Patron: Gavin Williamson MP Autumn 2014

SSCVA Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 26th November 6pm to 8pm

at South Staffordshire Council Offices

Wolverhampton Road Codsall, WV8 1PX

Welcome to the Autumn 2014 Issue of our quarterly newsletter designed to inform and assist voluntary organisations and community groups in South Staffordshire.

BUZZ will keep you up to date with news, issues and changes that affect the voluntary sector.

Funding & Grants for groups see pages

6 to 11

New Volunteering Opportunities

see pages 18 to 19

News on groups in South Staffordshire

see pages 15 to 17

SSCVA news and information see pages

2 to 5

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Welcome to the Autumn edition of the BUZZ newsletter. As part of developing our new business plan for SSCVA we have been looking at how we communicate news and information, in addition to encouraging comment and feedback on new developments and consultations (of which there have been many recently). One thing we have done recently is launch a new fortnightly e-bulletin, which fills in the gaps between editions of BUZZ. We have sent out 6 to date, with news and information on local events, funding opportunities, partnership developments, and other matters of interest – your suggestions for any extra content are most welcome. If you don’t receive the e-bulletin and would like to subscribe, please get in touch with Louise. Are you aware of the South Staffordshire Commissioning Prospectus? Funding is again available to support projects tackling the five key priority areas for South Staffordshire – Alcohol, Obesity, Mental Wellbeing, Dementia and Rural isolation. You can find out more on our website or by giving us a ring and asking for Ros or Timon. Inside you will see that we have launched several new projects – please get in touch if you would like more information or if you would like to become actively involved. If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of volunteering within South Staffordshire, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Thanks to everybody who attended our recent training courses on Food Hygiene and First Aid – there was a total of 36 attendees, and feedback was very positive. Thanks also to everybody who attended the recent round of Community Voice forums – they were very successful, and we gathered a lot of useful information from you on how to shape new funding bids for the CATALYST project after its final year. Many congratulations (and thanks) to SSCVA volunteers who have been recognised recently for their contributions in the recent South Staffordshire Volunteer Awards. We hope you find BUZZ informative reading as the nights draw in…

S S C V A

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South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action would like to thank Caroline Leach, Pete Allen and Hilary Shone for their time and skills they have put in to the AT Home Project. We wish them well in their future endeavours.

S S C V A

New Volunteering Projects at SSCVA Supported Volunteering

If you or someone you know has a physical or learning disability or are frail elderly and looking to volunteer, we can support them into volunteering by providing a Buddy to attend with them to volunteer. Work Club Volunteering

We are attending all 7 Work Clubs in South Staffs until May 2015 to encourage job seekers to volunteer as a way of gaining and maintaining new skills to support them into paid employment. New Community Support Service in South Staffs

We at SSCVA are providing a new Community Support Pilot project in specific areas of South Staffordshire. We will be supporting frail elderly people and people with a long-term health condition to find support in their local community. This may be as simple as directing someone with diabetes to a diabetes support group, to helping an elderly person who feels isolated to access a befriender service, transport, regular social activities and luncheon club. Referrals will be made from healthcare professionals. We will be confirming the exact area in South Staffs soon and look forward to supporting people in that area. Work Clubs

For those out of work, South Staffs has 7 regular Work Clubs which are FREE to access and offer FREE support from a Careers Coach, Benefits Officer, IT Support and Volunteering Officer. For more information see: www.southstaffsworkcafes.co.uk/Jobs/work-clubs/

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Welcome to all the new members of South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action

We would like to welcome the following groups as new members of South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action. Pattingham Baby & Toddler Group Perton Carnival St. John’s Church Essington 3rd Perton Guides Rotary Club of Sedgeley & Wombourne Victim Support Central Orchid Society Messy Church Beth Johnson Foundation Penkridge W.I. Cheslyn Hay Table Tennis Club L.E.R.W.A. Royal British Legion South Staffordshire Kanyini CIC Codsall Community Group Community Social Group QUEST

S S C V A

South Staffordshire Community Awards

2014 sees the 40th anniversary of South Staffordshire Council and to mark the occasion the Council held the South Staffordshire Community Awards on Friday 10th October 2014 at the Council offices.

On the night receiving a certificate of recognition for Community Volunteer Award was Jen Egerton who is the Volunteering Duty Officer for SSCVA, and Hilary Shone who volunteered with SSCVA for two years with the AT Home Shop John Hollingshead also a volunteer with SSCVA was recognised for the Inspiration Award and received a certificate.

Pictured here receiving the Young Volunteering award sponsored by SCVYS is Daniel Swift. Daniel is a volunteer with SSCVA as a Marketing Assistant.

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S S C V A

Autumn Community Voice Forums

During October SSCVA in partnership with South Staffordshire Council held its Community Voice Forums in the five localities in South Staffordshire. There was a great turn out at the forums with a wide variety of groups in attendance. Discussions took place around funding, transport, The Goodlife and the new Data Profiles for 2014. Interactive sessions took place around the New Data Profiles and what are the key issues in the community, how does it impact on the community and how can groups help address the issues. All the information collected around the discussions that took place was fed back to the Council.

Thank you

to all who attended

the forums

South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 26th November 2014 at 6pm

At

South Staffordshire Council Offices

Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX

Speakers on the night will be Imre Tolgyesi, Partnership Development Manager for South Staffordshire Council. Sue Baldwin from Rockspur and Anna Hraboweckyj from Clever Elephant, research and management services for the social and public sector.

All are welcome

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ESF & Big Lottery Funding 2014

This new joint BIG Lottery and European Social Fund (ESF) is aimed at supporting local grass roots groups in engaging those furthest from the labour market.

This fund is being commissioned through LEPS (Local Enterprise Partnerships) from 2014 for six years until 2020. The basis of this is the LEP’s ESIFIS strategy and Big Lottery’s Opt in to provide match funding for the specified LEP priorities stipulated in the ESIFIS which is basis of the level of funding and beneficiaries.

The funding is allocated as follows:

Skills for Employability Development of basic employment skills focuses specifically on vulnerable groups and NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training) young people. E.g – entry level skills that will make unemployed people and NEET young people more suited to the job market.

Skills Support for Growth To enhance Innovation and enterprise through higher level skills to support key growth sectors. E.g. ambitious social entrepreneurs with business support; match funding to raise investment and deliver social outcomes.

Vocational Routes to employability Promote pathways to employment, by engaging employers and training providers. The VCS can play a key role in using volunteering as a key route to employment, by developing practical skills, social skills and confidence and experience through on the job training.

Access to employment Improve the overall employability of people furthest from the job market. E.g. NEETS, ex offenders. This can include pre-employment training, career information/guidance or a job club. Help people gain employment by improving skills and confidence to enable them to full fill their potential.

Promoting social inclusion amongst disadvantaged groups Promotes the tackling of social exclusion by targeting deprived or socially isolated communities. This may include community development and support at a grass roots/neighbourhood level.

There is a ESF & Big Lottery Funding Consultation Event being held to discuss the fund at Codsall on 17th December 2014.

For further details please contact:

Amanda Dawson - email: Amanda.dawson@staffordshire.gov.uk

Adam Rooney - email: adam.rooney@staffordshire.gov.uk

Andrew Donaldson by telephone 01785 278399 or

email: Andrew.donaldson@staffordshire.gov.uk

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As Pudsey adjusts his eye patch, and Terry Wogan gets roused from his slumber,

here's a reminder of the grants Children in Need give:

Registered charities, voluntary organisations, schools, churches and community

interest groups can apply for a small grant of up to £10,000 or a larger main grant

(for projects of up to three years).

Projects must benefit children and young people (aged 18 years and younger) who

are experiencing disadvantage through:

illness, distress, abuse or neglect.

any kind of disability.

behavioural or psychological difficulties.

living in poverty or situations of deprivation.

The next deadline for small grant applications is 1st December 2014, and for main grant applications 15th January 2015. Full details on the website: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1N4ddmFHns8VPKjyp3PMYwn/apply-for-a-grant

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Staffordshire Local Community Fund

Is your community project in need of a funding boost?

Each county councillor has £10,000 to spend on community projects in their area

South Staffordshire County Councillors:

Brewood: Mark Sutton Cheslyn Hay, Essington and Great Wyrley: Mike Lawrence Cheslyn Hay, Essington and Great Wyrley: Kath Perry Codsall: Robert Marshall Kinver: Brian Edwards Penkridge: David Williams Perton: Keith James Wombourne: Mike Davies

If you require any help with your application form or would like to discuss you application idea please get in touch with:

Ros Burton & Timon Scheven

01902 851675 catalyst@sscva.org.uk

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Social Action Journey Fund Programme

The NYA and Think Big are starting a new social action programme and are looking for youth organisations and young people to get involved.

Using new and exciting digital resources, our project team will support young people on a social action ‘journey’. This begins with a session to enable groups of young people to understand social action - making it real and achievable for them. Groups will be supported to generate and share ideas – from small actions to larger Think Big funded projects. Information about progression to National Citizens Service will also be provided, with links into providers and support to sign up.

They are now seeking youth groups who would like to get involved. Their team will come to you (or help to organise a suitable venue) and sessions are free!! The programme kicks off in April and lasts until March 2015.

If you work with groups of young people who are aged 14 – 17 then this is an opportunity not to miss!! We are particularly interested in helping young people who are less likely to get involved in social action and need that bit of extra support to give them the buzz!!

National Youth Agency and O2 Think Big Social Action Journey Fund Programme Sessions for Young People

Who is it for? The free sessions are aimed at young people aged 14 – 17 who are keen to develop their role in the community and explore what they can offer others.

What’s involved? The session will be delivered by our experienced and enthusiastic team of youth workers and youth work apprentices. Sessions will: • use a combination of activities exploring the ‘how, what, where and why’ of social action • help to plan small activities that groups can do together or as individuals • support young people to build digital skills and competence by introducing a new tool to enable groups to explore, develop, test and start their ideas. • introduce the National Citizen Service and talk about funding available to those who would like to plan and lead a bigger project

What’s in it for young people? young people will leave the session feeling motivated and inspired about leading social action and volunteering. Social action can help young people: explore interests, hobbies and things they are good at become more socially aware Find a sense of belonging strengthen social bonds within their community Develop new skills and broaden career prospects

For more information and to book a session please contact:

Emma Kirkbride, Project manager on 07738 486345

Email: emmak@nya.org.uk

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The South Staffordshire Commissioning Prospectus for 2015/16 Welcome to the South Staffordshire Commissioning Prospectus 2015/2016: A Partnership approach to improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

Again they have been able to bring together investment from a range of partner organisations to enable joined up locality based commissioning of outcomes to support the improvement of the health and wellbeing of the population of South Staffordshire.

The Prospectus is aimed at strengthening community resilience and assets through funding support which promotes good health and wellbeing and helps prevent situations from getting worse for children, families and adults where there are particular needs. This overall prevention role is vital in managing demand for longer-term support and more expensive services, in turn helping to keep the local health and social care economy sustainable.

Funders are looking for innovative and evidence based proposals for investments to deliver measurable achievements in the key outcomes detailed within this Prospectus. Projects will need to aim to identify future replicable or sustainable service models that build social value. Social value is about maximising the impact of public expenditure, considering more than just financial transaction, but including aspects of happiness, wellbeing, health, inclusion and empowerment.

The outcomes included in the 2015-2016 Prospectus are drawn from priorities identified by local insight and partnerships, combined with input from a range of stakeholders including voluntary organisations and third sector businesses.

The prospectus for 2015 /2016 will carried out through a three staged application process and will be split into 5 lots. One lot will be allocated for each locality in South Staffordshire as shown on the back page of the prospectus. Please identify within the Expression of Interest form the localities your project will be delivered in.

There will be a drop in session on Wednesday 19th November between 9.00 am and 12.00pm in the Council Chamber at South Staffordshire Council offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX. The session will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have on the prospectus and discuss any potential bids you are planning to submit.

The Deadline for Expressions of interest to be submitted is 6.00pm on Monday 1st December 2014 – applications received after this dates will be discarded from the pro-cess. If successful at stage one you will be notified in December and be required to submit a full application by 6pm on Monday 19th January 2015. If successful at stage 2 you will be invited to attend a pre award meeting with funders at the end of January 2015 with success-ful projects commencing delivery from April 2015.

Expression of interest forms and the full application pack can be found at:

www.southstaffspartnership.co.uk/about-the-partnership/commissioning-funding-and-grant-opportunities.html

Contacts for funding, application queries or the submission of the application:

Mark Jenkinson - 01902 696533 or email: m.jenkinson@sstaffs.gov.uk Maggie Quinn - 01902 696530 or email: m.quinn@sstaffs.gov.uk Imre Tolgyesi - 01902 696210 or email: i.tolgyesi@sstaffs.gov.uk

If you require support in writing your application please contact: Ros or Timon at SSCVA on 01902 851675 or email: catalyst@sscva.org.uk

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Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund

Every week Galaxy will be donating five cash awards to local community groups and charities across the UK and Ireland.

At the end of each week until February 23rd 2015, four applicants will receive an award of £300. They will also be awarded a People’s choice award entry with £300 (the organisation that gains the most support in any given week).

For more information, entering your group or cast a vote for your favourite entry in the People’s Choice visit: www.galaxyhotchocolate.com/galaxyfund2014/profiles/

Dial2Donate are proud to be able to provide 0300 numbers to any charitable organisation absolutely free of charge, courtesy of the partnership at Number Supermarket. Being a number range reserved exclusively for charities and other similar organisations, 0300 is quickly becoming the main way in which consumers are comfortable getting in touch with not-for-profits. Through the partnership, Dial2Donate aim to make getting an 0300 easy and accessible to any charitable organisation in the UK. Their offer means that you will pay no set-up fee and no set monthly charge for having an 0300 number.

For more information please visit: dial2donate.org or call 0330 332 5252

Foyle Foundation Small Grants Programme Small charities operating in the areas of the arts and learning that have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 per annum can apply for funding of between £1,000 and £10,000 through the Small Grants Programme. Larger organisations can apply for funding through the Foyle Foundations Arts and Learning Main Grants Programmes. Applications can be submitted at any time.

For more information: www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme

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Grants are given to small registered charities for work with elderly people, children and young people aged five to 25 years, people with disabilities or mental health problems, people with a history of offending, addiction or abuse, and education and learning. If your income is less than £40k per annum you can apply for core funding for up to 3yrs to a max value of £3000. There is no application deadline.

For more information please visit: www.yappcharitabletrust.org.uk

Peer to Peer Support Small Grants Fund The Grants are aimed at voluntary and community groups, and user-led organisations, to support specific service-user groups such as learning disability, people with physical / sensory disabilities, mental health issues, or older people. The goal is to bring about a desired social or personal change. Peer support can be provided via one-to-one connections, networks and self-help groups. Applications can be made up to £2K or up to £5K. Deadline: On Going.

For more information: www.commissioning.team@staffordshire.gov.uk quote ref no: SCHG00101 and contract title Peer to Peer Support Small Grants Fund.

Community Arts Fund

Staffordshire County Council’s Community Arts Fund helps to support Staffordshire’s communities in their access to a wide range of cultural activities. In 2014/15 they are inviting proposals for activities which contribute to the following outcomes for local people to: Be able to access better jobs and feel the benefits of economic growth, be healthier and more independent, feel safer, happier and more supported in and by their community.

Community Arts Grant

Applications of up to £800 are welcome to run arts activity or event which benefits the community, widens participation and promotes accessibility. When to apply

Activities must take place between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015. Deadline for applications is 20th December 2014. Your application can take up to 6 weeks to process. It is important that you allow for this time when planning the timescale for your project activity.

For more information please visit: Staffordshire.gov.uk/communityartsfund

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I N F O R M A T I O N

Are you looking for Work? Not having success?

Sending out lots of CV’s, but not getting any replies? Not sure how to best use a computer to find work or apply for jobs?

Struggling with debt or need advice on benefits? Worried by the upcoming introduction of Universal Credit?

Think that getting back in education, training or volunteering may help you to find a career? South Staffs Work Clubs can help you – we have experts available to be seen at each work club session. Graham from Community Build Up assists with computers, from using the internet to setting up emails and filling in online forms, Emily is from South Staffs CVA and can advise on volunteering opportunities, Clare helps with any bene-fits queries and Brian is a careers coach from Eyes Wide Open and his work includes recognising pathways to employment. Along with these experts, the work clubs are managed by a vast array of volunteers, with many skills. The Work Clubs are free, friendly and informal sessions where everyone is encouraged to assist each other and tea and coffee is also served. Over the past year we have successfully helped over a hundred people back into work. More information can be found at www.southstaffsworkclubs.co.uk and www.communitybuildup.co.uk or calling 01902 696113 South Staffs Work Clubs are a registered charity (No 1149436) and Community Build

Up a Community Interest Company. This work has been financed by the European

Social Fund, via The Community Foundation of Staffordshire.

Featherstone Work Club,

with clients being seen by

professionals and using

computers to get back into

work

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Catering advice for groups providing food

Are you a volunteer or involved in a community group that want to provide food in a village hall, or other community setting? Get in touch with Timon or Ros to get the latest advice on the following questions:

I’m making food for lots of people at a fundraiser event. What general advice

can you give me? Which people are particularly vulnerable? Is it okay to sell homemade cakes at the school fair? How long can I leave food out on a buffet? Do I need to label cakes and jams sold for charity? I’m organising an event in my local community and will provide food. Do I need

to let my local authority know? Can I sell home-made jam in re-used jam jars? I’m a volunteer that sells food at charity events. Do I need a food hygiene

certificate? Ros and Timon have the latest best practice guidance to help you answer these questions! Get in touch and we will be delighted to help. Email: catalyst@sscva.org.uk or telephone 01902 851675

Intergenerational Tea Dance

The Ambassadors of Codsall High School have arranged an Intergenerational Tea Dance which will be taking place on 17

th December for residents of Codsall, Bilbrook

and the immediate surrounding area.

For more information call: Sonja Oatley on 01902 842589 or email: s.oatley@sstaffs.gov.uk

Home Alone at Christmas Any person who will spend Christmas Day on their own is invited to have a free Christmas meal at the District Council Offices on 23

rd December. The Council will

cover transport costs, and each guest will receive a Christmas gift. Local Firefighters help on the day and also do a Home Risk check with guests.

For more information call: Sonja Oatley on 01902 842589 or email: s.oatley@sstaffs.gov.uk

I N F O R M A T I O N

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I N F O R M A T I O N

Congratulations to the following groups who received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2014

Wombourne Volunteer Bureau

Providing transport to medical facilities, drop in centre and support for housebound elderly people through day-care group activities and wheelchair loans for 41 years. HMP Featherstone Visitors' Centre Volunteers

Making the whole visiting process for families and friends more welcoming and less stressful by offering a listening ear, providing refreshments and supporting those who are troubled or despondent. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. To be nominated you must do work that provides a service and meets a need for people living in the local community. Is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and people who benefit from it and is run locally. The winners receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal.

#GivingTuesday (2nd December) is a global day of giving. After the sales of Black Friday and the online shopping boom on Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to come together to show the world why it’s good to give. Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering your time or just spreading the word at the start of the Christmas shopping season, #GivingTuesday is a call to action for everyone who wants to give something back. In 2014 the campaign is being launched in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation with support from Blackbaud The simple idea behind #GivingTuesday is to encourage people, charities and businesses to donate time, money or their voice to help a good cause.

For more information on #GivingTuesday or how you can get involved please visit:

www.givingtuesday.org.uk

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Kanyini Education CIC

Kanyini Education CIC is a social enterprise dedicated to working with disadvantaged and vulnerable people. They take a holistic approach, which includes handicraft courses. These courses use recycled materials and have English, Maths, IT, social and communication skills and business skills embedded within them. In May 2014 they began a Sewing and Upcycling course at Featherstone Children’s Centre. The course ran for 12 weeks and involved both hand and machine sewing.

The course attracted both men and women with ages ranging from 19 to 60 plus and included those actively seeking employment, those part-time employed and those who were off work for work-related illnesses. While working with Kanyini, around 75% of the students revealed that they experienced depression, anxiety, isolation or stress. After completing the course every student said they had found a new way of controlling these feelings and we witnessed those who appeared isolated become more active socially.

Following the summer holidays several of the students have begun selling their items online (these included students actively looking for work) and more are planning to begin self-employment from the skills they learnt whilst on the course.

Basing themselves upon the Sewing Circle model means that social interaction is a significant factor within the courses. They do this physically within the sessions, as well as virtually by having a Facebook site where they celebrate achievement by uploading pictures of what the students have made; share patterns, blogs and articles; and provide news of what Kanyini and other interesting parties are doing.

While they primarily want to assist the students with their emotional and mental wellbeing, and provide a platform from which they can improve economically, they are also aware of the benefits to the wider community that arise from this. Bringing together people who feel isolated due to their emotional or physical health, because they are new mothers or are just new to an area, promotes social and community integration and the spirit of helping one another. A happy parent, partner or neighbour leads to greater interaction and interest in those around them.

At the end of our Sewing and Upcycling course they had a spirited class chatting

about what they wanted to sew, making plans to meet and swapping patterns.

Here are some photos of items made by the students on the course.

For further information on Kanyini Eduacation CIC please visit:

www.kanyini.co.uk

email: fiona.doney@kanyini.co.uk

G R O U P N E W S

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G R O U P N E W S

St Nicholas’ Parish Rooms Codsall

In the spring of 2013 Codsall PCC took the decision to review the use of their parish rooms. It was concluded that the hall should be maintained as a public facility, to be available for hire at an affordable cost and also be available for church use as required. A working party was set up to decide on what was needed and they commenced their investigations in the autumn.

The working party concluded that the kitchen, toilets, heating system, external doors and windows, disabled facilities and general decoration all needed updating. The total cost was determined at around £50,000 plus a 10% contingency. Codsall PCC agreed to underwrite the project and match any grants as necessary. A team was put together to find grants to enable the project to proceed. We approached South Staffordshire Community Voluntary Action and South Staffordshire Council who assisted our search for grants. In the end we obtained funds from South Staffs Grants & Loans Scheme, Staffs CC Energy Climate Control, Western Power - Community Chest, , Codsall Parish Council, and from the South Staffs District Member’s Budget. In addition we received donations from several user groups.

The work started in April 2014 with the heating being replaced and the rest of the work was mainly carried out in the 6 week school summer holiday due to its daily use during the school term. We used local contractors throughout including Perton Windows, SA Frost, Bylth Bros, RHF Heating, Robert Slyde, Carrington Art, Fletcher Landscapes, Danescourt Builders and SB Blinds.

The project cost £55,000. The final total included necessary adjustments to some of the original quotes and a number of items added to the plan such as purpose built cupboards, blinds, curtains, kitchen items etc. These extras were made possible due to the grants obtained. The awards, together with donations, amounted to £27,000. A further grant is awaiting a decision which could add a further £500 to £3000. (Permission was given to complete the work before this latter granting body met for a decision due to time constraints outside of our control.)

This project came in on budget and the hall was

re-opened on 29th August 2014 by Gavin Williamson

MP in the presence of the contractors, members of the

granting bodies an existing users.

Daniel-Ben Pienaar Piano Recital Sunday 8th March 2015

3pm at Codsall Community High School

Codsall Communuity Arts Festival are proud to have Daniel-Ben Pienaar performing a piano recital.

Daniel-Ben’s programme:

Arnnold Van Wyk: Music Night Chopin: Ballades Nos. 3 & 4 Schubert: Moment Musical in F minor D780 No.3, Impromptu in A flat D935 No.2 and Sonata in A major D959

For further information please visit: www.codsallartsfestival.org.uk or Telephone: 07852 200421

Tickets £15 (students £8) go on sale from Tuesday 13th January 2015 at either: Ian Rigby Jewellers, 84 Wolverhampton Rd., Codsall, WV8 1PE. Tel: 01902 845300

Knit N Stich, 4 The Square, Codsall, WV8 1PT. Tel: 01902 857565

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G R O U P N E W S

Do you live in Codsall? Do you have an interest in Green Spaces? then Codsall Community Group needs you!

What is Codsall Community Group about?

Codsall Parish Council are undertaking or considering a number of diverse open spaces projects from: improvements to the Wheel Field that will encompass planting an orchard and sowing a wild flower area; consideration to a multi- use games arena possibly on the village hall playing field and building homes for nature at the nature reserve. You, as a member of the community of Codsall, Codsall Wood and Oaken can be involved with these and other activities through the recently formed CODSALL COMMUNITY GROUP. Who can join?

A community group is usually made up from like-minded residents who have a particular interest in local green space. All ages, all abilities will be welcomed to bring their enthusiasm to work groups, fund raising events and fresh ideas to the table. Aims of the ‘community’ group?

Often working in partnership with the Parish Council or other local groups of a similar intent our aims are to:- Ensure that a green space is better used by the local community. Provide information to the local community about a green space. Look at strategies for improved maintenance of a particular green space. Identify resources for specific improvements to a green space. Help to make a green space safer. Organise fun days, events or activities for the local community. Carry out practical tasks to improve/maintain a green space such as litter

picking, tree planting, gardening, creating and clearing ditches, ponds and streams, wildlife, flora an fauna surveys, habitat creation, creating wild flower meadows.

As a member of the community group you could gain new skills, meet like-minded people and develop new friendships and hopefully have fun doing it. As a result of the communal effort Codsall, Codsall Wood and Oaken will gain an increased sense of community ownership and pride. Even if it’s just to keep abreast with our activities please sign up for the group. What do I do now?

If you are interested or wish to know more information then please contact the Parish Clerk on 01902 842426 - Mon-Fri 10am – 12noon

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WANT TO VOLUNTEER?...WE ARE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP!

My name is Jen Egerton and I’m the Volunteer Duty Officer for the South Staffordshire

Volunteer Centre.

Think you would like to volunteer? It’s very simple, all you need do is have a chat and

discuss what opportunities you are interested in doing and go from there.

You can give as much or as little time as you like, many organisations are flexible with

times and dates available.

For an informal chat please give me a call on 01902 851675 or

email: vols@sscva.org.uk

Featured Volunteering opportunities…

Huntington village Champions are a warm, friendly, outgoing community group of residents who arrange coffee mornings, village fun days and allotments in schools, and are looking for people in the following roles:

Committee Members/Trustees

Would you like to make a difference to Huntington community? Do you have a couple of hours to spare each month or more if you can One off help at events

Could you spare a few hours needed occasionally? This is a great opportunity to meet others in the community. Marketing Assistant

This role is to help with the delivery of magazines and advert sales.

If you are interested in any of the above roles please get in touch with:

Michelle Capewell on 07903 865962 or email: mill3003@yahoo.co.uk

V O L U N T E E R I N G

LIVING THE GOODLIFE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE

Matching you to hundreds of diverse volunteering opportunities in South Staffordshire

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We welcome your comments on the content and format of Buzz.

Please send any feedback to:

Louise Baker, South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action, C/o South

Staffordshire District Council, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Stafford-

V O L U N T E E R I N G

Featured Volunteering opportunities…

CLASS (Coven Lunch & Sunday Social)

CLASS is a community group in Coven who provide the elderly residents a home cooked meal, social get together, entertainment and keep in touch with it’s members via home visits and phone calls. CLASS have the following opportunities: Catering Assistant

This role includes serving food, clearing away and washing up. All volunteers are provided with a meal. Transport could be arranged if local. Cook (Christmas Day)

Would you like to give something back at Christmas and make a difference to somebody’s Christmas? This role includes preparing vegetables etc the day before and cooking on Christmas day. The volunteer must hold a food safety certificate. Transport could be arranged if necessary. All volunteers will be provided with a lunch.

If you think you may be interested in any of the above roles please call: Jen Egerton at SSCVA on 01902 851675

The Casserole Club Could you cook an extra portion of food for an older neighbour? Sign up to the Casserole Club and you will be put in touch with an older neighbour who would really appreciate a portion of home cooked food and the chance to get to know a friendly neighbour. To start sharing, sign up on www.casseroleclub.com, create a profile and complete the safeguarding process.

For more information about the Casserole Club: email: Staffordshire@casseroleclub.com

Sign up at: www.casseroleclub.com

Contributions to BUZZ

Do you have an event you would like to publicise to the voluntary and community sector in South Staffordshire? Look no further - BUZZ is the ideal place.

We also welcome relevant features and articles.

Please complete this section and send it with your article to South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action, c/o South Staffordshire District Council, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Staffs, WV8 1PX

The deadline for the Winter 2014 Issue is Friday 9th January 2015.

Name

Organisatio

Telephone

*Must be in Winter 2015 Newsletter

PLEASE HELP KEEP OUR RECORDS UP TO DATE

Please let us know of any changes in contact details for your organisation by completing the section

below and returning it to South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action

Support for South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action

includes:

The Big Lottery ; South Staffordshire Council;

SESSP CCG; Local Parish Councils; European Social Fund;

South Staffordshire Partnership

Organisation

New Contact Name

New Address

Email Address

New Telephone No

Any Other Chan

……………………….………………………………...

Please note:

The Information given in this publication is given in good faith but South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action cannot accept responsibility or liability for any errors that may occur.

Page 20

South Staffordshire Community & Voluntary Action

STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

David Leese Chief Officer

Louise Baker Admin/Finance Officer

Ros Burton Outreach Officer

Timon Scheven Outreach Officer

Emily Simmonds Outreach Officer (AT Home Project)

Rolf Levesley Chair (Volunteer)

Carol Hurley Company Secretary (Volunteer)

Daniel Swift Volunteer

Jen Egerton Volunteer

John Hollingshead AT Home Volunteer

Margaret Winwood AT Home Volunteer

Sue Jones AT Home Volunteer

Registered Office:

C/o South Staffordshire District Council Wolverhampton Rd, Codsall, Staffs, WV8 1PX

Tel: 01902 851675

Email : info@sscva.org.uk

Website: www.sscva.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 1093899

@ SouthStaffsCVA