 8553 1004 Fax: 020 8911 9128 Email: [email protected] Web: www.redbridgecvs.net

Company No. 2569614 (reg in England) Registered Charity No. 1005075

RedbridgeCVS

RedbridgeCVS is funded by

Website/eNews Online news, diary, resources for community organisations

Colin Wilson [email protected] 020 8514 9616

“Community” magazine

Bi-monthly free magazine for and about Redbridge voluntary organisations


Room hire and photocopying

Meeting rooms in Ilford from £3 an hour. Colour and b/w copies from 3p.

RedbridgeCVS [email protected] 020 8553 1004

Voluntary sector network meetings

Discussion and network- ing forum, first Wednesday except January/August


Training Non-/accredited courses to help develop your organisation

Trish Mossey [email protected] 020 8514 9611

Volunteer Centre Helping people volunteer and supporting volunteer managers

volunteeringbroker @redbridgecvs.net 020 8514 9624

Representing the voluntary sector

Working in many forums and with the Council and NHS Redbridge

Tasnim Iqbal [email protected] 020 8514 9617

East Tenders Consortium of voluntary sector training providers

Martyne Callender [email protected] 020 8514 9925

Redbridge LINk Consulting with the community on health and social care issues

Cathy Turland [email protected] 020 8553 1284

Redbridge Police Community Engagement Group

Liaison between local communities and the police

Liz Pearce [email protected] 020 8514 9613

Health partnership Liaison between the voluntary sector and NHS Redbridge

Swati Vyas [email protected] 020 8514 9626

BAMER psychological health

Reducing health inequalities for black/ Asian/ethnic minority/refugee communities

Nisema Patel [email protected] 020 8514 9620

Fit for Fun Helping community groups to start taking exercise

Tracy Andrews [email protected] 020 8514 9618

Contact Us

MOPCMayor’s Office for Policing & Crime

Community RedbridgeCVS

Documents

Transcript of Community RedbridgeCVS