Your viewsHealthwatch – Our Survey .. page 2

Casserole ClubWinter’s Warmer ....... page 6

Community CutzNew Project ..page 11

NEWS Edition 11 Spring 2015

Community & Voluntary Action Tameside

Painting it Pink!Hundreds of volunteers, businesses, schools, community groups and members of the public came together in February to show their love for Tameside.

Towns from Ashton to Hyde were ‘painted pink’ in an effort to raise funds for our charity initiative Tameside 4 Good. Tameside 4 Good distributes grants to young people and good causes right here in Tameside.

The pink theme was embraced by local businesses with staff donning outrageous pink outfits. There was a raffle for a decorative pink garden arch, pink custard in cafes, a mad hatters tea party, shops re-painted in shocking pink, pink pig racing and pink suited Sumo wrestlers. Even Tameside’s bin men donned pink wigs on their rounds!

Some of you got in touch with your creative side with music and art. Local singing group Tameside Voices gave a sterling performance at the Grafton Centre in Hyde and in Broadbottom West African Development did some drumming workshops. There was pavement art at Portland Basin and local children made paper

hearts around the Rotary Wheel outside Ashton Baths.

It wouldn’t be a fundraising day without some good old fashioned street collecting and CVAT staff were out in force on Valentine’s Day spreading the love right across Tameside. Our staff were out with their buckets and stalls on the streets of Hyde, Audenshaw, Broadbottom, Droylsden, Denton, Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Ashton. Tameside radio and Revolution FM were on hand to broadcast some live coverage. Setting off from Mossley, local runner Chris Bird did a pink-a-thon and ran through all nine Tameside towns in two hours.

All the money raised will be going to support local good causes like All Seasons Art club in Hattersley, The Cranberries older people’s group in Ashton or individual young people like Rebecca from Audenshaw who was helped to complete her gymnastic coaching training. On behalf of all the people who benefit from Tameside 4 Good we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make Paint it Pink 2015 our biggest and best yet

Healthwatch Tameside collects information about people’s experiences of health and social care in Tameside. Each year we use a quick survey to do this, which can be completed by anyone who uses services in Tameside, even if you have completed the form last year.

We want to reduce the number of poor experiences and we want to share good practice within a type of service. Based on what you told us last year we have already provided a report to the GP network in Tameside, spoken to Tameside Hospital about experiences in the Endoscopy department, and are currently working on other aspects of the information collected in 2014.

The information we collect is anonymous. We look at the data for trends and patterns, and can collate

all the data relating to a specific service. This can then be used when we are talking to providers of that service. The more data we collect, the greater the impact we can have.

You can help us – please fill in the form, and ask your friends and colleagues to do the same!

Online surveywww.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/our-survey

Paper surveyCall 0161 667 2526 or write to Healthwatch Survey, 95-97 Penny Meadow, Ashton-under-Lyne

If you feel you have more in depth information to share with us, you can tell us your story here www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/content/ give-your-feedback

“One million people – that’s the number we are hoping for” says Ingrid Brindle, Chair of Thornley House Patient Participation Group in Hyde.

Ingrid wants to get people to pledge to improve their health in 2015. They are hoping that people will make small changes that can lead to big improvements in health. “As patients we are responsible for our own health and need to think carefully about the hundreds of health choices we make every day.” continued Ingrid “It’s like a big, communal New Year’s Resolution.”

Dr Amir Hannan, a Hyde GP and a board member of Tameside & Glossop Clincal Commissioning Group is backing the pledge, “Any initiative which helps to promote good self care deserves to be supported.

Tameside & Glossop score very poorly on many measures of good health. Looking at deaths from the major killer diseases, we are doing very badly despite our best efforts. Making good lifestyle choices can help to prevent patients developing many common diseases.”

The initiative is for everybody and pledges can be made on the website, by twitter or Facebook or by writing it on a post it note and sticking it on the fridge. Ingrid and her colleagues on the Patient Participation group want groups such as workplaces, Brownies, schools, churches, mosques and health centres to pledge together and give each other support. The patient group has a website www.healthpledge.co.uk to help people write a good pledge and find links to organisations which can give support. “We have spent masses of time on this campaign” says Ingrid “and would love you to support us by making a pledge. We’re keen to help you to improve your health but the decision to make a change has to come from you.”

Your views

Aiming high in Hyde

2 — NEWS

Volunteers were out in force for a tree planting day organised by Friends of King George V Playing Fields.

The Woodland Trust donated ten Silver Birch, ten Wild Cherry and ten Rowan Mountain Ash with red berries to plant. Regular volunteers were joined by 2/1 Hurst Scouts, local radio presenter Louise Croombs and Cllr Yvonne Carter.

If you’d like to help the group with their work in the park contact alan.fish.161te@gmail.co.uk 07931 765120 or go to www.fokgvpf.co.uk

Praised by the PMLocal volunteer Alan Fish has won praise from Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr. Cameron gave Alan a “points of light” award, which recognises people across Britain who are making a difference. Alan was given the award in recognition of his work with Friends of King George V Playing Fields to transform the Ashton-under-Lyne park. Last year Alan won a Pride of Tameside award for his voluntary work with the Scouts. He is also a big supporter of our own charity initiative Tameside 4 Good, and often goes the extra mile to raise money for other good causes across Tameside.

Tree planting

The British Red Cross can provide wheelchairs and short term loans of other equipment including Backrests, Bath seats, Walking frames and Commodes.

You can visit one of their outlets or they can deliver the equipment directly. They ask for a £20 refundable deposit that is returned when the equipment is brought back.

To find out more contact 01925 229 740

Citizen’s Advice Bureau have begun a weekly advice surgery in Hyde.

Drop in to Hyde Community Action’s office and see an adviser without an appointment. They can help with benefits, finance, consumer matters, health, debt, housing, education, immigration, employment, legal, taxes and relationships. All advice is free, confidential, impartial and independent.

Mondays 10am to 1pm at Hyde Community Action, 20 Great Norbury Street, Hyde, SK14 1BR. www.hydecommunityaction.org.uk

Our role here at CVAT is to build and support a strong and vibrant voluntary and community sector. We’re here for you – the hundreds of groups and organisations, the thousands of volunteers – that are changing people’s lives in Tameside. We’re your organisation.

I know our staff have been helping lots of you with the challenges of getting established, finding funding, getting your message across, supporting your volunteers or influencing decision makers. That is at the heart of what we do at CVAT. But we’re also meeting new challenges and already in 2015 we’ve launched some new project work. Casserole Club, Brighter Futures, Changing The Record are all about using volunteers to change lives. Volunteering is what drives our sector and it was nice to see a local volunteer Alan Fish recognised by the Prime Minister recently.

Recognition is important and this year we’ve called our annual conference & expo ‘Celebrating our communities’. These are difficult times for our sector and I think it’s important we celebrate what we’ve achieved. So I hope to see you at Stalybridge Civic Hall on March 10 as we get together to share knowledge, network, learn and look to the future. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can support you better.

Ben Gilchrist, Chief Executive

Here for you

Wheelchair loan Hyde advice

Volunteer your way to wellbeing!

4 — VOLUNTEERS

Five Ways to Wellbeing is an NHS backed scheme to promote simple ways to improve your health and wellbeing. The five ways are based on sound medical research and are proven ways to protect your mental health. If you’re looking for a way to follow the five ways, then volunteering could be the answer as it can help you achieve all five.

1. ConnectThere is strong evidence that forming social relationships with other people is a primary human need and can act as a buffer against mental ill health. Volunteering is a great way to connect with people in your local community. You could be helping at a luncheon club, serving customers in a charity shop or doing some one to one support – whichever way you prefer to volunteer you will be connecting with other people. Casserole Club helps people share extra portions of home-cooked food with others in their area who are not always able to cook for themselves.

2. Keep LearningLearning shouldn’t stop when you leave school! Continuing to learn new things throughout our lives can build our self-esteem and even help lift people out of depression. Many people that take up volunteering find that they either develop their existing skills or learn something completely new. Our Pre-Volunteer course is a great starting point and enables you to learn about just what volunteering entails.

3. Be activeWe all know the benefits of visiting the gym or going for a swim but even just getting out of the house and being busy can have a positive impact on our bodies

and how we feel. There are lots of volunteering activities that will encourage you to move more. Litter picking, tree planting or stock taking will get you moving. Our charity Tameside 4 Good raises money for great causes and last year people took part in a range of sponsored activities from a very sedate Santa stroll to a more gruelling Triathlon.

4. Take NoticeStudies have shown that being more aware of what is taking place around you can enhance your well-being. Savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your priorities and help you make positive choices. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to be more aware of other people in your community and the challenges they face. Or you might learn to understand and appreciate your environment more. Volunteering can give you a new perspective and that can help you appreciate your own life.

5. GiveResearch has shown that people who show a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. ‘Giving something back’ to your local community will actually mean you get a return on your health and wellbeing. Your time is one of the greatest gifts you can give. If you want to give some of your spare time to help others then call in to the Volunteer Centre or visit us online to find the ideal opportunity for you.

The Volunteer Centre Tameside, 95-97 Penny Meadow, Ashton-under-Lyne is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am—4:30pm. Call us on 0161 339 2345 or visit www.cvat.org.uk/volunteering

“Go for it!” says Lee

Timebanking in numbersOur Timebanking scheme has hundreds of people across Tameside with skills to offer. If you have a job that needs doing, the chances are we have someone who can help. In return you offer your time to help someone else.

Our skills bank is as varied as the members that are signed up! This is just a fraction of what our wonderful members can offer:

• 90 green fingered members ready to help in the garden

• 63 computer whizz kids who can help you get to grips with your PC or laptop

• 61 retail therapists who can’t wait to go and do your shopping

• 52 folk who would love to walk your dog

• 49 crafty card makers who can create you something for that special occasion

• 32 strong men and women available to help lift and move things

There are also plenty of people offering skills such as cycle repairs, baking, companionship, escorting to appointments, basic DIY, car washing, the list is endless! So why not sign up today and join the timebanking revolution?

Call Julie or Elaine on 0161 339 2345 or email timebanking@cvat.org.uk

Lee Jones is 19 and lives in Denton. He is studying Legal Secretarial Skills at Tameside College and gives several hours a week as a volunteer.

I have been volunteering for over a year and a half. My first role was at Denton Refurb Ltd, based in Haughton Green. They’re a charity that sells second hand furniture on to other charities and people who are less fortunate. Since July last year I have been volunteering at Community and Voluntary Action Tameside.

I decided to be a volunteer to increase my skills and confidence. It’s also good to know that I’m helping the local community. In my role at CVAT, I type up notes from training sessions, photocopy forms and handouts, answer the phone, find information on the database and do other administrative tasks.

Some of my favourite experiences as a volunteer have been whilst raising money. I took part in the Tameside XL Triathlon in October and also a charity bag pack in December for Tameside 4 Good.

Volunteering has given me a stronger idea of what sort of paid work I would like to go into. I’ve also learned a lot about the wider Tameside community, and about how CVAT and Tameside 4 Good help local good causes.

If you’re thinking about volunteering I would say go for it! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and share your skills with the community.

How it worksTime Banking in Tameside is an exciting scheme that enables you to take advantage of skilled people in your community for free. All you have to do is offer your skills in return. Everyone’s time and skills are valued equally. ONE HOUR = ONE TIME CREDIT

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CVAT has recently started two new projects that will use volunteering as a springboard to help people get back on their feet.

Changing the Record

Is your organisation up for changing the record? CVAT has recently launched a new project that supports ex-offenders to get back on their feet through volunteering. The project will support ex-offenders who make the commitment to volunteer, to make positive changes and stop re-offending, by helping others.

Are you an organisation who would like to offer the chance for an ex-offender to get involved as a volunteer with your group? Not sure how to proceed? We can offer you help, support and advice to make it happen.

Brighter Futures in Tameside

This project helps people into paid work by using volunteering to build skills and experience. People will receive support throughout their time with the project – from initial meetings, being matched with a volunteering opportunity (if not already placed) that can develop skills for work. The overall focus is to help people become ‘job ready’ and give them the confidence to apply for paid employment within the vocation they choose.

Amongst the practical benefits of the project are:

• Help in producing a high-quality CV

• Learning how to present yourself and feel confident in interviews

• A portfolio of work to be shown to potential employers

For more information on either of these projects contact Vashti Holland on 0161 339 2345 email vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

New projects, new volunteers

We’ve teamed up with Tameside Council to bring Casserole Club to Tameside. This is a new project which helps people share extra portions of home-prepared food with older people in their area who might not always be able to cook for themselves.

Like a community-led takeaway, members serve up meals to their neighbours. Casserole Club gets more people cooking fresh food and strengthens neighbourhood relationships with every bite. The scheme, which is already up and running in other parts of England, tackles issues around food and loneliness, while also providing a flexible way for people to volunteer their skills and time.

Cllr Lynn Travis, Tameside Council’s executive member for health and neighbourhoods, said:

“Casserole Club is a fantastic idea where the simple act of taking a home-cooked meal round to an older neighbour’s house can create a big impact. It’s about sharing food but also friendship, so let’s get Casserole Club Tameside off to a great start and get the fires of food and friendship stoked up.”

Amongst the first to volunteer were Hurst Circle of Friends, an older people’s friends group that meets every Thursday at Hurst Community Centre in Ashton.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a delicious, free home-cooked meal, get them to join up as a diner. Or if you fancy sharing your culinary skills, you can join up as a chef. Both chefs and diners can register at www.casseroleclub.com or email casseroleclubtameside@cvat.org.uk or call 0161 339 2345

Winter Warmer

6 — NEWS

As an ever evolving organisation, we are always trying to find new ways to help build a strong and vibrant voluntary sector across Tameside. Meet some of the new staff who are helping us achieve these goals.

I’m Ruth Madden and I’ve worked for CVAT before so some of you may have met me then. I’m returning with a new role and I’m now part of the ‘Partnerships Service’. I’ll be working with voluntary and community groups to try to encourage them to talk and get to know each other more and work together better. By coming together we can make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of the people that live in your area and those that use your group’s services.

I will be getting in touch in the near future to find out what local groups are up to, what they do and how they do it, particularly in the Ashton, Hyde, Hattersley and Longdendale areas. This will be to make sure we are giving you the best service we can.

I’m Laura Windsor-Welsh and I’m the new Partnership Services Officer focusing on Children, Young People and Families. I’ll be working with groups and organisations to help them get better linked into the work of Tameside Council’s Children’s Services. I will be based at the Public Service Hub in Drolysden. The Hub is a pooled resource bringing together skills, expertise and knowledge from a range of services.

I believe the voluntary sector does crucial work to support children, young people and families. My role will be to make sure that your expertise is better known about and that families who really need support know how to access it. My role also involves working with ‘Better Futures Tameside’, a consortium of not for profit organisations whose vision is to make a difference to the lives of families, children and young people. I’m looking forward to coming out and meeting your group.

I’m Trish Morris and I’m the administrator for ‘Miles of Smiles’. This is one of CVAT’s services that makes a huge difference by using volunteers to take people to hospital and doctors’ appointments. We help people who have difficulty using public transport but are ineligible for the ambulance service. Our clients are mainly older people. It’s more than just a taxi service though, our volunteers will chat to people and sometimes offer to wait with the passenger to offer emotional support.

Over a year our volunteer drivers will take around 1900 passengers to over 10,000 appointments covering a staggering 75,000 miles! My job is to organise the logistics of all that and needless to say I’m on the phone a lot! I take phone calls from people who have hospital appointments and try to co-ordinate their requests with our volunteers. Our volunteers are wonderful and committed people, some were even out during the recent heavy snow trying to make sure we got our passengers to their appointments.

I’m Denise Elliott and I’m helping to run Casserole Club, an exciting new volunteer-led initiative from CVAT and Tameside Council. The idea is that people share extra portions of home-cooked food with others in their area who are not always able to cook for themselves. It’s not just about the meal but about companionship and bringing the community closer together.

My job is to help keep Casserole Club running. People can sign up through the website – www.casseroleclub.com but we also get people referred to us directly. My job is to match volunteers with people who want to be a diner. We also ask all our volunteers to carry out some basic training on food safety and we do criminal record checks on everyone who wants to be a cook.

You can read more about Casserole Club on page 6.

Ruth Bringing groups together

Tel: 0161 339 4985 ext. 2020

Email: ruth.madden@cvat.org.uk

Laura Championing younger people

Tel: 0161 339 4985 ext. 2015

Email: laura.windsor-welsh@cvat.org.uk

Trish Getting people to hospital

Tel: 0161 339 2345

Email: patricia.morris@cvat.org.uk

Denise Bringing people together

Tel: 0161 339 2345

Email: denise.elliott@cvat.org.uk

Introducing...7

European Funding Programme 2014–2020

8 — FUNDING

Our Development Manager Naomi Sampson unravels the complicated trail of European funding and how it could be helping groups here in Tameside.

Greater Manchester has an allocation of £356 million of European Structural Funds for the 2014-20 programme. These Structural Funds are designed to reduce economic inequalities by developing skills, jobs and enterprise for those people and areas which need extra help as well as recognising the importance of social inclusion.

The Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has responsibility to design a detailed plan to distribute the money (called a European Structural Investments Funds (ESIF) plan). Actual commissioning will be carried out by ‘co-financers’ – organisations offering match funding. These will include the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), Dept for Work and Pensions (DWP), Dept for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Big Lottery Fund.

How do we get funded?This is becoming clearer, although the process and systems for commissioning are still being worked out at national and local levels. The different funding programmes are called ‘lots’ and will cover the whole of Greater Manchester. These large scale pots (also called ‘tenders’) will be won either by a single organisation or by a partnership/consortium. There is likely to be a ‘supply chain’ of smaller organisations who may be sub-contracted to do parts of the work. This may also involve ‘payment by results’ which means you have to deliver the work before being paid.

All organisations delivering under the ESIF plan will have to be able to show evidence of their sustainability, demonstrate quality and cope with collecting and providing data. Some tenders will start to appear soon which means it’s good to get ready now.

How can we get better prepared?As part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Building Better Opportunities programme, GMCVO, in partnership with New Economy and Network for Europe, is raising awareness of the opportunities available through European funding.

While the final details are being ironed out, here are some tips to help prepare yourselves:

• Check out GMCVO’s Frequently Asked Questions www.gmcvo.org.uk/faqs-gm-european-funding-programme-2014-2020

• Join GMCVO’s Mailing List to keep up to date with the development of the plan and ways to get involved www.gmcvo.org.uk/european-programme-2014-20

• Read up on the planned ‘lots’ and the Building Better Opportunities programme to see where you may fit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/england/building-better-opportunities

• Do some preparation to make sure you know how many people you could help, how you can help them and identify your unit costs.

If you have an enquiry, email GMCVO at europeaninfo@gmcvo.org.uk or Naomi at CVAT on naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk Tel 0161 339 4985

Celebrating our communitiesTuesday 10 March 2015#cvatexpo2015Agenda0930 Registration, coffee and networking1000 Part one: Celebrating your work and improving our role in helping you

¨ Keynote address – Ben Gilchrist. ¨ Celebrating the difference you make ¨ How can we help you? Your priorities for CVAT ¨ Annual General Meeting

1110 Coffee break1130 Morning Workshops1245 Lunch & networking1345 Part Two: The Future of volunteering and voluntary sector in Tameside

¨ A special voluntary sector ‘Question Time’ panel discussion and audience debate

1445 Afternoon Workshops1600 Close

Morning WorkshopsAccessing Awards for AllAwards for All is the part of the Big Lottery Fund that offers grants of up to £10,000 to small, community-based projects that improve local communities. Our CVAT experts will explain how to make a successful bid. What works and what are the pitfalls?

Clicking for cash – a guide to online fundraisingWith sites like Just Giving and Paypal becoming household names, getting online donations might be a lot easier than you think. We’ll look at various ways to achieve this and how Gift Aid works.

It’s not what you know! Making connections for successThis workshop will help you identify the key people in your local neighbourhood who can help raise the profile of your group. We’ll help you identify the people who can help you solve problems and develop relationships for the future.

Turn your organisation into a Volunteer MagnetSo you struggle to find the right volunteers? Do you want to tap into volunteers but don’t know where to start? We’ll talk you through the top 10 things that attract and repel volunteers. Discover how to magnetise your recruitment in 2015.

Afternoon workshopsThe volunteering internet revolutionThe internet hasn’t just changed the way we shop and watch TV, it’s also changing the way we volunteer. From how we access volunteering opportunities to the actual things we volunteer for, our workshop will show you how things are changing and how you can stay ahead in your volunteer recruitment.

Recognising community assetsCVAT’s ‘Valuing our Communities’ programme is a ground breaking partnership about helping communities improve their own health and wellbeing. Find out about our research findings, the work of community researchers and how this might help your work.

Make yourself attractive! How to write about what you doDo you have a clear and concise explanation of who you are, what you do and the difference you make? This practical workshop will help you write compelling copy that you can use in funding applications, recruitment leaflets or simply on your webpage.

Election 2015! How to campaignIn the run up to the May General Election politicians and those seeking office will be all ears as they seek to persuade us to vote. This a good opportunity for community and voluntary groups to get their case heard. But beware! There are laws about what activity charities and others can carry out.

Book online: www.cvat.org.uk/cvat-conference-expo-2015

Alade Sanni lives in Ashton-under-Lyne and is a founder and board member of Tameside charity ‘West African Development’ (WAD).

We set up the charity ten years ago to try and help people from West Africa who were newly arrived in Tameside. When people move to the UK as refugees or asylum seekers they are often isolated and socially excluded.

The biggest problems facing new residents are learning the English language and getting access to services. We provide English language classes, basic IT training and help to access services such as housing, NHS, immigration advice and benefits.

Many individuals who come to the UK don’t know anybody at all. Social activities like Afro drumming, dancing, arts and football enable people in similar positions to meet each other. As they develop relationships with their peers they begin to be more open and less ashamed, scared or shy in coming forward with their real needs.

Because of their situation, newly arrived people often need high levels of support. They can feel very unhappy, worried about the future and how

to fit in to the community. Through our support, they are able to overcome those problems, gain confidence and begin to realise their ambitions.

We began as a collective for West Africans but now we help many nationalities. As we progressed it became more about integrating with the rest of the community. For example we have Asian, French, German, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Latvian and Polish people who have benefited from our support and participated in our work.

CVAT staff have been there to help us since our inception. They are there to help us map out the activities and projects designed to achieve the vision we have. The general purpose at this stage is to spread awareness of our presence and enlist people who feel as we do.

Unpaid volunteers are the glue that holds a community together. Our volunteers are very important to us. Even helping out with the smallest tasks makes a real difference to the lives of people in our community. As long as our volunteers give their time, we will continue providing support and making a different to people in Tameside and elsewhere.

A supportive community

Easy online learningWant to provide meaningful learning support to your volunteers? Fancy brushing up on your skills and knowledge as a manager or trustee?

Our online training courses are designed to help people who volunteer or work in the voluntary sector. If you’re a volunteer, a trustee or an employee we have courses to help you develop

your skills and knowledge, at a pace to suit you. We have 5 packages of support on offer: Volunteer Induction Training, Trustee Training Pack, Staying Safe, Raising the Profile of your Organisation and You’re in Charge – Essential skills for Managers

We offer a competitive price and multi-buy discounts are available on enquiry. You can view the courses at http://learningzone.learningpool.com

For more information, contact Vashti on 0161 339 2345 or email: vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

10 — COMMUNITY GROUPS

Community Cutz is a brand new Community Interest Company which was set up by Wayne Coyle at the end of 2014.

This exciting new project aims to work with disadvantaged communities in Tameside including older people, young people and those at risk of offending. They received £9868 from the Lottery’s Awards for All to launch a new Community Salon in Droylsden. Wayne’s ideas for the salon include pamper days for older people and training opportunities for young people and people who are at risk of offending.

The official opening happened in January and was a huge success with attendees from Manchester City Football Club, New Charter and the local community. At the event Wayne, who has been inspired by his close relationships with his grandparents, said:

‘We started work on this project with the aim to bring disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of our community closer together by offering them a warm welcoming service in which they get to socialise and meet new people through wellbeing treatments, without having to worry about the costs.’

Wayne was also keen to encourage other businesses to give back to the community. He said:

‘A major aim of Community Cutz Salon is to get other likeminded businesses in the area to realise the power and potential of working with the community and how it can benefit everyone.’

Community Cutz will be offering free haircuts and refreshments every other Wednesday from 6-8pm.

For more details please contact Wayne on 0161 292 5604 or visit www.facebook.com/communitycutztameside

Community Cutz

Sarah Cook is manager of Home-Start Oldham, Stockport & Tameside (HOST), an organisation that is reaching out to people with young families.

We support families with at least one child under five, who are experiencing stress or difficulty, for whatever reason. We recruit, train and support volunteers to visit families for 2-3 hours per week to offer practical help and emotional support. We also run Tameside’s breast-feeding peer support service.

Every family is different and they all face various challenges. This could be dealing with post natal depression, a mental health issue, social isolation,

domestic abuse, disability, being an asylum seeking family, living in poverty and debt, or not being confident in how to parent young children.

Our volunteers give a lot of emotional support. The support each volunteer provides is different for each family. Volunteers often help families to get out of the house and access toddler groups or Children’s Centres, especially when parents lack the confidence to do these things alone.

We recently provided a Christmas party for our families. We held it at Denton Methodist Church Hall with entertainment, hot pot and a visit from Father Christmas. Sixty five children attended and every child left with a present. It was great to see so many of our families enjoying themselves!

If you are interested in becoming a Home-Start Volunteer or would like more information, contact 0161 344 0669 email info@homestarthost.org.uk or visit www.homestarthost.org.uk

Home-Start

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Our expert: Peter Denton Healthwatch Tameside Manager

What is it? The Care Act 2014

Who does it affect? Any adult who receives social services support or could be eligible for support.

More info: www.scie.org.uk/care-act-2014

The Care Act is Coming!A new Care Act 2014 was passed last year. It has been described as ‘the biggest change in social services law since 1948’. If you’re a legislation geek then it consolidates the National Assistance Act 1948, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and the Community Care Act 1990.

Most of the changes come into effect in April 2015 – although some changes to funding don’t happen until April 2016. If you already receive support from Social Services, you’re likely to have your support reviewed under the new Act – in fact parts of this review may already have happened. Anyone who asks for help from Social Services after the end of March should automatically be assessed under the new system.

Changes in April 2015

From April the following changes come into effect:

• The old FACS (Fair Access to Care Services) eligibility criteria and assessment will stop. There will be new national eligibility criteria.

• Carers right to assessment will be strengthened.

• Personal Budgets and Direct Payments will have a stronger legal footing.

• The Deferred Payments scheme will be a legal requirement everywhere (not all areas offer it at the moment). This means that people who own their house and go into care shouldn’t have to sell their house at the time. The local authority will effectively lend them their care fees using the value of the property as a guarantee that it will be repaid after their death (or earlier if they choose to sell sooner).

• Local authorities will have duties to promote wellbeing and to prevent, reduce and/or delay the onset of care and support needs.

• Local authorities will be required to establish and maintain information services (though they could pay other organisations to do this). They will also have to provide independent advocacy for people where appropriate (again they could pay an independent organisation to do this).

• Local authorities will have to ‘shape the local market’ and have contingency plans. This means they will need to make sure there are enough

different providers out there to meet future care needs and to make sure people can still be cared for if a care organisation closes down suddenly.

• Adult Safeguarding Boards will be put on a similar legal footing to Children’s Safeguarding.

• Social services and the NHS will develop joint working arrangements where this benefits patients and service users.

Changes in April 2016

From April 2016 these things will also change:

• There will be a limit on the amount a person has to pay towards their care costs. This doesn’t include daily living costs (e.g. rent, heat, electricity, cleaning & food in a care home). We have seen estimates that a person aged over 65 could be receiving care for more than 8 years before they reach this limit!

• The amount of capital someone can have and still qualify for the local authority paying their care costs (the ‘threshold’) will increase to £118,000.

• Guidance and information about the detail of these financial changes was expected at the end of 2014 but hasn’t been published yet (February 2015). We would be surprised if this is published before the General Election.

What next?If you already receive support from Tameside Council Adult Services, someone from that department should get in touch with you at an appropriate time when the Care Act affects you. For some of you, this may already have happened. If you need support from Tameside as a new service user your care and needs should be assessed with the new Care Act in mind.

If you have any changes to your care (whether you think they make things better or worse) please let us know at Healthwatch. We want to know what the impact of the Care Act is on local people. We can’t be your local consumer champion for health and care unless you tell us about your experiences!

Contact Healthwatch on 0161 667 2526 or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk

Focus on...

12

...legislation

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Speaking up and Speaking out!In the run up to May’s General Election there has been a lot in the media about the role of Voluntary Sector Organisations and campaigning.

The Lobbying Act, introduced last year, imposes new rules on political activity. It was fiercely opposed by many of our regional, national and local voluntary sector infrastructure support organisations. Although it was passed into law, our message to groups is clear – don’t let the legislation deter you from representing the views of the people you support! You just need to be clear what the new legislation says and how it affects your approach to campaigning.

About the ActNon-party campaigning is activity undertaken by organisations that have no formal affiliation to a political party but whose activities could be seen to influence the election. Voluntary sector organisations may find that their activities are now classed as campaigning for pre-election periods and will need to report their activity.

As of the 19 September 2014, the new law requires any organisation spending over £20,000

nationally or £9,500 in a constituency to register with the Electoral Commission, account for their spending and account for donations. Spending includes staff time spent on planning, producing materials and organising events as well as the actual production and venue costs.

Charities already have to abide by Charity Commission rules on campaigning. Even if they are complying with these they could potentially also be covered by the new requirements of the Electoral Commission. NAVCA (CVAT’s National Umbrella Support Organisation) has produced a really useful briefing and flow chart to help organisations to decide if it applies to them, it’s available on the NAVCA website www.navca.org.uk/blog/view/the-general-election-starts-here

For our local Tameside groups it’s important to say that we are all here to represent the view of our members and the people we support – the Act should not prevent you from identifying things that are going wrong in the system, and trying to make them better! If you need help to do this, please get in touch with our Partnerships team.

Contact 0161 339 4985 or visit www.cvat.org.uk/use-your-voice

Our expert: Anna Hynes, Partnerships Manager, CVAT

What is it? The Lobbying Act 2014 (The Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014)

Who does it affect? Any group, organisation or charity

More info: www.navca.org.uk/blog/view/ the-general-election-starts-here

Are you involved with a Tameside community, voluntary or faith organisation that needs a cash injection in 2015 but don’t have a fundraising budget? We have the perfect ‘no cost’ answer for you.

Each year mass participation sporting events, designed for all fitness abilities, are organised across Greater Manchester. From running, cycling, swimming and triathlons there are plenty of events to choose from. These events are perfect for smaller organisations with little or no fundraising budget as they encourage the sporting participants to purchase a place and fundraise for a cause they’re passionate about. All you need to do is encourage your ‘fans’ – service users, volunteers, suppliers, friends, family, colleagues, your postman, simply anyone you engage with – to sign up for an event and start fundraising for you.

Top tips for fundraising from sporting events

1. Engage with all of your ‘fans’ asking them to have some fun, set some sporting goals and to fundraise for you.

2. Fundraising needs to be easy for your supporters. Give them everything they need to fundraise on your behalf. This is your fundraising toolkit. Set up online fundraising pages, provide sponsorship forms and tell your story (the difference the donations make).

3. Free money! Encourage fans to promote gift aid whenever possible. For every £1 donated to your charitable organisation by a UK

taxpayer, you can claim an additional 25p from the government. For more details see: www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/tax-effective-giving/gift-aid

4. Once participants have signed up for events, thank them, give them inspiration (remind them how the donations will help your organisation) and regularly keep in touch to keep them motivated.

5. After the event thank your fans and don’t forget to collect donations.

Low cost, high fundraising and plenty of fun

14 — TAMESIDE 4 GOOD

Events for your fundraising diary19 April Greater Manchester Marathon www.greatermanchestermarathon.com

9 May Junior (2 miles) and Mini (approx. 2km) Great Manchester Run www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run/junior-and-mini-great-manchester-run

10 May Great Manchester Run (10k) www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run

28 June Great Manchester Cycle (13, 26 or 52 miles) www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-cycle

4 July Great Manchester Swim (1 mile swim, at Salford Quays) www.greatrun.org/great-swim/great-manchester-swim

4 October Tameside XL Triathlon – can be done individually, or in teams. www.uberfitevents.com/tameside-xl-triathlon

DBS checks are designed to help organisations from public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain areas of work, especially that which may involve contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.

As a registered DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formally the Criminal Records Bureau) Umbrella Body, CVAT plus+ is able to help you through the process of applying for DBS/CRB checks on staff and volunteers.

Our role is to:

• Check and validate the information provided by the applicant on the application form

• Establish the true identity of the applicant, through the examination of a range of documents using guidance provided by the DBS

• Ensure the application form is fully completed and the information it contains is accurate

• Countersign applications to confirm that the organisation has an entitlement to access criminal record information

• Ensure compliance with the DBS’s Code of Practice

• Provide access to external verification processes

Prices• Purchase disclosures on a pay as you

go basis for £14.00 for volunteers

• Paid staff £58

• Initial registration fee of £20 for new customers

• Access to external verification

• Advice on good practice policy and procedures

These costs cover the administration fee for CVAT plus+ to process disclosures. Additional charges will be made for staff disclosures in line with current DBS charges. All packages are for a 12 month period. Customers will be invoiced at the start of the contract.

T: 0161 339 2345 W: www.cvat.org.uk/dbs E: info@cvat.org.uk

We only offer this service to an organisation that puts in place the processes that are set out in the registration document and agreement, which include being able to provide copies of relevant policies. Do not worry if you do not currently have these, as we will work with you to develop them.

The Disclosure Service should not be regarded as a substitute for any of the full range of existing pre-appointment checks, including taking up references and enquiring in to the person’s previous employment history and or character.

CVAT Plus+ DBS Check Service

Community and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) is here to support volunteers and the voluntary, community and faith groups in Tameside. The groups, and the volunteers who keep them running, are changing lives for the better across our local area. We’re here to help these good causes bring about change and to give them a louder voice.We’re helping people make a difference across: Ashton-under-Lyne | Audenshaw | Denton | Dukinfield | Droylsden | Hattersley | Hyde | Longdendale | Mossley | Stalybridge

Chief ExecutiveBen Gilchrist. Email ben.gilchrist@cvat.org.uk

Development ServicesOne-to-one capacity building support, including funding information and advice.

Contact Naomi, Dawn, Amanda or Lisa on 0161 339 4985. Email naomi.sampson@cvat.org.uk dawn.acton@cvat.org.uk amanda.benson@cvat.org.uk lisa.hannibal@cvat.org.uk

Partnerships ServiceSupporting groups, providing a policy function and developing the voice of local community action.

Contact Anna, Laura or Ruth on 0161 339 4985. Email anna.hynes@cvat.org.uk ruth.madden@cvat.org.uk laura.windsor-welsh@cvat.org.uk

Volunteering ServicesMatching individuals and groups with appropriate volunteering opportunities. Promoting good practice and policy in volunteer management.

Contact Sue, Stewart or Vashti on 0161 339 2345. Email sue.vickers@cvat.org.uk stewart.dobson@cvat.org.uk vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

Marketing & CommunicationsPromoting the work of groups and volunteers through website, newsletters, press, publications, social media and eBulletins.

Contact Matt or Michael on 0161 339 4985. Email matt.hill@cvat.org.uk michael.withington@cvat.org.uk

Central ServicesFacilities management, personnel management, financial control and administrative support.

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

ProjectsCVAT is also home to the following initiatives

Timebanking in TamesideA project that encourages people to exchange skills and time.

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

Miles of SmilesA community transport scheme using volunteers to help people attend medical appointments.

Contact Trish on 0161 339 2345 Email patricia.morris@cvat.org.uk

Tameside 4 GoodAn initiative to help local people and businesses give time, skills and money to local good causes.

Contact Amy on 0161 339 4985 Email amy.watson@cvat.org.uk www.tameside4good.org

HealthwatchHealthwatch Tameside is the independent health service consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public.

Contact Peter, Julie, Karen & Sue on 0161 667 2526 email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk

AspireThe Aspire Service provides respite for children with disabilities and their families.

Contact Judith or Karen on 0161 339 2345 Email judith@vcspd.org karen@vcspd.org

Have you got an interesting story to tell in CVAT News? The deadline for the next issue is Friday 24 April 2015. Articles should be sent to newsletter@cvat.org.uk tel: 0161 339 4985.You can also submit articles to our weekly CVAT ebulletin, sent every Wednesday Lunchtime – send your articles to ebulletin@cvat.org.ukCommunity and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) is a Registered Charity (No: 1148056) and Company Limited by Guarantee (No: 7930346)

16 — STAFF