annual review 2009-2010...with solent youth action to encourage 16 – 25 year olds into...

Annual Review 2009-2010

www.cfnf.org.uk

President’s Report I am delighted to have the opportunityof expressing my support for Community First New Forest and to be able to say thank you to all the volunteers and dedicated staff for theircontinuing effort in supporting the local voluntaryand community sector. They are all amazingpeople who give of their time and experiencewithout expecting anything back in return, otherthan the knowledge that they have helped otherpeople, who are sometimes in difficultcircumstances, in a meaningful way.

Community First New Forest continues to progressand make an impact on the lives of the people ofthe Forest; this could not be achieved withoutstrong leadership and management. I thankeveryone involved and wish the Chief Executive,Michael Clowes, and his team further success forthe future.

I would also like to express my gratitude to theBoard of trustees and Stephanie Stokes, theirchair, for their continued support to CommunityFirst New Forest.

Cllr Pat Wyeth

Community First New Forest – Annual Review 2009-2010 Community First New Forest – Annual Review 2009-2010

Chair’s Report They say time flies when you are havingfun and a year has flown at CommunityFirst New Forest because we do have fun.The key to this is the community spiritthat pervades the organisation andconsequently to work at CommunityFirst is to work in a happy and supportiveenvironment. It is this function ofsupport that sums up for me the essenceof what we do in this charity. Each of ourservices supports a sector of the NewForest community, be it providing care forthe elderly or providing help for children.It is the vital link between the individualand our community that is the lifeblood ofour work and so as an organisation weengage on every level with the communitywe serve.

This year we have faced significantchallenges; we have not been immune tothe economic downturn. We have lostsome income due to grants being cut orwithdrawn, but we have risen to thesechallenges as a committed team andfound new ways of developing throughentrepreneurism and partnership working.Throughout, we have been able to retainstaff and maintain a high level of serviceto the community. It has not been alldoom and gloom, indeed the economicsituation has meant we have helped morepeople through our Volunteer Centre thanever. The service is growing rapidly, withnew ideas coming on stream.

The Innovations project, in its infancy lastyear, has grown and developed to cover awider geographic area. The Grandparentsas Carers and the Autism Support Groupshave been successful start ups and ourSmall Repairs Scheme is stretched tocapacity. Our cohesive Transport Servicehas increased throughput and we arelooking at new ways of working to developit. The personalisation agenda is providingour Home Support Service with

challenges which may alter delivery,but we have the expertise to meet thatchallenge effectively.

Our role as an enabler of communityprojects has been hallmarked by thenumber we have supported, from simplenetworking events to the more complexLocal Strategic Partnerships. Our ChiefExecutive, Michael Clowes, has been atthe forefront of decision making. Heworks hard regardless of the task. That he can do so is tribute to the support hereceives from his staff. As trustees, therole of the Board is to be a ‘criticalfriend’, but with the emphasis on ‘friend’.Each member of the Board is allied to aService Manager, whom he or she supportsparticularly, providing that ‘listening ear’and contact point to governance. It isoften difficult to separate managementfrom governance, but I believe we do itrather well at Community First NewForest. It would appear others do too,because to our surprise our Board hasrecently been listed as one of threefinalists for the Wessex Charity Board ofthe Year. Such success can only bepossible if we are seen to be committed,cohesive and mature. I believe that’sexactly what we are and it is a privilegeto serve as its Chair. We have amultiplicity of skills and talents and I amparticularly indebted to our Treasurer,who has become a linchpin of the Boardand to my Vice Chair who has been such a source of wisdom and support.

I look forward to 2011, confident thatwe can grow stronger and serve ourcommunity better. As Mahatma Ghandionce said ‘Happiness is when what youthink, what you say, and what you doare in harmony’. That’s the spirit ofCommunity First New Forest!

Stephanie Stokes, Chair

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Chief Executive’s Report


IntroductionI am pleased to report that CommunityFirst New Forest (CFNF) has continued toprovide a range of essential services thatsupport organisations and residents of theNew Forest district. Each of these serviceshas a positive impact to quality of life. Iknow that every day we continue to makea difference. This year has been one ofsuccesses and challenges, for CFNF andfor voluntary and community groupsacross the New Forest. A key challengefor us all is funding and sustainability.This is set to continue and there arepredictions that it will worsen.

In our support role as a Council forVoluntary Service we are committed tofinding ways to help local groups withthese key challenges. During this reportingperiod we have provided advice andsupport in many ways. Examples includefunding advice, business planning, training,recruiting and retaining volunteers. Thesupport we have provided this year hashelped local voluntary and communitygroups to do what they do best – to meetlocal needs, that is underpinned by theirpersonal commitment and drive.

This year has been a busy period for all ofus and this Annual Review sets out to giveyou the highlights of the year.

Achievements• Developed a 3 year Strategic Business

Plan that demonstrates a plannedapproach to partnership, sustainability,quality and future needs.

• Supported the delivery of The NewForest Community Strategy and activepartner of the New Forest LocalStrategic Partnership.

• Lead and chair of the ActiveCommunities Network. This Networkhas a focus on delivering actions thatsupport community engagement,volunteering, diversity and equality.

• Supported the development of newlocal initiatives. Examples includeInnovations, a service that supports the continued independence of olderpeople, and the new Garden Sharescheme in Ringwood.

We conducted an Annual Survey andasked members how they rated us overallon key areas for quality.

You rated our staff as follows:Reliability – 98% good or excellent and100% good or excellent for:

• Helpfulness

• Friendliness

• Knowledge

• Being non-judgemental

You rated our services at 100% good orexcellent for:

• Reliability

• Helpful/informative

• Attentive and tailored

• Individualised support

• Being non-judgemental

Future plans• We will develop our quality systems

by pursuing ISO 9001.

• We will aim to reach more voluntaryand community organisations acrossNew Forest district and increase ourmembership.

• We will be developing our businesswith regards to opportunities andactively promoting and marketing the work of CFNF.

On a personal note I am fortunate towork with such a passionate andcommitted group of people. The levelof professionalism and dedication ofCFNF’s Trustees, volunteers and staffhas continued to shine in all our workthroughout this past year.

A BIG ‘thank you’ to you all.

Michael Clowes

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Voluntary & Community Services Volunteer Centre


Our Community Development Teamprovides dedicated support to communitiesacross the district in order to bring abouta collective social change and improvequality of life.

Achievements and PerformanceContinuing the successful pilot of theInnovations team in Totton, we have beenable to recruit three more developmentworkers to join the teams that nowprovide the service to the entire district.Innovations is a partnership projectworking with older people who arebecoming more vulnerable. It aims toreintegrate them within their communitiesto boost their wellbeing, slow theirgrowing vulnerability, and reduce theirneed for expensive and distressingemergency interventions. We have run15 training sessions attended by a totalof 195 people and provided one to onetraining on specific issues includingconstitutions and policies & procedures.

We engaged with over 49 groups giving a range of general advice and support,advising on both large and small projects.£1,354,974 of grant money has beenapplied for both locally and nationallywith 39 groups using FunderFinder. Wealso held another successful FundingFayre at Lyndhurst which was attended by over 100 people.

Future PlansWe will be working in partnership withNew Forest District Council and theNational Park Authority to pilot a HealthyWalks project in the district. This willcreate opportunities to build on existinginitiatives and develop new opportuniteseg GP Referrals onto guided walks and

access to other recreational activitiesthat encourage health and wellbeingwhilst promoting understanding andenjoyment of the National Park.

Following the success of the Ringwood‘Let’s Get Growing’ Scheme, we will beusing development expertise to expandthis project to other targeted areas ofthe district. We will work to engageidentified communities across the NewForest, empower local people of all ages,backgrounds and abilities, but primarilytargeting vulnerable families with lowincomes. This creates opportunities forthem to grow, eat and enjoy freshproduce, in a green and sustainablemanner, and in the process to make apositive impact on their surroundingenvironment.

We will be supporting Community FirstNew Forest through a diversity auditensuring we have the right policies,processes, procedures and systems inplace so that diversity is promotedand valued. This in turn will help usimprove service provision/support andengagement with diverse voluntary andcommunity groups.

Client Comments‘Excellent and very instructive trainingsession.’

‘We feel so much more confident in our grant application, thank you for your support.’

Jackie HartlessCommunity Development ManagerTel. 01425 482773email. [email protected]

Aim of ServiceThe Volunteer Centre actively promotesthe benefits of volunteering for theindividual and for our communities. We encourage diversity and inclusion inall aspects of volunteering, making adifference to the health and wellbeingfor all concerned.

AchievementsWe held an annual celebration event,recognising the valuable contribution that voluntary, community groups andcharities involving volunteers make to our community.

We had enquiries from 398 people. We have personally interviewed 137 volunteers and placed 110 with local organisations and agencies.

Working with the Job Centre Plus networkwe actively encourage unemployed peopleto volunteer, aiding their return to theworkplace. We held two recruitmentroadshows, giving 30 organisations thechance to promote what they do, withover 70 members of the public attending.

Future PlansWe are piloting a new initiative, workingwith HCC, PCT and local doctors toprovide volunteering placements topeople over 55.

We will work with our LSP partnerorganisations, expanding their capacityby offering unemployed people voluntaryplacements.

We will continue to work in partnershipwith Solent Youth Action to encourage 16 – 25 year olds into volunteering.

Client Comments‘Although I have only just started myvolunteering, getting over the fear ofmaking contact and meeting people atthe organisation has improved myconfidence already.’

‘This event was very well organised withan interesting range of organisationsrepresented. An excellent day with agood response from the public.’

Hazel DysonVolunteer Centre Co-ordinatorTel. 01425 482773email. [email protected]

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Home Improvement Services


IntroductionHome Improvement Agencies (HIA) supportolder people, people with disabilitiesand people on low incomes to maintainindependence in their own homes. Wesupport people with arranging andfunding repairs, improvements andadaptations so that homes will be moresuitable, safe and energy efficient.

AchievementsNew Forest HIA

• We have supported a total of 486 peoplein the New Forest district.

• We have directly helped 318 peopleimprove, repair or adapt their homes,and 272 of these have been supportedto apply for Disabled Facilities Grantsfrom New Forest District Council.

• We have carried out 228 home safetychecks in people’s homes, resultingin the removal of tripping hazards,installation of smoke detectors, andthe improvement and/or addition oflocks and door chains.

Test Valley HIA

• We have supported a total of 631people in the Test Valley area.

• We have directly helped 250 peopleimprove, repair or adapt their homes,and 235 of these have been supportedto apply for Disabled Facilities Grantsfrom Test Valley Borough Council.

• We have helped Test Valley BoroughCouncil administer its Fix-It schemeby taking 106 telephone requests forwork and dealing with 210 additionalenquiries.

Children and Young People ServicesAimOur services support vulnerable children,young people and families across the NewForest. Our work focuses on supportingchildren’s emotional wellbeing through anumber of services, approaches and skills.

Achievements• Over 600 children, young people and

families supported during the last year.

• More than 120 teachers, other schoolstaff and other agencies have takenpart in our awareness raising ofemotional issues concerning childrenand young people.

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Small Repairs ServiceThe technician made 512 visits resultingin 549 jobs being completed. He haschanged tap washers, repaired door locks,hung pictures, repaired toilet overflows,unblocked sinks and much more.

The technician carried out 126 of the228 home safety checks, and has fittedequipment to improve home safety andsecurity such as grab rails, key safes,door chains and window locks. Thecontract with the RoSPA Safe at Homescheme has resulted in safety equipmentbeing installed in three homes.

Future PlansContinue to be a key provider of supportservices that enable people to remainliving independently in their own homes.

Formulate processes that improve andencourage service users to be moreinvolved in the operation of services.

Successfully tender for the new contractwhich starts in 2011.

Client Comments‘An excellent service. Can hardly bebettered. Staff very friendly and helpful,and nothing is too much trouble.’

‘The work carried out was of very highstandard. The workmen were very politeand friendly…..and explained what theywere going to do. Excellent service, top notch!’

Barrie CheethamHome Impovement Agency ManagerTel. 01425 478005email. [email protected]


Home Support Service IntroductionWe aim to provide personal care andsupport to older people residing in theEast of the Forest, Hythe and theWaterside areas. We accept referralsfrom Adult Services, directly from theperson requiring help and from familymembers or friends. We intend to make adifference to clients’ lives and to preventsocial isolation and exclusion andunnecessary hospital admissions.

Achievements & Performance• We have continued to provide a quality

care service for our clients enablingthem to remain safely in their ownhomes.

• We have increased the domestic supportwe provide. As our clients have becomeless mobile, we have been able to takeover the daily tasks that they werefinding difficult.

• We have been inspected by CQC andreceived a good report from them; theyhad no areas of concern.

Future PlansIn order to increase the number of hoursof care we provide we intend to:

• Increase our share of private clientcare packages.

• Plan and embrace the newpersonalisation agenda.

• Widen the services that we can offerclients.

• Improve further the quality of caredelivered by additional and variedtraining.

Client Comments‘An email received – ‘It is most kindof you to accommodate my father’srequirements. I have to say that bothhe and I have been very impressed thusfar with the service that you and yourcarers have provided.’

‘Attending the funeral of a clientfor whom we had provided care for7 or 8 years at the end of April, I wasoverwhelmed by the gratitude of thefamily who were genuinely gratefulfor the care we had provided. ‘Mumnever praised anyone in her life buteven she said you weren’t that bad!’Praise indeed.

Gael ClemettHome Support Services ManagerTel. 023 8066 7080email. [email protected]

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Children and Young People Services continued

• 90 parents/grandparents joined ournew parenting support forums aimedat parents of children on the autisticspectrum and another for grandparentswith full time care of theirgrandchildren.

• 27 voluntary and community sectororganisations joined the new NewForest Children and Young PeopleVoluntary Sector Alliance, started inFebruary 2010, to enable improvedinfra-structure development and a voicefor the sector within the New Forest.

Future PlansDevelopment of our current service isimportant. This year we will:

• Look to increase the number of ourautism and grandparenting forums toother parts of the New Forest.

• Add a new holistic based approach toour young carer service.

Growth of our services is alwaysimportant where there are unmet needs.For example, this year we are:

• Developing an application in partnershipwith children and adolescent mentalhealth services focussing on mentoring.

• Developing an application for an obesityin children programme.

• Continuing and developing the NewForest Children and Young PeopleVoluntary Sector Alliance is animportant priority for us.

Client Comments‘Jigsaw is when you can talk to someoneabout something that’s been stuck insideyou and you feel you want to talk tosomeone but everyone is busy and won’tlisten to you.’

Helen, aged 12

‘We began looking after our twograndchildren full time when theirmother died last year. We thought wewere the only ones worried about moneyissues, support, and our own health inthe New Forest. It is really good to meetother people who are in the samesituation and see how they are coping.’

Grandparents aged 70+ caring fortwo grandchildren aged 9 and 11

Jean WatkinsChildren & Young People Services ManagerTel. 01425 482773email. [email protected]

Community Transport continued


Future Plans

Group Hire

• Increase the number of hirings byraising awareness of the scheme bypromotion and publicity.

• Contact the harder to reach anddiverse communities.

• Explore the possibilities of using ourvehicles on contract work.

Wheels 2 Work

• To double the number of hirings duringthe next 12 months.

• Target the harder to reach hirers in themost rural areas of the region.

Call and Go

• Continue to provide a consistent andreliable service for our passengers.

• Increase the number of passengersregistered with us.

• Investigate the potential of introducingnew routes.

Client Comments

‘This service is my lifeline. I have noother means to do my shopping, awonderful service.’

Call and Go passenger

‘The scheme itself is excellent, and thestaff are very good and helpful andfriendly. It has improved my personalindependence and responsibility.’

Wheels 2 Work client

Graham HartlessTransport Services ManagerTel. 01425 482773email. [email protected]

Community TransportAimsThe Community Transport team aims to provide a transport service to bothindividuals and groups, meeting the needs of those living and working withinthe New Forest who may suffer withpersonal mobility issues, unavailability of public transport, or groups who needto travel together.

Achievements

Minibus HireWe currently have about 20 groups whohire vehicles on a regular basis, and over200 hirings during the last 12 months,enabling many individuals to overcometheir geographical isolation and take anactive part in their community.

Call and GoWe enabled 8,414 passenger trips to bemade, compared with 7,888 the previousyear. The average age of our passengershas risen to 82, and 74% of our passengersrequire mobility aids.

Wheels 2 WorkThis scheme has assisted 37 young peopleeither to find work or give them theopportunity to save for their owntransport.

We have received several referrals fromSocial Services and this scheme hasoffered independence and the opportunityfor vulnerable young people to turn theirlives around. We currently have a sixweek waiting list for young people whowish to hire our mopeds.

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Financial SummaryThese financial highlights show thebreakdown of income by funding sourceand the expenditure by project.Community First New Forest income forthe year ended 2010 totalled £1,627,486and net assets stood at £1,145,613.

Copies of the full audited financialstatements can be obtained from: TheFinance Office, Community First NewForest, Public Offices, 65 ChristchurchRoad, Ringwood, Hants BH24 1DH.

Income for 2009/10

Expenditure for 2009/10

NightstopThe only emergency accommodationservice for young homeless people in theNew Forest District.

Nightstop helps prevent rough sleeping bygiving young homeless people aged 16 – 24free emergency accommodation of 1 – 5nights (or more if necessary) in the homesof approved volunteers in the New Forest.The service allows young homeless peoplea short breathing space to consider theiroptions in their own time, in their ownarea and to get further advice on housing,employment, education and health.

Achievements and PerformanceOur volunteer households provided a totalof 291 support nights throughout the yearwhich is an increase on previous years.This provided homeless support to 19young people.

Nightstop has fulfilled its requiredoutcomes for its main funder, the BigLottery, although the current economicclimate has impacted on the outcomesfor young people moving intoemployment and training this year.

Nightstop continues to maintain its teamof hosts, drivers and support volunteers –a total of 27 volunteers with newenquiries from interested members ofthe community.

Future PlansOver the coming year, Nightstop aims to:

• Improve the marketing and promotionto young people by developing a videoon Nightstop and launching a dedicatedwebsite.

• Distribute essential packs to all hosts,including basic clothing and toiletriesfor young people.

• Continue to contact young peoplefollowing their stay with Nightstop torecord feedback from their experienceof the service and to make anyimprovements.

• Continue to provide on-going trainingsessions for existing and newvolunteers.

Comments from young people‘Really great and helpful and caring and I am really grateful. Thank you so muchNightstop for everything you have donefor me. I shall be forever grateful.’

Sue Roberts Nightstop Co-ordinatoremail. [email protected]

Jude Todd Nightstop Support Workeremail. [email protected]

Tel. 01425 478391

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www.cfnf.org.uk

Our MissionWe are a not-for-profit umbrella organisation which supports and promotesthe sustainable development of the local voluntary and community sector.

By building relationships, fostering partnerships and delivering quality serviceswe aim to improve quality of life and assist in the development of diverse,strong communities primarily in the New Forest district. We work towards

removing barriers to social inclusion by working with communities and individualswho may be socially disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated.

We acknowledge the support of:Big Lottery Fund

Connexions

Capacity Builders

Hampshire County Council

Hampshire Primary Care Trust

New Forest District Council

New Milton Masonic Lodge

Supporting People

Test Valley Borough Council

Town and Parish Councils

Our members

Community First New Forest is a charity and a registered company limited by guarantee

Charity number: 1068964

Company number: 3483827

Registered Offices: Public Offices, 65 Christchurch Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1DH

email: [email protected]

Tel. 01425 482773

www.cfnf.org.uk

annual review 2009-2010...with solent youth action to encourage 16 – 25 year olds into...

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