News
| Dragon's Den in Dunoon |
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Over 40 delegates from around Argyll and Bute enjoyed a recent Trade Fair and ‘Dragon’s Den’ in Dunoon, organised by the Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN).
Keynote speakers were Minister for Enterprise, energy and Tourism Jim Mather and Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council. The event took place over two days (28th - 30th January 2008), and featured a range of workshops, case studies and keynote speeches.
In ABSEN’s version of the popular television series ‘Dragon’s Den’, £11,000 worth of prizes were awarded to local social enterprises who competed against each other to win over judges. for the full story and pictures click on the link
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=2133 | |
| Step out this Spring! |
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Help the Aged Big Spring Walk
The Big Spring Walk is an exciting nationwide fundraising event from Help the Aged which takes place between 25th and 27th of April. Join people all over the UK walking to raise money for disadvantaged older people. You could ditch the car and get sponsored to walk a part of your usual journey to work or the shops. Or you could make a day of it and involve friends, family and colleagues by hosting your own Big Spring Walk. Little steps that make a big difference to older people. One in five older people in the UK live below the poverty line. For many this means not putting the heating on during the winter, never enjoying a meal out, or being unable to afford basics like meat or fruit. By being sponsored to take part in the Big Spring Walk, you can help some of the most disadvantaged older people in the UK.
Sign up and download your free host pack from www.helptheaged.org.uk/walk or call the Big Spring Walk team on 020 7239 1922 for everything you need to get started.
www.helptheaged.org.uk/walk | |
| Boost of Almost £1m for Scottish Charities |
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Almost £1 million has been awarded to 59 Scottish charities in the first round of awards made by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland this year. This money will pay to support and develop the work of charities in communities across Scotland.
Mary Craig, the Foundation’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “This is our first of six rounds of awards we’ll make this year, and we’re delighted to be able to support the great work of Scotland’s charities. Of the awards we’ve just made, over £560,000 will be used to help pay for salaries. This means that over half of our recent awards are going to be supporting employment in local charities, and without this funding many of the charities would struggle to continue delivering their services.
“For example, we are supporting the salary of the Children and Family Worker for 3D Drumchapel. This group provides a drop-in facility and activities for young mothers and their preschool children within the Drumchapel area of Glasgow. We have been supporting this charity for 10 years and have seen this group develop greatly in response to the many and varied needs of the community. By employing a Children and Family Worker even more work can be coordinated and delivered as their latest award is for three years, providing support until 2011.”
The next deadline for applications to their standard grant programme is the 17th March. Their overseas awards have a deadline date of 14th April, and for partnership drugs initiative outline applications the deadline is the 2nd May. Inspiring Scotland outline proposals have a deadline of the 28th March. Charities can apply for capacity building awards at any time. | |
| European Funding |
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On Friday 8 February, Jane Fowler European Funding Officer with Argyll and Bute Council set out a target date of 29 February for an initial briefing plan from interested organisations about likely projects for funding through the Community Planning Partnerships share of the Council lead funding bid. She made it clear that there is an expectation that groups and organisations need to have identified 'match' funding as the available funding will only meet a maximum of 50% of project costs. Given that organisations and groups can't use funding from other European sources as match funding this makes it quite a tall order.
More information about other European funding routes such as the LEADER programme and both European Structural Funds (ESF) and European Rural Development Programme will be available soon as the budget for these is still awaiting final decision in Brussels. It will be important for organisations and groups to have developed projects and plans prior to this though as competition for funding looks as though it will be fierce.
It was noted that the Halls for All campaign will be support by the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and that this is part funded by European money. This will make it harder for Halls to identify acceptable 'match' funding but the council and its partners will try to make the best advice possible available to support interested groups and orgnaisations. The CVS as one of the partners will assist its member organisations and other groups as much as possible to make sure that funding is maximised.
With the establishment of a Local Action Group (LAG) and the focus of recent Argyll Funding HUB deliberations being on how to access funding from European sources, organisations are invited to make contact with John Davidson at Islay and Jura CVS john.davidson@ijcvs.org.uk or telephone 01496 810743 or Eleanor MacKinnon at the Volunteer Centre training.abvc@tisclai.co.uk or telephone 01631 569545 to let them know what projects they have in mind which would benefit from European funding support. | |
| T shirt design competition |
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January is a time when many people are considering making changes to their drinking habits. With this in mind NHS Highland are working with t-shirt design company Teetonic to raise awareness of the recommended daily units of alcohol by running a t-shirt design competition.
The idea for the competition came about when the organisations both met at the Connect festival in Inveraray in 2007.
Craig McNally, Senior Health Promotion Officer for Addictions for Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership, explained:
“NHS Highland and Teetonic had stalls right next to each other at the Connect festival in Inveraray last year and both of us were displaying t-shirts. We had safer drinking messages on ours while Teetonic were encouraging people to sign up for their t-shirt design competitions.
“We came up with the idea to work together on a safer drinking t-shirt competition and members of the public can enter the competition by visiting the Teetonic website and adding their design. If designing isn’t your thing you can lend your support by judging the entries.
“Each design will be displayed on line for 30 days for people to vote on and the design with the most votes will then be created by Teetonic and made available to purchase through the website.
“The public are using the New Year as a time to look at their lifestyles and deciding to be a bit more healthy. This includes looking at how much they are drinking and considering cutting down.
“The only problem with this however is that people aren’t always sure how much it is sensible to drink and we hope that the competition will therefore increase their awareness of the daily recommended safe drinking levels.”
Paul Derwin from Teetonic continued:
“We are looking for designs which give a clear message as well as looking good on a t-shirt. For more information I would suggest that people just log on to our website, www.teetonic.com.”
The recommended sensible drinking limits in the UK are 3-4 units per day for men and 2-3 units per day for women with at least 2 alcohol free days per week.
www.teetonic.com | |
| 25th anniversary of No Smoking Day |
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This will take place on 12th March this year and will incorporate The Great No Smoking Day Challenge. Wherever they live, however much they smoke and whatever their motivations for quitting, The Great No Smoking Day Challenge invites smokers to join over a million others across the country in the UK’s biggest group quit. This year the No Smoking Day Team have introduced free quit packs, email and text support, Challenge certificates, and charity sponsorship; all alongside the usual tried and tested formula of information, advice and local support. Visit link to order materials from the range!
www.nosmokingday.org.uk | |
| Keep Well Website Launched |
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Keep Well is an example of anticipatory care in practice, developed as part of plans to tackle health inequalities in Scotland. The programme aims to increase the rate of health improvement in 45-64 year olds in areas of greatest need.
There is a particular focus on early intervention for those at a high risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes. This new website acts as a valuable gateway to information for those in the highlighted areas.
www.keepwellscotland.com | |
| Funding to Tackle Obesity |
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An extra £40 million for health improvement initiatives, including £15 million directly targeted at tackling obesity, was announced this week. The investment will be made available over the next three years for a series of healthy weight, healthy eating and physical activity programmes. Cabinet Secretary of Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said "Obesity is an increasing problem and poses a very serious threat to our nation's health. That is why we have made tackling obesity, particularly in early life, a key priority." Ms Sturgeon said that the aim will be to tackle the problem of obesity from conception, with free fruit for pregnant mothers and pre-school children to adults already coping with health challenges as a result of obesity. Initiatives like Counterweight, an adult obesity treatment programme currently run through Keep Well GP practices, will be rolled out nationally.
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/01/24105109 | |
| Fairer Scotland Fund |
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As part of the recent Spending Review, the Scottish Government announced the creation of a new fund aimed at tackling poverty and deprivation across Scotland at the end of 2007. The Fairer Scotland Fund replaces a number of current programmes and funding streams. The Fund will total £145 million per year across Scotland for the next three years and will be part of the local government settlement. An allocation from the Fund will be made to every local authority area to enable Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) to work together and tackle area-based and individual poverty, and help more people access and sustain employment.
The Scottish Government considers the following principles crucial for investment of the Fairer Scotland Fund by CPPs:
• A clear focus on investment to address the causes of poverty, not its symptoms;
• A strong emphasis placed on making early interventions for vulnerable individuals, families and disadvantaged communities;
• Promotion of joint working between local partners;
• Focused action on improving employability as a key means of tackling poverty.
It is hoped this will empower communities and individuals to influence and inform the decisions made by CPPs. For more information, please visit Scottish Government website. | |
| Small Charities Sign Up Today! |
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Now it's time to become a fully fledged "friend" of the Small Charities Coalition. They are now recruiting small charities to sign up to the Small Charities Coalition. It's free; the coalition was set up to support you and they will be asking for your views so they can be your voice and demand change to support you better. So spead the word. All they ask is that you be:
1. Registered UK charity.
2. Have an income of less than £1million.
3. That you donate 24 hrs of your time per year to support other small charities.
This will then allow your organisation 24hr of direct support access to dream resources to support your charity in guidance, advice, knowledge and praise. E-mail "I wish to be a friend of the small charities coalition" to info@smallcharities.com | |
| Go to Spain |
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British Council Networking Seminar - The British Council is holding a Youth in Action networking seminar in Spain from 4-9 March 2008 and they're looking for participants now! This seminar is designed to facilitate the setting-up and consolidation of an international network of organizations for the development of exchange projects related to the theme of Open-air activities, Education and Health, and for the subsequent valorization, evaluation, dissemination and exploitation of these projects.
www.scottishyouthparliament.org.uk/weeklyupdate141207.htm#ukinternational | |
| New Dawn for Scottish Sport |
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Sportscotland is to merge with the Scottish Institute of Sport (SIS), creating a new national organisation. The organisation will ensure a seamless pathway from grassroots to elite performance level, Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said this week. He said the new organisation would be leaner and more efficient, removing the layers of bureaucracy of the previous structure, while making sure the interests of sport remain paramount. It will retain the name sportscotland - a strong recognised brand within the market place - and will be responsible for overseeing the development of sport at all levels, providing both Government and Lottery funding. It will continue to deliver expert advice and provide support services to sport. Mr Maxwell also announced that the new organisation's HQ will move to Glasgow. The relocation process will begin as soon as possible. The Government will create a number of de-centralised delivery hubs which will provide expertise and advice to local authorities and Scottish governing bodies of sport. It is proposed to create four new sportscotland hubs: one in Glasgow, alongside the new HQ, as well as in Edinburgh, Stirling and Aberdeen, building even stronger links with sport across the country.
Staff from the former Scottish Institute of Sport will continue to be given the lead role in delivering high performance sport and will remain in Stirling. A new single board will be established from the existing sportscotland and SIS boards. Mr Maxwell said "Scottish sport needs a single, streamlined national body, which recognises that mass participation and elite performance are part of the same spectrum. I want to simplify the sporting landscape and ensure this new organisation delivers for sport in a more effective and efficient manner, which will benefit the whole of Scotland. Merging sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport will remove the unnecessary layers of bureaucracy that currently exist.
The feedback from the review of sportscotland indicated that the majority want to retain a national agency for sport, but all agreed that there is a pressing need to simplify the current sporting landscape.”
"We had no intention of simply riding roughshod over expert opinion: we've listened and responded accordingly. The sportscotland name as been retained because our priority is about increasing participation and delivering sporting excellence, not wasting time or money on an unnecessary re-branding exercise. The relocation to Glasgow gives a strong message of how important the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be in the future and to the wider sports development agenda across Scotland. I want the move to take place as soon as possible. It is crucial we offer more choices and more chances for young people to take part in sport across Scotland. We face a significant challenge to increase participation rates, but it's one that must be tackled." | |
| Governance Advice for Social Enterprises |
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A new research report titled ‘For Love and Money: Governance and Social Enterprise’ is now available. The report, commissioned by the Social
Enterprise Coalition and the Governance Hub, includes recommendations for governance advisers working with social enterprises. Good governance provides accountability and transparency for stakeholders, safeguards investors and provides a framework for responsible decision making.
www.socialenterprise.org.uk/Documents/ | |
| Creative Fundraising Website Launched |
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An online showcase of fundraising creativity from around the world was launched this week by fundraising expert Ken Burnett. SOFII, which stands for ‘Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration’, is a website containing examples of fundraising dating as far back as 1235. It was developed by Burnett as a response to what he perceives as a persistent lack of innovation from fundraisers. The site is free to use. Simply send an email to maxine@sofii.org asking to be registered.
www.sofii.org | |
| Campbeltown to Bally Castle Ferry |
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Fresh moves to re-establish a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle took a step forward today when Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson announced to Parliament that a new economic appraisal of the route is to be undertaken.
Following talks with his Northern Ireland counterpart Nigel Dodds MP, Mr Stevenson said that Ministers have agreed to jointly fund work into the case for restoring the service using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) system.
For full story see link
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/12/04100011 | |
| Sustainable transport in Argyll & Bute |
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A Sustainable Action Grant community transport project in Argyll and Bute sought to resolve some rural transport problems and make better use of transport resources provided by public bodies. The project partners achieved improvements but the obstacle of institutional barriers prevented the intended reduction of some duplicate or unnecessary journeys.
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/SustainableDevelopment/20500 | |
| Sustainable Communities Awards |
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Forward Scotland would like to invite you to submit nominations for the first ever Champions for Sustainable Communities Awards to be held in March 2008 in Edinburgh.
Champions for Sustainable Communities Awards
At the heart of sustainable development lies the leadership and commitment to drive forward change. At a local level individuals in local communities, local business and in the support agencies are leading the way. Highly motivated individuals are inspiring positive actions leading to real change. However, these individuals are largely unknown and unheralded, yet these role models are needed to inspire confidence in others to make a difference.
The Champions for Sustainable Communities Awards provides an opportunity to recognise these individuals and encourage activities to promote and generate local action.
The Awards
The awards will recognise an outstanding individual working in one of four award categories: community group, public & third sector, business, and international. Whatever the category, the Awards are looking for individuals who have championed sustainable development within a community. Follow the link to read more about the Award Categories.
Winners will receive a contribution towards an experience that will help them to further their work with sustainable communities. For example, this could involve a learning exchange or training course.
How to enter
Anyone can make a nomination, so if you know someone who has championed sustainable development for the benefit of the community then please complete the simple online nomination form. Nominations must be received by: 8th February 2008. (Personal details will not be shared with any third party).
Judging
Nominations will be judged by an independent panel from community groups supported by sustainable development experts. These experts will be drawn from across the breadth of society from the public, private and community sectors. Click here to access the Judging Criteria.
The Event
The awards ceremony, including a gala luncheon will be held in March 2008 and will give nominees the opportunity to share their experiences and make new contacts. The location and speakers for the event will be finalised shortly and advertised on our website and e-bulletin.
If you would like to sponsor and/or exhibit at this event then please contact Jenny.hogan@forward-scotland.org.uk
www.forward-scotland.org.uk/Latest/Champions-for-Sustainable-Communities-Awards.html | |
| Joint AGM - ACVS with VC |
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| Argyll CVS and Volunteer Centre will be holding their AGMs on 15 January in the community Centre in Lochgilphead. Times and agenda will be made available at a later date | |
| OSCR announces charity figures |
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The charity sector in Scotland accounts for nearly £10 billion a year, with two thirds of charities having an annual income of less than £25,000. OSCR has published figures gathered from the Scottish Charity Register that give a financial overview of the sector. The data demonstrates OSCR's proportionate approach to monitoring, with nearly 16,000 of Scotland's 23,784 charities completing only a straightforward Annual Return form that confirms basic details, accompanied by simplified accounts.
Read the full news story here.
www.oscr.org.uk/NewsItem.aspx?ID=bbe789fe-3df8-4867-ae97-468f558cf74c | |
| Grant Rejections to Rise Further, Warns BIG |
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Charities struggling to obtain funding from the Big Lottery Fund are going to find the situation becomes even worse from 2009 when the money lost to the Olympics is removed from the budget. This was the message from Sir Clive Booth, chair of BIG, at today’s open meeting held at the Royal Society for the Arts. He spoke of the board’s concerns about the “unprecedented level of demand” and about how it plans to manage this in the future. “To a certain extent it is a symptom of the current under-funding climate,” he said. “BIG, on average, awards grants worth £600m a year to charities. Yet we received applications for £8.6bn worth of funding. Inevitably this means we have to make some difficult decisions.” However, he warned that more testing times were to come once the Olympic funding cuts kicked in, in 2009. “We have undertaken to honour our 60-70 per cent commitment to the third sector at the cash level that would have applied before the diversion took place. But there will be a squeeze while trying to manage this demand,” he said. In order to try and find ways to improve the situation, a public consultation is to be launched in April 2008. The open meeting was broadcast live on BIG’s website.
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk | |
| Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 announcement |
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Scottish Ministers will announce the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 in Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday 14 November). This will set the parameters for public spending in Scotland, from 2008 to 2011.
Log on to the Scottish Government's website tomorrow for details.
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Today | |
| Charity Reorganisations Commence |
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OSCR has begun to consider applications for charity reorganisations under the provisions of sections 39 to 43 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
These sections of the Act enable charities that are unable to reorganise or make changes to their constitution to seek approval from OSCR do so.
This process has been keenly awaited in the charity sector as, previously, such charities had to seek the approval of the Lord Advocate or apply to the Court of Session in order to make changes to constitutions, a potentially lengthy and costly process. The Regulations could potentially release millions of pounds for charitable purposes
www.oscr.org.uk/NewsItem.aspx?ID=bcda89eb-4e8c-4727-a6d2-f8040ac9daba | |
| OSCR Names Defaulting Charities |
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OSCR has begun to publish details of charities that have failed to provide it with Annual Returns and accounts.
The Regulator has made the move in order to encourage compliance with the legislation.
From 29th October, a monthly list will be published on OSCR’s website, detailing those charities that have failed to submit their most recent accounts and an Annual Return form within six months of the stated 10-month deadline. The list can be searched by local authority area, charity name, or charity number.
www.oscr.org.uk/NewsItem.aspx?ID=24078905-ee0e-4817-9a35-2ec6038f9d27 | |
| SCOTTO! |
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Scotland Set To Have Its Own Lottery!
The first Scotland-only lottery is set to start up in competition against the National Lottery later this year. People's Postcode Lottery will launch in November and offer weekly cash prizes of up to £30,000 and a new car every month. It expects to be raising £120,000 a week for charities based in Scotland by the end of 2008. The lottery will be promoted through a new STV quiz programme - Postcode Challenge - presented by Carol Smillie. During the show, viewers will see short documentaries about the charities and be given information on the lottery. As yet there are no plans for a National Lotterystyle live television draw. Novamedia, the European company behind the People's Postcode Lottery, has been running successful lotteries in the Netherlands and Sweden - where 40 per cent of householders play - for 17 years. In that time it has raised £2bn for charity. It will focus its UK operation in Scotland from the end of this year, with the first draw on Friday 4th January 2008. Players will enter under their postcode, and people with the winning postcode will collect the majority of the cash. As more people enter, the prizes will increase. | |
| Future of Scotland's Enterprise Networks |
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Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, has announced proposals to overhaul Scotland’s Enterprise networks in order to make them more clearly focused on the goal of delivering sustainable growth, and more responsive to the needs of businesses and the Scottish economy. The proposals include:
* Setting up a strategic forum involving Ministers, officials SEn, HIE and Visit Scotland to provide clear ministerial leadership and promote greater integration and collaboration
* The removal of Local Enterprise Companies to be replaced by 5 regional operations and a single region served by Highlands and Islands Enterprise
* The transfer of responsibility for the provision of local business support through Business Gateway operations and local regeneration functions to local authorities
* An agenda of co-location of local enterprise staff alongside relevant local authority colleagues
* The transfer of most skills and training elements from the enterprise networks to a single skills body resulting from the merger of Careers Scotland and learndirect Scotland
* The transfer into SEn – initially on a joint venture basis – of the business and innovation grant functions, such as Regional Selective Assistance currently delivered by the Scottish Government
* A requirement for the enterprise networks, Visit Scotland and the skills body to look to share services where possible
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/09/26143846 | |
| New Rape Crisis Helpline |
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A new national helpline offering support and information to anyone affected by sexual violence has been launched in Glasgow today.
The Scottish Government has provided £305,555 for the Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline - the first Scotland-wide telephone support service for victims as well as their friends and families.
The helpline will be open from 6pm to midnight, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, and will be staffed by trained workers and volunteers.
Freephone 08088 01 03 02
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/10/11155955 | |
| Scottish Rural Development Programme Seminar |
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A series of seminars about the new Scottish Rural Development Programme is currently taking place.
If you provide advice to land managers, rural communities and others in rural Scotland, these seminars will help you understand the new approach to rural development and give you the information you need to articulate this to your customers and colleagues.
Coffee is provided for the first 30 minutes of each event, the presentation lasts around 45 minutes and the remainder of the time is available for questions and discussion.
Oban, Corran Hall, 11th October, 9am - 1pm
Seminars have already taken place in Aberdeen, Perth, Inverness, and Peebles
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=2007&d=11&h=24&f=46 | |
| Atlantis Leisure |
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Atlantis Leisure in Oban are a research partner in the Community-led Service Provision theme of the Carnegie Rural Action Research Programme. They are seeking other community-led sports and leisure organisations for comparative research.
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/item/1991 | |
| OSCR to Take on Terrorist Threat |
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A counter-terrorism strategy is to be drawn up to protect the 23,000 charities registered in Scotland. The plan by the country's charity regulator - a response to the current climate in the UK which sees terrorism as a continued and serious threat to society - will be launched by next May. It aims to prevent people using Scottish charities as a front to raise funds for terrorist activities - something which has occurred both in England and abroad. While the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) said this week that it is unaware of any terrorism activity in charities in Scotland, it says it realises the threat has implications for the sector. Scotland was a terrorism target in June when Glasgow Airport was attacked and this week the country's first Islamic terrorist was convicted by a High Court jury. The proposed ptrategy has come to light in an OSCR response to a joint Home Office and Treasury consultation on charities and terrorism. OSCR said it was conscious of the need for vigilance and would not be complacent in addressing the issue. "We believe we have an effective but proportionate scrutiny system in place which will highlight possible issues of mismanagement and misconduct," it stated in its response. However it said it accepted the characteristics of charities were such that there could be opportunities for terrorists to take advantage. For example charities with an international dimension that provide relief within different countries and directly transfer funds overseas could possibly be used to fund activities that are against the law. OSCR, which is Scotland's first charity regulator and only came into existence last year, said its very existence should deter charities from being abused by terrorists. It said the "unique regulatory regime" established north of the border includes a specific investigative function of charities of any size where there might appear to be mismanagement and/or misconduct. The regulator also said that it did not have sole responsibility for tackling the terrorist threat. "Charity trustees have a part to play and like OSCR should follow a risk-based and proportionate approach," the response said. "They should be identifying whether their charity is at risk and implementing appropriate safeguards to negate this risk." Outlining its way forward, the charity regulator said as well as drawing up the counter-terrorism strategy it would further develop working arrangements with key government departments and agencies. However Martin Sime, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) expressed caution. He said the powers already given to OSCR are fit for the purpose of dealing with the terrorist threat: "There is no evidence that charity is used as a vehicle for terrorism in Scotland so we will be looking at any proposed new strategy very carefully to make sure that it really is necessary."
Douglas Connell, senior partner at Turcan Connell, solicitors and a recognised leader in charity law, said OSCR's work in this area deserved full support. "Before OSCR, there was a real risk that Scotland might have been selected as a jurisdiction with soft monitoring procedures and therefore possibly a place to establish a charity with dubious or even unlawful motives." | |
| Next steps for Halls for All Campaign |
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SCVO's Halls for All e-petition on the Scottish Parliament website has closed with a very impressive 1,250 signatures. As well as these, around 4,500 signatures have been returned on paper petitions from halls and community groups across rural Scotland, including that of Finance Minister John Swinney (pictured left). National and local media coverage has been extensive and supportive, with many reports highlighting serious issues facing particular local halls. (See some prime examples here, here and here.
The campaign has been a success. The question is: what are the next steps?
We welcome the Government's announcement that the new Scottish Rural Development Programme contains a specific measure, worth £32m over seven years, to help provide leisure, recreation, sporting, catering and other rural community services and facilities, including village halls.
However, we do have a number of concerns: first, that this level of funding will prove insufficient to address the needs of the many halls requiring refurbishment, repair or rebuilding; second, that the cash needs to be clearly ring-fenced for this purpose in all regions of rural Scotland; and third, that the new funding stream only increases the need for a nationally funded Scottish Village Halls Support Service, which can both support village hall committees and also advise those who are deciding on the allocation of funding.
No-one can say for certain how much money is needed to get rural Scotland's community buildings up to scratch. Our best guess is that anything less than an investment of £50 million over the next seven years (still only an average of £16,000 per hall) will leave many halls out in the cold. We would like to see the Government increase the funding available to this level or, at the very least, commit to a review of funding levels following the results of a detailed research programme on the condition of Scotland's village halls.
We are also adamant in our insistence that Scotland needs a well-resourced Village Halls Support Service (VHSS), comparable to that which exists in England and Northern Ireland. As well as providing support, information and networking opportunities to village hall committees, the VHSS could play a vitally important role in advising the Regional Project Assessment Committees and Local Action Groups who will be allocating funding through the SRDP. Without expert advice, there is a real danger that the funding available could be invested unwisely.
Whatever new funding there is from central government, local communities will still face a confusing patchwork of disconnected funding sources if they want to get work done on their local halls. SCVO plans to call a Village Halls Summit later this year, to bring funders together with a view to rationalising this process.
So, SCVO believes that the most important next steps are:
Increase the funding available to village halls to a level of £50 million over the next seven years
Fund research to build a database of village halls and an evidence base on the level of support they receive, their condition and their prospects
Fund a Village Halls Support Service, to support halls and advise on funding applications through the SRDP
Support SCVO's Village Halls Summit bringing together everyone involved in funding and supporting rural Scotland's village halls
More information , as ever on the Scottish Village Halls website at www.villagehalls.org.uk , or from Sandra Hogg, who is on sandra.hogg@scvo.org.uk .
www.villagehalls.org.uk | |
| Mapping Youth Worker Training and the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) |
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Community Learning and Development Managers Scotland (CLDMS) formed an SCQF sub-group, supported by Learning Connections, to promote the development and use of SCQF.
A 'Mapping Youth Worker Training and the SCQF' research team was formed comprising of representatives from Aberdeen, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife and West Lothian councils. As part of their research the team have asked YouthLink Scotland to distribute an online survey to map current youth worker training programmes and materials across the youth work sector in Scotland.
A copy of the letter explaining the background to the survey and information on a follow up event on Thursday 22 Novemberis available. To complete the online survey click link below. The deadline for completion is Friday 12 October. For further information email Timothy M. Frew, Senior Practice Development Officer. tfrew@youthlink.co.uk Or phone 0131 313 2488.
www.youthlinksurvey.co.uk/survey/survey.php?sid=42 | |
| First 100 days of the new Scottish Parliament |
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This document reports on the first 100 days of the new Scottish government and their first steps to achieving their objectives. Their aim is to make Scotland a wealthier, fairer, healthier, safer and stronger, smarter and greener country.
The report includes reference to the development of a Road Equivalent Tariff Scheme for ferries, a Scottish Housing Support Fund for first-time buyers and other issues of interest to rural Scotland.
It was a challenging first 100 days, with an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and a terrorist attack to contend with.
Report published by the Scottish Executive
www.argyllcommunities.org/documents/Articles/Reporting-on-100-days.pdf | |
| Reporting on Charities in Scotland |
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The Office of the Scottish Regulator (OSCR)published its first annual review at its conference this week. In the time it has had regulatory powers, OSCR has removed over 8,000 'ceased' charities from the Scottish Charity Register and granted charitable status to 1,261. OSCR also reported that nearly 50% of small Scottish charities submit annual returns that fail to make their financial results for the year obvious.
www.oscr.org.uk | |
| Young Scotland in Mind |
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The forum that brings the voluntary sector together Young Scotland in Mind (YSIM) is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of all children and young people in Scotland. Launched in 2006, Young Scotland in Mind is a network of voluntary sector organisations led by Barnardo’s Scotland and funded by the National Programme for Improving Mental Health & Wellbeing. YSIM recognises the invaluable contribution the voluntary sector makes to the positive mental health and wellbeing of thousands of children & young people across Scotland through the provision of a wide range of services. The forum is aspirational and visionary in its approach. Members work together to achieve the following objectives:
• To develop and implement an agenda that will contribute to the improved mental health and wellbeing of all children & young people in Scotland.
• To improve communication and joint working within the voluntary sector and with external bodies.
• To build capacity within the voluntary sector.
• To increase sharing of good practice and learning.
• To influence the development of policy and practice with regard to the mental health and
wellbeing of children & young people in Scotland. Our forum recognises the importance of
meaningful involvement of children & young people in creating and making decisions about their own care and services, and embraces a participative approach.
Five reasons why you should join Young Scotland in Mind:
1. They are Inclusive - Become part of the collective voice for the voluntary sector.
2. They are Participative - We support and promote working in a participative way to ensure all children & young people have the opportunity to be involved in decision making.
3. They Help Share Best Practice - Through email updates, invitation to our bi-annual meetings
and access to our new interactive website we can help you connect with Scotland’s voluntary
organisations sharing the latest news, events, publications and resources to support your work.
4. They Influence - By working together we help shape the policies which affect the lives of
children & young people.
5. Membership is FREE - The forum welcomes employees from ALL voluntary sector organisations
in Scotland to join. As a member you will be a representative from a large or small voluntary
organisation/NGO who has an interest in children & young people’s mental health and
wellbeing. You would like to keep up to date with new developments and have the opportunity to
input your views. You will gain access to a variety of membership benefits including:
• Access to our interactive YSIM website enables members to access resources, and share
experiences and learning.
• Regular briefings and e-news bulletins on new developments relating to the mental health of
children & young people.
• Invitation to our bi-annual forum meetings – giving you the opportunity to engage with other
voluntary sector workers.
• Opportunities to participate in consultation on emerging policy, working groups
and forthcoming events.
YSIM is now working together with over 100 members including: SAMH, Children 1st, Youthlink,
Penumbra, Fast Forward, The Corner & many more.
JOINING IS EASY AND FREE
(Membership is open to voluntary organisations whose work relates to children and young people).
Join online
www.barnardos.org.uk/youngscotlandinmind | |
| COWAL COMMUNITY CARE FORUM JOB VACANCY |
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HEAR MY VOICE PROJECT - NEW POST OF INFORMATION & ADMINISTRATION OFFICER 16 Hours Salary £7,782
CCCF’s aim is to ensure that people living in Cowal have a better quality of life because they can access better health and social care services. CCCF uses graphics, cartoons and clear language to provide easily accessible information, training and support to service users, especially marginalised groups who are often left out of consultations about services.
CCCF is seeking to recruit an Information & Administration Officer to support our work with users of health and social care services. The Information & Administration Officer will have a crucial role in supporting the development officer and CCCF members to influence local services. You will be responsible for:
• Smooth running of the Forum’s general administration
• Maintaining our information service on health and social care issues
• Supporting Forum members in accessing information
• Maintaining our interactive website and supporting members to use it
• Producing our newsletter
To do this you will need to have good IT skills, be able to work well with a range of people including those with special needs, and have an appetite for new ideas.
The person appointed will initially work from home, but CCCF hopes to establish an office base for part of each week.
A driving licence and access to a car are essential
For more information and an application form please contact:
Irene Edwards, CCCF, Lagarie Cottage, Torwoodhill Road, Helensburgh, G84 8LF.
Tel: 01436 821988 email: ireneedwards@cowalccf.fslife.co.uk
On line applications preferred
CCCF is an Equal Opportunities Employer Registered Charity SCO32126
Supported by: Big Lottery Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation, Argyll & Bute Council
www.argyllcommunities.org/documents/Help%20wanted/Cowal%20Community%20Care%20Forum%20ADVERT%2010-30%20Sept%2007.doc | |
| National Youth Health Network |
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The Young People's Programme at NHS Health Scotland has recently established a National
Youth Health Network aimed to encourage two-way communication for a diverse range of staff,
not just health professionals working with Young People. The network subscription list ranges
from health practitioners to local youth workers and embodies a key cross section of people
interested in Youth Health.
The Young People’s Programme update the network on a fortnightly basis with current activity
developments taking place within NHS Health Scotland such as recent publications, research,
training and events, and aim to hear back from people in relation to local remits or areas. The
Young People’s Programme hope this will highlight more good practice and learning and
development opportunities for people working with young people tackling health issues and will
establish enhanced communication across this sector. The network also acts as a channel to
promote and showcase your own work activities and experiences, which are contributing to
improving Young People’s Health.
So whether you have an interest in young people’s health whether it be tobacco, mental health,
sexual health or any other, The Young People’s programme would love for you to join up to the
network and start sharing your work achievements. If you wish to join up to the network, please
contact Evelyn Cranston, Project Administrator for the Young people’s Programme, via e-mail at
evelyn.cranston@health.scot.nhs.uk. Please include details of your position, including your
work area, any specific interests, organization, contact address and numbers. | |
| PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS |
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VETTING AND BARRING SCHEME – SCOTLAND -
UPDATE – AUGUST 2007
The Scottish Government is taking forward a comprehensive implementation programme to deliver the provisions outlined in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007.
The PVG Act will deliver a robust vetting and barring scheme that will safeguard children and protected adults by keeping people who would harm them out of caring positions. It will also deliver a fair and consistent system that will be easier for people to understand and use.
A new electronic scheme record system that will be continuously updated will be introduced. This will make it easier to identify people who are (or who become) unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups and deliver an additional tool to help employers make safe recruitment decisions. In addition, the scheme will help to reduce bureaucracy as it will no longer be necessary to undergo a long and complicated disclosure process each time a person changes posts.
The detail of the new vetting barring scheme will be developed through secondary legislation during the course of 2007/08. Consultation on the secondary legislation is expected to begin towards the end of 2007. More details about the consultation and associated activities will be available shortly.
www.scotland.gov.uk/pvglegislation | |
| Halls for All Update |
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The online petition calling for support for village and community halls has now closed with a fantastic level of support shown. The tally was 1,250 signatures on the e-petition with a further 5,500 on paper. The next stage will be a formal submission of the petition, which will then go before the Public Petitions Committee for consideration. We'll keep you informed of progress.
We are now moving further forward and have identified the next steps that we think are necessary to begin to address the problems halls face. These steps are:
- Research to build a database of village halls and find out more about the level of support they receive, their condition and their prospects
- A Village Halls Summit bringing together everyone involved in funding and supporting rural Scotland's village halls
- A Village Halls Support Service
Please see the Village Halls website for further information or contact Sandra Hogg on 01463 251729.
www.scvo.org.uk/VillageHalls/NewsAndEvents/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=769&al=t&from=Home | |
| Trust Fund Directory Available from One Parent Families Scotland |
|---|
Parent Connections is a unique information and support service for lone parent families affected by disability that is free, independent and confidential. They produce a quarterly project newsletters and fact sheets covering disability and carer benefits, additional sources of funding including a directory of Trust Funds that can assist families affected by disability/or in need with financial help. Other services include access to their free phone helpline which specialises in lone parent issues ranging from child maintenance, benefits, tax credits, education and training opportunities, disability and carer benefits, and information on a range of local support agencies throughout Scotland.
They can also link up lone parents caring for children with disabilities to other lone parents. Contact them on their free phone helpline to request publications or to speak with an adviser on any lone parent/disability issue.
The Lone Parent Helpline (0808 801 0323) hours are Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30pm.
www.opfs.org.uk | |
| NHS National Services Scotland - disability |
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NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS) is a Special Health Board which provides services across NHS Scotland. It is currently looking for volunteers to join its Disability Reference Group to contribute to its Disability Equality Scheme and take forward the action plan.
NHS NSS’s mission is to support excellence in health and healthcare through partnerships and expertise. It does not treat patients directly, although, it interacts with the public in some key
areas, and through a range of general services supplied by its operational divisions. In turn, this allows other Health Boards and stakeholders in Scotland to deliver patient services.
NSS’s services by are carried out by the following divisional areas: HQ NSS -
www.nhsnss.org/home/index.php,
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) - www.scotblood.co.uk
Information Services Division (ISD) - www.isdscotland.org
Practitioner Services Division (PSD) - www.psd.scot.nhs.uk
National Procurement (NP) - www.nationalprocurement.scot.nhs.uk
Health Protection Scotland (HPS) - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk
National Services Division (NSD) - www.nsd.scot.nhs.uk
Counter Fraud Services (CFS) - www.cfs.scot.nhs.uk
Central Legal Office (CLO) - www.clo.scot.nhs.uk
Health Facilities Scotland (HFS) - www.hfs.scot.nhs.uk
An overview in more detail of the services provided by NHS NSS is available for those able
to access it on the website at: www.nhsnss.org/home/index
NHS NSS would like to hear from anyone that would like to become involved.
Participation may take the form of group events or one-to-one interviews. Please contact:
Peter MacIntyre
Assistant Director
Information Services
NHS National Services Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh EH12 9EB,
Tel: (0131) 275-6510
E-mail peter.macintyre@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk | |
| Recognising IT Volunteering |
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Nominations for the IT Volunteer Awards 2007 have opened, with 3 volunteering project categories:
1. Impact
2. Innovation
3. Accessible
Entries by the 6th October 2007 and there will also be an award for best IT volunteer.
www.it4communities.org.uk/it4c/ | |
| The Big Green Switch |
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A new website has been launched which aims to encourage everyone to do their bit to help the environment. The Big Green Switch is packed with tips and advice for living a greener lifestyle. There are suggestions to suit everyone, from the small, everyday changes that can be made without hassle or expense through to bigger projects and changes you can make. You can also calculate your carbon footprint to see what impact your lifestyle is currently having on the environment and see easily which specific areas you may be able to make the biggest impact in. The site also includes the ability for visitors to create their own green blog, add comments and additional suggestions to the site and to join in the discussions on the forums. One forum in particular - http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/forum/green_events_groups - gives green groups and event organisers the opportunity to spread the word about their activities. So if your group has any green aims or environment-related activity, it's well worth spreading the word via this free forum.
www.biggreenswitch.co.uk | |
| Funding for mountain weather information |
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Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell has announced funding support for the Mountain Weather Information Service, which has been operating independently by Geoff Monk and Associates since 2004.
Over the next three years £36,000 will be invested in the service which covers the following Scottish areas: North-West Highlands, West Highlands, Cairngorms, South-East Highlands and Southern Uplands.
Stewart Maxwell said, “Thousands of climbers already rely on the Mountain Weather Information Service for accurate information about conditions on Scotland’s mountains.
"It is therefore absolutely vital we have a reliable mountain weather service to reassure walkers they have the best information at their fingertips.
"That’s why I’m announcing that this service will be fully funded by the Scottish government, through sportscotland, for the first time this winter season."
Sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland, working with partners to develop sport and physical recreation.
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1926 | |
| Cash for Scottish Sport |
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Funding of £6.5 million will be invested in Scottish sport to increase
participation, improve elite performances and deliver world-class
facilities, it was announced this yesterday (2nd August).
Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said that the
investment underlines the new government's commitment to the
provision of first class sporting facilities in Scotland.
The Minister also confirmed that sportscotland will be investing over
£2 million in 11 sports governing bodies for 2007-08 to increase
participation and improve performance.
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/08/02110759 | |
| Social Economy Database |
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The Social Economy Database can now be accessed online. The web-platform allows you to search for social economy organisations in Scotland by a variety of parameters, including location, field of work and income size. It has been developed by the SCVO under contract from EQUAL Social Economy Scotland and Communities Scotland.
www.socialeconomyscotland.info/scvo/content/Social%20Economy%20Database.asp | |
| Scottish Executive - Departmental Changes |
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Following the May elections to the Scottish Parliament and the appointment of a new First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries, there have been a number of changes within the Executive's former Social Justice Group in general, and the former Social Inclusion and Voluntary Issues Division in particular. The Executive's Departments have been replaced by groups of Directorates. There are 5 Directors General, each with responsibility for the delivery of a strategic objective and for management of a number of Directorates. Within this new structure the responsibilities of the Social Inclusion and Voluntary Issues Division have been realigned.
www.scvo.org.uk/cvsnetwork/NewsAndEvents/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=756&al=t&from=Home | |
| ENTERPRISE FACILITATION® OPEN DAY IN TARBERT |
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Friday 31 August 2007, Templar Hall, Harbour Street, Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6UD.
The day will give you the chance to meet a number of those involved in the first successful Enterprise Facilitation® project in Scotland. This includes local people who formed the first panel of volunteers to support the project, the Enterprise Facilitator, Lynn Hammal, clients and funders of the project including representatives from the local council, Local Strategic Partnership and Regeneration Board.
The event will provide unique insights into how to make community based enterprise really work sustainably in the UK.
www.sirolli.co.uk/event.cfm?eventid=292 | |
| Discounted Professional Services for Charities |
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An online service where freelance professionals can offer their skills to charities at a discounted rate has been launched. There are 6,800 professionals on the People4charity database with many offering a 15 per cent discount. Sectors covered include:
• Administration
• Education and research
• Finance and accounting
• Human resources
• IT and internet
• Training and development
• Legal services
• Management consultancy
• Marketing and PR
• Property and construction
www.people4charity.com | |
| National Directory of Drug Services Goes Live |
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A new directory went online this week enabling drug users to access information on services available to them. The directory contains a database of over 220 community-based and residential services offering drug treatment throughout Scotland and it is hoped that it will provide a helping hand to drug users and their families. Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing launched the extensive directory at a community centre in Drumchapel. Mr Ewing said: "This government is committed to tackling the scurge of drugs which blights the lives of too many of our citizens and their families. "Too often people affected by drugs have not been able to get information about the full range of services available to them. That is why we have launched this national directory of drug services."
The directory is funded by the Scottish Executive and builds on the Scottish Drugs Forum's on-line directory.
www.scottishdrugservices.com | |
| Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008 |
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Nominations for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008 has opened. The Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups of two or more people in the UK who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunities in their community. Ten winners from Scotland for this year were announced on 2nd June 2007 and they are Aberdeen City Mission, Duns & District Amateur Operatic Society, Hospitalfield Organic Produce Enterprise, Seagull Trust, Radio North Angus, North Lanarkshire Scramble & Quad Bike Club, Bargeddie Forward, Ardler Environment Group, Findhorn Village Centre, and Airdrie Music Project.
Nomination forms and eligibility criteria can be downloaded from the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service website www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk . Closing date for nominations is 30th September 2007. | |
| Scottish Voices: Update |
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Scottish Voices is made up of groups and networks of people who use social work services or care for someone who does. All of the people in Scottish Voices work with the universities who teach social workers or with the new Learning Networks in Scotland. Group members are involved with these organisations because they want to make a difference to social work education at both local and national level. By working with the universities, service users and carers can positively influence how social workers are trained which in turn should improve the way they do their job. By working with the Learning Networks, service users and carers can begin to work more closely together and with professionals to help improve how all social services workers do their jobs. They have had requests for their members to be involved with various pieces of work such as the SSSC and the Care Forum within the Scottish Training Federation, and it was agreed that Michael Coull (of Aberdeen’s Mental Health User Network) and John Dow would look at requests to ensure that the work/involvement being asked for meets the group’s aims and objectives. They also agreed that they need to use the wide range of skills and knowledge of the WHOLE group when deciding who might be best placed to undertake pieces of work for Scottish Voices. As agreed by the group when they were forming Scottish Voices they have, and will continue to meet at various places across Scotland, and their last meeting was hosted by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. At that meeting, they agreed to work with the Institute and other interested organisations to host a workshop later in the year looking at best practice in relation to reward and recognition for the contribution made by service users and carers. They have also agreed to produce a fact sheet about what Scottish Voices aims to achieve and that they would hold discussions with the Social Work Inspection Agency regarding having a future voice on their inspection panels. Finally, they have agreed that they will aim to share some best practice examples from across Scotland of how organisations meaningfully involve service users and carers.
www.sieswe.org/scottishvoices/ | |
| New Migrants Action Project |
|---|
New Project For Scotland's ‘New’ Communities
The New Migrants Action Project is working with communities and service providers across
Scotland to promote equality of rights, opportunities and access to support for new migrant
communities.
The project will:
• empower people from new migrant communities to take action for themselves to exercise their rights;
• help build links between new migrant communities and the statutory, voluntary and community sectors;
• help service providers to target quality, rights-based advice, information and support services;
• deliver information events including housing, welfare and employment rights, education and training, community safety issues;
• develop a web-based resource for advice, information and support workers, with local and national information on migrant rights.
Contact the New Migrants Action team - Michael Collins, Manager and Seonad Forbes, Outreach Worker - to discuss how they can help your project, or for more information.
Go to www.paih.org/quickmail-latest_files/New_Migrants_Action_Project.pdf or telephone (0141) 353 2220 or e-mail migrantaction@paih.org
www.paih.org/quickmail-latest_files/New_Migrants_Action_Project.pdf | |
| Scottish Women's Convention invitation |
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The SWC would like to meet with women living in these areas to discuss issues that are important to them.
25th July - Rothesay
26th July - Dunoon
17th August - Ullapool
20th August - Stornoway
9th October - Perth
10th October - Dundee
For more information or to register for any of these free events please call 0131 557 8950 OR Email:mary@scottishwomensconvention.org
www.scottishwomensconvention.org | |
| Time To Recognise The Stars In Your Community |
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The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2008
Do you know a group of volunteers who make a difference in your community,
who devote their time to helping others?
Nominate them by the 30th September 2007.
To celebrate her Golden Jubilee, The Queen announced a new, annual Award to recognise and
reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (formerly known as The Queen's Golden Jubilee
Award) is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who:
�� regularly devote their time to helping others in the community
�� improve the quality of life and opportunity for others
�� provide an outstanding service
The nomination period for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008 began on the 2nd June
and we urge you to nominate your chosen voluntary organisation for this year's Awards round.
It is easy to nominate. Just download an electronic version of the nomination form and guidance
notes from http://www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk/nominate.html
For further information you can email queensaward@volunteeringengland.org or call the
Award hotline on 0845 000 2002.
www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk/nominate.html | |
| askCHARITY - Media help |
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askCHARITY - A Free Service Aimed At
Supporting Charities in their Work with the Media
What is askCHARITY?
askCHARITY is a free service aimed at supporting charities in their work with
the media but currently has very few Scottish charities signed up.
Online directory
askCHARITY’s online directory helps journalists contact charities. Charities
register a description of their organisation which journalists can find though
the askCHARITY search.
Answer Service
The Answer Service allows journalists to send requests for case studies to hundreds of charities’
inboxes at a time. On average there are ten requests per day offering opportunities for charities
to make contacts and get coverage. The website also offers a messageboard which allows
charities to exchange ideas and advice with others.
To sign up or for more information please visit the askCHARITY website at:
http://www.askcharity.org.uk
www.askcharity.org.uk | |
| NPP Deserve Final Fling |
|---|
It’s not very often that you go to a conference and a Swedish presenter tells delegates that Achiltibuie changed her life – but that was the joy of the recent NPP DESERVE Final Fling conference held in Oban.
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1805 | |
| New Voluntary Sector Minister in Scotland |
|---|
Following the emergence of the Scottish National Party as the largest party in the Scottish
Executive after elections earlier this month, John Swinney has become cabinet secretary for
finance and sustainable growth, which includes the voluntary sector and social economy within its
extensive remit.
Swinney, who is MSP for North Tayside, led the SNP between 2000 and 2004 and previously sat
in the House of Commons as MP for Tayside North. His new portfolio also includes local
government, the Scottish Budget, public transport and corporate social responsibility.
There has been some concern expressed about the size of his brief, although a spokesman for
the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations said it was too early to say whether this would
have an impact upon the time Swinney could dedicate to the voluntary sector.
“We are seeking an early meeting with him and hope he’ll be as attentive to the sector in
government as he was in Opposition,” he said. | |
| New Web-Based Television Service for British Sign Language Users Launched |
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A new web-based television service for British Sign Language (BSL) users has recently launched in the UK.
VeeSee TV airs news and other programmes in BSL and is available 24 hours a day. The channel can be viewed on a computer or via a set-top box and is the brainchild of BSL interpreter Susie Grant. She said she launched VeeSee TV in frustration at mainstream TV's inability to cater for deaf and hearing impaired viewers. VeeSee is the first dedicated channel for BSL users which also includes an interactive forum and user-generated content. 'My original motivation for creating VeeSee was seeing so many talented and gifted deaf people encounter barriers in showing what they were capable of' said Ms Grant. 'These barriers exist purely because of communication issues - I also got frustrated waiting for the mainstream channels to cater for deaf audiences at reasonable times in their scheduling.'
The new channel will soon have three to four hours of programming available, sorted into different genres. It also has a news section which is updated on a daily basis. Once the service is fully functional, subscribers will be able to communicate using webcam-to-webcam video streaming which means that they will be able to interact using BSL. 'Allowing deaf people to be able to chat freely in their native sign languages on their own website will be a great bonus for deaf communities all over the world,' said Ms Grant.
BSL user Yvonne Cobb said she was already visiting the site every day. 'It has made a huge difference in understanding more of the news and it makes viewing more pleasurable,' she said.
www.veesee.co.uk | |
| National Liftshare Day 14th June |
|---|
Share a car, save money and reduce pollution
• A typical liftshare member saves themselves £1,100 and 1Tonne of CO² per year by sharing their daily journey.
• National liftshare Day aims to cut CO² from cars by 20% by increasing the average car occupancy to 2 people.
www.NationalliftshareDay.org | |
| Highland companies attracting attention of global talent x 1,000,000! |
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Leading jobs Inverness-based website hijobs.co.uk is reporting record job applications on their site - and visitors to the website from all over the world. The website has had over 1 million ‘page views’ since start up several months ago – but more importantly, many of the key jobs are being filled not only by local jobs seekers in the north of Scotland but by people all over the UK and beyond.
Managing Director, Angela Paterson, says: “Highland businesses are really putting themselves on the map as leading the way in innovation – and the area is fast becoming a leading light in Research and Development and Renewable Energy. The construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors continue to be strong but really there are jobs for everyone. There was a reluctance initially to try advertising for jobs online – but I firmly believe that this is the future and that searching for houses, holidays, cars and jobs is going to be done online!
“The past few years have highlighted skill shortages in the North – and it is increasingly important that companies ‘throw the net wide’ in terms of attracting talent. It is our intention to showcases some of the best job opportunities available – encouraging people to move to the Highlands – and what better, faster and more cost effective way than online!”
www.hijobs.co.uk | |
| Find a job without moving from the couch! |
|---|
Job seekers can now access the 400,000 jobs that Jobcentres are advertising without moving from their own sofas. A new partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Looking Local, the local government digital TV portal offers all digital TV viewers access to a real time, national job search engine that can be searched by postcode to find local vacancies. Each job comes with full job description and details of location, wages, benefits and how to apply. Users can refine their searches to specify if they are seeking temporary or permanent posts and the number of hours they wish to work. The service is available to anyone who has access to Sky, cable or broadband enabled Freeview boxes. Details of how to access the service are available on the Jobcentre Plus website.
https://www.cvsmail.org.uk/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/News/SSC040507081039.xml.html | |
| New Regulations on References to |
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Scottish Ministers have published new regulations using powers conferred in the Charities and
Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, section 15 and 103(2); and section 39(2) and (3).
The Charities References in Documents (Scotland) Regulations 2007 came into effect on 1st
April 2007 (despite not being published until the 4th April) and specify how charities must refer to
themselves in printed material.
Bodies entered on the Charity Register must;
state their register number;
the name they are entered in the Register as;
any other name they are known as, and
the fact that they are either “a Scottish Charity” or “a charity registered in Scotland”, or “a
charity”, or “a charitable body”
This information must be stated on the documents listed in the Regulations.
These are;
Business letters and emails;
Adverts, notices and publications;
Any document soliciting money or other property on behalf of the charity;
Bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements and orders for money or goods;
Bills rendered;
Invoices, receipts and letters of credit;
Statements of accounts prepared in accordance with the Charities Accounts (Scotland)
Regulations 2006;
Educational or campaign documentation;
Conveyances which provide for the creation, transfer, variation or extinction of an
interest in land;
Contractual documentation. | |
| Scottish Charity Awards Debut—The Tiffanys |
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Scotland gets its own Annual Charity Award night, courtesy of SCVO's weekly Third Force News, and dubbed the Tiffanys. Categories are ‘Charity Champion’, ‘Charity of the Year’, ‘Campaign of the Year’, ‘Community Action’ award and the ‘Partnership’ award. Entry is open to registered charities, non-profit social enterprises, campaigning groups and agencies and partners that help voluntary organisations reach their potential.
One representative of each nominated organisation will be invited to the SCVO Dinner in the Atrium restaurant at Glasgow’s Science Centre at The Gathering on Saturday 24th May 2007. The application process is simple and involves filling in a small form and saying in 400 words why your organisations should win. Organisations must supply a separate entry for each category they wish to enter. The closing date is the 30th March 2007. More background at http://digbig.com/4rkem or download the Awards information and entry form (word format, 93kb) from http://www.workwithus.org/tfnawards.doc
www.workwithus.org/tfnawards.doc | |
| Don't let charities lose out to Olympics |
|---|
Sadly, every Olympics creates losers. Don't let charities be the losers at London 2012.
We want there to be lots of British winners at the 2012 Olympics. But charities could lose out.
The Government is proposing to raid almost £2 billion of Lottery money meant for good causes to
pay for the increasing cost of the 2012 Games. If this happens then thousands of charities won't
be able to work with some of the most disadvantaged people in our society.
Be a 2012 Olympic champion and take action now:
Show your support for charities by signing the petition at the link below:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Defend-funding
Alternatively, please e-mail lotterycampaign@ncvo-vol.org.uk or visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
olympicslottery for more information. Pass it on and tell a friend about the campaign ...
petitions.pm.gov.uk/Defend-funding | |
| Scottish Executive Child Protection Line Number |
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New Scottish Executive Child Protection Line Number
This number came about as a result of the audit into child protection “It’s Everyone’s Job to make
Sure I'm Alright” which showed that public did not know whom to phone with child protection
concerns. This was further reinforced by the enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the
death of Danielle Reid in Highland. A case has been made for a single phone number to act as
“gateway” service, connecting to appropriate agencies, in order to simplify public access. This
national service is to be launched after a successful pilot in the North East in 2005.
This will be a national phone number – 0800 022 3222. (free phone). Links established with
Childline and Parentline.
This will be launched on Monday 12th February 2007, so any posters etc relating to this
should not be displayed before this time.
Any queries or questions in the first instance to NESCPC office on (01224) 814646 or e-mail
info@nescpc.org.uk
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| Lorn Drama Festival |
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This year is the 10th Anniversary of the Lorn Drama Festival. There
are 12 adult and 7 youth teams entering the competition from as far and
wide as Campbeltown, Appin and Dalmally.
The Festival will be held in the Corran Halls from Monday to Friday,
12th * 16th March at 7:30 prompt. Tickets cost £5 per night (£3.50
concession) or season tickets at £20 (£14 concession) are available from
the Corran Hall Box Office along with a free programme | |
| April National Spring Clean |
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Want to help keep Scotland beautiful? Then take part in the April National Spring Clean, the country’s first official litter pick for six years.
The Spring Clean is run by Keep Scotland Beautiful and they are looking for volunteers to get involved in the tidy up campaign taking place from 1st April to 31st April, whether it's at your local woodland, beach or park.
www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1563 | |
| Scottish Outdoor Access Festival |
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The Scottish Outdoor Access Festival will take place from 28th April to 7th May 2007 and will celebrate outdoor access rights and responsibilities, enjoyment of the outdoors and promote awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are coordinating the festival and will publicise local events held across the country. If you are holding an event during this fortnight, or would like to, then SNH want to hear from you.
This is a great opportunity to get involved in a national event and get some free publicity for your organisation or project. Events will be publicised through leaflets, posters and a web page.
The festival is aimed at families on day trips, individual active recreational users, novices interested in having a go, outdoor clubs and associations and dog owners.
Your event can be small or large and suggestions from SNH include:
guided walks and trails
talks and presentations
family fun days
farm visits
'have a go' activity days
demonstation days and skills training
challenges for the more active
club events
dog training classes
local path network explorations
To be included you must register your event before 10th January 2007. Click here to go to the online booking form.
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www.ruralgateway.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1516 | |
| Peoples Millions Argyll Finalists |
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The Big Lottery Fund People's Millions finalists have been announced and include these two projects from Argyll & Bute. Scottish projects will be shown between 13th-16th November inclusive and the winners will be chosen by PUBLIC VOTE. Every night two groups will go head to head on ITV regional news programmes and the project with the most public votes each evening will claim the prize of a Big Lottery Fund grant. One additional bonus grant will be awarded in each ITV region to the runner up with the most votes.
The Argyll & Bute projects will be shown on 15th November - please help them to win by voting as the runner up still has a chance of winning!
15-Nov-06 All weather sports pitch and pre 5 timber trail project Brilliant Beginnings Port Ellen Primary School, Isle of Islay This project will create an area suitable for ball games in all types of weather and an active play area for under fives. This will be the first all weather games facility on Islay.
15-Nov-06 Community Playpark Kilmodan Acre Trust (Playpark Committee) Based in Glendaruel The project aims to create a fully accessible community playpark and picnic site in a rurally isolated area to encourage all ages in the community to socialise and interact.
For further information on The People's Million see the website http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_peoples_millions.htm?regioncode=-uk&status=theProg | |
| Princess Royal Celebrates Lloyds TSB 21st Birthday |
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| Click here | |
| teacake eating competitions |
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The Tarbert youth group in partnership with the Tarbert village hall committee are fundraising to refurbish the village hall and to build a dedicated youth premises for the young people of the village. As part of our many fundraising ventures we have had permission from Thomas Tunnock’s to hold this year's teacake eating challenge in the village on Saturday 30th September 2006. The last time the challenge was held in the area was in Mid Argyll in 2003. There will be three aged categories 8-11 years, 12-15 years and 16+ years. The champion will be selected from the 16+ category.
www.tarbert-teacake.co.uk | |
| Volunteer Lunch Expenses |
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Volunteer Lunch Expenses
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently changed its guidance relating to lunch expenses for volunteers on benefit. The change will mean that in future, meals will be treated as an expense that volunteers can claim back, unlike previously when they were expected to meet the cost of their meals out of their benefits. The full press release on this issue can be viewed on the DWP website.
www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2006/aug/fmc081-080806.asp | |
| What's Faith got to do with it? |
|---|
5 September 2006, The Royal Scottish Academy for Music and Drama, Glasgow
(9.30am- 4.30pm)
This major event will focus on the contribution that Scotland's faith communities are making to tackling poverty and regeneration and explore how this work can be built on. The conference will showcase work that is already being undertaken in the field of regeneration and will identify via a range of workshops, group discussions and speakers the different perspectives on this issue, lessons learned to date and future actions required. For further information and booking forms please contact Louise Teyhan, Communities Scotland, Tel: 0131 479 5270.
www.argyllcommunities.org/Conferences-g.asp?msg=Left%20Column%20Text%20Updated | |
| The Guardian Charity Awards 2006 |
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The Guardian is delighted to annouce the launch of the Guardian Charity Awards 2006. The awards offer a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the importance of the charity sector, rewarding small charities for their contribution to social welfare in the community. This year we aim to identify those organisations that are making truly outstanding contributions to society as a whole. Each of the five winners will receive a cheque for £6,000 and a brand new PC.
closing date for entries is Friday 8 September 2006. Application forms can be requested from charityawardsapplication@guardian.co.uk
society.guardian.co.uk/voluntarysectorawards | |
| The Gathering 2006 - SECC Glasgow |
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19th to 21st June 2006, SECC, Glasgow
The gathering is Scotland’s charity and voluntary sector fair, organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, it is the largest event of its kind in the UK.
In 2005 more than 4,500 people came to the gathering, visiting the 180 exhibitors and attending the many conferences, seminars and workshops that took place during the three-day event.
The gathering 2006 will be even bigger, bringing together more voluntary organisations, more companies and more visitors.
www.gatherscotland.org.uk/Home/Home.aspx | |
| Free PCs |
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| 17 PCs available for community groups from Argyll & Bute Council - phone 01586 555312 and ask for May Watson if your group is interested. | |
| Helensburgh Support |
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If you work in the voluntary sector, this is your chance to let the Scottish Executive, and the Strategic Funding Review partners, know about what support you do (or don’t) receive, and what services you think are needed in the future. We are looking for voluntary organisations to tell us what support they are able to access and what gaps exist.
For details click the link and then reply by 21st April to David McNeill [david.mcneill@rocketsciencelab.co.uk]
www.argyllcommunities.org/documents/Flyers/Review%20Information%20to%20Mailing%20List.doc | |
| Social Enterprise Trade Fair in Perth |
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S2S: Social Enterprise Trade Fair
25 April 2006, Perth Concert Hall
S2S is Scotland’s first national social enterprise trade fair. Organised by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition and Indigo Project Solutions, the event has been designed to showcase the diversity and success of the sector in Scotland and provide an opportunity for a wide mix of organisations and individuals to trade, learn and network. The fair will feature an exhibition area displaying the products and services of social enterprises, which will run alongside a programme of workshops, speakers and panel discussions on topical issues relating to the social enterprise sector. There will also be a speed networking arena which will allow a variety of people to meet and exchange information in a fun environment. S2S is free to attend.
For further information, contact Cheryl Hoffman at Indigo on 0131 316 4140, or register online.
www.indigops.com/s2s/ | |
| Social Networks Conference |
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Social Networks - Evidence and Potential - National Conference
16 May 2006, Thistle Hotel, Edinburgh, (09.00am – 3.40pm)
Are you interested in homelessness, social inclusion, communities, mental health and well-being? or involved in mediation, mentoring or befriending? If so this one day conference will be of benefit to you.
www.argyllcommunities.org/pageadmin.asp?view=content&intent=edit&item=leftcol&pageid=450 | |
| Crofting Reform etc Bill |
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The Crofting Reform etc Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 2 March 2006. The Environment and Rural Development Committee is the lead committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Bill. This means that the Committee will take evidence on the Bill and then produce a report to the Parliament recommending whether the Parliament should agree to the general principles of the Bill. To assist it in producing this recommendation, the Committee will seek written and oral evidence from a wide range of interested parties.
www.argyllcommunities.org/Crofting-g.asp | |
| Funding Alert |
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| Argyll & Bute council has released the January Funding Alert. This can be viewed from our funding page - also gives details of a funding roadshow. | |
| Community Radio |
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| Community Development Alliance Scotland is hosting a seminar on Community Radio in Dundee on February 10 - for details contact John Lee john.lee@vds.org.uk | |
| SCCYP consultation questionnaire available |
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Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People is consulting with organisations working with and for children and young people to help shape the policy priorities for the next two years. Argyll CVS has a number of copies of this document for distribution. If you would like to receive a copy please phone Louise on 01546 606808
www.sccyp.org.uk | |
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VIEW ALL NEWSIslay & Jura CVS11 Apr: LEADER funding and Investing in Ideas Deadlines loomingIslay & Jura CVS11 Apr: Ferry Committe of Enquiry invited to travel to Islay by FerryArgyll Drama Festival3 Apr: 15 Teams will compete in Argyll Drama Festival
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