Nov
VSI Alliance Update November 27, 2020
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
Get help for your organisation’s unmet needs The VSI Alliance has recently joined the VCS Emergency Partnership (VCS EP) which can help you get the things you need to help communities. Through its regional structure the VCS EP (a partnership of big national charities and local infrastructure organisations like VSI Alliance) is building a picture of how the pandemic is affecting third sector organisations and communities around the country.
In case you missed it:
Community Response Coordinator (COVID-19)
This post will be pivotal to the fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Calderdale by engaging and working with local communities, the VCSE and wider partners. The post will work as part of the VSI Alliance and will be hosted by VAC.
News
In case you missed it:
Guide for Volunteer Opportunities During Lockdown
NAVCA have produced a handy guide to help people work out whether they should pursue a particular volunteer opportunity during the current lockdown.
Keeping Calderdale Cosy: Providing Affordable Warmth Solutions for Calderdale Families
Cold homes are bad for health. If you or your clients are struggling to pay heating bills and/or the home is cold and damp, in all probability health will suffer. This will increase the financial burden on the Public Health Service and the NHS.
verd de gris – The Art of Community
As verd de gris have been nominated for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, they have created a booklet filled with testimonies of some of the volunteers who have been a part of the journey, aiming to impact on areas like community health and positive social change.
Events and Training
In case you missed it:
Steps to Building Organisational Resilience: Key Things to Consider – 2nd December
In partnership with Zurich, NCVO will be delivering a webinar discussing key considerations for making your charity resilient. This free webinar will explore key considerations for making your charity resilient, including financial sustainability, reputation and governance.
Funding
The Voice4change England Covid-19 Partnership Fund – Deadline: 4th December
Funding for enabling BAME organisations to deal with emerging issues in the community, as a result of the continuing threat of COVID-19, and the need for self-isolation, and potential for further exacerbation of loneliness and isolation.
New Bursaries Available for BAME Fundraiser and Charity Leaders – Deadline: 11th December
The FSI has a small number of bursary places to support applicants who are from groups under-represented and whom, without the bursary, may otherwise miss out on opportunities to access their SQA-accredited qualification in Fundraising Practice (Equivalent to QCF Level 3).
Cash Boost for Calderdale Community Groups – Deadline: 21st December
Calderdale’s voluntary groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000, to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackle poverty and build strong neighbourhoods.
Funding for Community Based Food Initiatives
Not for profit groups and various other groups/settings can apply for grants of up to £150 to use good food to connect and bring together people of all ages and from different backgrounds.
Funding for Meals for Those in Need Prior to Christmas
Charities, community interest companies, unincorporated clubs or associations, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to provide meals costing £4 or less for individuals, families, and children’s healthy holiday clubs.
In case you missed it:
Good Things Foundation Looking for Partners to Apply for Funding to Support the Delivery of the 2021 Census – Deadline: 30th November
The Foundation is looking for organisations who can deliver support to people wishing to complete the census between March and May 2021.
The National Lottery Community Fund New Infrastructure Programme – Deadline: 1st December
The National Lottery Community Fund will give between 8 and 10 infrastructure organisations a package of funding, combined with on-site coaching and expertise provided by a Design Lab over 12 months.
UK Youth Fund – Covid Relief
The UK Youth Fund – Covid Relief has been created to support youth organisations who have not had access to the crisis funding they require to survive the Covid pandemic.
Vacancies
Valley of Sanctuary (VoS) Support Officer – Closing date: 30th November
Wonderful opportunity to help establish a Valley of Sanctuary in Calderdale. You will be a valued member of a small but dedicated group of people as they make this happen locally.
About VSI Alliance:
All staff at the VSI Alliance are available remotely to support you and your organisation at this time with various aspects of your work, along with providing key information and resources. For support/advice, please contact info@vsialliance.org.uk, or visit www.vsialliance.org.uk for more contact details.
Lower Valley Friday Flyer 27 November 2020 – OUT NOW!!
Click here to view the latest Lower Valley Friday Flyer…
This week:
- Essential safety works at Ainley’s facility in Elland
- Step Out and Get Your 10 Minute Stroll!
- Flu Vaccination messages for our communities in Central
- Join the Police and Crime Commissioner Youth Advisory Group
Have a great weekend!
If you’re on our mailing list the Friday Flyer will arrive direct to your inbox every Friday. Join the mailing list by emailing calderdalelowervalley@gmail.com
You can also contact us on 0300 555 0266.
Essential safety works at Ainley’s facility in Elland
From Monday 30 November, work will take place to widen access at Ainleys facility in Elland, to allow for better access and the installation of additional safety measures. The facility includes Calderdale Council’s highways depot and Elland Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).
For the safety of all users, a new layout will also be introduced – including an alternate entrance/exit point and a reversal of the one-way system for visitors to the HWRC. We will also be installing a weighbridge which is needed for the storage of winter salt.
The work will take around 5 days and the HWRC will remain open throughout, with work taking place between 4pm and 7am. Additional traffic management will be in place and may cause some delays. More information here.
Message from West Yorksire Police on burglary prevention
Burglaries can often increase during the longer darker nights in the autumn and winter months.
Crime prevention doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – taking simple measures such as locking your doors and windows, not leaving valuables on display and using your alarm can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim.
Here’s some simple steps that everyone can take to improve their home security:
• Always lock your doors and windows even when you are at home
• Always take the key out of the lock and keep it in a safe place – do not leave keys in reach of the letterbox, a cat flap, or on view through a window.
• Invest in timer light switches, and set lights to come on and go off in your home – using low energy light bulbs or utilise smart devices.
• Make sure items such as car keys, laptops, tablets, phones and money cannot be seen through a window.
• Make sure Euro cylinder locks have achieved – TS 007 (3 star rating) or Sold Secure Diamond Standard for lock cylinders (SS312).
• Why not start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area?
In Calderdale all residential burglaries are investigated by a team of CID detectives, but prevention is always better than the cure. Our teams will be out targeting offenders and delivering crime prevention events across the autumn period.
This year West Yorkshire Police have developed a home security toolkit. This can be accessed online on the below link. If you would like it in an alternative format please contact us.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/home-security
You can keep up to date with the latest news and alerts from West Yorkshire Police by signing up to West Yorkshire Community Alert. Public registration is free and people can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and/or prevention advice direct via email, text or voice message. Sign up today at:
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/west-yorkshire-community-alert
If you have information about those that are criminally active you can pass that information to us by the following methods:
• Online – www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it
• Telephone – 999 for a crime in progress or there is a risk to life. 101 for Non emergencies
• 100% anonymously via the charity CrimeStoppers – 0800 555111
Please find enclosed some useful crime prevention information and help us to keep you safe.
Introducig Calderdale NPT Inspectors
We are the Crime Prevention Officers responsible for Calderdale. We offer a FREE Crime Prevention Security advice service. We are happy to attend your premises and bespoke the survey to your particular needs.
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to being a burglary victim when it only takes a few adjustments to secure your property without costing £1000s.
Simply locking your doors, even when at home and setting your alarm even if you are just popping out and when you go to bed, will increase your chances of not being a victim of this crime.
For a FREE home survey please contact fa.crimeprevention@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or alternatively contact
Tracy on 07736 087199. (Answer machine facility).
We work Monday to Friday and always respond to messages.
Tracy and Jill
NHP Thank you notes 27/11/20 – submit yours!
Welcome to our weekly round of Thank You notes.
Each week we publish notes submitted to us, thanking those who have made a difference or a positive impact to somebody.
If you wish to deliver your own NHP Thank-You, click here.
To read the previous week’s Thank you notes, click here.
A huge thank you for stepping up and volunteering your time and using your café space (when your business had to close)to provide much needed emergency food support to the North Halifax Community. NHP have really enjoyed working with you and have appreciated your partnership working in helping us to support our community and long may it continue
Tina Burke (Chief Executive, North Halifax Partnership)Andrew Sykes and the staff team at noah’s Ark
NHP would like to say a big thank you to all of you at Noah’s Ark for your support to NHP around emergency food provision and debt support for the North Halifax community, the partnership working has been greatly appreciated and we think you are doing a fantastic job, long may our work together continue.
Tina Burke (Chief Executive, North Halifax Partnership)District Nurse Team in North
Thank you to the Community Matrons working across North Halifax for the vital caring role you undertake in our community every day. And thank you for taking the time to work with the local partnership especially during these most challenging times.
The Local Covid Partnership
Everyone at North Halifax Partnership
Thank you to all of you for being so welcoming and patient with me when I first started! I really do appreciate it and I am so grateful for everyone’s kindness!
Heather Bentley
Step Out and Get Your 10 Minute Stroll!
We need your help to celebrate one thing that we CAN do this winter – go for a little walk at lunchtime!
It’s more important than ever to get active for our physical and mental health, but the dark winter months and COVID restrictions have made it more challenging for many people across the borough.
That’s why we’ve created the Take Ten #StepOutChallenge. We’re challenging everyone to walk outside for at least 10 minutes every lunchtime in December – to enjoy the daylight (if not sunlight), go to the shops, walk, round the block or even better local park. It will make you feel brighter and give you a sense of achievement, it’s worth that initial effort of getting your shoes and coat on!
Each day there will be extra optional challenges to try whilst walking, all linked to the 5 ways to wellbeing, to give everyone an extra boost! Find more details on our website.
The Take Ten #StepOutChallenge aims to challenge everyone to get outside for at least 10 minutes every day for a walk during December. To support with this we have created a calendar (see attached) which includes additional challenges based around the five ways to wellbeing to further encourage and support people to take at least 10 minutes out of their day to get outside and walk.
How can you help?
We’d love it if you could support the challenge by doing the following:
- Take part in the challenge yourself, and join us on Twitter using #StepOutChallenge
- Encourage your colleagues, friends and family to take part in the challenge
- Spread the word to your service users or customers and any other residents that you have contact with. We have included a pack with social media posts and some graphics to go with them. You can also download an accessible version of the calendar on our website.
Attached is the full challenge calendar, and you can find your supporters pack here: https://we.tl/t-BUNLiaa6Ey (if this link is no longer working please contact activecalderdale@calderdale.gov.uk.
Take Ten December #StepOutChallenge Full Calendar
Faith Leadership in Uncertain Times Free Online Workshop
This day is a continuation of a dialogue bringing together leaders and activists from the Muslim and Christian faiths for a time of reflection and discussion. It is part of a larger international movement towards a deeper engagement between these two great global traditions – Islam and Christianity
Date: Monday 7 December 2020
Time: 10.00 to 12 noon
To register please go to this Zoom link: https://bit.ly/2Ga970h
Who is the session for?
- Faith Leaders, Imams and Priests
- Interfaith Forum Members and Community Activists, Cultural Trainers
- Public and Health Sector Workers involved in Intercultural work
It will be of vital interest to all who recognize the potential joint working brings for community cohesion and development
Facilitators:
Kaushar Tai, Director -Aksaa
Revd. Mike Gartland, Director – Spirit in Mind
For further information please contact Kaushar Tai on 0783 3811914 or Mike Gartland on 01924 316282 or email: pastoral.care@swyt.nhs.uk
Flu Vaccination messages for our communities in Central
Recent evidence has shown that flu vaccination uptake is not as high amongst members of our BAME community. BAME communities are more significantly impacted by COVID-19 and want to ensure levels of flu vaccination are as high as possible to protect the community from flu.
Community feedback from some of the initial communications around COVID were not as effective with local communities, so support with getting these messages right and to the right people is needed.
There is Calderdale data to show that Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and other Asian groups (Ethnicity Group 3 in the table below) have the lowest uptake.
What would you recommend to ensure a better reach into the community, whether this be improved / different communication tools, a different delivery model or something more innovative? Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group would be really grateful to hear your ideas or for you to bring forward community suggestions or approaches.
Please email robertgibson@nhs.net with your suggestions.
Ethnicity groupings based on 2001 census;
Group 1
- British or mixed British
- Irish
- Other White or White unspecified
- Other White background
Group 2
- Mixed Black
- Other Mixed background
- White and Asian
- White and Asian
- White and Black African
Group 3
- Bangladeshi or British Bangladeshi
- Indian or British Indian
- Other Asian background
- Pakistani or British Pakistani
Group 4
- North African
- Caribbean
- Other Black background
Group 5
- Chinese
- Other
LAB Online course starting December 4th for people aged 19+ in Calderdale
LAB Online Confidence, Communication and Teamwork course starting on 4th of December, available to people aged 19+ in Calderdale.
Try something new with LAB Online and polish up those virtual communication, interview and team skills that will help you to thrive in today’s job market.
Calderdale Adult Learning and the national award – winning Proper Job Theatre Company have joined forces to offer this free short course to inspire people to develop new online skills during these distanced times. Make your time inside count by developing new tools useful for future training or employment – and by earning a qualification from the comfort of your own home.
The free fun online sessions use drama and media training techniques to develop your skills and confidence. Join the LAB Project and learn about other free local provision, including other free CAL qualification courses. Join our friendly team over a cuppa each morning, learn new skills and earn a new qualification in just two weeks.
Sessions are delivered over Zoom. Internet access needed but no previous experience required.
LAB Online is part of the LAB Project. This is currently aimed at supporting adults in Calderdale who would enjoy keeping connected and using creative learning techniques to boost wellbeing, confidence life planning and employment skills.
Enquiries – or to register for a place – contact Melissa
t: 07368291874
e: Melissa@properjob.org.uk
Find out about the range of Proper Job Covid 19 Support activities at www.properjob.org.uk
Join the Police and Crime Commissioner Youth Advisory Group
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is looking for young people aged 13-21 from across West Yorkshire to join his Youth Advisory Group (YAG).
The group gives young people the opportunity to express their views and opinions on local policing matters and gives them a more active say in how they are policed in West Yorkshire.
The group Provides opportunities to take part in new initiatives and improve and enhance relationships between young people, the PCC and the Police, and it looks great on your CV!
What does it include?
- Meeting 4 times per year – usually on a Saturday morning, via Skype currently, but usually across venues in West Yorkshire
- Sharing their personal knowledge, opinions and experience of community issues within the group
- Provide advice to us to help the PCC improve policing and make sure people are safer and feel safer
- Take part in workshops and learn about key policing topics included in the police and crime plan
View poster containing further information on YAG.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in joining the group, or would like more information, please contact consultation@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
