Volunteering
Africaniwa: She Chose to Challenge March 26
This Friday 26th March at 6pm, in celebration of IWD2021, Africaniwa is proud to present: She Chose to Challenge, a Photo Exhibition.
Marking International Women’s Day, we are reminded that a challenged world is an alert world. And at a time where recent events call us to challenge masculine violence and empower women to #reclaimthestreets, we might have pondered, ‘what would it look like to have a world where women lived free from the patriarchy?’.
Over 30 years ago, one woman chose to make this a reality for the women who live in Umoja, a village where only women and children live. Meet Rebecca Lolosoli as we hear her story and mission in founding Umoja and what life is like living without men.
This month in celebration of IWD2021, Africaniwa is proud to present She Chose to Challenge, a Photo Exhibition.
Click on the link to register for your free ticket. You will receive the zoom link on the day of the exhibition:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/she-chose-to-challenge-tickets-146039916321
Africaniwa are raising funds to help Umoja village after their main source of revenue, tourism, has been hampered by the pandemic. This will be used to buy basic provisions like food, chalk for classrooms and toys such as footballs for the children. Every little helps so please spare whatever you can give at PayPal to esenetekyerema@gmail.com. Thank you.
Want to become a life changer? Volunteer with Guide Dogs!
Are you experienced in teaching new behaviours? Do you feel you can dedicate 14 months to training a new puppy? Then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
We are looking for Puppy Raisers in Halifax, to join our Guide Dogs family! The role involves looking after a pup full time in your home for a year and helping to train the pup according to Guide Dogs standards. A perfect companion and new training project during these difficult times!
If you feel that this much fluffiness may be too much of a distraction but still want to give your support, we are also looking for fundraising help, including a Treasurer for the fundraising group.
For more information please email danielle.wilkin@guidedogs.org.uk.
VSI Alliance Update March 12, 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
News
Pop-up vaccination centre to be held at Elland mosque
Covid-19 vaccinations are available at Elland Masjid (mosque), on Elizabeth Street in Elland from 9am-12pm on Saturday 6th March 2021.
In case you missed it:
A budget for the recovery
Preparing for a strong and sustainable recovery was the Council’s priority when setting the budget for 2021/22, agreed at Budget Council on Monday 22 February 2021.
ESF Community Grants awards first grants of 2021
Following on from the ESF Community Grants reopening at the start of the year, they are delighted to have made their first grant awards to the following projects.
Mentoring scheme re-launched by Small Charities Coalition
The Small Charities Coalition has re-opened their mentoring scheme, in which small charities can be matched with a fellow small charity leader to support them with an issue.
The Value of Small in a Big Crisis
‘The Value of Small in a Big Crisis: the distinctive contribution, value and experience of smaller charities in England and Wales during the COVID 19 pandemic’ follows on from Lloyds Bank Foundation’s 2018 research, The Value of Small, and to test the original findings against the pandemic.
Consultations
Calderdale CAB Website Survey
Citizens Advice Calderdale are in the middle of updating their website to make it easier to use, and need help with their research. If you’re chosen for the research you’ll receive a £40 online voucher.
Events and Training
Fibre – International Women’s Day 2021 Celebration – 8th March
Uplifting celebration event to mark International Women’s Day 2021 with live music, singing, and a very special sound:poem.
Pivot Don’t Pause – Real Business Strategies for the Pandemic and beyond – 9th March
This is the place to be to learn skills and strategies to help your business earn and grow, during the pandemic and beyond. This SEYH Knowledge workshop will be all about practical steps that you can implement right now.
HCI and All 1 Collective International Women’s Day Event – 11th March
Hosted by Halifax Central Initiative and All 1 Collective & Lab, this year’s event will be hosted on Zoom, looking at the issues that are affecting the women of Calderdale during these difficult times.
Community First Funding Fair – 23rd-25th March
Building on the success of last year’s online Funding Fair, Community First are doing something a little bigger this year over 3 days.
In case you missed it:
National Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2021 – 18th March
The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.
Funding
CityConnect Community Grants – Deadline: 19th March
The CityConnect Community Grants progamme encourages not-for-profit organisations across West Yorkshire to bid for grants of up to £5,000 to support people in their communities to cycle and walk more.
Vacancies
Facilities Coordinator – Closing date: 15th March
Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub (TLCCH) is a charitable Community Benefit Society created to ‘Save Tod College’ from closure and the loss of an important community facility within the town.
In case you missed it:
Early Years Practitioner Vacancies – Closing date: 10th March
Sure Start are advertising a number of vacancies within their Children’s Centres across North and East Halifax and the Lower Valley.
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.
VSI Alliance Update March 05, 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
News
Pop-up vaccination centre to be held at Elland mosque
Covid-19 vaccinations are available at Elland Masjid (mosque), on Elizabeth Street in Elland from 9am-12pm on Saturday 6th March 2021.
In case you missed it:
A budget for the recovery
Preparing for a strong and sustainable recovery was the Council’s priority when setting the budget for 2021/22, agreed at Budget Council on Monday 22 February 2021.
ESF Community Grants awards first grants of 2021
Following on from the ESF Community Grants reopening at the start of the year, they are delighted to have made their first grant awards to the following projects.
Mentoring scheme re-launched by Small Charities Coalition
The Small Charities Coalition has re-opened their mentoring scheme, in which small charities can be matched with a fellow small charity leader to support them with an issue.
The Value of Small in a Big Crisis
‘The Value of Small in a Big Crisis: the distinctive contribution, value and experience of smaller charities in England and Wales during the COVID 19 pandemic’ follows on from Lloyds Bank Foundation’s 2018 research, The Value of Small, and to test the original findings against the pandemic.
Consultations
Calderdale CAB Website Survey
Citizens Advice Calderdale are in the middle of updating their website to make it easier to use, and need help with their research. If you’re chosen for the research you’ll receive a £40 online voucher.
Events and Training
Fibre – International Women’s Day 2021 Celebration – 8th March
Uplifting celebration event to mark International Women’s Day 2021 with live music, singing, and a very special sound:poem.
Pivot Don’t Pause – Real Business Strategies for the Pandemic and beyond – 9th March
This is the place to be to learn skills and strategies to help your business earn and grow, during the pandemic and beyond. This SEYH Knowledge workshop will be all about practical steps that you can implement right now.
HCI and All 1 Collective International Women’s Day Event – 11th March
Hosted by Halifax Central Initiative and All 1 Collective & Lab, this year’s event will be hosted on Zoom, looking at the issues that are affecting the women of Calderdale during these difficult times.
Community First Funding Fair – 23rd-25th March
Building on the success of last year’s online Funding Fair, Community First are doing something a little bigger this year over 3 days.
In case you missed it:
National Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2021 – 18th March
The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.
Funding
CityConnect Community Grants – Deadline: 19th March
The CityConnect Community Grants progamme encourages not-for-profit organisations across West Yorkshire to bid for grants of up to £5,000 to support people in their communities to cycle and walk more.
Vacancies
Facilities Coordinator – Closing date: 15th March
Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub (TLCCH) is a charitable Community Benefit Society created to ‘Save Tod College’ from closure and the loss of an important community facility within the town.
In case you missed it:
Early Years Practitioner Vacancies – Closing date: 10th March
Sure Start are advertising a number of vacancies within their Children’s Centres across North and East Halifax and the Lower Valley.
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.
VSI Alliance Update February 26, 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
Local News
A budget for the recovery
Preparing for a strong and sustainable recovery was the Council’s priority when setting the budget for 2021/22, agreed at Budget Council on Monday 22 February 2021.
ESF Community Grants awards first grants of 2021
Following on from the ESF Community Grants reopening at the start of the year, they are delighted to have made their first grant awards to the following projects.
In case you missed it:
Ready, steady, census
Households across Calderdale will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. By filling in your census, you will help shape your community for the next 10 years. Census day is 21st March.
Refreshed Police and Crime Plan Launched
Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner, has launched the refreshed Police and Crime Plan for West Yorkshire. The Plan sets the strategic direction for West Yorkshire Police and community safety partners.
Support available to over 3000 additional residents now being asked to shield
Calderdale Council is continuing to support those most at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch COVID-19, as the national shielding programme is extended.
National News
Mentoring scheme re-launched by Small Charities Coalition
The Small Charities Coalition has re-opened their mentoring scheme, in which small charities can be matched with a fellow small charity leader to support them with an issue.
The Value of Small in a Big Crisis
‘The Value of Small in a Big Crisis: the distinctive contribution, value and experience of smaller charities in England and Wales during the COVID 19 pandemic’ follows on from Lloyds Bank Foundation’s 2018 research, The Value of Small, and to test the original findings against the pandemic.
FundingEvents and Training
Ain’t Nuff Time – Research Workshop: Lived Experience – 2nd March
There will be opportunities for people who have experience of prison to gain paid roles as actors and crew for the film, which will be shown to prisoners whilst they are still serving their sentences.
National Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2021 – 18th March
The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.
In case you missed it:
Green Social Prescribing Fund – Deadline: 2nd March
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is offering grants of between £5k and £10k for innovative projects that either enable people to access nature-based activities or involve creating new greenspaces in areas of need.
Flood Resilience Fund – Deadline: 3rd March
Community Foundation for Calderdale launched the Flood Resilience Fund last week in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund. Organisations can apply for up to £20K to improve Calderdale’s resilience in flood-risk areas.
Vacancies
Early Years Practitioner Vacancies – Closing date: 10th March
Sure Start are advertising a number of vacancies within their Children’s Centres across North and East Halifax and the Lower Valley.
In case you missed it:
Finance & HR Manager – Closing date: 11th March
There is an exciting opportunity at WomenCentre for a qualified and experienced finance manager to join the Senior Management Team as Finance and HR Manager.
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.
Put your best paw forward this March and support local RSPCA animals in need!
The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch have an exciting challenge this March that encourages their supporters to get active, raise much needed funds and you can even receive a medal for your efforts!
The Best Paw Forward is a personal challenge that can be uniquely catered to your own abilities. You pick the distance you want to cover, the method you will use and go at your own pace – the only rule is you must complete it by 31st March.
Whether you walk, run, cycle or skate! Your challenge can help raise funds and awareness for the animals currently in the care of the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & Bradford Animal Centre.
All participants have a full month to finish the challenge and it can be part of your daily exercise or a personal goal. The event is open to all ages and abilities, and entrants are encouraged to raise sponsorship from family and friends to help the local RSPCA care for the animals spending lockdown in their centre.
Community Fundraiser, Michelle King says ‘The Best Paw Forward is a great way to keep fit and get outdoors, especially now the weather is turning brighter! The flexibility of the event should hopefully make your goal more achievable – from running 30 miles if you’re ready for a big challenge or just 10 miles of walking the dog. Anyone who raises £20 or more in sponsorship will receive a special medal and a goodie bag for those with a canine companion! We hope you’ll take on the challenge and help support our lockdown animals this March”.
After a difficult 12 months, the local RSPCA branch hopes this event will help raise vital funds for their rescue centre and the animals in their care.
All funds raised from the challenge will directly benefit the local RSPCA rehoming centre and you can find out more/sign up via their website here https://www.rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk/best-paw-forward.
You can also email Fundraising@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk or call Michelle on 07908 478956 to for more information.
“The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District Branch are a self-funding branch of the National RSPCA, responsible for raising money locally to support our animal welfare work. Our charity rehomes around 500+ animals every year. Our main aim is to rehabilitate unwanted, abandoned and abused animals and find them loving, permanent homes. We rely on public donations and the generosity of our local community to keep the doors of our animal centre open.”
VSI Alliance Update February 19, 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK – Free online training:
Community Asset Transfers – What You Need to Know
23rd February
Join us for an interactive session about the practicalities of community asset transfer. Find out what you need to know and learn the key stages of asset transfer and implications these have for community organisations.
The session will cover getting ready as an organisation, feasibility and business planning for community asset transfer, risk management, and how to identify the difference between viability and liability.
News
Ready, steady, census
Households across Calderdale will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. By filling in your census, you will help shape your community for the next 10 years. Census day is 21st March.
Refreshed Police and Crime Plan Launched
Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner, has launched the refreshed Police and Crime Plan for West Yorkshire. The Plan sets the strategic direction for West Yorkshire Police and community safety partners.
Support available to over 3000 additional residents now being asked to shield
Calderdale Council is continuing to support those most at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch COVID-19, as the national shielding programme is extended.
In case you missed it:
Free Supplies for Your Charity and Beneficiaries
Giving World help charities access brand new life-essentials for free. They redirect business end-of-line, surplus and discontinued stock to the most deprived communities in the UK.
Spotting the Signs of Child Exploitation Video
Listen to parents talk about the changes they noticed when their child was being exploited. Parents are often the first to notice. It is so important to act quickly and intervene early if you suspect your child is being exploited.
Vaccinations for over 70s
People who are over 70 and haven’t had their first vaccination can contact the NHS National Booking Service for an appointment. West Yorkshire is expected to have reached everyone in the first four priority groups by the middle of February.
Consultations
In case you missed it:
COVID-19 Vaccination Engagement
Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group is working in partnership with Calderdale Council, Healthwatch and VSI Alliance and would like to understand people’s views and experiences of the COVID-19 vaccine in Calderdale.
Funding
Green Social Prescribing Fund – Deadline: 2nd March
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is offering grants of between £5k and £10k for innovative projects that either enable people to access nature-based activities or involve creating new greenspaces in areas of need.
Flood Resilience Fund – Deadline: 3rd March
Community Foundation for Calderdale launched the Flood Resilience Fund last week in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund. Organisations can apply for up to £20K to improve Calderdale’s resilience in flood-risk areas.
In case you missed it:
New lockdown fund to help Calderdale families
Families who are struggling financially with the extra pressures of COVID-19, staying at home and home-schooling will be supported by Calderdale Council’s new lockdown support fund.
NHS Charities Together Webinar – February 2021
Leeds Hospitals Charity Head of Grants, Rebecca Baldaro-Boot, talks through the details of the NHS Charities Together Stage 2 funding opportunity in West Yorkshire & Harrogate.
Vacancies
Calderdale Open Minds (CAMHS) Mental Health Outreach Practitioner – Closing date: 22nd February
Northpoint Open Minds (CAMHS) are looking for a qualified, experienced and skilled professional to support staff, young people and families within the Youth Justice Service and Special Educational Needs Team in Calderdale.
Finance & HR Manager – Closing date: 11th March
There is an exciting opportunity at WomenCentre for a qualified and experienced finance manager to join the Senior Management Team as Finance and HR Manager.
In case you missed it:
Kirklees Quality and Engagement Support Officer – Closing date: 23rd February
Reporting to the VAC Engagement Co-ordinator, you will support the delivery and further roll-out of the Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing accreditation across Kirklees by recruiting and supporting local organisations.
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.
Anti-Poverty Event February 25th short film
The Voluntary Sector Projects department of Calderdale Council are organising a large virtual anti-poverty event for the 25th February exploring the impact of Covid-19 on poverty in Calderdale.
As part of the event, there is an effort to create a short film with the ‘lived experience’ of different groups. The format is going to use ‘life courses’:
- Starting well: Babies and young children living in Calderdale (0-5)
- Developing well: Children starting school to young adults (5-25yrs)
- Living well: Adults aged over 25 living in Calderdale
- Working well: Adults aged over 25 working in Calderdale
- Ageing well: Adults aged over 65 living in Calderdale
Asking mainly organisations working with these groups, if there are any clients willing to go on camera and share their stories, please contact Rachel on 01422 393228 or email rachel.stewart@calderdale.gov.uk
What they are looking for is short clips to pull together to really bring the issues to life. It could be a worker asking some questions or if this is quite challenging perhaps a worker could have permission to talk about a client or family. A zoom conversation will do just as well if face to face isn’t possible.
Calderdale Countryside News Winter/Spring 2021
Welcome to the winter/spring newsletter for 2021, hope you are all keeping well as we start the New Year. Being back in lockdown is tough and is proving to be a challenge to lots of us, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of the vaccine and the days getting lighter as we head towards spring. Winter is currently in full flow with storms and snow to contend with, but despite that here’s hoping you manage to get out and explore your local countryside over the next few months to make the most of the changing seasons.
>> Read the Countryside News here <<
One year on from Storm Ciara
Tuesday 9 February 2021 marks the first anniversary of Storm Ciara, which caused Calderdale’s fourth major flood in just eight years and brought 10 miles of damage across the borough.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, said (abbreviated):
“The floods on Boxing Day 2015 were our most devastating, but the impact of Storm Ciara was felt over an even bigger area, showing that the risk of flooding is widespread and ongoing in Calderdale. More than a third of the homes and over half of the businesses that flooded in England last winter were in the Calder Valley.
“Since Storm Ciara, we’ve faced 16 flood alerts and warnings and a very near miss during Storm Christoph this January – a stark reminder of the constant threat of climate change.
“As we approach the one-year anniversary of our latest major flood, we want to say a big thank you to everyone in our communities for their continued support to reduce flood risk and tackle the climate emergency.”
Adrian Gill, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency said (abbreviated):
“Storm Ciara had a devastating impact on many people, homes and businesses across Calderdale. It was the second highest recorded level on the River Calder, second only to Boxing Day 2015. However the climate emergency means that we cannot always prevent or build our way out of an incident. That’s why we’re working to help households, businesses and communities be better prepared and more resilient to flooding.”
Strong partnership work across the borough has seen good progress being made on improving flood protection and reducing the local impact of the global climate crisis. Here are some recent milestones:
- Mytholmroyd’s £41 million Flood Alleviation Scheme, developed by the Environment Agency and the Council, will better protect around 400 homes and businesses this winter.
- Yorkshire Water is working with the Environment Agency and the Council to hold down reservoirs above Hebden Bridge by 10% for a third winter, to leave storage capacity for floodwater.
- Rastrick Bridge reopened to traffic in July 2020, ahead of schedule, after it was badly affected by Storm Ciara. The Council’s repairs and added protective measures will make the bridge more resilient to future flooding.
- The Council has been ramping up its work with groups like Slow the Flow, Moors for the Future and Treesponsibility on nature-based solutions to flooding (Natural Flood Management), including planting trees, providing flood attenuation ponds, restoring moorland and installing 309 leaky woody dams through its landowner grant scheme. Grants from the Council and the Environment Agency in 2020 have helped to complete 15 natural schemes, with a further four in progress.
- The Council’s £1 million carbon neutral fund is helping Calderdale to be carbon neutral by 2038, with substantial progress by 2030. Community tree planting, LED streetlights, improved walking / cycling facilities and road closures around schools for drop-offs and pick-ups are contributing to this bold target.
- Calderdale has now joined 50 other councils in pledging to do everything they can to become carbon neutral as soon as possible.
- In 2020, the Council welcomed its first 35 electric / hybrid vehicles into its fleet to replace old petrol and diesel ones.
- 10 electric vehicle chargepoints were introduced across Calderdale last year for the public, taxis and private hire vehicles. This is a joint project between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the five West Yorkshire councils and Leeds-based energy and services company, ENGIE, to collectively tackle air pollution and fight against climate change.
Work is set to start this summer to create a new wetlands nature reserve at Brearley Fields in Mytholmroyd, after planning permission was granted at the end of 2020. The project, partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will create valuable wetlands habitat and increased floodwater storage on the floodplain of the River Calder. Accessible footpaths and seating areas will create more walking areas for local people and visitors, bringing health and wellbeing benefits.
Some of the habitat creation work will be carried out by volunteers, working in partnership with the Council, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and local community groups. There are plans to establish a friends group to offer opportunities for volunteer involvement and to help manage the nature reserve. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact sam.speight@calderdale.gov.uk
To sustain and build on flood protection and climate emergency work, the Council needs more financial support. It has been calling on the Government for some time to recognise Calderdale’s unique flooding risk. It will continue to do this to try to secure the resources needed to protect local communities.
With the increasing impact of climate change, it is impossible to completely stop the risk of flooding, particularly in the Calder Valley due to the geography of the area. Residents are urged to sign up for free flood warnings to get vital time to save themselves and their possessions from the devastating effects of flooding by visiting www.gov.uk/flood(external link) or contacting Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also check your flood risk online at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk(external link). Find out what to do when you receive a flood warning and how to prepare for a flood at https://floodsdestroy.campaign.gov.uk/
