Community and Voluntary Action Tameside launch their brand new and exciting initiative, Tameside 4 Good with businesses on 24 October.

Tameside 4 Good makes it easier for businesses and people to help local good causes through the giving of time and skills, money and resources. 100% of funds raised will go direct to support local voluntary and community groups.

Business Bonanza

Our business launch event connected local good causes with companies that are passionate about Tameside. The venue was buzzing with over 35 businesses keen to discover more about how they work can with charities and community groups, from saddling up for the Manchester to Blackpool bicycle ride, to supporting a group improve its marketing material.

Calling all voluntary and community groups!

We’ve launched a new website www.tameside4good.org with an extra special feature of an online shop displaying a range of wants and wishes from community and voluntary organisations for members of the public to pool their funds to buy the much needed item for the group e.g. The Water Adventure Centre in

Droylsden has applied to fundraise for a new canoe. If your group would like to request an application form please contact Dawn Acton on Tel: 0161 339 4985 email info@tameside4good.org

What Can We Do for You?

Get in touch with the team if you’re involved with a local good cause that is in need of resources, skilled volunteers or money. This could include furniture for a community centre or marketers to help spread the word by setting up social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) and training volunteers how to use them.

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

Tameside 4 Good Launches

NEWS Edition 2 Winter 2012–13

Community & Voluntary Action Tameside

In this issue...CVAT News ....................................page 2Project News ..................................page 3Local News ................................page 4–8Focus on Health & Safety ...............page 9Networks News .......................page 10–12LINk News ....................................page 13Volunteering News ...................page 14–15

2—CVAT NEWS

On 1 October T3SC and Volunteer Centre Tameside came together to form a new organisation, Community and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT). A number of changes will begin to take place over the next few months and to start with we would like to welcome four new members of the CVAT team—Duncan, Candice, Mike and Sue.

Duncan Craig is our new Communications and Marketing Co-Ordinator and comes to us with a wealth of experience in marketing, PR, and working in front line health and social care and voluntary sector services, including running his own charity. Duncan told us “this is a really exciting time for Community and Voluntary Action Tameside and it’s a joy to be a part of building a secure infrastructure that will enable the teams to continue to support the amazing local groups and charities in the region I grew up in”.

Supporting the Policy and Participation Team in her role of Network and Grants Assistant, Candice Southern tells us “at the moment my work has been based around the You Choose events but I’m really looking forward to working with you all to keep you in touch with networks’ news”.

Community Organisers, Mike McDonald and Sue Pomfrett have been going out into communities and listening to residents at their front doors, with the aim of encouraging interactions between individuals, building networks and supporting fledgling groups and emerging project ideas. Their work is enabling local people, who have never been involved in any type of community action or projects before, to volunteer time and energy in their area.

Welcome to Community and Voluntary Action Tameside

Community and Voluntary Action Tameside will officially now hold all the data that was once held by T3SC and Volunteer Centre Tameside, following the merger. We have printed our Data Protection statement below but if you would like to discuss this, please contact our Office and Finance Manager, Helen Tallents, on 0161 339 4985 email: helen.tallents@cvat.org.uk

Use of DataCommunity and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT) holds data in paper based and computerised systems. This data is about the people, groups and organisations CVAT works with. We hold this data so that we can run our activities and events effectively and so that we can inform people about past work and future activities. This may include us sending you information about other services we think you may be interested in. We will comply with our obligations under the Data Protection act 1998.

Access to dataData is not shared outside CVAT except with partners who are helping to deliver our work. In these cases, sharing is covered by a confidentiality agreement which states that they can only use the data for that specific piece of work. The people who manage our systems may also be able to access data on a strictly confidential basis to make sure that our systems are running effectively. Should CVAT (or a project hosted by CVAT) become part of another organisation, relevant data will be transferred to them and will become their responsibility.

We do not sell data about individuals, groups or organisations to anyone.

Changes to our data about you!

Questions with... Stella O’MallyBrighter Futures is designed to help you into work by using volunteering to build skills and experience. You’ll receive support from initial meetings to help finding a volunteering opportunity, producing your CV and a portfolio of work to show to potential employers so you gain the confidence to apply for paid work.

After my husband experienced two strokes, I knew the time had come for me to return to work. After years at home, my confidence had suffered and without an income I claimed Job Seekers Allowance and found this very hard. At a jobs fair in Manchester, I saw the stand for Volunteer Centre Tameside, I thought it would be a good way to help me update my skills. I attended an appointment and was told about Brighter Futures project.

What did you gain from attending a Pre-Volunteering Course?The course gave me a really clear insight into what volunteering is and the benefits that can be gained.

What support did you receive from the project?I did lots of courses like CV workshops and interview skills that were very useful to me.

How did you move on after the project?Brighter Futures made me want to do more and now I hate being stuck in the house. I now work for a Manchester children’s residential home for autistic children. I never thought I could do this job before I attended Brighter Futures. It made me look outside my comfort zone and I’m doing my Level 3 Diploma (Children’s and Young Peoples Workforce)

What would you say to other people who were thinking about joining the project?“Go for it!” Both Ben and Paul helped me a lot and gave me the support I needed, when I needed it.

I was a stay at home mum of four, including eight year old twins. I was fortunate that my husband had a good job so I didn’t need to work.

PROJECT NEWS—3

A leap into the unknownBy now, I hope that you’ve seen the information about our new fundraising initiative for local groups, Tameside 4 Good. To set an example, and to raise much needed funds for Tameside 4 Good, I have agreed to take a leap into the unknown and conquer my fear of heights. Not one to do things by halves, I will be thrust out of an aeroplane at 10,000ft as part of a tandem skydive in the spring. I will of course have a parachute and be attached to a professional instructor!

The only way to guarantee I will jump is if I raise at least £600, so I hope that you will be generous and sponsor me via my online fundraising page www.mygift.org.uk/ParachuteJump2012

Tameside 4 Good is arranging a number of charity fundraising initiatives next year, including teams in the Manchester–Blackpool bike ride and a charity abseil. Or join me in a thrilling skydive! All money raised goes to local groups, ensuring on going delivery of vital services in local communities.

Tony Okotie, Chief Executive Community and Voluntary Action Tameside

Six amateur ‘athletes’ bravely tackled the Tameside XL Triathlon. The contenders formed two relay teams that were tasked with slipping into swimming costumes, pounding a 9.7km run and a gruelling 15.5km mountain bike ride. They had it tough but the teams triumphed by taking second and sixth place.

Show your support by sponsoring them online www.mygift.org.uk/Tamesidetriathlon2012

Triathlon Triumph

4—LOCAL NEWS

Building Better Futures for the Families, Children & Young People of TamesideIt is clear that commissioners and funders are moving towards less, but larger, contracts and less numerous small grant schemes. Here at Community and Voluntary Action Tameside, we have been aware of this for some time and have been providing a range of support to frontline voluntary and community organisations to help them compete and secure funding in this changing climate.

A notable piece of work has been the development of collaborative arrangements between voluntary and community organisations providing services for families, children and young people of Tameside, helping them to survive in a more challenging economic climate. The result of this work is the establishment of Better Futures Tameside.

Following many meetings and the establishment of a steering group made up of people from member organisations, it has now been decided,

that Better Futures Tameside will be established as a formal consortium. It will bid, on behalf of its members, for contracts and funding, which will then be delivered by its members.

Tameside Council have endorsed our approach by supporting the development of the consortium, through funding to CVAT and by agreeing, in principle, that the first piece of work that BFT will manage, once established, will be the Early Intervention Prevention activity of approximately £200,000.

Better Futures Tameside will shortly be inviting applications for membership from organisations providing services for families, children and young people of Tameside. If you want to make sure that your organisation does not lose out in the future then it is important to seriously consider membership. Being in the BFT consortium means your organisation can be part of much larger tender opportunities than they have been able to access before. There may well be new and exciting opportunities available as public services open up to a wider market than has been considered before.

If you want to find out more, or receive membership information, please contact Veronica Hyde: email veronica.hyde@cvat.org.uk or telephone 0161 339 4985 extension 2015

Together we can build better futures for the people we work with and our Tameside organisations.

These days everyone is aware that charity shops can be a great place to hunt for hidden treasure, there’s even a whole host of daytime TV shows based around bargain hunting.

Age UK Tameside’s shops have certainly turned up some weird and wonderful finds recently from rare stamp collections to an antique geiger counter!

Occasionally though amongst the boxes of donated bric-a-brac they find an item that just needs a little love and putting in touch with the right person to surprise us all with it’s worth.

Recently Kate Jeffries, manager at the Droylsden Age UK shop has found a box of old records amongst some donations and contacted Lee Speed, Retail Development Manager. Lee told us:

“Once at the shop I was a bit disappointed to find most of the records were in a pretty sorry state, dusty, scratched and not of great value. Digging through the pile one label jumped out at me—an early 7” David Bowie release on the old PYE record label.”

Lee had seen similar records before but not this one from the Mod years of Bowie. Miraculously this record was also the only one to come out of the dusty box relatively unscathed and may not have been played since it was bought in 1966. A quick check of the latest price guide confirmed this was David Bowie’s very first record, valued at between £200–£400.

The find was advertised on the newly opned eBay charity shop and quickly snapped up by an Italian record collector for £250.

Along with the Age UK Tameside charity shops in Ashton town centre & Mossley, the Droylsden furniture and bric-a-brac shop is an Aladdin’s cave of donated goods old & new, with the odd hidden gem still to be discovered!

Details of the shops can be found on the Age UK website www.ageuk.org.uk/tameside

LOCAL NEWS—5

Ashton Community Chess Club were fortunate enough to be awarded a grant from Community First recently to help the club hold weekend events for the children from the local area

Ashton Community Chess Club will hold its next weekend on 15 December. If you are interested in taking part or would like to know more about the club’s activities e-mail david@ashtonccc.co.uk and a flyer will be sent to you.

The Chess Club meet every Wednesday,6.30pm–9pm at Broadoak & Smallshaw Community Centre. All levels of ability catered for! To find out more about Community First visit www.t3sc.org/communityfirst

Chess Club Grant

Record find for Age UK

The Stalybridge Street Pastors have been active for over 2 years, going out in all weathers in Stalybridge town centre to care, listen and offer help. They go out every Saturday night removing glass, giving out flip flops to those who need them and making sure vulnerable people get home safely.

Patrolling in teams of three, they are never alone, have excellent training and are all CRB checked.However, they need more volunteers from local Christian churches in Tameside to join the Stalybridge team and also to help to start a team in Ashton which they are working towards. The Street Pastors want to be able to help more people in our local area.

If you need further information, please contact the team coordinator: Angela Trewinnard on 07852 310514 or email stalybridge@streetpastors.org.uk

Active Ageing CentreThe Grafton Centre is Tameside’s first Active Ageing Centre. It is situated on Grafton Street, Hyde close to the local town centre. It is a very popular venue, which hosts a wide variety of activities for the over 55’s living within the community to enhance their overall health and wellbeing.

Activities include keep fit, line dancing, gentle exercise, zumba, sequence dancing, drama group, bingo, armchair exercises, Tameside U3A history group, indoor bowls and the chit-chat club. There is also a luncheon club which offers a two course lunch very reasonably and there is a bistro for snacks and drinks. There are regular day trips out and social lunches with an entertainer.

Free Membership, class fees nominal.

Tel 0161 368 4110, Mon–Fri for more information.

6—LOCAL NEWS

Stalybridge Street Pastors

A local community group of volunteers set up to make a park in Ashton a better place for everyone has gone from strength to strength with a recent Green Flag award and In Bloom nomination. The park now features Georgie Porgie’s cafe and a keep fit path with gym equipment.

Friends of King George V Playing Fields

They are now on the look out for a flag pole to display their flag. It will be used to notify everyone that the cafe is open when the flag is flying.

If you know of a flag pole or if you would like to be involved with the group working in the cafe or the park then contact Alan Fish on 0161 339 5901, 07931 765120 or alan.fish.161te@gmail.com

Bridgewater Hall Community MembershipThe Bridgewater Hall, Manchester’s international concert venue, is launching a new community membership scheme.

Members will be offered free and discounted concert tickets, invitations to participate in community projects, and information about upcoming events and opportunities.

It’s free to join and membership is open to all schools, registered charities and CICs working in Greater Manchester; if you’re an unregistered community group, contact the Bridgewater Hall with an outline of your work and they’ll confirm whether you’re able to participate.

Full details and an application form can be downloaded from their community web pages

Contact Bryony Bell, Learning and Participation Manager, on learning@bridgewater-hall.co.uk 0161 907 9074

Group Win Prestigious Drama Federation AwardAt the Greater Manchester Drama Federation awards night held at ‘The Last Drop’ in Bromley Cross, having overcome opposition from drama groups across the region, Mossley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society were the proud winners (for the second year running) of the most prestigious award, the J Lees-Jones Drama Shield for best overall production.

The award was given to the Society for their outstanding production of the play ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’. Mandy Mallinson, who played the role of the drunken mother Mari Hoff, and Sofi Jo Bennett who excelled in the role of Little Voice also received individual awards. Congratulations to everybody concerned with this production and especially to James Schofield who was nominated for best director.

For more information please contact Susan Fletcher on 0161 633 3062 or visit www.maods.org

LOCAL NEWS—7

Innovative partnership key to contract successLocal homelessness charity Threshold and its partners have been awarded contracts to help improve the lives of vulnerable people in Tameside.

The Threshold-led partnership, which is made up of local organisations St. Peter’s Partnerships, Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind, Tameside Probation and New Charter Housing Trust Group, will form a network of specialist support to help transform services for homeless and vulnerable people in the borough.

The innovative new contracts commissioned by Tameside Council offer supported temporary accommodation and structured day time activities to help reduce the risk of social exclusion and equip vulnerable people with the skills to progress in every aspect of their lives.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Steve Goslyn, Threshold’s Chief Executive said:

“We are absolutely delighted with this news and are really excited to be given the opportunity to help transform local services and local people’s lives.”

The new contracts start in April 2013.

Visitors included children, young people and their families from the neighbouring Fairfield Estate and beyond, regular members and young volunteers from our youth clubs, ex-members and friends of WAC, colleagues and professionals from Tameside Youth & Family Team, Manchester Coalition for Disabled People, St Peter’s Youth (SPY), New Charter Housing Trust, Eastlands Homes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, Tameside Fire & Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police, Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, Big Manchester and many more.

The evening provided an opportunity for WAC to showcase its new accessible ramp, welcome all members of the public to sample their exciting water activities, and to promote its youth provision, in particular the ‘Challenge Tuesday’ afternoon adventure sessions for young people aged 8—16, which took place throughout the school summer holidays and have been funded by Tameside Holiday Activity Grant.

A new Young Women’s Evening, funded by ‘sported’ and others was also launched.

If you would like to find out more about the free youth activities on offer, please contact Admin Coordinator Jules on 0161 301 2673 or email jules@wateradventurecentre.org.uk

8—LOCAL NEWS

Water Adventure CentreOn Tuesday 24 July 2012 at their centre on the Ashton Canal at Fairfield Locks, off Maddison Road, Droylsden, local charity the Water Adventure Centre (WAC) opened its doors for their 34th annual AGM and open evening. Over 150 visitors from the local community and further afield enjoyed free canoeing, refreshments and a DJ workshop by Deon Roach of Music for Young People Ltd.

Climate WeekClimate Week is the UK’s biggest environmental occasion reaching every part of society.

Climate Week is a supercharged national campaign to inspire a new wave of action on climate change. It culminates in thousands of events and activities, planned by organisations from every sector of society. Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change, the campaign aims to renew our ambition to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future. Over half a million people took part in over 3,000 events across the UK last year. Climate Week 2013 will be taking place from 4–10 March 2013.

Climate Week 2013 are urging people to start thinking about ways in which the great work you do in your community could be part of Climate Week 2012. Suggestions include showcasing projects which are taking positive and practical steps to combat climate change or by holding a Climate Week event to bring members of your community together.

To find out more about Climate Week visit www.climateweek.com

Registering your premisesYou must register any existing premises and its activities, with the environmental health department in your local authority or the Health and Safety Executive, if: you have paid staff, prepare, supply, store or sell food or you are carrying out a dangerous process or event (such as a fireworks display)

Risk AssessmentAll organisations should assess any potential risks or hazards to staff, volunteers and members of the public in a structured way. A risk assessment is one way of demonstrating that you have considered any potential hazards and actively worked to reduce the likelihood of them happening.

A risk assessment might include:

• Identifying potential risks and hazards

• Evaluating these risks and hazards (who does it affect, what is the likelihood of them happening and how serious is the risk of it happening?)

• How you might prevent these risks or take adequate precautions

• How these risks and precautions are monitored, managed and reviewed

• External influences and any procedures for dealing with risks if they occur

First aidDepending on the size of your organisation, the activities you are involved in, and the level of risk that applies (based on your risk assessment), you will need to decide on an appropriate number of first-aiders (and of what type). As a minimum you should have at least one “appointed person” with a basic level of first aid knowledge and who is available to take charge in an emergency. By law, any workplace that has more than ten employees must have an accident book. The accident book should record any accidents that occur on your premises, but also any illness that may be caused through work activities and any “near-miss” accidents.

Food hygieneIf your organisation prepares and serves food on your premise (whether it is for sale or not), then food safety regulations apply. People who handle food must be properly trained and properly supervised. There are also specific requirements regarding clean work areas and equipment, suitable premises, suitable arrangements for food waste and so on.

InsuranceInsurance cover is crucial in ensuring that your organisation is covered in the event of an accident.

For more information, check out our factsheet on: www.t3sc.org/resources

FOCUS ON HEALTH & SAFETY—9

Focus on... Health & SafetyHealth and safety should be part of how you operate—you have a “duty of care” to your volunteers, members of the public and any staff that you employ. That duty means protecting people against any risks to their health and safety as a result of your work. By law if you employ five or more employees, you must have a health and safety policy. Here are some tips to help you:

7 health and safety tips for your office

1. Don’t leave any trails of wires from electrical equipment and computers

2. Don’t keep lots of your paper for recycling piled up where it could be a fire risk

3. Ensure that you have appropriate desks and chairs for your computer workstations

4. Ensure fire exits are clearly marked, kept unlocked and not obstructed in any way

5. Bend at the knees when lifting and use a trolley for moving heavy objects

6. Ensure your office is at an ambient temperature

7. Send your staff on any relevant training (such as hazard perception or fire safety)

Food Banks have been able to help thousands of individuals and families who have experienced a crisis of some type. All it takes is a sudden, unexpected event—a bereavement, illness, benefit delay, redundancy or theft—to throw people into a genuine crisis.

Food Banks provide local families and individuals with at least three days’ worth of essential food supplies before social care infrastructure can come into play. Some Food Banks operate on referrals. Shocking figures from the Trussell Trust (www.trusselltrust.org) report that its food bank network had fed almost 110,000 since April compared with a total of 128,697 in the whole of 2011–12.

There has been a rapid growth in the number of Food Banks across Tameside. Groups organising Food Banks share a simple vision: that people should have food to eat, and know where their next meal is coming from. Food Bank developments, however, can only be part of a vision for living together where we all care for one another and recognise that interdependence is a healthy model for our common life.

For more details on Food Banks in Tameside please contact Revd Philip Carlin at carlin@phonecoop.coop

10—NETWORK NEWS

Food Banks in TamesideHunger is not just an issue in developing countries today. Even in seemingly prosperous communities, there are many people living on the edge of poverty.

Services delivered by and for users and communitiesVoice4Change England and NAVCA have produced a joint report showing that ‘specialist service provision’ is an essential means of delivering both more equitable and more efficient public services. Specialist services are designed and delivered by and for the users and communities they aim to serve. They may be delivered by a range of equality-led organisations including Disabled People’s Organisations, Women’s voluntary and community organisations (VCOs), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender VCOs and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) VCOs.

Specialist Services: A Guide for Commissioners focuses on BME VCOs, which often work across multiple disadvantages, recognising discrimination is multi-layered and complex. For instance, poor minority women from BME backgrounds are likely to experience disadvantage due to their poverty, ethnicity and gender. In order to meet the complex needs of many individuals within our community, a holistic approach is often required. Specialist services provide a proven means through which to deliver this.

More information at www.navca.org.uk/downloads/generate/3249

Children’s Trust Executive BoardThe Funky Lizard network continues to provide representation for the voluntary sector at the Children’s Trust executive board in Tameside. At the meeting in October, your representative, Elaine (the chair of Our Kids Eyes) brought a fresh voice to the proceedings.

The first discussion concerned the youth offer in Tameside. A great report had been produced on the government’s thoughts and requirements around the offer and invited key people to join in a task and finish group which will take forward the plans for delivering great services for young people. Also a new project where young people inspect services to ensure that they are accessible to young people was explained. Elaine thought this was a great project and supported its development and use in the voluntary sector wholeheartedly.

Discussions then moved to ask how the Council’s specialist services could best support those who are looking after other people’s children through informal arrangements. Very few people speak out when they are looking after other people’s children, and so do not access the support available.

It can be a similar story when families are struggling with unhealthy relationships and domestic abuse, and the update on the cost of custodial sentences for young people was a timely reminder that there was a need to focus on supporting children when they are young. As Elaine pointed out, when a child with learning difficulties or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not get the support they need to read, or relate to the world, at an early age, they are more vulnerable to getting caught up in offending behaviour when they are young people.

At the next meeting, in January, the network aims to talk more about how all agencies in Tameside are working together to support families and young people when they need early help.

To take up in these and other strategic discussions, contact veronica.hyde@cvat.org.uk or ring 0161 339 4985 extension 2015

Tuesday 2 October saw over 50 local groups and partners gathered in Hyde to discuss and debate what matters, and what is valued in society, with guest speakers at each network meeting. It was a great chance to share ideas across Voice as the speakers then took part in a panel debate which included:

• Professor Paul Weller, Professor of Inter-Religious Relations. University of Derby.

• Dr Lynn Friedli, a mental well being specialist working across the EU.

• Mary Clear from Incredible Edible Todmorden sharing one town’s exciting local food projects.

• Karl Murray, Head of Research at Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) focussed on the economic future of young people.

For reports from the network meetings and the debate please email voice@cvat.org.uk

NETWORK NEWS—11

Your Value, Your Voice

In a recent Age UK survey half the population said they were ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned about how they or their family would be looked after when they got older. They are currently running a campaign to get the Government to understand the need to reform the social care system.

If you or a loved one has a story to share, particularly those who have:

• Had to sell their home to fund their care

• Had their care funded by their Council, but then moved and lost the level of funding they received previously

• Been assessed at one level of need then moved and had this assessment change and therefore lost out on funding and support

• Experienced poor quality care in their own home or in a residential home

• Been assessed, and judged to not need help, when the person concerned and those close to them believe they do need extra support

• Had to become a carer for a loved one

Get in touch for an informal chat by writing, emailing or phoning Age UK. All stories will be treated sensitively and your story will never be used without your prior consent.

Email campaigns@ageuk.org.uk or call 020 303 31712, or contact Age UK in Tameside or CVAT for more help with telling your story.

12—NETWORK NEWS

Care in crisis— have your say“When my funding runs out, I do not know where I will turn. I don’t want to die as a pauper...I want an honest, fair and just deal, and that is something none of us receive.”

Helping ex-service personnel adjust to civilian lifeLive At Ease gives free, one-to-one support to anyone who’s ever served in the armed forces. You might be leaving the army, navy, air force or reserves tomorrow. You might be a veteran discharged 30 years ago. Or you might know someone who needs help. Whatever your situation, dedicated case workers are there for you and your family.

Also of interest in this area, the North West Veterans’ Mental Health Mapping Project have mapped what services are being provided for veterans, in order to inform commissioners and organisations of the local provision of services that directly or indirectly support veterans with a mental health problem. Their report includes a number of recommendations to address gaps in service provision.

For information: www.liveat-ease.org.uk/home

www.vsnw.org.uk/files/ MVreport(6)pg2012.pdf

www.vsnw.org.uk/news/view/2012-10-10-north-west-military-veterans-mental-health-mapping-project

Care Quality CommisionIn September the Care Quality Commission published another inspection report about Tameside Hospital related to an assessment they made in July. The LINk is happy to report that most of the concerns from the previous report had been resolved. However, there are worries that raised concerns about the care of patients in escalation beds and sit-out areas.

The LINk will be considering this at the Hospital Working Group and raise it in the discussions with hospital executives.

Tameside LINk has been visiting Ward 36 and Saxon Ward (the mental health wards at Tameside Hospital) to encourage people to talk to them when they have been discharged. Tameside LINk is asking people who have been discharged from one of these wards, to talk to them about their experience of the discharge procedure. When enough people have spoken to the LINk they will be producing a report and making recommendations for improvement to the people who buy this service and to the people who provide this service.

If you or somebody you know has been discharged from one of these mental health wards in the last six months then please give Ruth Madden a ring on 0161 339 4985, she will be really pleased to hear from you.

LINK NEWS—13

Pennine Independent Voice is a new Independent Constituted Action Group offering self-help and signposting for people who are experiencing Mental Health issues and their Carers.

Sharing ideas and concerns with others in similar situations can be the first step towards self-help and a realisation that you are not alone.

All information shared and discussed is completely private and confidential and is data protected

The group meets the first Wednesday of every month. The aim is that when the group has a larger membership to organise Mental Health related workshops and discussion groups.

If you are interested and/or feel you could add a voice or share your own experiences contact Group Secretary, Katy Robinson on 0161 222 9949 for further details.

Those of you who came to the LINk’s AGM will be aware that the LINk will end in March 2013. It will be replaced by a new organisation called Healthwatch Tameside. Healthwatch will be similar to the LINk but will have some additional powers and a more strategic role.

In addition to the LINk’s powers, Healthwatch will:

• Have a seat on Tameside’s Health and Wellbeing Board—the place where the profile and needs of Tameside’s population will be analysed to form an overall Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the area.

• Provide an information service to help local people to make choices about the services they can access.

There has been a great deal of positive feedback about the work of the LINk and their host, Community and Voluntary Action. We’re hopeful that the new arrangements for Healthwatch will build on this relationship and make the most of the hard work of all the LINk’s volunteers and staff.

Pennine Independent Voice

Healthwatch is coming

People First Tameside is a user led charity organisation. They provide advocacy groups, social events, life skills training and much more.

People First Tameside is passionate in making a difference for someone with a learning disability. Adults with a learning disability worry and have fears going out engaging in the community whether it’s going bowling, snooker, music concert or any other activities we take for granted.

They are looking for volunteers to encourage and empower members to feel confidant, independent and motivated. The role includes talking and listening to adults with a learning disability, encouraging them to try new things, and joining in activities that benefit the member.

In return, People First Tameside offer full training, enhanced CRB and appropriate out of pocket expenses. They believe volunteers are vital in helping learning disability adults have a more fulfilling life. Potential volunteers will gain a sense of worth, meet people and gain experience in this sector. People First Tameside welcome volunteers who have a learning disability or who are carers/family members of someone with a learning disability.

If you have some spare time, call 0161 308 3699 or email christine.hay@pftameside.org

The Convoy of HappinessThe Convoy of Happiness is a registered Children’s Charity based in Tameside that provides events for terminally ill and disabled children. Their aim is to continue to provide more opportunities for the children to experience dream holidays.

They are looking for a volunteer Treasurer to:• Maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs• Ensure its financial viability• Ensure that proper financial records and

procedures are maintained.

A full role description is available on request.

They are looking for volunteers to demonstrate:• Commitment to the organisation• Willingness to devote the necessary time

and effort• Strategic vision• Good, independent judgement• Ability to think creatively• Willingness to speak their mind• Understanding and acceptance of the legal

duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship or willingness to attend free training in these areas

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

For more information visit www.theconvoyofhappiness.org

14—VOLUNTEERING NEWS

Community Support Volunteer

Volunteer Centre Tameside is now part of Community Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT). To find out more about volunteering and the opportunities available on this page–contact the Volunteer Centre Tameside on 0161 339 2345 or www.tamesidevb.org.uk

Community Led RecoveryCommunity Led Recovery is an initiative led by Greater Manchester Probation Trust. Their mission is to reduce offending behaviour in Tameside by assisting people to reconnect with their families and communities.

The aim is to help people move away from offending behaviour and form a new, positive identity by means of improved relationships, employability and health and well being. To provide offenders with peer mentors who will act as a positive role model and help them overcome barriers to social inclusion.

Greater Manchester Probation is looking for Volunteer Mentors who will provide people with a positive role model who can model effective social skills and help people to adapt to a new way of life; mentors are a sounding board who can provide constructive and honest feedback. They can help people build their confidence through setting and achieving both short term and long term goals and targets.

As a Mentor working with adults you will act as an experienced guide, a trusted ally and advocate, and a caring role model. An effective mentor is respectful, reliable, patient, trustworthy, and a very good listener and communicator.

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

Insight For ChangeInsight for Change (IFC) is an organisation that believes that ex offending/vulnerable women can positively contribute to the community that they live in. We assist the women to set their own goals and support them through the many resources on offer and by providing Volunteer Mentors.

We are looking for female Volunteer Mentors who will be fully trained by Insight for Change (IFC) to support service users reach their desired goals as they are integrated back into their communities. It may mean service users require practical resources to make a difference to their lives; in which case you will help them access our resources which may benefit them.

Volunteering with IFC will be a rewarding experience, as you assist vulnerable women reach goals and ambitions through our resources which potentially support the well being of the individual. You will report to the volunteer coordinator who will assist you at every step of the way.

If you feel you have a passion to help vulnerable/ex offending women realise their goals, or you want to be part of an enthusiastic team committed to making a difference in the life of others we would love to hear from you.

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

The Info Shop Project Associate Volunteer Off The RecordOff the Record has an exciting new project where you could really make a difference to a young person’s life and how they feel about themselves! As an Associate you will be expected to have fun and support a young person in their community.

Associates will have access to funds and be an active participant in the activities the young person chooses to engage in; for example leisure passes to go to the gym, football, dance classes, Zumba or it could be a creative activity or learning a life skill like cooking!

You will be with the young person for 3-6 months. Whilst you get to know them and understand their issues, you will encourage them to have a positive experience in what they choose to do by providing them with a positive role model. Previous experience is not essential!

Off the Record are looking for volunteers (16-25yrs old) who want to genuinely help young people, who feel they can relate positively to peers aged between 14-19 yrs old and who want to  make a difference.

If you feel you fit the bill please contact Vashti Holland on 0161 339 2345 vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

VOLUNTEERING NEWS—15

Follow us on Twitter for the latest volunteering opportunities at @vctameside, or @cvatameside for all the latest from CVAT

Double Lottery Success for local charitiesPeople First Tameside and Home-Start Tameside and Oldham have both been successful with their funding applications to the Reaching Communities Programme of the Big Lottery Fund.

People First Tameside has been awarded £278,454 to support around 200 adults with learning disabilities to become more confident and less isolated to develop friendships and relationships, and have greater access to volunteering opportunities in their local community.

Liz Wright, Programme Manager, said

“This exciting project will address these issues supporting adults with learning disabilities across Tameside to become more active in their local community by establishing new social networks.”

Home-Start Tameside and Oldham were awarded £292,144. Home-Start provides vital support to more than 300 families across Tameside who have at least one child under the age of five and are experiencing difficulty or stress.

Home-Start Development Manager, Sarah Petts said

“This grant will allow us to provide much-needed emotional support to families through our amazing volunteers, and it will help us to make sure families get specialist help.”

Community and Voluntary Action Tameside’s support and development team supported and assisted both organisations in their successful bids and are delighted to see such a positive outcome.

16—FUNDING NEWS

I Love Hyde— small grants

Generating Success

Applications for grants are now open to community, voluntary and faith groups, charities, projects and youth services who provide (or wish to) community cohesion activities in Hyde. Grants will be awarded up to a maximum of £1,000 per group.

Applications will be assessed for eligibility by a panel of the funders. Who gets funded will then be decided by residents of Hyde at a public event on Saturday 2 March 2013 to which groups chosen by the panel will be invited. At the event you will have the opportunity to tell attendees about your group and persuade them to support your application.

For more information, contact Ben Gilchrist, Tel: 0161 339 4985 Email: ben.gilchrist@cvat.org.uk Closing date for applications: Friday 21 December at 4pm.

Is your organisation interested in developing a community renewable energy project? Have you considered installing solar panels, a wind turbine or a biomass boiler or would you like to generate energy through a community hydro project?

Projects based in the rural wards of Tameside: Ashton Hurst, Hyde Godley, Hyde Werneth, Longdendale and Mossley might be eligible for start-up support from GMCVO’s Generating Success project. GMCVO’s Community Hubs team, in collaboration with MERCi and The Carbon Co-op, can provide support to eligible projects.

For further information please visit our web page www.gmcvo.org.uk/generating-success or email: alison.crush@gmcvo.org.uk tel: 0161 277 1022

Free funding finder Tameside funding portalIf you’re a charity, voluntary, community or faith organisation in Tameside, there is a new free funding portal to help you find sources of funding for your group, organisation, charity or social enterprise.

The funding portal is a free search engine and online database, which can help Tameside’s community groups to find suitable funding, enabling them to help sustain themselves and provide services for the communities in Tameside.

All you need to do is complete a short online registration form then you can have free access to our comprehensive database of funding opportunities.

Features of the portal include:

• The latest published information on national government, trust and lottery funding.

• A link to CVAT and the ability to request support and guidance from us.

• Links to useful online resources such as information sheets and fact packs.

The funding portal for Tameside was designed by IDOX Information Solutions and is maintained by Community and Voluntary Action Tameside (CVAT).

To register for the portal to find funding, please visit: www.open4community.info/tameside

FUNDING NEWS—17

What is Community First?

Community First is an England-wide programme, funded by the Office for Civil Society, on behalf of the government. It will run for four years, until March 2015. The fund will help communities come together, become more resilient, and make their local area a better place to live.

Neighbourhood Match Fund: A £30m fund to encourage people to give time and expertise to local projects. The funds will be distributed to 600 areas across England, which have been selected by Community Development Foundation according to several criteria.

How much

Grants are available from £250 to £2,500, projects must also match the amount of money they are applying for either in cash or through in-kind donations (e.g. resources, room hire or volunteer time).

Community First Panels

Each of the 600 areas will have their own panel, comprised of local people to represent their community. They will be involved in creating

a plan for the local area, raising awareness of the funds, and planning how they will match and spend the money.

Where?

The following wards in Tameside have been selected to receive Community First funding:

• Ashton St Michaels

• Denton North East

• Hyde Godley

• Hyde Newton

• Longdendale

• Ashton St Peter’s

• Stalybridge North

For more information on applying for a grant or becoming a panel member please contact, Dawn Acton, Tel: 0161 339 4985 Email: dawn.acton@cvat.org.uk

Community First grant

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

Tameside Green Interest GroupSustainable Schools 14 NovRaichael Lock (Manchester Environmental Education Network) talk, then Questions & Answers

0161 273 8881 www.meen.org.uk

Mossley Fair Trade Town 17 JanJanet Davies (Mossley Fair Trade Town) talk, then Questions & Answers.

www.fairtrademossley.org.uk www.facebook.com/fairtrademossley

Public Right Of Access To Land (History) 21 MarTGIG Group meet every 2nd Thursday in the month at IKEA, Ashton in the ‘Billy’ Room.

Contact: Don Taylor: 0161 338 4070 mail@tamesidegig.org.uk www.tamesidegig.org.uk

Werneth Community CentreCoffee Morning with Christmas Gift Shop 20 Nov, 10am–12pmCome for coffee, cake and a chat and start your Christmas shopping here supporting your community centre

Craft Fair 24 Nov, 11am–2pmExclusive, affordable hand made gifts for every occasion. Come along and try your hand at working with willow. Light lunches available. Admission free

Wych Fold, Gee Cross, Hyde, SK14 5ED

Tameside 4 GoodCharity Golf DayLooking for Tiger Woods wannabes to form teams, and corporate sponsors—great excuse for networking!

Skydive for Tameside

We’re looking for adventurous volunteers to make a fundraising parachute jump and if you raise enough money you will jump for free! To make a thrilling skydive from 10,000 feet contact the team for a full information pack and everything you need to take part in the experience of a lifetime. Scale new heights for local good causes.

For further information or to sign up for events contact Amy Watson on tel: 0161 339 4985 or email: info@tameside4good.org

Keeping safe & legalLevel 1 child protection awareness training Nov 28, 6pm–9pm or Jan 29, 6pm–9pm, OldhamLevel 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.

For more information please contact Adele Thomson Tel: 0758 423 3593 or visit www.thehuboldham.org.uk

Planning and governanceMeasuring your impact Dec. 5, 9.30am–3.30pm, OldhamThis session will help your group get to grips with getting the right information about your activities to prove to funders and your members how good you are and how to improve your services. We will look at different quality assurance systems, outcome measurement and practical tools for you to use.

Please book online at www.vaoldham.org.uk/trainingCollaboration and partnerships Jan. 31, 6pm–9pm, Oldham

Partnerships and collaboration are buzz words but what do they mean and how can we make sure that this can improve the valuable work you are doing? We will look at the background to this, explore different ways of working together and look at ways of joining together to put in strong funding applications for creative new projects.

Please book online at www.vaoldham.org.uk/training

18—TRAINING & EVENTS

Events

Training

TRAINING & EVENTS—19

Influence and partnershipLiberating leadership (two days) Nov. 7 & Feb.6 9.30am–4pm, Tameside

Leadership is not just about the burden of a single person who has been given a title, such as chair, representative, chief executive, team leader; it is about liberating leadership in everyone. This course will help you identify the different roles (e.g. organiser, ideas person, team builder) within your group or network and help you work more effectively together to inspire and motivate others and improve the impact and influence you have.

For more information please contact Veronica Hyde, Tel: 0161 339 4985 email veronica.hyde@t3sc.org

MarketingSocial Media Surgery Nov. 20, 3pm–5pm, OldhamThis surgery is an opportunity for you to get free advice and guidance on using social media. Whether it’s Facebook or Twitter surgeries are a chance to ask questions and get answers.

Please book online at www.vaoldham.org.uk/training

The funding factorDeveloping relationships with businesses Nov. 13, 9.30am–3pm, TamesideThis course provides an introduction to how to effectively engage businesses in your organisation, including identifying potential business sponsors and how to maintain good relationships.

Trading—grow your own income Jan. 24, 9.30am–3pm, TamesideThis course is aimed at individuals from voluntary and community organisations that have a trading idea and want help to get it up and running.

Please book online at www.t3sc.org.uk/training

Volunteer managementVolunteer coordinators forum Jan. 15, 11.30am–2.30pm, TamesideA place for Volunteer Coordinators to network and access training and support over a free lunch! 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 local and national changes to volunteering.

For more information please contact Vashti Holland, Tel: 0161 339 2345, email vashti@tamesidevb.org.ukRisk assessment for volunteers Nov. 6, 10am–4pm, Tameside

Risk is everywhere. Every action we take, from crossing the road to trying something new. What is risk? What risks do volunteers bring? How can we assess and manage risk?

For more information please contact Vashti Holland, Tel: 0161 339 2345, email vashti@tamesidevb.org.ukMotivate and retain volunteers Jan. 22, 10am–4pm, Oldham

Why do volunteers leave? Are there simple and effective ways to help motivate and retain your volunteers? This course explores the value and benefits that volunteers bring, key motivators and solutions to retention, using a wide range of interactive learning methods!

For more information please contact Vashti Holland, Tel: 0161 339 2345, email vashti@tamesidevb.org.uk

Tameside Room Hire DirectoryCommunity and Voluntary Action Tameside are updating our Room Hire Directory. This is a much used resource that community organisations and private hirers use regularly to find a good place to use for meetings and events.

If you have a not for profit community space we would like to hear from you. Your community space might be a community centre, a church, a theatre or a sports centre. Hiring out your community space is a great way of bringing in funds and also means that your building is a well used and vibrant place. We are also interested in private and statutory buildings if these can be offered free or at a good discount for community and voluntary organisations to use.

If you would like to have a look at the existing directory you can do so here www.bit.ly/TamesideRoomHire

For further information or to fill out a Room Hire form please contact Dawn Acton on 0161 339 4985 or email dawn.acton@cvat.org.uk

Resources

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

LINk (Local Involvement Network)

Helping local people have their say on health and social care issues.

Contact Peter, Ruth, Tahmena or Julie on 0161 339 4985 or peter.denton@cvat.org.uk; ruth.madden@cvat.org.uk, tahmena.khan@cvat.org.uk, julie.beech@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, Sam or Lilian on 0161 339 4985, helen.tallents@cvat.org.uk, samantha.mcnicholls@cvat.org.uk, lilian.peace@cvat.org.uk or Kelly on 0161 339 2345, kelly.chadwick@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 25 January 2013. Newsletter articles should be sent to michael.withington@cvat.org.uk, tel 0161 339 2345.

20—HOW CAN WE HELP?