VSI Alliance
VSI Alliance Update July 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions today and based on the feedback we received from you all, we have launched the #KeepingItMasked campaign to support all Calderdale Voluntary & Community orgs who continue to use PPE/Facemasks.
The VSI Alliance has put together a few resources including Twitter and Facebook banners for your organisation’s profiles and a few example tweets and ideas for you to get involved and show that you are #KeepingItMasked to protect the communities you work with.
The resources are available on the VSI Alliance Website – https://vsialliance.org.uk/keepingitmasked
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.
Covid-19 Vaccine and Fertility Q&A Friday 11 June
A women only Q&A session at Halifax Opportunities Trust Centre on Hanson lane to answer questions about the impact of the Covid-19 vaccine on fertility.
Friday 11 June at 11am.
Venue: Halifax Opportunities Trust, Enterprise Centre, Hanson Lane, HX1 5PG
If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and have concerns about receiving the vaccine, this session may answer your questions.
Spaces will be limited due to the social distancing and Covid guidelines present. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
For more information, contact covidchampions@vsialliance.org.uk or ring
07495 049459.
Calderdale COVID-19 vaccination engagement
NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group is working in partnership with Calderdale Council, Healthwatch Calderdale and VSI Alliance, and would like to know your views and experiences of the Covid-19 vaccines.
If you have received a COVID-19 vaccination already, you can feedback about your experience of the vaccination process here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CaldVacFeedback/
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the below poster.
If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination, we would like to hear your views on the vaccine and how well informed you feel about it. Please complete the following survey to let us know: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5OWUYE/
If you have had a positive experience with your vaccination and would be happy to share your story, we would love to hear from you. Please contact megan.russell@vsialliance.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.
GPs offering pulse oximeters to those vulnerable to COVID-19
Devices to monitor oxygen levels and pulse rate are being offered to those patients in Calderdale that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 and suffer from breathlessness or other associated symptoms.
Patients or their carers can use these devices, called pulse oximeters, at home and if the readings show oxygen levels are starting to fall, the patient can be referred to hospital to get the necessary treatment.
Dr Farrukh Javid, GP at Rastrick Health Centre and Calderdale’s clinical lead for Calderdale’s oximetry service said: “If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 and are over 65 years old or in a clinically at-risk group, your GP may provide you with a pulse oximeter.
“These devices are very easy to use and allow us to monitor oxygen levels in a person’s blood. If the levels start to drop below safe levels, you can be referred to the hospital earlier to get the treatment you need as soon as possible. So far, GP practices and care homes in Calderdale have received over 1,300 oximeters to be made available to local people.
“This is important because seeking medical attention early in the course of the disease means there is much less chance of them becoming severely unwell and needing treatment in an intensive care unit.”
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.
Calderdale COVID-19 vaccination engagement
Please disregard the previous blog post – the correct information is below:
NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group is working in partnership with Calderdale Council, Healthwatch Calderdale and VSI Alliance, and would like to know your views and experiences of the Covid-19 vaccines.
If you have received a COVID-19 vaccination already, you can feedback about your experience of the vaccination process here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CaldVacFeedback/
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the below poster.
If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination, we would like to hear your views on the vaccine and how well informed you feel about it. Please complete the following survey to let us know: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5OWUYE/
If you have had a positive experience with your vaccination and would be happy to share your story, we would love to hear from you. Please contact megan.russell@vsialliance.org.uk
VSI Alliance Update January 29, 2021
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults – 4th February
This workshop offers knowledge and practical down-to-earth advice – alongside information on DBS checks and safer recruitment.
It’s important for us all to recognise the vital importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our work.
- Are you working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults?
- Have you a clear understanding of your responsibilities around safeguarding?
- Do you understand your organisation’s Safeguarding Policy?
- Are you confident around what you must do if you have concerns?
News
Calderdale News & Information
Community Foundation for Calderdale announce new appointments
The Community Foundation for Calderdale is pleased to welcome Rachel Burnett and Amanda Lawson to the staff team who work to give out over £1 million worth of grants each year in addition to flood and Covid-19 related grants.
Energy Saving Trust – Fuel Vouchers
Newground Together have been successful in becoming an approved provider for the Energy Redress scheme funded by the Energy Saving Trust. The purpose of the scheme is to support people in vulnerable situations and alleviate fuel poverty.
Regional/National News & Information
Active Employee Toolkit
Sport England have pulled together a range of tips and tools employers can use to support the health and wellbeing of their employees through physical activity.
Consultations
Calderdale Council Place Scrutiny Board – Covid-19 Economic Inequalities Survey
The Board would like to gather the voices of as many Calderdale residents as possible, and learn more about the economic impact that the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on you and/or your household.
In case you missed it:
Calderdale Council Budget Consultation
You can have your say on the budget proposals by a number of ways. The proposals will be finalised by the Cabinet on Monday 8 February 2021 and the budget will be agreed at the Annual Budget Council meeting on Monday 22 February 2021.
Events and Training
Safe Online: From Fake News to Extremism in a Digital Age
This training session explores false news and online propaganda. You will explore how to tell if information online is suspect or distorts the truth, and what to do if you see online material that promotes extremism.
In case you missed it:
Adultification Training
With the current focus on child criminal and child sexual exploitation the need to understand notions of vulnerability and childhood has never been timelier. This free interactive virtual workshop will explore the concept of adultification and its application to practice.
Virtual Event: Exploring the impact of Covid-19 on poverty and inequalities in Calderdale – 25th February
Debs Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council, will be addressing all attendees to set the scene. This engaging event will present different lived experiences of poverty during the pandemic and the latest key statistics.
Funding
Prince’s Trust Development Award Funding for 16-30s
Prince’s Trust have funding available for 16-30 year olds in West Yorkshire, to help young people with financial barriers to access education, employment or training.
West Yorkshire PCC Safer Communities Grant Round 20 Dates Confirmed
Grant round 20 welcomes applications to cover all priorities in the police and crime plan, however there is a theme of ‘Supporting Communities’; essentially support for those most at risk or vulnerable across all of their priorities.
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.
