VSI Alliance
VSI Alliance: Reopening your Building FAQ and checklist
VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
Reopening Your Building FAQs and Checklist
FAQs for Voluntary and Community Organisations on reopening
The government has set out its plan to gradually ease lockdown restrictions in a way that is safe and continues to protect the NHS. This means that certain workplaces and businesses are allowed to open and most people can spend more time doing more things.
This guidance sets out some FAQs to help community groups, charities, social enterprises and venues prepare to re-open safely.
Locality Reopening Guidance Checklist
This guidance looks at 4 key areas – Buildings, Services, Staff and Operational Management – and includes space for your own notes.
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.
VSI Alliance – Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI News
Volunteer Week 1st to 7th June 2020
I’ve been humbled and awed by the few stories I’ve heard of local people and local groups rising above the fear and confusion to reach those most at need, to offer food, medicines and good old-fashioned human warmth & kindness at this time. I’ve been impressed by the speed and dexterity with which voluntary sector groups have adapted, always keeping those that they support at the centre of their service. But that’s one of the many things that the voluntary sector does best, isn’t it? Adaptation! We see a need and work out how to meet it – and we don’t worry about whether it’s in our job descriptions or whether it’s something that we ‘normally’ do!
I want everyone in the area to hear stories that will remind people that we really are in this together and without local people stepping up and reaching out to both neighbours and strangers alike, these last few months would have been much much worse for many. I do not doubt that volunteers have saved lives, saved families and saved sanities! I know that children and our older generation have been kept safer because of volunteers. I know that, because of volunteers, our neighbours who seek refuge and asylum are being respectfully cared for and included. Volunteers have made life-affirming contributions to those with disabilities, those suffering long-term isolation, homelessness and those with on-going mental health issues.
I want to share stories of the volunteering that is going on in Calderdale – to celebrate their efforts and, I hope, to go some way to restoring people’s faith in humanity at this time of isolation and growing division. We rightly clap for the NHS and carers on a Thursday evening – we should also be clapping for the kindness and compassion given freely by volunteers.
Please can you share with me a story or a brief case study (or even just a couple of lines/quotes) about some of the work that you’re doing at the moment that I can share on our social media outlets for Volunteer Week in June? My hope is that our IT wiz, the lovely Jake, can help me build your stories into some kind of presentation/video (I wouldn’t have a clue!) that we can all share around to let the world know that Calderdale is an amazing place with amazing people.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. If you’d prefer to chat over the phone rather than email, please let me know – I’d be happy to call at your convenience.
Charlie Johnston
Volunteer Development Officer
Charlie.Johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Calderdale News & Information
Here I Am – Deadline: 5th June
Here I Am invites people living in the Borough to make something about them during this time. All entries will be collated and projected into a specially made lantern house in the Piece Hall courtyard for Refugee Week.
Latest News from Calder Valley Community Land Trust
Calder Valley Community Land Trust is still keeping very active and have a date for a virtual AGM.
Regional/National News & Information
Commissioning and Contracting – Shaping the ‘New Normal’
Help by sharing your experience of commissioning and contracting practice – whether it’s good, bad or mixed.
Partnership Pays Tribute to Vital Role of Volunteering as Part of National Volunteer Week
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) are proud to be supporting national Volunteers Week which starts Monday 1 June.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Charities
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has published its report on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on charities.
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership Weekly Update
This week’s leadership message comes from Partnership Director; Ian Holmes, and Tony Jamieson, Director of Transformation for Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network.
West Yorkshire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service Information Sessions
The service will soon be running Skype information sessions for professionals working within community settings. The sessions will include the role of the ISVA, how to make a referral and a brief overview of the Criminal Justice System in sexual violence cases.
Earlier this week:
Coronavirus Scam Alert Issue #8
West Yorkshire Trading Standards weekly update on COVID-19 related scams.
Public Health England Coronavirus Posters for Stay Alert Phase
These resources contain official guidance and key messages for Stay Alert phase relating to social distancing in specific settings.
What the Latest Government Guidance Means for People Affected by Dementia
The government has updated the restrictions on what people can and can’t do during the coronavirus pandemic and it’s important to be aware of what this means for people affected by dementia.
Funding News
Charities Encouraged to Bid for £15 Million Tampon Tax Fund – Deadline: 7th June
Organisations supporting women and girls are invited to apply for a share of £15 million from the Tampon Tax Fund.
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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
Contact information:
Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk
Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk
Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk
Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk
Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk
Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk
WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk
Calderdale VCS COVID-19 Peer Support Webinar 2nd June 2020
There is still time to register for the next Calderdale VCS Peer Support Webinar on Tuesday 2nd June.
This webinar will see the new Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council, Deborah Harkins, in attendance.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3enHpZt
VSI Alliance – Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
Regional/National News & Information
Coronavirus Scam Alert Issue #8
West Yorkshire Trading Standards weekly update on COVID-19 related scams.
Public Health England Coronavirus Posters for Stay Alert Phase
These resources contain official guidance and key messages for Stay Alert phase relating to social distancing in specific settings.
Third Sector Awards Early Bird Entries – Deadline Tomorrow
You have until tomorrow (28th May) to get your early bird Third Sector entries in. Now is the perfect opportunity to shout about your charity, organisation and team.
What the Latest Government Guidance Means for People Affected by Dementia
The government has updated the restrictions on what people can and can’t do during the coronavirus pandemic and it’s important to be aware of what this means for people affected by dementia.
ICYMI:
Creative Leadership Course
Creative Leadership is for people working in the arts and cultural sector who want to strengthen their leadership skills, and who are driven by social impact in their work. It is a new free programme run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, funded by Arts Council England’s Transforming Leadership programme.
Sharing Good Practice in Autism and/or Neurodiversity
Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network is working in partnership with West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health Care Partnership to identify a range of projects and programmes across the region which demonstrate a positive impact on the physical and/or mental health and wellbeing of young adults (14-25) and adults who have Autism and/or Neurodiversity.
West Yorkshire And Harrogate Health and Care Partnership – Weekly Update
This week’s leadership messages come from Richard Stubbs, CEO for Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network; Jo Farn, Programme Director, System and Leadership Development, West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership; and Professor Sean Duffy, Clinical Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
Funding News & Resources
Funding to support armed forces charities doing vital work during pandemic – Deadline: 29th May
Serving personnel, veterans and their families will benefit from an additional £6-million of new funding to ensure they get the support they need during the coronavirus outbreak.
ICYMI:
Coronavirus Community Support Fund
Opened today, funding will help maintain and enhance services for vulnerable people affected by the current crisis, where delivery organisations are experiencing income disruption and/or increased demand.
Government Loneliness COVID-19 Fund
Organisations working to tackle loneliness and build social connections are invited to apply for a share of £5 million of funding, which the government is investing to help them to continue and adapt their critical work.
Vacancies
ICYMI:
Social Prescribing Link Worker – Closing date: 28th May
The social prescribing link worker will be employed by Pennine GP Alliance Ltd with direction from the Primary Care Networks (PCN) and based within the PCN practices.
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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
Contact information:
Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk
Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk
Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk
Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk
Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk
Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk
WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk
VSI Alliance Announcement – COVID-19 list of useful resources May 2020 #2
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI News
*ONE WEEK LEFT* Calderdale Sector Resilience Survey May 2020
As an infrastructure partnership, we the VSI Alliance, think it is important to find out how our third sector organisations are adapting, to understand the pressures you are under and to work to provide the right support at this time and beyond. We’d like to ask you to take a few minutes to complete this survey. We will use this information to advocate for your interests and, wherever possible, to adapt our services to meet your needs.
ICYMI
Managing Your VCSE Organisation Through Covid-19 – Funding, Furlough and More
Forum’s Sector Support services would like to invite you to a free webinar offering advice and guidance on managing your group, charity or social enterprise during the Covid-19 crisis. With so much information out there, we are aware that many groups require a clear summary of the support available.
Calderdale News & Information
Keeping Neurodivergent People Connected in Calderdale
The Society 4Neurodiversity’s Keeping People Connected Service is free and available now for people with neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, or a mild learning disability.
The Listening Line
The Listening Line will give young people the opportunity to get some simple advice and guidance about how to keep busy and reduce their anxiety about the current situation.
Regional/National News & Information
COVID-19 Summary of Published Guidance and Support for Vulnerable Groups
This document provides a summary of the main guidance produced to help vulnerable individuals, groups and communities to protect themselves and others from coronavirus and to manage the impact of shielding and social distancing.
Support for Frontline Workers
The Samaritans have partnered with Shout, Mind, Hospice UK and The Royal Foundation to launch ‘Our Frontline’, a round-the-clock, 1:1 support service for health, care, emergency and key workers.
Earlier this week:
Frequently Asked Questions for Vulnerable Residents
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been put together to help people understand what help is available during these difficult times.
Local Coronavirus Testing for Essential Workers and Their Households
If your organisation employs essential workers who are self-isolating they, and members of their household, can now apply to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) at the local drive-through testing hub in Halifax.
Together in Halifax
Woolshops Halifax has put this health and wellbeing pack together to highlight some of the local charities and services providing mental health support and access to essential supplies.
Regional/National News & Information
Coronavirus Scam Alert Issue #7
West Yorkshire Trading Standards has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 related scams.
John Tizard: Charities Must Shape the Covid-19 Rescue, Recovery and Reform Agenda
John Tizard offers some thoughts about how charities can lead the way in helping the country recover from the coronavirus pandemic, including sector bodies producing a manifesto driven by specific communities of interest and specialist services.
New Board Formed to Lead West Yorkshire’s Economy out of the Pandemic Leaders from organisations and businesses across West Yorkshire are coming together to form an Economic Recovery Board to plan the region’s economic fightback from the Covid-19 pandemic.
What Do Children and Young People Want from Society at This Critical Time?
Gathering the views of 8 to 21-year-olds are really important in informing the vision for a child-friendly welfare state that Children England are working with young people to create. It’s only open until 31st May and it only takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Earlier this week:
Making the Government’s COVID-19 Support Schemes Work Better for Charities
Many of the business support measures are open to charities, but they are designed in ways that actually restrict access. Elizabeth Chamberlain explains the improvements that are being pushed.
Funding News & Resources
COVID-19 Homelessness Response Fund 2020-21
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced £6 million of emergency funding to provide relief for homelessness providers directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Earlier this week:
COVID-19 Funding Available Via Calderdale Council
Many Voluntary and Community Sector organisations in Calderdale can claim grants made available by the government in response to the coronavirus emergency. These are being administrated by the Calderdale Council Business Rates team.
Energy Redress Fund
Charities that support vulnerable energy consumers or have innovative ideas that will benefit energy customers are being invited to apply for shares of £13m of funding.
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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
Contact information:
Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk
Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk
Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk
Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk
Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk
Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk
WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk
VSI Alliance Announcement – COVID-19 list of useful resources May 2020
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Resources
ICYMI:
Governance, Legal Framework and Structure – Things to think about during COVID-19 Pandemic
You may have already adapted some of the work you carry out. You might even have had to consider a total change to your services. Your management committee, directors or trustees have a responsibility to ensure that your organisation does what it was set up to do, has enough money and works within the law. Here are a few things to think about to ensure you are working effectively and with good governance.
Calderdale News & Information
Frequently Asked Questions for Vulnerable Residents
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been put together to help people understand what help is available during these difficult times.
Local Coronavirus Testing for Essential Workers and Their Households
If your organisation employs essential workers who are self-isolating they, and members of their household, can now apply to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) at the local drive-through testing hub in Halifax.
Together in Halifax
Woolshops Halifax has put this health and wellbeing pack together to highlight some of the local charities and services providing mental health support and access to essential supplies.
Regional/National News & Information
Coronavirus Scam Alert Issue #6
West Yorkshire Trading Standards has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 related scams. See what scams are trending currently.
Making the Government’s COVID-19 Support Schemes Work Better for Charities
Many of the business support measures are open to charities, but they are designed in ways that actually restrict access. Elizabeth Chamberlain explains the improvements that are being pushed.
ICYMI:
A Funding Cliff Edge?
This fourth briefing reflects the experiences of 28 charities shared between 17 and 23 April 2020, and reflections on the questions and opportunities for funders that this raises.
Food Safety for Community Cooking and Food Banks
Hygiene and allergy advice from the Food Standards Agency for individuals and groups preparing meals to share in their community.
Shadow Minister for Voluntary Sector and Charities to Hold Weekly Surgeries
The surgeries will create opportunities for organisations to share their experiences of the current crisis and how they will need support to continue to provide services to their communities.
The Role of Trustees at a Time of Crisis
Blog from Stephen Cahill about the 6 P’s framework (Purpose, Perspective, Pounds, People, Practicality and Positivity).
Funding News & Resources
COVID-19 Funding Available Via Calderdale Council
Many Voluntary and Community Sector organisations in Calderdale can claim grants made available by the government in response to the coronavirus emergency. These are being administrated by the Calderdale Council Business Rates team.
Energy Redress Fund
Charities that support vulnerable energy consumers or have innovative ideas that will benefit energy customers are being invited to apply for shares of £13m of funding.
ICYMI:
Enterprise Relief Fund
The Prince’s Trust and NatWest have set up an Enterprise Relief Fund, offering grants that can be used to maintain core business costs, as well as to meet any existing financial commitments such as invoices from suppliers and essential equipment.
Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund
The Freelands Foundation has announced a £1.5 million Emergency Fund as part of a landmark commitment of £3m towards emergency funds for artists and freelance creative practitioners across the UK in urgent need of financial support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants Online: Latest Information on COVID-19 Funding
Since the last e-update, there have been some important updates with regards to funding being made available to help with the impact that COVID-19 is having on local communities and organisations that are helping local people.
Youth Endowment Fund COVID-19 Grant Round
The Youth Endowment Fund’s new £6.5m COVID-19 grant round will fund and evaluate work which supports vulnerable young people in at risk of youth violence, and that can be delivered whilst adhering to UK government social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines.
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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
Contact information:
Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk
Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk
Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk
Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk
Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk
Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk
WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk
VSI Alliance Calderdale Sector Resilience Survey May 2020
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
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.
CALDERDALE SECTOR RESILIENCE SURVEY MAY 2020
The VCSE in Calderdale is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 response. We know that the sector is also having to work in different ways, be flexible and is, in some cases, under real financial pressure. As an infrastructure partnership, we the VSI Alliance, think it is important to find out how our third sector organisations are adapting, to understand the pressures you are under and to work to provide the right support at this time and beyond.
We’d like to ask you to take a few minutes to complete this survey. We will use this information to advocate for your interests and, wherever possible, to adapt our services to meet your needs.
If you prefer, we’d be happy to give you a ring at your convenience to do the survey over the phone. To arrange a phone interview please contact info@vsialliance.org.uk
Please note that a similar version of this survey is being circulated across West Yorkshire to ensure that we work collectively as a local place and a region to provide insight and also influence how resources may need to be allocated. As such it is important for Calderdale organisations to participate and tell us how things are looking like from your point of view.
As several partners are collaborating on this work you may receive the survey from several sources. Please note that this survey asks for information which is locally specific and it would be helpful if you can complete this for us.
We plan to follow up this survey in the coming months to continue to find out how our sector is responding to the new challenges that come about during the emergency and beyond.
The survey can be completed via this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cdalesectorresilience
VSI Alliance Announcement – COVID-19 list of useful resources
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
- Organisational development
- Social enterprise, business development and asset transfer
- Governance
- All aspects of establishing a new group or organisation
- Quality assurance including Quality For Health
- Safeguarding support
- Fundraising and income generation
- Partnership working
- Specialist financial advice and services
- Volunteering brokerage and development
- Engagement Champions
- Voice and representation of the VCS sector
Contact information:
Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk
Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk
Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk
Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk
Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk
Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk
Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk
WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk
Calderdale News & Information
Fancy Joining the Arts Drop Bag Packing Team?
During the pandemic, The LCEP is using their resources to coordinate a scheme called ‘Arts Drop’ where they are sending creative activity packs to the borough’s most disadvantaged children and young people via their social workers.
St. Augustine’s Centre Appeal
St. Augustine’s is providing daily phone advice, takeaway lunches, a food parcel delivery service, online English Language tuition and accommodation support. Next up is the making and delivery of 300 activity packs. Can you help?
Regional/National News & Information
Charities Are #NeverMoreNeeded
Now more than ever we need to build support for our sector so that we can help the country come through the crisis and help the recovery, share your story on social media using #NeverMoreNeeded.
Promote Virtual Activities for Free
The Yorkshire Sport Foundation (YSF) Activity Finder now shows virtual activities, and is free to use.
Funding News & Resources
National Lottery COVID-19 Related Funding
The National Lottery Fund have updated their funding page to make a clearer, easier process for organisations to apply for lottery funding for COVID-19 related activity.
Preparing Your Financial Information for Funders
While we are seeing new announcements of funding available in response to the crisis almost daily, often the details and processes are slower to emerge. This fantastic resource developed by Locality can help you with your preparation around financial information for funders.
ICYMI:
CFFC Community Resilience Fund
Grants of up to £3,000 to support local voluntary and community sector organisations to help those most vulnerable during the crisis
Key Questions in Funding Applications
We know how daunting it can be writing funding bids, especially if you haven’t got much experience, so here are a few tips on the information you should be thinking about and that funders would normally be expecting to see.
VSI Alliance Announcement – Key questions in funding applications
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
| Key Questions in Funding Applications
We know how daunting it can be writing funding bids, especially if you haven’t got much experience, so here are a few tips on the information you should be thinking about and that funders would normally be expecting to see. In the document linked via the button below are a few example questions and some suggestions as to what you may include in each. Please note you will not need to put something in about every one of the points we have included – they are simply there to guide you to think about how you might approach each question. Each funder has their own funding criteria and will phrase their questions differently or ask different questions, but here we have covered what we deem the main points for most funders. |
VSI Alliance Announcement – COVID-19 support available
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
| 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 see below contact information.
We can support you with:
Contact information: Delivery Manager, food banks and Sowerby/Ryburn area – contact Jayne Leech: jayne.leech@vsialliance.org.uk Funding, business planning and any groups in Upper Valley – contact Pat Akerman: pat.akerman@vsialliance.org.uk Engagement Champions – contact Nikkie Dooley and Jayne O’Connell nikkie.dooley@cvac.org.uk / jayne.o’connell@cvac.org.uk Communication – e-bulletin/social media – contact Jake Farrar: jake.farrar@vsialliance.org.uk Volunteering support and any groups in Central Halifax – contact Charlie Johnston: charlie.johnston@vsialliance.org.uk Organisational development – any groups in North Halifax – contact Rachel Shaw: rachel.shaw@vsialliance.org.uk Organisational development – any groups in Lower Valley – contact Olivia Swingler: olivia.swingler@vsialliance.org.uk Locality specialist support – contact Sophie Michelena: sophie.michelena@vsialliance.org.uk WYCAS: specialist financial advice – contact Helen Galvin: helen.galvin@vsialliance.org.uk Calderdale News & Information ICYMI: Update on the Volunteering for the Virtual Volunteer Hub Regional/National News & Information NCVO Funding and Furloughing Guides Online Support Sessions for VCS Leaders Two New Papers from CLES Yorkshire Sport Foundation #ThisIsPE Funding News Charity Excellence Free COVID19 Funder Database – Search Function Now Live |
