Recharge and Restore CIC have secured funding from the National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund to create and deliver wellbeing packs and online sessions to support the community during this current situation.

You will receive a physical pack containing a lavender eye pillow, mindful colouring book and pencils, a self help relaxation routine and the online sessions will demonstrate stress resolution techniques for you, your family or those you work with.  You can access a meditation to go with your eye pillow and watch a demonstration of the relaxation routine.

To register your interest and receive a wellbeing pack click here to complete our registration form

Bridgewater Community Healthcare AGM 

You are invited to the Virtual Annual General meeting on 12th November at 4pm.  To register for the event and submit a question please email:  bchft.events@nhs.net by mid day on Thursday November 5th. 

 

Apex Trust are looking for speakers for their zoom sessions

Due to current restrictions Apex are unable to run their Women’s Hub at The Hive so they are looking for help to deliver some zoom sessions for their women for an hour a week.  The sessions can be on any subject which meets their aim of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all women in St Helens.  They are looking for topics relating to well-being, creativity,  or topics such as domestic violence, self-care but are open to ideas.  If you have time to deliver one or more sessions in an engaging and fun way please contact Elvira on 07718 261006 for a chat.

Mind Halton have launched a project which can make a positive difference to the negative cycle of loneliness and isolation in Halton.

With even greater restrictions on seeing friends and loved ones this is going to be a difficult time for many people across Halton. MInd Halton are here to offer empathic listening and help to relieve the burden of loneliness and isolation.

There is no formal referral process, anyone can call Mind Halton on 01928 391043 or other organisations can contact listeningear@mindhalton.org.uk with the person’s name and contact details - if they have the person’s consent to pass on their information.

Please feel free to download the poster below circulate it or post it in your organisation. 

St Helens MIND have moved into their new office at Deafness Resource Centre, Dentons Green Lane,  they have no landline yet but can be contacted on 07912 059881 or admin@sthelensmind.org.uk .

Evolving Mindset is a mental health Community Interest Company (CIC) established in 2019 for helping the community in Merseyside with mental health issues. As a not-for-profit CIC, they offer FREE mental health assistance to those individuals and families for anyone who needs it, as well as mental health programmes for schools and businesses.

Their programmes are designed to engage, educate and empower participants, by focusing on their mental well-being. Their sessions are delivered by qualified Trainers, Mental Health Nurses and Counsellors, and are also available to families and carers of those suffering with a mental health concern.

See attached for dates of sessions and ​Click here to book 

Halton & St Helens VCFSE Programme of Support

With support from The National Lottery Community Fund we are pleased to be able to bring together, facilitate and deliver a broad  and ongoing programme of support that  with the current situation in operating during such difficult and unprecedented times  aims to support staff, volunteers and trustees in the following areas of:           

Response           Redesign           Recovery           Resilience

 

Creating an Opportunity – Volunteering Portal Workshop

DATE:    Tuesday 20th October

TIME:    11am – 1pm

At this session you will learn how to:

• Create both short and in detail opportunities.
• Understand how to upload documentation for volunteers to access.
• Understand the difference between scheduled / flexible and one off opportunities.
• Look at targeting or restrictions for your roles so you engage the volunteers you need.

Part of the session will also have a quick Questions and Answers if there is anything specific you would like to know.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=351&reset=1

 

Designing and Facilitating Engaging Online Meetings & Events using ZOOM       

DATE:    Friday 23rd October

TIME:    10am – 12 noon

The session is for anyone interested in learning about creating and delivering interactive online sessions. This could be internal meetings, online services, webinars, online events or focus groups – Annie Lawrenson will be sharing some tips and tools which will be applicable across all these types of online sessions.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=357

 

Setting Up a CIC and other Legal Structures

DATE:    Monday 2nd November

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

Information workshop for anyone thinking about starting a new community group, CIC, charity... This 1 and a half hour online workshop will help anyone thinking about starting up a new community group, charity or community business such as a CIC. We will explore the various legal structures, governing documents, financial requirements, essential policies and possible next steps.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=330&reset=1

 

Strategies to Help You Cope  

DATE:    Tuesday 3rd November

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

Now more than ever we all need to dig deep and manage this difficult time. This session will firstly explore how the human mind is affected by uncertainty, fear and lack of control – it is ok to not be ok! Then we will look at some strategies and techniques to minimise the impact and remain resilient.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=359&reset=1

 

Preparing To Bring Back Your Volunteers                    

DATE:    Tuesday 10th November

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

Some of your volunteers may have had to cease volunteering due to COVID-19. As we begin to move forwards those volunteers may want to restart their volunteering with you. Good practice means that you need to consider what changes you need to make to ensure your volunteers and beneficiaries feel comfortable and safe.  In this session you will explore what processes need to be in place, and how to increase your volunteers understanding and knowledge of any different ways of working.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=352&reset=1

 

Leading Under Pressure 

DATE:    Tuesday 24th November

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

This session will support managers and leaders to lead their teams with compassion and empathy, without losing sight of the business requirements. We will explore how your own communication style and approach can have a positive impact on team members engagement keeping them motivated and productive.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=360&reset=1

 

Negotiating Your Lease Successfully in a Covid World

DATE:    Thursday 3rd December

TIME:    11am – 12 noon

The Ethical Property Foundation - the property advice charity for the UK voluntary sector - is delighted to offer this free property webinar for non-profit organisations in partnership with Halton & St Helens Voluntary & Community Action

Learning together:  

• To demystify some of the legal jargon commonly used in leases under English Law
• About the lease process and how to negotiate the right lease for your organisation
• About different types of agreement – lease vs licence
• To recognise and manage common risks in lease negotiations
• Guidelines to follow when reviewing or terminating your lease

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=358&reset=1

 

Managing Change  

DATE:    Tuesday 8th December

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

Some people say they like change, others dislike it. Managing change is personal and we all need to learn what keeps us safe during times of change. This session will explore why the human mind might resist change and strategies to keep some leave of control and remain content during the time. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=361&reset=1

 

Using and exploring the Volunteer Portal                    

DATE:    Thursday 10th December

TIME:    10am – 11.30am

Introducing our new Volunteer Engagement and Management tool and how it can support not only recruiting new volunteers for your opportunities.  This session will explain how it can be used to promote volunteering, manage both the opportunity and volunteer information and how you can communicate with your volunteer cohort quickly and efficiently.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=353&reset=1

 

 

 

 

 

Free wellbeing packs for citizens of the Liverpool City Region

Wellbeing Enterprises are delighted to give away 1500 free wellbeing packs* to people living and working in the Liverpool City Region. The packs include activities and games which aim to boost wellbeing levels during the Covid-19 outbreak. This initiative is being funded by the National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund.

Mark Swift, CEO at Wellbeing Enterprises said "The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of citizens in our Liverpool City Region. I hope the wellbeing packs bring joy to people during this challenging time."

How to order your wellbeing pack:

To secure your free wellbeing pack please complete the order form by clicking here. Please note packs are limited to a maximum of two per person. Please tweet about your wellbeing pack by including the handle @WEcic_

*Wellbeing packs are not suitable for children under the age of 7 years. Please note some activities referenced in the packs may not be suitable during current government Covid-19 restrictions.

The staff and Trustees of Halton & St Helens VCA were thrilled to hear that on October 10th, Ashraf Hamido, star of A Better Tomorrow (and official Halton Voluntary Sector Legend) has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). 

Ashraf only arrived in the UK 6 years ago, but having learnt English and become familiar with British culture, he has dedicated himself to helping others integrate into our community.

Over the past 6 years Ashraf has worked & volunteered with and for several organisation including Umbrella Halton, Plus Dane and ROC, before somehow finding the time to set up his organisation, A Better Tomorrow.

Ashraf has done so much: He has built bridges of trust between our Syrian families and the local police. He has arranged for children to study qualifications in Arabic. He has helped families with religious observance (facilitating Friday Prayer). He has helped families source Halal meat and even supported Halton Borough Council with Muslim funeral & burial arrangements.

During lockdown the support offered by Ashraf became more vital than ever and he worked tirelessly to support the emotional & physical health of asylum seekers & refugees in Halton, keeping in regular contact via regular phone calls or text messages. He provided information about the regulations of lockdown and delivered vital supplies of food, clothes, toiletries and other household supplies.

Pauline Ruth from Halton Faith Forum said: “Ashraf has done this with a glad heart, because he truly loves helping people. He is the epitome of kindness and generosity - of his time, his possessions and his knowledge.”

Regarding receiving the BEM, Ashraf said: “I'm grateful & honoured with the recognition from HM The Queen. It is a great honour, and I’m so proud, not only by getting this award but because I have reached truly the heart of everyone who I dealt with, and there are many people who are believed in me. I have managed to make a difference for the life of some people, now there are many other people need to think again and again about them. My sincere tribute to all of my family, friends and the lovely people who dedicated their time to nominate me for this honorary award.”

On behalf of everyone at Halton & St Helens VCA, we’d like to extend our sincere congratulations to Ashraf. He is a very worthy recipient of the BEM and we’re all very proud of him.  

Capacity Building Workshops from Vola 

 
Working in partnership with Employability Solutions, Vola are providing a series of workshops on these themes.

Safeguarding and COVID-19 Workshop – Friday 16th October 10am – 12:00
Safeguarding and child protection are as important now as they ever have been. But with many children and young people spending less time in education and social distancing measures in place across the UK, we all need to think about the way we keep them safe during this time. Working through the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that there is an increase in children and young people's vulnerability along with a reduction in normal protective services.  However social connections and social support can provide a protective effect for children’s safety and wellbeing.  This workshop will help you to do everything you can in this new world we live in to ensure learners are safeguarded.
 
Cybersecurity  Workshop -  Tuesday 20th October 10am -12.00  or  Wednesday 21st October 10am -12.00
The world relies on technology more than ever before. As a result, digital data creation has surged. Today, we store a great deal of that data on electronic devices and transmit it across the internet. Devices and their underlying systems have vulnerabilities that, when exploited, undermine the health and objectives of our organisations.  The purpose of this one-part cybersecurity workshop is to share best practices of the protection of Internet-connected systems in the fight against cybercrime, and is intended to give participants a high-level introduction and overview into the ever-changing world of Cybersecurity which has greatly impacted our society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Blended Learning Workshop – Wednesday 21st October 2-4pm
Many of us are now delivering in classrooms without walls!  We are having to be more flexible and creative in the ways we deliver learning, and this workshop will explore how we can best implement blended learning.  Blended learning is a mix of face-to-face teaching and online learning (i.e. devices connected to the internet) using  technology to provide a more personalised approach to learning, giving students control over the time, place, path, and pace of their learning.  The workshop will explore how we respond to COVID-19 by transferring service delivery from the classroom to online, remote working and distance learning.  Alongside this we will explore what additional tools we can use to support this and best practice in delivering online sessions.  
 
All of the sessions will be hosted via Zoom or Teams by Employability Solutions.
All of the sessions will be delivered twice to give you more options to attend.
To book onto these workshops, email Helen Barker helen.barker@volamerseyside.org.uk with your name, organisation and which session(s) and times you want to attend.  You will receive instructions/links to the session(s) nearer the time.    

In conjunction with Black History Month, the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership is hosting a number of learning and development webinars for partners across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

The webinars are designed to encourage open, honest dialogue about racial inequalities and the impact that these inequalities can have on health and wellbeing and the health and care system. 

These webinars are completely free of charge and will be held virtually over the next few weeks. Please keep reading to learn about the events and to register for your place.

Roger Kline, author of “The Snowy White Peaks of the NHS” (2014), presents...After the speeches: What practical actions are needed to improve race equality?

This webinar and Q&A will aim to start the conversation, examine the nature and impact of structural discrimination and inequality and provide suggestions for boards and integrated care system leaders on ways to ensure faster progress to tackle workforce race discrimination

For more information and to register click here.

 

Laurence Westgaph, local historian and television broadcaster presents....‘Cheshire and Merseyside Philanthropy, Slavery and Empire'

This webinar and Q&A will stimulate reflection and discussion of how our history shapes inequalities today and what this means for existing structures in global health.

For more information and to register click here.

Pi CiC (Persona Insight CIC) understand the genuine need for inclusion amongst their beneficiaries in these unprecedented times. The sense of belonging has hit a bump in the road, that said, they have been working extremely hard collectively to stay connected and thankfully, Pi CiC have strengthened their resolve. 

Covid19 has seen Pi adapt how they can safely deliver their services, to those individuals who have been attending the community centre based drop-in sessions for over 12 months. Since March 2020, they have not all been together in one place at one time, some of their vulnerable beneficiaries are too scared to return.

By introducing Telephone Companionships, in which volunteer Peers Mentors provide a much needed listening ear, a go too in hard times and their newly joined members, have been connected to new friends within the organisation. WhatsApp Chat Rooms have been a great way to communicate quickly.

Pi CiC have supported 100's of local people throughout this entire pandemic. Loneliness and Social Isolation are Pi's two core values, along with Respect, Empathy and Kindness. Acts of kindness, helping ourselves by helping other's, Pi are 100% volunteer led with lived experience of living with invisible illnesses. 

Providing care packs with essential items: PPE hand sanitiser, face masks, toothbrush, toothpaste, medical wipes , Books, Word-search, Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Specialty Teas, Vitamin Drinks, Biscuits, Breakfast Bars, Recipes, and Useful Halton information promoting other local organisations in Halton that they enhance and communicate with.

Schedule: 
MONDAY 2-4PM PI CASTLEFIELDS COMMUNITY PEER SUPPORT GOOGLE MEETS
WEDNEDAY 8.30-9.20 PI POWER HOUR GOOGLE MEETS

THURSDAY 
BI WEEKLY 7-8.30PM PI BOOK CLUB GOOGLE MEETS

FRIDAY TGIF HAPPY HOUR 6.30-8PM GOOGLE MEETS

https://meet.google.com/veh-vwou-cgv

 

 

Problems with premises is one of the main reasons that charities lose money or close. During the Covid 19 pandemic and The Ethical Property Foundation is supporting hundreds of voluntary organisations to manage their property safely and sustainable. Halton & St Helens VCA are really pleased to host a number of their great FREE webinars which are led by leading leading experts. The first of our webinars will be taking place on 3rd December 2020 and we will be looking at Negotiating  Leases Successfully in a Covid World. To book please CLICK HERE.

For more information about what else they can help with please click on the information attached. In the meantime have a look at their website at https://propertyhelp.org/

Further to the Partnership Board meeting in September please find attached a letter from the Chair regarding the SEND Strategy. 

 

Designing and delivering engaging online sessions

Lloyds Bank Foundation have released more dates for the training on running engaging online sessions – please feel free to share in your networks. The next session is on 20th October to find out more and register clck on the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/designing-and-delivering-engaging-online-sessions-tickets-112090491678

Apex Trust currently have a temporary post for a Volunteer Coordinator/Advice and Guidance Officer (part-time) from their base in St Helens. 

Main Duties

• To ensure that participants on the programme secure employment, training and education (ETE) placements.
• To recruit, train and support volunteers in volunteering as peer mentors with Apex Charitable Trust to enable service delivery and expansion.
• To provide information and advice to offenders and local agencies as appropriate regarding ETE issues as they relate to the needs of the ex-offenders.
• To directly market individual ex-offenders to specific employers in order to help facilitate their employment.
• To undertake individual assessment and guidance sessions with project participants to facilitate informed career choices and to develop individual action plans.
• To provide individual support to ex-offenders, so assisting them to implement their ETE action plan.
• To assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the project against agreed objectives, maintaining records and preparing reports as required.
• To assist, where appropriate, in the recruitment, support and training of volunteers, to provide ex-offenders with advice, support and training.
• Prepare and deliver accredited training through Open Awards to appropriate level, working alongside Internal Quality Assurance to ensure high standards of delivery as set out by the awarding body.
• Monitoring, supporting, motivating and accrediting volunteers and their work.
• To carry out all the functions of the post in accordance with the Trusts’ equal opportunities policy.
• Ensure that volunteers are given appropriate training to be successful in their positions and they receive the appropriate level of supervision
• To be responsible, where appropriate, for health and safety matters as outlined within the Trusts’ Health & Safety Policy.
• To undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Knowledge and/or experience of providing employment advice and guidance to unemployed people.
• Awareness of the Criminal Justice System, and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, with special reference to disclosure of convictions.
• Knowledge and/or experience of the particular needs of (ex) offenders.
• Experience of working with volunteers in a supervisory role.
• Award in Education & Training/PTTLS qualification (minimum).
• Appreciation of equal opportunities issues in relation to employment, training and service delivery.
• Good communication skills (written and oral).
• Minimum of NVQ Level 3 Advice & Guidance (or equivalent)

DESIRABLE * An understanding of the particular problems faced by (ex) offenders seeking employment, training and education

• Experience of marketing employers and non-criminal justice organisations
• Knowledge of the local labour market (including education and training provision) and local community networks
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Basic keyboard and computing skills.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating programmes and delivering quality assurance.

Contract length: 6 months Salary: £17,425.00 per year (pro rata)

Part-time hours: 24.5 per week

Application deadline: 16/10/2020 @4.00pm

To apply please forward your CV and cover letter to say HOW you meet the PERSON SPECIFICATION and email to K.hughes3@apextrust.com

For more information about Apex Trust and the work they do, please see the website below:

https://www.apextrust.com/

 

 

Does your organisation work with young people in Halton?

If so, please make sure they have the opportunity to have their say!Halton Borough Council aims to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, equality of access for all young people to the positive, preventative and early help needed to improve their well-being.

They want to find out and take into account the views of local young people when making decisions about future youth provision and activities for them.

Halton Borough Council in partnership with Halton Youth Cabinet, Youth Focus North West, and Commonplace, are consulting the young people of Halton about future youth provision throughout September.

Please promote the link below to young people and ask them to complete the survey by Sunday 18th October 2020.

https://haltonyouthserviceprovision.commonplace.is/

Following a successful pilot year, a new and expanded Enterprise Development Programme has been launched. 

The programme provides grants and learning support for charities and social enterprises looking to become more enterprising. 

Youth Focus North West (YFNW) is working alongside The Centre for Youth Impact in supporting the roll out of the Enterprise Development Programme across North West England.

If you are a charity/social enterprise looking to become more enterprising, visit: https://www.enterprisedevelopmentprogramme.org.uk/ and if you are looking to apply got to: https://www.enterprisedevelopmentprogramme.org.uk/how-to-apply/ . 

For a description of previous successful projects, go to: https://www.enterprisedevelopmentprogramme.org.uk/edp-2020-cohort/

We are delighted to announce that, as a joint CVS initiative, we have obtained hundreds of PPE supplies to support Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across the Liverpool City Region.

 

 

On the 21st September, Livv Housing Group kindly supported the CVS network in Merseyside with VS6 by helping deliver key PPE products to their various sites. This PPE will allow VCFSE organisations to remain open and will play a really important role in supporting residents to receive the support that they need locally.

Sally Yeoman, Chief Officer, Halton & St Helens VCA said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of the PPE and Livv Housing Group for their help in getting this PPE to each of the Borough CVS. Our groups have been key in supporting the community response in each place and access to this PPE will enable them to keep doing this safely” Racheal Jones, Chief Executive Officer, One Knowsley said:

“The support from Livv Housing Group has been outstanding and we are extremely grateful for their time and resource. They have went above and beyond to not only support our own relationship but also to support our CVS network across the Liverpool City Region.

Projects such as this one really do highlight the value of infrastructure organisations. We are all able to practically support our local community and voluntary organisations. This is our response to the sector showing concerns about the affordability of PPE.”

Organisations in Halton:

Please contact Matthew Roberts (mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk)

Organisation in St Helens

Please contact Ann-Marie Lawrenson (alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk)

Organisations in other areas

Please see the websites below for your local CVS

https://communityactionwirral.org.uk 
https://www.lcvs.org.uk
https://www.oneknowsley.org
https://seftoncvs.org.uk

iCAN Information: New 'Stop Loan Sharks' App Launches

The National Illegal Money Lending Team has launched a new app called 'Stop Loan Sharks', which can be downloaded for free on the App Store and Google Play.
  
The app is aimed at anyone who may be a victim of illegal money lending, or concerned about someone they know, whether friends, family or neighbours.  The app provides useful information on how to recognise the signs of illegal money lending and how to report it.  It includes a contact form and phone number to report loan sharks, as well as information to help victims of illegal money lending to get support - including a search tool to help users find credit unions and legitimate lenders, and importantly links to confidential debt advice services.   The free app also highlights the tell-tale signs that someone is dealing with a loan shark, including cash loans without paperwork, extortionate interest, use of benefits or bank cards as security and threatening behaviour or violence to get money. 

The app featuring animation designed by Halton Borough Council’s Trading Standards Officers, aims to simplify reporting of illegal lenders and funded by the loan sharks themselves - via assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act!  The launch of the Stop Loan Sharks app came after the latest IMLT data revealed an increase in online reports during the first half of 2020.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Loan sharks have a detrimental impact financially, physically and emotionally on those who borrow from them, so it’s important we work together to stamp out this callous crime and ensure victims are given the support they need.”

Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said “We are pleased to launch our new smartphone app and give victims of illegal money lending additional ways in which to access specialist practical and emotional support quickly, easily, discreetly, and safely.
“We know from research it takes on average three years for a victim to come forward for help after borrowing from a loan shark. Using technology will improve a victim’s access to support services at the touch of a button and make it easier for people to report incidents and find legitimate lenders.”

Anyone needing support can get in touch via the Stop Loan Sharks app or by calling the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 to speak to a trained officer.  For more information, go to www.stoploansharks.co.uk, where Live Chat is also available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

How to create a coronavirus NHS QR code for your venue
 
There's a walkthrough process on the Government's website which enables you to create a QR code for display in your venue. Ask visitors to scan the QR code when they arrive, using the NHS COVID-19 app. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You should create and display a QR code if you are:

• a business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public
• an event which is taking place in a physical location

If you have more than one venue, you need to create a separate QR code for each location. You can add multiple locations in the service.

Click here to find out more.

Free carbon monoxide awareness workshops

The Gas Safe Charity is offering free, online workshops to raise awareness of carbon monoxide risks aimed at frontline staff and volunteers who visit or work in the homes of vulnerable people. 

About this Event
You may not really have thought about carbon monoxide risks in your day to day work, both to your client and to you. This online workshop is aimed at front line staff from social care, NHS, voluntary and private sectors working in the UK.

The Think CO online workshop will tell you more about the sources, signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, how to help prevent it and what the implications are to you and your client. In particular, we focus on long term, low level risks which can have serious consequences and help you spot and address the risks. As more vulnerable people are spending time at home, the risks increase.

The online workshop is a mix of presentation and practical exercises. Only the presenter will be on video, but participants can ask (or type) questions as we go along. We expect the workshop to last just over an hour, but there will be an opportunity to ask further questions.

Click here to book a session

 

VOLA Consortium and the VS6 Partnership would like to invite all local Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector employers to an online briefing session about the Government’s new Kickstart job creation scheme. (Dates / times and booking details below.) 

Each session is only approx. 1 hour long (1 ¼ hrs max), so doesn’t require a huge time commitment in your already busy diaries and we will run it on 3 occasions over the next couple of weeks, on different days and times to give people as much of a chance as possible to attend.  Options are:

• Friday 9th October, 11am – 12:15pm
• Tuesday 13th October, 11:30am – 12:45pm
• Thursday 15th October, 2:30 – 3:45pm

If you would like to find out more please reply (stating you name, position and organisation) to  josie.barrow@volamerseyside.org.uk  to book your place.  A link to the online Zoom meeting you book on to will be emailed out nearer the time (probably the day before).

Background and purpose of the sessions
VOLA is a member of the VS6 partnership, who have agreed for VOLA to act as the partnership’s lead body in coordinating a VCFSE sector option to the Kickstart scheme across the Liverpool City Region (LCR).  We will work closely with our VS6 partners to raise awareness of Kickstart and facilitate access to the scheme for local VCFSE employers.

The aims of the online briefing sessions are to:

1. Raise awareness of the Kickstart scheme throughout the local sector.
2. Encourage local VCFSE employers to engage with the scheme and contribute to the sector doing its part in supporting young unemployed people (16-24) to get on in life, by taking them on through Kickstart-funded job placements and giving them a chance to prove themselves, whilst improving their employability skills and experience at the same time.
3. Promote our intent to act as an Intermediary Body, which involves coordinating access to national Kickstart funding for local VCFSE employers and supporting employability skills development of young people who secure jobs through the scheme.  (Kickstart is managed by the DWP and an employer needs a minimum of 30 placements to be able to access the scheme directly, hence the need for Intermediaries such as VOLA.) 
4. Gauge potential appetite/ demand amongst local VCFSE employers to get involved in taking on young people through the scheme, in order to help us plan our role as an Intermediary Body.

If you don’t know who VOLA or VS6 are and want to get a feel for what we do, look us up online (just click on the hyperlinks) and see the good work we do in supporting the local VCFSE sector, people and communities across the city region!

• VOLA  is a 60 strong consortium VCFSE sector skills and employment support providers operating across the Liverpool City Region.  We’ve been around for over 13 years now and have done some amazing work in supporting people to improve their skills, find work, move in to Further Education, and generally move onwards and upwards in life!
•  VS6 is a partnership of VCFSE sector infrastructure/support organisations working with the 8,600 VCFSE organisations and groups across the Liverpool City Region.  Your local CVS, or similar body and a range of other support organisations including the Community Foundation, MYA, Network for Europe and Together Liverpool are members of VS6, along with VOLA.

 

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Job Vacancy for Lead Chaplain

Mission in the Economy (MitE) is seeking to appoint a Lead Chaplain to manage and develop chaplaincy activities with YMCA Liverpool & Sefton and YMCA St Helens. The Lead Chaplain will provide for the pastoral needs of service users, volunteers and staff.  Specifically, through professional training and certification, the Lead Chaplain will assist service users, volunteers and staff to understand more fully life's events as they relate to their spiritual and emotional well-being.

The ideal person will have excellent organizational skills, be passionate about enabling people to be the best that they can be and have a desire to make a difference to the people that they are working with. They will be confident and comfortable in delivering support through group as well as ndividual working. The successful candidate will be flexible in their approach to working between Liverpool and St Helens. They will provide chaplaincy to staff and residents, but will also recruit, train and manage a small team of volunteers in both locations.

MitE is an ecumenical provider of workplace chaplaincy across the Merseyside region. Our chaplains come alongside people, providing a friendly listening ear to people of all faiths and none. As an independent presence in the workplace, MitE's chaplains are ideally placed to provide a confidential and safe space to enable those they meet to flourish in their work life, wellbeing and spirituality.

The YMCA is dedicated to delivering sustainable, quality and effective services to the people of Merseyside. YMCA Liverpool & Sefton and YMCA St Helens have separate Trustee Boards and governance structures. They collaborate effectively where possible and this is the case with the Chaplaincy service.

This post is open to both lay and ordained people.

The role will be located for 7 hours a week in Liverpool and 7 hours a week in St Helens, however, the successful candidate may be required to attend elsewhere within the region on occasion.

The role is 14 hours/week and salary is £10,396 p.a.

For further information or an application pack contact: Emma Howarth: info@mite.org.uk or 07597 793960, Mission in the Economy, 22 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT

Closing date for applications:         5pm 23rd October 2020

Date for Interview:                          w/c 2nd November 2020

www.mite.org.uk

www.liverpoolymca.org.uk

www.ymcasthelens.org.uk

Deafness Resource Centre are recruiting 

As a result of a recent restructure and expansion of services, they are looking to recruit to a number of positions. If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to be a part of their journey going forward, they want to hear from you.

 

OUTREACH WORKER – Salary £18,870 Full time

The Outreach Worker will be working in local communities to raise awareness of services, making links with key partners, agencies and D/deaf professionals to ensure they reach D/deaf people, children and families requiring support. They are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual who has direct experience of working in community based environments providing a range of self-help and group activities. The ideal candidate will have lived or worked within a D/deaf environment with level 2 British Sign Language or a native sign language user. 

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER – Salary £18,870 Full time

The Family Support Worker will work with D/deaf children, young people and their families to facilitate access to information and advice to make informed decisions and choices; improve communication within the family unit and facilitate a range of social and recreational opportunities. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Deafness and associated issues with level 2 British Sign Language or a native sign language user, ideally with direct experience of delivering a range of family & children’s services and activities.

ADMIN WORKER – Salary £17,681 (pro-rata) Part time 18 hours
The Admin Worker will be based at Halton Sensory Services providing general administration and support to the team. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of Deafness and associated issues and experienced in working in customer focused services. 

If you would like to apply for any of the posts please visit the website for an application pack with full details: www.deafnessresourcecentre.org Alternatively ring 01744 23887 or email: enquiries@deafnessresourcecentre.org

CLOSING DATE for applications: Monday 26th October 2020 at 5pm  Applications welcome from all sectors of society

DIRECT PAYMENTS OFFICER
HUYTON, MERSEYSIDE 
Full time (35 hours) - £22,440 p.a.

Knowsley Disability Concern (KDC)  are seeking a full time Officer to join the Direct Payments Support Service team and deliver a range of support, information and guidance to enable people in Knowsley to use Direct Payments to meet their personal care and support needs.

Knowsley Disability Concern (KDC) is a well-established charity specialising in services that enable disabled people and those living with long-term conditions to have improved choice, control and independence. 

They deliver the Knowsley Direct Payments Support Service enabling residents, who need care and support, to receive funds from the Council to purchase the services they need, including employing personal assistants. 

This is an exciting opportunity with a successful charity, to take responsibility in a key role and make a real difference in people’s lives.

For more information about Direct Payments and the range of other services they offer, visit www.kdc.org.uk

THE ROLE

You will be accountable for the delivery of information, advice and assistance to enable people in Knowsley to access and manage Direct Payments easily and effectively. You will work as part of a team to promote, extend and develop the scheme to enable more people to access Direct Payments as a means to live independently and have control over the way their support services are delivered. Full training will be provided.

ABOUT YOU You have excellent communication and inter-personal skills and enjoy working with people. You are a good organizer and can manage your own workload and competing priorities. Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills are essential. Ideally, you will have an understanding of the health and social sector, particularly in relation to individual budgets and a background in HR and recruitment would be a distinct advantage.

INTERESTED?

Click here for the detailed job description and person specification.

Closing Date for applications is Monday 19 October 2020.

Applicants with lived experience, LGBTQ+, people with a disability and members of the BAME community are actively encouraged to apply.

 

Mental Health Assembly Final Recommendations Published

1. Additional staff training
2. Circulate guidance on safe opening of community venues
3. Improve access to PPE and vital equipment and supplies
4. Share National examples of good practice
5. Well-being support for staff, volunteers and service users
6. Improved communications between infrastructure and service delivery organisations

Following on from the Mental Health VCFSE Sector Assembly in July, VS6 are pleased to publish six key recommendations based on feedback from this event. A summary of these is shown above.

The Mental Health VCFSE Sector Assembly was attended by representatives from over 50 organisations from across the Liverpool City Region. Further events have been held regarding Inequalities, Shielding and Vulnerable People and Children & Young People.

The recommendations from all the Assembly Events will then be collated into final report for circulation and evidence towards the debate of how the Liverpool City Region can Build Back Better.

The full list of recommendations can be found in the document below:

Mental Health VCFSE Sector Assembly Report

Cheshire & Warrington Infrastructure charities come together

Infrastructure support charities from across Cheshire & Warrington have come together to form a collective, the Cheshire & Warrington Infrastructure Partnership. This partnership will work across the region to coordinate support for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector, share best-practice and resources, and assist with the continuing efforts to tackle Covid-19 and help our communities and charitable organisations recover.

The partnership currently consists of the following organisations:

• Cheshire Community Action
• Cheshire West Voluntary Action
• CVS Cheshire East
• Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action
• Warrington Voluntary Action

Secretariat and administration support for the Partnership will be provided by Voluntary Sector North West, the regional voluntary sector network for the North West of England.

The formation of the Cheshire & Warrington Infrastructure Partnership follows the recent announcement  that the three local authorities in the region and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have committed to a vision of building a better future after COVID, where businesses and local communities see improvements in four key areas – economic growth, health, sustainability and inclusivity. This is a goal which the Partnership fully supports and will work alongside colleagues in the public sector to achieve.

Caroline Whitney CEO of CVS Cheshire East said:

“We are delighted to be a founding member of this new partnership which will ensure better cooperation and more joint working across the Cheshire and Warrington region.”

Clare Harrison Deputy Chief Executive of Cheshire West Voluntary Action said:

“The Partnership will provide a collective voice for the VCSE sector enabling us to present a united front in discussions around how our communities can recover from the current crisis and Build Back Better with a fairer and more sustainable society.”

Alison Cullen CEO of Warrington Voluntary Action said:

“As a founding member of this new partnership I am looking forward to participating on behalf of the sector on the new Public Sector Transformation Board”

Margaret Cheshire, Chief Operations Officer of Cheshire Community Foundation said:

“We are delighted to have been co-opted into the Partnership and to play an important role in ensuring that the Sector is effectively linked into economic and funding conversations”

A new travel tracker survey has been launched by Liverpool City Region office to gauge people’s views on travel around Liverpool City Region, to understand how people travel now and how they expect to travel in the future.  The feedback will be used to help shape transport services in the future. 

The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete.

As a thank you for taking part, all survey completions will be eligible for entry into a prize draw to win one of three £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 11th October 2020.

The survey is here:  https://liverpoolcityregionalca.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=160102816278

 

 

Halton and St Helens VCA are  moving to a new Volunteer Portal on Monday 2nd November

This new platform allows organisations and community groups to promote opportunities and use a range of management tools for their volunteers. If you have not already registered on this new site then you can do so here  https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/

With this platform you can upload documents and application forms, record volunteer details, invite volunteers for specific activities or events, log volunteers hours, gain and give feedback and much more.

We will be running the first in a number Q&A zoom sessions on Friday 2nd October for organisations who have questions or are experiencing difficulties registering. If you would like to attend the Q & A please email volunteer@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk to book a place.

 

 

 

Update on St Helens Local Plan 

Government requires all local councils to have a Local Plan. St Helens local plan, which is for the next 15 years, will protect 59% of the borough as greenbelt and protect our parks and open spaces, deliver new jobs, provide new affordable homes for a generation who can’t get on the property ladder, encourage economic growth, and take into account the need for new infrastructure including highways improvements, schools, GP and health services. After Covid, these things are more important than ever.

The plan will now be assessed by the government and if approved will be formally adopted by the council once that process is complete.  Please find attached an Executive Summary, and you can read more here:

https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/news/2020/september/23/st-helens-borough-local-plan-progresses-as-cabinet-approves-submission-to-secretary-of-state/

Pioneer Youth Worker Job Vacancy 

St Mark’s, Haydock are passionate about people knowing Jesus, loving each other, and caring for the community.

To help the Church in its mission, St Mark’s are looking to appoint a new Pioneer Youth Worker currently for 3 years.

The main responsibilities of the Pioneer Youth Worker are to:

• Pioneer a new Youth ministry particularly among the youth of Haydock.
• Disciple their existing young people
• To support the local senior school

The job is for 20 hours per week, and times of work are flexible, with the exception of 9.30am to 2pm on Tuesdays that need to be based in the Church.  

The salary is paid at Real Living Wage (set by the Living Wage Foundation), which is currently £9.30 per hour. You will have the option to join the workplace pension scheme.

As part of the role involves being committed to the mission of the Church and its values, as well as developing and pioneering an outward facing Youth Ministry, the candidate will need to be a committed Christian, willing to become a regular worshipper at St Mark's.

The holiday allowance is 116 hours p/a, to be used over the year.

If you would like to be a part of an exciting team, and to be an essential part in helping the Church show the love of Jesus, then please download a job pack or contact the office if you have any questions.  Phone: 01744 602641 Email: jobs@stmarkshaydock.org

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Sunday 18th October 2020

St Mark’s, Haydock are based in St Helens Deanery, and are part of the Liverpool Diocese in the Church of England

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check.

Click here to download a job pack

 

Job Vacancy for a part time IT Tutor

IT tutor needed to teach a group of 10 vulnerable adults, some of whom may not have English as their first language, how to use a computer and office programmes.  It would be on a Monday afternoon for 2 hrs for 12 weeks, this will be followed by another course of 12 weeks to a different group of 10 vulnerable adults. Pay is £25 an hour. It will start in mid October and will take place in Widnes.

For more details please contact Pauline Ruth by email pauline.ruth1@gmail.com

 

 

VSNW Administration and Events Coordinator Job Vacancy

£24,491 pa
Fixed term contract to 31 March 2021

Job Description

Main Purpose

To organise VSNW’s day to day operations, support VSNW’s senior management team, build an effective membership programme and lead on a programme of events to support VSNW’s work.

Line Management

The Administration and Events Coordinator will report to VSNW’s Partnerships Manager.

Principal Duties

1. Ensure effective running of day to day operations, including contract delivery
2. Coordinating office activities and operations to secure efficiency and compliance to organisational policies and that these are up to date
3. Being a first point of contact of the organisation, managing phone calls and correspondence
4. Schedule meetings and provide administrative support for the Chief Executive
5. Provide support to meetings and ensure effective notes and actions are recorded
6. To support and engage VSNW Members and understand their priorities. This should be linked to VSNW’s Strategic Plan.
7. Increase VSNW Membership and to process applications and provide follow up support
8. Oversee all aspects of VSNW’s events and workshop planning and management and develop an annual programme of activity.

For more information please view the Job Description & Person Specification here.

To apply please complete the application form here.

Applications must be sent to recruitment@vsnw.org.uk with the subject line “AEC” no later than 9am, Monday 12th October 2020.

Future Innovation Fund Pilot launched to support the city region’s most innovative SMEs

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, launched the £3 million LCR Future Innovation Fund (Pilot) to support businesses in the region to adapt and innovate in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highly competitive first round saw 14 businesses awarded a share of £1 million.

Delivered through Growth Platform, the Pilot provides grants to support SMEs that have reacted innovatively to the changed business environment created by COVID-19. The Pilot supports product, service or process innovation projects that are aligned to the local strategic priorities, where a commercial market impact can be demonstrated within 6 months.

The fund is part of a wider response by the Metro Mayor and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to re-purpose and re-shape the funding available for businesses. These funds are being made available via the Strategic Investment Fund to meet the needs of the city region’s business community.

The second round of the Pilot will provide £1m of funding and will be open with grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 available. Following a review of the first round of the Pilot, the maximum grant available per organisation has been reduced from £100,000 to £75,000, allowing us to support more of the City Region’s most innovative organisations. Applications open on Monday 28 September and will close at 23:59 on 19 October.

Find out more here.

Seeing equalities through a BAME lens  - VCFSE Sector Assembly - Final Report 

Following on from the “Seeing Inequalities through a BAME lens” VCFSE Assemblies, VS6 are pleased to publish four key recommended action areas  based on feedback from this event. The Key Action Areas are:

1. Improve partnership and communication
2. More resources and better support
3. Culture change
4. Better representation

The Seeing Inequalities through a BAME lens VCFSE Assemblies was attended by representatives from over 80 organisations from across the Liverpool City Region over two dates in July. Further events have been held regarding Mental Health, Shielding and Vulnerable People and Children & Young People. 

The recommendations from all the Assembly Events will then be collated into final report for circulation and evidence towards the debate of how the Liverpool City Region can Build Back Better.

The full list of recommendations can be found by clicking on the link below:

VCFSE Equalities Assembly Report

Thank you to our colleagues at Halton Trading Standards for sharing the following information

iCAN information: NHS Covid-19 App available to download 

Today the NHS Covid-19 app for smartphones has been launched. It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.  It is designed to make fast, accurate, digital contact tracing possible while protecting your privacy and identity.

It uses the minimum amount possible of your personal data. All the data that could directly identify you is held on your phone, is not stored centrally and is not shared anywhere else. Any data that is provided from the phone will always be anonymised or aggregated, to prevent anyone from identifying you or others.  The app tracks the spread of the virus, but does not track people. It provides important alert features that help manage risk and allow the user to take appropriate action, as well as helping local services better understand and manage response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

 How the app will help you

The app supports contact tracing through your phone, without needing to know anyone’s names or identities.  It includes a notification feature that will alert you if you’ve been near another app user who tests positive for coronavirus, if your local area (postcode district) has a changed risk status, or if you have visited a venue, which later reports an outbreak whilst you were there.  If you test positive, the app will ask you to allow those you’ve been in contact with to be alerted. It uses technology developed by Apple and Google called ‘exposure notification’ and ‘exposure logging’ to do this. The people notified will not know who you are. Likewise, if you receive a notification to self-isolate because you have been exposed to somebody who has tested positive, the notification will be private to you and nobody else will be told about it.

 Digital contact tracing

When you download the app to your phone, the app will generate a code that identifies the app’s existence on your device. This code changes every day so that it cannot be associated with you or your phone. From this code the app produces another randomly generated code every 15 minutes. This code is collected by the app installed on other users’ phones when you come into close contact with them and is held there for 14 days. There is no way for another user to tell that a code collected from your phone relates to you or your phone.  If you receive a positive test result for coronavirus, the app will ask for your permission to share your daily codes with other app users. If you agree, your daily codes will be uploaded to the central system (the DHSC secure computing infrastructure, hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) UK and Microsoft Azure Cloud Services (UK)). The central system will then send your codes to every app user’s phone and each user’s app will check for any matches. Where there are matches, the user will get an alert that they have been in contact with someone who tested positive. The central system does not know who you have been in contact with and it doesn’t record any matches.

Your symptoms and ordering a test

If you choose to check your symptoms using the app, the symptom information that you enter will be processed by the app, but the app will not tell anyone else your symptoms.  If the app advises you to take a COVID-19 test, you will be directed to the NHS Test and Trace website to book a test. The NHS Test and Trace website will open in a new window. This website will collect your contact details (in order to be able to provide the test) but this information will not be shared with the app.

 Venue check-in

When you use venue check-in for the first time, it will ask you for permission to use the camera on your device in order to ‘check in’ to venues, which display the official NHS QR codes. If you check into a venue, information about the venue you’ve been to will be stored on your phone as a record, which you can review at any time over a rolling 21-day period.  This will include details of the venue and the time of your visit. However, these details are only stored on your phone.  If a venue you check into is subsequently identified as high risk, your app will alert you. You will also be able to use your venue check-in to remind you where you have been, if you are talking to a contact tracer after testing positive.  Unless you choose to disclose this information to a contact tracer, this information is private to you and will not be shared with anyone else. You have the option to delete this information at any time by removing either the whole record, or record of individual venues, from the list held on your phone.

The app is free and you will not be asked to make payments or provide your personal or banking information.  If you receive any contact claiming to be from the Covid-19 app, or from NHS Test and Trace, asking you for money or your personal or banking information, ignore it – it will be a scam.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

Pandemic hits disabled and minority groups the hardest.

Blind Merseyside businessman Launches new podcast covering equality issues.

Death rates from the pandemic show that more than half of those who have died had a disability.

A Blind man from St Helens, John Perry, who runs his own business has started a podcast focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion issues, covering local, national and international perspectives.

John is currently presenting a radio show on LCR 106.7FM ‘In Focus’, focusing on disability and equality issues. He has launched a podcast from Focus, called the Imagine Podcast. The programme and podcast will be focusing on equality and diversity issues . The Equality Act 2010 cover the following 9 characteristics.

• age
• gender reassignment
• being married or in a civil partnership
• being pregnant or on maternity leave
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

The Imagine podcast and In Focus programme will be produced on monthly basis. John is happy to hear from individuals, groups and organisations, who may wish to provide content or guest speakers.

He is also looking for sponsors or someone to donate prizes. Might this be of interest to you?

See below for some of the topics that they may be including and feel free to suggest some of your own. • Arts and Entertainment (John would be happy to hear from musicians, artists and writers to give them a platform to share their material) • Breaking News • Business • News • Promotion • Opinions/listeners slot • Humour • Sports • Community • Health and Wellbeing• Political Issues

http://www.focusemployment.com/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-perry-13a67a199

At present the podcast can be accessed by youtube

https://youtu.be/3pObMir2-kI
 

 

Attached is the latest Adults and Children’s programs that are currently available from Wellbeing Enterprises for October to December. You can also click on the link below to find out whats on:

https://www.wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/whats-on/

These courses are all FREE and are currently open to anyone.  Please pass these on to your those within your networks.

Halton Chamber of Commerce -1stuesday Breakfast Networking - Runcorn New Town Deal

Businesses and residents in and around Runcorn are encouraged to join Halton Chamber of Commerce for their latest free of charge, online networking event. 

This month there's a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of Runcorn Old Town, with presentations from Halton Borough Council & Unlock Runcorn followed by a Q&A and facilitated breakout room networking.  This meeting is free of charge and they encourage all businesses and residents in and around Runcorn to book your place now.

It's Expert Presentations, Interactive Q&A and lots of Networking - just ONLINE

6th October 2020, 8:00am 

Free for All, All Welcome!  

Virtual Online Meeting 

Agenda:

8:00 - Registration 

8:15 - Welcome & Introductions 

8:20 - Unlock Runcorn

8.30 - Runcorn New Town Deal - Halton Borough Council 

9:00 - Upcoming Events

9:10 - Facilitated Networking

9:30 - Meeting Close

To find out more and to register click here

NHS St Helens CCG is pleased to announce that TALKFEST engagement sessions are back beginning week commencing 5th October 2020.

This year due to Covid-19 restrictions TALKFEST events will run differently to previous sessions.  All events will take place virtually using Microsoft TEAMs and NHS St Helens CCG have also set up a freephone telephone number so that anyone who isn’t able to use TEAMS is able to dial in and listen.

They will be holding three events - taking place at different times of the day to enable as many people as possible to join in:

• Wednesday 7th October - 1:30pm – 3pm
• Thursday 8th October - 10am – 11:30am
• Thursday 8th October - 5:30pm – 7pm

TALKFEST is a community engagement initiative led jointly by NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group and the Council’s Public Health team and its purpose is to inform local communities about changes and developments to health and social care in St Helens.  They also use it as an opportunity to engage with local communities about various topics and listen to views and feedback from those who use their services. The topics at these sessions will cover:

• Primary care  - changes to how your GP and practice staff are operating
• Covid-19 national and local updates
• Winter health - including the flu vaccination programme, NHS 111 and emergency and urgent care.

Talkfest is their way of engaging with as many different people and communities in St Helens as possible including schools, workplaces, community, partners and third sector and voluntary organisations.  Please share this information with your groups so we can ensure as many people as possible can get involved.

If you are running Covid-secure face to face sessions and you would like them to come and talk to your group in person on the above topics, please get in touch by emailing communications.ccg@sthelensccg.nhs.uk or calling 01744 457212

To register for a place at the virtual sessions please click the following link:

Wednesday 7th October - 1:30pm – 3pm  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nhs-st-helens-ccg-talkfest-7th-october-130-3pm-tickets-119910705147

Thursday 8th October - 10am – 11:30am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nhs-st-helens-ccg-talkfest-8th-october-10-1130am-tickets-119913026089?ref=estw

Thursday 8th October - 5:30pm – 7pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nhs-st-helens-ccg-talkfest-8th-october-530-7pm-tickets-119913946843

Once registered, a link to join the session on Microsoft TEAMS and phone number will be sent out by Friday 2nd October.

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate get in touch at communications.ccg@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

Does your organisation work with young people in Halton?

If so, please make sure they have the opportunity to have their say!Halton Borough Council aims to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, equality of access for all young people to the positive, preventative and early help needed to improve their well-being.

They want to find out and take into account the views of local young people when making decisions about future youth provision and activities for them.

Halton Borough Council in partnership with Halton Youth Cabinet, Youth Focus North West, and Commonplace, are consulting the young people of Halton about future youth provision throughout September.

Please promote the link below to young people and ask them to complete the survey by September 30th, 2020.

https://haltonyouthserviceprovision.commonplace.is

Monday 21st September 2020 Coronavirus Update 

Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance held a press conference to stress the importance of controlling the spread of covid-19. Thanks to our colleagues at LCR for sharing this summary from DeHavilland:

Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance:

• Reminded people that the way to reduce the spread of the virus was to reduce the number of contacts people met, and avoiding poorly ventilated areas.
• Said there had been increases in the number of cases in Spain and France, which had led to an increase in hospitalisations, and subsequently deaths.
• Stated that from July, the prevalence of the virus had increased across all age groups.
• Said the increase in prevalence was not due to an increase in testing.
• Cited an ONS study, which estimated that 75,000 people carried the COVID infection and about 6,000 per day were getting the infection.
• Emphasised that there was “no doubt” that the number of cases was increasing.
• Believed the epidemic was doubling roughly every seven days – if that continued unabated, then around 50,000 cases per day would be seen by the middle of October.
• Stated that tackling the ‘doubling rate’ required “speed and action”.
• Announced that there were cases where people were being re-infected, and highlighted that the antibody immunity response would not necessarily last forever.
• Stated that only around 8% if people overall had developed said antibodies, which meant the vast majority of the population remained susceptible to the virus.

 

Following, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty:

• Said that there were significant rates of transmission of the virus across the UK.
• Announced that every location which had seen falling transmission rates was now beginning to see transmission rates go positive again, adding “this is not someone else’s problem, this is all our problem”.
• Stated that “the seasons are against us” – autumn and winter benefited respiratory viruses and would probably benefit COVID.
• Said there was no evidence that the virus was milder this time around.
• Stated that virus mortality rates were moving up the age-bands.
• Highlighted that treatment was much better, which would reduce the mortality rate, but not bring it down to insignificant levels.
• Said there were four ways this virus could affect people’s health in the following ways:
  • Direct COVID deaths
  • NHS was overwhelmed by a huge spike, reducing emergency capacity
  • NHS’s efforts in treating COVID cases would result in a reduction in treatment, prevention, and detection of other illnesses
  • Social and economic impacts of lockdown measures could damage both people’s mental health and their health in indirect ways
• Stressed that if he was to increase his own risk, he increased the risk to others, including his friends and family – the risk is shared, not individual.
• Said the population of the UK should increase their hygiene measures such as washing hands, using masks, and avoiding big groups of people.
• Stressed that “people must self-isolate”.
• Said “unnecessary links between households” had to be reduced.
• Stated that the UK must change course otherwise “we will find ourselves in a very difficult problem”.

 

Adding, Sir Patrick:

• Stated that good progress was being made on vaccines, and several vaccines were in very late stage clinical testing.
• Said the Vaccine’s Taskforce had access to a number of those vaccines, across a range of companies and range of vaccine technologies.

Said vaccines were more likely to be made available in the first half of 2021, rather than within 2020.

Wellbeing Enterprises have 2 job vacancies for Wellbeing Care Coordinator’s, details below

Salary: £21,892 - £24,157

Hours: 36 hours per week

Place of work: Halton

Responsible to: Services Manager

Closing Date: Friday 2nd October 2020

Purpose of post:*

Wellbeing Enterprises (WE) is recruiting two new Wellbeing Care Coordinators to provide extra time, capacity, and expertise to support asylum seekers and other groups (e.g. homeless people) who may be vulnerable in Runcorn. The successful post holders will support patients in preparing for or following up on clinical conversations they have with primary care professionals within Runcorn Primary Care Network (PCN). They will work closely with GPs and other primary care professionals to identify and manage a case load of identified patients, making sure that appropriate support is made available to them and their carers, and ensuring that their changing needs are addressed.

The post holders will provide 1 to 1 support, review needs and strengths, and provide signposting and brokerage support to connect patients to a wide range of support services available locally. WE is looking for individuals who prioritise patients’ needs first and foremost, who are experienced at teamwork and who show personal attributes of compassion, friendliness, and tenacity.

Apply today:

To download the full job specification click here

To download the application form click here

To download our equality and diversity monitoring form click here

Key responsibilities:

• Proactively identify and work with a cohort of people to support their personalised care requirements, using the available decision-making support aids.
• Provide practical assistance so that patients can overcome barriers to accessing timely clinical support and treatment.
• Bring together all of a person’s identified care and support needs and explore their options to meet these into a single personalised care and support plan, in line with PCSP best practice.
• Help people to manage their needs, and develop their strengths and capabilities, answering their queries and supporting them to make appointments.
• Support people to take up training or employment, and to access appropriate benefits where eligible / appropriate.
• Raise awareness of shared decision making and decision support tools and assist people to be more prepared to have a shared decision-making conversation.
• Ensure that people have good quality information to help them make choices about their care.
• Providing drop-in sessions, brief interventions and signposting support.
• Support people to take positive steps to improve their health and wellbeing levels including use of a range of validated health metrics.
• Assist people to access self-management education courses, peer support or interventions that support them in their health and wellbeing.
• Explore and assist people to access personal health budgets where appropriate.
• Provide coordination and navigation for people and their carers across health and care services, alongside working closely with Community Wellbeing Officers, health and wellbeing coaches and other primary care roles.
• Support the coordination and delivery of MDTs within PCNs.
• Monitor the attainment of key performance indicators (KPIs) using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• General administration duties, for example data-inputting, production of promotional materials and making/receiving phone calls.
• Uphold Wellbeing Enterprises CIC’s core values: People, Place and Partners.

*The details contained within this job description reflect the content of the job at the date it was prepared. However, it is inevitable that, over time, the nature of the job may change. Existing duties may no longer be required and other duties may be gained without changing the general nature of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, we will expect to revise this job description from time to time and will consult the post holder/s at the appropriate time.

The VS6 partnership would like to invite you to the sixth in their series of online VCFSE Liverpool City Region Assemblies. This event is for those who are providing emergency food aid and other food support services and the organisations involved in delivering them.

The event is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Thursday 1st October from 10am to 12pm.

This event will give an opportunity to start to think strategically about how they might develop a sustainable and affordable food plan for the Liverpool City Region.

 Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in extended workshop sessions focusing on how they share good practice and begin to think beyond emergency provision and onto what individuals, organisations and local and regional governance can do to make real social change happen.

 Advanced registration is required to attend this event. Please register via the Eventbrite page linked below. Given the high demand and limited capacity they have for their events, they’d like to ask that just one person attends per organisation. If you believe that one of your colleagues is better placed to feed into in higher-level conversations on sustainable and affordable food strategy, as opposed to front-line delivery of emergency food aid, please share this invitation forward on their behalf. 

 Click here to RSVP

Read the latest newsletter from Trinity Safe Space who are supporting Asylum Seekers in our Region.  

Police Commissioner invites ‘imaginative’ bids to keep young people safe over autumn half term

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is inviting community groups in St Helens and across Merseyside to submit ‘imaginative’ bids for projects which will divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour during the autumn half-term, essential work in spite of the challenges posed by Covid-19.

Jane Kennedy has announced that she is releasing a new round of funding from the Police Property Act Fund (PPA), which allows money raised from the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by the police to be used for good causes.

It is the eleventh time the Commissioner has invited community organisations, charities and groups to apply for grants of up to £5,000 for grassroots initiatives which are working to help young people to make the right choices.

This year the Commissioner is encouraging community groups to be even more creative in their bids into the £45,000 fund given the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak and the current restrictions on large gatherings.

Jane said: “I am delighted to once again open up the Police Property Act Fund for bids of up to £5,000 to organisations which are engaging with local young people during the busy autumn half term, with the aim of making their communities safer.

“Local people know their communities best. They know what works when engaging with young people. Running diversionary projects and activities is going be harder than normal this year given the current challenges imposed by the Covid-19 crisis, but I know how creative community groups across Merseyside can be and they will not be deterred.

“I would encourage everyone applying to be as imaginative and ingenious as possible about how we can involve young people in safe, well-run, organised activities during Halloween and Bonfire Night despite the current restrictions.”

Jane has awarded more than £420,000 through the PPA to organisations that are making a difference in their communities over the last eight years. Since July 2015, she has used the fund to specifically focus on youth engagement initiatives.

Last year, this small pot of funding was shared between 24 community groups and used to deliver safe, organised activities for approximately 11,000 young people over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Jane said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of great fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside, but sometimes it can go too far and sadly some communities still experience a rise in criminal and anti-social behaviour. This usually makes it a particularly busy time for the police and the fire service.

“Through these grants, I want to help alleviate these issues and prevent local young people from making mistakes they may later regret. Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects. By using these grants to fund a wide range of well-organised community activities, I hope we can help to prevent young people from getting drawn into any activities which could become intimidating, anti-social or even dangerous to other members of the community.

“These projects will support the excellent diversionary work carried out by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring that young people can enjoy the autumn festivities in a safe and enjoyable way which is properly supervised.”

The PPA fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, (CFM) on behalf of the Commissioner. CFM holds funds from individuals and organisations as donors who wish to support deserving causes in Merseyside.

All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 5pm on Monday 28th September 2020. Please visit their website http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/police-property-act-fund to apply.

Metro Mayor Announces New Network for LCR Residents Aged 55 and Over

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has announced the establishment of the new network for Liverpool City Region residents aged 55 and above, which will help shape the policies that affect their future.

Network 55+ is open to anyone living in the Liverpool City Region aged 55 and over.  The network will operate primarily online, through surveys, webinars and other online meetings, and is working closely with local community groups to ensure those without internet access can get involved.

The Liverpool City Region recently joined the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, made up of cities, towns and counties working together to share learning and examples of age-friendly practices.

One of the first tasks for the new Network will be to advise and help shape an action plan as Liverpool City Region bids to join the World Health Organisation Age-Friendly Communities.

Speaking about the network, Mayor Rotheram said:

“I want the Liverpool City Region to be the best possible place to age in the country and to achieve that we must listen to all of our diverse communities.

“This new network will complement the work of existing groups across the city region that are already affiliated to the LCR Age Friendly Network and will help ensure that we have a socially and geographically representative group.

“We have already taken specific steps to support older people in our society, including the most generous concessionary travel scheme outside London, ensuring our brand-new fleet of publicly owned trains will be the most accessible in the country, and consulting directly with older people’s groups when developing our Local Industrial Strategy and our Spatial Development Strategy.

“I’d encourage everyone aged 55 and above to join this new network to have their say on the issues that are important to them.”

Anyone living in the Liverpool City Region and aged 55 and above can join the network* by visiting https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/age-friendly/

*Members choose how much they want to get involved and can opt out at any time.

Local Authority Funding update from Halton Borough Council September 2020

Thanks to our collegues from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council for information on the following funding:

ARMED FORCES COVENANT FUND FORCE FOR CHANGE

Deadline:  There will be 2 funding rounds between now & noon on the 30th November 2020. The first closing date will be noon on the 11th September 2020. To be considered in Round 2, applications need to be submitted by noon on Monday 30th November 2020.

Details:  Grants of up to £20,000 are available for projects supporting Armed Forces communities to become less isolated and engage more in their local area and the needs that have arisen as a result of Covid-19. To be eligible to apply, the applicant organisation must be: An established registered charity or CIC with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities; An Armed Forces unit or base; A local authority; or A school. The funding is being made available through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund’s Force for Change programme. The Trust will fund a wide range of projects under this programme. However, applicants must be able to show that their project fits under one of these two main themes.

• Empowering Armed Forces communities to become more engaged in their local area.
• Providing opportunities for isolated members of the Armed Forces community to take part in activities that improve general wellbeing.

This year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust will be particularly welcoming applications for projects that help Armed Forces communities move to the ‘new normal’ while continuing to support local needs and reduce isolation. There will be a particular focus on ensuring volunteers can carry out local projects.

How to apply:

https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/armed-forces-covenant-fund-force-for-hangeprogramme/

ROAD SAFETY TRUST SMALL GRANTS+ PROGRAMME

Deadline: Applications will be accepted between the 15th September and the 21st October 2020.

Details: Local Authorities, Police Forces, Fire and Rescue Services, UK-based registered charities, universities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies will soon be able to apply for funding for local road safety pilots and trials. The Road Safety Trust has announced a new £300,000 funding stream to encourage applications that respond to changing road use and emerging road safety issues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the Trust’s Small Grants Plus Programme 2020 funding of between £20,000 and £50,000 over a maximum of two years will be made available for projects which are either a pilot, trial or evaluation of a practical road safety intervention. All projects should have other sources of funding, either cash or in-kind.

How to apply:

https://www.roadsafetytrust.org.uk/small-grants

Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

MakoCreate and MakoDigitalArtsCiC are currently looking for unemployed people, aged 19 and up from the Halton area, to join their FREE community project. 

The project is designed to help people by improving their creative and digital skills. Through September, they will be doing mixed workshops focusing on different aspects of creativity. 

More about the project can be found on our website: 

https://www.makodigitalarts.org.uk/project/creativetastersessionshalton/ 

 

 

 

 World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September 2020

This World Suicide Prevention Day, the National Suicide Prevention Alliance is promoting the benefits of staying connected, both online and offline. Whether you are struggling, or supporting someone who is, make sure you reach out and stay connected. For further information and resources visit https://www.nspa.org.uk/home/our-work/world-suicide-prevention-day-2020-2/

In Halton 

To help connect those who need it most to key information and support, Halton’s suicide prevention partnership has created a recovery and resilience toolkit containing key social media messages, resources and details of training available. The toolkit is available to download here: https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/health/hit/pdf/recoverypr.pdf

Finally if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide the need help now section on the Mental health info point provides details of support available both locally and nationally www.halton.gov.uk/mhinfopoint

In St Helens 

To find out what is going on in St Helens click here https://www.sthelenswellbeing.org.uk/services/mental-wellbeing/pages/suicide-prevention-campaign

On the 10th September let’s come together to raise awareness of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Join us in raising awareness of Suicide Prevention and how talking / raising awareness can prevent Suicide.  Let’s get people to talk about mental health and suicide so that it’s #OK2ASK how they are feeling.  If you’re not sure someone is OK remember, it’s OK to #AskTwice to make sure.

St Helens Wellbeing Service have put together a month long  calendar to support the two campaigns, starting on the 10th September for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), and running to World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10th October.

The calendar indicates if sessions are open to public, please share the updated and final calendar on your social media (see attached).

The launch of the campaign will be on Thursday 10th September with a number of training sessions and sharing images of loved ones lost to suicide along with lighting a candle at 8pm. Lets shower social media by joining support and raise awareness. The range of training and get togethers need to be booked via our frontline team  on chcp.sthelens@nhs.net  Your support is needed to continue to raise awareness and reduce suicide.  As the campaign comes to a close there will be a 2 minutes silence, look out for more details. This will take place on the 9th of October at 12 noon. The  launch of a memorial wall on social media will go live on the 10th October also at 12 noon.

Interserve Upcoming Courses - September / October 2020

Latest information on courses from Interserve attached to qualify for the free courses you need to fit the following criteria:

1. Age 19 or older as of 31st August 2000
2. Unemployed or working earning less than £17,550 annual gross salary
3. Not in education
4. Right to work in UK

For more information phone or email: Bev Harmstone (07710843872 beverley.harmstone@interserve.com or Denise Keogh (07896314218 denise.keogh@interserve.com);

Senior Safeguarding Advisor, BBC Children in Need

BBC Children in Need exists to make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. They want to ensure they continue to keep children safe in all aspects of their work.  To further strengthen their approach they are recruiting to a new, Senior Safeguarding Advisor role, to provide expert safeguarding support, advice and training, on all aspects of working with children, right across the Charity. This a part-time role (17.5 hours per week), based in Salford (although currently the team are working remotely).

Role Responsibility

• Be a subject matter expert on safeguarding across the charity, providing support guidance and advice
• Investigate complaints, safeguarding concerns and alleged incidents
• Work with teams across the Charity during the planning stages of productions, activities and events and advise on safeguarding arrangements
• Identify, develop and facilitate a wider network of safeguarding champions in teams and directorates across the Charity, supporting them to respond to day to day safeguarding enquiries

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of dealing with Child Protection and safeguarding issues in a complex, geographically dispersed, organisation. 
• Relevant CPD training/qualifications in child protection, safeguarding, safety or similar discipline
• Recognised qualification in child protection, safeguarding, safety or similar discipline (desirable).
• Experience of broadcasting or live events (desirable)
• Experience and understanding of the third sector (desirable)
• Experience of delivering workshops or training (desirable)

For more information and to apply: https://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/Safeguarding-Senior-Advisor-Children-In-Need/50475

To mark Work Aids Day 1 December 2020, 11:00am- 12:00PM.

St Helens Intergrated Sexual Health Service are providing a virtual update on HIV. This is a FREE short session aimed at professionals based in St Helens it is designed to increase and update your knowledge around key facts surrounding HIV.

This session will be facilitated by Emma Cuerden, LGBT and HIV Health Improvement Practitioner based at  St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and aims to bring your understanding of the Virus up to date, changes in HIV care, medications and the ageing population.

When will it take place

The briefing session will be 1 December 2020 at. The briefing session will be around 40 minutes with 20 minutes for Q & A or discussion.

How do I attend

The training will be held virtually due to Covid-19 pandemic and as a result you will need access to google meets. If you are interested in attending, please send your name, email address, place of work and job title to shealth.improvement@sthk.nhs.uk

Your booking will be acknowledged and the day before the event you will be sent a webinar id and password to join on the day. Then on the day you simply need to click on the link and enter the password.

What about my confidentiality

The webinar itself will only show the presenter (staff member) None of the attendees can be seen and you can change your user name so that should you choose to ask questions you can still be anonymous.

I don’t think that this will be beneficial to me?

The more people that educate themselves about HIV the better it is for everyone. It can help increase awareness and reduce the stigma that still exists today.

Transitions and Exploitation Workshop

Wednesday 7th October 2020 10am to 12.30pm via Microsoft Teams

The Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board are hosting a Transitions and Exploitation event facilitated by Steve Baguely and Kay Wallace from the National Working Group Exploitation Response Unit to present their perspective on ‘Transitions and Exploitation’ to colleagues across Merseyside.  The Board supports this opportunity to link up with Safeguarding Children Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships across Merseyside.

Overview of presentation and workshop

• National overview – including highlighting the importance of culture change.
• How they are viewed and the use of language – including victim blaming and the dehumanising language used in CE.
• Need to review the understanding and application of consent including CPS guidance, Social Model of Consent and fluctuating capacity
• Trauma
• Disruption of Perpetrators
• How it can be done

The event’s focus is on those individuals who are adversely affected by the ‘journey from childhood to adulthood’, trauma, and those individuals, who may be at risk yet but do not meet the Care Act criteria. To book a place please contact Vicky Palmer MSAB Performance Management Lead vickypalmer@wirral.gov.uk

 

iCAN Warning: Rogue traders cold calling in the Borough

Halton Trading Standards have been made aware of rogue traders operating in the Borough today. The traders are claiming to be from the Council, they are not. The traders are telling residents that  while fixing another properties roof (probably not true), they noticed loose tiles on their roof (probably not true). When the resident stated they did not require their roof tiles fixing, the traders became aggressive.  

Halton Trading Standards advice is never to deal with cold callers, if you do need work carrying out, try to get written quotes from at least three different contractors before you decide on one.

If you think you have been caught out by a rogue trader, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline who will forward your details to Trading Standards.

If a scenario arises where you feel threatened then please contact the Police on their non-emergency number 101. In an emergency call the Police on 999.

 

iCAN Warning: Lidl GB recalls Deluxe Dark Chocolate Muesli Bar with Brazils and Cranberries because of the possible presence of salmonella

Lidl GB has taken the precautionary step of recalling Deluxe Dark Chocolate Muesli Bar with Brazils and Cranberries because the product might contain salmonella.

Product details

Deluxe Dark Chocolate Muesli Bar with Brazils and Cranberries

Pack size: 3 x 45g

Best before: end of: August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, December 2020, January 2021, February 2021, March 2021, April 2021

If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

 

iCAN Warning: Co-op recalls Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites because of undeclared barley

Co-op is recalling 18 Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites. This is because some packs contain an incorrect product resulting in barley (gluten) not being mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to barley or gluten.

Product details

Co-op 18 Chocolate Caramel Shortcake Bites

Pack size: 18 pieces

Best before: 16 October 2020

Allergens: Gluten (barley)

If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to barley or gluten do not eat it. Instead customers should call 0800 0686 727, email customer.careline@coop.co.uk or if customers are making an essential trip to the nearest Co-op store, they can return the item in-store for a full refund.

 

iCAN Warning: Council Tax Reduction Scam

Halton Residents need to be aware of an email scam (see attached) currently circulating regarding Council tax reductions. The email claims it is from the UK Government, it is not, it is a scam.

What should you do if you’ve received a scam email?

• Do not click on any links in the scam email.
• Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
• If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
• Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.
• If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.

 

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of their specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 31st August 2020

Attached is the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 31st August 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact at funding@halton.gov.uk 

Genesis are currently developing a business skills programme for young people aged 16-19 and are looking for potential referrals.   This innovative programme will help young people build their confidence, gain valued industry qualifications, and start new careers with a particualr focus on civil service and public sector jobs. Participants will work towards a Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Business and a Level 2 qualification in Lean Management.  For taking part the young peopel will also be offered the following: 

 

• £25 bursary each week that you attend the programme
• £50 voucher for successfully completing 6 weeks of the programme
• £100 for successfully completing the programme
• Access to a laptop for the duration of the course
• Free Arriva bus pass which entitles you to travel throughout the North West of England
• Free business lunch and breakfasts
• Bespoke Interview techniques to enable you to navigate the civil service job application process
• Guaranteed work placement
• Guaranteed interviews for apprenticeships and jobs
• Updated CV
• a 3-day residential in the Lake DIstrict 

They have four open evenings planned on the following dates:

Tuesday 8th September 4.30pm  

Thursday 10th September 4.30pm  

Tuesday 15th September 4.30pm  

Thursday 17th September 4.30pm  

 

Places on the open evening can be booked by clicking on the follwoing eventbrite link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--st-helens/civil-service-st-helens/

 

Wellbeing Enterprises CIC is working with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Halton to provide a range of social prescribing activities free of charge for people living and working in Halton. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Wellbeing Enterprises team are actively looking for third sector partners to take up this exciting offer. Courses and activities can vary but may include:

• Life skills training courses
• Confidence classes
• Yoga lessons
• Arts and crafts courses.

Sophie Brooks from Wellbeing Enterprises explains “The courses are fully funded and we’re eager to collaborate with voluntary organisations and their beneficiaries to determine what kind of course or activity they would like to participate in... it really is up to them”

If your organisation would like to take up this offer, please contact Janette Clark E: j.clarke@wellbeingenterprises.org.uk T: 01928 589 799

 

 

 

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

To help connect those who need it most to key information and support, Halton’s suicide prevention partnership has created a recovery and resilience toolkit containing key social media messages, resources and details of training available.

It’s available to download here:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/health/hit/pdf/recoverypr.pdf

Could you potentially save a life by downloading the toolkit and sharing its key messages far and wide?

Public Health England have produced COVID posters and information that is available in 11 languages and free to share.

Test and Trace

• Translated posters promoting drive through testing and self-isolation are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.

 

Symptoms

• Translated posters promoting ‘cough’ and ‘loss of taste’ symptoms are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.

 

Stay Alert to Stay Safe

• Translated posters promoting the use of face coverings on public transport and safe distancing for young people are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.
• A new ‘face covering exemptions’ toolkit containing posters, social statics and badge/card is now available from the Campaign Resource Centre.

 

Social Media Animations: New ‘hands, face, space’ messaging with youth focus are now available from the Campaign resource centre: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/stay-alert-to-stay-safe-/resources/social-media-animations/

 

This week NCVO, have made some updates to their coronavirus guidance for voluntary organisations. including guidance on 

• Supporting staff, volunteers and beneficiaries and keeping safe
• Contingency planning and financial implications
• How charities are helping
• Involving volunteers

As mentioned in previous postings Focus Employment has been working on the Idea to develop a monthly podcast. To explore equality, diversity and inclusion exploring local, national and international perspectives, produced by Walk on Water PR for Focus Employment Hub. Please feel free to share, add your comments, and approach John at Focus Employment with ideas, raise issues or suggest content and guests for future podcasts. The podcast will also be uploaded via utube and embedded into their website.

focusemploymenthub@gmail.com
www.focusemployment.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029281244812
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-perry-13a67a199/
 

 

Halton Direct Link have reopened their office, opening hours are 9am to 4:30pm (not open on a Saturday).  There will be no face to face benefit service available for the foreseeable future within HDL, please continue to direct customers to call the benefits service on  0151 511 7772 for support or advice.

 

They have been online for New Claims since November which has been very successful, as a reminder to make a claim for Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Support please visit the Halton Borough Council Website https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/CouncilandBenefits/Housing-Benefits.aspx.  Customers can upload there documents as part of the new claim process and email additional evidence or report changes in circumstance to Benefits@halton.gov.uk

 

If a  customer requires support completing a form or they need advice about their claim, they can speak to a benefit officer on 0151 511 7772 between the hours of 9am to 5:30pm.

 

Attached is the latest Adults and Children’s programs that are currently available online from Wellbeing Enterprises for August and September. You can also click on the link to find out whats on:

https://www.wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/whats-on/

These courses are all FREE and are currently open to anyone.  Please pass these on to your those within your network.

 

Today is the start of a 10-week public consultation on proposals for new council wards and ward boundaries for St Helens Council.

The consultation will close on 02, November 2020.

After they have considered all representations made to them during this consultation, they intend to publish draft recommendations in February, 2021.

They will then hold a further period of consultation on their draft recommendations. The final recommendations are expected to be published in June 2021.

The new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in May, 2023

If you represent a local organisation or community group in St Helens Council, please pass this message on to your members or anyone who you think might be interested in the review. 

 

What is an electoral review?

The electoral review will recommend new electoral arrangements for St Helens Council. They will propose:

·         the total number of councillors elected to the council in the future;

·         the number of wards;

·         the number of councillors representing each ward;

·         ward boundaries; and

·         the names of wards.

 

How to get involved

This is a public consultation and they welcome views from individuals and organisations across St Helens Council on where they think new ward boundaries should be drawn.

They are minded to recommend that 48 councillors should be elected to St Helens Council in the future.

This is no change the current number of councillors.

They are now inviting proposals to help draw up a pattern of wards to accommodate 48 councillors.

In drawing up new electoral wards they must balance three legal criteria, namely:

·         to deliver electoral equality: where each councillor represents roughly the same number of electors as others across the borough;

·         that the pattern of wards should, as far as possible, reflect the interests and identities of local communities;

·         that the electoral arrangements should provide for effective and convenient local government.

They will treat all submissions equally, and judge each case on its merits and against the legal criteria.

If you wish to put forward a view, they would also urge you to ensure that evidence supports your submission.

For example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral ward make sure you tell them why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.

There is more advice on their website about how you can get involved in the consultation.

The website features technical guidance that explains the process and policies, as well as guidance on how to take part in each part of the process.

They have also set up a webpage dedicated to the review of St Helens Council, where you can find all the relevant information.

You can also access interactive maps of the current ward boundaries across St Helens Council on the specialist consultation portal. The portal also allows you to draw your own boundaries, mark areas of interest on the map and upload documents directly to the site. 

Get in touch

They welcome comments on warding arrangements by 02, November 2020. Representations should be made:

- Through the interactive consultation portal, where you can explore the maps of the recommendations, draw your own boundaries and make comments;

- By email to reviews@lgbce.org.uk;

- Or in writing to Review Officer (St Helens), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, c/o Cleardata, Innovation House, Coniston Court, Riverside Business Park, Blyth, NE24 4RP 

 

 

Age UK Mid Mersey Trading Ltd, trading as The Mansion House, has faced a number of financial challenges in recent years which have been compounded by significant financial losses due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Charity Board of Trustees have therefore made the very difficult decision to cease trading in all weddings, events, catering or licensed facilities with immediate effect. This means that the charity is no longer be able to continue offering services under its trading name to all customers who may hold a future booking.

The Charity has explored every possible option to protect their trading subsidiary work, including the offer of delaying events to a later date. However, despite best efforts this has not been enough to fully mitigate against the effects of the pandemic on its finances. It is very important to note that their charitable services in support of the elderly and vulnerable will continue as normal and remain unaffected.

Mark Lunney, CEO commented, “we are mindful that this news will be deeply upsetting for all those customers effected, including our staff, stakeholders, partners and volunteers and we will be contacting everyone that is affected by this news. What is more important to us, is that we are able to continue to support local older people, which is our primary purpose”.

Pete Stubbs, Chair of Trustees said “We would like to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to supporting our work, and to the local community for their support. These are unprecedented times and we will be working as hard as we can to ensure that older people remain unaffected. In making this difficult but responsible decision now, we are ensuring we can at the very least ensure customers will receive a full refund of any deposits made. It also allows customers as much time and notice as possible to make alternative arrangements for a new venue”.

The venue effectively shut overnight mid-March as a result of COVID19. As a result, all events were postponed and currently no weddings were scheduled before the end of 2020, Any other planned events, including its very popular 11th annual beer festival will now no longer take place.

The Charity is the parent company of the Mansion House which is a trading name of our wholly owned subsidiary. Rules covering charity trading subsidiaries are regulated by the charity commission and Age UK Mid Mersey has acted now to ensure it operates within these guidelines.

The Mansion house will be writing to all customers in the next 14 days and advising them of the situation and offering refunds. The Charity which owns the site, will continue to run its charitable activities from the venue for the foreseeable future, but this decision will be kept under close review, as the pandemic and funding challenges remain uncertain.

Age UK Mid Mersey are in ongoing dialogue with St Helens Council about its long term future. For press enquiries, please contact Mark Lunney, CEO Age UK Mid Mersey on 01744 414 436 or email to marklunney@aukmm.org.uk. 

 

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 17th August 2020

Attached is the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 3rd August 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact at funding@halton.gov.uk 

Job Vacancy

Advice Services Manager

Citizens Advice Sefton are looking for someone to lead a team of Advice Supervisors supporting teams of volunteers across Sefton. You will join a senior management team and take responsibility for the delivery of a good quality and accessible advice service to the public through multiple channels. You will be able to work to forecasts and you are someone who enjoys helping others to reach their potential. You will have a good knowledge of our main enquiry areas (welfare benefits, debt, housing and employment) and the ability to monitor performance in others in a constructive and positive manner.

Location:  Sefton (primarily based in Southport) although initially you will be able to work from home and this may continue for part of the week.

Contract type:  Permanent

Salary:  £ 32,975

Hours:  35 hours per week

Pension:  7% Employer contribution

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays

For an application pack go to https://seftoncab.org.uk/jobs/ or email recruitment@seftoncab.org.uk or telephone 0151 282 5650

Closing date for applications: 12pm 11th September 2020

Interviews: 15th September 2020

Safer St Helens

Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)

Community of Practice Programme

Grant Funding Pro-forma

As part of the work of the Violence Reduction Partnership in Merseyside, St Helens Community Safety Partnership has been awarded funding to deliver programmes and interventions that assist in the delivery of the overall aims of the programme.

Halton and St Helens VCA is a core member of the St Helens CSP – Safer St Helens – and has been allocated £40,000 to fund local projects that can directly assist in the delivery of projects to prevent and reduce serious violence in St Helens. The three priority areas for delivery are:

• Targeted Interventions with at risk young people
• Youth diversion and mentoring
• Local education initiatives

Grants available are for a maximum of £4,000 for each project / organisation.

In addition to the direct funding available, VCA will be strengthening the Community of Practice that will bring local organisations together to share best practice and to look at ways in which we can work together to make a real difference in our communities.

Groups who are applying for funding must be willing to commit to working together as part of the Community of Practice.

Projects must be deliverable within the short term (until 31 March 2021) and current landscape. All organisations are adjusting to the current constraints to service delivery but this funding provides organisations with an opportunity to innovate and develop creative responses within safe practice.

Please complete the attached form and submit it to VCA no later than 1st Septembrer 2020.

Please note that all funds must be spent and your programme completed by March 31st 2021. As this is part of a national programme funded by the Home Office there will not be any opportunity to roll funds or programme activity over into the new financial year.

Group should also be aware that as part of the grant funding, every organisation will be required to complete performance and monitoring information at the end of each financial quarter. two key dates for monitoring information. Groups must be able to commit to supplying their monitoring information by these dates.

For more information on the types of programmes we are looking to support, please see the guidance notes at the end of the form.

Rosa is looking for four Trustees who share their passion for making the UK a fairer, safer place for women and girls. They are committed to being representative of our society and bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences to shape what they do and how they work. In line with this, they are particularly keen to hear from people of colour as well as people with disabilities.

See link  https://rosauk.org/2020/08/13/rosa-is-looking-for-new-trustees/  for the full role description.

To apply, please send a cover letter and a CV to Angela Todd Drake, angela@rosauk.org, by Friday 28th August.

The cover letter should include your interest in the role and a brief description of the skills and experience you can bring to their Board. 

If you have any queries or want to discuss the role further, please email with your contact details and they will get back to you.

 

 

The Women’s Organisation is delighted to announce four job opportunities to join their growing team. They are currently looking for:

• Business Adviser 
• Programme Manager
• Finance & Monitoring Administrator
• Training & Development Specialist

Further details can be found on their website here: https://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm, Wednesday 9th September 2020

 Interviews for short listed applicants will be held week commencing 21st September 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 1st October 2020, VS6 and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are jointly hosting an VCFSE Assembly event on Sustainable & Affordable Food.

Ahead of this, they would like to gather information on the state of the VCFSE sector concerned with this issue. This will inform the topics of discussion and provide valuable context to the debate.

Here is the link to the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8WGMNQJ

 

Focus Employment Hub Limited have sent over the link to their lastest "In Focus" show.  The show can be heard on 106.7 fm, online on the website, downloaded as a podcast from the website, via tune in or your smart speaker.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DI2r4OYdBOmxObxKtLs0ARyer9cx2i_J/view

The programme will be aired:

5am on 22nd August 2020
6pm on 22nd August 2020
7am on 23rd August 2020
6pm on 23rd August 2020

 

The Community Foundation for Merseyside have produced the Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Response Positioning Statement

The global impact of Coronavirus has been devastating, with the lives of hundreds of thousands lost. As a consequence of lockdown, many people have lost their source of income or seen a reduction in earnings; had the ability to see loved ones withdrawn or limited; had access to vital services significantly reduced. 

In response to the pandemic, the Community Foundation for Merseyside launched the LCR Cares COVID-19 Community Support Fund in partnership with the LCR Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram. Through funding from the Metro Mayor, National Emergencies Trust (NET) and a public fundraising campaign and by repurposing existing charitable funds a total of £1,774,657 has been raised for Coronavirus emergency response (as of 5th August). In order to meet the urgent demand, funds raised were distributed within days of the government-imposed national lockdown.... To read the full statement read about some of our organisations in Halton and St Helens who have benefitted from the fund see attached. 

 

 

Closing date: 14 September, 2020 4:00 pm

Hours per week: 35

Salary: £26,105 - £27,865

Location: Halton

Employment type: Full Time

Contract type: Fixed Term until 31 December 2020

Support workless households by co-designing, coordinating and delivering bespoke support packages to enable clients to progress into employment or other positive progression outcomes.

You will have experience of helping people overcome diverse and often complex issues which are preventing them from securing or even considering employment.

NVQ level 3 or above in an appropriate discipline e.g. information advice and guidance, advocacy, counselling, health & social care etc.

It is expected that you will have an understanding of and a personal commitment to the vision and aims of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Closing Date for Applications: 14 September 2020 @ 4pm

Application forms and further details are available from The HR Team, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, PO Box 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN, or by visiting our website at https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/governance/vacancies/

Or to find out more about the post email samanthamcfadden@sthelens.gov.uk or call her on 07802378918.

Completed application forms can be sent to:  recruitment@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk

 

The Vulnerable & Shielded Report from VS6 is attached please feel free to circulate to all those influencers and networks that you think relevant and here is the link to the news story on the VS6 Website:

https://www.vs6partnership.org.uk/news

The lastest VCS Emergencies Partnership newsletter is available by clicking on the following link 

https://sway.office.com/AgCmPtDi6mtcx6XA?ref=email

With many people nervous about returning to social spaces, workplaces and public transport, NAVCA was contacted by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff and asked to contribute to the DistanceAware scheme as it was being developed. As part of this they have developed a set of brand guidelines, communications information and more resources.  #DistanceAware seems to have taken over Twitter and is being used by thousands of people to help them feel more confident about leaving the house, or showing that they understand some people will be nervous in public places.

Please have a look here for downloadable resources and spread the word

Financial support for cultural organisations that were financially stable before Covid-19, but are now at imminent risk of failure.

This funding is to ensure that, by 31 March 2021, successful applicants are either fully or partially reopened, or operating on a sustainable, cost efficient basis, so that they are able to reopen at a later date.

Key dates:

Round One: 10-21 August 2020

Round Two: 21 August - 04 September 2020

Please note, whilst there are two rounds for this fund, it is expect to allocate approximately 75% of the overall budget to the first round.  If you have an application ready in time for Round 1, we strongly encourage you to apply to this round. 

For more information and to apply, please access the link below:

https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding

 

Do you know a local resident aged 30+ and looking for work?  Include-IT Mersey Digital inclusion provision offers IT skills training and employment support for unemployed people, especially those aged 30 and over.

The project offers a personanlised package of support to out of work residents in the Liverpool City Region, making them more confident about using digital technologies, helping to improve their IT and online skills and ultimately supporting them towards and into employment.

For more information contact Phil on 07815 156 096, parndt@wea.org.uk

Chief Executive Officer

Age UK Mid Mersey  are looking for a CEO to lead their team of staff and volunteers and continue the development of Age UK Mid Mersey to reach a new level of impact. Working with the Board, the CEO will strategically review the current landscape and new opportunities to best support clients.

For more details and an application pack: Visit the website; https://www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey/about-us/work-for-us/

If you are unable to access the internet please call; Shelley Brown, Head of HR & Finance at Age UK Mid Mersey on 01744 752644.

Closing date: 18th September 2020 Interviews: 9 th October 2020

Shortlisted candidates site visit: 28th September 2020

Interviews: 9th October 2020

 

Full time (35 hours) - £18,360 p.a.

KDC (Knowsley Disability Concern) are seeking a full time Assistant to join their small, busy, Learning Disabilities team and contribute to the planning and provision of supportive, fun and stimulating programmes for adults with learning difficulties and/or autism.

KDC is a well-established charity specialising in services that enable disabled people to have improved choice, control and independence. They are an accredited learning centre delivering programmes and other activities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in community settings across Knowsley and neighbouring districts. In response to COVID-19, flexible methods have been introduced including Zoom sessions and distance-learning packs, ensuring participants remain engaged. Projects include the Being Involved Group (BIG Group); BIG Pathway; Managing my Money and Maths & English skills. For more information visit www.kdc.org.uk.

THE ROLE

You will be accountable for providing day to day support for the BIG Group and BIG Pathway projects for adults with learning disabilities, keeping records and organising meetings:

The BIG Group (Being Involved Group) -

• Promoting the BIG Group and increasing engagement 
• Supporting individuals to have their say and make their voice heard 
• Encouraging people’s confidence, self-esteem and independence 
• Organising and supporting people to enjoy social events in the community 
• Keeping up to date with regional and national learning disabilities self-advocacy groups

The BIG Pathway: 

• Assisting with enrolment processes for BIG Pathway learners 
• Writing up individual learning plans in support of the learner’s goals and aspirations 
• Preparing resources and setting up learning sessions 
• Supporting learners in ‘classroom’ settings under the supervision of the tutor

ABOUT YOU 

You have good organisation and administration skills and enjoy working as part of a small team - you can juggle a variety of tasks whilst keeping track of day-to-day duties - you are responsive to need and have a ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to help - you have experience of working with people with learning and communication needs - you are passionate about the rights of disabled people and understand self-advocacy

INTERESTED? Click here for the detailed job description and person specification.

Please note that the closing date for applications is Monday 14 September 2020.

 

Interserve Upcoming Courses - August / September 2020

Latest information on courses from Interserve attached to qualify for the free courses you need to fit the following criteria:

1. Age 19 or older as of 31st August 2000
2. Unemployed or working earning less than £17,550 annual gross salary
3. Not in education
4. Right to work in UK

For more information phone or email: Bev Harmstone (07710843872 beverley.harmstone@interserve.com or Denise Keogh (07896314218 denise.keogh@interserve.com);

Youth Employment Hub Survey

Young people are amongst those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of job prospects and access to training, so the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, wants to hear your views on creating youth employment hubs.  Working with Job Centre Plus and a range of local youth organisations, the Metro Mayor wants to create the hubs to support 16-25 year olds enabling them to access all of the skills and employment support they need in one place.

The hubs, which would be both online and in physical locations, would offer information about jobs and apprenticeships, advice on how they can match their skills to different career choices and provide support around training and development opportunities.

What do you think? Could you give your views in this short survey to let them know what you’d like to see and don’t forget to share it with friends and family too!

https://lcrmetromayorsyouthgroup.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/youth-employment-hub-survey/details

They have pulled together a list of forthcoming learning and development opportunities for young people here:  https://lcrmetromayorsyouthgroup.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/youth-employment-hub-opportunities/details 

Cycle safety training for thousands of young people as lockdown eases

Thousands of young people are set to benefit from cycle safety training as Merseytravel’s popular and long-running Bikeability scheme restarts this week.  The scheme, which trains 8,000 young people a year to cycle safely is temporarily being moved from schools to community venues across Merseyside as lockdown eases.  With more and more people choosing to get around by bike, the vital training will help young people to cycle safely and confidently, with sessions being held throughout the summer holidays.

The training is usually given to classes of pupils in years 5, 6 and 7 but with schools having been closed to most students due to Coronavirus, Bikeability training is instead being hosted at community venues, including King’s Leadership Academy in Bootle, HYPE community hub in Birkenhead, All Saints High School in Kirkby and at Bikeright! in Sandhills.

The sessions will help teach young people the practical skills and understanding they need to travel by bike including reading road signs, recognising hazards and sharing space with pedestrians and road users.

Young people can sign up for Bikeability training on the Bikeright! website, with sessions available to residents of Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral: https://www.bikeright.co.uk/sponsors/liverpool/

Thank you to Natalie Kennedy at St Helens Council for sharing this information on the mental health support service which is commissioned by DWP and is for anyone in employment, apprenticeships and furloughed.

'Getting back to work while the way we live our lives continues to be affected by COVID-19 has been a challenge. There may be things playing on your mind which can leave you feeling anxious or stressed, and it’s understandable if you feel in need of some support or advice to help you build up your confidence about work or deal with any issues that are affecting your mental health.

 So don’t forget you can reach out at any time to Able Futures, who deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, which can give you someone to talk to for nine months about how you can feel better.

On the Able Futures website you can read helpful articles about things you can do to help if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief or low mood in life and work after lockdown. 

 You can also find out more about how Able Futures is providing support from a mental health specialist via telephone or email at a time to suit you.

There’s no waiting list, so when you apply online or by calling 0800 321 3137 you’ll arrange a first appointment and have made a plan to help your mental health within 30 working days.

 If you are experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, grief or stress, or are struggling to deal with problems such as debt, disrupted sleep or relationship breakdowns that may be affecting your mental health, Able Futures can help you build resilience, tackle issues, feel better and learn new ways to manage your mental health throughout the ups and downs of life.' 

Attached is the 1st August edition of the One Halton Newsletter.  If you have anything you wish to share amongst the One Halton Partners, any contributions are very welcome. Please send them either directly to Angela Cole on angela.cole12@nhs.net or the generic email which is onehalton@halton.gov.uk they would love to hear from you sharing good news stories and innovation.

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 3rd August 2020

Attached is the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 3rd August 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact at funding@halton.gov.uk 

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer role that makes a difference to the life of a local young person in care?  If so, NYAS would love to hear from you!  For more information please go to https://www.nyas.net/volunteering/ or contact Di Watmough for more information and an informal chat. 07899 961539/diane.watmough@nyas.net

 

Amparo offers an easy-to-access service backed up by a non-geographic telephone number and/or simple online referral form. Locally-based Suicide Liaison Workers manage a caseload of beneficiaries, helping them with practical issues arising from suicide and ensuring they are linked into local support networks. A comprehensive assessment of support needs is undertaken, a support plan is prepared and Amparo measures the impact of this using Short WEMWEBS.

Referrals can be made by anyone - they work with, and encourage referrals from, emergency support services, coroners, the NHS or other local support agencies, as well as self-referrals.

Referrals are triaged with the aim of making contact within 24 hours of receipt.  

Support is offered for as long as it’s required, up to and beyond an inquest. This can include helping with a range of practical matters such as: dealing with the police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services.

The performance of the service is measured on:

• Alleviating the distress of those exposed to or bereaved by suicide

• Reducing the risk of imitative suicidal behaviour

• Reducing the risk of suicide clusters

• Reducing the economic costs of suicide

Referrals can be made quickly and easily using their online form at https://listening-ear.co.uk/refer/amparo/

They will be running a short Zoom presentation on the service in Merseyside for those working in the voluntary and community sector (30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for questions) on Wednesday 2nd September starting at 3pm.   Please feel free to invite any staff who you feel may find this of interest.   The sessions will be hosted by Sammy Ashley (Amparo Team Leader) and the link for this is below:

Wednesday 2nd September starting at 3pm

https://zoom.us/j/5975433174?pwd=aXk1Q0hKUVptOVVSQ2oxc2F6T0ZNdz09

 Meeting ID: 597 543 3174

Passcode: 1234

Sammy Ashley (Amparo Team Leader) will be happy to respond to any queries you or they may have about the service, via Sammy.Ashley@listening-ear.co.uk

Focus Employment Hub Limited will be recording "In Focus" at LCR 106.7 fm on 11th August, if anyone has any "What's On's" that reflect equality, community and diversity, please pass them onto John Parry on the details below, before that date.

focusemploymenthub@gmail.com

For more details about Focus Employment Hub and the work they do, please click the link below:

http://www.focusemployment.co.uk/

 

 

 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales has ringfenced 2 of its COVID-19 Recovery Fund grants for each of the six communities that are part of our People and Communities work, and welcome applications from organisations who meet the following criteria:

• Your charity’s work supports people facing complex social issues such as mental health, homelessness or domestic abuse (you can see a full list on the Foundation website here)
• Based in the community of Redcar and Cleveland, Halton, Bolsover, Great Yarmouth, Telford and Wrekin or Merthyr Tydfil
• Have an appetite for organisational development and working in partnership with the Foundation’s Development Team and their work on system change (what this means will be different in each community).  We are looking for evidence that:
  • You actively participate with statutory partners at an influencing level, for example, engagement in, or links with strategic partnerships such the health and wellbeing board and/or issue-based partnerships
  • You actively participate with your local infrastructure organisation/arrangements e.g. CVS/CVC/wider VCSE networks

We will explain more about what this means in each of the 6 communities in a webinar to be held  on 13th August 3pm – 4pm

• Be a registered charity (this includes CIOs)
• Have an annual income of between £25,000 and £1m

Applications open on the 3rd August 2020 and will close at 5pm on the 11th September 2020.

If you would like to know more about the grants and the process of applying

• You can contact the Foundation
• There will be a webinar on these grants on 13th August 3pm – 4pm, which will help you to understand the criteria and what working in partnership will look like. 
• There is a webinar on the main COVID-19 Recovery Fund on the 11th August, which will explain the broader context and criteria of the grants that can be applied for nationally.

The Development Team at the Foundation are exploring participatory grant making approaches for these ringfenced grants to ensure transparency and to help to balance power in the process of making these grants during its long-term work with the six communities.

The Women’s Organisation and Enterprise Hub Skills have some exciting online events coming up to support residents within the Liverpool City Region thinking about self-employment or looking to upskill and develop in their existing business.

All events are free to attend and take place via Zoom; as they are funded by the European Social Fund, these courses do require proof of right to work in the UK. If anyone has any questions, they can be contacted on hello@thewo.org.uk

Enterprise Hub Skills ‘Stepping into Management’

Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th August

Each session is scheduled 10.30 -12.00.

This session will cover:

• Introduction to leadership and management

• Managing yourself

• Managing others

Eligibility

• Women living within the Liverpool City Region

To reserve a place on the course you will need to:

• Complete a registration form

• Provide proof (photo or scan) of your eligibility to work in the UK (passport, birth certificate of NI Card for example)

Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th August tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/enterprise-hub-skills-stepping-into-management-tickets-113324978060

 

Enterprise Hub Skills ‘Be Resilient – Managing in a Crisis’

Thursday 20th & Friday 21st August.

Each session is scheduled 10.30 -12.00.

This session will help people to:

• Recognise the qualities of a resilient person
• Identify which of these qualities you have already
• Work on developing the additional qualities you need
• Implement strategies to boost and maintain your resilience

To reserve a place on the course you will need to:

• Complete a registration form

• Provide proof (photo or scan) of your eligibility to work in the UK (passport, birth certificate of NI Card for example)

Thursday 20th & Friday 21st August Tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/enterprise-hub-skills-managing-in-a-crisis-be-resilient-tickets-114864376442

 

 The Coronavirus Community Support Fund will be closing on the 17th of August – the full statement and links can be found:

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-releases/2020-07-28/covid-19-funding-in-england-update.

 

 

The Commons Select Committee have produced their first examination of the health and social care response to COVID-19. The committee will be examining the ventilator challenge and the procurement of PPE in more detail in the autumn.

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmpubacc/405/40503.htm

 

During the current exceptional circumstances, Citizens Advice St Helens has had to change the way they provide advice to the local community.

They would like to know your opinions on how they can continue to provide these services, and also how they may develop new ways of working in the future.

They are keen to understand how the health, family life, and livelihoods of local people, and more importantly their futures, have been impacted upon during this time.

They want to ensure that all of the future services they provide reflect local need.

Please be assured that the survey is completely confidential and will only be used to improve the services they provide to all residents of St Helens.

As a thank you for completing the questionnaire they are offering you the chance to be entered into a Prize Draw for high street vouchers valued at £50, £30, and £20.

The closing date for the survey and entries into the prize draw is Friday 14th August 2020.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_IgkVYpkNU6PDmf_Pr_6UyCZe9kuwXJMtuFR5cB05KFURVhESUNIRVU1U1BUVjNQWlVORVNaVExENC4u

 

The Combined Authority (CA), would like to let you know that their commonplace site with the survey for young people and collated training and development opportunities is now live. 

The site can be accessed at: 

Survey for Young People: https://lcrmetromayorsyouthgroup.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/youth-employment-hub-survey/details

Training & Development Opportunities Hub: https://lcrmetromayorsyouthgroup.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/youth-employment-hub-opportunities/details

Please forward this onto to young people within your own networks and programmes. 

The site is very much a temporary home and by no means reflective of where the CA envisages the ‘Virtual Hub’ being in a few months’ time. Together with the Survey, they hope to be able to gain the feedback and insight to ensure a fully-fledged permanent location is developed in tandem with young people. 

Some events have been condensed where there were duplicates through multiple partners, so it may not be exhaustive, but please do continue to send through new opportunities which are taking place through to the CA, and they will try their best to update the site as quickly as possible.

The CA is discussing internally about potential tie ins with GCSE/A-Level Results Days later in August, so will keep you informed about work on these, alongside other broader communications strategies. 

In the meantime, a quick reminder that if you are interested in offering up a Physical Site, or interested in Co-Locating, DWP will be holding six separate sessions next week (WC August 3rd), for each individual Local Authority area. If you are interested, please join your relevant area, which will have JCP Relationship Managers for the respective LA present.

• Tuesday 4th August, 11am Liverpool
• Tuesday 4th August,  2pm Wirral
• Wednesday 5th August, 11am Sefton
• Wednesday 5th August, 4pm Knowsley
• Thursday 6th August, 12pm Halton
• Thursday 6th August, 4pm St Helens

Volunteer Chaplain (Multifaith)

Forcewide

Job reference: 05901

Closing date: 14/08/2020

Job start date: 24/07/2020

Salary: Voluntary

Employment type: Voluntary

Department: (CEU) Community Engagement Unit

Hours per week: N/A

Working Days: N/A

Purpose of the role:

To offer vocational care to all police personnel and their families regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof through on site visits, telephone or online support where appropriate, and the facilitation (in pairs) of reflective practice groups. By ‘vocational care’ we mean holistic care of the person within the context of their police role or family affiliation to the police.

Are you a good listener?
Would you describe yourself as resilient?
Are you in good standing with your faith community?
Do you have two consecutive hours per week to be a volunteer chaplain to Merseyside Police officers, staff and family members?

Merseyside Police have adopted an exciting new strategy to integrate its Chaplaincy service more effectively within the Force and in relation to other wellbeing provision.  This will involve a combination of traditional chaplaincy - visiting stations and other places of work – with a new approach whereby chaplains, working in pairs, will facilitate reflective practice groups across the Force.

When detailing your skills and experience within the application form, please provide evidence in relation to the role profile and candidate specification provided.

A full programme of training and induction is being offered, beginning on the 23rd September 2020.

Candidates who are successful at shortlisting will be contacted via email to attend an informal interview. At this stage, you will be asked to provide two references- one of these from your Faith/Community Leader. Successful candidates will be subject to Management Vetting.

Volunteering Hours: A minimum of 2 consecutive hours a week.

Candidates must be available to complete the full training and induction programme (click here for information)

For more information please contact Dr Claire Henderson Davis, Force Lead Chaplain, Claire.henderson-davis@merseyside.police.uk or 07980 971 169

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx 

New guidance on Annual leave and Furlough from NCVO

NCVO have added advice on annual leave and furlough guidance on their NCVO Knowhow coronavirus guidance page.  They also have sections on:

 

Contingency planning and financial implications

Supporting staff, volunteers and beneficiaries to stay safe

Involving volunteers

How charities are helping

Further information and resources

The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for funding local support services for victims of crime.  They are currently undertaking a Victim Needs Assessment which forms a review of existing services available to victims, highlights good practice and identifies gaps and areas where improvements could be made.  This will determine the types of services they fund in the future to ensure services offered meet the needs of the community.

Services to support victims funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner are available to ALL victims – including those who choose not to report to the police.

They are aware there are lots of victims of crime who do not report to the police and they are keen to hear what support they need and what would encourage them to access this support in the future and have 2 ways in which you can help. 

1. If your organisation supports people who are victims of crime and they would appreciate your help in sharing your views on the support required by victims, including those who do not report to the police.  They would be grateful if you could complete this short survey to share your views and experiences as a provider.  The survey can be accessed on the following link:- www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cheshireVNAConsultationB
2. They are really keen to ensure the voices of those who do not engage with the police are heard as part of this consultation and would appreciate it if you could share the Victim’s voice survey on you social media pages to ensure as many people as possible can have their voice heard. The image below is suitable for social media and they have composed an example tweet/ Facebook post to ensure this process is easy as possible for you.  

 

Have you been a victim of crime in the last 3 years?  @Cheshirepcc would like to hear about the support you received or required as a result of that crime to help shape future services.  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cheshirevictimsvoicesurvey #haveyoursay

 

 

If you're passionate about supporting Halton and StHelens VCSE sector, have strategic vision, the ability to think creatively, good judgement and a willingness to speak your mind, we're looking for at least three new trustees to join our Board. We are particularly keen to hear from our members and / or anyone with a financial background.  For more information about the trustee role see attached. 

COVID-19 funding in England update

The following provides an update on the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (CCSF) in England, launched on 22nd May.

To date,  they have received over 10,000 applications to the CCSF. Of the £200m allocated by Government, they have now awarded funding of almost £55 million to over 2,300 organisations in England, helping communities during this difficult time.

Whilst continuing to award funding, they have also been keeping a close eye on the level of demand, with applications totalling almost £130 million currently being assessed by their funding teams.

To ensure they can meet as many of these requests as possible, they will be closing the Government allocation of the funding to new applications at noon on 17 August. They will continue to assess applications that they have received before this date.

While this important Government funding is coming to an end, National Lottery funding to support communities in England will continue to be available.

Further details on how they can continue to support you through COVID-19 can be found at www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/covid-19.

The Coalfields Food Insecurity Response Fund is a new fund to tackle food poverty. They have seen a significant rise over recent years in the coalfields of the number of projects providing food to those who cannot afford it. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem with more people being referred to food banks, and tens of thousands of children skipping meals due to family income being too low.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the only organisation dedicated to supporting the UK’s former coal mining communities, has joined forces with Company Shop to award fast track funds to projects responding to these growing challenges. Company Shop is the UK’s largest commercial redistributor of food and household products, and sells surplus food and household items from well-known retailers and brands at hugely discounted prices.

Projects can apply for up to £2,500 and if successful, will be granted a Company Shop membership to maximise their purchasing power. The discounts offered means for every £10 spent, a project will typically get £30 in goods (if they purchased these goods directly from the retailer). So for a £2,500 award a project could receive goods up to the value of £7,500.

For more information and details of how to apply please visit the website below: 

https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england/the-coalfield-food-insecurity-response-fund/

 

Freedom for Torture have recognised the need to extend support to survivors of torture who they cannot currently reach. They are therefore inviting small community-based organisations supporting survivors of torture during the pandemic to apply for a one-off small grant between £200 and £2000 from our COVID-19 Torture Survivor Emergency Relief Fund.

This grants' scheme is a way of channeling our supporters' generosity to more torture survivors beyond their own clients, and supporting the incredible work that small charities on the frontline are doing to keep them safe and well.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of everyone in the UK, and BAME communities are at particular risk. For survivors of torture, there are additional challenges, over and above those faced by the general population. The social isolation of lockdown has led to increased trigger reminders of the isolation and terrible loneliness of torture. Those living on limited funds are struggling to meet the basic needs of their families, and worry about the impact should they become unwell.

To help address these challenges and support survivors of torture, Freedom from Torture has made the decision to help organisations working with survivors of torture who they cannot take into their service. They are particularly keen to support survivors who tend to be underrepresented in their current services. These include (but are not limited to) survivors from LGBTQI+ backgrounds, women, single mothers and single fathers with young children, survivors from China and South East Asia, survivors from Eastern Europe, older adult survivors.

They will be making grants of between £200 and £2,000 to charities working with survivors of torture. Grants should be used to provide small emergency payments to survivors of torture so that they can buy food, clothing or other essential items.

If you want to participate and would like to apply for a grant to support survivors of torture, please download and complete an application form and email to lhuelse@freedomfromtorture.org.  

Please note that there is no closing date for this fund; once all of the available money has been granted, the fund will close to new applications.

Do you live in Windmill Hill, Runcorn and are you struggling to feed your children and keep them entertained this summer?

Starting Monday 27th July for four weeks from 12:15 (street soccer starts at 10am). Every Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday St Bert’ s Church, Windmill Hill Children ' s Centre, Norton Priory and Halton Street Soccer will work together to provide meals and activites to those living in Windmill Hill, Runcorn.

• Hot Lunch
• Activity Bags
• Crafts
• Sports

 

For more information please see the attached document below or to book your place, go to: www.stbertschurch.org.uk/register

 

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 6th July 2020

Attached is the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 29th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact at funding@halton.gov.uk 

 

 

The National Lottery Community Fund - COVID-19 Community-led Organisations Recovery Scheme

Some of the COVID-19 response funding is being awarded through a carefully selected range of specialist partners.

Area England

Application deadline Ongoing

What's it all about?

To help distribute funding quickly and efficiently, some of the COVID-19 response funding is being awarded through a carefully selected range of specialist partners. By using their collective expertise and networks, they can ensure vital support gets to even more communities.

This funding is designed to support organisations that work with those communities which have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as social enterprises and community businesses.

Partnerships

You will find more information about eligibility, how to apply, and further details, on each partnership’s web page.

• Specialist social welfare legal advice organisations who provide advice and support to people who are pushed into crisis can consider the Community Justice Fund
• Small and Medium homelessness charities can consider the Covid-19 Homelessness Response Fund
• Community Led Organisations who are facing financial difficulties caused by COVID-19 can apply to the COVID-19 Community Led Organisations Recovery Scheme. The scheme is aimed at organisations delivering services in their local community with an emphasis on BAME-led businesses.
• Social Enterprises can consider the COVID-19 Social Enterprise Support Fund Partnership
• Specialist small and medium voluntary sector groups supporting migrant and refugees can consider the Barrow Cadbury Trust Covid-19 Support Fund

If the partnerships above are not right for your organisation, please apply to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, where your application will be considered for either Government or National Lottery funding.

 

Creating a Halton network to support young people and prevent crime

Kyle Tunstall, Sport and Physical Activity Officer (Children and Young People) with Merseyside Sport is working with Runcorn police to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal exploitation through sports. The main areas they are targeting are Halton Lodge and Grangeway. The plan is to empower sports clubs to work with this audience of young people to engage them and support them. This will mean creating a network of organisations all playing a holistic role in supporting young people, some organisations are already on board to work on this project (including Halton Housing).

Kyle is looking for the following:

1. Organisations in Runcorn who could provide youth support/mental wellbeing support/Sex education/ substance misuse or crime advice

2. Sports clubs (or organisations using sports) already operating for young people in Halton Lodge and Grangeway

3.  Organisations who feel they could deliver a sport or activity in the area and need support to 'restart after Covid'

If you want to find out more contact Kyle by email on k.tunstall@merseysidesport.com or phone 0789 439 8828

The Community Network, run jointly by NHS Providers and NHS Confederation, has published a new series of briefings as part of its Neighbourhood Integration Project.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the integration of care in the community across England, with organisations often working together at a neighbourhood level to meet the needs of their local populations. 

Before the pandemic, the Community Network initiated a project to capture where local service integration was already well underway. The result is a series of case studies focused on how more joined up care has been delivered, and three briefings looking at the ways partners have resolved common operational challenges that so often hold back the integration agenda – around workforce, governance and shared working practices.

The project includes four place-based case studies:

A system wide collaboration in Luton to deliver enhanced care for frail patients with a record of emergency hospital admissions;

The escalation avoidance team in Norfolk, providing a single point of access for managing unplanned health and care needs;

Work in Leeds to bring together health and care providers, housing, employment services and the third sector through local care partnerships;

Multidisciplinary integrated care conferences in Haringey and Islington to co-ordinate support for people with complex needs.
 

It also includes briefings on common barriers to integration:

How partnerships in Hull, Worcestershire and Newcastle have set up effective governance arrangements;
How organisations have developed shared working practices, including the One Northern Devon initiative.

The project is a collaboration between NHS Providers, the NHS Confederation, the National Association of Primary Care, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives. It has been funded by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

  

Whilst the case studies pre-date the significant changes that have happened in recent weeks, not least the move to digital ways of working, we hope they are still a timely way of sharing the practical strategies health and care organisations have already used to deliver more joined up care.

Click here to download the briefings 

 

The Women’s Organisation is expanding their team by seeking to recruit an experienced Business Adviser to support the high quality delivery of women’s economic development services throughout the Liverpool City Region (Merseyside and Halton areas).  They are committed to flexible working and applicants applying for full time or part time posts will be considered.

Job Opportunity – The Women’s Organisation

Business Adviser: £ 30,000 – £36,000 per annum (depending on experience). 

This post is for those with experience in supporting the start-up of new enterprises and the growth of ambitious young businesses; in private or social enterprise sectors and would like to work with an award winning women’s economic development organisation.

For more information or to download an application pack, please visit: https://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us

Alternatively, you can contact them on 0151 706 8111 or email info@thewo.org.uk.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm, Wednesday 12th August 2020.

Interviews for short listed applicants will be held week commencing 17th August 2020.

 

The Women’s Organisation is an equal opportunities employer, and welcome applications from all sections of the community particularly disabled women and women from black and minority ethnic communities.

 

 

The Holiday Activity fund provision can be found on the following link https://edsential.com/holidayactivityfund2020/

There is now a tab underneath the flyer stating “For a full description of the Activity Clubs in Halton please Click Here” this will give further information on the group, i.e target age, activity type etc.

 

Please note – not all sessions will be advertised, some sessions are specifically targeted at children, young people and families  and are therefore closed groups.

Attached is the latest Adults and Children’s programs that are currently available online from Wellbeing Enterprises for August and September. You can also click on the link to find out whats on:

https://www.wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/whats-on/

These courses are all FREE and are currently open to anyone.  Please pass these on to your those within your network.

Request from the Police and Crime Commissioners

'As you will be aware Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for commissioning local services for victims of crime and receive an annual grant from the Ministry of Justice to ensure victims’ services in the area are properly funded.  In 2018/19, the Commissioner committed £1.2 million to fund victims’ services.  This included support for Cheshire CARES, the flagship service which offers support to every single victim of crime in Cheshire, and also more bespoke services which support victims of specific crimes.

Between now and October 2020, the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, along with Sarah Barnett (Independent Research Consultant), are completing a full Victim Needs Assessment.  The Victim Needs Assessment forms a review of existing services available to victims, highlights good practice and also identifies gaps and areas where improvement could be made.  Findings from the Victim Needs Assessment will inform the commissioning of victims’ services from April 2021 and beyond.

We also recognise there are victims who do not report crime and that these victims may still need support to cope and recover.  It is therefore vital that support is available and offered to all victims, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police.

How to have your say

As part of this Victim Needs Assessment (VNA) we will be undertaking a Service Provider Consultation that will run between now and the end of September 2020.

We will be sending information about the Victim Needs Assessment and the process for commissioning victim services from April 2021 and beyond to all service providers and organisations who work with/support victims of crime in Cheshire during August this year.  This will include the link to a short survey focusing on your involvement with victims (who do and do not report to the police), your role in the support process, your views on current provision (what works well, barriers and gaps in provision) and suggestions for improvements in the future.  This will be followed by an invitation to take part in a focus group/workshop or interview during September where we will feed back some of the findings to date from the Victim Needs Assessment consultation, before further discussion on the way forward to ensure services commissioned from April 2021 and beyond continue to meet victims’ needs. We sincerely hope you will be able to find the time to take part in this consultation process.

We are aware that some of your organisations will work with victims in Cheshire on a regular basis and that others will have contact with victims of crime less frequently, as part of other streams of work.  We are however keen to hear from all organisations, regardless of the amount of contact you have with victims (who both do and do not report crime to the police) to ensure we include the views and experiences of those working with victims at all stages of their journey to cope and/or recover from crime.

As part of the Victim Needs Assessment (VNA) we are also running a Victims Voice Survey.  This survey is for anyone who has been a victim of crime in Cheshire in the last 12 months and asks about the services that helped them to recover following a criminal offence, whether they felt adequate support was provided when they needed it and what services they think should be available to victims in the future.  We would be grateful if you would be able to share the link to the Victims Voice Survey with those you support (as appropriate) as we are also keen to hear the views of as wide a profile of victims as possible.  The link to the Victims Voice Survey is below:-

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cheshirevictimsvoicesurveyVNA

We have also attached an invitation to be shared with victims/those you support which introduces the survey and the link above.  We would appreciate your help and support in sharing this if possible to ensure we include the views of as many victims as possible.

We will also be completing focus groups and one-to-one interviews with Victims as part of the VNA.  If there is anyone you support who you feel would prefer to take part in an interview/would be keen to take part in an interview or focus group, please let us know and we can make arrangements for this to take place.

We thank you in advance for your support and involvement in this consultation process.  If you have any queries now or during the consultation, please do not hesitate to contact charlotte.evans@cheshire.pnn.police.uk at the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.'

Teresa Mercer, the Community and Business Health Promotions Officer for St Helens Borough Council has devised a 6-week meal plan and shopping list to help those who receive the School Meal Vouchers, which as you will know has been extended to cover the 2020 school summer holidays.

She is more than happy for everyone to share the information on Social Media, link it to your website or print it out as you see fit, all she asks is that you acknowledge the Council.

Teresa will be posting more recipes, blank meal plans and shopping list on www.sthelens.gov.uk/business/community-healthy-businesses/recipes/ so please keep checking for updates.

The VS6 Partnership would like to recruit a fixed term Research and Policy Officer until 30th November 2020.

The successful applicant will support senior voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector leaders in the Liverpool City Region. This will include working closely with England’s only Combined Authority VCFSE Advisor and one of only a very few sector representatives on a Local Enterprise Partnership.

Liverpool City Region has committed to ‘Building Back Better’ and to working in partnership with our sector. We work closely with the Metro Mayor and his team and would like to drive forward our collective vision for an inclusive economy. Your input will be central to these discussions, and the future involvement of the City Region’s 8,600 VCFSE groups, over the coming months.

There are no promises but there is always a need for an effective Research and Policy Officer and this is the perfect opportunity to develop the right business case for further sector involvement in the City Region’s economic thinking.

The role is full time (35 hours), they are working remotely at the moment, open to discussion about future job location and continued remote working for an efficient individual.

Salary: £27,539 pa (pro rata); 7% Employer Pension Contribution.

Application Deadline: Noon, 24th July 2020 

Interview: Will be held remotely on 29th July 2020

Job description and application form are atached below.

Pencils, pens, and paintbrushes at the ready... PAPYRUS is launching a brand-new competition for children and young people aged 4 to 18 to get creative over the summer holidays with a work of art that depicts HOPE. 

The competition will be for those between 4 and 18 years of age and they will be asked to create a piece of art which depicts what hope means for them. This could be a simple drawing or something more creative.

Parents or guardians will be asked to submit a photograph of the artwork over the next six weeks and they will showcase them on social media on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Following that, they will be choosing two winners. One from the primary age category and one from the secondary age category. These winners will have their picture of hope included within their Christmas card collection this year.

Competition closes on 28 August 2020 Winners will be announced on Monday 14 September 2020

More information can be found on their website:

http://papyrus-uk.org/competition

Please see the attached poster and full terms and conditions.

 

Wellbeing Services are continuing to deliver services virtually to patients across all areas. They would encourage you to follow them on Twitter / Facebook to get up to date information on service support available for people across St Helens, or visit https://www.sthelenswellbeing.org.uk/.

They are now in Phase 2 of planning for the future of what Integrated Wellbeing Services will look like for clients, and as always they are keen to hear from you as a valued partner, their existing range of clients, and also the wider public who may need support both now and in the future.

In order to strengthen the voice in their planning they would ask that you complete their short survey to give your views and they will listen and incorporate them into delivery plans. The survey takes about 4 minutes to complete via the web, mobile or tablet. They will also be available on the phone (01744 371 111) if someone would like to complete but doesn’t have access.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/St_Helens_Wellbeing_Service

Please feel free to pass this link to your colleagues and service users wherever this is possible.

Julia and Hans Rausing Launch £10 million Charity Survival Fund

The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust has launched a new ‘Charity Survival Fund’. A total of £10 million will be made available to support charities in the UK, specifically focusing on small and medium size charities.The aim is to provide core funding to help charities overcome the impact of Covid-19, offsetting lost income. Deadline for applications is 27 July.

More details can be found here.

(Thanks to our colleagues at Community Matters Yorkshire for sharing the following information) 

Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust awards grants to charitable organisations in the United Kingdom.

The trustees welcome applications for projects within the following areas on a three-year rotation: -

• Music and The Arts / The Elderly
• Homelessness / Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Children and Young People

Please check the website for the relevant priority for each grant round.

Grants are available up to £5,000 depending on the organisation's annual income

Application Form: Online application form is available on the website when the application round is open.

Deadline: There are four application rounds per year each open for a month - usually February, April, July and September

Contact:  For Grant acknowledgements only:  Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust, Rathbones, Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool, L3 1NW

Email: admin@austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk

Website: https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/

Working safely during coronavirus

The Government has updated its guidance on how to make your workplace secure during the pandemic.  There are 12 separate guides all addressing different sectors or scenarios plus a five-step guide to making a secure work environment.

Click here for more details.

How to manage negative social media comments

At some point if you are on social media, you will encounter a negative comment or two directed your way.  The temptation is to respond in a similar manner and explain why they are wrong, however this is usually the best approach.  Digital Giants has put together an infographic showing the seven steps to responding to a negative comment. We highly recommend adopting these as a strategy so you and your colleagues are prepared should you encounter such negativity.

Click here for the infographic.

Cultural and heritage organisations to receive a £1.57bn support package

The UK's arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus, the government has announced.  Organisations - many of which are charities - across the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.  The money will provide a lifeline to cultural and heritage organisations hit hard by the pandemic. Plus funding to restart paused projects will help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

Click here for more details about the announcement.

Attached is the 1st July edition of the One Halton Newsletter.  If you have anything you wish to share amongst the One Halton Partners, any contributions are very welcome. Please send them either directly to Angela Cole on angela.cole12@nhs.net or the generic email which is onehalton@halton.gov.uk they would love to hear from you sharing good news stories and innovation.

Halton Groups we need your feedback - COVID-19 - Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Survey background

Cheshire & Merseyside Health and Care Partnership recognise that the skill, energy and compassion of the VCSE sector is proving vital in keeping our communities strong and safe. We also recognise the huge pressure that this is putting on the sector’s staff, volunteers & budgets.

One of the areas that we would like to find out more about are the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector requirements for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) at this time.

The aim of this piece of work is to share supply chains with the sector and identify the needs to be able to share with partners to influence ability to access larger supply chains and also influence the need to fund services to cover PPE costs.

This piece of work is being led by staff from Halton and St Helen's VCA and CVS Cheshire East who have been seconded to work for the CM Health and Care Partnership. 

We would appreciate your support by completing the following short survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VCFSEPPE

Thank you for your time,

St Helens Mind - stakeholders have your say

St Helens Mind are putting together their strategic plan which sets out what they want to do in the next 2 years.  This is a shorter time period than usual because of Covid-19 and how this might change things, so they want to keep their plans under more regular review.  They want to know what you think they should be doing to support the community, help those with mental health concerns, education people about mental health and promote positive well-being.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GRBK63L

Halton Disability Partnership (HDP) now has a store of wheelchairs and Zimmer frames.

These are available at very short notice to any person in need, there is no referral form, no paperwork and just a small donation to HDP required.

For more information please contact HDP on the details below:

Telephone: 01928 248937 

Website: www.haltondisability.org.uk

Informal. Free. Just download the zoom app, for this Thursday 8pm login. - fortnightly meeting 

Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6481464011 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting

There will be various speakers giving tips on wellbeing and motivation.

 

The VS6 Children and Young People's VCFSE Assembly was held via Zoom on 27th May 2020. Gill Bainbridge, MYA, chaired the event and 44 participants from 39 organisations attended.

Key speakers were:

• Matt Mason from the Combined Authority presented data on the Impact of Covid on the LCR
• Gill Bainbridge outlined thoughts around how to safely return to direct work with children and young people (workshop 1)
• Monique Collier considered the impact of the pandemic on the needs of children and young people (workshop 2)
• Stuart McGrory asked people to think about the needs of their organisations and how we "build back better" (workshop 3)
• Phil Prescott launched the LCR Metro Mayor Youth Advisory Group

During three workshops, participants discussed the key themes in terms of their own organisation's experience, concerns and ideas. These were collated by the facilitators and form the basis of this report. Notes from the workshops are on pages 4 to 6.

The ideas, concerns and requests have been drawn together by VS6 into a set of recommendations (see page 3) forbuilding back C&YP VCFSE activity. Participants and registered organisations were asked to respond, input and help finalise these recommendations.

The full report can be found in the attachment below.

Re-Connect Priority Grants Round

The ESF Community Grant Programme is already helping many people across the Liverpool City Region who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment. Whilst the formal bidding rounds are currently closed, the Programme is launching a targeted Grant Programme in response to COVID 19.

This round is called Re-Connect and seeks applications from a wide range of voluntary organisations who are ready to reach out by using approaches which tackle the new and emerging barriers arising from the impact of COVID 19.

Small grants of up to £20,000 are available across the Liverpool City Region to eligible organisations in the VCSE sector.

Projects should look to develop and maintain participant connections to learning experiences. Project activity should support, maintain and improve participant employability and resilience.

All project activity must be within the current government COVID restrictions, but should include flexibility to adapt as and when those restrictions change in future months.

Funded activities will target those aged 19 and over, from the hardest to reach communities.  The funding can help ALL who are out of work or economically inactive but especially those that:

• Have disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions
• Are from ethnic minorities
• Are aged over 50
• Are lone parents

All eligible participants must live in the Liverpool City Region.

To apply organisations must meet the organisational eligibility criteria below.

• Are you a Third sector organisation run on a not for profit basis, i.e

Constituted Voluntary / Community Group

Social Enterprise (Not For Profit)

Registered Charity

Community Interest Company (CIC)

Company Limited by Guarantee

Please note that Private Companies Ltd by Shares cannot apply – if you are not sure on your organisational status or your constitution/governing document please speak to the ESF Grants Team before submitting your application for further guidance.

• Do you have an annual turnover equal to or under £600,000
• Do you employ no more than  49 full time equivalent employees
• Has your organisation been in operation for a min of 12 months
• Does your organisation have a Governing Document/Constitution?
• Does your organisation have an Independent Bank Account into which the grant can be paid?
• Are you not already in direct receipt of funding from the European Social Fund, or other ESF co-financing with the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), or National Offender Management Service (NOMS).
• Are you applying for funding to work with unemployed & economically inactive people?
• Are the people you plan to work with at least 19 years old?
• Is your proposed activity taking place within the Liverpool City Region?

 

PLEASE NOTE - Project start date must be on or after 2nd November 2020 and all activity must be completed by 31st May 2021.

If you can answer YES to all of the questions above, you may be eligible to apply for a Re-Connect ESF Community Grant.  Please download the application form, guidance notes and FAQs from the Website below:

https://www.wea.org.uk/liverpool-city-region-esf-community-grants-open-application

ZOOM Information sessions will take place from Tues 14th July – Thurs 16th July. Please e-mail ESFGrantsLCR@WEA.org.uk for further details.

Re- Connect for the Liverpool City Region opens on Wednesday 8th July 2020

DEADLINE for applications – Noon - Wednesday 29th July 2020

For further information, please e mail ESFGrantsLCR@WEA.org.uk

 

 

Connect - The latest newsletter from Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership Issue 15 7th July 2020

Click here to see the latest edition of Connect, the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership’s stakeholder newsletter and find out what is happening in Halton .  

Introduction from Dr Jackie Bene, Chief Officer at Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership
 
Just a few days ago, we celebrated the 72nd birthday of our NHS, which serves as an important reminder of the creation of one of the country’s greatest assets. It has provided the opportunity to reflect on those who have been impacted most by the virus and has seen the entire country come together to commemorate the courageous NHS, care and voluntary workforce, who have been helping us through the pandemic and have ensured that the region has stood up to the many challenges the last few months have brought.  
 
You will of course be aware that as a system, Cheshire and Merseyside is still continuing its robust response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Whilst it is encouraging to see the number of infections and deaths decrease in the region, it is important that this work continues and that we don’t lose the collective momentum that has been created.  
 
As the virus has become less prevalent in the general population, an important area of focus is the disproportionate impact that Coronavirus has on our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as detailed in last month’s report from Public Health England. I’m sure you’ll agree that the findings of this report, as well as the issue of health inequities across a number of groups, should be at the forefront of our minds as we continue to support our population and plan for a system-wide recovery.  
 
Please do take the time to read through this newsletter, which includes an important statement about the Partnership’s ongoing support to the region’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector, information about the Partnership Coordination Group, a feature detailing the commendable efforts in achieving 50,000 Coronavirus antibody tests across Cheshire and Merseyside, important updates from our Places and Programmes and much more.  
 

This event will give you the opportunity to share your views on the issues facing BAME individuals, communities and organisations; the impact that Covid-19 has had; and the role the VCFSE sector and LCR CA should be playing to support BAME individuals, communities and organisations in resolving these issues. The also be the opportunity to hear LCR Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

The event is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Tuesday 14th July from 10am to 12pm. Please note, it’s necessary to register for this event in advance and places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

To book your zoom place, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vcfse-assembly-seeing-inequalities-though-a-bame-lens-tickets-112426602996

 

 

During these unprecedented times Acas is here to help.

Whether it’s avoiding redundancies, making changes or improving working relationships Acas are here to offer support and advice for your organisation. You can ask for your local Acas adviser to call you, to talk through any issues you may be facing. A call costs nothing – and it nearly always helps.

Get in touch to let them know how they can help

LCR LISTENS: Our Recovery

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has launched a public engagement exercise to listen to local people’s priorities,  to help shape the Liverpool City Region’s ambitious plans for economic recovery.  The proposed plan will set out how we will respond to the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic for the whole city region and will be submitted to central government later this month.

The plan builds on the city region’s Local Industrial Strategy, which was the subject of extensive public engagement through the Metro Mayor’s “#LCRListens” scheme, which brought in a new approach to involving local residents in shaping the future of our city region.

Local residents are now invited to take part in an online #LCRListens survey, giving local people the opportunity to comment on key elements of the draft economic recovery plan to help the City Region “Build Back better”  https://LiverpoolcityregionalCA.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=159403145017

Many thanks for taking the time to complete and/or share this survey, with an opportunity to win one of three £50 Love to Shop Vouchers.

If you want to find out more information about the recovery plan please visit our website https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcr-recovery/

ESF COMMUNITY GRANTS – LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 2019-2021

Re-Connect Priority Grants Round

The ESF Community Grant Programme is already helping many people across the Liverpool City Region who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment. Whilst the formal bidding rounds are currently closed, the Programme is launching a targeted Grant Programme in response to COVID 19.  This round is called Re-Connect and seeks applications from a wide range of voluntary organisations who are ready to reach out by using approaches which tackle the new and emerging barriers arising from the impact of COVID 19.  Small grants of up to £20,000 are available across the Liverpool City Region to eligible organisations in the VCSE sector.

Projects should look to develop and maintain participant connections to learning experiences. Project activity should support, maintain and improve participant employability and resilience.  All project activity must be within the current government COVID restrictions, but should include flexibility to adapt as and when those restrictions change in future months.  Funded activities will target those aged 19 and over, from the hardest to reach communities.  The funding can help ALL who are out of work or economically inactive but especially those that:

• Have disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions
• Are from ethnic minorities
• Are aged over 50
• Are lone parents

All eligible participants must live in the Liverpool City Region.  To apply organisations must meet the organisational eligibility criteria below.

• Are you a Third sector organisation run on a not for profit basis, i.e

Constituted Voluntary / Community Group

Social Enterprise (Not For Profit)

Registered Charity

Community Interest Company (CIC)

Company Limited by Guarantee

Please note that Private Companies Ltd by Shares cannot apply – if you are not sure on your organisational status or your constitution/governing document please speak to the ESF Grants Team before submitting your application for further guidance.

• Do you have an annual turnover equal to or under £600,000
• Do you employ no more than  49 full time equivalent employees
• Has your organisation been in operation for a min of 12 months
• Does your organisation have a Governing Document/Constitution?
• Does your organisation have an Independent Bank Account into which the grant can be paid?
• Are you not already in direct receipt of funding from the European Social Fund, or other ESF co-financing with the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), or National Offender Management Service (NOMS).
• Are you applying for funding to work with unemployed & economically inactive people?
• Are the people you plan to work with at least 19 years old?
• Is your proposed activity taking place within the Liverpool City Region?

PLEASE NOTE - Project start date must be on or after 2nd November 2020 and all activity must be completed by 31st May 2021.

If you can answer YES to all of the questions above, you may be eligible to apply for a Re-Connect ESF Community Grant.  Please download the application form, guidance notes and FAQs from our Website

https://www.wea.org.uk/liverpool-city-region-esf-community-grants-open-application

ZOOM Information sessions will take place from Tues 14th July – Thurs 16th July. Please e-mail ESFGrantsLCR@WEA.org.uk for further details.

Re- Connect for the Liverpool City Region opens on Wednesday 8th July 2020

DEADLINE for applications – Noon - Wednesday 29th July 2020

For further information, please e mail ESFGrantsLCR@WEA.org.uk

Job Title:     Veterans Liaison & Support Officer x 3

Location:     North West – Manchester, Liverpool, South Cumbria, Lancaster or Preston Areas

Salary:        £24,000 - £27,000 depending on experience

Hours:         Full Time

Contract Type:     Fixed until Mar 2022

Company benefits: 

• 5% Employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance programme
• Travel Expenses 

Do you have experience in supporting vulnerable adults and empowering them to move forward with their journey? 

Walking With The Wounded are very proud to be working with the NHS Lead Provider for the newly commissioned Path Finder, Veteran’s Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS) in the North of England, working in a Provider Collaborative which includes Cumbria & Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Combat Stress and Walking with the Wounded. The service has been newly commissioned to provide support in the following areas: 

1. Crisis Care 

2. Therapeutic inpatient support 

3. Care co-ordination across organisations able to support the veteran 

4. Support and care of family members/carers of the veteran 

The HIS team will operate across the whole of the North of England and will be a multi-disciplinary team (Mental Health Practitioners, Psychology & Liaison & Support Officers) who will provide a liaison, advice and support service for local mental health teams, the veteran and their family. The team will be supported by a clinician help line, operated by Combat Stress and the model will involve ensuring veterans are empowered to access services for health and social support via the Liaison & Support Officers (provided by Walking with the Wounded).

Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) are currently recruiting for 3 Veteran Liaison & Support Officers (VLSO) spread around the North West of England to join the regional lead who has already been appointed and implement the new HIS project/pathfinder in partnership includes Cumbria & Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Combat Stress.

They are looking for a small but dedicated team who will empower ex-service personnel to regain their independence, thrive and contribute in our communities.  You will be a self-starter with the motivation and the ability to get the job done. You will form part of a wider collaborative team, you will be home based with daily travel around the region to support your clients and build relationships in the community. You will be expected to attend Multi Disciplinary Meetings at various Mental Health Trust throughout the region and work within the collaborative team.

WWTW supports those who have served in the British Armed Forces and their families. They specialise in developing pathways to independence as well as employment with organisations who recognise and value the unique skills and qualities of ex-service personnel.    

They are looking for a self-starter with prior experience of working with vulnerable adults with Mental Health (MH) issues; an individual who can work independently and prioritise their tasks in line with the role’s important responsibilities.  Primarily you will be part of a small team of staff at WWTW, operating in a much wider collaboration that includes the NHS, Combat Stress, other service and non-service charities as well as local support services.  Your role will be to work with clients in the community (or their homes) facilitating intense support by analysing individual needs to create a support plan that will break down barriers to a successful stabilisation and navigate the pathway of their MH journey.

In return, they will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills and career as a Veterans Liaison & Support Officer in a supportive, inclusive environment. In this role, no two days are the same and every day will bring new challenges. Internal training will be provided and we encourage our staff to develop their own personal and professional skills.  

For this role the successful applicants will be required to apply for an NHS honorary contract so will have to pass the NHS recruitment guidelines as well as WWTW’s. Upholding the values and professionalism of both the charity and NHS is paramount. 

For an informal discussion or assistance with your application please contact Gemma McDonald on 07468 608 329

You can read more about WWTW on their website www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk  

Apply by completing and submitting a short application with a supporting CV here:

https://walkingwiththewounded.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=59af6468-0909-4aa6-ad49-6165552cc42e

Closing date for applications is 13 July 2020. The advert may be closed early as if sufficient applications are received.

Interviews are planned 22 July 2020 and may be held via Zoom or another webinar type platform, depending on current Covid-19 restrictions.

The government has created a new tool to help businesses in England to reopen safely.

The tool encourages businesses to carry out a risk assessment and helps to identify workplace adjustments.

Use the new tool to check what your business must do to keep people safe.  

You can also check if you should go back into work as an employee and find out what you should do if you cannot go back into work. 

We are supporting researchers from the Public Health Institute, LJMU, to carry out a survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on voluntary, community, faith and enterprise sector organisations across our local region. This research will provide evidence about:

• The needs of voluntary, community, faith and enterprise sector organisations and the support required to support infrastructure and sustainability in the short and longer-term; and,
• Whether there are specific groups within communities who are vulnerable and for whom there are specific concerns, and where an appropriate response is required to ‘reach out’ to provide immediate support.

The survey will take up to 20 minutes to complete. For more information, and to access the survey, please go to:

https://ljmu.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/covid-19communityunmetneed

We would like to capture views from as many organisations as possible across our local region. Please share this survey with colleagues, as appropriate.

The survey will be open until 31st July 2020.

For more information about the research, please contact Dr Hannah Timpson, Reader in Socioeconomic Engagement in Health, Public Health Institute, LJMU: H.Timpson@ljmu.ac.uk

Thank you,

Sally Yeoman, VS6

Coronavirus recovery - six data protection steps for organisations

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease and organisations begin to reopen, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has set out six key steps every organisation needs to consider around the use of personal information.

These steps include only collecting data that is necessary, being open, clear and honest, and keeping information secure.

Click here to see all six steps.

Government changes - Shielding

The Government set out its 'roadmap' for the future of those who are shielding.

From 6 July, people who were shielding:

• can meet in a group of up to 6 people outdoors, including people from different households, while maintaining strict social distancing;
• are no longer required to observe social distancing with other members of their household; and
• can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household.

From 1 August, people who were shielding:

• are no longer required to shield and instead are advised to adopt social distancing and to minimise contact with anyone outside their household;
• are able to return to work - if working from home is not an option - on the proviso that the workplace is COVID-19 safe; and
• are able to go and buy food, visit places of worship and exercise whilst maintaining social distancing.
• Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable are able to return to school.

Full details can be found here.

Local Authority Funding update from Halton Borough Council July 2020

Thanks to our collegues from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council for information on the following funding:

Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund

Deadline: The deadline for applications is midnight on the 31st August 2020.

Details: Charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for activities that highlight the dangers of Loan Sharks and have a positive impact on their communities. The Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund is made available from money seized from convicted loan sharks by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT). Organisations will need to demonstrate the positive impact their project would have on their community, and how their project contributes to delivering the IMLT’s priorities which include: raising awareness of the dangers of loan sharks; promoting the work of the IMLT in communities; & encourage reporting of loan sharks.

 How to apply: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/cash-seized-from-loan-sharks-to-fund-community-projects/

 

The Fcc Community Action Fund

Deadline: The closing date for applications at 5pm on the 2nd September 2020.

Details: Registered charities, churches, parish councils, local authorities and CASC registered sports clubs can apply for grants of £2,000-£100,000 for the provision, maintenance or improvement of community facilities. This can include village halls and community centres, public play areas; publicly available multi use games areas, skate parks and BMX tracks; sport and recreation grounds including pavilions and clubhouses with full public access; churches – community spaces only; nature reserves; public gardens, parks, country parks and woodlands with at least dawn to dusk access; and Museums. The funding is available to projects located within 10 mile of an eligible FCC Environment site.

How to apply: https://fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk/funds/fcc-community-action-fund

Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 29th June 2020

Attached is the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 29th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The last few months have been some of the hardest and yet, most rewarding of my career. I’m sure I’m not the only person in the local VCFSE sector who feels that way. 

After lockdown started the VCA worked with colleagues from Halton Borough Council (under the banner of One Halton Together) on a project which used volunteers to provide support for shielding individuals with shopping, dog walking and wellbeing calls. We were thrilled to see over 1,200 residents from Halton and St Helens sign up via our new Volunteer Portal and they were able to put themselves forwards for individual voluntary opportunities posted on the Portal’s Covid 19 Community Tasks page. So far the project has supported over 260 residents in Halton. I was supported by my amazing colleagues at Halton & St Helens VCA, but also by a wonderful team of people from the Council, who were Fitness Instructors at Kingsway Leisure Centre prior to the pandemic. We’ve become firm friends and I’ve even participated in their (frankly challenging) Facebook Live workout sessions. The project was hectic and in the first few days, occasionally chaotic, but I loved every minute. Even the times when I got shouted at by residents we were trying to help because shopping was late or (as was the case in one particularly memorable occasion) a volunteer had forgotten to buy milk (a fair point – we all need a cup of tea - it was sorted within the hour). It was exhausting. Like so many colleagues in the sector, I endured seven day working weeks. Being that tired reminded me of when my children were very little, but like I said above, I loved every minute. It was great to help people. Really, really lovely.

During Volunteers Week, which began on Monday 1st June, we released a series of free audio podcasts which celebrated the project. They can be listened to via www.VCAradio.com. In particular, I would recommend the following episode which features several volunteers who explain their motivation for joining the project & explain how they feel it has benefitted them: https://vcaradio.com/2020/06/03/volunteers-week-2020-covid-19-volunteers/  

 

A few weeks into lockdown my son, Fred was completing an activity for school and presented me with this rather lovely portrait. The attention to detail is tremendous (though in truth I have been wearing shorts every day). I particularly like the pile of books that my tiny laptop is resting upon. You can’t tell from the picture, but they are copies of “The Walking Dead” graphic novels. I’m a huge fan of zombies and I always assumed in the past that I would be useless in a Zombie Apocalypse. But now I’m not so sure. I think I’d be good as the person who recruits and supports volunteers to go on scavenging expeditions and deliver food. I suspect dog walking will no longer be seen as a priority in such times. No doubt it would be challenging work, but probably considerably easier than home schooling two primary school aged children.

Above the picture Fred wrote; “Daddy has been helping people and being nice to me. He also reads me Harry Potter and is good at Hagrid’s voice.”

These are sentences I will always treasure. Fred’s being very kind about my Hagrid voice. I’m not sure it’s an accent that would cut the mustard in Cornwall. I’d like to stress (in case any of our Trustees are reading this) that the reading aloud of JK Rowling’s work occurred outside of office hours.

Of course, the VCA wasn’t the only VCFSE organisation in Halton delivering a project supporting shielding residents. There were lots of hugely successful projects out there. We’ll never have exact figures or be able to know the true scale of the impact groups had on Halton residents, but the VCA attempted to log activities and keep track of member organisations work. We know that thanks to groups like Age UK Mid Mersey, the British Red Cross, Halton Carers’ Centre and Citizen’s Advice Halton, around 7000 residents were supported with wellbeing calls, food deliveries and employment or benefit advice. Groups like Sew Halton & Veterans Community Force Halton CIC produced and delivered vital PPE and food to colleagues in hospitals and the wider health sector. I feel bad mentioning any groups really, since I’m missing out so many others. Many, many groups stepped up to the plate and delivered. They all deserve a great deal of credit.

I may have been stood in my bedroom for hours on end, but I felt a real sense of community and togetherness. I felt part of something much bigger. And this feeling gives me great hope for the future of our sector and what we can achieve.

A week or so into lockdown we started facilitating a weekly Zoom meeting for VCFSE groups and statutory colleagues in Halton. The purpose of the meeting was to bring groups together so that we could discuss the statutory & VCFSE sector’s response to Covid 19. We’ve been able to support one another by sharing concerns, advice & best practice. The meetings have also provided colleagues with the chance to question guests such as Mike Amesbury (MP for Weave Vale), Colin Scales (CEO Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) and Sarah Blackie (Funding Officer – National Lottery).

I’ve loved the meetings, and in particular, I’ve loved watching relationships blossom between the attendees with representatives of groups working together on projects and supporting one another.  Since austerity kicked in, VCFSE organisations have often come to see it each other as competitors. There has been less and less money in the sector and groups sometimes found themselves having to tender against each other for contracts. It’s easy to criticise groups for mission drift, but it’s understandable when so many organisations have been unable to survive. It’s hard to build trust and collaboration in such an environment. As such, I’ve tried very hard to keep the meetings positive and fun, though obviously they need to be practical and relevant or no one would come back.

I think it helps that most people know who I am. I’ve been volunteering in Halton for over 25 years (a statistic I like to remind people of on a regular basis). I’m not someone who’s looking for a transfer to a Charity working in Liverpool or Manchester or to create a profile for myself on the national stage. I really like Halton. It’s where I belong. I think people trust me. They recognise that I might not be the most competent player on the field, but that I’m one with a good heart. Certainly one that won’t try and steal their funding.

Representing the sector has always been a challenge. It’s impossible for one person to represent the whole of the VCFSE in Halton (or anywhere really). Are the viewpoints of a leader at a brand new Mums & Tots club going to be the same as those of a CEO running a franchise of a national Charity? Will the views of the Trustees of a Rowing Club match those of the Trustees of a Veterans Association or Music Society? And do any of those viewpoints deserve to be seen as more valuable than the others?

I think that’s where these meetings & the VCA (by facilitating them) can play an important role. We can bring our members (and any VCFSE organisations) together. We can share our opinions and experiences in a safe, supportive environment.  And we will be listened to by colleagues and decision makers in the Statutory Sector. The Chief Executive of the Council is coming to the next one.

I think we’ll look back on our meetings as the very start of some brilliant partnership working, which benefitted all the groups involved and the residents they support. If I can nurture that in any way, I’ll be really proud.

Matthew Roberts

If you’d like to join our Zoom Meetings, please e-mail mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our next meeting is at midday on Friday 24th July and then every other Friday

 

RAISE was established more 19 years ago to help Housing Association tenants with advice in their homes. They have developed a way of working that allows Benefit, Debt and Money Management workers to come together to offer an integrated service.  RThey see people all over the Liverpool City Region and help them deal with their money.  Since 2006, Raise has been a registered charity .

They are recruiting for the following roles:

1.      Money Advice Caseworker - closing date 17th July

2.      Finance Officer – Maternity Cover - closing date 10th July

For more information and how to apply, please click the link below:

https://www.benefitsadviceteam.co.uk/jobs/

 

The Coalfields COVID-19 Recovery & Resilience Fund is an interim replacement for the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP) and is now open for new enquiries.

CRT Trustees recognise the incredible response our coalfield communities have had to the COVID-19 crisis, and have allowed them to alter the funding support they offer to better support the delivery and sustainability of key services.

They are still offering grants of up to £10,000 that can address local needs during this difficult time.

Priority will be given to organisations that are delivering support services or have significantly adapted their services in order to respond to the current crisis and support vulnerable people.

More details on new guidance and deadline dates can be found here https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england/covid19-ccip-funding-support/

 

Suicide Risk Factor Map

This suicide risk factor map has been created by Zero Suicide Alliance and the Mental Health Foundation.

This interactive map will allow you to better understand the community that you are working with and the multiple social factors which exist in those areas that are strongly linked to suicide. This will help you to deliver your sessions, or your services in the right places based on need. You can compare areas by region, or by local authority.

https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/ZSA-Resources/map-view

MINDS- Physical Activity and Mental Health Webinar

About this Event

At Mind, people with lived experience of mental health problems are at the heart of our work. They are involved in the design, development and delivery of our programmes and projects to ensure all our work meets their needs and their opinions and ideas are valued.  During this webinar, you will hear from three members of our lived experience physical activity advisory group. They will discuss:

• how they influence our work
• what physical activity means to them
• the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and physical activity habits
• how the sport and physical activity sector can support them and other people experiencing mental health problems to be active as lockdown restrictions ease.

The webinar will also cover elements of how you can involve people with lived experience in your work.

The webinar will take place Wed, 15 July 2020 14:00 – 15:00  on Zoom.

Using Physical Activity to support mental health

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

What you can and can't do after 4 July

The Government has set out its plan to return to what they call "as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can".  They have produced a guide outlining who can do what where and when.  This guidance includes what venues can or can't be opened, what you can do if you are a clinically vulnerable person and the COVID-19 secure safety guidelines for organisations.  Please note this guidance is only for England.

Click here for the full list.

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 20th June 2020

Click here for the Latest coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 20th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact them at funding@halton.gov.uk

 

Re-opening Village and Community Halls post COVID-19 closure

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has published information to help village and community halls reopen once government coronavirus restrictions are lifted.  ACRE’s information sheet looks at how village halls can prepare risk assessments, ensure social distancing once open and introduce effective cleaning regimes. There are also some practical resources including checklists, notices for display in halls and sample terms of hire.

Click here to see the information

 

National Churches Trust - UK

The National Churches Trust has supported important projects at a wide range of places of worship through its grants programmes. They consider applications from listed and unlisted Christian places of worship throughout the UK. Deadline is 6 July.

 

Wilkinsons - Helping Hands

Helping Hands is a community initiative where each local store has a budget to distribute to projects and schemes within the stores local community.

 

News Letter Mailings Survey

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete and submit the news letter mailing survey,  The results from that show that the majority of readers are ready for us to restart our regular fortnightly ebulletin, we will of course still send out important / time sensitive information on an ad-hoc basis as and when we receive it. 

This will probably be our last dedicated daily covid-19 mailing.  We would like to thank everyone who helped us with information to share with our readers, and hope you have found it useful during the peak of the pandemic.

Our first ebulletin is planned to go out Wednesday 8th July, if you have any news you would like to include, please feel free to use the template below to share that news.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsevents-template

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

The Liverpool city region has a strong history of local people setting up their own community-led housing projects, especially housing co-operatives. A new energy has emerged in recent years focussed on place-based approaches to housing and neighbourhood development; Granby 4 Streets and Homebaked Community Land Trust’s being shining examples, alongside Safe Regeneration in Bootle.

Safe Regeneration are proud to announce the Liverpool City Region Community-led Housing Hub (The Hub) is now up and running. The vision with the Hub is to promote the different models of community-led housing right across the region and to support people and groups to develop and deliver their own community-led housing schemes. This is all underpinned by the vision that housing should be of a high standard, affordable, environmentally sustainable and in the ownership of local communities. 

Paul Kelly started as Director of the Hub on April 1st 2020 and is keen to hear from any organisations interested in developing a community-led housing scheme in Halton and St Helens. Maybe you are working with a particular community, or age group and keen to do more. They are here to help so do get in touch on the details below. 

Paul.kelly@saferegen.org.uk

Mobile 07484 380 319

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 20th June 2020

Attached is the Latest coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 20th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact them at funding@halton.gov.uk

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

An Open Letter to Professionals from North West Regional Forum

The Chair of the Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board has shared a very important document for information and cascading click here to read 

 

Supporting communities to be digitally connected - Good Things Foundation and Devices Dot Now

Thanks to Jo from Changemaker for sharing

A new scheme to get digital devices to vulnerable people https://www.onlinecentresnetwork.org/sites/default/files/data_collection_-_centre_info_1.pdf

DevicesDotNow is a project aiming to connect the unconnected. It is led by FutureDotNow and supported by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. There are a number of national partners, including Good Things Foundation.  FutureDotNow has secured donations of new equipment from industry partners. Good Things Foundation will ensure its safe transfer to the hyperlocal community, through the Online Centres Network.  Hear Dot's story here to see how getting connected digitally helped her to see her family virtually for the first time and brought much needed company during the pandemic.

 

Christmas Challenge 2020 open

Applications for the Christmas Challenge 2020 are open. The Christmas Challenge is a week-long match funding campaign which launches on #GivingTuesday, 1st December. Last year, the Christmas Challenge raised £15.6m for 588 charities.  Up to £25,000 of match funding is available per charity. There is millions of pounds of match funding available for a wide range of charities.  As well as accessing Champion funds, evidence shows that donors are more likely to give, and to give more in match funding campaigns. The Big Give also offers a free suite of resources, training and guidance for all participating charities. The deadline for applications is Friday 3rd July (although the Big Give may be able to accept late applications). For more information and to apply visit: https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/christmas-challenge. 

 

TAZ Clinic and Referral Update

TAZ Clinic is now open again on an APPOINTMENT ONLY basis for all 13 to 19 year olds.  Unfortunately they can’t offer a walk-in service at this time, but appointments are currently available from 09.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday.  They’re asking young people to contact in one of the following ways to make an appointment:

Call / WhatsApp or text our dedicated mobile number: 07795452161

Email at: taz@sthk.nhs.uk 

Further details for young people are on the TAZ webpages and Get It On

They are aware that clinical services have been reduced for young people over recent weeks and that many young people have felt the need to maintain contact with peer groups, boyfriends and girlfriends, even during the period of ‘lockdown’.  With this in mind, if you have concerns about the sexual health or safety of a young person you know or work with, please advise them that clinic is available again.  If you have more serious concerns about a young person’s sexual health the TAZ Outreach Team are still available to provide one to one support, via referral. Click here for the referral form.  Please contact the team via the details below for further information.

TAZ Outreach Team

Fingerpost Park Health Centre, Atlas Street, St. Helens, WA9 1LN

01744 627697

www.tazsh.com

 

VCA need your feedback

During the peak of the covid-19 pandemic, it was important that we shared information and updates on a daily basis to members to support their rapid response during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.  We put on hold our regular fortnightly ebulletin and replaced it with a daily covid-19 mailing.  

Over the last couple of weeks that information has lessened and we are reviewing the needs and regularity of those daily mailings and the benefits of returning to our fortnightly e-bulletin.  We would like to know your views.  

The link below will take you to a very short survey (2 questions) which will help us to decide what would be best for our newsletter readers. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/news-letter-mailings-survey
 

 

Job Vacancies Halton & St Helens VCA

(Temporary) Volunteering Services Officer, Part time 21 hours funded until 31st March 2021.  Salary: £11,663 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide an operational and development role supporting the work of our Volunteer Centre.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.  Duties include:  Developing and promoting the benefits and profile of volunteering across Halton and St Helens working with local people and organisations.  Applicants need to have experience of working with volunteers and partnership working with a variety of organisations have good IT skills and be proficient with Social Media as a platform for engagement.

(Temporary) Volunteering Coordinator WHHT, Part time 28 hours funded until 31st March 2021,  Salary: £15,550 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide a development role supporting our work in engaging volunteers with Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.  Duties include:  Supporting the development of volunteering within the Trust, supporting staff in the supervision and management of volunteers; promoting volunteering; delivering training.  You will need to have experience in working with volunteers and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, CRM systems and Volunteer management platforms to be able to manage competing demands and prioritise workloads. 

You can download a Job description and application form from our website links below.

Volunteering Services Officer

Volunteering Coordinator WHHT

The closing date for applications is midday on Friday 26th June 2020, with interviews taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd July 2020.

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

An Open Letter to Professionals from North West Regional Forum

The Chair of the Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board has shared a very important document for information and cascading see attached.

TAZ Clinic and Referral Update

TAZ Clinic is now open again on an APPOINTMENT ONLY basis for all 13 to 19 year olds.  Unfortunately they can’t offer a walk-in service at this time, but appointments are currently available from 09.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday.  They’re asking young people to contact in one of the following ways to make an appointment:

Call / WhatsApp or text our dedicated mobile number: 07795452161

Email at: taz@sthk.nhs.uk 

Further details for young people are on the TAZ webpages and Get It On

They are aware that clinical services have been reduced for young people over recent weeks and that many young people have felt the need to maintain contact with peer groups, boyfriends and girlfriends, even during the period of ‘lockdown’.  With this in mind, if you have concerns about the sexual health or safety of a young person you know or work with, please advise them that clinic is available again.  If you have more serious concerns about a young person’s sexual health the TAZ Outreach Team are still available to provide one to one support, via referral. The referral form is attached.  Please contact the team via the details below for further information.

TAZ Outreach Team

Fingerpost Park Health Centre, Atlas Street, St. Helens, WA9 1LN

01744 627697

www.tazsh.com

 

 

Small Charities Week 15th - 20th June 2020 Round Up 

Day 1            I Love Small Charities

Small charities are amazing! About 97% of all charities are small. We know they matter and we want everyone to know how much they matter too! Using the hashtag #smallcharitiesweek #welovesmallcharities tell us about your favourite local small charity and why you love them.

 

Day 2            Big Advice Day 

If you are a small charity it’s important you get access to the right support and advice. If you’re in Halton or St Helens you can start with us at Halton & St Helens VCA. Our website is a great place to start for information and advice and the right person to contact whether that’s Jane Williams our Community Accountant or Lynne Daffern for information on how to get on our mailing lists www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  It's important you know about the Charity Commission and the regulation for charities https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission  

There’s lots of other resources too that can offer information and advice in your journey as a small charity. Here’s a few:

https://mycommunity.org.uk/

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/site-homepage#

https://mailchi.mp/01cc768790ae/ocs-for-info-june-5?e=ace03d9781

 

Day 3            I Love Small Charities

Every day small charities make a huge difference across Halton & St Helens. Their work during the Covid-19 crisis has been obvious to many more people. We wanted to share with you the impact that small charities have had in Halton & St Helens over the last 12 weeks click here for report.

 

Day 4            Fundraising Day 

Merseyside Funding Information Portal www.mfip.org.uk is funded and supported by the CVS network across the Liverpool City Region. Led by Sefton CVS we use it to provide information and resources about funding for local small charities. We are also working with St Helens Borough Council and Halton Council to think of new ways for local groups and projects to raise funds through #sthelenstogether spacehive and the Halton Foundation

 

Day 5            Charities Big Impact Day 

 IMPACT!!  Small does not mean amateur or insignificant, in fact here is the impact that small charities have had during the current crisis.  Click here to see the results.

 

Day 6            Appreciation Day 

Annie Lawrenson shares her thoughts on Leadership and shares her appreciation for a few people she feels shows these qualities,

click here to read the full article. 

 

 

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

VCA need your feedback

During the peak of the covid-19 pandemic, it was important that we shared information and updates on a daily basis to members to support their rapid response during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.  We put on hold our regular fortnightly ebulletin and replaced it with a daily covid-19 mailing.  

Over the last couple of weeks that information has lessened and we are reviewing the needs and regularity of those daily mailings and the benefits of returning to our fortnightly e-bulletin.  We would like to know your views.  

The link below will take you to a very short survey (2 questions) which will help us to decide what would be best for our newsletter readers. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/news-letter-mailings-survey

 

Small Charities Week

Although Small Charites Week finished on Saturday 20th June we have included Day 6 to sign off the week. 

Day 6 - Appreciation Day 

Annie Lawrenson shares her thoughts on Leadership and shares her appreciation for a few people she feels shows these qualities, click here to ready the full article.

You can also see a round up of the week on our home page.

 

St Helens SOBs Group Virtual Meeting - 23rd June at 7.30pm

Please share with those bereaved by suicide who wish to link in with Derek and the peer to peer support of the St Helens Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs) Group.  Contact Derek on the SOBs mobile and he will send you the link to the virtual meeting on 23rd June at 7.30pm.  Phone number 07580 358312

 

NHS St Helens CCG

North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NWB) North West Boroughs Healthcare has upgraded its existing 24/7 mental health crisis lines to freephone numbers. This means they are now free to call from both landlines and mobile phones. The new dedicated phone numbers are:

· 0800 051 1508 for people living in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington

· 0800 051 3253 for people living in Wigan

The crisis lines provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages, including children and young people, who need urgent mental health support. You do not need to be known to their services to contact the crisis lines - they are available for both patients and public. Please be assured, anyone who dials the original local numbers will still reach their mental health crisis teams first time, without the need to be diverted. However, calls made to the original numbers will be charged.

For more information about the crisis lines and the range of support available, please visit:  https://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/

Advice for the public Key messages

The updated summary public guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus This includes the up to date guidance for shielded patients. The latest health advice for the public is available at: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus NHS England has confirmed that the ‘help us to help you’ campaign remains the key message for the public. This reminds the public that NHS services are open and to seek medical help and treatment when needed and not to wait. Handwashing and maintaining social distance continue to be the main messages promoted across NHS social media channels with an advertising campaign (including print and billboard media) running on the Test and Trace service.

 

NatWest Social & Community Capital Coronavirus Response Fund

Social & Community Capital is a charity funded and supported by NatWest in order to help social enterprises and community businesses

• In response to the pandemic, Social and Community Capital are launching a £1 million Coronavirus Response Fund
• They are offering grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to organisations across the UK that employ people from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
• These grants are unrestricted and can be used for any purpose, including core costs.
• Applications will be open from Midday on Monday 22nd June 2020.
• Applications will stay open for at least one week. It is hoped that applications will remain open for longer but may need to close after a week depending on how many applications they receive and if they reach their capacity, so applicants are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible.

Click here to find out more

 

iCAN Information: Advertising Standards Agency launches new Scam Ad Alert

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) are launching a UK Scam Ad Alert system in partnership with the major digital advertising and social media platforms, to help tackle bogus ads that leave consumers out of pocket.  The new system will help get online paid-for scam ads taken down across multiple platforms. The Scam Ad Alert responds to ongoing concerns about online paid-for ads linking to fraudulent content. Many scam ads use false stories or doctored images of celebrities, and misleadingly imply those celebrities have endorsed the service.  Consumers can now Report Scam Ads appearing in paid-for space online to the ASA. The ASA will promptly send an alert to all participating platforms with key details of the scam ad, as well as to publishers when the ad appeared on a publisher owned site.

iCAN Warning: Telephone banking scam

Halton Trading Standards has been notified that residents in the Borough have been receiving automated telephone calls claiming to be from their bank. The calls claims to be urgent, as a foreign bank transaction is about to take place for £670. The message then goes on to state the transaction is being held for 15 minutes, and the resident should press ‘1’ to continue.  Do not press ‘1’ this is a scam, simply hang up.  Residents should be alert to any similar scenarios and giving away their personal details and/or banking details.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

 

Job Vacancies Halton & St Helens VCA

1. (Temporary) Volunteering Services Officer, Part time 21 hours funded until 31st March 2021

Salary: £11,663 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide an operational and development role supporting the work of our Volunteer Centre.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.

Duties include:  Developing and promoting the benefits and profile of volunteering across Halton and St Helens working with local people and organisations.  Applicants need to have experience of working with volunteers and partnership working with a variety of organisations have good IT skills and be proficient with Social Media as a platform for engagement.

1. (Temporary) Volunteering Coordinator WHHT, Part time 28 hours funded until 31st March 2021, 

Salary: £15,550 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide a development role supporting our work in engaging volunteers with Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.

Duties include:  Supporting the development of volunteering within the Trust, supporting staff in the supervision and management of volunteers; promoting volunteering; delivering training

You will need to have experience in working with volunteers and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, CRM systems and Volunteer management platforms to be able to manage competing demands and prioritise workloads. 

You can download a Job description and application form from our website links below.

Volunteering Services Officer

Volunteering Coordinator WHHT

The closing date for applications is midday on Friday 26th June 2020, with interviews taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd July 2020.

 

Home Truths: Undoing racism and delivering real diversity in the charity sector

ACEVO has published their final report from its Making Diversity Count project which is in collaboration with Voice4Change England.  The report - 'Home Truths: Undoing racism and delivering real diversity in the charity sector' - does not ask if there is a problem with ‘race’ equity in the charity sector. It has long been known that there is an under-representation of BAME people working in the charity sector, and that under-representation is worse in senior leadership roles. Instead, this report looks to reframe the ‘diversity’ debate, saying that racism is a significant and unresolved issue in the charity sector just as it is in the rest of society.

Download the report here.

 

Tackling loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups

New research published to tackle loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups

A cross-faculty team from the University of Sheffield has collaborated with colleagues from Brunel and De Montfort Universities on a major new project focused on better understanding loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups.  Funded by the National Institute for Health Research’s public health research programme (NIHR PHR), the 18-month project aimed to identify successful approaches to reducing loneliness among these social groups.  Click here to read more and download a graphic booklet 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

NatWest Social & Community Capital Coronavirus Response Fund

Social & Community Capital is a charity funded and supported by NatWest in order to help social enterprises and community businesses

• In response to the pandemic, Social and Community Capital are launching a £1 million Coronavirus Response Fund
• They are offering grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to organisations across the UK that employ people from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
• These grants are unrestricted and can be used for any purpose, including core costs.
• Applications will be open from Midday on Monday 22nd June 2020.
• Applications will stay open for at least one week. It is hoped that applications will remain open for longer but may need to close after a week depending on how many applications they receive and if they reach their capacity, so applicants are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible.

Eligibility criteria:

• Organisations must employ people from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups
• Organisations must generate at least 30% of revenue from trading income
• Organisations must have had a pre-coronavirus annual turnover of between £50,000 to £1 million
• The organisation must have suffered a loss of trading income since March 2020, caused by lockdown restrictions
• The organisation must have been founded and trading prior to 1st January 2019
• The organisation must have been financially sustainable (or on a path to financial stability) up to March 2020
• The organisation must be constituted, operating and delivering impact in England, Scotland, Wales, and/or Northern Ireland
• The organisation must have one of the following legal structures: Community Interest Company (CIC), Company Limited by Guarantee, Community Benefit Society, Co-operative Society, Unincorporated association, Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charitable Trusts, Registered Charity

The following will need to be provided in the application form:

• Basic information about the organisation, contact details, staff and volunteer numbers, year and date founded, financial information for the last 3 years and forecasts for the next 2 year
• A description of the organisations mission, key activities and impact over the last year
• Details about the grant request including what it will be used for, why it’s needed and what impact would be achieved

For further information/how to apply please visit:

Website:  https://www.business.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/social-and-community-capital.html

Twitter:   @SocComCap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tackling loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups

New research published to tackle loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups

A cross-faculty team from the University of Sheffield has collaborated with colleagues from Brunel and De Montfort Universities on a major new project focused on better understanding loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority groups.  Funded by the National Institute for Health Research’s public health research programme (NIHR PHR), the 18-month project aimed to identify successful approaches to reducing loneliness among these social groups.

While loneliness is increasingly recognised as a social problem with significant implications for mental and physical health, research addressing these issues within migrant and ethnic minority groups is limited and there is reason to believe that these populations may face increased risks.

Sarah Salway, Professor of Public Health and chief investigator on the project, remarked:

"To our knowledge, this is the first research to examine in detail what we know about tackling loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority people. This was an exciting project in which we worked with members of the public to assess and summarise the existing research evidence. The project was unusual in looking beyond older people to consider loneliness at all ages and life-stages.”

More information can be found here:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/socstudies/news/new-research-published-tackle-loneliness-among-migrant-and-ethnic-minority-groups  

https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/phr/160844/#/

Graphic booklet that summarises the findings available online here:

 https://issuu.com/niftyfoxcreative/docs/social_solation___loneliness_amongst_migrant___eth?fr=sYjEzNTEyOTI2ODM 

Hard copies of this booklet can be ordered free of charge  here

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Job Vacancies Halton & St Helens VCA

1. (Temporary) Volunteering Services Officer, Part time 21 hours funded until 31st March 2021

Salary: £11,663 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide an operational and development role supporting the work of our Volunteer Centre.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.

Duties include:  Developing and promoting the benefits and profile of volunteering across Halton and St Helens working with local people and organisations.  Applicants need to have experience of working with volunteers and partnership working with a variety of organisations have good IT skills and be proficient with Social Media as a platform for engagement.

1. (Temporary) Volunteering Coordinator WHHT, Part time 28 hours funded until 31st March 2021, 

Salary: £15,550 (9 months), 26 days holiday plus bank holidays pro rata

We are looking for someone who can provide a development role supporting our work in engaging volunteers with Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.  This will be a temporary post until 31st March 2021 with the possibility of seeking further funding.

Duties include:  Supporting the development of volunteering within the Trust, supporting staff in the supervision and management of volunteers; promoting volunteering; delivering training

You will need to have experience in working with volunteers and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, CRM systems and Volunteer management platforms to be able to manage competing demands and prioritise workloads. 

You can download a Job description and application form from our website links below.

Volunteering Services Officer

Volunteering Coordinator WHHT

The closing date for applications is midday on Friday 26th June 2020, with interviews taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd July 2020.

 

Small Charities Week Day 4 and Day 5 

Due to there being no update mailing yesterday here is Day 4 and Day 5 from Small Charities Week.

Day 5            Charities Big Impact Day 

 IMPACT!!  Small does not mean amateur or insignificant, in fact here is the impact that small charities have had during the current crisis.  Click here to see the results.

Day 4            Fundraising Day 

Merseyside Funding Information Portal www.mfip.org.uk is funded and supported by the CVS network across the Liverpool City Region. Led by Sefton CVS we use it to provide information and resources about funding for local small charities. We are also working with St Helens Borough Council and Halton Council to think of new ways for local groups and projects to raise funds through #sthelenstogether spacehive and the Halton Foundation

 

Liverpool City Region’s Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board is seeking new members.

Established by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2017, the Advisory Board is the first of its kind in the country and brings together people from a cross section of our local communities, reflecting the diversity of the city region. It acts as an independent sounding board, ensuring that issues of fairness and social justice are considered in every strategy that the Combined Authority develops.

As the work begins on recovery from COVID-19, and realising the Metro Mayor’s ambition to ‘Build Back Better’, there is vital work for the Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board to do. The Advisory Board currently meets by virtual means on a monthly basis. Membership is unremunerated, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Advisory Board is especially keen to strengthen representation from residents of Halton, Knowsley and St. Helens, as well as from those with lived experience of the LGBTQI+ community, the retired community, neurodiversity, and sensory disabilities. Applications from people resident in the above local authority areas and/or with the lived experience referred to will therefore be particularly welcomed.

Further information about the Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board, together with the expression of interest form to complete, go to:  https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/governance/fairness-social-justice-advisory-board/

 

Furlough fraud

Employers that believe they may have abused the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will have a 30-day period (starting in July) to admit their mistakes under plans being fast-tracked through Parliament.  Almost £20bn was paid out to more than one million employers in furlough claims as of 7 June 2020 and a further £7.5bn has been paid to 2.6 million SEISS claimants in the same period.

Full details are here.

 

Thinking about... Merger, during Covid-19

The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) has published 'Thinking about… Merger, during Covid-19' which is for senior staff and trustees of small and medium-sized voluntary organisations.  This report brings together the experiences of a wide variety of voluntary organisations and advisers that have contemplated or carried out merger to highlight different dimensions of ‘thinking about merger’. It includes:

• Reasons for thinking about merger
• Stages in the merger process
• What makes a successful merger?
• A collaboration spectrum

Read the report here. 

 

Innovative Solutions Open Call Announcement!

Sport England has announced its first Open Call for Innovative Solutions. They are looking for solutions that remove barriers for communities least well served due to the impact of Covid-19: women, older adults, from a BAME background, on a lower income, disabled or living with a long-term health condition. 

​For full details head to their website.

 

NEPT Offer- Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) local links and customer fees - Social Care - TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE Click here for more information

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

Are you born a leader or is it something that can be taught?

Why are some people and organisations more successful than others?

These are just some of the questions I ask when I find myself going down the rabbit hole that is my brain. When we look in the dictionary for the definition you will see that it describes leadership as the action of leading a group of people or an organisation. You then start to look at the different leadership styles and examples in history provide us with evidence of their results both the good and the bad.

When you ask people "what makes a good leader ?",  "what are the qualities or attributes needed ?" they will probably reply with things like….. being authentic, honesty, trust, know what they are doing and can show us the way, they inspire others to be the best they can be. Leaders set direction, build an inspiring vision but at the same time must also use management skills to connect with and guide the people alongside them.

I have read many books and watched hours of TedTalks over the years that explore leadership and whilst I can learn from the examples and wisdom being shared I feel the real power and test in someone being able to lead at any level can be described in 3 short but very powerful words….. Head, Heart and Hands!. Having the knowledge and understanding (Head) along with the passion, empathy and connection (Heart) and ultimately having the skills and ability to get stuck in and act (Hands). With just the head and hands you have the knowledge and skills but no desire or motivation. With head and heart, you have the knowledge and the desire but not necessarily the skills (hands). You can have the skills and a passion (hands and heart) but not the knowledge or understanding and so on..

I have worked for Halton & St Helens VCA for 20 years. I started in the role of Volunteer Recruitment and Training Officer, with Helen Fitzgerald as my Line Manager and Barbara Swift as our CEO. Previously I had worked in the private sector and have seen leaders come and go. Most of my working life I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people that I would describe as great leaders.

When it comes to working in the charity sector we are awash with great leaders and over the past 20 years I have seen both people and organisations grow, adapt and continue to be consistent in delivering services for those most in need, all the while needing to be creative with limiting resources. They continue to be innovators as the landscape changes and inspire others to do the same, living their values and leading with head, heart and hands.

Here are my top 3 leaders (but I could go on…) of people I see as a great example of Leadership.

Sally Yeoman – an obvious choice for me as our organisation has needed to weather many a storm, politically (with a small p) and financially over the years. Sally continues to advocate and champion the sector for more investment, more inclusion and a place at the table when key decisions about local services are being discussed. She is a leader that metaphorically speaking, sits in places that are uncomfortable and is prepared to have those conversations, if it means ultimately the sector will benefit.

Helen Fitzgerald – previously my line manager all be it for 18 months and is now the CEO of the Deafness Resource Centre based in St Helens.  Through her ability to create vision and inspire others to see what is possible, she took an organisation on the brink of closure to become a commissioned service of BSL interpreters, communication and advocacy support for people in our communities who are deaf or hard of hearing across the northwest.

Elaine Hughes – CEO of St Helens Coalition of Disabled People.  Elaine has led an organisation which has transformed its income streams from being 100% reliant on grants and funding applications to now generating its own income by creating a programme of services and activities that individuals with personal budgets can access.

So to celebrate day 6 of Small Charity Week, I wanted to highlight the valuable work that leaders within our sector undertake day in and day out… and the courage it takes to stand in that space, to take the risks, make yourself vulnerable, connect with those around you and inspire the change that we see is so needed in our communities…. Yes, I have highlighted who, in my humble opinion demonstrate leadership, but there are many that have gone before us, many that stand with us and what is exciting is we see a new generation of leaders emerging with the sector.

“Leaders become great not because of their power but their ability to empower others” – John Maxwell (American Author)

I urge you to take some time to reflect and think about those people who display leadership for you and share your story with us…. Email me alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Ann-Marie Lawrenson

Capacity Lead

NEPT Offer- Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) local links and customer fees - Social Care - TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE

What we do

The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions each year by processing and issuing DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. DBS also maintains the adults’ and children’s Barred Lists for England & Wales and Northern Ireland and makes considered decisions as to whether an individual should be included on one or both of these lists and barred from engaging in regulated activity.

Covid-19 Response

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), the Home Office and the DBS have put temporary arrangements in place, to provide standard and enhanced DBS checks and fast-track emergency checks of the adults’ and children’s Barred Lists, free-of-charge. This applies to healthcare and social care workers in England and Wales, being recruited in connection with the provision of care and treatment of coronavirus, or those being recruited to backfill roles because of the impact of the pandemic.  You can read more about that here.

Please refer to our website for the most up to date information.

DBS Checks in the Adult Social Care Workforce

DBS offer four different levels of check:

• Basic DBS check
• Standard DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check with Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List check

Access to Standard and Enhanced DBS checks is controlled by the law.

We have produced a leaflet which explains the eligibility of a range of roles across the adult social care sector. It is based on generic descriptions of the roles and their responsibilities. This guidance applies whether the people in these roles are paid or unpaid.  You can find this here.

We have developed a short video which aims to show the process of a standard and enhanced DBS application in a more user-friendly way. The link to the video is here-  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-disclosure-process-video. Jobcentre Plus staff can share the link to this video with Employers.

Recently, we delivered a webinar in partnership with Skills for Care. The webinar aimed to improve understanding of:

• emergency COVID-19 Barred List(s) checks and free-of-charge checks
• the DBS eligibility tool
• barring referrals

Questions were asked by attendees and you can find our responses here.

Regional Outreach

DBS are currently running a pilot Regional Safeguarding Outreach programme in two areas – Wales and East Midlands.   Regional safeguarding outreach officers work closely with organisations in their region to develop relationships and raise awareness of DBS as a safeguarding organisation.  They will listen to needs, discussing any issues or barriers local organisations may have come across; developing and delivering any sessions that may support organisations in safeguarding and safer recruitment.

For more information about the Regional Outreach programme and the services available, please watch the short video below:

Regional Safeguarding Outreach Video (filmed in February 2020).

You can contact the team directly by email:

DBSRegionalOutreach@dbs.gov.uk

Barring Referrals

During this difficult time, we understand how busy everyone is and how peoples work may look very different. However, there is still a need to continue to safeguard vulnerable groups. You can still make a DBS Barring referral via the online portal or via post. Some employers do have a legal duty to make a referral. You can read more about this here.

Dear Applicant

Thank you for the interest you have shown in the Volunteering Coordinator WHHT post.  Information about Halton and St Helens VCA and the work we do is available on our website at www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Attached are:

• Job description and Person Specification – this will be used to shortlist for interview
• Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form
• Annual report

Please return your application by midday on Friday 26th June at 12 noon.  Interviews will take place on Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd July 2020.  

Please note that due to the short timescale between shortlisting and interviewing we will contact the successful candidates by phone or email so please make sure that you have included a daytime telephone number that we can contact you on.

CV’s are not required.  Please complete the application form fully addressing the person specification as this will be used in the shortlisting process to select candidates for interview.

Yours sincerely

Sally Yeoman

Chief Executive Officer

 Dear Applicant

Thank you for the interest you have shown in the Volunteering Services Officer post.  Information about Halton and St Helens VCA and the work we do is available on our website at www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Attached are:

• Job description and Person Specification – this will be used to shortlist for interview
• Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form

Please return your application by midday on Friday 26th June at 12 noon.  Interviews will take place on Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd July 2020.  

Please note that due to the short timescale between shortlisting and interviewing we will contact the successful candidates by phone or email so please make sure that you have included a daytime telephone number that we can contact you on.

CV’s are not required.  Please complete the application form fully addressing the person specification as this will be used in the shortlisting process to select candidates for interview.

Yours sincerely

Sally Yeoman

Chief Executive Officer

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Small Charities Week Day 3     I Love Small Charities / The Impact of COVID-19 CRISIS on the VCFSE Sector  in Halton and St Helens Report 

Every day small charities make a huge difference across Halton & St Helens. Their work during the Covid-19 crisis has been obvious to many more people. We wanted to share with you the impact that small charities have had in Halton & St Helens over the last 12 weeks click here for report.

 

New Psychological First Aid training during COVID-19 open to all frontline and essential workers and volunteers

On 15 June Public Health England (PHE) launched an updated Psychological First Aid (PFA) training module, aimed at all frontline and essential workers and volunteers. The course teaches the key principles of giving psychological first aid in emergencies and aims to increase awareness and confidence to provide this support to people affected by COVID-19.  PFA is a globally recognised training in emergency situations and PHE has been developed this new course as part of our national incident response, and in partnership with NHS England, Health Education England, FutureLearn and others.

The course is free, and no previous qualifications are required.  By the end of the course, outcomes will include: understanding how emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect us, recognising people who may be at increased risk of distress and understanding how to offer practical and emotional support. The course takes around 90 minutes to complete and is also available in three sessions for the learner to complete at their own pace.

 

Job Vacancy with Age UK Mid Mersey

HEAD OF SERVICES Development and Performance 

21hrs per week worked over 3 days

£28,000 pa FTE

This post holder will lead the strategic development of Age UK Mid Mersey services to ensure the value, relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of all service activities undertaken by Age UK Mid Mersey within the communities it serves; and ensure that targets and objectives set by funders are responded to appropriately. Work closely with the CEO to build good relationships at a strategic level with those responsible for the planning and commissioning of health, social care and well-being services across Mid Mersey, as well as with other external agencies and funders who could contribute to this work. 

The Head of Services – Development & Performance post is an active, integrated and cohesive member of Age UK Mid Mersey Senior Management team, contributing fully to strategy development and delivery of the organisation’s vision. Although this role has its own set of duties and responsibilities, the role is part of a split role and the post holder will work collaboratively with the Head of Services for Delivery and Projects, in terms of working together to actively deliver the overall strategic objectives for the Services area. There will also be a requirement to provide cover for each other during periods of absence.

For more details and an application pack: Visit the website; https://www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey/about-us/work-for-us/ to download an application pack or email shelleybrown@aukmm.org.uk for more details.

Closing date: 30th June 2020 Interviews: w/c 6th July 2020

 

iCAN Warning: Disconnecting your internet scam

Halton Trading Standards have received information that consumers in Halton are again being targeted by bogus telephone calls threatening to disconnect their internet.  The calls are automated and state they have detected fraudulent activity on the consumers internet connection and it will be disconnected. It urges the consumer to press 1 on their telephone keypad and it is highly likely they will then ask for the consumers personal details and/or ask them to make a payment. This is a scam, please hang up the phone.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of the specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

 

Ways to Work programme

Please click here for the latest information about Halton Borough Council's Ways to Work programme, which is keen to accept new customers onto the programme.  Please circulate amongst your own networks.  

 

Latest update from DWP 18 June 2020

Click here for the latest update in full.  Includes information on

Support Package for Debt Advice Providers £37.8 million support package  will be available to debt advice providers so they can continue to provide essential services to help people who are struggling with their finances due to Coronavirus. The Money and Pensions Service will oversee the allocation of the funds to charities and other money guidance services.

New British Sign Language (BSL) videos  have produced a range of BSL videos on coronavirus and benefit changes. These include new content for Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay. You can view these videos on the DWP YouTube Sign channel. Videos about Access to Work, PIP, Carer’s Allowance and Child Maintenance will be added soon.

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

DWP

Touchbase  - Touchbase 12062

Funding for Local Authorities to Assist those Struggling £63 million for local authorities to assist those struggling to afford food and other essentials New funding confirmed for local authorities to help those struggling financially as a result of coronavirus. Additional money will sit alongside the £6.5 billion of extra support being provided through the welfare system to support the most vulnerable in society.

Local authorities across England have been allocated a share of £300 million to support the new Test and Trace service Local authorities across England receive funding to support new Test and Trace service

Loneliness Minister: Write letters to people isolating at home Public urged to reach out to vulnerable groups this Loneliness Awareness Week. People should consider writing letters and cards to those still isolating as lockdown measures ease to ensure they don’t feel forgotten, the Loneliness Minister urged.

Support Package for Debt Advice Providers £37.8 million support package  will be available to debt advice providers so they can continue to provide essential services to help people who are struggling with their finances due to Coronavirus. The Money and Pensions Service will oversee the allocation of the funds to charities and other money guidance services.

Programmes to Stop Criminals Reoffending Unpaid work and key programmes to stop criminals reoffending will be delivered by HM Prison and Probation Service from next June. The voluntary sector will play an enhanced role. Charities and private sector organisations can compete for more than £100 million pounds a year to run services such as education, employment, accommodation and addiction treatment.

Employers/Employees/Vacancies

Change to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Information on Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been published on GOV.UK. Two new sections were also added to the Job Retention Scheme guidance collection under the heading ‘Work out What you can Claim’:

• Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC are continuing to keep employers updated via their weekly bulletins and are signposting to webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme and how they impact employers on the help    and support if your business is affected by Coronavirus page on GOV.UK.

Good Place to Start – new resource for jobseekers

 With 2.3 million new claims to Universal Credit and many more people feeling uncertain about their futures, we have launched two practical online support platforms through our new ‘Good Place to Start’ campaign. jobhelp offers essential advice to those looking for work, on which sectors are recruiting now, how to make the best of transferable skills and how to secure a new role. employerhelp offers business advice on recruiting including the matching service Find a Job.

 DWP have produced a jobhelp stakeholder toolkit and an employerhelp stakeholder toolkit. You’ll find emails, newsletter content and social media posts you can use to share the message in your own channels

Reservists returning to civilian work eligible for government support schemes Military reservists will be able to access the government’s self employment scheme and those returning to work in the coming months will be eligible for the job retention scheme, the Chancellor announced.

Boarder Control Plan Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, and following the announcement in February that the UK would implement full border controls on imports coming into GB from the EU, the UK has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021.

HMRC Unveiled a New Package of Measures As well as injecting £50 million to support businesses with recruitment, training and supplying IT equipment to handle customs declarations, the government intends to remove barriers for intermediaries taking on extra clients by adapting the rules around financial liability.

High Streets Task Force – England The High Streets Task Force will provide access to cutting-edge tools, including free access to online training programmes, webinars, data and intelligence for high streets across England as part of the government’s efforts to get shops back in business safely.

General

New British Sign Language (BSL) videos  have produced a range of BSL videos on coronavirus and benefit changes. These include new content for Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay. You can view these videos on the DWP YouTube Sign channel. Videos about Access to Work, PIP, Carer’s Allowance and Child Maintenance will be added soon.

 Ways to Work Programme

Please see the latest information attached about Halton Borough Council’s Ways to Work programme, which is keen to accept new customers onto the programme. Please do circulate amongst your own networks.

The IMPACT OF COVID-19 CRISIS on the  Voluntary Community Faith & Social Enterprise Sector in Halton and St Helens Report

Every day small charities make a huge difference across Halton & St Helens. Their work during the Covid-19 crisis has been obvious to many more people. We wanted to share with you the impact that small charities have had in Halton & St Helens over the last 12 weeks report attached.  

 

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Small Charities Week 

Day 2            Big Advice Day 

If you are a small charity it’s important you get access to the right support and advice. If you’re in Halton or St Helens you can start with us at Halton & St Helens VCA. Our website is a great place to start for information and advice and the right person to contact whether that’s Jane Williams our Community Accountant or Lynne Daffern for information on how to get on our mailing lists www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  It's important you know about the Charity Commission and the regulation for charities https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission  

There’s lots of other resources too that can offer information and advice in your journey as a small charity. Here’s a few:

https://mycommunity.org.uk/

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/site-homepage#

https://mailchi.mp/01cc768790ae/ocs-for-info-june-5?e=ace03d9781

 

ACAS information on Working safely during coronavirus

ACAS have new guidance to help those who may be beginning to return or are now planning on returning to work in accordance with government advice. This includes guidance for how to start the discussion, what fears people might have and where they can go to get more help and advice. Check the website for the following information:

Extending or ending furlough - includes links through to downloadable letters
Changing an employment contract - key considerations when varying contracts
Rights at work - a new page linking through to key areas of guidance on rights at work 
Redundancy process map - outlining steps and providing links to further guidance
 

Click here to subscribe to updates diredtly into your inbox  

 

Help Mamafit create their NEW NORMAL!

 Mamafit are looking for feedback and the opinions pregnant women, mums, dads & families to help them shape their current and future activities:

✓ Provide feedback on the Mamafit @ HOME online programme

✓ Help plan the return of face-to-face classes

✓ Let Mamafit know what you would like to see available in the future 

 Take the SURVEY ➡︎ https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MamafitNewNormal

 

Focus Employment Hub Ltd - Radio Show and Podcast Launching Soon

Focus Employment Hub Ltd will be launching and presenting their podcast and radio programme soon. The programme and podcast will be focusing on equality and diversity issues and the whole community. They would like to hear from individuals, groups and organisations, who may wish to provide content or guest speakers. See the link below for some of the topics that they may be including and feel free to suggest some of your own.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/focus-employment-hub-ltd-radio-show-and-podcast-launching-soon

 

Halton Borough Council Adult Learning

The Centres are currently closed but the Adult Learning Team are still taking enquiries for September 2020 If you would like to improve your maths, English or IT, learn a new skill or retrain for a new career, they are here to help. They have lots of courses including some new online wellbeing and craft courses so if you are interested, please get in touch with the Learner Services team

www.halton.gov.uk/adultlearning  

Phone 0151 511 7788

Email adult.learning@halton.gov.uk

 

Final Infographic showing the Impact of the sector in the boroughs of Halton and St Helens

We have been asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic you would share your data so we could bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.  As we move to a new phase in the COVID-19 crisis we will no long be collecting data but have produced a final infographic consisting of all data for each borough during April to June click here  

We would like to thank everyone who took part

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Small Charities Week 2020 - 15th to 20th June 

Small Charity Week is focused on celebrating and raising awareness of the essential work of small charities and the contribution they make to the lives of millions of individuals, communities and causes across the UK and around the world. This year's Small Charity Week runs from 15 - 20 June 2020.

Day 1            I Love Small Charities

Small charities are amazing! About 97% of all charities are small. We know they matter and we want everyone to know how much they matter too! Using the hashtag #smallcharitiesweek #welovesmallcharities tell us about your favourite local small charity and why you love them.

 

VS6’s VCFSE Sector Assembly on Mental Health

The VS6 partnership would like to invite you to attend VS6’s VCFSE Sector Assembly on Mental Health. This event will give you the opportunity to share your views on the issues facing mental health service users and support organisations at this time, and help shape a Liverpool City Region wide response to these issues.

The event is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Wednesday 1st July from 1pm to 3pm. Please note, it’s necessary to register for this event in advance and places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Click here to RSVP

An agenda and link for the Zoom call will be circulated to those who’ve registered in advance of the event.

Final Infographics of Impact For Halton & St Helens

We have been asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers click here 

As we move to a new phase in the COVID-19 crisis we will no long be collecting data but have produced a final infographic consisting of all data for each borough during April to June click here  

We would like to thank everyone who took part

 

HMRC - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – new guidance published

Click here for the latest update 

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 8th June 2020

Click here for the Latest coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 8th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox.  The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact them at funding@halton.gov.uk

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign If you have missed any pervious editiions you can catch up here

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-vcse-organisations

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 8th June 2020

Attached is the Latest coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 8th June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

The External Funding Team is available to offer free bid-writing support to any Halton organisation that wishes to bid for emergency funding. Please contact them at funding@halton.gov.uk

We have been asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers click here. 

As we move to a new phase in the COVID-19 crisis we will no long be collecting data but have produced a final infographic consisting of all data for each boroughs (see attached). 

We would like to thank everyone who took part

Focus Employment Hub Ltd will be launching and presenting their podcast and radio programme soon. The programme and podcast will be focusing on equality and diversity issues and the whole community. They would like to hear from individuals, groups and organisations, who may wish to provide content or guest speakers. See below for some of the topics that they may be including and feel free to suggest some of your own.

• Arts and Entertainment (they would be happy to hear from musicians, artists and writers to give them a platform to share their material)

• Breaking News

• Business 

• News

• Promotion

• Opinions/listeners slot 

• Humour

• Sports

• Community

• Mind Body Spirit

• Political Issues

 

For more information, please contact John at Focus Employment Hub Ltd

Phone Number +4401744453696

Email focusemploymenthub@gmail.com

 

 

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Carers Week 8 - 14 June

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year the theme is Making Caring Visible. A dedicated website has more details including a range of support and information for carers.

 

Co-ops Local Community Fund

The next round of the Co-op's Local Community Fund is now available for local causes and local community groups to apply for.  As a guide in terms of criteria, if the cause/charity is supporting those most in need, is improving mental and physical wellbeing or building community resilience then they can apply. The closing date is Sunday 28th June 2020.  Follow the link  below for more information and a portal to apply through.  

https://causes.coop.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2HY0uwLqXskSY1QnbgL5ym8tmUqBSlJcUm_AKeG6nMCau526tidVZEFh8 

 

One Halton Newsletter Edition 2

Click here for the second edition of the One Halton Newsletter.   This edition includes an update from the voluntary sector organisations.  Please remember if you have anything you wish to share amongst the One Halton Partners, all contributions are very welcome. Please send them either directly to Angela Cole on angela.cole12@nhs.net or the generic email which is onehalton@halton.gov.uk they would love to hear from you sharing good news stories and innovation.

 

Children & Young People's Assembly - Draft Report & Survey

The draft Recommendations report following the Children & Young People's Assembly;has now been published. Click here for a copy and a news story is on the website click here to read: https://www.vs6partnership.org.uk/news/cyp-recommendations

A survey on the draft recommendations is now live and you can complete the survey by clicking onto the following link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XWW3YG5

The deadline for completion of the survey is noon Monday 15th June.

 

iCAN Warning: Bogus Trading Standards call connection service

Halton Trading Standards wants to make residents aware of a scam which relates to our partners at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The scam is regarding bogus websites claiming to be a "Trading Standards Call Connection Service."  Chartered Trading Standards Institute has received evidence of a fake website which sends callers to a premium rate number which the site claims charges £1.55/ minute plus access charges. The phoney website even lists the address of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, giving the impression that it is officially endorsed by it.  Chartered Trading Standards Institute - Chief Executive, Leon Livermore, said: "CTSI does not offer a consumer helpline service. Citizens Advice manages the UK's consumer support service through the Consumer Helpline, which is free of charge". Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline are contactable free on 0808 223 1133

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.  If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

 

Our colleagues BHIB Charities Insurance have kindly shared the following resources: 

Following the return to work announcements, the immediate reaction of many charities and voluntary organisations will be wanting to start providing services again from your offices as soon as possible. However, it is important that your building is equipped for reopening with safety measures in place. The current policies and risk assessments you have in place may no longer be sufficient and may need to be adapted and changed.

To support you with this, BHIB Charities Insurance have created a FREE ‘Charity Reopening Checklist’ and a ‘General Workplace Risk Assessment’ which we hope you will find useful. We have detailed them both below with links to download them for free.

COVID-19 – Charity Recovery/Reopening Health, Safety & Fire Checklist/Risk Assessment

This checklist aims to list some of the key issues that charities and voluntary organisations should consider prior to reopening. It should facilitate charities in reviewing your internal policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work to make sure they are still relevant, as well as ensure the charity has considered how staff and volunteers will return to work safely.

Download the Checklist here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Business Recovery/Re-opening – Health, Safety & Fire Checklist/Risk Assessment

COVID-19 – General Workplace Risk Assessment

This generic Risk Assessment aims to support charities getting back to their regular place of work. It is not likely to cover all scenarios and each charity should consider their own unique circumstances. Much more specific assessments may look quite different although many of the principles will still be relevant.

Download the Risk Assessment here: COVID-19 - General Workplace Risk Assessment

 

Latest update from HMRC on Job Retention Scheme important dates

Click here for the latest update from HMRC on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

 

DWP update 8th June 2020

Click here for latest vacancies from DWP and information on mental health e learning course at home

 

VS6 Publishes VCFSE Recovery Paper 9th June 2020

The VS6 Parternship has today published a paper demonstrating the contribution of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector in the emergency response across the Liverpool City Region, and their involvement in recovery planning. A copy has been sent to the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.  This paper provides an overview of the involvement of VCFSE organisations in the emergency response to Covid-19 across Liverpool City Region, lists some of the emerging issues currently faced by the sector and makes a number of recommendations for consideration in the post-Covid-19 recovery planning.

It contains several recommendations for recovery planning, namely:

• Involve local VCFSE leaders in a relevant and proportionate way in all recovery planning and governance arrangements.
• Engage with the sector and with communities through existing VCFSE sector networks and representative bodies.
• Ensure VCFSE services and support offers are embedded in the CV-19 response through the living with Covid and build back better periods.

In terms of strengthening support for a resilient VCFSE sector in the future, recommendations include:

• Work with VCFSE leaders across LCR to describe a sustainable VCFSE ‘ecosystem’ which outlasts the current emergency.
• Support the strengthening of volunteer management and coordination capacity.
• Use the voice and reach of the public sector to give a platform for the VCFSE sector’s successes and concerns.
• LCR public sector organisations should support the financial and business security of the sector both directly and indirectly.

The full report can be viewed here.

 

The NHS Long Term Plan, COVID-19 and the mental health challenge

Just 18 months on from the launch of the NHS Long Term Plan, is it already outdated when it comes to mental health?  As the focus of health policymakers moves from coping with COVID-19 to catching-up care across all conditions, attention is increasingly turning to the mental health catastrophe we face

Read this blog from Public Affairs Networking here.

 

Census 2021 Recruitment 

Job centres across the UK are actively supporting ‘The Adecco Group’ with the Census 2021 high-volume recruitment campaign. Collectively we aim to promote inclusion across all community groups and ensure a diverse workforce is in place for the census.  This presents an exciting opportunity for candidates to be involved in the first ‘digital census’ in history. A wide range of temporary part-time and full-time roles will be available offering contractual periods between a couple of weeks to several months. Candidates can apply for officer (those working in the field), supervisory or managerial roles (subject to individual experience).  Adecco/ONS are working hard to ensure they are taking every necessary step and precaution to ensure the well-being of both staff and candidates, in light of COVID-19.  We are now rapidly approaching the recruitment ‘Go Live’ date which is only 4 weeks away (6th July 2020)! All adverts will be accessible on the microsite which is: www.censusjobs.co.uk  Using the same link there is also currently a platform for candidates to ‘Register’ their interest ahead of this date and for them to find out more information, including the story so far and how the Census has changed since 2011.  ONS (the end employer) requires all successful candidates to be civil servants for the duration of the contract, therefore all candidates must satisfy the Home Office and Civil Service guidelines. The ‘.gov.uk’ website contains further information (if required): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules.

 

Citizens Advice - Directions programme

The Directions Project from Citizens Advice Halton is up and running to provide support and encouragement to people who are looking for work. Originally planned as a 4 week face-to-face training programme, they have been developing information to help people during the Covid-19 lockdown, and for while social distancing remains in place.  Free to people who are eligible (18+, resident in Halton, not working, or not in education or training), the Directions project can help people to:

• Write a new or update their existing CV
• Make better job applications
• Identify what skills they have and help to think about developing new skills
• Learn about being a volunteer adviser
• Find education and training opportunities to suit them

CAB is in the process of moving the Directions learning programme online - but in the meantime, people can get 1-2-1 support from a Keyworker (via phone and email) to help support and encourage them in their job search and work readiness.  If you know someone who might be interested in the Directions support, then either complete a referral form (click here), or email us at:

directions@citizensadvicehalton.org.uk 

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection
 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Two U.K. Mayors Are Facing Off in a DJ Battle For Charity

In contrast to the current political unrest happening Stateside, two mayors in the U.K. are engaging in a bit of playful competition for a good cause this weekend.  On Saturday, June 13, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, will take part in a livestream DJ battle intended to establish which city has a richer musical history, while also raising money for COVID-19 related charities.  Viewers of the free stream can comment to vote for a winner while making donations to support the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, which addresses homelessness, and LCRCares, which is supporting various organization in the region during the coronavirus pandemic.  Originally scheduled to happen on June 7, the stream was postponed, with organizers announcing that "this weekend does not feel like the right time to be celebrating. Instead, we are following the lead of the music industry and making sure that nothing detracts from the message people need to hear: Black Lives Matter."  

Click here to find out more and how to join in.

 

Liveable Streets in St. Helens

Help St Helens Council identify locations that need traffic calming measures during the COVID19 crisis.  It’s important they introduce enhanced spaces for pedestrians and people on bikes across the Borough. This will enable social distancing for safe essential journeys and exercise.  They want to hear your thoughts to help shape and deliver this ambitious project. It’s really easy to get involved, just drop a pin on the map to quickly comment about a specific location. Once you’ve left a comment you can also share it with friends and family using social media. Please submit your comments by the end of 31 August 2020. Click here to find out more and submit your comments https://sthelensliveablestreets.commonplace.is/

 

 

Age UK Mid Mersey Minibus for Sale

Age UK Mid Mersey have a Charity Minibus For Sale £2,950 (ovno) Volkswagen LT2.8 TD 46 Crew Cab Chassis 3dr (LWB) 2005, to find out more details click here

 

Charity Bank - Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund

The Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund has been expanded and improved to make more loans to charities and social enterprises affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It offers:

• Maximum loan amount now £1.5m (minimum still £100k) 
• Interest-free & fee-free for the first 12 months
• Faster than applying for a standard loan

To find out more click here

 

Halton Business Brief - COVID-19 Business Information 10th June 2020

Click here to read the latest edition

 

Message from Community Fund North West Officer 

As you may be aware COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on some of our communities. The National Lottery Community Fund are explicitly looking to address inequalities through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund funding, especially focusing on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, LGBT+ communities and disabled people-led organisations (DPOs).  The Coronavirus Community Support Fund is Government Funding which is being distributed on a first come first served basis so we encourage all groups to apply as soon as possible, but if you know any groups working in these communities please encourage them to apply.

Further information can be found here: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/covid-19/learn-about-applying-for-emergency-funding-in-england

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection

To see the weekly infographics for Halton and St Helens, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/weekly-infographics-impact-halton-st-helens

 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign If you have missed any pervious editiions you can catch up here

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-vcse-organisations

The Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund has been expanded and improved to make more loans to charities and social enterprises affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It offers:

• Maximum loan amount now £1.5m (minimum still £100k) 
• Interest-free & fee-free for the first 12 months
• Faster than applying for a standard loan
   

What is RRLF?

The Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund (RRLF) is an emergency loan fund which will provide repayable finance to charities and social enterprises who are experiencing disruption as a result of COVID-19 and is intended for such organisations who have an otherwise viable business model. It has been established to make the Government’s existing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) more easily accessible to these entities.

RRLF is not appropriate for everyone and will not work for all charities and social enterprises. For many, grants or other support may be more appropriate (for potential alternative sources, see our COVID-19 Emergency Funding page) and organisations should also consider other government schemes (see our COVID-19 Resource Hub for more information). For smaller loans of up to £50k organisations can consider the Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

What are the RRLF’s key product details?

Key features of the product include:

• loans will be for between £100k and £1.5m.
• these loans will be interest-free and fee-free to the customer for the first 12 months
• the loan term will be a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years
• interest will be charged at 6.5% per annum for years 2 and 3 (after principal payments start).

Applicants should also be aware that any monies received under the CBILS does not reduce the borrower’s liability in any way – as with any loan product, the borrower remains 100% liable.  Applicants should also be aware that changes may be made to RRLF as the CBILS scheme evolves. It may take some time for these changes to filter through to the SIB website.
 

Age UK Mid Mersey have a Charity Minibus For Sale £2,950 (ovno) Volkswagen LT2.8 TD 46 Crew Cab Chassis 3dr (LWB) 2005, to find out more details see attached

Citizens Advice - Directions programme

The Directions Project from Citizens Advice Halton is up and running to provide support and encouragement to people who are looking for work. Originally planned as a 4 week face-to-face training programme, they have been developing information to help people during the Covid-19 lockdown, and for while social distancing remains in place.  Free to people who are eligible (18+, resident in Halton, not working, or not in education or training), the Directions project can help people to:

• Write a new or update their existing CV
• Make better job applications
• Identify what skills they have and help to think about developing new skills
• Learn about being a volunteer adviser
• Find education and training opportunities to suit them

CAB is in the process of moving the Directions learning programme online - but in the meantime, people can get 1-2-1 support from a Keyworker (via phone and email) to help support and encourage them in their job search and work readiness.  If you know someone who might be interested in the Directions support, then either complete a referral form (attached), or email us at:

directions@citizensadvicehalton.org.uk 

The draft Recommendations report following the Children & Young People's Assembly;has now been published. This is attached and a news story is on the website click here to read: https://www.vs6partnership.org.uk/news/cyp-recommendations

A survey on the draft recommendations is now live and you can complete the survey by clicking onto the following link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XWW3YG5

The deadline for completion of the survey is noon Monday 15th June.

Please find attached the second edition of the One Halton Newsletter.   Please remember if you have anything you wish to share amongst the One Halton Partners, all contributions are very welcome. Please send them either directly to Angela Cole on angela.cole12@nhs.net or the generic email which is onehalton@halton.gov.uk they would love to hear from you sharing good news stories and innovation.

Co-op Local Community Fund

The next round of the Co-op's Local Community Fund is now available for local causes and local community groups to apply for.  As a guide in terms of criteria, if the cause/charity is supporting those most in need, is improving mental and physical wellbeing or building community resilience then they can apply. The closing date is Sunday 28th June 2020.  Follow the link  below for more information and a portal to apply through.  

https://causes.coop.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2HY0uwLqXskSY1QnbgL5ym8tmUqBSlJcUm_AKeG6nMCau526tidVZEFh8 

VS6 Publishes VCFSE Recovery Paper 9th June 2020

The VS6 Parternship has today published a paper demonstrating the contribution of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector in the emergency response across the Liverpool City Region, and their involvement in recovery planning. A copy has been sent to the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.  This paper provides an overview of the involvement of VCFSE organisations in the emergency response to Covid-19 across Liverpool City Region, lists some of the emerging issues currently faced by the sector and makes a number of recommendations for consideration in the post-Covid-19 recovery planning.

It contains several recommendations for recovery planning, namely:

• Involve local VCFSE leaders in a relevant and proportionate way in all recovery planning and governance arrangements.
• Engage with the sector and with communities through existing VCFSE sector networks and representative bodies.
• Ensure VCFSE services and support offers are embedded in the CV-19 response through the living with Covid and build back better periods.

In terms of strengthening support for a resilient VCFSE sector in the future, recommendations include:

• Work with VCFSE leaders across LCR to describe a sustainable VCFSE ‘ecosystem’ which outlasts the current emergency.
• Support the strengthening of volunteer management and coordination capacity.
• Use the voice and reach of the public sector to give a platform for the VCFSE sector’s successes and concerns.
• LCR public sector organisations should support the financial and business security of the sector both directly and indirectly.

The full report can be viewed here.

Latest vacancies from DWP attached and information on mental health e learning course at home

Welcome to the Volunteers Week 2020 Review 

What a week we had - if even in a virtual world and far from the usual in person events and celebrations we've had in the past.  It felt strange to be doing things digitally but the response we had was outstanding.  We know lots of you were also celebrating - saying thank you to your volunteers for all of their contributions throughout the year.  With some staying at home either shielding or isolating for health reasons, it will have been a big boost to know that they are still valued and are not forgotten.  

We wanted to recognise the efforts of those 1200 volunteers who signed up to support their communities through our volunteering portal www.volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and have started to gather volunteer stories that we can use throughout the year to promote.

Our twitter feed was full of your thanks and recognition to your volunteers showcasing some of the ingenuity our sector has in celebrating from a distance. Thank you for tagging us in.

Here's a quick round up of the highlights and links to the legacy that was Virtual Volunteers Week 2020

 

Claire Redford-Kerr, VCA & WHH NHS Trust Volunteering Lead

Read Claire's reflections on how things have changed in the wonderful world of volunteering since she fell into her career with Halton & St Helens VCA back in 2001. Click here to read more 

Volunteers Week #Cheers for the Volunteers 

VCA staff contributed to this national appreciation of Volunteers across England when we got to say thanks with @NAVCA. Check out both videos and see if you recognise anyone

https://youtu.be/QwhJtx6OfT0

https://youtu.be/DdckWJw6Zz0

During Volunteers Week we shared 4 podcats which you can listen to again using this link https://vcaradio.com/

• The first of our Volunteers Week Podcasts celebrated some of the VCFSE groups in Halton. We asked them how volunteers ha supported their efforts during Covid 19 and how they thank them.  During the podcast you’ll hear from Torie Begg from Sew Halton, Mark Lunney from Age UK Mid Mersey, Billy Jones from Veterans Community Force Halton CIC and Hitesh Patel from Citizens Advice Halton.
• The second of our Volunteers Week Podcasts celebrated some of the incredible volunteers from Halton and St Helens who have been responding to request for help posted on the VCA’s Volunteer Portal. We ask the volunteers how they first got involved, what they think they had gotten out of it and what their personal highlights had been. During the podcast you’ll hear from Martin Dunlop & Mary Didsbury (from Runcorn), Kathryn Geraghty (from Widnes) and Catherine Emley, Paula Drake, Femi Ogunshakin & Paul Jameson (from St Helens).
• The third of our Volunteers Week Podcasts celebrated our partnership work with colleagues in the statutory sector in Halton & St Helens. We asked them about the role volunteers have played in supporting residents during Covid 19, as well as the future of volunteering in both boroughs. During the podcast you’ll hear from Cllr Rob Polhil & Nicki Goodwin from Halton Borough Council and Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron & Sarah Bullock from St Helens Council
• The fourth of our Volunteers Week Podcasts celebrated some of the VCFSE groups in St Helens. We asked them how volunteers have supported their efforts during Covid 19 and how they thank them.  During the podcast you’ll hear from Gill Ellison (St Helens MIND), Kim Hughes (Apex Trust), Claire Eddleston (Positive Life Workshops CIC) and Sam Lewis (Sam’s Diamonds)

Volunteer Virtual Celebration Event 

The finale of the week was the Volunteers Virtual Celebration Event which was a first for us and very different from our usual events, we were joined on zoom by almost 100 volunteers, coordinators and statutory sector partners, We were also joined by local St Helens volunteer and Comedian Johnny Vegas, we captured as many faces as we could of those who attended see attached and see if you recognise anyone. 

Our colleagues BHIB Charities Insurance have kindly agreed that we can share the following: 

Following the return to work announcements, the immediate reaction of many charities and voluntary organisations will be wanting to start providing services again from your offices as soon as possible. However, it is important that your building is equipped for reopening with safety measures in place. The current policies and risk assessments you have in place may no longer be sufficient and may need to be adapted and changed.

To support you with this, BHIB Charities Insurance have created a FREE ‘Charity Reopening Checklist’ and a ‘General Workplace Risk Assessment’ which we hope you will find useful. We have detailed them both below with links to download them for free.

COVID-19 – Charity Recovery/Reopening Health, Safety & Fire Checklist/Risk Assessment

This checklist aims to list some of the key issues that charities and voluntary organisations should consider prior to reopening. It should facilitate charities in reviewing your internal policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work to make sure they are still relevant, as well as ensure the charity has considered how staff and volunteers will return to work safely.

Download the Checklist here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Business Recovery/Re-opening – Health, Safety & Fire Checklist/Risk Assessment

COVID-19 – General Workplace Risk Assessment

This generic Risk Assessment aims to support charities getting back to their regular place of work. It is not likely to cover all scenarios and each charity should consider their own unique circumstances. Much more specific assessments may look quite different although many of the principles will still be relevant.

Download the Risk Assessment here: COVID-19 - General Workplace Risk Assessment

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Information from Companies House on Stay Safe at Work

The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help make sure workplaces are as safe as possible.  BEIS has also hosted webinars on working safely during coronavirus.  Read the guidance and listen to the webinar recordings to make sure that you're working safely. You can also watch safer workplace case studies to see how a range of workplace settings are returning to work safely. 

 

New webinars taking place in June on media and resilience from the Lloyds Foundation 

16 June 10:30am-12pm. Covid-19: Top tips for engaging with the media.

This session, delivered by Media Consultant and ex-BBC Journalist Philippa Budgen will give you the tools and confidence to engage with the media in a time of fast-moving news. Philippa will help you to understand how the pandemic is presenting media opportunities and how you can use your compelling stories to create change.

Registration page link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/107821607330

23 June 10:30am-12pm. Covid-19: Building resilience whilst navigating change and loss

Covid-19 has led to huge change and loss, and with loss comes grief. As lockdown eases and we all look ahead being able to respond to this change, loss and grief with resiliency will be important. This session will be delivered by Elloa, from Bird. Elloa will discuss some tools and strategies you can use to build your resilience and support others to do the same.

Registration page - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/107687147156

 

iCAN Warning: Universal Credit scam

Several Halton residents have been caught out by a Universal Credit scam after receiving a letter stating they have made a new claim for Universal Credit when they haven’t. Consumers are facing difficulties finding out more about the claim when they contact Universal Credit due to the way scammers have used the information they have got hold of.  As a result, many consumers have had their Housing Benefit cancelled or suspended following the new scam Universal Credit claim.  Please be vigilant to this new and potentially growing scam. They urge you to monitor your housing benefit claim regularly to check if it has been suspended or cancelled.  If you think you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact Halton Borough Councils - Benefits Service on 0151 5117772.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of their specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

 

£275,000 available to the Voluntary Sector working in Criminal Justice

Voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system with under £500,000 annual income can apply now for grant funding to support their vital work during Covid-19.  Clinks is looking for organisations with an existing relationship with HMPPS who are delivering, or have a track record of delivering, services to support people in prison, through-the-gate and in the community in the context of Covid-19.  Clinks expects to provide grants of £3,000 - £5,000. No organisation will be granted more than £20,000.

Full details are here.

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection
 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

As we move into the next phase of the Covid 19 crisis we will be updating groups with helpful guidance to help you manage the transitions click here for Recovery and Resilience resources and information. 

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Cheers for Volunteers 

It's National Volunteers Week and some of our staff have contributed to this national appreciation of Volunteers across England to say thanks with @NAVCA Check out both videos and see if you recognise anyone

https://youtu.be/QwhJtx6OfT0

https://youtu.be/DdckWJw6Zz0

 

Volunteers Week 2020 you can stil join in to thank your volunteers

Join us in our Virtual Celebration of Volunteers Week to raise a glass and a virtual #cheersforvolunteers & quick quiz too.  Are you joining us? Online get together to celebrate Volunteers Week 2020.   This will be really informal with maybe a little quiz but we do have.... wait for it..... A LOCAL CELEBRITY COMEDIAN who will be drawing our raffle... yes a FREE RAFFLE for all volunteers who register.. so to get the link and your chance to get a ‘virtual’ raffle ticket for your chance to win one of 5 amazing prizes such as a Afternoon Tea for 2 at Home, Vouchers etc  Registration is necessary using the link below 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=342&reset=1

 

Reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission during the coronavirus pandemic

Guidance for trustees on what matters may need to be reported as a serious incident during the coronavirus pandemic. Click here for more details

 

DWP update 29th May 2020

Click here for the latest update from DWP with information on 

• NHS Test and Trace service
• Tell Us Once service awareness
• Guide for pension savers
• Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live
• Looking Out For Each Other campaign

 

Comic Relief are looking for BAME led partners to help distribute funds

Comic Relief say: "Recent research by Ubele Initiative has shown how years of reduced funding to organisations led by and serving BAME communities has further reduced the frontline support now available and means that many smaller organisations are now at greater risk of closure. This information and the call to action from #Charitysowhite has led us to review who our funding is currently reaching and how that reflects the needs of under-served and/or minoritized communities across the UK.  "We know we can’t do this alone so we’re seeking BAME led organisations to partner with to meet our aim of ensuring funding reaches underserved communities. We are looking for partners with the ability, expertise, networks and knowledge to distribute funding quickly to a diverse range of locally rooted BAME led and focused organisations across the UK.  We have ring fenced a budget of £650,000 for this opportunity."  The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 8 June 2020. More information here.

 

Bereavement Information and Support for St Helens residents during COVID19

Information from our colleagues at St Helens Council 

As the pandemic continues to develop and impact on all of our lives, we want to reassure you that our priority is to continue to provide the highest standards of service while protecting the health and wellbeing of the bereaved, our staff, your staff, you and the public at large.  Please read our information and support for St Helens residents who are experiencing bereavement or loss during the pandemic.

 And link to our website

https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths-funerals-and-cremation/covid-19-information-for-funeral-directors-and-mourners/

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection

Thanks to all the groups who responded to our request to share your data so we can demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers. Click here to view the latest infographics for the sector 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

New webinars taking place in June on media and resilience from the Lloyds Foundation 

16 June 10:30am-12pm. Covid-19: Top tips for engaging with the media.

This session, delivered by Media Consultant and ex-BBC Journalist Philippa Budgen will give you the tools and confidence to engage with the media in a time of fast-moving news. Philippa will help you to understand how the pandemic is presenting media opportunities and how you can use your compelling stories to create change. This will be an interactive session with a mix of breakouts and whole group work; the session will include:

• How to tell your story and effectively work with journalists
• Top tips about engaging with different forms of media
• A case study from a charity who will share their experience of successfully working with the media during the pandemic and the chance to ask them questions
• The opportunity to discuss with other small charities practical ways to get your voice heard about the impact of COVID-19 and how you can push for change

Registration page link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/107821607330

 

23 June 10:30am-12pm. Covid-19: Building resilience whilst navigating change and loss

Covid-19 has led to huge change and loss, and with loss comes grief. As lockdown eases and we all look ahead being able to respond to this change, loss and grief with resiliency will be important. This session will be delivered by Elloa, from Bird. Elloa will discuss some tools and strategies you can use to build your resilience and support others to do the same. During the session we will support you to:

• Feel safe to explore your feelings and thoughts around loss in relation to COVID-19
• Develop tools to process your feelings of grief and strategies to build resilience
• Feel confident to support and encourage others to cultivate their resilience

The session will be delivered in a way that means you can participate anonymously, if you'd prefer, creating a safe space for you to share your thoughts, ask questions and for this conversation to take place.

Registration page - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/107687147156

It’s Volunteers Week and seemed fitting really that I reflect on how things have changed in the wonderful world of volunteering since I fell into my career with Halton & St Helens VCA back in 2001.

Back then being the newbie and surrounded by a small team who had a wealth of history and knowledge of the voluntary sector I was excited and daunted by my new role.  Volunteering development – an alien concept in some ways but being a regular volunteer from the age of 14 I wanted to help others experience the buzz that giving to others or causes that you are passionate about can make you feel.  I volunteered at 14 as a peer mentor for a young womens health project – providing confidential safe spaces for girls to be open about relationships to bring down a high teenage pregnancy rate. It seemed like I had dropped in on my dream job.

Over the years there have been some significant events nationally and regionally that have called for the support of volunteers and without their involvement would have increased costs or hindered progress.  Times to celebrate and bring people together, In 2001, Manchester held the Commonwealth Games, Liverpool became the Capital of Culture in 2008 and 2012 was the London Olympic Games.  Volunteers then were #nevermoreneeded.  Times of joy and celebration that many clambered to take up and be part of and they did in their droves with lots of disappointment for those that didn’t make it.

Throughout that time volunteering has increasingly been brought into the forefront of people’s minds, recruiting volunteers more competitive and their deployment intrinsic to national, regional and local people and place strategies – had we started to lose the sense of that individual “the Volunteer”.

Over the years, we’ve started to build steep steps for those potential volunteers to climb before they can get involved and it becomes just as hard to “bag” that much sought after volunteer role as it is to get your dream job.  Interviews, screening processes and a myriad of training you must fulfil before we can let you get going.  Do not get me wrong we are in a world where safety is paramount for the beneficiaries of support and organisations providing that support.  There are roles that have to have those high-level screening processes but over the years caution has sometimes stifled that natural human response to help in the world of formal volunteering.  Potential volunteers get frustrated, lose motivation and get disappointed.  We lose sight of the wealth of experience, knowledge and motivation being offered to us ready and willing.  The clock starts ticking the moment they submit their name on a website; call, leave a voicemail or knock on your door and say “Hi, I want to volunteer…” Harness that passion right from the beginning.

The motivations of volunteers are as broad as fashion choices through the 80’s.  You can’t pin them down to one thing and they will change over time, because people’s lives change, and their experiences change.   I always ask our volunteers why and I listen intently – I want to make sure that I know who they are and that I give them the best experience I can.  I know I’m not going to get it right all of the time and sometimes we can’t meet their motivations and expectations so be honest.  A good Volunteer Manager will have a volunteers’ journey as the central focus in their work.

No matter what is happening in the world there are people out there who want to help – its human nature and coming back to this year, the pandemic took us into a darker place.  Our communities are scared and vulnerable because of an invisible enemy.  The simple act of a human touch has been taken away and its impact sends ever increasing circles of helplessness impacting mental health, isolation, health and wellbeing. 

This last 12 weeks have highlighted volunteering at its best formally and informally.  The demand for ways volunteers can engage has far outweighed the need for the first time I can remember since those large celebratory events.  The altruistic nature of volunteering lives on as people are desperate to help. Organisations struggled with the recruitment journey, worried about this new wave of people coming forwards and fought with their robust systems against quick turnaround. Rabbits caught in headlights in a professional world.  People did what they needed to do on the ground in their own communities regardless and connected on a street by street level – offering their help to strangers they have lived alongside for years maybe.  Organisations have started to see the problem of the steps we’ve put in their way.  We’ve made that volunteering journey harder and we need to change.

Simple everyday tasks became impossible for a lot of our communities so quick and easy community tasks were created to give those people who wanted to help the ability to do so in short bitesize pieces. We had to work out different ways to screen people and how we can get them the information they need to play their part safely. Changing our engagement meant people were supported quicker and in a shorter time frame and the impact on both the people receiving support and those giving it has been astounding.  Those volunteers have had the best experience in the most testing of times and they still want to give.  We need to harness this into the future.

 

Is this a volunteering revolution?

Claire Redford-Kerr, VCA & WHH NHS Trust Volunteering Lead 

 

 

 

Bereavement Information and Support for St Helens residents during COVID19

Information from our colleagues at St Helens Council 

As the pandemic continues to develop and impact on all of our lives, we want to reassure you that our priority is to continue to provide the highest standards of service while protecting the health and wellbeing of the bereaved, our staff, your staff, you and the public at large.

Please read our information and support for St Helens residents who are experiencing bereavement or loss during the pandemic.

 And link to our website

https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths-funerals-and-cremation/covid-19-information-for-funeral-directors-and-mourners/

Reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission during the coronavirus pandemic

Guidance from the Charity Commision for trustees on what matters may need to be reported as a serious incident during the coronavirus pandemic. 

We appreciate that during the coronavirus pandemic the charity sector will face extremely demanding and ever-changing challenges. Charities’ primary interest must be looking after the beneficiaries they serve.

It is still important during the pandemic that trustees are aware of matters that may need to be reported as a serious incident. Timely reporting of serious incidents enables us to provide advice and guidance to charities where required. It also helps us to gain a better understanding of the risks facing the sector, which is particularly important now as we seek to understand how the pandemic is impacting on charities.

Our guidance on serious incident reporting continues to be the main resource for helping trustees to decide whether to report. However, we appreciate that the pandemic is giving rise to some unprecedented challenges and scenarios that were not envisaged when this guidance was published.

We have therefore produced a supplementary examples table to help trustees to decide if they need to report an incident that is related to the pandemic. Trustees should still exercise their judgement in deciding whether an incident is significant in the context of their charity, taking account of its staff, operations, finances and/or reputation. However, some key things for trustees to consider are:

• having to take action to meet government rules, such as closing premises, should not be considered to be a significant incident in itself. It is the impact of this action on the charity that is key to determining if this should be reported
• we usually expect charities to report any financial losses that don’t involve a crime where they exceed either £25,000 or 20% of the charity’s income. However, these thresholds do not apply when considering financial losses that are related to the pandemic. Trustees should focus on the significance of the impact of any losses rather than the amount
• trustees may still delegate to others, such as staff members, the responsibility for deciding which incidents should be reported to us. However, such decisions should be reported back to the trustees, who remain ultimately responsible for them
• use our online form to submit reports, which should be submitted as soon as is reasonably possible after the incident or when the charity becomes aware that a significant harm or loss is highly likely. Remember to use the form to tell us about what the charity is doing about the incident
• where trustees consider reporting an incident but decide not to report it, they should keep a brief record of their decision and the reasons for it

When deciding how to respond to the reports we receive, we will continue to prioritise those that indicate individuals are at risk or that there is a risk of serious harm to a charity’s work. We will also prioritise reports where we identify that trustees require advice and guidance from us to help them to deal with an incident. This is why it is important to tell us what the charity is doing about the incident.

Latest update attached from DWP with information on 

• NHS Test and Trace service
• Tell Us Once service awareness
• Guide for pension savers
• Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live
• Looking Out For Each Other campaign

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

As we move into the next phase of the Covid 19 crisis we will be updating groups with helpful guidance to help you manage the transitions click here for Recovery and Resilience resources and information. 

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund (LADGF)

From 1st June 2020, Halton Council will start to receive applications for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund (LADGF).

The Government announced it is making additional funding available to allow the Council on 1st May 2020 and finalised its guidance on 26th May 2020. This funding is to support small businesses that have been affected by COVID19 but are outside the scope of the existing small business grants scheme and retail, hospitality and leisure scheme. This scheme is for businesses who have so far received no support during the COVID19 crisis.

Based upon the Government guidance and the identified priorities of the Council, four grant regimes will be available from 1st to 30th June 2020:

• Shared Space Grant
• Charitable Sector Support Grant
• Bed & Breakfast Support Grant
• Businesses either working from home and/or other locally owned businesses in other premises

Click here for more details 

 

Volunteers Week 2020

Here at the Volunteer Centres we are preparing for a week packed with celebrations of everything that is volunteering.  Some of the features we will be highlighting include:

• Interviews with some of our volunteers on their experience of volunteering through the pandemic and what it means to them.
• Interviews with some of our local authority partners to thank everyone in our community that has stepped up and supported those most vulnerable.
• Interviews with some of our members who engage volunteers in the work they do and how important it is to them and the people they support.
• A virtual Volunteers Week Quiz - with some raffle prizes and hopefully a special guest (we're working on this).
• A national "Cheers for Volunteers" campaign to say a massive thank you from the nation to every single volunteer for their help and support - not just through the pandemic.  Volunteers have been engaging in many ways throughout the year supporting you as organisations too.
• We also want to know what you are doing and how we can support you in promoting the fantastic work you do with your volunteers.

Here’s What We Need You To Do:

1. We want to feature you and your organisation in celebrating all that volunteers have done for you over the past year. We want to know why they mean so much to you.  Click here for a document which you can download and print or replicate in your own way and write on "I love volunteers because"... If you could either get someone to take a photo or if you're happy doing a quick video of no more than say 10 seconds and email that in to our volunteer@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk email address - we will be able to pull together a short animation that we will use on our social media, website and future celebrational material.  Submission of any media will be providing us with consent to use it for the purposes outlined.
2. Tell us what you are doing to celebrate – do you have any case studies we can feature throughout the week alongside our current programme to say how great Halton and St Helens are in engaging volunteers to enhance your services and provide additional benefits to the people you are there to support?
3. Engage in the national campaign #CheersforVolunteers – spread the word so we can make a big noise about Volunteers and the difference they make to our communities.
4. If you would like us to invite a volunteer to our Volunteer Quiz and have them take part in the raffle – send us their name, postal and email address so that we can send them an invite and a raffle ticket.  If you’d like to come along you can register here

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=342&reset=1

5. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  For now Thank You for putting yourself forwards in the first place, it shows the true altruism of volunteering.

Cheers for Volunteers 

It's National Volunteers Week and some of our staff have contributed to this national appreciation of Volunteers across England to say thanks with @NAVCA

https://youtu.be/QwhJtx6OfT0

 

Mental health free online platform for adults in St Helens launches
From 1st June adults aged 26 and above will be able to access mental health and wellbeing support online for free thanks to a new service for St Helens residents.  Qwell is an online counselling and support service which aims to improve the emotional wellbeing and mental health of adults in St Helens by providing an early response to emotional wellbeing and/or emerging mental health needs. This enables any issue to be addressed promptly, and prevent problems from escalating and requiring a more specialist response such as face to face intervention or crisis.

Children and young people in St Helens aged 11-25 already have access to Kooth.com and following the success of this platform, especially during lockdown, Qwell which is from the same team, is aimed specially at adults and provides:

• Online emotional wellbeing and mental health support service seven days a week, 365 days a year, with counsellors online from 12 noon to 10pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 10pm at weekends
• An accessible, safe, secure, moderated website with online community features
• Qwell is a confidential service which adults anonymously access therapy and self-help content, with links to other appropriate services
• Adults aged 26 and above who are registered with a St Helens GP can visit www.qwell.io from today to sign up to the Qwell website.

 

Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC Job Vacancies 

Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC have job vacancies for the following roles:

• Accommodation Support Worker - 37.5 hours per week
• Mental Health Support Worker - 37.5 hours per week
• Mental Health IT / Office Administrator - 20 hours per week
• Office and Accommodation Cleaner - 20 hours per week
• Handyman / Gardener - 20 hours per week

Expected start date 22nd June. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm on Friday 12th June.  Click here for more details about the roles and how to request an application form.

 

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is making £5m available for its second phase of funding for May to December 2020.

Funding will include

• Emergency grants for current grantees who are facing immediate financial crisis
• 12-month grant extensions for current grantees with ongoing projects
• Grant increases to enable current grantees to meet costs associated with adapting activities in order to sustain work.

The Trust will also launch a Covid-19 Initiatives Fund over the summer which will be open to grantees and non-grantees, to support new initiatives rooted in the values of equity, rights, peace, climate justice and power and accountability that either a) challenge current responses to and narratives about the crisis, or b) build support for systemic change in a post-Covid society.

Click here to find out more.

 

ACAS National E-Connect newsletter

Have you signed up for the ACAS National E-Connect newsletter it has lots of useful information on Coronavirus advice and resources.  Click here to subcribe for a copy directly to your inbox. 

 

Government Guidance

The Government has recently updated its advice/guidance/rules on what you can and can't, or should and shouldn't, do as the lockdown eases.

Here are some updated links which you might find useful:

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do - updated 1 Jun 2020

Guidance on shielding - updated 31 May 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - updated 29 May 2020

Working safely during COVID-19 - updated 29 May 2020

Test and trace: workplace guidance - updated 27 May 2020

You can find all the Government's Guidance on coronavirus at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak

For the latest guidance on legionella from the HSE click here

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 1st June 2020

Click here for the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 1st June 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection

Thanks to all the groups who responded to our request to share your data so we can demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers. Click here to view the latest infographics for the sector 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign

Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC Job Vacancies 

Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC have job vacancies for the following roles:

• Accommodation Support Worker - 37.5 hours per week
• Mental Health Support Worker - 37.5 hours per week
• Mental Health IT / Office Administrator - 20 hours per week
• Office and Accommodation Cleaner - 20 hours per week
• Handyman / Gardener - 20 hours per week

Expected start date 22nd June. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm on Friday 12th June.  See attached for more details about the roles.

Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund (LADGF)

From 1st June 2020, Halton Council will start to receive applications for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund (LADGF).

The Government announced it is making additional funding available to allow the Council on 1st May 2020 and finalised its guidance on 26th May 2020. This funding is to support small businesses that have been affected by COVID19 but are outside the scope of the existing small business grants scheme and retail, hospitality and leisure scheme. This scheme is for businesses who have so far received no support during the COVID19 crisis.

Based upon the Government guidance and the identified priorities of the Council, four grant regimes will be available from 1st to 30th June 2020:

• Shared Space Grant
• Charitable Sector Support Grant
• Bed & Breakfast Support Grant
• Businesses either working from home and/or other locally owned businesses in other premises

To ensure the discretionary grants are awarded to those small businesses most impacted by COVID19 an assessment will be undertaken against a number of criteria including:

• The business must have no more than 50 employees;
• The business must be a solvent business that was trading on 11th March 2020;
• The business must have ongoing property costs;
• The business has been significantly financially affected by COVID19;
• The business has not received other relevant grant support from Central Government apart from the Furlough Scheme.

Businesses which have received cash grants from any Central Government scheme for COVID19 are ineligible for funding from the Discretionary Grant Fund.

For further information on how to apply.

• Application form (pdf)
• Application form (word)

An application form must be accompanied by all relevant information in order for it to be processed.

Other Business Support

The main source of information for all business support during the coronavirus crisis remains the UK Government web site at www.businesssupport.gov.uk or alternatively Liverpool City Region Growth Platform site at https://growthplatform.org/business-covid-19-advice/

Please refer to the above websites in the first instance for up to date information.

If, however, you’d rather speak to someone locally please call Halton Borough Council’s Business Development Team on 0151 511 7825 or email business@halton.gov.uk

We appreciate that this is a very difficult time but we are assured by government that they are exploring every possible avenue to provide support to businesses and to that end the Council and other public sector organisations are working hard to put in place the systems necessary to make that happen.

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is making £5m available for its second phase of funding for May to December 2020.

Funding will include

• Emergency grants for current grantees who are facing immediate financial crisis
• 12-month grant extensions for current grantees with ongoing projects
• Grant increases to enable current grantees to meet costs associated with adapting activities in order to sustain work.

The Trust will also launch a Covid-19 Initiatives Fund over the summer which will be open to grantees and non-grantees, to support new initiatives rooted in the values of equity, rights, peace, climate justice and power and accountability that either a) challenge current responses to and narratives about the crisis, or b) build support for systemic change in a post-Covid society.

Click here to find out more.

Halton and St Helens VCA

If you need a contact for our volunteering portal and volunteering during the Covid-19 response across both Boroughs it’s Claire Redford-Kerr   

credford-kerr@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in St Helens it’s Annie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

If you need a contact for the Covid-19 response in Halton it’s Matthew Roberts 

Mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

You can also contact Sally Yeoman our Chief Officer for issues in both Boroughs. She will also be picking up LCR work with VS6 colleagues

syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

For comms/website and information queries contact

dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk  or ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Our phones will be temporarily redirected and you will be able to contact us by using our usual numbers 01744 457100 / 01928 592405

To access all resources relating to volunteering, involving volunteers, funding or local/national news click on our homepage www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

As we move into the next phase of the Covid 19 crisis we will be updating groups with helpful guidance to help you manage the transitions click here for Recovery and Resilience resources and information. 

Below is the latest news / updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens 

 

Volunteers Week 2020

Here at the Volunteer Centres we are preparing for a week packed with celebrations of everything that is volunteering.  Some of the features we will be highlighting include:

• Interviews with some of our volunteers on their experience of volunteering through the pandemic and what it means to them.
• Interviews with some of our local authority partners to thank everyone in our community that has stepped up and supported those most vulnerable.
• Interviews with some of our members who engage volunteers in the work they do and how important it is to them and the people they support.
• A virtual Volunteers Week Quiz - with some raffle prizes and hopefully a special guest (we're working on this).
• A national "Cheers for Volunteers" campaign to say a massive thank you from the nation to every single volunteer for their help and support - not just through the pandemic.  Volunteers have been engaging in many ways throughout the year supporting you as organisations too.
• We also want to know what you are doing and how we can support you in promoting the fantastic work you do with your volunteers.

Here’s What We Need You To Do:

1. We want to feature you and your organisation in celebrating all that volunteers have done for you over the past year. We want to know why they mean so much to you.  Click here for a document which you can download and print or replicate in your own way and write on "I love volunteers because"... If you could either get someone to take a photo or if you're happy doing a quick video of no more than say 10 seconds and email that in to our volunteer@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk email address - we will be able to pull together a short animation that we will use on our social media, website and future celebrational material.  Submission of any media will be providing us with consent to use it for the purposes outlined.
2. Tell us what you are doing to celebrate – do you have any case studies we can feature throughout the week alongside our current programme to say how great Halton and St Helens are in engaging volunteers to enhance your services and provide additional benefits to the people you are there to support?
3. Engage in the national campaign #CheersforVolunteers – spread the word so we can make a big noise about Volunteers and the difference they make to our communities.
4. If you would like us to invite a volunteer to our Volunteer Quiz and have them take part in the raffle – send us their name, postal and email address so that we can send them an invite and a raffle ticket.  If you’d like to come along you can register here

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=342&reset=1

5. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  For now Thank You for putting yourself forwards in the first place, it shows the true altruism of volunteering.

Cheers for Volunteers 

It's National Volunteers Week and some of our staff have contributed to this national appreciation of Volunteers across England to say thanks with @NAVCA

https://youtu.be/QwhJtx6OfT0

 

Test and trace system kicks off 1st June

A team of 25,000 contact tracers will text, email and call those who test positive for the virus and find out who they have been in contact with over the last couple of weeks. Any of those thought to be at risk of infection will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.  

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was confident that the "vast majority of people" would participate in the voluntary system

Read the full article here.

 

Christmas Challenge 2020 Applications Now Open

The Christmas Challenge gives your donors the chance to double their donations as you raise vital funds for your work.  Deadline for the stage 1 application is 5pm Friday 3rd July. The deadline to collect the pledges is 5pm Friday 28th August. Remember you can start collecting your pledges as soon as you have submitted your stage 1 application, so the sooner that is submitted, the more time you have to collect the pledges.

For more information and to register, pease click the link below:

https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/christmas-challenge

 

iCAN Warning: Grants Scams

Halton Trading Standards has recently seen an increase of Grant scam emails. These emails suggest that you have been selected to receive a grant, there is no cost to receiving the grant they just need you to complete a form with your personal details. This is a scam, they are after your personal details. Below is the wording from one of these scam emails:

We screen your profile and see that you qualify based on your income
level to receive grant that you do not need to repay. A group of donors
sponsor the grant to help people and businesses during this Covid-19.

If you are interested, contact us to fill out the grant form. We have
been paid to screen and process the grant, no fee is required from you
or information which could lead to financial loss or identity theft.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of their specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  or 0808 223 1133

 

Social media image size guide – Infographic

Ever wanted to design a really good profile pic or image header for your Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn page but couldn't quite get the dimensions right?  Then click here. This is a handy guide setting out the dimensions for each profile/header image across all the main social media sites. 

 

HMRC Update 

For the latest information on furloughing staff click here 

 

Coronavirus Funding update from Halton Borough Council 25th May 2020

Click here for the Latest Monthly coronavirus funding bulletin from the External Funding Team at Halton Borough Council dated dated 25th May 2020.  Email funding@halton.gov.uk to sign up to recieve bulletin updates directly to your inbox

 

We Want To Hear From You - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How Has Your Group, Organisation Or Service Responded? 

We are asking that if you are delivering services and interventions in direct response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic then we would welcome you to share your data on a weekly basis so we can bring it all together to demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers.

For organisations which choose to contribute we will also provide you each week with your own infographic which you can share with your beneficiaries, volunteers and funders.  This survey is made up of tick-box questions, and the occasional free text question. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete each week.

Halton Data Collection Survey   https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-covid-19-data-collection

St Helens Data Collection Survey  https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-covid-19-data-collection

Thanks to all the groups who responded to our request to share your data so we can demonstrate the work of the sector to our local partners and decision makers. Click here to view the latest infographics for the sector 

 

If you have volunteering requirements please register them here

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm 

and also encourage people wanting to help out to do that safely by registering here 

https://volunteering.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm 

 

Service Status Updates From Our Member Organisations

We have been sent a number of service status updates from our member organisations to let us know their current working practices during Covid-19.  The link to Halton Organisations is here and the link to St Helens organisations is here. If you have a service update that you would like to tell us about, please email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk and we will add your organisations details to our lists.

 

If you'd like to sign up for your own copy of the daily update, please follow the link below and sign up for our ebulletin:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vca-newsletter-sign