the echo Developing a high quality, proactive voluntary sector for the benefit of the residents of

Dudley Borough by positively engaging partners in support of voluntary activity.

In this issue

AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT ON REQUEST

Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk

September 2013 Front Page Advancing Assets Showcase. News Health Development Fund; Dudley Sports Network; Interfaith Network News; Changes to Big Lottery; Young People and Alcohol; Dudley CVS AGM; In a Nutshell. Funding Ireland Fund; Architectural Heritage; Children in Need; Alfred Haines Trust; Duke of Devonshire Trust; Truemark Trust; Payment Council; Gibbs Trust; Payroo. News Dudley CIL; Co-Op bank; Age UK Dudley Event; Headway Brain Injury. Volunteering Managing Volunteers Training; Autumn Volunteering Fair; Prince’s Trust in Netherton. Our Services What we can do for you

Fifty-four people, representing a diverse range of voluntary and community organisations (VCOs), attended the Dudley Advancing Assets Showcase Event recently. They came to hear about how Dudley CVS is engaging with public and private sector partners to enable VCOs to take ownership and develop assets in their community. Many of the potential assets coming forward are currently local authority buildings and facilities which are either no longer required or may be more efficiently operated by VCOs. Dudley MBC Chief Executive, John Polychronakis, reiterated the Council’s support for asset development and community asset transfer, and the strategic approach being taken. A number of small and large asset transfer case studies were showcased, including, a listed building and a small plot of grassland, all taken on by VCOs and turned into sustainable enterprises. Delegates were given an overview of DMBC’s Asset Transfer Policy & Procedures, Community Right to Bid and support documents available; go to: www.dudleycvs.org.uk/latest-news-top/507-community-asset-transfer-news.html

Armed with the updated information, VCO delegates debated the pros and cons of taking on buildings or land and considered the possible individual barriers to asset transfer. A full report of the Dudley Advancing Assets Showcase event will be posted on the Dudley CVS website shortly. Barriers to achieve successful asset transfers are being broken down by the range of support available within Dudley borough. Through the Transforming Local Infrastructure (TLI) programme, Dudley CVS has produced asset transfer toolkits and mentoring programmes. Two asset transfer Dudley CVS Masterclasses are scheduled for 25th September, where CVS officers will expand on how to work through asset transfers. Is there a community venue that you have a burning desire to acquire? A service you wish to develop? Call Dudley CVS on 01384 573381 For more information about Dudley MBC asset transfer policies contact Martin Shaw at Dudley MBC via E-mail: martin.shaw@dudley.gov.uk

Asset Transfers? We Can Help.

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NEWS

Grand Iftar at Dudley Central Mosque. Dudley Central Mosque opened its doors to a number of invited guests on August 1st to ask them to share in their Iftar,

the ritual breaking of the fast during Ramadan. Hindus, Christians and Sikhs listened along with Muslims as Imam Abdul Kabir explained the teachings behind the month of fasting. The Mayor of Dudley and the leader of Dudley Council addressed the gathering, before Rev. Andrew Wickens, the chair of Dudley Borough Interfaith Network, gave a short tribute, celebrating the oneness of the community of Dudley regardless of faith or colour.

A free picnic in Buffrey Park, organised jointly by Dudley Borough Interfaith Network, together with Dudley Asian Women’s Network and Kate’s Hill & Sledmore Children’s Centre, brought the school summer holidays to a splendid end on August 29th. The sun shone as people shared home-made multi-cultural food. There were activities for all ages and a children’s parade, where the children showed off how they dress traditionally in their culture.

Department of Health Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund (IESD) 2014/15 This funding opportunity is available for organisations working to improve people’s health and well-being through projects that: Test and develop new, innovative

approaches to health and care; Actively share and disseminate excellent

practice; Improve collaborations/partnerships

providing better outcomes, greater efficiencies and longer-term sustainability.

Projects funded must begin in April 2014 (or later) and organisations wishing to apply must complete online eligibility by 11th October and a full application by 25th October 2013. For more information, contact the Voluntary Sector Grants Hub: Tel: 0113 254 5450. E-mail: voluntarysectorgrantshub@dh.gsi.gov.uk. Website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-sector-funding-available-for-health-and-care-projects

Picnic in the Park

Visit to London’s Iconic Buildings If you have ever wanted to visit Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament, then you will get no better chance than a trip being organised by DBIN on November 11th. For just £20 for people earning and £18 for unwaged, you’ll get a seat on a luxury coach to and from London and entry into two of the most iconic buildings in the capital. Book before 20th September to get extra discount. For more information call Gillian Lloyd on 01384 267415 or E-mail: interfaith@dudleycvs.org.uk

Sports clubs and organisations that provide sporting activities in Dudley borough are invited to take part in a Dudley Sports Networking Evening on Thursday, 26th September. Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club is the venue and those attending will have a chance to meet people and share experiences with other local sports clubs. Also, find out about work the Black Country BeActive Partnership is doing to help clubs link with schools. To register a place go to: http://dudleysports913.eventbrite.co.uk/

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NEWS

In a nutshell...

The Big Lottery Fund has announced key changes to its Reaching Communities funding programme. The changes are: The upper grant limit has

been removed to create flexibility to support larger projects. Groups that need funding of more than £500,000 or have a building application should call Big Advice first.

Feasibility funding up to £10,000 available through Awards for All.

Building projects will be supported with grants from £10,000.

Revenue funding will be available to help new community building projects through the early stages.

More information will be requested on Stage One applications resulting in earlier decisions.

Decisions on Stage Two applications will be made every two weeks.

Applicants will also need to explain clearly how and what learning and impact will take place throughout the life of the funding.

For more information, contact: the BIG advice line: 0845 4 10 20 30 Stourbridge Choir and Orchestra is

hosting A Night at the Opera on Saturday 28th September at Redhill School, Stourbridge. Tickets cost £9. They can be purchased in advance from Music Matters, 9, Market Street, Stourbridge (01384 373111) or at the door on the night.

Carer’s Forum is organising a musical extravaganza, with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, topping the bill. Well, not the real Elvis of course, but a tribute act that will be worth every penny of the £5 admission fee. And with profits going to the Carer’s Forum, it is all in a good cause. The date is Sunday 6th October and the venue is The River Rooms, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge. Call: Janet Down on 376218

DCVS Members: Diary Date The Dudley CVS Annual general Meeting will be held at Brierley Hill Civic Hall on Thursday 17th October, commencing at 6.30pm. All Dudley CVS member organisations are welcome to attend. Notices of the meeting will be sent out shortly. After the formal matters of the AGM, the rest of the evening will be turned over to celebrating volunteering in Dudley with the 2013 Annual Dudley Volunteer Awards. The occasion is the highlight of the year for volunteers and volunteering organisations in the borough, and the awards recognise the significant benefits volunteers bring to their communities. Dudley CVS audited accounts for the period 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013 can be viewed or download via the Dudley CVS website. Follow link below. www.dudleycvs.org.uk/images/20130911_DCVS_Audited_Accounts_to_March_31st_2013.pdf

Two years ago, Dudley Office of Public Health commissioned Loudmouth Education Training to help improve the health of Dudley’s young people and protect them from potentially damaging lifestyles and behaviour. This is done through Loudmouth’s “One 2 Many” programme, a mixture of drama, performed by Loudmouth actors, intertwined with group workshops. The performance and workshops aim to empower and encourage young people to acknowledge the issue of alcohol abuse. There are currently two “One 2 Many” workshop performances available for free. If you work with a group of young people (minimum of 7 in group) aged 16 years plus, and want to host a performance, contact Diane Boros, Alcohol Health Improvement Co-ordinator on 01384 816257

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FUNDING

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) Promotes the conservation and regeneration of historic buildings providing grants and low interest rate loans to registered charities and building preservation trusts (BPTs). There are 2 grant options available for charities: 1. Project viability grant up to £3,000 for

an initial assessment of whether it is viable to restore or convert a historic building. If so, loans are available to take forward the project (other AHF grants are reserved for BPTs);

2. Cold Spot Grant Scheme up to £10,000 to cover the initial cost of development work.

Applications invited at anytime, however it is recommended that discussions are held with the Trust before completing the “Cold Spot” form. For more information, contact: Tel: 020 7925 0199 E-mail: ahf@ahfund.org.uk Website: www.ahfund.org.uk/finance_grants.html

Dudley CVS has arranged a funding event with BBC Children in Need on Wednesday 20th November. The event starts at 10am and will last around 2 hours. Details of the venue will be advised on confirmation of booking place. The Children in Need grants programme has recently changed and the event will cover these changes and update those attending about the grants programme and the application process for both large (above £10,000 a year for up to 3 years) and small (up to £10,000 for 1 year) grants. There are a limited number of “one to one” discussion sessions available with a Children in Need Grants Officer at the end of the event. Please advise if you wish to reserve a session when making your booking. To reserve a place at this event E-mail Martin Jones funding@dudleycvs.org.uk or telephone 01384 267412 advising the name of organisation and those who will be attending.

The Ireland Fund of Great Britain supports organisations that seek to address the needs of vulnerable or elderly Irish people living in England, Scotland or Wales by providing essential health, housing, social and psychological services. The fund also supports projects tackling loneliness and isolation, as well as helping young people. Most grants agreed are up to £10,000 and applications can be made at anytime on a rolling basis up to 31st December 2013. For more information, contact Sean Henderson: Tel: 020 7940 9850 E-mail: shenderson@irlfunds.org Website: www.irelandfund.org/apply-for-a-grant

The Alfred Haines CharitableTrust invites applications from charitable organisations in the West Midlands. The Trust will support a wide range of charitable purposes including: • Homelessness; • Support for elderly and disabled people; • Family support and counseling; • Respite breaks for disadvantaged young people. Applications can be made at any time by writing to Mrs. J A Gilmour at the Trust, address Dale Farm, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B75 5PR Tel: 0121 323 3236

ALFRED HAINES CHARITABLE TRUST

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FUNDING

The TruemarkTrust has a preference for neighbourhood-based community projects and for innovative work with less popular groups; young people being one of the priority categories. The Trust aims to address social distress and disadvantage providing grants averaging £1,000-£2,000. The Trust usually makes 100/150 awards annually. There is no website, so contact Mrs. Clare Pegden 01730 894120 for more information.

Simpler banking arrangements for Charities The Payments Council has introduced a Current Account Switch Service that will make transferring bank/building society accounts hassle-free. Organisations with an annual income of less than £1M will be eligible to use this new service from September. One of the key benefits is that the new bank will arrange for all exiting receipts and payments to be automatically transferred to the new account including regular donations and standing orders/direct debits. The old account will remain open up until the switch date, at which point it will be automatically closed and the new account becomes active. The switch time will reduce from a current average of 18-30 days to 7 working days. For more information, contact: Tel: 020 3217 8259 E-mail: questions@paymentscouncil.org.uk Website: www.paymentscouncil.org.uk/switch_service/

Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust Provides grants of between £250-£10,000 to registered charities supporting general charitable purposes. The Trust does not usually make funding commitments over several years, grants are typically for a single year, therefore applications for salaries are not considered. Organisations must be able to demonstrate significant progress with other fundraising before applying. Trustees meet 3 or 4 times a year and applications can be made at any time. For more information, contact Mollie Moseley: Tel: 01246 565438 E-mail: mem@chatsworth.org Website: ddct.org.uk

The Gibbs Memorial Trust will support innovative undertakings by Methodist churches, other Christian causes and organisations of an ecumenical nature, as well as the creative arts, education, social and international projects. The Trust provides small grants of between £1,000-£3,000. Only registered charities can apply. Applications are invited at any time and trustees meet three times a year.

Write to the Secretary, 8 Victoria Square, Bristol BS8 4ET. See website www.gibbstrust.org.uk/GibbsTrust.htm

Truemark Trust

PAYROO is offering a free payroll package to organisations with less than 50 employees. The package is accredited by the Inland Revenue (HMRC) and all payroll processes are run over the Internet. The system is very user friendly and has more features than most commercially available professional versions. Employees of an organisation can also log in to view and print their pay data. For more information, contact: Tel: 020 8450 7314 E-mail: sales@Payroo.com Website: www.payroo.com

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Co-operative Bank - Social Enterprise Directplus Account.

Social enterprises registered as Community Interest Companies (CICs) could be entitled to free banking through the Co-operative Bank’s new Directplus account. Organisations with turnover up to £1M and depositing up to £100,000 in cash and up to 5,000 cheques per annum will be able to access this facility and there will be no basic charges incurred. For more information, contact: Tel: 0800 783 4741 Website: www.cooperativebank.co.uk/business/community/social-enterprise-directplus?utm_source=Linx+289+-+25+July&utm_campaign=linx289&utm_medium=email

Age UK Dudley is hosting a meeting of the “engAGING” Network on Friday 27th September between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon at Insight House, Pearson Street, Brierley Hill. “engAGING” is a network of Community and Voluntary organisations that work with older people across Dudley borough. For voluntary or community organisations involved with issues that affect older people, this is an opportunity to engage and influence on their behalf. For further information and to reserve a place, contact Age UK Dudley on 01384 354508 or E-mail admin@ageukdudley.org.uk

Dudley Centre for Inclusive Living (CIL) has moved into the Time Step Community Hub on the lower floor of Plaza Mall off King Street, Dudley. CIL personnel will be available every Monday and Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. The drop-in sessions are staffed by volunteers who can help with information about blue badge parking, direct payments, social care, public transport and access to work. CIL volunteers anticipate that their offer of help with finding disability-friendly holidays and restaurants will be especially popular. Tracy McClymont, Secretary for Dudley CIL, said, “All of our volunteers have disabilities and we think that this puts us in the best position to support others with disability related issues. Our new service will change people’s lives by empowering them, giving choice and opening up a world of opportunities.”

Dudley CIL and Dudley’s Adult and Community Learning (ACL) are also organising a day for people of all impairments, disabilities, or who have a long term illness to meet and get to know new people, who may have similar interests. There will be activities to take part in, such as sports, art, music, photography and crafts. The date is Friday 25th October and the venue Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Dudley Wood Road, Dudley. More information about Dudley CIL can be found online at: www.dudleycil.org.uk

Headway Black Country and Dudley Brain Injury Service have set up a new Young Persons Group for those with Acquired Brain Injury aged 18-30 years. The group meets every two weeks at Headway. It gives young people a chance to meet, do things together and share experiences. Activities have so far included pool, ping pong, skittles, watching movies, cooking and socialising. The group is run by two support workers, Jo and Katie, who welcome activity suggestions and ideas from those who go to the group. While the young people get together, their parents and carers can use this time to meet up and share experiences and information. For further information call 01384 869961 or E-mail: admin@headwayblackcountry.co.uk

Meet more like-minded people

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VOLUNTEERING

Managing Volunteers Training Programme Autumn 2013

Many volunteer-involving organisations are not aware of the legal implications when working with volunteers. Dudley Volunteer Centre training sessions aim to dispel myths and clarify legal responsibilities. We use actual case studies where volunteers have taken organisations to court, to help demonstrate bad practice when involving volunteers. Volunteer Induction, Handbooks and Agreements 30th October 2013 – 9am to 12 noon Planning ahead and having good practice measures in place are the keys to success for any volunteer programme. If you get the induction right, supported by a good volunteer handbook and a sound volunteer agreement, you are making sure you have sound foundations. Recruiting & Retaining Volunteers 5th November 2013 1pm to 4pm Have you considered the cost and other implications of involving volunteers? Do you struggle to find the right volunteers? Have you lost volunteers, but don’t know why? Supporting your Volunteers 13th November 1pm to 4pm Ensuring that your volunteers are properly supported and feel valued is the secret of any successful volunteer programme. We also look at reprimanding volunteers and share tips on how to do it! Exits & Endings: 19th November 9am to 12 noon. It’s never nice to say goodbye, but there are times when a volunteer relationship needs to come to an end. How you handle this is very important.

Contact Eileen Fielding on 01384 573381.

E-mail: eileenfielding@dudleycvs.org.uk

The next Prince’s Trust Team Programme for young adults begins in Netherton on 23rd September. The Team Programme is a twelve week course for 16-25 year olds to help get young people back into jobs, education and training. Students earn a Prince’s Trust certificate in Teamwork, Employment and Community Skills, as well as First Aid and Food Hygiene. The course is free, a bus pass is provided and benefits are not affected. It is full time, Monday-Friday 9:30-16:30. More than 70% of unemployed participants go on to jobs, training or education within three months of completing. Do you know anyone aged 16-25 who may be interested in completing the programme? If so, contact Kirsty Major as soon as possible by phone, text or E-mail with the young person's name and contact number. Kirsty we will then make contact and invite them to an informal interview. Kirsty Major: 07747898098 E-mail: majork@wolvcoll.ac.uk

Dudley Volunteer Centre is hosting an Autumn Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 23rd October at the Secret Venue, Pearson Street, Brierley Hill between 2pm and 7pm. Anyone thinking about volunteering for the first time or returning to volunteering is invited to attend and meet with twenty local organisations looking to recruit volunteers. See how YOU could make a difference within your local community. For further information contact Eileen Fielding on 01384 573381. Website: volunteeringcounts.org.uk/autumn-volunteer-fair/

How can we help?

DUDLEY CVS works with all community and voluntary groups, however small or large the organisation. We work with a range of partners, putting us at the forefront of voluntary and community sector representation.

KEEP UP TO DATE Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk to find out about new developments affecting the voluntary sector, locally and nationally. BECOME A MEMBER Membership is free to any voluntary and community organisation operating in Dudley. Sign up today and start enjoying a range of services and support. SOURCING FUNDING If your group is considering options for funding, Dudley CVS can help you identify sources of funding and assist in developing funding applications.

SPECIALIST HELP Dudley CVS offers support tailored to suit your specific needs. Our Core Service Officers have years of experience available to local organisations. Help is wide ranging and includes, among other services: community engagement; enterprise development; asset management; business planning; legal structures and conflict resolution. GROUP DEVELOPMENT Established larger organisations can sign up to our Building Blocks organisational development toolkit. New, emerging and developing small groups can receive expert one-to-one guidance through our Route Map programme.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Dudley CVS has officers dedicated to the needs of children and young people, families and those organisations and professionals working with children in Dudley VOLUNTEERING Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre provides all the expertise that would-be volunteers and volunteer managers might need. Guidance and training on managing, legislation recruitment and retaining volunteers is available all year round. We can also match up those seeking to volunteer to those groups looking to recruit volunteers. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE With health services under review, our assigned support officers are in much demand by both services providers and service users.

PUBLICITY Our marketing and communications officers can help local groups to raise their profile and maximise their promotional needs. Advice on producing newsletters, leaflets promotional materials and media relations.

INTERFAITH Dudley CVS has a dedicated support officer to the Dudley Borough Interfaith Network which brings together Network members to develop greater understanding between faith communities. ADMIN SUPPORT Voluntary groups requiring ad hoc or regular support with learning basic computer skills, printing, mailings, book-keeping, payroll etc. can use Dudley CVS admin services at very competitive rates. CAN’T SEE WHAT YOU NEED? Call the number below.

For additional information about all CVS services contact: Telephone: 01384 573381 E-mail: admin@dudleycvs.org.uk