Thanks to everyone who came to the first CVAT expo - we have had some fantastic feedback from attendees, who overwhelmingly said that it was a useful day full of practical ideas and networking opportunities. Therefore we are looking at how we can build on this next year.

The event was opened by Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West, who gave his unique perspective on what voluntary and community organisations can expect and prepare for in the next few years, along with giving the audience an insight into what keeps him awake at night! - things clearly shared by many of our delegates from the auditory reaction.

Richard’s fascinating presentation then gave way to the first set of workshop sessions that we had planned throughout the day. The workshops were delivered by members of our Support and Development Team, Policy and Participation Team, Volunteer Centre and our fund-raising initiative, Tameside 4 Good; along with some key external speakers from funding bodies and the voluntary sector. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our presenters for delivering such interesting and useful sessions. Some of the feedback we have had from delegates include “excellent”, “very informative, useful content”, “will help with strategy and business planning”.

Mid-day saw the final Annual General Meeting for T3SC and Volunteer Centre Tameside, followed by the inaugural Annual General Meeting of Community and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT).

I was also delighted to be able to present our insight into the future of CVAT by looking at “Where we’ve come from... and where we’re headed”.

Everyone who attended the event received a copy of our “Short Review of 2012 and our plans for 2013 and beyond”. You can download a copy from our website http://tinyurl.com/CVATexpodoc

Throughout the day, by using the hashtag #cvatexpo2013 in their tweets, delegates could comment on the workshops and event, which were projected on to the wall in the main hall. This was the first time we had used a Twitterwall and those attending really did take to it. We are going to look at how we can use this form of communication in future.

You can view all of the presentations on our special #cvatexpo2013 page on our soon to be revamped website http://tinyurl.com/CVATexpo

Tony Okotie, Chief Executive.

#cvatexpo2013 a success

Issue Highlights...CVAT News .............................. pages 2–3Focus on CIOs................................page 4News ........................................ pages 5–7Focus on DBS Services (CRB) ........page 8Network News .........................pages 9–12LINk News ....................................page 13Volunteering News ...................page 14–15Funding News .........................page 16–17

NEWS Edition 3 Spring 2013

Community & Voluntary Action Tameside

At the expo we said goodbye to a number of special people who retired. Here we pay tribute to their work.

Hilda FieldingHilda has been part of the Volunteer Centre Tameside management committee since 1975 and has seen the organisation through several changes.

Although Hilda is one of the busiest people we know, she always has time to listen and offer a word of advice to anyone who needs it. Hilda retired from the management committee at one time but missed us that much she came back. Hilda is a founder member of MENCAP and still takes an active role in this organisation, so she’s not putting her feet up just yet. Thanks for many years of dedication to the world of volunteering, Hilda, you will be missed but we know where to find you!

Stuart EyresStuart has served for over 15 years on the Volunteer Centre Tameside management committee, in lots of different roles, from Chair to Treasurer to Secretary. He was instrumental in setting up the supported volunteering project and offering lots of advice and specialist support to the team to ensure we meet the needs of all our customers.

Now Stuart is no longer on the committee we don’t have any excuse to buy cream cakes as he insists he only goes to meetings if bribed by nice biscuits or cakes! Like Hilda, Stuart is also involved in lots of other community activities and networks so he will still be involved in the work of CVAT. We thank Stuart for his contribution over the years.

Happy Retirement LillianLillian Peace, had been with T3SC (now CVAT) since March 2007, working in our office and finance team as one of our Central Support workers.

Charged with managing our contacts database, undertaking some of our HR administration and helping to organise Tony’s busy diary, Lillian was a central point of contact for many of our team and suppliers. With Lillian in charge, we could always guarantee that we never ran out of supplies and database problems were quickly resolved.

Lillian is planning to use the extra time her retirement gives her to enjoy more foreign holidays, but will also be thinking about how she can volunteer (after she has a break!).

The team here at CVAT would like to send Lillian a special thank-you for all the help and support she has given us over the years. Lillian, you will be sorely missed but your retirement is well deserved.

With Thanks to...

Barbara Lowndes MBEFor over 30 years, Barbara Lowndes has been an integral part of Tameside’s community and voluntary sector. Here we recognise the work and dedication of this extraordinary woman and her many years of service to Tameside’s community and voluntary sector.

Barbara’s work has spanned the sectors – public, private and voluntary. She has served on voluntary boards and trustee posts covering a range of local, national and international organisations. When Community and Voluntary Action Tameside was formed, discussions took place to see how CVAT could support Barbara with her wish to see the work of Tameside Association of Youth and Community Organisations (TAVYCO) continue. The TAVYCO

board took the decision to close in December as Barbara decided that she will now be a lady of leisure having discovered the joys of Sea Cruises!

Barbara has represented the North West as a member of the National Lottery Charities Board’s North West Committee for three years. She helped to found Tameside Association of Community Organisations in 1978 and has worked tirelessly to support small voluntary and community organisations in Tameside ever since. The list of Barbara’s achievements is endless and Tameside’s voluntary sector would be a poorer place without her contribution.

CVAT would like to wish Barbara all the best for the future and thank her for the immense contribution she has made to the sector.

2—CVAT NEWS

Your Training NeedsOur current joint learning and skills programme ends in March 2013, so we are developing our new programme for next year. However, we are keen to hear from you to make sure we are providing training that is useful and meets your needs.

Please get in touch with Naomi or Vashti and let them know what courses would be beneficial to you and your organisation. We would also like to know if you would be interested in e-learning (completing an online training course) and accredited training as we’re exploring these options.

Send your thoughts and ideas to naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk or vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk or call us on 0161 339 4985/2345.

Our website www.tameside4good.org has a fantastic fundraising feature for local good causes. The fundraising needs of individual causes are added to the online shop for members of the public to pool their funds.

Once the fund-raising total has been reached the good cause will receive the funding for their much needed items. For example The Songsters, social singers that reduce isolation for older people, has applied to fund-raise for sheet music.

If you’re group would like to request an application form please contact Dawn Acton on Tel: 0161 339 4985 or Email: info@tameside4good.org

Geared for Giving

Does your car need an MOT or service? Tameside 4 Good supporter, Marlborough Motors, has kindly offered a 10% discount to all customers who mention ‘Tameside 4 Good’.

Our charity initiative also receives £1 from every invoice they produce. You can show your support for Tameside 4 Good and it won’t cost you any more! In fact, it saves you money!

Contact Marlborough Motors on Tel: 0161 612 6472 / 07973 169625 or Email: alan@marlboroughmotors.co.uk or visit www.marlboroughmotors.co.uk

Saddle Up For A Charity Cycle!

We have secured places in the Manchester to Blackpool cycle (60 miles) which takes place on Sunday 14 July 2013. The Tameside 4 Good team will set off at 9.30am.

If you would like to take part and raise money for Tameside 4 Good, please contact Amy on Tel: 0161 339 4985 or email: info@tameside4good.org

Get Involved

If you would like to get involved in supporting local causes there is a wide range of adventurous and fun ways for you to get involved from you can strap on a parachute and jump out of a plane at 10,000ft or create your own sponsored event.

All you need to do is contact the team.

Contact the Tameside 4 Good team Tel: 0161 339 4985 or 0161 339 2345 Email: info@tameside4good.org Twitter: @Tameside4Good Facebook.com/Tameside4Good

CVAT plus+

CVAT plus+ is a brand new enterprise from Community and Voluntary Action Tameside, enabling the team to use their experience to deliver professional services to all sectors.

We can provide: Training, Consultancy, DBS Checking (CRB), Design and Print Services, Marketing and PR Support, 1-2-1 Coaching, Group Work & Facilitation, Research, Grant Management & Administration and Bid Writing

Let us help your organisation reach its potential. Contact us today. All surplus income generated by CVAT plus+ will be used to support voluntary and community action in Tameside.

Tel: 0161 339 4985, visit www.cvatplus.org.uk email: enquires@cvatplus.org.uk

Tameside 4 Good Update

CVAT NEWS—3

Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)From March 2013 the Charity Commission will start considering online applications from new organisations with an income of more than £5,000 that want to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

This new structure was created in response to requests from charities for a new type of organisation which could provide some of the benefits of being a company, but without some of the burdens.

What are the benefits of setting up as a CIO?

The CIO structure has several benefits over unincorporated structures, such as:

• the members and trustees are usually personally safeguarded from the financial liabilities the charity incurs

• the charity has a legal personality of its own, enabling it to conduct business in its own name, rather than the name of the trustees

Which organisations are most suitable to apply?

The CIO structure will be most suitable for small to medium sized organisations which employ staff and/or enter into contracts.

Although establishing and running a CIO should be simpler than establishing a charitable company, it will not be as straightforward as running an unincorporated association or a charitable trust.

How does a new organisation set up as a CIO?

If you are starting a new organisation from scratch, you should choose and complete one of the Charity Commission’s model constitutions. Once you are happy that you have completed this document in line with the guidance notes, you will need to apply online to register the CIO.

The Charity Commission have produced two model constitutions for CIOs:

• the foundation model is for charities whose only voting members will be the charity trustees

• the association model is for charities that will have a wider membership, including voting members other than the trustees

A copy of the Foundation Model document can found at http://tinyurl.com/cios-foundation-model A copy of the Association Model document can be found at http://tinyurl.com/cios-association-model

Can existing charitable companies convert to CIOs?

Whilst the Charities Act 2011 contains provisions which enable an existing charitable company to convert to a CIO, the Office for Civil Society has to make further regulations to complete the legal framework to allow a charitable company to convert to a CIO, which may not happen until 2014.

For more see the Charity Commission website: http://tinyurl.com/cvatcios or contact our Support and Development Team on 0161 339 4985.

4—FOCUS ON CIOs

It’s Your NeighbourhoodThe Royal Horticultural Society’s “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign supports community groups in cleaning and greening up their local environment.

As part of their wider “Britain in Bloom” campaign, it has played a huge part in transforming communities up and down the country. Tameside has a long association with this competition and for the last four years has won major prizes at the awards ceremony, hosted by the RHS in Southport annually.

This year centre stage was taken by Muddy Buddies of Mossley. Active for just three years, their achievements in transforming a piece of waste ground have been astounding. Muddy Buddies efforts

are centred around Micklehurst Youth Base and the garden now boasts a wildflower meadow, fruit trees, raised vegetable beds and active bee colony.

Group co-ordinator Frank Gittins has inspired residents of all ages to get involved and his determination saw the group scoop up the top award “Level 5, Outstanding” at this year’s ceremony. In addition Muddy Buddies were awarded the trophy as the Best Small Community in the northwest of England and the trophy as the Best Overall Entry in the northwest of England.

For more information about the initiative call the Tameside in Bloom office on 0161 303 8547, asking for Kevin.

Tameside Centre for EnterpriseAt The Enterprise Centre clients can:

• Compile a business plan, supported by experienced consultants

• Receive advice on their cash flow forecast

• Access HMRC sessions, banking clinics and other self-employment workshops

• Get advice on marketing

• Hire rooms for meetings, courses and classes

• Hire hot desk or permanent desk space from £20 per week

The TCFE is located on Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7ST.

For further information, email: carol.iveson@tameside.ac.uk or tel: 0161 343 2196. You can also visit the website at www.tcfe.co.uk

Tameside Centre for Enterprise (TCFE), has been established to help, support and grow new businesses and support existing businesses in the Tameside area and beyond. The centre offers incubation space and support for people starting new businesses, accelerator programmes for growing businesses and a wealth of other opportunities.

NEWS—5

Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July 2013

The Scarecrow Festival Committee would like to invite all Churches, Schools, youth groups and Local Businesses to take part in this year’s festival themed around “professions or the job I do”. It will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy this fun-filled weekend.

For further details please see the website www.mossleyparishchurch.org.uk. To register your interest or to request further information please email mossleyparishchurch@talktalk.net

Scout and Explorer Scout teams from Ashton and Droylsden recently took part in a first aid competition, carrying out CPR, recovery position, full body checks and other incidents set up by Peter Hartley and his examining team.

The Scout and Explorer teams didn’t know what to expect when they arrived at the competition so had been training over the previous few weeks at their own HQs with their own leaders on the many different types of first aid incidents they may come across.

Peter Hartley said, “the standard of first aid carried out by the Scouts and Explorers was very good and if they came across a casualty, they would look after him very well.”

The winning Explorer team was from the Hurst Explorers in Ashton, and the winning Scout Team was from 2nd Ashton. Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts Steve Bates presented the trophies to the winning teams and said how well they all had done.

The scouts motto is to be prepared, so they have to be ready for anything.

If you would like to learn about first aid and be prepared then you can join the Scouts 10–14 years or Explorers 14–18 years.

If you would like to help Scouts develop into responsible young people in their communities then contact Alan Fish on 0161 339 5901 07931 765 120 or alan.fish.161te@gmail.com for more information.

Following a complete review of its operations undertaken in response to the changing economic climate, it is business as usual at St Peters Partnerships (SPP).

In common with hundreds of voluntary organisations across the UK SPP have had to make changes. Some have been forced upon the organisation and others have been part of our continuing service development process.

Karen Butigan, who has been the driving force behind St Peters Partnerships for the past seven years and who has been the architect of the reorganisation, has now stepped down as Chief Executive and has done so in order to allow St Peters Partnerships to put in place a new management structure that will ensure that SPP can continue to support the people of the St Peters ward in the challenging times ahead.

The board of trustees expressed their thanks to Karen for her dedication and enterprise.

Under her leadership SPP has supported hundreds of local residents and become a national role model that others strive to copy.

SPP’s ability to weather these difficult times is due in no small part to the strength of relationships Karen and her team have built over the last few years.

For more information, contact: Dave Clarson, Interim Chief Executive tel: 07921 654 424 email: dave.clarson@burtonstreet.org.uk

The Annual Mossley Scarecrow Festival

St Peters PartnershipsScouts Save Lives

6—NEWS

The Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) runs a programme of unique week-long residential volunteering opportunities, known as ‘Canal Camps’ designed to restore the derelict canals of England and Wales to their former glory. Canal Camps give you the chance to do your bit for the environment whilst having a fun holiday.WRG have 23 Canal Camps planned for 2013 giving volunteers the chance to get involved in various activities such as the reprofiling and lining of the Lancaster Canal at Stainton, to the restoration of damaged brickwork on the Swansea Canal; or the rebuilding of towpaths on the Chelmer and Blackwater to the construction of a new lock on the Chesterfield Canal!

To see all our Canal Camp locations for 2013 see http://tinyurl.com/wrgcamps

For further information please contact: Jenny Black Tel: 01494 783 453 ext 604 Email: jenny.black@waterways.org.uk

Waterway Recovery Group 2013 Canal Camps!

Afro Solo UK

National Black Arts Alliance (NBAA) leads the research of the 1920s to 1950s history of West African women and men in Manchester.

Documenting your family history with photographs will add an important dimension to the cultural and community archive of the city.

Your armed service records or those of your parents or grandparents will tell future generations of the contribution made during WW1 and WW2. Life is full of laughter, sadness, hardship and achievement; please share your stories.

Individual stories will be supported by NBAA research into newspaper articles and other official statistical sources.

Tel: 07757 278188 and we will call you back, email contact@afrosolouk.com, or visit www.afrosolouk.com

NEWS—7

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the new name for the Criminal Records Bureau. You will now apply to the DBS for any criminal record checks. Community and Voluntary Action Tameside have been delivering this service for a number of years and can help you understand the changes.

The full, legal definition of regulated activity is set out in Schedule 4 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as amended (in particular, by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012). Regulated activity still excludes family arrangements, and personal, non-commercial arrangements. To be eligible for check of the barred list you must fit the requirements of the new definition of regulated activity

Regulated Activity Relating to Children

The new definition of regulated activity relating to children comprises only:

1. Unsupervised activities: teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children, or provide advice/guidance on well-being, or drive a vehicle only for children;

2. Work for a limited range of establishments (‘specified places’), with opportunity for contact: for example, schools, children’s homes, childcare premises. Not work by supervised volunteers;

3. Work under 1 or 2 is regulated activity only if done regularly. We are providing statutory guidance about supervision of activity which would be regulated activity if unsupervised.

4. Relevant personal care, for example washing or dressing; or health care by or supervised by a professional;

5. Registered child-minding; and foster-carers.

Regulated Activity Relating to Adults

The new definition of regulated activity relating to adults no longer labels adults as ‘vulnerable’. Instead, the definition identifies the activities which,

if any adult requires them, lead to that adult being considered vulnerable at that particular time. There is also no longer a requirement for a person to do the activities a certain number of times before they are engaging in regulated activity.

There are six categories of people who will fall within the new definition of regulated activity (and so will anyone who provides day to day management or supervision of those people).

1. Providing health care

2. Providing personal care

3. Providing social work

4. Assistance with cash, bills and/or shopping

5. Assistance in the conduct of a person’s own affairs

6. Conveying

Portable DBS Checks

This spring the DBS will launch a brand new product; the update service. This will dramatically change the way you carry out criminal record checks, making it much easier and quicker for organisations to recruit or recheck their employees and volunteers. We are really pleased to announce that the Update Service will be free-of-charge for volunteers. It will cost around £10 to everyone else.

When the service is launched, applicants will apply for a DBS check (in the normal way). They can, at the same time, apply to register online for the Update Service. If they do they will be able to take their DBS certificate with them, from job-to-job (in the same sector), and may never need to apply for another one, ever again. Organisations will also benefit, as they will be able to check the DBS certificate online and get instant results. If you want to be the first to find out more about the update service, please register your interest online at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs-subscribe

CVAT will be running a Demystifying DBS Training course on Thursday 25 April, 10am—12pm. For more information contact Riona Doidge on 0161 339 2345 email riona.doidge@cvat.org.uk

Summary of the New Definition of Regulated Activity

8—FOCUS ON DBS SERVICES (CRB)

Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which replaces the Primary Care Trust as the lead commissioner for health services locally, has developed its 5 year strategy for how it will spend its budget of £337 million on reorganising, buying and delivering health services for our local communities.

The strategy sets out the vision and aims of the CCG and is based around 7 clinical priorities: Children & Families, Lifestyle Choices, Mental Health, Long Term Conditions, Planned Care & Cancer, Urgent Care and End of Life Care.

The full strategy can be read online at http://tinyurl.com/ccgtandg, and an easy read version created by People First Tameside is also available. Contact Tracy Turley tracy.turley@nhs.net or 0161 304 5353.

For more information on the NHS reforms contact Anna Hynes: anna.hynes@cvat.org.uk tel: 0161 339 4985 ext 2019.

Greater Manchester Poverty Commission FindingsThe Greater Manchester Poverty Commission published its findings on 15 January calling for special measures to assist more than 600,000 Greater Manchester residents who are experiencing the effects of extreme poverty.

In addition, it calls for action to prevent nearly 1.6 million people (nearly half the population of Greater Manchester) sliding into deeper poverty.

The Commission found that those living in poverty face hunger, isolation, fear and frustration. The largest group, living on the lowest incomes, are families with children and home owners. Many of those living in poverty are in part-time work, low waged and suffer from fuel poverty, food poverty and have reduced access to basic services such as transport and technology.

In response to personal testimonies from those affected by poverty and as a result of robust research, the Commissioners have produced two reports, a detailed evidence report and a brief recommendations report with 16 recommendations relating to fuel, finance, food, access to services, jobs, economic growth and monitoring.

For more information, or to download the full report visit www.povertymanchester.org

Strategy for Spending Local Health Budget

NETWORK NEWS—9

Our Community Organisers, Mike and Sue are out and about in Ashton St. Michaels and Denton North East, knocking on doors, (even in the snowy weather), engaging residents in conversations about their local area. They listen to the things local people love about the area, their concerns and vision for its future. Some people have project ideas that address local concerns.

Mike and Sue can support these people to identify others who would be interested and assist them in getting started. If you live in these areas and have not had the opportunity to chat to them, give them a call and they will be happy to meet up with you.

Contact Mike in Ashton St Michaels on 07791 141927.

Contact Sue in Denton North East on 07791 141943.

Many charities across Britain face an uncertain future. A fall in donations comes on top of public spending cuts, rising costs and increasing demand for services.

Already we’re seeing some charities—many of whom provide vital services to the most vulnerable people in our society—using up their limited cash reserves, reducing their services and in some cases, winding-up their operations as a result of financial pressures. We believe that more needs to be done to protect and secure Britain’s charities and ensure that they can carry on their essential work at the heart of society.

Whether you’re an individual or if you represent a charity or business, we’re urging you to Back Britain’s Charities.

Please support this campaign and help secure the future for Britain’s charities. It takes 2 minutes to sign up as an individual or a charity here: http://backbritainscharities.org.uk/back-the-campaign/ There’s also lots more you can do to support the campaign including writing to your MP.

For more information: http://backbritainscharities.org.uk/ what-you-can-do/ or email voice@cvat.org.uk for sample letters and support on taking action.

Back Britain’s CharitiesCommunity Organisers

10—NETWORK NEWS

Religion and the 2011 CensusThe first numbers have been issued from the 2011 Census on religious affiliation. Analysts will be pouring over the figures in the weeks and months but one interesting fact that emerges from the raw figures is that religious diversity, far from being solely an urban phenomenon, is actually spreading throughout England and Wales. More information: http://tinyurl.com/cvatfaithons

Runnymede have also written a blog ‘Who are we? Census 2011 reports on ethnicity in the UK’ here: http://tinyurl.com/cvatbmeone

Pension ChangesOn 14 January, the Government published a White Paper outlining proposals to reform the State Pension into a single-tier State Pension.The White Paper also includes proposals for a regular and structured mechanism with which to consider changes to the State Pension age in the future with at least 10 years notice of any change. For full details visit http://tinyurl.com/cvatpension and for the Age UK briefing visit http://tinyurl.com/cvatpensionbriefing

As Age UK stress it is very important to consider a range of factors in this change such as the differences in healthy life expectancy between different groups and employment opportunities. Tackling the problem of long-term unemployment in later life by helping the unemployed back into work is critical as is making it easier for those who are already in work to work for longer. At the same time it is important that those who not able to work longer due to ill health or caring responsibilities have adequate support.

Welfare Reform Petition and BriefingMany voluntary organisations are concerned about the impacts of welfare reform on the most vulnerable people in society. A new petition has been launched calling for a cumulative impact assessment of welfare reform.

More information: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43154

The Government’s welfare reform agenda is central to their policy programme, and is set to become a reality for many communities from April. There are many layers of reform that are coming into place, which will affect people in different ways, which One North West’s briefing summarises here: http://tinyurl.com/cvatwelfarebriefing

Report on Ethnic Minority Female UnemploymentThe All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community has published a new report on ethnic minority female unemployment.

The report, which follows the group’s five month inquiry on the issue, focuses specifically on Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi female unemployment. Its key findings include:

• There is discrimination at every level of the recruitment process, with some women changing their name or dress to avoid it

• Ethnic minority women complained of being asked during job interviews about their plans for marriage and having children

• Fewer Pakistani and Bangladeshi women take up their children’s free nursery places than white women

• Better monitoring of the impact of public sector redundancies on Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women is needed

• Action is needed from the government to increase the numbers of ethnic minorities benefiting from apprenticeships

The report and evidence submitted is available to download here: http://tinyurl.com/cvatbmewunemployment

This report looks at what people of no religious faith believe, arguing that this group is much more interesting and complex than has long been thought: http://tinyurl.com/cvatfaith

Post-religious Britain?

NETWORK NEWS—11

Do you have plans to run a local service, transfer assets or use the rights contained in the Localism Act 2011?

This new online hub gives information, resources, and access to grants.

More information http://mycommunityrights.org.uk

How can the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector can help reduce crime and keep communities safe in your area?

This short summary document presents the sectors’ offer to police and crime commissioners.

More information http://tinyurl.com/cvatcrime

The Tameside Children and Youth Plan is to be refreshed in 2013. The current one was written three years ago and there have been many political changes since. Public services are now facing unprecedented cuts, but the delivery beneath the plan must still ensure positive outcomes for the families and young people we work with.

The plan will consider such areas as the impact of welfare reform and child poverty, troubled families, early years, early help, health, safeguarding and education.

It will be based on a rigorous needs assessment that describes who is most in need in Tameside. There will be a chance for you to tell the Children’s Trust what your group/organisation is doing to meet the needs of families and young people in the future. For instance, the Water Adventure Centre now has a surgery for local residents with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you would like to know more about the plan, be involved in the consultations going on in the coming months, or tell us the story of how you are meeting needs in new and creative ways then please contact veronica.hyde@cvat.org.uk tel: 0161 339 4985.

Trust Your InstinctTameside Safeguarding Children Board (TSCB) is running a publicity campaign aimed at protecting children from abuse. The main message of the campaign is “Trust Your Instinct” and TSCB is appealing for people to trust their gut feeling if they have concerns about a child or young person and to report it. Posters will be appearing across Tameside, please help get this important message across to the public by displaying the posters in prominent locations.

For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/trustyourinstinct or email veronica.hyde@cvat.org.uk for a poster.

A New Children and Youth Plan for Tameside

Reducing Crime: the Sector’s Contribution

My Community Rights Advice Service

12—NETWORK NEWS

Celebrating Our SuccessesIt hardly seems like the LINk has been here for five minutes but our five year contract ends on 31 March. From 1 April, the LINk will be replaced by Healthwatch Tameside.

There will be a formal launch of Healthwatch in May where we will celebrate some of the things the LINk has achieved. Before the event, it’s worth thinking about just three of the LINk’s successes.

Huge SupportThe LINk has always had huge support from the people of Tameside. In our early days we undertook a survey of local people and received over 600 responses. This gave us a good start and we have since built our membership to over 900 people and local organisations in the last three years.

Hospital ImprovementsThe LINk has worked alongside other organisations to improve care at Tameside Hospital. We have carried out a number of independent ‘Enter & View’ inspections which have shown improvements. We have developed a strong working relationship with the hospital’s new Director of Nursing and will undertake a final round of ‘Enter & View’ to see if our outstanding concerns have been addressed.

So far we have fed back the experiences of over 440 patients and their families.

Knowing About DentistsWe asked local people about their experience of accessing NHS dentists. We found that Tameside was better served by NHS dentists than many other areas but people told us that they didn’t know how to book an appointment or what the charges would be.

As a result, the NHS ran a publicity campaign locally in 2011, with posters in local markets and leaflets in community buildings and doctors’ surgeries.

Thankyou and GoodbyeThere’s still a lot of work going on with our Mental Health, Care Homes and Transport projects. These will all provide useful information to help services to improve and aid Healthwatch in setting it priorities.

HealthwatchFrom 1 April 2013 Healthwatch Tameside will replace the LINk.

Community and Voluntary Action Tameside is working closely with Tameside Council and the existing LINk to make sure that the move to Healthwatch goes as smoothly as possible.

Healthwatch will different from the LINk but will carry over some of its functions.

The main functions for Healthwatch will be:

1. Insight: gathering views from local people about the health and care services they use. Finding out what services are available to people locally. Asking people why they chose to use (or not use) a specific service.

2. Information: signposting people to information that will help them to make a choice about the health and care they access.

This will include referring people into PALS, advocacy and complaints services.

3. Influence: using the insight data plus feedback from the information function to influence local services. Working with all the major health and care organisations in Tameside to help them to understand what local people want and need as well as feeding back people’s recent experiences of care.

We are planning some exciting new volunteer roles to support this work—these will be advertised through Volunteer Centre Tameside.

We’ll make sure there are Healthwatch updates in future editions of the CVAT newsletter.

If you would like to know more about Healthwatch, please contact the LINk team on 0161 339 4985 or visit the Healthwatch website at www.healthwatch.co.uk

LINk NEWS—13

Everyone’s time and skills are valued equally, so one hour = one Time Credit. Anyone of any age, background and skill can join the Time Bank. The list of skills is endless, and it’s always worth asking if you need something done.

By joining you will meet even more people in your own community and be part of a productive and friendly project that’s been running since 2010 and has over 230 members throughout Tameside.

Our largest Time Banks are in Denton South and Smallshaw Hurst followed by Newton and Hattersley.

The top five most popular swaps are: gardening, guided walks, baking, leafleting and helping out at social events.

All this has helped to bring our total number of hours exchanged to a whopping 3,082!

Time Banking Latest News

We are planning a new area of work which will involve the team having a presence at selected GP surgeries and health centres.

We all have moments in our lives when pills won’t work or they are not enough. Meeting new people and helping others can really boost people’s happiness and confidence.

Time Banking is very good at connecting people and we hope this opportunity will enable more people to enjoy the benefits of Time Banking.

If you know anyone who may appreciate a friendly neighbour then please pass on this information.

For more information contact our Time Brokers Elaine or Julie at the Volunteer Centre on 0161 339 2345

Pride of Tameside Volunteer & Community AwardsWe are all facing the effects of the recession and funds are low so we are seeking sponsorship from local business interested in providing a venue and some refreshments. We will update you in the next newsletter or watch out for the Volunteer Centre eBulletin.

The Pride of Tameside Volunteer and Community Awards celebrates the fantastic contribution that individuals and local community and voluntary organisations make to Tameside, from making a difference to our communities or improving our surroundings across the Borough.

There are 2 types of awards, one for individual volunteers and one for community groups.

Individual Volunteers

As in previous years volunteers will be awarded, bronze (100 hours), silver (200 hours) and gold certificates (500 hours) in recognition of the commitment made to an organisation.

Outstanding achievement awards are presented in recognition of outstanding achievements to volunteering.

Community Groups

Tameside’s Volunteers and Community groups make a huge difference to everyone’s lives, this is our chance to say thank you for all the work they do.

Community groups will be presented with an award that recognises the greatest contribution to the local community.

The closing date for applications will be the last day of May, and applications received after this date will not be included. The award ceremony will be held during the last week in June, location to be confirmed.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of 2013 Volunteer and Community Awards, this year will be bigger and better than ever!

For an information pack contact Sasha on 0161 339 2345 or email sasha.jackson@cvat.org.uk

Time Banking in TamesideTime banking is an exciting scheme that enables you to use skills available in your community for free —all you have to do is offer the skills you have in return.

14—VOLUNTEERING NEWS

Become a Volunteer MagnetThe Volunteer Magnet Workshop at the #cvatexpo2013 got stuck into the nitty gritty of traditional versus 21st century volunteers! Vashti Holland, workshop leader and Training & Inclusion Officer at our Volunteer Centre writes...

Exploring the concept of volunteers as customers, buying an experience with their time, sparked a discussion around how volunteer managers can provide great customer service to retain existing volunteers whilst engaging with the new generation of 21st century volunteers.

Top Tips to Becoming a Volunteer Magnet

1. Be passionate about the work of volunteers

Are you excited about the opportunities you are offering to volunteers and the difference they will make? Yes? No? Well if you’re not excited about what you want people to do for you and your organisation, then chances are they aren’t going to be that excited either. Inspire and infuse passion for the roles.

2. Be flexible

31% of the UK’s adult population provide almost 90% of the volunteer hours given, with 8% providing over half the hours. This suggests that we are extremely reliant on a small pool of volunteers who commit large amounts of time. Very few people would be keen on this kind of commitment anymore. If you can’t fit that kind of commitment into your life, why should anyone else?

The key here is flexibility, having a range of opportunities with varying commitments on offer. Remember too that people’s interests, motivations and availability will change over time and adapt accordingly.

If we accommodate Volunteers’ changing priorities, they will be more likely to come back to us in future when their circumstances change.

3. Give great customer service

Do you remember the days when you bought something by mail order and had to wait 28 days for delivery? In a few short years that expectation has been replaced. Now we’re surprised, frustrated, even annoyed if next day delivery isn’t an option.

Yet some organisations complain that it is unrealistic to expect them to get back to potential volunteers within three weeks of their initial inquiry. Would you wait that long for a response to an enquiry, especially if that was made online? No! We live in an instant society. Ensure these potential customers fee valued.

4. Say thank you

Certificates, parties, awards, Volunteers’ Week events are all well and good, but nothing beats regularly thanking people for giving you their time. A genuine thank you really says so much more than two simple words.

5. Provide enjoyable volunteering

An increasing number of volunteers who are employees volunteer in their spare time. It is therefore important to make volunteering enjoyable if you want to attract and keep volunteers. You’re not really competing with other organisations for volunteers, you’re competing with all the leisure activities on offer.

Make your volunteering rewarding and enjoyable. Really understand what drives your volunteers, their passions and interests.

For more information on Volunteer Management contact Vashti on tel: 0161 339 2345 email: vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

VOLUNTEERING NEWS—15

The Trustees and staff of Tameside Sight are delighted to announce that continuation funding for its Community Support Project has been awarded by the Big Lottery Fund. The £280,000 grant together with money raised by the charity will ensure the future of the Project for a further 3 years and enable support services for people with sight loss in Tameside to develop further.

The four staff (who are all part time) and the Trustees are delighted to have been awarded this grant as it reflects the particular needs of this potentially vulnerable group in the community, and the successes and dedication of the project over the last 11 years with the support of its excellent band of over 30 volunteers.

About 6,000 people are affected by serious sight loss in Tameside and the number is set to double over the next 30 years as people live longer. The support project aims to reach more of these people and provides practical services for anyone with serious sight loss, their families and carers, as well as raising awareness in the

community. Over 15 Support Services are offered, promoting independence and reducing isolation. These include Befriending, General Support and Information, Transport and Guiding to Medical Appointments, Social Clubs, Advocacy, Home visits, Technical and Computer Support, regular Magazines and a Walking Group .

Within the community they also provide training courses for medical, fire and police services; community groups; schools and retailers which are designed to enable people to understand the issues and provide their services in appropriate and accessible ways to vision impaired users.

Thank you to all those who have helped in putting the bid together, reviewing it (and including particular help from Naomi and the team at Community and Voluntary Action Tameside) and above all to all the volunteers, staff, trustees and service users who have worked so hard with the Project over its 12 year history

If you would like more information or would like to volunteer your time with the project get in touch on 0161 343 4090 or see the Tameside Sight website—www.tamesidesight.org.uk

Tameside Sight Celebrates!

“It is increasingly difficult to find funding for our services in the current economic climate so we were particularly pleased to start 2013 with this award. Anyone can register with the project, we currently support over 700 people in different ways and at a time of serious reductions in services from other agencies.”

—Project Manager, Philip Singleton. Naomi says “Congratulations to Tameside Sight. If you are thinking about applying to the Big Lottery Fund, it’s very competitive, so we strongly recommend getting in touch with our Support and Development Team who offer free support with applying for funding. Please contact Naomi on 0161 339 4985 or email naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk

16—FUNDING NEWS

Avoiding the Bin, Santander Foundation

The Tameside 4 Good FundA steering group for Tameside 4 Good has now been formed, to provide oversight for this work.

The steering group includes members of the Community and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) board, Councillor John Taylor the deputy leader of Tameside Council and The Worshipful the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Brenda Warrington. The group has met to discuss setting out the priorities for making grants from the fund, ensuring that any specific wishes of donors are taken into account and the process to be followed. All money raised by Tameside 4 Good will be given to local good causes.

We expect that an announcement will be made early-April on the funding process and when the funding will be open for groups to apply. The steering group is currently aiming for the first grants to be distributed by June 2013.

For more information about the Tameside 4 Good steering group and funding, please contact Tony Okotie, CVAT Chief Executive, on 0161 339 4985 or email: tony.okotie@cvat.org.uk

CVAT Specialist Support Fund LaunchedCommunity and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) has launched a new Specialist Support Fund.

The aim of the fund is to help local community, voluntary and faith organisations in Tameside secure the specialist support to address an identified gap within their organisational development which cannot be easily filled without some form of specialist advice.

Types of specialist support advice include Legal advice; Business advice; Health and Safety; IT / Marketing and communications; Accountancy/ financial management advice; or Human Resources Support.

The maximum amount you can apply for from the Bursary Fund is £1,000, although we expect that the average award will be £600.

You can apply anytime before the 30 September 2013.

For more information: download an application pack from: www.t3sc.org/funds or contact Naomi, Amanda or Dawn in the Support and Development Service on 0161 339 4985 or e-mail naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk

The session covered the main reasons of why some bids succeed and some fail. Alan’s top five tips from the session for funding bids were that they:

1. Clearly meet priorities and all other criteria.

2. Asked for the right kind of funding and amount.

3. Demonstrated what immediate and long term differences would be achieved with the funding, preferably backed up with evidence.

4. Evidenced need (rather than simply asserted there was a need with no evidence of having consulted service users, demonstrated an awareness of what services were already in place or what gaps there were in provision).

5. Were part of a coherent funding strategy (rather than just give us the next bit of money so that we can keep going).

For more information and Alan’s presentation see www.t3sc.org/Events_and_training/cvatexpo2013

Alan Eagle from the Santander Foundation delivered a session at the CVAT Expo called Avoiding the Bin.

FUNDING NEWS—17

Volunteer Centre Tameside Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum provides a welcoming space for Volunteer Coordinators to network with other coordinators and access training and support. We know you’re busy so we try to keep it brief.

Topics of forums are decided by you, we do our best to tackle the issues that are relevant and meaningful and help you stay informed about changes to volunteering that are happening locally and nationally.

We recognise that being a Volunteer Coordinator can be quite isolating and understand that these events provide a valuable opportunity to share issues, take part in training and have a voice within the voluntary and community sector.

In January we asked Volunteer Coordinators what they like about the services Volunteer Centre Tameside deliver, and these are their comments:

What we like about organisational visits: Personal touch, time efficient, specific organisational focus, great relationship, idea exchange, instant feedback/communication/useful to be “in situ”.

What we like about the Toolkit Step by Step Guide, good font size, well presented, flowcharts, checklists, fair process, risk assessment, big headings, nice format.

What we like about the Training Networking, meeting groups, share ideas, raise awareness, fair fees, accessibility, variety of training, down to earth trainer, pre-course communication, relevant, useful to volunteers and co-ordinators.

What we like about the Forum Interaction with other organisations, ideas for good practice, up to date relevant info, new technology, learning from others, free food, different venues.

For more information about attending a Forum please contact Vashti Holland on 0161 339 2345 or email vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum

Albion TotsAlbion Tots meet every Friday 9:30—11:30 at the Memorial Chapel (side entrance next to the Indian Ocean Restaurant) Albion Church, Stamford St. East in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The group is aimed at children aged 0-5 years old that can come along and enjoy educational and fun play activities. It is also an opportunity for parents, grandparents and carers to meet new people. The cost is just £1 per family and includes a drink and snack for children and adults.

“Our group is friendly and welcoming. We have fun and meet new friends. Meanwhile the children also get to socialise, play together and try out activities like crafts’’

—Dawn Cheetham, volunteer and parent

All helpers have been CRB checked. Volunteers required to help set up the room beforehand/help with refreshments contribute ideas for craft activities and help with the running of the tots group.

For more information Contact Dawn on 07761 500 951

18—TRAINING & EVENTS

Introduction to charity accounts & annual returns This course provides an introduction to the statutory requirements around annual accounts and returns.

Tuesday 26 March 2013, 5.30pm - 8.00pm To book your place on one of these courses, please contact Jane Pickering at OCAS, Tel: 0161 652 2334, Email: jane@ocas.org.uk

Level 1 Child protection awareness training Level 1 course for staff or volunteers who may be new to the children’s workforce or those who want to refresh their knowledge around child protection and safeguarding.

Thursday 28 March 2013, 6.00pm - 9.00pm If you would like to attend this course, please contact Adele Thomson at Positive Steps Oldham, tel 0161 621 9404 email AdeleThomson@positivestepsoldham.org.uk

Legal Structures Awareness SessionWould you like to set up a social enterprise or a trading arm? Nicola Dickinson from Make It Happen Consultancy will guide you through the types of legal structures that are available and analyse the challenges and benefits in adapting these legal structures for Social and Ethical Businesses.

Tuesday 23 April 10.00am - 12.30pm Honeywell Centre. To book please visit www.t3sc.org/training

Demystifying DBSDo you want to know more about the Disclosure and Barring Service? Join us and we will help you understand how the recent changes affect your organisation.

Thursday 25 April, 10am—12pm. For more information contact Riona Doidge on 0161 339 2345 email riona.doidge@cvat.org.uk

Do you want to be social?Are you interested in learning more about Twitter and get tweeting? Have you heard of Yammer, Foursquare or Linkedin? Do you want to use Social media to building better and more rewarding relationships with others – including people in power, donors, sponsors, partners etc. This short workshop could help you reach more people and more potential members.

Monday 10 June 10:00am - 13:30pm Voluntary Action Oldham. To book on a course please visit www.t3sc.org/training

Mossley Scarecrow FestivalThe Scarecrow Festival Committee would like to invite all churches, schools, youth groups and local businesses to take part in this year’s scarecrow festival. It will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a fun-filled weekend.

Saturday 20 July 2013 to Sun 21 July 2013. See www.mossleyparishchurch.org.uk or email: mossleyparishchurch@talktalk.net

In every edition of CVAT news we will publish a calendar of helpful event and training listings. Send your events for inclusion to newsletter@cvat.org.uk

Bespoke Training and Facilitation Service

Community Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) accredited trainers can design training events for any size of group and support every level of learner.

We can tailor events for your staff and volunteers, some of our most popular courses are committee skills, writing better funding applications, demonstrating your impact. We can also facilitate strategic development and business planning days.

Contact Naomi for more information email: naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk tel: 0161 339 4985

TRAINING & EVENTS—19

Development Services

One-to-one capacity building support, including funding information and advice, for Voluntary & Community Organisations in Tameside.

Contact Naomi or Dawn, 0161 339 4985, naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk, dawn.acton@cvat.org.uk

Breaking the Record

Supporting volunteer involving organisations to recruit ex-offenders as volunteers.

Contact Vashti, 0161 339 2345, email vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

Policy & Participation

Supporting groups and providing a policy function and developing the voice of local community and community action via a range of networks and associated activity.

Telephone the team on 0161 339 4985 or Voice ben.gilchrist@cvat.org.uk BME and BME Women’s Networks mohamed.seedat@cvat.org.uk Older People’s Network, Faiths United mohamed.seedat@cvat.org.uk Health and Social Care Network anna.hynes@cvat.org.uk Children & Young People’s Network veronica.hyde@cvat.org.uk

Volunteering Services

Including brokerage (matching both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community); marketing volunteering locally and promoting good practice in volunteer management to organisations; developing local volunteering opportunities; identifying and responding to proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering.

Contact Ben, Paul, Vashti on 0161 339 2345, ben.stoddard@cvat.org.uk, paul.moss@cvat.org.uk or vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

Brighter Futures

Helping individuals use volunteering as a way into employment.

Contact Ben on 0161 339 2345 or ben.stoddard@cvat.org.uk

Timebanking

A project that encourages people to exchange skills and time. One hour given to another earns one time credit which they can save, donate or spend.

Contact Elaine or Julie on 0161 339 2345 or elaine.watkins@cvat.org.uk or julie.cunliffe@cvat.org.uk

Miles of Smiles

A community transport scheme using volunteers to help people attend medical appointments.

Contact Sam on 0161 339 2345 or sam.ross@cvat.org.uk

Tameside 4 Good

An initiative to help local people and businesses give time, skills and money to local good causes.

Contact Amy on 0161 339 4985, amy.watson@cvat.org.uk or Riona on 0161 339 2345, riona.doidge@cvat.org.uk

Central Services

Facilities management, financial control and administrative support, personnel management.

Contact Helen or Sam on 0161 339 4985, helen.tallents@cvat.org.uk, samantha.mcnicholls@cvat.org.uk, or Kelly on 0161 339 2345, kelly.chadwick@cvat.org.uk

Marketing and Communications

Promote your message locally through CVAT’s Newsletter and eBulletins. We can also provide marketing & design support services for your group under CVAT plus+

Contact Duncan or Michael on 0161 339 4985, duncan.craig@cvat.org.uk, michael.withington@cvat.org.uk

Senior Management

Chief Executive, Tony Okotie, 0161 339 4985, tony.okotie@cvat.org.uk Director of Volunteering and Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Vickers, 0161 339 2345, sue.vickers@cvat.org.uk

If you are interested in having an article in CVAT News the deadline for the next issue is 26 April 2013. Newsletter articles should be sent to newsletter@cvat.org.uk, tel 0161 339 2345.

20—HOW CAN WE HELP?