iCAN Warning: Covid-19 Financial Support Scam

There are numerous reports of websites effectively cloning the .gov website pages.  These websites look identical to the official .gov website, set up to offer support to employees who are suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.  The websites ask potential claimants to provide personal information, including their bank account details to enable payments to be made to them.

Some of the websites are mass targeting individuals via text messages, with the embedded link diverting to the criminals’ websites

Scammers are rapidly coming up with new scams to exploit people during the pandemic.  We would recommend everyone adopts a cautious approach when giving out personal details whether it’s online, over the telephone or face to face.  Try to carry out checks on the source before you share any information.

If you are targeted by any of these websites then please report them immediately to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.  This will enable action to be taken to have them taken down.

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

Halton Borough Council External Funding team 

Thanks to Steph Davies, Lead Funding Officer, External Funding Team, at HBC for the following information.  The External Funding Team is keeping track of some of the measures that key funders are taking in response to the current crisis and any changes they are making to their grant programmes. They are also keeping track of any new funding streams that are being brought in to support.  To receive updates and find out more join their mailing list by emailing funding@halton.gov.uk

If you have identified any funding that you would like to apply for, but do not have the capacity, please contact the email address above and a member of the External Funding Team or Community Development Team will arrange to contact you to discuss your needs.

There is also quite a lot of information about emerging funds to specifically support the voluntary sector at this time and the funding team have just told us that grants online have just made available the following link in relation to this:  https://www.grantsonline.org.uk/coronavirus.html  so will be worth checking out.

From the 25th March Halton & St Helens VCA will be managing our work as follows:

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       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

Below is the latest updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens. 

Funder Statement from the Leader and Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council

We, along with a wider group of funders, recognise that the covid-19 outbreak is an exceptional event that will have an impact on civil society groups, and want to offer reassurance that we stand with the sector during this time. We wish to be as helpful as possible during the coming weeks and months so that civil society groups can focus on the vital work of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

We understand that there will be times when staff and volunteers will not be available, when beneficiaries may need services to be provided in different ways, or when systems need to be flexible to ensure that needs are met. 

If your community, services or organisation are affected by the covid19 outbreak, and you receive grant or funding from us, we are committed to:

• Adapting activities – we recognise that you may experience difficulties achieving some of the outputs or outcomes we agreed for your grant during the outbreak, and would like to be able to maintain our grant payments to you at originally-agreed levels during this period, so please have a conversation with us if you are affected in this way;
• Discussing dates – we don’t want to add pressure, so if you think you will struggle to meet a reporting deadline please get in touch with us so that we can agree a more realistic time for you to get things to us wherever possible;
• Financial flexibility – we know you may need to use your funding to help cover sickness, purchase equipment, or deliver services differently, and we will be reasonable if you need to move money between budget headings to ensure your work can continue; and
• Listening to you – we are here if you want to talk to us about the situation you’re facing, but we’ll wait for you to call us so that these conversations are at the right time for you.

We also recognise that there may be further shocks to the system caused by covid-19 that may impact on your other income streams, or require a more urgent response from funders. Where we have any news on emergency funding we commit to publishing this on the Halton & St Helens VCA web page so you can see all available programmes in one place.

The key during this crisis is communication. If issues arise, please get in touch to discuss how we can help.

Councillor Rob Polhill - Leader

Dave Parr - Chief Executive 

Age UK MId Mersey

Age UK Mid Mersey have shared a link to a useful ONS tool which will identify by UK area where there is a large group of over 70s live.

Click here for details 

Community Shop Halton

In response to the current situation, Community Shop remains open and are welcoming any local families (irrespective if they aren’t a member). They are well stocked so are happy to help the community with up to 70% discount on high-street brand foods. Anyone is welcome to come along where they are able to obtain a day pass or become a member to supply them with discounted foods, variety & choice.  

For a leaflet with the location of shop click here 

Alzheimers Society

The Alzheimers Society are appealing for donations to set up a new service called 'Companion Calls'.  

 This unprecedented situation demands that they act decisively and rethink how they reach the most vulnerable people who have relied on our face to face services, and your support today will mean that they can do exactly that.

They are currently in the process of establishing a completely new service – ‘companion calls’. This will involve teams of volunteers proactively telephoning vulnerable people with dementia to chat, check on their wellbeing and, if necessary, refer them to other services like Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line. With your help they will put a virtual arm around the shoulders of people with dementia and let them know they are not alone.

To find out more and donate click here for details 

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 

In response to the current situation, Community Shop remains open and are welcoming any local families (irrespective if they aren’t a member). They are well stocked so are happy to help the community with up to 70% discount on high-street brand foods. Anyone is welcome to come along where they are able to obtain a day pass or become a member to supply them with discounted foods, variety & choice.  

Attached is a leaflet regarding the Community Shop’s location for those who require this.

Funder Statement from the Leader and Chief Executive of Halton Borough Council 

We, along with a wider group of funders, recognise that the covid-19 outbreak is an exceptional event that will have an impact on civil society groups, and want to offer reassurance that we stand with the sector during this time. We wish to be as helpful as possible during the coming weeks and months so that civil society groups can focus on the vital work of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

We understand that there will be times when staff and volunteers will not be available, when beneficiaries may need services to be provided in different ways, or when systems need to be flexible to ensure that needs are met. 

If your community, services or organisation are affected by the covid19 outbreak, and you receive grant or funding from us, we are committed to:

• Adapting activities – we recognise that you may experience difficulties achieving some of the outputs or outcomes we agreed for your grant during the outbreak, and would like to be able to maintain our grant payments to you at originally-agreed levels during this period, so please have a conversation with us if you are affected in this way;
• Discussing dates – we don’t want to add pressure, so if you think you will struggle to meet a reporting deadline please get in touch with us so that we can agree a more realistic time for you to get things to us wherever possible;
• Financial flexibility – we know you may need to use your funding to help cover sickness, purchase equipment, or deliver services differently, and we will be reasonable if you need to move money between budget headings to ensure your work can continue; and
• Listening to you – we are here if you want to talk to us about the situation you’re facing, but we’ll wait for you to call us so that these conversations are at the right time for you.

We also recognise that there may be further shocks to the system caused by covid-19 that may impact on your other income streams, or require a more urgent response from funders. Where we have any news on emergency funding we commit to publishing this on the Halton & St Helens VCA web page so you can see all available programmes in one place.

The key during this crisis is communication. If issues arise, please get in touch to discuss how we can help.

Councillor Rob Polhill - Leader

Dave Parr - Chief Executive 

(Official letter attached)

Please give urgently today to help the Alzheimers Society reach isolated and vulnerable people with dementia during this crisis.

Under Government advice, men and women in the UK over 70 – that’s around 700,000 people with dementia – will be asked to stay at home for an extensive period of time. People will be completely cut off from their families, their communities and the networks they rely on. People who live alone may be cut off from social contact completely.  This unprecedented situation demands that they act decisively and rethink how they reach the most vulnerable people who have relied on our face to face services, and your support today will mean that they can do exactly that.

They are currently in the process of establishing a completely new service – ‘companion calls’. This will involve teams of volunteers proactively telephoning vulnerable people with dementia to chat, check on their wellbeing and, if necessary, refer them to other services like Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line. With your help they will put a virtual arm around the shoulders of people with dementia and let them know they are not alone.

I’m sure you understand the urgent need to get this service up and running. They are, however, facing a significant financial deficit as a result of both COVID-19 and a massive drop in income because of the cancellation or postponing of so many fundraising events.  They are extremely grateful for all your support, which shows you care deeply about helping people with dementia. That’s why they are turning to you during this critical time.

Please will you give £50, or what you can, to help train volunteers and pay for the equipment to set up ‘companion calls’ – so that people with dementia won’t have to face this crisis alone.

They estimate the cost of training one volunteer will be around £50, and when you consider they would like to reach up to 10,000 people every week, while still maintaining most of their existing services, they hope you will understand the urgency of their request.  They know the health and wellbeing of your own loved ones will quite rightly be your top priority at this time, but if you are in a position to give today it will help them reach more people with dementia.

They are determined Alzheimer’s Society will be here for you all.

‘Companion calls’ will be a change in how they help people with dementia, and it is absolutely vital that they are up and running immediately.

So they hope you will support this urgent appeal and give £50, or what you can, today.

Please check their website regularly for the latest updates and for guidance should any of the changes to their services affect you or your loved ones.

Many thanks to Age Concern Mid Mersey who have shared a link to the ONS tool that is very useful as a detailed mapping tool to identify by UK street area, where a large number of over 70’s live.  It will allow targeted planning or areas to focus efforts. 

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/articles/wheredoover70slive/2020-03-24

Please find below the latest updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens we will continue to update you with any news and updates

From the 25th March Halton & St Helens VCA will be managing our work as follows:

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

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

You will also find below the latest updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens as we continue to update you with any news and updates.

Why is NCVO asking the government for urgent financial help for charities

While in the chancellor's announcement about salaries on Friday it was positive to hear him talk proactively about charities for the first time, and while his announcement will be very reassuring for many people, it won't actually help many charities.

Some are making decisions about redundancies and closure right now.  Supporting the national response and helping vulnerable people to cope are your first priority at the moment, but you cannot do that if you are on the brink of financial collapse.  The chancellor announced that he would pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic. This will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers and under the scheme, workers would take a leave of absence but still be paid.  This works for many businesses unable to operate during the coronavirus crisis but it doesn’t work if you're a charity, your income has collapsed but you still need to keep your doors open and services running.  A pub or bar can their shut their doors, mothball the kegs and the government will pay your wages. So it doesn't matter if you have no bar takings. But many charities need to continue caring for those in need and delivering vital public services, they cannot shut their doors and lay off staff. Now more than ever they must support people in need.

Help us make the case for financial help for charities by:

• Emailing us with details of your financial situation 
• Sharing our tweet
• Sharing your charity's story on social media using #EveryDayCounts
• Asking your local MP to support 

Sally Yeoman Chief Exective of Halton and St Helens VCA has already written to MP's in both Halton and St Helens to ask for their support so why don't you 

iCAN warning: Report businesses who are exploiting the Covid19 pandemic

The Competition and Markets Authority is monitoring business practices to identify those who are exploiting the outbreak by unfairly increasing prices or making false claims.

If you have access to the Internet you can report the issue to them using their online form

If you don’t have access to the Internet, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Please have the following information ready before you call:

• the name of the shop or website
• the name of the product
• the previous price (if known) and the new selling price
• any claim that you think is false   

If you don’t know the previous price, but you think the price has been inflated because of the pandemic, please let them know.

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

Free to attend Webinar from ACAS 

Coronavirus – An advisory webinar for employers  Monday 30 March, 2pm-3pm view details  |  register online

This online event will outline practical measures that can be taken and provides details of Government support and resources being made available to employers. Included in this session:

• Practical steps that can help reduce the spread of the virus
• Effective ways of communicating with employees
• Equipping managers with accurate information and resources
• Self-isolation, time off, sickness certification and sick pay
• What to do if an employee becomes ill
• Altering working hours, shift patterns and working arrangements
• Remote working and increasing the use of technology

Register your place

Other times and dates are available - please visit the webinars page for further information. Recordings of events will also be made available on the page.

Please note from Tuesday 24 March Jobcentres doors will be closed until further notice.

At this unprecedented time, additional steps are now being taken to protect customers and focus on ensuring their payments are in place.  It is also important that they support the critical efforts to reduce unnecessary travel, increase social distancing, protect customers and protect colleagues to ensure they can focus on making payments.  Therefore after the measures taken last week to decrease the amount of customer contact in jobcentres, they will from tomorrow be reducing face-to-face contact to an absolute minimum.

What this means: 

• Jobcentres will be closed to all but the most vulnerable cases, which can’t be completed through any other channel in order to receive timely payment. This will be by exception and the doors to the Jobcentre will remain closed except to individuals who fall into this category.
• Inside jobcentres, strict social distancing measures will be in place.
• Signs will be placed in windows asking everyone to claim online and / or over the phone. A number will be provided for those who want to speak to a colleague in the jobcentre which I will be sent out tomorrow.

“By taking this action, we protect customers and communities as we comply with government advice on social distancing; and maximise the processing capacity of jobcentres to support new claims made online or via the phone. We also reassure our people it is safe to come to work in line with social distancing policy.”

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 

iCAN warning: Report businesses who are exploiting the Covid19 pandemic

The Competition and Markets Authority is monitoring business practices to identify those who are exploiting the outbreak by unfairly increasing prices or making false claims.

If you have access to the Internet you can report the issue to them using their online form

If you don’t have access to the Internet, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Please have the following information ready before you call:

• the name of the shop or website
• the name of the product
• the previous price (if known) and the new selling price
• any claim that you think is false   

If you don’t know the previous price, but you think the price has been inflated because of the pandemic, please let them know.

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

Please find attached the latest updates for VCSE organisations in Halton and St Helens we will continue to update you with any news and updates.

Any good news to share

During these difficult times it is still good to share any good news or wish people well.  Do you have any good news stories to share then Halton Borough Council would like to share them to find out more click on the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/current-difficult-times

News from the Metro Mayor

Metro Mayor unveils first package of measures to help Liverpool City Region deal with Coronavirus.  Steve Rotheram has unveiled an initial package of measures from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority aimed at easing the Coronavirus burden on local people.

To find out more click on the link below

https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/metro-mayor-unveils-first-package-of-measures-to-help-liverpool-city-region-deal-with-coronavirus/

Update from DWP

Many thanks to our colleagues from the local DWP for their comprehensive update on the latest information from the Government

Click on the link below for more details

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/update-dwp

HMRC

Updated guidance for employers, businesses and employees is available at:

• COVID-19: support for businesses
• COVID-19: guidance for employees

Scams awareness for COVID 19- information and support

Update from Halton Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB)

Halton Safeguarding Adults Board have cancelled this year’s Scams Awareness event. Scammers are already exploiting the coronavirus situation, cashing in on people’s concerns and fears. The only reliable information on how to protect yourself, and measures to take if you think you have the virus, is available from the NHS and the UK government websites:

https:www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

and

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public.

 HSAB are already aware of the following scams, here or abroad:  

• Doorstep callers ‘checking for coronavirus’.
• Companies selling ‘fast COVID-19 tests’.
• Companies selling products that they claim can treat, cure or prevent the virus, including face masks.
• Companies selling fake cleaning products and hand sanitisers.
• Fake charities asking for donations to help with the coronavirus.
• Fake emails pretending to be from a government department.
• Companies claiming to have or to be on the verge of producing a vaccine and requiring payment to reserve a batch.
• Companies phoning to offer to clean and sanitise homes, pre-payment is required over the phone or with gift cards.
• Scammers pretending to be from the UK government, advising that a new tax refund programme has been introduced to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and that you are due a refund.
• Emails pretending to be from the World Health Organisation with attachments on how to stay safe – the attachments contain malware which will infect your computer, steal your information and result in a request for ransom.
• Scammers have circulated fake maps via email which claim to show virus outbreaks but, again, they are malware.
• Scammers offering fake investment opportunities in companies working to produce a vaccine

Don’t get caught out:

• Scammers want to steal your money or your personal information. They do this by calling unannounced at your door, phoning, texting or emailing. They will also advertise online and via social media.
• The only test available is through the NHS – you cannot buy a test kit or pay for a test from anybody else.
• There is no vaccine or cure.
• Only buy from companies that you have dealt with before and type in their online address if you want to order – don’t respond to a link in an email or find them by an internet search because scam websites could be imitating a genuine company.
• Charities must be registered with the Charity Commission (https://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/)  – check they are legitimate before you donate

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of there 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 want to join Halton Trading Standards’ iCAN free email alert system that warns of scams, doorstep crime incidents and product recalls, simply email trading.standards@halton.gov.uk and ask to join.

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

 If you are concerned about an adult who may be at risk of abuse, contact: 0151 907 8306

Please check on your elderly relatives, friends and neighbours. Some people may well be self-isolating and avoiding contact to protect themselves and this issue affects people of all ages who are in the high risk groups.

Please circulate to anyone you think may need this 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 .

.

Metro Mayor unveils first package of measures to help Liverpool City Region deal with Coronavirus

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has unveiled an initial package of measures from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority aimed at easing the Coronavirus burden on local people.

Chairing the first meeting of the Liverpool City Region Coronavirus Action Group, the Mayor announced a number of new initiatives:

• The ‘LCR Cares’ COVID 19 Community Support Fund – a new crowdfunding campaign to support community and voluntary organisations on the frontline of helping our communities cope with the spread of Coronavirus.
• Free bus travel to and from school for the children of key workers using existing Merseytravel funded supported bus services.
• Lifting the 9.30am restriction on concessionary travel for essential journeys, such as accessing designated shopping hours reserved for the elderly.
• A fund of £65,000 of business support for community and social businesses to help them cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

“Tackling a challenge of this scale requires everybody to come together and do all that we can to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, and mitigate the economic, social and health impacts it will have.

“This obviously requires support from government – and we’ve seen the start of that this week, though we await further announcements – but there are things we can do locally as well. I want to do all that I can to help support local people, businesses and community organisations through this uncertainty.”

Mayor Rotheram was speaking as he chaired a special City Region COVID-19 action group meeting.

The group brings together representatives from the Local Resilience Forum, local council leaders, the emergency services, Public Health England, local MPs from all political parties and other key local organisations.

Praising the work of emergency services, the NHS, local councils, and everyone keeping transport, the grocery sector and pharmacies open, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region added:

“We are lucky to have so many brilliant frontline staff working flat out to combat COVID-19 and I want to thank them for everything they are doing.

“I hope the public will be reassured, as I am, that a multi-agency response is under way right across the city region and everyone is pulling together to protect the 1.6 million people who rely on us.

“We all know we are in for an extremely difficult time in the next few days, weeks and, potentially, many months. We know it will be hard, but I also know that if we work together, and look out for each other, we will get through this.” 

The LCR Cares COVID 19 Community Support Fund website page is now open for donations from the public.  Just go to  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/  and search for LCRCares or www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcrcares

Early next week, a simple and speedy processes for organisations to access those funds will be in place.

Speaking about the fund, The Metro Mayor added:

“There is some unbelievable work going on from organisations at the heart of our communities to help keep those communities afloat in these testing times. I am launching the LCR Cares Fund to give those groups the financial support that they need to carry on their invaluable work.

“I know that some people are unsure of their own financial situations at the moment but, to those who can afford it, I would ask them to give whatever you can. Every donation will help some wonderful organisations continue the brilliant work they are doing to help protect the vulnerable in our region.”

Liverpool City Region Coronavirus Action Group

Chaired by the Metro Mayor, the task force brings together representatives from the Local Resilience Forum, which includes local council leaders, the emergency services, and Public Health England, as well as MPs from all political parties and other key local organisations.

Its role is not to replace existing resilience structures, but to provide the region with a single voice to lobby government for the action and to support co-ordinated action to help our communities, businesses and public services.

Free school bus travel

 From Monday 23 March, we will allow free travel on Merseytravel contracted bus services to provide at least some practical financial support to the families of essential workers.  This also supports reducing the risk to drivers of handling cash, given that contactless payments are more difficult/not an option for some young people.  This is for Merseytravel contracted services to schools only. 

 9.30am concessionary travel restrictions 

 Restrictions will be scrapped from Monday, 23 March and continue until the end of 2020 and will enable people over 60 to take advantage of moves by major supermarkets to open early for the elderly and vulnerable, as well as encouraging them to get out and get active when the current crisis is over.

The announcement comes after agreement was reached with Stagecoach, Arriva, Merseyrail, Northern and Transpennine Express and other bus operators.

Commenting further on the announcement, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“We are absolutely committed to doing all that we can to protect the city region’s residents and make their lives as comfortable as possible during this difficult period.

“As some of the major supermarkets move towards introducing golden hours for the elderly, first thing in the morning, we felt it was only right to introduce this flexibility which will, for example, allow older people to avail themselves of the opportunity to shop for essentials in a safer environment, as well as enabling them to get out and about when things get back to normal.

“The advice remains that older people, and particularly the over-70s, should only use public transport when absolutely necessary and that they should continue to follow the guidance around staying at home and socially distancing themselves.”

LCR Cares COVID 19 Community Support Fund

 The Community Foundation for Merseyside will manage the LCRcares Fund on behalf of the Metro Mayor and Liverpool City Region.

The Community Foundation for Merseyside is a registered charity and over the past 20 years has distributed in excess of £40m to grass root community groups and charities across the Liverpool City Region and has a strong track record, expert team and long held reputation for ensuring funding is provided to the most vulnerable.

Chief Executive, Rae Brooke said:

“We are delighted to be managing the LCRcares Fund and will ensure much needed funding is provided where there’s most need and where it will have greatest impact. Many who have the capacity to support financially will want to do that in this exceptional time of need. This is when the best of community spirit can be demonstrated and everyone can make a real difference to the lives of others.”

To donate to the LCR Cares Fund please make payments via:

1. Bank Transfer.

Name: CFLM core

Sort code: 09 07 20

A/C: 02472775

Ref: LCRcares

1. Search “LCRCares” at https://www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ or visit liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcrcares

 Social businesses support fund

 In October 2019, Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham announced a fund to support Socially Trading Organisations. The Combined Authority has been working with Power to Change and local stakeholders to develop the fund which is due to be launched later this year. Given the huge pressure Socially Trading Organisations are now under, we will be releasing £65,000 in funding early to provide tailored business support now.

 Vidhya Alakeson, CEO of Power to Change as Project Sponsor of Kindred, said:

“On behalf of the founding team of Kindred, we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in these incredibly challenging times to support the City Region’s highly valued socially trading organisations, including community businesses. Kindred is about supporting the needs of STOs working in the City Region’s communities, and this pre-launch Kindred work will provide non-financial collaborating communities business support for STO needs at this time, backed by Power to Change and the Combined Authority. We recognise that the work of STOs, including community businesses, is particularly critical at this time of national crisis as they provide support to some of the most vulnerable communities in LCR.”

Updates from DWP 

Latest update 24th March 2020 

Please note from Tuesday 24 March Jobcentres doors will be closed until further notice.

At this unprecedented time, additional steps are now being taken to protect customers and focus on ensuring their payments are in place.  It is also important that they support the critical efforts to reduce unnecessary travel, increase social distancing, protect customers and protect colleagues to ensure they can focus on making payments.  Therefore after the measures taken last week to decrease the amount of customer contact in jobcentres, they will from tomorrow be reducing face-to-face contact to an absolute minimum.

What this means: 

• Jobcentres will be closed to all but the most vulnerable cases, which can’t be completed through any other channel in order to receive timely payment. This will be by exception and the doors to the Jobcentre will remain closed except to individuals who fall into this category.
• Inside jobcentres, strict social distancing measures will be in place.
• Signs will be placed in windows asking everyone to claim online and / or over the phone. A number will be provided for those who want to speak to a colleague in the jobcentre which I will be sent out tomorrow.

“By taking this action, we protect customers and communities as we comply with government advice on social distancing; and maximise the processing capacity of jobcentres to support new claims made online or via the phone. We also reassure our people it is safe to come to work in line with social distancing policy.”

Update 23rd March 2020

Following on from the recent Government announcements surrounding the Coronavirus attached are some updated details below with may help with any enquiries you get with regards to DWP managing the Coronavirus current position

Attached is the link to Gov.uk regarding making a claim to benefits – this page will be being updated regularly. It is advised not to print this information, but rather check the webpages regularly due to the fast moving changes in advice.

           https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

           https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/

 They have been asked to clarify the situation of Face to Face Health assessments. attached is the link to Gov.uk which clarifies that medicals will be suspended for 3 months! The official stance is;-

Face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits will be suspended for the next 3 months, the government announced today (16 March 2020).

The temporary move, effective on Tuesday 17 March 2020, is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the country’s response ramps up in the ‘delay’ phase. We will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.

It affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), those on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and some on Universal Credit, and recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Full details can be found in the link attached - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-to-face-health-assessments-for-benefits-suspended-amid-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_source=a80f6336-b581-4a77-815c-17fdf1f1eb40&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate  

Face to face activity - DWP are also reviewing wider customer activity, with a view to limiting face-to-face activity while prioritising support for our most vulnerable customers.

There was a Touchbase released last week that also details information regarding the Coronavirus – If you are not signed up to receive these emails you may want to consider it as it keeps you up to date.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/touchbase-dwp-news-about-work-working-age-benefits-and-services

You may also want to keep an eye on the Gov.uk News and Communications Page

https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications?organisations%5B%5D=department-for-work-pensions

Locally:-

• The DWP are focusing their efforts to ensure people can make new claims and get paid on time. Processes are now in place to help the most vulnerable and those who are affected by Coronavirus - this will mean that appropriate customers should not have to immediately attend the Jobcentre and any actions be completed by phone. Face to Face Verification appointments for these customers will be suspended as checks will be made during the claim process (via Biographical Identity verification)  and they will seek to verify all the evidence later.   
• From, Friday 20th March, all face to face interviews for UC, Legacy and New Style Benefits will be temporarily suspended. They expect this measure will be in effect for the foreseeable It means that customers can be confident they will continue to be paid during this unprecedented outbreak.
• They are having regular meetings and tele-kits  and things could change quickly and they will let us know as soon as possible if this happens

National Telephony Teams

As a result of the increased measures the Government have put in place to limit the spread of Coronavirus, the DWP Third Party Helpline is currently operating at a reduced level. When contacting the Helpline, they ask that you display patience and they will endeavour to answer your call as quickly as they can.

As a reminder, listed below are the queries that the Third Party Helpline can & can’t respond to.

What DWP Third Party Payments Telephony Team are able to do:-

• deal with queries from creditors/suppliers relating to payment schedules (date of first payment, amount, assessment period)  
• issue duplicate schedules if not received after 5 working days
• give general advice to third parties on how set up deductions
• provide advice on changing creditor details via the creditor handbook on GOV.UK
• complete referral to set up electronic schedules
• refer complex queries regarding schedule issues for investigation
• stop a payment at request of DWP colleagues

For private landlords only rent arrears are paid under the Third Party Deduction Scheme.

Before you call for queries relating to payment schedules, you can check with your Finance teams to see if they have details of the schedule you are enquiring about. You may get the answer you need without having to consider contacting them. 

 What DWP Third Party Payments Telephony Team are not able to do:-

• deal with private landlords unless they have been set up with a creditor reference number
• check for missing payments on invoices if the creditor has not checked with their finance team prior to calling
• speak to benefit claimants
• deal with queries regarding Debt Management issues
• deal with Social Fund deductions
• stop a payment/deduction at request of customer or creditor
• provide any update on UC47 progress
• provide any information on progress of deductions set up
• answer any queries regarding Managed Payment to a Landlord (these must be directed to the Universal Credit Service Centre)

VCA would like to thank Runcorn Job Centre for keeping us updated during these difficult times which are changing rapidly.

Message from Halton Borough Council

I understand that some of your services will be under immense pressure now and during the coming weeks. However… We are looking for ways in which our services can provide for those who may be in difficulty or looking for something a bit different.

To that end, we are hoping technology can come to our aid.  In the next week or so we are looking to the libraries to see if we can do an online storytime” for kids off school, or perhaps some kind of online reading or blogs etc. That’s in the bag.  For adults and children we were hoping that, on the back of #HaltOnLonliness we could persuade groups or individuals to make their own short up-beat or well-wishing videos from care homes, childrens venues or anywhere else we can think of.

If they use the hashtag #haltonloneliness we can then track it and repost the great ones through our own social media sites using the same hashtag. We can currently monitor/track twitter, facebook and Instagram (not tiktok or snapchat) Lets try and put smiles on some faces!

If we can get people to start posting next week, that would be brilliant.

Can you please pass this message on to anyone who is in contact with adults/ children’s groups, sports, aged, walkers etc and anyone else you can think of to get the message out that we want good news, happy news or just something to make people smile to try and keep Haltons residents  in high spirits during what appear to be tricky times.

Thanks

IAIN BISSET
HALTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

We want our members to know that we know how difficult things are currently with putting your own plans in place & thinking about how you continue to provide much needed support. As well as doing that ourselves we are working with local public sector partners in the 2 Boroughs and across the LCR. It's a worrying time and we know not just because of health. We are working with @vs6news and other colleagues to do all we can to make financial support available to respond to the emergency and to make sure groups don't close. Please continue to work with us to tell us what's going on for you and to let us know what help you are likely to need. Stay safe & well from all of us @HSHVCA

In the past few days we have been doing a number of things.

Supporting local resilience planning in Halton & St Helens - there have been initial meetings with a few key organisations about emergency plans and arrangements but we will be trying to share information on our website and to keep you up to date with who you need to connect to and how you can get involved. We will attempt to connect more groups into this over the next few days, once we have organised our capacity at VCA

Volunteering - as part of the above we have mobilised at short notice our new volunteering portal to attempt to provide a central resource for people wanting to help out and for groups to get support they might need over the next few months. It wasn’t ready and so it’s taken a mammoth effort by our staff to get this off the ground.

Influencing - we know that the anxiety is not just about health and our local sector is not as resilient as it once was. We are working with both Councils and with our colleagues at a Liverpool City Region level to make sure the sector and its needs are considered in emergency plans and can access funding to build capacity and ensure resilience.

Getting ourselves ready - like everyone else we need to put some plans in place in case we need to work from home. We will still be here and available but won’t necessarily have St Maries or our office at the Beacon open to the public.

Our work at Warrington & Halton Hospital - working with our partners there to develop a plan.

We know you need information and we will do our best to start sending a weekly update on any key issues. Please flag up anything you think we need to do or include in these. In the next day or two we have a more detailed note about who at VCA is leading what and how you contact us to get engaged or involved.

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 .

We are expecting Government guidance soon on volunteering and how we can all help out safely.

If you aren’t on twitter I would suggest now is the time to join. It will help you keep up to date with our posts but also what’s happening in the sector and local authorities quickly and easily.

Finally we have a number of things on our website to try and pull together information relevant for groups. There are 2 web forms there asking what you are doing so we can update the local offer and asking what emergency help or support you might need either to do more or to stay afloat as a result of having to close or cease temporarily.

Stay safe and keep in touch with us

Sally Yeoman

Chief Officer

The Royal Mail is useless at publicising postage increases, so whenever rates are going to go up I send out an update. If you still use postage stamps, this gives you a chance to save money by buying generic 1st and 2nd class stamps (without a money value on them) before the increase, and continuing to use them afterwards.

From Monday 23 March:

• Standard letters up to & including 100g: 1st class up 6p from 70p to 76p; 2nd class up 4p from 61p to 65p.
• Large letters up to & including 100g: 1st class up 9p from £1.06 to £1.15; 2nd class up 5p from 83p to 88p.
• Small parcels up to & including 1kg: 1st class up 15p from £3.55 to £3.70; 2nd class up 10p from £3.00 to £3.10.
• Small parcels up to & including 2kg: 1st class up 7p from £5.50 to £5.57; 2nd class up 10p from £3.00 to £3.10.
• Medium parcels up to & including 1kg: 1st class up 10p from £5.80 to £5.90; 2nd class up 10p from £5.10 to £5.20.
• Medium parcels up to & including 2kg: 1st class up 7p from £8.95 to £9.02, 2nd class up 10p from £5.10 to £5.20.
• International letters or postcards to anywhere outside the UK, up to & including 10g, go up 7p from £1.35 to £1.42 because of an increase in overseas delivery costs. For letters up to 20g the cost goes up 7p from £1.35 to £1.42 for Europe, and up 8p from £1.55 to £1.63 for world zones 1 & 2. Up to 100g the cost goes up 8p from £1.60 to £1.68 for Europe and up 12p from £2.30 to £2.42 for world zones 1 & 2.

These are the main changes for the most common sizes, and are the largest increases since 2012. Full details of all new rates, including for franking machines, are at https://www.royalmail.com/prices2020.

The guide for sending items using postage stamps is at https://tinyurl.com/ww3c3ft.

Non-value indicator (generic) stamps with 1st or 2nd on them rather than a money amount remain valid for that class of postage, regardless of when they were purchased. So if you still use postage stamps, there's nothing to stop you from stocking up before the increase. For confirmation that this is OK, see the MoneySavingExpert blog at https://tinyurl.com/soedmpw. This is from 2012 but the law hasn't changed.

Apex Charitable Trust is having a Young Womans Day on March 20th 2020 11am -3pm.

A day of wellbeing for young woman aged 16-25

Plan Bee Community Coffee Shop is opening for Mother's Day, the idea behind the day is that they are open for anybody who may struggle on this day and may not want to be alone, they are opening their doors to children without mothers, mothers and grandmothers without their children and grandchildren. Come along and spend the day with them at Plan Bee Community Coffee Shop.

Sunday 22^nd March

1-3pm

£11 adult

£7 child

Booking Essential Call: 07787 789 479

Child Bereavement UK in partnership with Willowbrook Hospice are offering monthly drop in sessions providing an opportunity for bereaved families and professionals to find out about the support and training Child Bereavement UK can offer, when a child dies or when a child grieves.

First Friday of each month, 3-5pm. No need to book. Free parking available.

The Living Well, Borough Rd, St Helens WA10 3RN

Apex Charitable Trust/Plan Bee community Coffee shop

St Helens, Merseyside                 

Vacancy for cook

Plan Bee is a fully trading community coffee shop offering high quality food and drinks whilst also providing employment opportunities and career advancement for people who have a criminal record.

Apex Trust help people with a criminal record to move forward with their lives and volunteer within Plan Bee, enabling them to learn new skills and develop work experience, including barista skills, cookery skills, customer service and food hygiene.

They are looking for someone who is reliable, trustworthy and enthusiastic about delivering a high-quality product to customers.

Role:  Plan Bee is looking to recruit a full time cook/caterer 

Hours:  negotiable (Job share maybe an option)

Experience and Skills: Experience within catering/kitchen setting is required, knowledge of allergens is preferred and Level 3 Food Safety is essential.

Pay Type: Hourly

Contract Type:  9-month fixed term (subject to further funding)

Job Purpose: Based in North Road, St Helens. 

• Preparing & cooking fresh food, whilst supervising and training volunteers within a small kitchen area and serving customers.
• Producing healthy and nutritious meals.
• Catering for vegans/vegetarians and catering for people with allergies to certain foods.
• Keeping all areas of kitchen clean and tidy, training and supervising volunteers.
• Basic numeracy and literacy required.

Working Pattern: between 8.30am 4.00pm, 4 day’s per week (flexibility to work weekends when required)

Salary: £9.50 per hour

Minimum Qualification Comments: Level 3 Food Safety

Role & Responsibilities

They are looking for the right person to join the team at Plan Bee Community Coffee Shop; be that either two part-time team members or one full time. Previous experience preferred in working in the retail/cafe industry.

One of the main objectives of Plan Bee is to maintain a buzzing coffee shop with good vibes and enjoyable experience to customers by offering great food and beverages. They'd like you to hold the same values as they do regarding looking after customers at all ages within the community, whilst upholding the aims and objectives of the charity.

Your main responsibilities would include;

• Stock management/ordering.
• Menu planning
• Food prep and cooking of food in the kitchen
• Supervising/Training volunteers
• Cleaning down between peak times to keep the space organised and efficient
• High standards to food safety and health & safety
• Working with the management team to ensure kitchen compliance is upheld.

The ability to use initiative and work independently is required.  Basic DBS check will be required.

Closing date 20th March 2020 – Interview’s will take place on Monday 30th March 2020.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV to their Business Development Manager – Leanne Corkery L.corkery@apextrust.com  or call her to have an informal discussion on 07788 678051

Cabbage Hall  Community Allotment CIC have a fantastic open space that they want to share with their community, but they need volunteers to help.  If you fancy volunteering your time, then there is something to suit everyone!  They meet every Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm, but someone can often be found pottering about most days, just message them and they can meet you.  

Do you have any of these skills?

1. Green fingered:  Maybe you would like to get involved with the growing aspect of the allotment, you like growing but don't have enough time to commit to an allotment of your own, you are on a waiting list for an allotment and those green fingers are itching! or you just want to dip your toe in the water and see if allotment life is for you.
2. Creative:  Designing and creating new things to decorate the Garden.  Activities for young gardeners or group activities.
3. Practical: From basic woodwork, to wheelbarrow wielding, there is a lot to do on the practical front.
4. Friendly:  They never underestimate the skills it takes to just talk to people, make a brew and build on the amazing community spirit.
5. Funding:  Funding allows them to create an even more vibrant and creative community, so any bid writing or fundraising skills are appreciated.
6. Donating;  If you are a local business and want to donate materials, expertise or even money to help build a better garden, then please let them know.
7. Social media:  They do a lot online, from face booking to twittering, so if you have any digital skills, then they can use you.
8. Group:  If you are a group and would like to use their space please contact them.  There is a small fee to help with running costs.

If you have other skills to offer then please do get in touch, but please don't feel you have to be an expert in anything to join in.  Volunteering isn't just limited to one day, they can always work around that if you have other commitments.

If you want to join in or want more information then contact them on 

Email: cabbagehallcic@gmail.com

Twitter: @cabbage_hall

Phone: 07940955223

They are based at Cabbage Hall Community Allotment, Cabbage Hall, Hard Lane, St Helens, WA10 6NY

Giving World is a registered charity. They redirect new business end-of-line and discontinued stock (e.g. warm clothing, food, toiletries) for free to the most deprived communities in the UK.
Their evidence indicates charities across the UK are struggling to meet the increasing level of need in their communities and that beneficiaries face multiple and complex problems. Amongst the highest are loneliness, unemployment, low income, homelessness, and mental health needs.

With the removal of institutional safety nets there is now a greater need than ever to draw people in to safety.

You can help your clients and beneficiaries by registering with Giving World and accessing free resources for people you help and your charity. Giving World partner charities tell them that the goods help to:

• Extend services - The goods provided by Giving World enable charities to diversify their approach and meet the needs of their local communities. 
• Reach more people – Life essential goods are a unique source of recruitment for the hard to reach, drawing in those in need who are not actively seeking support e.g. those suffering with addiction
• Increase charity capacity – Increased reach and awareness of the charity can attract more volunteers and funding. Many beneficiaries go on to give back by volunteering themselves. 

To access free goods register at www.givingworld.org.uk or you can contact Louise on 0116 251 6051

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

The LCVS Community Impact Fund helps voluntary sector organisations and registered charities do even more to build stronger communities across Merseyside. The current round of funding will close on Friday 6 March 2020, so get your application in now.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £3,000 for projects that meet one or more of the fund’s four main priority areas:

•             Health

•             Education

•             Income stability

•             Arts and culture

Applications are assessed on the impact that the project will have on the lives of those who benefit. LCVS is looking for projects that help make a change for those most in need. For this round, they are particularly interested in projects that target and offer support to parents and families.

Organisations wishing to apply must be registered charities, or have charitable aims as part of their governing document, and must be able to register with the Charity Commission if their income exceeds £5,000.

Community Interest Companies (CICs) can apply, but there is detailed guidance for more information about specific criteria for CICs.

Follow this link to visit the Community Impact Fund page and find out how to apply.

https://www.lcvs.org.uk/grants/community-impact-fund/

NAVCA, have a produced a new blog about "Marmot Review: 10 Years on".  

To mark the 10-year anniversary of the landmark study of health inequalities, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE) has launched Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On, commissioned by the Health Foundation.

The report examines progress over the past decade in addressing health inequalities in England and proposes recommendations for future action. The report also looks at the social determinants of health through policy areas outside the traditional 'health and social care' sector, including early years and education, work and income, housing, places and communities.

While there has been progress in some areas since 2010's Fair Society, Healthy Lives, there is growing evidence that health inequalities are widening and life expectancy is stalling. Te review finds that the more deprived the area, the shorter the life expectancy. There are marked regional differences in life expectancy, particularly among people living in more deprived areas.

The original Marmot Report contained recommendations for action in six key areas for Government:

• Give every child the best start in life
• Enable all children young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives
• Create employment and good work for all
• Ensure healthy standard of living for all
• Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities
• Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention

The 2020 Review demands six actions from government:

• Develop a national strategy for action on the social determinants of health with the aim of reducing inequalities.
• Ensure proportionate universal allocation of resources and implementation of policies: “changes to funding allocations and cuts to benefits have disproportionately affected poorer areas and communities and have been greatest in the North. Reversing these losses requires funding and action to be greater in those areas which have lost most, but universal as all areas have suffered cuts and widening inequalities.”
• Early intervention to prevent health inequalities, through acting on the recommendations from the original Marmot Review.
• Develop the social determinants of health workforce, building on successful partnership working with ‘non-health’ groups including the police, fire and rescue service, housing and education workforces.
• Engage the public: “The public and political debate on health needs to move towards the social determinants and away from the overwhelming focus on individual behaviours and health care; this will help shift political focus and lead to greater investment and action on social determinants.” This is a key area where the voluntary and community sector can use their networks and credibility to help.
• Develop whole systems monitoring and strengthen accountability for health inequalities: again, a call for the Government to be more accountable, by establishing clear targets to bring up health standards in areas where health inequalities are at their highest – particularly the deprived areas of the north of England up to the levels of good health in London and the South. If the government is serious about its ambition of ‘levelling up’ this is the place to start.

A decade of austerity has seen drastic cuts to local government funding, which is tasked with funding the social determinants that can improve health and reduce inequalities. Considering whether austerity is the reason for the worsening health picture, Professor Sir Michael Marmot said it was “highly likely” that austerity cuts are responsible for the “life expectancy flat-lining, people’s health deteriorating and the widening of health inequalities.” He writes in the foreword to the report:

“From rising child poverty and the closure of children’s centres, to declines in education funding, an increase in precarious work and zero hours contracts, to a housing affordability crisis and a rise in homelessness, to people with insufficient money to lead a healthy life and resorting to food banks in large numbers, to ignored communities with poor conditions and little reason for hope… austerity will cast a long shadow over the lives of the children born and growing up under its effects.”

You can read a summary of the report including comments from the Health Secretary and Shadow Health Secretary on the Politics Home website and you can access the full report from the Institute of Health Equity website.

The full piece from Jane Ide, NAVCA's CEO, can be found by clicking the link below:

https://navca.org.uk/news-and-views/f/we-still-have-hope---the-marmot-review-10-years-on

Acas have released new and updated guidance for employers and employees. This includes guidance on handling coronavirus at work:

In case coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads more widely in the UK, employers should consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff.

It's good practice for employers to:

• keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
• make sure everyone's contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
• make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace develops the virus
• make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
• provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them
• consider if protective face masks might help for people working in particularly vulnerable situations
• consider if any travel planned to affected areas is essential

Employers must not single anyone out. For example, they must not treat an employee differently because of their race or ethnicity.

Sick pay

The workplace's usual sick leave and pay entitlements apply if someone has coronavirus.

Employees should let their employer know as soon as possible if they're not able to go to work.

Pay if someone has to go into self-isolation

The government has made clear that if NHS 111 or a doctor advises an employee or worker to self-isolate, they’re entitled to statutory sick pay. If the employer offers contractual sick pay, it’s good practice to provide this.

The employer might need to be flexible if they require evidence from the employee or worker. For example, someone might not be able to provide a sick note ('fit note') if they've been told to self-isolate for 14 days.

The employee must tell their employer as soon as possible if they cannot work. It's helpful to let the employer know the reason and how long they are likely to be off for.

Find out more about:

• NHS 111
• self-isolating on GOV.UK

If an employee is not sick but the employer tells them not to come to work

If an employee is not sick but their employer tells them not to come to work, they should get their usual pay. For example, if someone has returned from China or another affected area and their employer asks them not to come in.

If an employee needs time off work to look after someone

Employees are entitled to time off work to help someone who depends on them (a 'dependant') in an unexpected event or emergency. This would apply to situations to do with coronavirus. For example:

• if they have children they need to look after or arrange childcare for because their school has closed
• to help their child or another dependant if they're sick, or need to go into isolation or hospital

There's no statutory right to pay for this time off, but some employers might offer pay depending on the contract or workplace policy.
 
The amount of time off an employee takes to look after someone must be reasonable for the situation. For example, they might take 2 days off to start with, and if more time is needed, they can book holiday.
 
Find out more about:

• sick pay
• time off for dependants

If employees do not want to go to work

Some people might feel they do not want to go to work if they're afraid of catching coronavirus.

An employer should listen to any concerns staff may have.

If there are genuine concerns, the employer must try to resolve them to protect the health and safety of their staff. For example, if possible, the employer could offer flexible working.

If an employee still does not want to go in, they may be able to arrange with their employer to take the time off as holiday or unpaid leave. The employer does not have to agree to this.

If an employee refuses to attend work, it could result in disciplinary action.

Find out more about absence from work.

If someone becomes unwell at work

If someone becomes unwell in the workplace and has recently come back from an area affected by coronavirus, they should:

• get at least 2 metres (7 feet) away from other people
• go to a room or area behind a closed door, such as a sick bay or staff office
• avoid touching anything
• cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin, or if they do not have tissues, cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbow
• use a separate bathroom from others, if possible

The unwell person should use their own mobile phone to call either:

• 111, for NHS advice
• 999, if they’re seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk

They should tell the operator:

• their symptoms
• which country they've returned from in the last 14 days

If someone with coronavirus comes to work

If someone with coronavirus comes to work, the workplace does not necessarily have to close.

The local Public Health England (PHE) health protection team will get in contact with the employer to:

• discuss the case
• identify people who have been in contact with the affected person
• carry out a risk assessment
• advise on any actions or precautions to take

Find out more about PHE health protection teams on GOV.UK.

The process may be different in Scotland and Wales. For more advice, see:

• Health Protection Scotland (HPS)
• Welsh Government

If the employer needs to close the workplace

Currently it's very unlikely that an employer will need to close their workplace.
 
But they should still plan in case they need to close temporarily. For example, making sure staff have a way to communicate with the employer and other people they work with.

Where work can be done at home, the employer could:

• ask staff who have work laptops or mobile phones to take them home so they can carry on working 
• arrange paperwork tasks that can be done at home for staff who do not work on computers

Find out more about homeworking.

In some situations, an employer might need to close down their business for a short time. Unless it says in the contract or is agreed otherwise, they still need to pay their employees for this time.

If the employer thinks they'll need to do this, it's important to talk with staff as early as possible and throughout the closure.

The full guidance can be found, including links to other useful information, by clicking the link below:

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

A consultation on whether to move to electing all ward councillors once every four years is now taking place.

Currently one third of St Helens Council ward councillors are elected each year, one from each ward, in a three out of every four-year cycle.

But the public could choose to instead opt to have one election to select all the ward councillors at the same time.

The next ward councillor elections would then take place four years later after all councillors have served their four-year term.

The advantages and disadvantages of each of the proposed electoral cycles as well as frequently asked questions can be found in the attachment below. 

The consultation will run from Friday, February 28 to Monday 23rd March to take part please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/council/public-consultation/

A decision on the electoral cycle will be made at a special council meeting on April 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike King on the details below:

Mike King
Interim Policy Manager
St Helens Council
01744 676 594
michaelking@sthelens.gov.uk

The next St Helens VCSE Forum meeting will be on Monday 23rd March at 10am to 12 noon at the Beacon Building, College Street, St Helens.  We are bringing key partners together to connect with the sector to provide and share key developments on St Helens Cares and we will update on key work and initiatives in St Helens.   

To book a place click on the link below

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=324&reset=1

Minutes of previous meetings can be found at 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/st-helens-vcse-forum

Halton and St Helens VCA have established the Halton VCSE Forum to bring together key partners to connect with the sector to provide and share key developments on One Halton and we will also update on key work and initiatives in Halton.  The next meeting is on Monday 20th April 2020 at our Widnes office on Lugsdale Road, Widnes from 10am to 12 noon. 

To attend please register using the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=323

Previous meeting minutes can be found at the link below

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/halton-vcse-forum

Age UK Mid Mersey have a number of volunteer roles that they are seeking support with at their Mansion House site in St Helens.  The are looking for Hopsitialities Assistants, receptionist and group helpers.

Hospitality / Housekeeping Assistants

Aims: To assist in the coffee shop / Bistro at the Mansion House Site, undertaking various tasks;  meeting/greeting clients, operating the till, taking orders, serve pre-prepared food, serving drinks, laying out and clearing tables, help with cleaning duties and maintaining a high standard of hygiene.

Volunteer attributes.

• Be of a friendly, cheerful disposition
• Demonstrate good oral communication and numeracy skills
• Be honest, reliable and adaptable to undertake the variety of tasks involved
• Work under pressure at busy time
• Work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate an understanding of keeping a food environment scrupulously clean
• Work within strict health and safety guidelines at all times

Receptionist

Aims: To act as the first point of contact wit clients, answering and directing telephone calls and greeting visitors. 

Volunteer attributes.

• responsible, committed people who are able to deal with enquiries and clients efficiently
• good listeners with a calm and sympathetic manner
• confidentiality at all times
• good telephone and administrative skills
• an ability to work as part of a team

Social Inclusion / Group Helper

Aims: To work with the Service Co-ordinators to help facilitate groups at various venues across the Boroughs of St Helens, Halton and at the community centre in Roby, Huyton.    Encourage and help older people to participate fully in the activities.  Help serve refreshments and facilitate bingo, raffle etc.

Volunteer attributes.

• Good communication skills
• A caring and friendly disposition
• Honest and reliable
• Have a good understanding of and empathy with older people

To find out more contact Shelley Brown on 01744 414440

We have very kindly been dontated a large collection of vintage knitting patterns and books, knitting kneedles and also a sewing / knitting box.  Are you a craft group / knitting group that could make use of them?  They are currenlty on display at our Widnes office and are free to anyone who would like them, they can be collected Monday to Friday 10 am to 4pm, no need to book.  There are some photo's below of the collection.

At the first VS6  meeting of 2020, the partnership discussed plans for a Liverpool City Region Assembly where representatives from the VCFSE sector would be introduced to the work of VS6 and invited to contribute to a Manifesto for the sector ahead of the Metro Mayor election in May 2020.

To assist with the Manifesto, the partnership agreed to undertake a survey of the VCFSE sector across the Liverpool City region, asking them about their priorities over the next four years and what values they feel are important.

This manifesto will be used as the basis for a Metro Mayoral Hustings event to take place in March which the partnership agreed to host. This will see the candidates from major parties questioned on issues relating the VCFSE sector and asked to sign up to our manifesto. Steve Rotheram has confirmed he will be attending.

Finally, the partnership discussed and reviewed the work undertaken in 2019 and agreed to plan further events and activities for 2020.

For More Information About VS6 and previous meetings, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vs6-working-together-build-stronger-liverpool-city-region

Offload is coming to St Helens with Rugby League Cares and Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF).

The hugely successful men’s mental fitness programme run by the independent charity Rugby League Cares, will kick-off at the home of the Betfred Super League champions at 5.45pm on 4th March 2020.

Offload is a health initiative designed by RL Cares with input from State of Mind and is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund in Warrington, Widnes and Salford. It helps men tackle issues such as depression and anxiety and to develop coping strategies to successfully manage the crises we all face in everyday life.

Staged over 10 weekly ‘fixtures’, Offload is presented by former Rugby League players and officials who share their experiences of dealing with pressure, health problems and challenging situations.

Offload fixtures at St Helens will also feature input from OK TO ASK, a campaign which aims to break down the stigma of talking about suicide.

St Helens has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK – 75 people in the borough have taken their own lives in the last three years – and OK TO ASK focuses on the life-saving conversations anyone could have with someone thinking of suicide.

Liam Parker, Health Projects Manager at RL Cares, said: “Offload has a proven track-record of both changing and saving lives and we are delighted to have opportunity to deliver our programme to the people of St Helens.

“Over 1,000 men across the North West have already attended Offload fixtures and we know from the feedback they have given us what a positive difference it makes to the quality of not only their lives, but the lives of their families and the people around them.

“Working in partnership with Saints Community Development Foundation, St Helens Borough Council and the OK TO ASK campaign will enable us to continue that good work and empower more men to be able to cope, and talk comfortably, about important health issues.”

Chris Chamberlain, Project and Finance Manager at Saints Foundation, said: “After extensive consultation and understanding the local needs from across St Helens, it became evident that Offload would be great to support people within St Helens.

“Saints Foundation has been working hard behind the scenes with partners at the Local Authority and Rugby League Cares to bring Offload to St Helens. This is an extremely positive project which has worked well in other local areas and we are pleased to bring Offload to St Helens”.

Offload has already acquired national recognition for the successful way it has engaged men in what is traditionally a taboo health subject since it was launched in 2017.

Since then, Offload has made a positive impact on the lives of the men who have attended fixtures run at Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings.

Earlier this month, Offload was nominated for a prestigious ‘Sport for Social Change Award’ at the 2019 British Journalist Sport Awards: the programme was also highly rated in an independent evaluation conducted by health experts at Edge Hill University.

That report found that men who have completed a set of Offload fixtures:

• Have a better understanding of how to look after their mental and physical fitness;
• Have more positive and effective strategies to cope in tough times;
• Are more resilient and more able to handle setbacks;
• Have a stronger and bigger support network;
• Have better relationships at home;
• Have increased aspirations about being in work and/or training;
• Have started volunteering more.

Offload fixtures at St Helens are aimed at men aged 16 and over, are free to attend and will take place at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

For more information on Offload at St Helens, or to sign up to the programme, please contact Saints Community Development Foundation at OFFLOAD@SAINTSRLFC.COM.

For more information about Offload please visit www.rugbyleaguecares.org

The Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have launched a campaign to recruit young people between the ages of 18-27 to join a new youth board for the organisation.

The youth board is being set up to give young people living in the sub-region the opportunity to express their values in order to influence the future of Cheshire and Warrington at an exciting and challenging time.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who fits into this demographic to build on their CV as well as having an influence on some of the positive changes that are being made to their home – Cheshire and Warrington. They will learn fantastic skills such as; teamworking, decision making, communicating, networking as well as having hands on experience in the corporate world.

For more information and to apply: http://www.cheshireandwarringtonyouthboard.com/

Closing Date: 13^th March 2020 

This February and March come along to the Apex Women’s Hub at 13-15 North Road St Helens to experience some fantastic life coaching by Michelle Burrows of Get Inspired Coaching.

Michelle is a personal growth specialist who is a regular contributor to the Wednesday Women’s Hub delivering both active and mindful sessions which focus on health and wellbeing.

During February and March Michelle will be at the hub on Friday afternoons between 1 and 3pm coaching women to focus on how and when to achieve their aspirations.

Sessions are open to all women living in St Helens, are free of charge and include refreshments.

Call Elvira on 01744 612898 or 07587 228 142 for more details.

This April, nature enthusiasts are being asked to join international efforts to find and document the wildlife living in cities by taking part in the 5th international City Nature Challenge. Between the 24th and 27th April 2020, more than 250 cities will be competing in the Challenge to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species and get the most people involved.

Last year, our very own Liverpool City Region took part for the first time, both doing very well, and in 2020, Liverpool will be pitting itself against the likes of London, Panama, San Diego and Cape Town.

Recording wildlife is vital in efforts to protect nature. Observations show us where wildlife is thriving or struggling in an ever-changing landscape and this information helps policy makers, scientists, planners and conservationists to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting nature.

There will be lots of opportunities to join wildlife recording events across the weekend or alternatively, take yourself (and a group of friends) out and about to see what you can find!

If you would like to take part, please follow the links below for more details.

https://www.lancswt.org.uk/events/city-nature-challenge

http://citynaturechallenge.org/

Focus Employment Hub Limited are moving to new offices from 3rd March 2020. The new address is Centrix House, Crow Lane East, Newton Le Willows WA12 9UY.

The telephone, email and website will remain the same.

www.focusemployment.co.uk

Ashley High School in Widnes are seeking volunteering opportunities for a small group of 6th Form students with High Functioning Autism and Social Communication Difficulties. They are available on Wednesday mornings in June and July and looking forward to finding about any opportunities that they could become involved with. There will be 5 students and they will be supported by 2 members of staff. For more information please contact Nicola Lightfoot: nicola.lightfoot@ashley.halton.sch.uk.

Residents across St Helens and Knowsley are being encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying a beginners course in bowls.  Taking part can give yourself a boost, feel more refreshed and is a great way to meet new people.

‘Bowl for Health’ is a six week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match.  Run by welcoming coaches and club volunteers.

The programme is being led by MSP, after being successfully rolled out across Merseyside over the last two years.  The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Formby Village Sports Club, and the programme has also had support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

One participant – Tom, 60, explained how taking part has helped him to feel less isolated, “Being on my own is very difficult – it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you can’t turn around to speak to anyone.  I got a note through my door about the Bowl for Health course and I was really interested in joining.  My father was a great bowler in Liverpool and I used to go and watch him play, but I’ve never played before myself.  I’ve only been playing bowls for a short time, but I’ve found the activity very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side – so with this you get the best of both worlds!”

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said, “Being active doesn’t need to mean joining a gym, it’s about finding an activity that you enjoy - people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment.  Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with - it doesn’t matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is.”

A new Bowl for Health course is starting up at:

• Rainhill Bowling Club (Victoria Terrace, L35 0LH) from 10.00am to 12.00pm Saturday 28th March 2020 (for 6 weeks).  For more information or to book your place please contact Eric Davies on 0151 426 5818 or email eric51davies@gmail.com

For further information about the programme please visit www.merseysidesport.com/bowlforhealth or call MSP on 0151 728 1811.

The Merseyside Police and Crime Panel is seeking a committed and enthusiastic person from the Merseyside area to serve as a co-opted independent member on the panel from July 2020 for a term to end in May 2024.

This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the arrangements for police governance and accountability, which would involve scrutinising and supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 introduced significant changes in police governance and accountability; in particular, replacing Police Authorities by directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from November 2012.

In summary, the public accountability for the delivery and performance of the police service within each force is now placed into the hands of the PCC on behalf of their electorate. The PCC draws on this electoral mandate to set and shape the strategic objectives of their force area in consultation with the Chief Constable. The PCC is accountable both to the electorate and the Police and Crime Panel; the Chief Constable is directly accountable to the PCC.

Each force area has a Police and Crime Panel to offer both support and challenge in relation to the PCC’s decision-making and actions. The PCC is required to consult with the Panel on the strategic plan for local policing, as well as the level of council tax needed to support the local policing budget, and the appointment of a Chief Constable. Independent members, through their knowledge and experience, are expected to enhance the Panel’s ability to play its role effectively.

The panel is made up of 10 local councillors in total from the five local authorities in the force area, plus two independent co-opted members.

The role of a panel member is an important and demanding one. The typical commitment required from a member of the panel is expected to average one day a month, including preparation time.

Applicants must live or work within the Merseyside area (Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral). Experience in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be helpful, but is not essential. There is no salary for the role, but reasonable travel expenses can be reclaimed.

Panel Meetings are generally held in the daytime with meetings ordinarily being held in Huyton, Knowsley.  All panel members receive induction and other appropriate training.

Please find below a link to the application pack, which will provide you with the relevant documents you will need to consider when applying for this position, including the application form:

Application Pack

Alternatively, please telephone 0151-443-3367 to request a copy of the application pack.

The closing date for completed applications is Monday 2nd March 2020.

All completed application forms need to be returned either:

• by post to David Moran, Scrutiny and Partnership Manager, Knowsley Borough Council, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU ; or
• by email to david.moran@knowsley.gov.uk.

The panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in the Merseyside area and particularly welcomes applications from all eligible people irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor.

The funding has been made available for community and voluntary groups, schools and not-for-profit organisations, who can reduce household waste, encourage recycling and resource re-use and prevent carbon emissions. The projects will also have to demonstrate wider positive impacts on the environment, health and education.

The money is coming from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Community Fund 2020/21, which has been running annually since 2006.

Successful applicants can be awarded up to £30,000 for schemes which operate across all six districts in Merseyside and Halton, and between £1000 and £8,000 for projects which work solely at one local authority level.

Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA), Councillor Tony Concepcion, said: “We know that there are a lot of communities concerned about climate change and sustainable living. Giving groups the opportunity to get involved in looking after their environment can only bring benefits to all and can help us appreciate items as valuable resources rather than something which otherwise might be just thrown away.

"We've seen that previous projects have continued to deliver benefits beyond the first year, through their legacy and ongoing impact on behavioural change, and in many cases through new or continuing activities. We’re excited to see what projects come in."

The impact of the 2018/19 Fund saw 12 projects divert 673 tonnes of material from disposal, 26,643 people directly engaged, participation by 50,533 volunteers, and a 1419 tonne reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions.

Bids must tackle one or more of the four priority household waste materials which have been identified by MRWA as key, namely Food, Plastics, Textiles and Furniture. An analysis of waste in the region highlighted that a greater amount of these materials could be re-used or recycled. Projects can also include other household waste materials, for example paper, card, metals.

Previous Community Fund projects have included local recycling guidebooks, cookery clubs to improve people’s diet and reduce food waste, restoring old furniture to sell for charity and refurbishing unwanted rugs for resale.   

One organisation to benefit from the Community Fund is Kirkby-based charity Centre 63 who last year received £8000 for the ‘Remake Yourself Hub’. This project received donations of unwanted furniture from the local community which was then refurbished and donated to young people, who have experienced homelessness and are starting out in their tenancies for the first time. Reuse, Repair and Upcycling workshops have been delivered to help give young people in Kirkby the skills needed to upcycle unwanted furniture.

Cheryl Roach, Centre 63 Business Development Manager, said: “The funding was crucial in allowing us to run the Remake Yourself Hub and has ensured that the young people taking part have the knowledge and skills to refurbish and repair rather than having to buy new.”

Interested groups can download the application form from the MRWA website www.merseysidewda.gov.uk. The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Sunday 15th March. If groups aren’t sure whether their project is appropriate for consideration then they can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via email to MRWA by Monday 2nd March. However, an EOI isn’t mandatory.

Successful projects should receive the funding in May 2020 and will have ten months to deliver their schemes.

Organisations interested in this year’s Community Fund can:

• Download the application form and guidance document at https://www.merseysidewda.gov.uk/waste-strategy/community-fund/2021-2/
• Contact the Authority: communityfund.2020-2021@merseysidewda.gov.uk  / Tel: 0151 255 1444
•  

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: Sunday 15th March 2020, 11.59pm. 

Young Carer Support Officer

As St Helens Young Carers service continues to grow and become well respected in supporting local Young Carers, they are inviting applications from candidates who have the passion, skills and commitment to drive forward their pllans for a Centre of excellence for Young Carers in St Helens by joining their young and committed team. 

• 37 hours per week with a starting salary at £22,849 plus 3% pension rising to £23,573. A Car Owner/User is essential for this post.
• Closing Date to apply for this post is 3pm Friday 21st February 2020

For more information and application for this role:

View/Download Information Pack Here

Download Application Form Here

Website; https://www.sthelensyoungcarers.org/vacancies

Tel: 01744677279

Join a free and friendly short health walk in Victoria Park, Widnes

Information:

• Thursdays at 10am
• The meeting point is the Bandstand in Victoria Park, Fairfield Rd, Widnes, WA8 6SQ
• Approx 30 minutes

This is a pleasant walk on paths with qualified Walk Leaders from the British Red Cross. Everyone is welcome to join them on a short, friendly walk, a chat and maybe a cuppa at the end.

Additionally, feel fre to join the team after the walk at 10:30am for anybody who would like a chat with Red Cross or call your local Red Cross team on 01514247873.

Active Halton also carry out more walks across Runcorn and Widnes

The walks:

• 6 Urban walks
• 6 Green walks
• 6 Green Space walks
• 6 Active walks to work
• 5 Park walks
• Weekly Lead Health Walks Schedule
• Weekly Victoria Park Walks Schedule
• Deck evening Health Walks Schedule
• Health Walks from your GP Practice

For information about other walks and physical activity in Widnes and Runcorn, pick up a full program or visit: www.activehalton.gov.uk

Contact:

Paula Parle: 0151 511 8550

paula.parle@halton.gov.uk

Teaming up with Citizens Advice and RAISE, My Turn is a programme of support designed to help unemployed men and women in the Liverpool City Region focus on building a brighter future. The programme will support particpants to improve their confidence whilst exploring ways to gain a positive mindset.

My Turn will be taking place at Halton Runcorn Citizens Advice running from 10am - 3pm.

Over the two sessions, you will cover:

Looking at your thought processes, feelings and behaviours
Identifying personal visions to help in your relationships
Positive thinking
What is confidence and how to improve yours
How to build your self-motivation
Techniques to tackle problem solving

Please note that there are wider dates across all areas and participants can attend any of these. If the event is sold out, please give us a call to discuss alternative dates in your area.

For bookings or queries please don't hesitate to contact our team via 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk

St Helens Ambassadors have willing and reliable Traineeship students who are looking for volunteering placements across the community

The benefits:

• An extra pair of hands supporting your organisation.
• You will act as a role model to some of the most vulnerable young people in St Helens and assist them in progressing with their future
• Your organisation and investment to improving aspirations for St Helens young people will be recognised through the Invest St Helens platform.

Please note: DBS checks are funded if required for your organisation.

Want to find out more? Email info@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk with your contact details, organisation name and phone number.

Halton Play Council are looking to recruit enthusiastic and motivated people for their Summer Playscheme sites across the Runcorn and Widnes area.

They have vacancies for:

1:1 SEN Playworkers (experience is necessary)

• 30hrs per week, £9.00/hr
• This is a fixed term contract for 3 weeks commencing 3rd August 2020.
• Requirement to attend training prior to commencement
• Closing date for applications is Friday 21st March 2020
• Interviews will be held (W/C) 6th April 2020

Play assistant roles for 16/17 year olds:

• 25hrs per week, £4.55/hr
• This is a fixed term contract for 3 weeks commencing 3rd August 2020.
• Requirement to attend training prior to commencement
• Closing date for applications is Friday 21st March 2020
• Interviews will be held (W/C) 6th April 2020

Playworkers aged 18 and above:

• 30hrs per week at NMW age appropriate rate
• This is a fixed term contract for 3 weeks commencing 3rd August 2020.
• Requirement to attend training prior to commencement
• Closing date for applications is Friday 21st March 2020
• Interviews will be held (W/C) 6th April 2020

If you would like an application form or further information on any of these roles, please contact:

Email - haltonplaycouncil@gmail.com

Phone - 01928 574087

Haydock Male Voice Choir are holding a joint concert with Rossendale Male Voice Choir on Saturday 4^th April 2020, in St Helens Town Hall, commencing at 7:30 pm. Tickets are priced at £8 and are available by telephoning 01744 734176 (Alan Gaskell)or 01924 602856, (Graham Melling) or from any choir member.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens need volunteers to help with their fantastic work . Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, share your skills and make an amazing contribution to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. They have lots of opportunities available, indoors and outdoors. Listed below are the different volunteer roles – click on the links to download the full role description for each one. *

• Gardening & Maintenance volunteer – helping their grounds look the best for visitors.
• Walled Garden Cottage volunteer – welcoming visitors to the Walled Garden, including selling tickets.
• Learning volunteer – assisting in the planning, set-up and delivery of educative and outreach sessions at Norton Priory.
• Gallery Guide volunteer – welcoming visitors to Norton Priory, give a brief introduction to the site if required. Provide added value for visitors by showcasing site highlights e.g objects and features.
• Blue Room at Norton Priory volunteer – supporting the delivery of creative sessions for learning disabled and neuro-diverse adults.

Please note, some of these roles are day dependent. These role descriptions are a guide. You may have other skills to offer, and we may have other tasks with which we would ask you to help.

If you are interested, please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to info@nortonpriory.org. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy of the form at our Museum reception and bring it back to the museum. To volunteer with Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, you must provide two references with email addresses on your application form.

Volunteer Application Form – click to download the form (Microsoft Word version)

Please email on info@nortonpriory.org if you would like information on any of the above

Exciting Volunteering Opportunities in Widnes (Town Centre or Queens Avenue locations), Runcorn and Frodsham.

Halton Haven Hospice have some amazing opportunities for people to join their volunteering team in a vital role sorting through donations and selecting the very best, varied items for their shops raising money for vital patient care.

They are looking for flexible, enthusiastic Volunteers to help serve customers in a polite and pleasant manner. You can display various items from clothing, electricals, toys and furniture in everyday or seasonal displays. Become part of their friendly team today, gain confidence, meet new people, and develop new skills

If you are interested in this Volunteer role at the above locations, please contact Halton Haven Hospice and ask to speak with Karen, Sue or Alison:

 01928 712728

Email: volunteering@haltonhaven.co.uk

Click the link to download an application form today https://tinyurl.com/ustg8yu

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/haltonhavenhospice/

Halton Haven Hospice is in need of volunteer drivers. Do you have a few hours each week to provide support to their retail teams collecting and delivering goods to raise funds for the Hospice? This role will involve heavy lifting.

If you would like to get involved and meet new people please contact their Volunteer Co-ordinators:

01928712728

Email: volunteering@haltonhaven.co.uk

Alternatively you can pop into any of their shops for an application form or message them through their social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haltonhavenhospice/

Working in partnership with further education colleges, Vision2Learn provide fully-funded and nationally accredited online training. Whether returning to work, looking for a change of career or progressing in their role, learners can achieve the qualifications, skills and confidence to get ahead.

Vision2Learn offer a range of courses fully accredited by NCFE and Innovate. These are funded by the Skills Funding Agency so eligible learners* can study for free.

Every course is delivered online, allowing learners to study when and where it suits them.

*Who can study for free?

Vision2Learn courses are funded by the skills funding agency. The SFA will provide funding for those who are:

• Aged 19 or over
• Live in an English postcode area
• Have been resident in the UK or EU for 3 years or longer

Vision2Learn's Level 2 qualifications include:

• Business and Administration                                                         
• Essential IT skills
• Customer Service
• Nutrition and Health
• Working in the Health Sector
• Dementia Care
• Diabetes Care
• Dignity and Safeguarding
• End of Life Care
• Infection Control
• Equality and Diversity

Dedicated support every step of the way

Courses take an average of 12-16 weeks to complete (based on 10 hours of study per week). Phone and online support is available throughout the duration of the course from a dedicated tutor and the Vision2Learn Learner Support Team.

Find out more:

For more information about vision2learn, please contact: 

Phil.Lambton@Knowledgepool.com

For FAQs please visit:

www.vision2learn.net/faqs

Training available to voluntary / community groups below: this is only free to voluntary / community groups based in Halton. Those outside of Halton there is a charge.

Please find below the details on the next series of Basic Bid-Writing Training, Monitoring & Evaluation Courses run by Halton Borough Council's External Funding Team. If you wish to attend please complete and return the booking form or complete it online.

Basic Bid Writing Training:

Tuesday 8th September 2020: 9am-1pm, Upton Community Centre, Hough Green Road, Widnes, WA8 4PF

Tuesday 19th May 2020: 9am-1pm, Murdishaw Community Centre, Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6EP

Thursday 3rd December 2020: 9am-1pm, Castlefields Community Centre, Castlefields,Runcorn, WA7 2ST

Subjects covered in the course include; Essential requirements of a strong bid ('Top-Tips'); basic bid-writing skills to meet the funders essential requirements; common reasons for bid failure.

Monitoring and Evaluaion Training

Tuesday 10th March 2020:  9am-1pm, Upton Community Centre, Hough Green Road, Widnes, WA8 4PF

Tuesday 10th November 2020: 9:30-1pm, Murdishaw Community Centre, Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6EP

Subjects covered in the course include: To understand what Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) involves; To learn why it is necessary; To understand where and how Monitoring & Evaluation should be used in grant-funded projects; To learn best practice ('top tips') for producing good quality and effective data and reports.

Now you have your grant course

Tuesday 14tth April 2020: 9:30am-1pm  Upton Community Centre, Hough Green Road, Widnes, WA8 4PF

Thiursday 24th September 2020, 9:30am-1pm, Castlefields Community Centre, Castlefields,Runcorn, WA7 2ST

This course will offer a basic introduction to the responsibiliies of managing grant funding for those of you who are new to this, or would like to improve your skills in this area.

If you require anymore information about the course please get in touch with:

Jonathan Patten 

Funding Support Officer

0151 511 7214

jonathan.patten@halton.gov.uk

In the UK, almost two million people are living with sight loss and around 180,000 rarely leave their home alone. My Guide Volunteering are trying to recruit volunteers in the Merseyside and Cheshire area, so if you feel like this is something you could help with please get in touch with .

Tony Axon
Mobile: 07500823976
Email: tony.axon@guidedogs.org.uk

• The role of the volunteer My Guide. My Guide is a service that allows volunteers to become sighted guides. You will undergo training and learn to safely guide someone with sight loss, navigating environments and building self confidence - all whilst increasing social interaction with those who may not otherwise wish to leave their home.
• You must be able to give - on average - a few hours a week, and be aged 18 years old or over. This role requires that you have an enhanced disclosure
• Sighted Guide training and certificate upon completion of training
• Guide dogs safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from the My Guide team

What does sighted guiding involve?

• Provide sighted guide assistance on a regular basis to people living with sight loss - you will be matched with a suitable partner
• Agree on when and where you will provide the sighted guide, as part of a mutually agreed activity plan
• You must undertake all elements of My Guide training (approximately two days)
• Always maintain professional boundaries and adhere to safeguarding procedures

How My Guide helps people living with sight loss.

As well as promoting mobility, the volunteer sighted guiding service can build confidence and improve peoples social interactions by:

• improving independence, confidence and ability to get out and about
• enabling them to participate in social,leisure and fitness activities of their choice
• creating new friendships and connections in their community

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

Join them on Facebook: https;//www.facebook.com/GDlpool/

The next meeting of the St Helens & Distict Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 4th March 2020 at 7:30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King Street WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington hall and the speaker will be Dr Gill Hunt, who will talk on the following:

Looking after your emotional wellbeing with diabetes

Dr Hunt is a clinical psychologist from St Helens Hospital and has spoken before in February 2017. Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are avaialble after the meeting. They also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. The St Helens & District group of Diabetes Uk are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome, so come along and find out how we can all look after ourselves better.

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821

Diabetes UK

'Know diabetes. Fight diabetes'

Diabetes UK is the leading charity that cares for, connects with, and campaigns alongside all people in the UK affected by and at risk of diabetes. They provide information, advice and support to help people who are living with diabetes. They are also working to make research breakthroughs, and ultimately find a cure. If you need to talk about diabetes, you can contact the Diabetes UK Helpline on 0345 123 2399 Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the 5.5 million people living in Britain’s former mining communities. Many of these communities still require support due to the huge impact the closure of the mines had upon them. 

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme (England) is a £500,000 fund created to support activities that tackle some of the key challenges that still remain in coalfield communities. The fund is open to projects that deliver in the top 30% most deprived coalfield communities and that will make a positive difference in addressing the following themes:

Skills: Growing the skills of people in order to increase their opportunities

Employment: Developing pathways to increase the number of people in work

Health: Supporting activities that improve the health and wellbeing of all age groups

The areas covered by their funding have recently changed and attached below is an updated ward list.  The image below shows the areas in St Helens that are high priority:

The offer is now reopened and all the information on registering an enquiry relating to a project is on the following page:

https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england_support/funding-support/

Please read all the information and the guidance notes carefully before deciding whether to complete the Eligibility Survey.

The deadline for the eligibility survey is 5pm on 28^th February 2020 and the application deadline is 5pm on 13^th March 2020.

Come and join Widnes and Runcorn cancer support groups pop up shop!

On Saturday 29th February 2020

At Widnes and Runcon Cancer Support Group

21-23 Alforde Street

11am-2pm

Come and browse the range of clothes, toys and bric-a-brac items that are available

RASASC (Cheshire & Merseyside) is a registered charity (1049826) committed to supporting people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse. They have been providing support to people affected by sexual violence since 1995. RASAC work in partnership with local authorities and NHS England to ensure we provide services to people affected by rape/ and or sexual assault.

RASAC have offices in Chester,  Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Knowsley, Halton, Northwich, Maclesfield, St. Helens and Warrington as well as offering outreach support in locations across Cheshire and Merseyside.

They adopt a feminist perspective that recognises that sexual violence is a crime of violence and abuse of power, and that it is the cause and consequence of gender inequality. They are a member of Rape Crisis England and Wales and their therapeutic service is an accredited organisation with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

RASAC values diversiy, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. They encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds.

The board of trustees are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of charity. Day to day operation resposnsibility is delegated to the Operations Director and staff members.

Application procedure:

Aplication form -  Informal interview - References - Induction training - Trial period of being co-opted

Tel: 0330 3630063

Email: support@rapecentre.org.uk

The internet has revolutionised communication between businesses and consumers and has impacted on products, services, priorities, desires and expectations. From idea to management, production to marketing, selling and purchasing and accounts management to tax filing, businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on internet technology, with many struggling to keep up with new developments.

To help companies negotiate the minefield of internet technology, Willowbrook-The Living Well is holding a special business breakfast on Thursday 5 March (7am-9am) with presentations and demonstrations by local companies at the forefront of these new developments: BlueFish Digital, North West Computer Museum and BURPS Ltd - 3D Printing. Entrance fee is £10 and include a bacon butty and tea/coffee. Places are limited and delegates are encouraged to pre-book in advance on 01744 453798.

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

Save the date

Halton's Reading Strategy Launch

Help us with the mission to promote reading everyday, everywhere, for everyone.

Tuesday 3rd March, Halton Stadium

• 9.30am to 11.30am
• 1pm to 3pm
• 5pm to 7pm

Agenda and booking details for each session to follow soon!! 

Poster attached 

Aviva believe charities that make the biggest impact are those that are given the opportunity to innovate and test new ideas without fear of risk. That’s why they have evolved the way the Aviva Community Fund works, so it works harder to back projects with forward-thinking ideas and provide even more causes with sustainable support and resources.

They're delighted to announce applications are now open for the newly refreshed Aviva Community Fund programme, that delivers quarterly funding and year-round support. They've also teamed up with Crowdfunder to give more opportunities to attract donations and develop fundraising capabilities.

So if you’ve got a forward-thinking idea that could make a big difference, apply before Tuesday 11 February 2020

https://acf.crowdfunder.co.uk/

The VS6 Partnership and Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) would like to jointly invite you to the Liverpool City Region Assembly being held at our Widnes office (St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes) on Thursday 27th February. Discussions throughout this event will centre around how the sector engages with the Combined Authority, the Local Enterprise Partnership, and the emerging Health and Social Care structures within the city region. It additionally presents a chance to get to learn more about VS6 and VSNW, and the strategic work on behalf of the sector in our city region.

This event will give you the opportunity to share your views on the future of the sector and to co-produce a new VCFSE Manifesto for 2020 to 2024 in advance of the upcoming metro mayoral elections. Following this event, VS6 will be hosting a VCFSE sector metro mayoral hustings on 25th March at Liverpool Cathedral, where they are asking every metro mayoral candidate to commit to their manifesto – as they did in 2017. (More information on these hustings to follow soon.)

They would like your input for the manifesto, so together they can begin to articulate the kind of city region we’d like to see for our beneficiaries and communities. To this end, please complete this short survey here by Monday 17th February. The results of this survey will feed directly into the co-production process.

Start time: Arrive from 12:00 for a prompt 12:30 start

End time: 16:00

Lunch will be provided - please provide details of any dietary requirements on the booking form.

Venue: Halton & St Helens VCA, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB

For more information and to book your place for the event, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/liverpool-city-regions-vcfse-assembly-tickets-90802319181

TANGO are looking to appoint a new coordinator. TANGO is a furniture project with a clothes shop and café, which provides affordable furniture and goods to the local community and gives to those in need. TANGO stands for ‘Together As Neighbours Giving Out’

TANGO is part of the missional activity of St Mark’s Church, Haydock and as such has grown out of the love and care that they have for our community and beyond.

The TANGO coordinator’s main responsibility is to lead TANGO and implement the vision:

“The aim of TANGO. is to reach out, serve and help those in need in the community, by building trust and fellowship, mirroring Christian values”.

In order to stay true to TANGO’s Core Christian Values and fulfil the role, the new TANGO coordinator will preferably be a committed Christian willing to become a regular worshipper at St Mark’s.

The TANGO coordinator is to oversee the daily working activities of TANGO, including co-ordinating the work, supervising the team and being accountable for the running of the organisation, as well as the pastoral care of the whole team. At present they employ 8 people and have 29 volunteers in addition to the coordinator.

The Coordinator will be expected to work 16 site-based hours per week at the Real Living Wage + 15% (currently £10.70 inclusive per hour as of February 2020). You will have the option to join the workplace pension scheme.

The holiday allowance is 93 hours to spend over the year

If you would like to be part of reaching out to the community of Haydock and beyond with the love of Jesus then please download a job pack (Click here) and contact the office if you have any questions.

Phone: 01744 602641

Email: info@stmarkshaydock.org

Or call in to see them: Monday - Thursday - 10am - 2pm each day.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Saturday 29th February 2020

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

A £2.7 million programme to tackle unemployment launched in April 2019 with backing from the European Social Fund.

The funds have been granted by the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in partnership with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA), an adult education charity which provides training and learning opportunities for people at risk of exclusion.

Over the next two years, the charity will help thousands of people who face additional barriers in the workplace, such as lone parents, improve their employability and gain permanent employment.

The WEA will distribute small grants of £20,000 across Merseyside and Halton to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between April 2019 and May 2021.

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 but especially those with:

• disabilities and long term health conditions
• single parents
• women
• people from ethnic minorities
• people over 50
• those planning to return to the workplace after a long period of absence

Round 3 of ESF Community Grants for Liverpool City Region is now OPEN and will close at noon 26th February.

Click here for information on how to apply.

For information on application scoring criteria and decision making please click here.

For any other queries please call the ESF Grants Team on 0151 243 5356 or email ESFgrantslcr@wea.org.uk.

Be sure to follow on Twitter for the latest updates and news. Click here.

They have some open days and drop in sessions on the below dates:

Wirral
Monday 3rd Feb, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Community Action Wirral
The Lauries, 142 Claughton Road 
Birkenhead 
CH41 6EY 
View Map

Please register your interest online here.
 
Sefton
Thursday 6th Feb, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Sefton CVS
Burlington House, Crosby Rd N
Waterloo
L22 0PT

To book a place please email events@seftoncvs.org.uk.

Liverpool
Wednesday 12th Feb, 10:30am – 11:30pm
Liverpool CVS
151 Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2AH

To book a place please email Lisa Smalley at WEA at lsmalley@wea.org.uk.

Click here for information on the projects that have been funded in Round 1.  

Citizens Advice Halton are seeking to recruit a Directions Project Keyworker and a Directions Training officer to work on the Directions Project from Halton’s two offices (in Runcorn and Widnes). The Directions project is a new multi-agency, Liverpool City Region wide partnership, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) with the aim of increasing the employability of local people who are currently unemployed or economically inactive. Citizens Advice Halton will support eligible local people to: receive employability support; and gain sought after employment skills and experience through volunteering. 

Directions Project Keyworker

Working with the Directions project’s Training Officer to achieve the project’s overall aims and targets, the Directions Project Keyworker will also play a lead role on the provision of employability support to the project’s participants for Citizens Advice Halton, across Runcorn and Widnes.

You must be able to show that you have experience of delivering support through group work and 1-2-1 with participants, including the design and delivery of training and other support interventions, to increase the employability, confidence and goals of participants.

Please see the job pack for the post for further information.

Location:  Citizens Advice Halton – Widnes and Runcorn.

Salary: £21,589 – £23,836 [ + up to 4% pension]  (Starting salary dependent on skills and experience)

Hours:  35 hours per week (Full time)

Leave:  25 days holiday per annum + bank holidays

Closing date: Friday 21st February 2020 – 12 noon

Interview date:  Within 2 weeks of closing date

Directions Volunteer Training Officer

Working with the Directions Project Keyworker to achieve the project’s overall aims and targets, the Directions Training Officer will also play a lead role in the recruitment, training and support of volunteers within Citizens Advice Halton.

You must be able to show that you have experience of delivering support through group work and 1-2-1 with participants, including the design and delivery of training. You must also be able to show you have experience of the recruitment, training, development and ongoing support of volunteers.

Please see the job pack for the post for further information.

Location:  Citizens Advice Halton – Widnes and Runcorn.

Salary: £23,836 – £26,317 [ + up to 4% pension]  (Starting salary dependent on skills and experience)

Hours:  35 hours per week (Full time)

Leave:  25 days holiday per annum + bank holidays

Closing date:  Friday 21st February 2020 – 12 noon

Interview date:  Within 2 weeks of closing date

For more information and to download an application pack, please click the link below:

https://haltoncab.org.uk/join-the-team/job-vacancies/

Persona Insight are proposing to assist young people aged 16 - 19 in Widnes and Runcorn. They have a volunteer who has been so impressed by the improvement of her family member attending their Community Peer Support Drop In Sessions in Castlefields Community Centre, that she, who is a young person from Halton who lives with and is an expert in experience, looking after someone who has struggles with mental and or physical illness. Fully DBS this Halton Resident attends Liverpool John Mores University studying Fine Art, she really is everything Persona Insight CIC aims to help.

As well as this, Castlefields Health Centre and Persona Insight CIC have arranged a meeting to colaberate together. A member of Persona Insight CIC was asked by the GP what had contributed towards the positive changes their member had taken in their overall wellbeing. This is the reason they do what they do, building confidence, breaking barriers, they encourage engagement and create a safe space within Halton Communities where everyone can come along, have a free drink and not feel isolated, lonely or worst still judged.

Please get involved if you know someone who is struggling at the moment with a mental and or physical illness, you could be a Young Carer, needing a break from your role, you may just want to be around people you don't have to explain yourself to, it doesn't matter. All that matters is you and the communities of Runcorn & Widnes in Halton will have a safe haven if needed.

For more information:

Phone Number 0794 6065 703

Email bpdpersona01@gmail.com

The draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) sets out Cheshire Fire Authority’s plans between 2020-2024 to prevent and protect our communities from fire and other emergencies and their plans for providing emergency response.

This summary document is intended to provide an overview of the key proposals within the Authority’s plan for the next four years. They are consulting on these proposals so would like you to let them know what you think.

For more information about this consultation or the proposals please visit https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/about-us/key-documents/irmp/irmp-202024-plan/irmp-202024-plan

Supported Lodgings

Who it’s for?

Supported Lodgings help young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by offering them lodgings with a host.

The help you will receive

• Supporting a young person as a host offers a huge personal reward. An indepth induction programme and ongoing training.
• A weekly payment which covers the cost of supporting and housing a young person. Weekly support from specialist Shap staff and a 24/7 telephone support service. 

Being a host

You can be a host whether you are single, a couple, a family, at work or retired. Being a host means that you are happy to offer a young person a room in your home for up to two years and support them whilst they build the skills needed for independent living. 

For more information

Please get in touch with a member of the SHAP team:

Garry Molyneux: garrymolyneux@shap.org.uk 07471035386

Margy Heath: margyheath@shap.org.uk  07471035375

About SHAP

Shap began as a small organisation aimed at addressing the needs of the rising number of young homeless people in St Helen's in the late 1970s. Over the years they developed to provide services for young and vulnerable people, those who have been homeless, poorly housed, escaping abusive situations or leaving care. They have housed many people at a point of crisis in their lives, given them a safe space within which they could catch up and provided them with individual support to help the to make and carry out decisions about their own lives.

They currently provide around a hundred bed spaces in specialist residential services and homeless centres and around one hundred and fifty self contained tenancies in flats and houses. They have a Community Development Scheme which aims to improve access to mainstream mental health and wellbeing services for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Another of their services provides welfare benefits advice and support services to help address unhelpful patterns of behaviour. The scheme provides an array of sessions that help individuals develop alternative coping strategies and also provides individual one-to-one support.

The Government has launched a new online portal that will strengthen its support to charities handling safeguarding concerns or allegations. The portal, based on Gov.uk, offers a step by step guide to help charities correctly manage their concerns, identify the right people to contact if needed and access helpful resources and advice.  

Following a combined £1.2 million DCMS and National Lottery Community Fund investment the portal will be promoted by six organisations across England. They have been appointed to champion the importance of good safeguarding and locally available sources of advice and support.

The funding for this work has been awarded to:

• Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE) £115,000: VONNE will partner with four local infrastructure organisations in the North East to deliver regular training sessions, develop local safeguarding networks where needed, and share the NCVO resources widely.
• Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) £104,950: ACRE will use their network of 38 county based members to reach rural villages and community halls and share safeguarding materials and resources. They will promote the resources on their website, through newsletters and networking events supporting management committees and volunteers.
• Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) £94,000: This project will be delivered in partnership with five infrastructure organisations in West Yorkshire and York - Community Action Bradford and District, Wakefield Young Lives Consortium, VSI Alliance Calderdale, Third Sector Leaders Kirklees and York CVS. Working as a partnership with locally tailored delivery, there will be a particular focus on volunteer-led groups and those working with BAME and new migrant communities. They will distribute resources via peer-to-peer support, signposting and strengthening of existing networks to enable local networking and mutual support.
• Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) £100,000: SCIE will support small faith-based organisations to access materials via regional workshops across the country, webinars and bespoke training courses. They will also work with user-led organisations supporting people with disabilities to devise a checklist looking at safeguarding governance and accountability.
• The Federation of London Youth Clubs - London Youth £76,641: London Youth will directly train and support youth workers, volunteers and trustees operating in grassroots community youth organisations across London. They will share materials with a wide cohort of organisations, through webinars and local peer safeguarding support groups.
• National Association for Voluntary Community Action (NAVCA) £104,700: NAVCA will utilise its national membership base to share resources through communication materials, peer to peer learning within networks and awareness raising events.

The funding has also enabled the NCVO to bring together a partnership of organisations to develop a series of free, high-quality factsheets, practical tools, podcasts and videos to promote a good safeguarding culture in charities.

You can access the portal using the link below:

Safeguarding Portal

Wellbeing Enterprises are running a great selection of free Social Prescribing courses across Widnes, Runcorn, St Helens & Knowsley. Why not go along and try something new for this year?

Visit http://wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/whats-on/ for more information.

Book a place today and join the fun!

Interested in learning new IT skills?

Get more from your tablet, laptop or smart phone with help from a Digital Champion Volunteer

Computer access available or bring your own device

Our digital champion Volunteers can help you:

• Open an email account & use emails
• Creating documents
• Get Online & Searching the Internet
• Using social media
• Job Searches
• And much more

When?

Every Friday between 12 noon and 3pm

Where?

Halton & St Helens VCA, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB.
(next to Tesco)

Call 01928 592405 for more information

Are you looking for a new adventure? Or would you like to donate some of your free time?  Maybe you're thinking about a career change? We're holding a Volunteer Recruitment Fayre on the 29th January, between 11am and 2pm, at our Widnes Office (St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB).. There will be more than 25 groups present, all looking to recruit volunteers from Halton, St Helens and the wider area, so anyone looking to volunteer is welcome to drop-in during those times and have a chat about volunteering and the volunteer opportunities available. 

'Run by the community for the community' is what Chain Lane Community Centre is all about, in maintaining a community asset for the community to use. 

It's their AGM on Tuesday 28th January at 6.00pm at the Centre. 

Interested in finding out how the Centre is run, what has been achieved over the last year and plans for the future? Then please come along. It's also an opportunity for people who are looking to get more involved in the sector as a trustee with a small charity.

They'd be delighted to see you! Please just get in touch if you'd like further information.

Chain Lane Community Centre:

Hinckley Road
St Helens
WA11 9HT
Phone Number: 07586 842 161
Email: ccchainlane@gmail.com

http://www.communitycentres.org.uk/community-centres/chain-lane-community-centre/

Stick 'n' Step are looking to recruit a Classroom Assistant Volunteer 

About the role:

Stick 'n' Step have an exciting opportunity for a Classroom Assistant Volunteer to join the Stick ‘n’ Step family. The post is based in their Runcorn centre, where a vibrant and diverse classroom team work support children and young people aged 0-25 years to learn through play and therapy.

Time: Flexible

Location: Runcorn Base, Tudor Hall, York Street, Runcorn, WA7 5BB

Reporting to: Lead Conductor

Main Tasks:

• Get involved with individual sessions according to personalised programmes and individual aims.
• Participate in creating and maintaining an appropriate, safe and attractive learning environment for children.
• Assist with the management of children’s behaviour in line with principles of best practice.
• Maintain appropriate records of the children and young adults’ development and progress.
• Keeping confidential records and updating client information.
• Building a relationship of trust and respect with children and young adults.
• Listening to clients' concerns, empathising with them, and helping them to see things more clearly or in a different way.
• Occasional admin project work
• Working under pressure.
• Adhere to all agreed policies, planning programmes and development plans.

Role Requirements

• 16 years +
• Able to make a time commitment of one half-day a week for 3 or 5 hours, dependent on session timetable.
• Experience (and appropriate qualification) working with children and young people is desirable.
• Committed to attending line-management/team meetings, training and professional development sessions when necessary.

Attributes and Competencies:

They’re looking for a personable, enthusiastic and flexible team player, able to work independently and demonstrate resilience. Prospective volunteers should have a commitment to personal and professional development, an understanding of strong professional boundaries. Experience working with children and young people would be hugely beneficial to the role.

What Stick ‘n’ Step offers in return:

• Monthly individual support supervision
• A thorough and welcoming induction process
• Provision of further professional development training
• All volunteers are required to complete Introduction to Safeguarding training
• Being part of a friendly and experienced team
• Reference (if requested)

How to Apply

Applicants are asked to fully complete an application form which you can request from Mark Lewis by email mark@sticknstep.org or telephone 01928 573777

They require two referees who can comment on your suitability for volunteering at Stick ‘n’ Step. If you are currently in training this should include a course tutor, and if you are applying with prior classroom experience your referees should include your current or previous line manager. Friends or family are not considered suitable referees.

Short listed applicants will be invited to an informal chat and references will be taken up for all successful candidates. New volunteers must complete a Disclosure & Barring Service check and will not begin volunteering until this is received by Stick ‘n’ Step. If you have any disclosures, this may not affect you volunteer with us but it is helpful to let us know at interview.

Chrysalis Centre for Change is holding an informal open afternoon on 31st January 1-4pm. Organisations are welcome to pop over any time during the afternoon so you can have a look round their new premises, meet the team and exchange information.

They will be providing tea/coffee/water and biscuits/cakes and they have two young women singing a couple of songs, one at 2pm and the other at 3pm if you want to time your visit around them. Emily writes her own songs and has a folk style using a guitar, and Abbie has a powerhouse voice and will be belting out a power ballad or two.

They will have plenty of flyers/referral forms for you to take and you are welcome to bring your information for their service users. 

1st Floor, The Beacon Building, 25 College Street, St Helens WA10 1TF

Tel: 01744 451309     Text: 07786 207743

www.chrysaliscentreforchange.co.uk

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 5th February 2020 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. The speakers will be Jan Cardwell and Sue Michaels who will be leading us in an evening of  :-

Diabetes – Questions and Answers.

Jan is a Diabetes Nurse Consultant and Sue is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, they are both from the Specialist Diabetes Unit in St Helens Hospital.

Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend. So come along with your questions prepared. Admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. They also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available and would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. 

For further details visit their website at www.st-helens-and-district.diabetesukgroup.org 

Or contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

Cheshire and Merseyside Advisory Committee are currently recruiting for volunteers for members of the Committee.  The Advisory Committees for Magistrates’ Courts deal with the recruitment and recommendation for appointment of Magistrates within their areas.  Cheshire-Merseyside currently have five vacancies for their Committee.  This role is voluntary although travel and subsistence can be claimed.

An advert has been placed on the Cabinet Office website, please click on the link below for further information about the role and how to apply:

https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/non-magistrate-members-of-the-cheshire-merseyside-advisory-committees-2/

The closing date is Friday 28 February 2020.

Information Session about Pause.Recover at Momo's Cafe, 64-68 Westfield Street, St Helens, WA10 1QJ on Friday 24th January 11am to 12 noon and 1pm to 2pm.

Free to attend and no referral needed

• Come and find out how to live a life in recovery from addiction.  
• Behaviour based training and support, led by peers for peers
• Come for a hot drink, chat and meet others like yourself

The session will be led by Ann O'Brien, Senior Meeting Leader who can be contacted by mobile on 07305 446198 or email ann.o@pauserecover.org 

Persona Insight CIC Bespoke Peer Support have developed a community centre based Peer Support drop~in service, why?

Founder & Executive Director Helen Boyle was isolated and ashamed with her diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.
“I was literally cutting myself off from society. I was confused and very angry”.
“I didn’t understand the disorder and this really scared me; I had given up”.

Throughout her life she had to “think-on-her-feet”. Often sleeping rough rather than face the atmosphere at home, the fear, the violence, it was a way of life, “that’s just how it was in 1970’s”.

Grief in 2012 was the catalyst as Persona Insight CIC began to burn a light, only a flicker at this point; but a passion and desire for change was in her bloodstream.

Volunteering has always been the most satisfying role Helen has experienced. She was qualified as a Generalist Advisor for Halton Citizens Advice, she has always been a people’s person and enjoyed giving clients their options and helping people from her community.

Setting up Persona Insight CIC not only benefits it’s members, it’s helping their officers too who all live daily with a mental and or physical illness.

They are not professionals; they are experts in experience; 

Every Monday’ 2-4pm Pi Community Centre Drop-in;sponsored by The Plus Dane Group; A free weekly meet-up where members talk, relax and enjoy a little rest bite from their struggles. A free drink upon arrival and a warm non judgemental welcome is guaranteed.

Every Wednesday 10-12am The Boat Club Spike Island is the newest location. The first Pi Community Peer Support drop~in at Spike Island Widnes is on Wednesday 19th February 2020.

The manager of The Boat Club kindly donated Persona Insight CIC the free use of the community cafe; Pi Treasurer Linnie Devany will be leading, Linnie lives in Widnes and a respected Foster parent for Halton Borough Council. The Boat Club will mirror Castlefields Community Centre drop-in.

They will have activities that benefit everyone who lives in Halton, Cheshire as well as the wider communities and society of the United Kingdom.

They create an inclusive non-judgemental community support network for those suffering the effects of in-group and out-group divides, which results in social exclusion and poor mental and physical health.

They aim to break down the barriers, aid self-awareness, celebrate differences and encourage mindset growth.

https://www.facebook.com/PiBespokeServices/

Individuals are being sought for four city region sub-boards, namely: 

• Liverpool City Region Clean Growth
• Liverpool City Region Built Environment
• Liverpool City Region Digital & Creative
• Liverpool City Region Employment and Skills

To stimulate and support regional economic growth, the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) supports a number of regional boards in the growth sectors and disciplines that are pivotal to delivering inclusive growth in the city region.

These boards, made up of people from the private and public sectors, provide strategic insight, intelligence and guidance to the LEP board and the Combined Authority in the fulfilment of their strategic activities for the city region.

Widening participation to less represented groups is something the Liverpool City Region LEP is committed to through the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Task Group with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusion on all LEP Boards. The LEP actively welcomes and supports applications from people in our community with the expertise and ambition who can provide valuable insight into the sector / focus of the board.

The LEP strongly welcomes new and fresh thinking from those who have not been actively represented before.

For more information on each of these boards please click here.

As the New Year begins, many people will make an array of resolutions from joining a gym or giving up smoking to changing career.  Most of these revolve around actions which will be of benefit to our well-being but why not commit to a New Year’s resolution that benefits others and yourself at the same time?

Willowbrook Hospice is urging local people to think seriously about choosing volunteering as one of their New Year pledges.

Bev Neilson, Retail Volunteer Coordinator for Willowbrook Hospice said: “Many of us are full of possibilities and good intentions, but by the end of January some of those good intentions have faded away.  Volunteering offers a whole assortment of opportunities which can help meet your personal goals as well as making a difference.  If you want to be more active, why not get involved in one of our roles in a busy shop or assisting in moving and delivering furniture, or if you are thinking of pursuing a job in a particular area, what better way to see what it’s like than by volunteering in that area like admin or retail?  Volunteering is also an ideal opportunity for people who work part time, are having a career break or retired as it gives you the chance to meet new people, gain new skills and have new experiences.”

Willowbrook Hospice has 12 shops across the St Helens and Knowsley area that have volunteer opportunities, these shops vary in size and what they offer.  There’s a large shop in Sutton that also serves as a donation warehouse, a specialist children and baby shop in Bridge Street, a large superstore in Prescot, plus many more!

If you are interested in volunteering or want to find out more call Bev on 01744 766929, email help@willowbrookhospice.org.uk or visit www.willowbrookhopsice.org.uk

‘Paying the hospice back’ - Ann’s story

Ann Worrall who volunteers in three of Willowbrook Hospice’s shops, she says: “I originally began to volunteer at Willowbrook as my way of ‘paying the hospice back’ for the care they had given to my husband, Alan. Over the years, I’ve gained a real insight into the profound difference volunteers make to Willowbrook and the local community that the hospice serves.  Willowbrook Hospice cares for local people with life limiting illnesses, as well as their families. When I am volunteering in the shop I know I am raising vital funds for the hospice, while having a sense of accomplishment and giving back to my local community.’

‘Every little counts’ - Vicky’s story

Vicky Jackson, 32 from Huyton began volunteering with Willowbrook about 5 years ago, starting at the Page Moss shop before moving on this November to work in one of Willowbrook’s shops in St Helens. She recently successfully applied for a job as a Shop Manager and now works full time at the Bridge Street shop.

Vicky says: “I knew about Willowbrook from the wonderful care they had given to a member of my extended family. With my son at primary school, I decided that I wanted to update my skills and gain more experience in retail and admin so volunteering at one of the Willowbrook charity shops seemed a ‘natural progression’ for me.  I immediately felt so welcome by all the other volunteers and loved chatting to the customers – it felt like a real family atmosphere and I got such a ‘buzz’ from knowing that I was helping the hospice to raise funds so that they could continue to care and support people in our local community.

“I know that everyone’s circumstances are different and that people have different pulls on their time but whether you can give a few hours, half a day or more…every little counts and I would recommend volunteering for Willowbrook to anyone.”

Background Information: 

The Knights House Charity was originally established in February 1875.  In 1972 it was merged, with the permission of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, with the Charity of Richard Garnett, to be administered as one scheme.

The Knights House fund is one of a number of funds which comes under the umbrella of the Halton Foundation. The Halton Foundation was launched in February 2016 and aims to forge links between local community groups who need help, with local businesses who may be able to provide it. The partnership is led by Halton Chamber of Commerce, Halton Borough Council and Halton and St Helen’s Voluntary and Community Action (VCA).  The Foundation’s grant making arm is administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside.

What is the focus of the fund: 

The Knights House Fund aims to support people in the borough of Widnes who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.  The fund will fund both voluntary and community groups that are working in the Widnes area on a wide range of charitable projects and also individuals in need of additional help and support.

Voluntary and community groups need to be able to evidence the requirement for their project and show how it will reduce the need, hardship or distress of their beneficiaries.  The fund aims to support projects that are alleviating poverty, responding to a basic lack of provision and relieving emotional and physical suffering.

Individuals can apply for items such as white goods and furniture and need to evidence a need for their request and demonstrate that funding is not available from elsewhere ie government funding.  Applications from individuals should also be accompanied by a letter of support/reference from an appropriate organization/individual such as Citizens Advice Bureau, local Councillor, local charity or community group.  They should be aware of your situation and your need for the items requested.

How much is available: The maximum grant available is £1000 for groups and £250 for individuals. More may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

Who can apply: Voluntary or community groups with a constitution or set of rules in the group’s name, which includes CICs and Social Enterprises and individuals.

Which areas are covered: Beneficiaries must come from the Widnes area

Any special criteria: The fund will not support core salaries or general running costs but will consider sessional worker costs and an element of full cost recovery as part of a specific project.

Examples of the sorts of projects that may be funded for groups:

• Activities for people with disabilities
• Foodbanks
• Self-help groups
• Luncheon clubs
• Projects to reduce social isolation for vulnerable groups
• Debt advice sessions
• Domestic violence project
• Mental health initiatives

Examples of the sorts of items that may be funded for individuals:

• Equipment such as white goods, furniture, bedding
• Clothes/winter wear
• Specific equipment to help with disabilities such as mobility aids

The fund is willing to respond to emergency situations affecting both groups and individuals and is willing to consider an application for funding outside of the scheduled open rounds. Please contact Joan Ford if you wish to submit an emergency application – joan.ford@cflm.email

The closing date is Friday 28 February 2020

How to apply?

Please visit the Community Foundation for Merseyside’s website - www.cfmerseyside.org.uk and complete an online application form. Once you have submitted the online application you will need to send the documents listed below. If you do not submit all the relevant documents within 7 days your application will be withdrawn.  You can now attach the documents to your online application, email them to applications@cflm.email or post them to the address below.  Individual applicants should download  

an electronic application form which can be saved and emailed back to us. Supporting documents can either be emailed to us or posted to us.

Documents which need to be included with your application:

Groups

• A copy of your governing document or constitution
• A copy of your latest annual accounts or income/expenditure document
• A copy of a recent bank statement for your group
• A copy of your current Safeguarding Policy. All applicants must ensure that they hold relevant policies and procedures in place to undertake activities, such as Criminal Records Bureau checks and/or a health and safety policy, depending on proposed activity. If unsure about what you need please contact the Community Foundation for help (details below)
• NB: If you have received a grant from us in the last 12 months and have already submitted copies of the above documents, you do not need to send them in again. However, a bank statement is required with every application.

Individuals

• Proof of residency in Widnes (a copy of a utility bill/ driving licence or other similar document stating your home address will suffice)
• A copy of a recent bank statement
• Letter of support/reference

The following items cannot be supported via the fund:

• Statutory organisations or work that is their responsibility
• National organizations that cannot demonstrate local governance and control of local finances
  Commercial ventures
  Purchase/maintenance of vehicles
  Activities that will have already taken place before we offer you a grant
  Politically connected or exclusively religious activities
  Projects for personal profit
  Organisations that are set up for the benefit of animals or plants: environmental groups that work with animals or the environment (such as city farms) are acceptable
  Groups comprising of just members of the same family
  Debts and other liabilities
  Reclaimable VAT
  Travel outside UK
  Gifts or projects exclusively for the purpose of entertaining – social events can be funded where there is a clear community benefit

What happens next?

All completed applications are assessed by Community Foundation staff to confirm eligibility. You may be contacted for more information after applying and a decision making panel will make recommendations based on the fund’s criteria and the budget available.

You should expect to hear the outcome of your application within 6 weeks of the closing date.

For further information, please contact Joan Ford, Community Philanthropy Manager at:

Community Foundation for Merseyside
Third Floor, Stanley Building,
43 Hanover Street,
Liverpool, L1 3DN
T: 0151 294 4756 (direct line) 0330 4404900 (switchboard)

Email: joan.ford@cflm.email

Age UK Mid Mersey are holding a coffee morining between 10am - 12pm on Wednesday 5th February 2020 for coffee and cake and find out more about how you can be involved. They have lots of different volunteering opportunities available…

• Befriending
• Coffee Shop
• Reception
• Fundraising
• Marketing & Administration…

They would love you to join their team - what are you waiting for!

The Mansion House Bistro, Victoria Park, City Lane, St Helens, WA10 2UE

For more information and to let them know you'll be attending please email: hr@aukmm.org.uk

Kim Hughes, from Merseyside is to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with a British Citizen Award in recognition of her extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award, in partnership with One Stop, is now in its fifth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.

Kim will be honoured for her services to volunteering and charitable giving with a BCAv, at an official medal presentation being held on 23rd January 2020.

Kim has been a volunteer for Apex Charitable Trust since 1998.  She works with and supports ex-offenders helping them to turn their lives around. Kim shows kindness and compassion believing everyone deserves a second chance. She knows that education and opportunities not only help reduce reoffending, but strengthen communities by giving people a sense of purpose and worth.

For 20 years Kim’s dedication has seen her take on more responsibility and since 2006 she has been leader of the Trust.  Whilst pursuing her duties as charity CEO and passionately supporting clients, Kim also battled her own personal health conditions, being diagnosed with MS and undergoing various medical treatments, but upholding her charity commitment throughout.

Over the 20 years Kim has supported numerous ex-offenders, helping them achieve meaningful paid employment and she has secured over £1 million to keep the charity running. At the same time Kim has provided support and encouragement to her entire team of staff. Kim has provided and continues to provide empathetic support and advice to ex-offenders without judgement, including a lady convicted of fraud and deception, who through Kim’s guidance and mentoring has gone on to achieve a degree in criminology and a PHD. 

The Medal presentation will be hosted at the House of Lord’s by TV’s Michael Underwood who, together with Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, is a patron of the British Citizen Award, which was established in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked. Dubbed the People’s Honours, many recipients have subsequently been selected to receive a Queen’s Honour after their endeavours have been recognised with a BCA.

Each medalist has a day to remember befitting their achievements. At the Palace of Westminster each will receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medals will be presented by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Experian and Objective HR who all support these awards. Following this, medalists are treated to an Open Top Lap of Honour tour before attending a Certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House.  

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.

Book on via Eventbrite HERE

It is really important this information is shared to all organisations including the voluntary sector so that as many people as possible have access to this training.

• Safeguarding Adults - awareness & responsibilities - Monday 20th January OR Tuesday 18th February - 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Dmestic Abuse Awareness - Wednesday 29th January - 5pm - 8pm OR Wednesday 11th March - 1.30pm - 4.30pm
• Self-neglect Awareness - Thursday 30th January OR Thursday 25th February - 1.30pm - 4.30pm
• Modern Day Slavery - Wednesday 18th March - 5pm - 8pm

Sefton CVS are seeking to recruit a Citizenship & Volunteering Worker to support individuals and VCF organisations in accessing and developing informal and formal volunteering opportunities. 

Salary: £20,661 per annum
Location: Sefton-wide
Hours: 35 hours (Full-time)
Accountable to: Localities Partnership Manager

Job Purpose:

1. To support individuals and VCF organisations in developing informal and formal volunteering opportunities developing community resilience, responding to the needs of local areas and residents within a designated locality.
2. To provide a range of support and development interventions to capacity build voluntary, community and faith organisations in recruiting, deploying and retaining volunteers working to national best practice standards as an accredited Volunteer Centre through NCVO’s quality mark.
3. To promote and generate (money, time, resources) in supporting the Sefton 4 Good philanthropy initiative amongst community, businesses and partners to generate resources and in kind support for local good causes and initiatives.
4. To work as part of the locality team to  co-ordinate the sector in providing early prevention and intervention support focused on volunteering and citizenship to address the needs of Sefton residents, leading to improved outcomes, showcasing the contribution volunteering and the sector makes.

The closing date for completed applications is 12noon on Friday 10th January 2020.

Interviews are scheduled for week commencing Monday 13th January 2020 

All completed applications and any enquiries to be sent to recruitment@seftoncvs.org.uk

For more information and to download an application form, please see the link below:

https://seftoncvs.org.uk/2019/12/13/job-vacancy-sefton-cvs-citizenship-volunteering-worker-closing-12noon-friday-10th-january-2020/

Age UK and its network of local Age UK’s has featured quite a lot on TV recently around the continued work to highlight loneliness of older people -  we’re sure you’ve seen the recent publicity around Age UK Oldham’s volunteer Terrence who has been on TV with BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker.

Over the last couple of weeks the Mansion House team have been liaising with Age UK’s National Team and ITV on a Coronation Street story line about older people’s experience of loneliness. (It’s the Rita storyline if anyone is a Corrie fan).

Three older people were selected from the Age UK network to go down to London to film an advert; this will take place during the Coronation Street break on selected dates in the run up to Christmas. One of the people selected was one of our very own Age Uk Mid Mersey volunteers; this lady volunteers her time here at Age UK Mid Mersey helping out at luncheon club events and sharing her ideas on the St Helens Older Peoples panel. this volunteer often says that spending time here at Age UK Mid Mersey has given her a sense of purpose and something to look forward to during the week. Her key worker here at Age UK Mid Mersey is Sarah Lloyd; Sarah accompanied this amazing lady during filming and has been liaising with her on further media interest.

Below are the likely timings for the adverts;

Wednesday 18th December – 2nd episode end break (approx. 20.57)

Friday 20th December – one hour episode currently scheduled at 19.30-20.30 – 2nd centre break (approx. 20.00)

Monday 23rd December – 1st episode end break (approx. 19.57)

Monday 23rd December – 2nd episode end break (approx. 20.57)     

If you would like more information about this campaign or would like to access some support, please click the link below:

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/no-one/behind-the-adverts/

The festive season can be a joyous time for most, celebrated with friends and loves ones. However, many people can be gripped by stress, anxiety and loneliness. To help people cope with loneliness, Northwest Boroughs Healthcare have produced a short animation, with handy tips and advice on how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing:

For anyone struggling over the festive period with stress, anxiety or feeling they can’t cope with day-to-day life, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the help in a crisis page on the Trust’s website for support and advice: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/help-in-a-crisis 
 

They also have mental health assessment teams in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan. These are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you feel you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact your local assessment team directly on the numbers below:

Halton: 01925 664 000
Knowsley: 0151 676 5263
St Helens: 01744 621 688
Warrington: 01925 666 647
Wigan and Leigh: 01942 482 239
Sefton: 0151 525 5980

Guidance for children and young people up to age 18

Children and young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Response Team. The team is available 9am to 9pm seven days a week, covering Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington.

If you need urgent support or advice you can call the team on 01744 627 618. If nobody is available straight away, please leave a message and a member of the team will call you back as soon as they can.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency after 9pm and need immediate help, please visit your nearest accident and emergency department  or call 999.

Teresa Mercer, the Community and Business Health Promotions Officer for St Helens Council has developed a number of recipes using Christmas recipes that you may be able to use.

One is fancy version. Two are printer friendly versions. There is also a supermarket price list on how to make a 3 course Christmas dinner for a family 4. And finally there is a recipe card based on the items that you would get in a food bank parcel.

For information on how to access local foodbanks please see the links below:

https://sthelens.foodbank.org.uk/locations/ st helens

https://widnes.foodbank.org.uk/locations/ - widnes

https://runcorndistrict.foodbank.org.uk/locations/ - Runcorn

LAAF is looking to appoint a creative and experienced Cultural Education Producer to lead on the development of their arts and cultural projects in schools.

The successful candidate, who will be experienced in collaborating with and overseeing freelance artists, will devise, plan and deliver these creative projects from scratch. They will implement robust monitoring and evaluation processes throughout.

This experience will enable them to shape and deliver project targets while fulfilling reporting criteria. As an excellent team player and communicator, they will also be able to engage with a diverse range of people; from cultivating partnerships to working closely with young people.

Ideally, they will have knowledge and understanding of Arab arts and culture and have experience of Arts Awards Accreditation.

Annual Salary: £12,155
Working hours: 17 hours per week.
Contract duration: The post is initially funded for 12 months by Qatar Foundation International.

Download the full job description: LAAF Cultural Education Producer

How to apply:

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) demonstrating your suitability to the role in relation to the stated Knowledge, Skills and Experience criteria.

LAAF is committed to widening access in the arts. We particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community as this group is currently under-represented in the arts.

Please email your CV and covering letter to admin@arabicartsfestival.co.uk with the subject line ‘Cultural Education Producer application’.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 13 January 2020.

Interviews will be held late January in Liverpool – dates to be confirmed.

After a hugely successful Christmas tree collection in 2019, the Willowbrook Hospice Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme is back for January 2020.

The last Christmas tree collection in St Helens and Knowsley raised just over £2, 785 for Willowbrook Hospice.  So why not go green, get your tree recycled and help raise money so that they can continue to care and support patients and their families.

All you need to do to register for your real tree to be collected is donate a minimum of £5 and call the Willowbrook Fundraising Team on 01744 453798, email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk or go online at: https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/christmastreerecycling#!/

They are collecting from Monday 6 January to Friday 17 January 2020 (weekdays only) and are able to collect from postcodes: L14, L28, L34, L35, L36, WA9. WA10, WA11, WA12 and WN5 (not Orrell). Unfortunately, they are unable to collect from other postcodes.

You don't need to be in on the day! Simply leave your tree outside your house and you can even specify where during registration.

By registering for the Willowbrook Christmas Tree Collection you are helping to ensure that the hospice can continue to support patients and their families across St Helens and Knowsley.

The Weston Charity Awards were created by the Garfield Weston Foundation to celebrate and support great front-line charities working in the fields of Community, Welfare and Youth.

In 2020 they aim to select 20 winners who will receive a fantastic package of benefits:

• A year of support from Pilotlight.
• Unrestricted cash contribution of £6,500 to support the work with Pilotlight, this includes travel expenses to meetings.
• Access to a network of local charities working with Pilotlight.
• 3 ‘connect’ sessions with other Award Winners across the year.

The application deadline is 5pm on 10 January. Apply here: https://westoncharityawards.org/about-the-awards/how-to-apply/

You can also read about a new report launched by Pilotlight to coincide with the launch here: https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/smaller-charities-feeling-optimistic-coming-year-research-indicates/management/article/1667369

Opportunity for charities looking for additional space to use on a RENT & BUSINESS RATES FREE basis.

Avire UK are able to offer Retail spaces for charities which can be used for Retailing, Drop in Centre, Training or even just for storage.

Sizes range from 1,171 - 14,428 sq ft approx

The only costs you will incur for using this property will be utility bills. 

If any Charity is looking for additional space to use, they can offer a 1-3 year lease with a 28 day rolling break clause.

Avire UK currently have over 200+ charities in various properties they have sourced for them and some of the charities have been in their premises for over 3 years now. They have numerous testimonials of charities they have helped in the past and any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact them on the details below.

Phone Number  01295 256338
Email  leanneavery@avire.co.uk

Caring Connections suicide bereavement team have recently become accredited to deliver the globally recognised Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course. At present there are only approx. 150 individuals across the UK accredited to deliver this training and 2 are within their charity.

The course runs for 2 consecutive days in which individuals will be trained in the skills to intervene when encountering a suicidal individual. The course is intense and has a number of role plays etc all developing key skills and competences to develop individuals into accredited ASIST practitioners.

The course dates have now been confirmed:

Date: 18th / 19th January 2020
Times: 9am – 17pm both days
Venue: Everton’s Blue Base, Salop Street, Liverpool, L4 4BZ

• The cost per person is £165.00
• 10% Deposit is required on booking
• Full payment is required 14 days to course commencement
• Cancellation notice: 14 days

If you would like to book your place,  email Paul Gowner on the email address below, confirming name(s) of participants and email addresses. 
Paul.growney@caringconnections.org.uk

For more information on course content please visit their dedicated website www.suicideaware.co.uk 

Focus Employment Hub Limited providing support for the whole community.

Free drop in for disabled people, migrants and the whole community providing 1-2-1 emotional and practical support around employment and benefits. Offering counselling/life coaching.

Starting on 17th January 2020 11am-3pm every week.

Call John Perry for more details on 01744 453696.

The recent meeting of the VS6 partners was attended by VCFSE sector representatives from across the Liverpool City Region, including Sefton CVS, Halton & St Helens VCA, Community Action Wirral and Merseyside Youth Association.

At the meeting, Christian Stannard, Relationship Manager at Social Investment Business introduced the Liverpool City Region Impact Fund (LCRIF) which provides repayable finance to charities and social enterprises in the Liverpool City Region to help them to increase their economic and social impact.  The Fund has over £600,000 in total to invest by 2021.

Also at the meeting, individual members of the partnership provided updates on recent & upcoming events where they represent VS6, including a Power to Change Event on the Wirral; VS6’s first Housing Assembly, and the Global Social Economy Forum.

Finally, it was also agreed that VS6 would host several events in 2020 in the run-up to the Mayoral election, including an Assembly event in the New Year for the Sector to consider what might be included in a new manifesto and a Mayoral Hustings event in March/April.

For More Information About VS6 and previous meetings, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vs6-working-together-build-stronger-liverpool-city-region

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

Willowbrook Hospice has teamed up with Hospice UK and fashion retailer New Look this winter to offer St Helens shoppers an extra big thank you for helping the charity.

Piloted earlier this year in several locations around the country, the scheme which encourages more people to donate goods to local hospice shops has now gone countrywide.

The high street store will be offering a 20% discount voucher to anyone who drops in a full bag of donations at the Willowbrook Hospice shop in St Mary’s Arcade, St Helens.

Under the scheme, running in partnership with national charity Hospice UK, donors will receive a voucher which they will be able to spend at New Look’s store in Church Street, which is only a short walk from the hospice shop.

Carol Pilkington, Willowbrook’s Retail Manager said: “We are delighted to have the support of New Look and are very excited to take part in the scheme. 

“One bag of donated goods makes a significant contribution to Willowbrook Hospice, so by taking part you’ll not only be supporting the hospice but bagging yourself a 20% discount from New Look as well.”

Every item bought in one of Willowbrook’s shops helps the Hospice to provide care and support for local people and their families living with a life-limiting illness. The shop in St Mary’s Arcade sells furniture, clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac and books. There are 12 more Willowbrook shops across St Helens and Knowsley, the Bridge Street shop is also in St Helens town centre and specialises in the sale of baby and children’s items. For more information about Willowbrook Hospice and the care it provides, please visit www.willowbrook.org.uk

John Perry of Focus Employment Hub Limited a social enterprise based in St Helen’s has obtained funding to provide support for migrants living in the St Helen’s Borough. To provide emotional and practical support with the focus being on employment. The aim will be to provide tailored support to a small group of individuals on a 1-2-1 or in a group setting to realise their potential and to help them to achieve their personal and professional goals. John is a qualified personal and vocational counsellor, and an experienced trainer on equality and diversity issues. Throughout his personal and professional life John has advocated for disabled people, their families and the wider community to promote social and economic inclusion.
St Helen’s is an area which currently faces high levels of social deprivation including high unemployment levels, greater prevalence of mental health issues and lower life expectancy rates than the national average.

Refugees and asylum seekers have an overall increase in psychological ill-health, which is not an inevitable consequence of conflict and trauma but which also reflects the socio-political condition faced by host countries. Improving these conditions improves mental health outcomes. Migrants are at a high risk of homelessness and may be suffering from Ptsd which impacts detrimentally on mental health and part of this project is to assist migrants to find counselling and life coaching were appropriate. Many stated that they are seen only through their ethnicity and cultural background rather than what they can do and increasingly struggle with lack of self-worth, perceived loss of skills, and social anxiety and isolation. They are not able to navigate the services and system they will need to access in order to gain fulfilling lives

The project will deliver the following:
• Emotional and practical support
• Providing a listening ear in a confidential and non-threatening environment
• Help with college/job applications/volunteering
• CV writing
• Signposting to other services 
• Counselling/Advocacy/Life-coaching
• Job seeking
• Holistic – Reiki/Reflexology

The project will commence on Wednesday 15th January 2020 at The Oxford Room, The Hope Centre, Atherton Street, St Helens, WA10 2DT at 12.30-3.30 pm. Tea and coffee will be provided. 

To find out more about the project call John Perry on 01744 453696 Tuesday-Friday between 10am -2pm or leave a message. Focusemploymenthub@gmail.com

Halton Speak Out are looking for someone who has the skills, knowledge and experience required to fulfil the role of a Community Engagement Officer

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. They will need to have a desire to support and develop community groups and develop new and exciting community initiatives. This role represents a great opportunity within a friendly, positive and professional environment.

The role will include all aspects of project management including the need to be able to use and monitor social media and web-based activities, along with general administration duties.

This is role will enable you to work with a team who are passionate about making a difference.

Location: Halton – Brookvale and Sutton Park Runcorn

Hours of work: 12hrs a week (including evening and weekends). 12 month fixed term contract commencing January 2020

Salary: £12 per hour

Closing date for application: Friday 6th December 2019

Interviews:   Friday 13th December 2019

For further information and application pack please contact Halton Speak Out on 01928 713877

Some of Merseyside’s best-known landmarks are set to be bathed in red light over the weekend of 30th November and 1st December to mark World AIDS Day.

By lighting the city and surrounding boroughs red we are joining together to raise awareness.  Red symbolising the Red Ribbon, a symbol of compassion and support for people living with HIV.   We are sending out a positive message that as a community we can challenge and remove the stigma that still surrounds HIV and acknowledge the progress around treatment and prevention.

Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Paul Brant, said:

“We are proud and pleased to be hosting this year’s vigil at the Cunard Building and lighting up some of our buildings red to mark World AIDS Day.

“The medication that is available to treat HIV means that people with HIV can now lead long and healthy lives.  We need more people to get tested to ensure access to treatment.   We also need to end the stigma attached to HIV and testing – it is a virus that can affect many different communities in society”

Sahir House service user who has been living with HIV for 7 years commented: 

“I feel by seeing the city lit up RED it is sending out a very positive message about how we, as a community can challenge and remove the stigma that still surrounds HIV, acknowledge the progress around treatment and prevention and not to forget all those we have lost to the virus”

Among the buildings taking part are….

• St Georges Hall
• The Cunard building
• Liverpool Town Hall
• Liverpool Central Library
• Liverpool University Active Learning Lab
• St Brides Church
• Liverpool Community College
• Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• Knowsley Bridge over M62 / Greystone Road
• M & S Bank Arena, Liverpool
• Liverpool One
• World Museum, Liverpool
• Merseyside Police HQ
• Bootle Town Hall
• Radio City Tower

On Sunday December 1st Sahir House World AIDS Day Vigil will be held in the Cunard Building on the Strand, Liverpool from 2.30pm.  A selection of the UK AIDS memorial quilts are being exhibited along with art work from Sahir House Many Hands One hear network created in partnership with Homotopia.  Guest speakers will commence at 3.30pm with performance from the Rainbow Chorus Choir.  The event closes with the remembrance list being accompanied by the talented violinist Peter Morgan.  This is a FREE event.

World AIDS Day is on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Over the past 3 decades award winning charity Sahir House have been providing care, support and practical assistance to people living with HIV, their partners, carers, dependants and improving public education in connection with the effects of HIV in the Merseyside area. 

For more information, contact

Serena Cavanagh, Health Promotion Lead

Sahir House 2nd floor, 151 Dale Street, L2 2AH, 0151 237 3989

www.sahir.org.uk       info@sahir.uk.com      @sahirhouse    #WADMerseyside

Charities, especially small- and medium-sized ones, want to measure what matters. Funding bodies are increasingly asking for measures that capture real impact, beyond traditional outcomes. Wellbeing is now widely recognised as an evidence-informed, established approach to understanding how your service, project or programme makes a difference.

But what does wellbeing look like in your context? And where do you start when it comes to measuring it? At the Centre we are committed to supporting voluntary sector organisations to understand, improve and measure wellbeing. 

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, What Works Wellbeing are pleased to announce a programme of free workshops around the country designed specially for small to medium-sized charities, starting in February 2020. Please let them know on your registration form if you would like to find out how they can cover your travel expenses.

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS: UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVING AND MEASURING WELLBEING 

These workshops will cover wellbeing concepts and evidence, how to use evidence to improve your activities, and recommended measures for wellbeing evaluations and is ideal for you if you:

• work for a small or medium-sized charity or social enterprise 
• want to understand if and how your activities affect the wellbeing of the people you support
• are responsible for reporting, evaluation or impact
• have not measured wellbeing very much or at all yet and need some guidance on how to get started.

For more information and to find a workshop, please click the link below:

https://whatworkswellbeing.org/blog/understanding-and-measuring-wellbeing-free-workshops-across-the-uk/

Salary:                     £12,809.16 per year/£11.73 per hour  

Working Hours:      21 hours per week

Location:                 Manchester  

Contract:                  Permanent

Closing date:           Wednesday 11th December 2019

Henshaws Community Services enable people of all ages living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to make informed choices about their future. Independence and friendship are at the heart of what we do to help people find the confidence to go beyond their expectations.

The role will work under the guidance of the Business and Partnership Manager – Knowledge Village – to promote and deliver on our Henshaws Knowledge Village Accreditation and Training Programme for businesses which champions accessibility for people living with sight loss to thrive internally as an employee or externally as a customer.

A key responsibility is to deliver Visual Impairment Awareness Training (internal training provided) for organisations across the Greater Manchester Region (and wider) in varied and diverse market sectors including arts and culture, healthcare, and voluntary sector organisations.

A further key responsibility will be to act as the main point of liaison for any day to day contact with partners; particularly on the delivery of any training and accreditation implementation plans.

A proven track record of working effectively with different stakeholders, as well as excellent interpersonal skills, and able to develop good working relationships with colleagues, is essential. Overseeing and implementation of an accreditation framework, and a background in a training/support role, is preferred but full training will be given.

Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 11th December 2019

For further details and to apply please visit www.henshaws.org.uk/jobs.  For further information please contact recruitment@henshaws.org.uk

Henshaws aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.  

Heart of Glass and the artist/mental health activist James Leadbitter are delighted to invite you and your service users to an informal and creative gathering of St Helens-based service providers and care receivers to collectively discuss how we can work better together to improve mental health care in St Helens. 

This event is on Friday 29 November, 1- 4.30pm, the old Argos Store, Church Street, St Helens (lunch provided). The session will be facilitated by artist, activist and Madlove Take Over co-curator James Leadbitter and is for everyone affected by mental health in St Helens. Please reserve your place on Eventbrite here. 

PLEASE NOTE: There are also a few tickets remaining for The Stranger on the Bridge screening followed by Q&A with Jonny Benjamin and Angela Samata. 

Mental health campaigner and suicide survivor Jonny Benjamin MBE presents his documentary The Stranger on the Bridge, followed by a Q&A with Angela Samata, fellow mental health campaigner and BAFTA-nominee. 

Thursday, 28 November 2019, 5-7pm, the old Argos Store, Church Street, St Helens. Please reserve your place on Eventbrite here.

John Perry  of Focus Employment Hub Limited social enterprise based in St Helens has been awarded lottery funding to provide support for disabled people and people with long term health conditions.  To provide emotional and practical support with the focus being on employment. The aim will be to provide tailored support to a small group of individuals on a 1-2-1 or in a group setting to realise their potential and to help them to achieve their personal and professional goals.   John is a qualified personal and vocational counsellor, throughout his personal and professional life has advocated for disabled people, their families and the wider community.

The project will deliver the following:

• Emotional and practical support
• Providing a listening ear in a confidential and non-threatening environment
• Help with college/job applications/volunteering
• CV writing
• Signposting to other services
• Counselling/Advocacy/Life-coaching
• Job seeking
• Holistic – Reiki/Reflexology

The project will commence on Wednesday 8th January 2020 at The Oxford Room, The Hope Centre, Atherton Street, St Helens, WA10 2DT at 12.30-3.30 pm.Tea and coffee will be provided.

To find out more about the project call John Perry on 01744 453696 Tuesday-Friday between 10am -2pm or leave a message.Focusemploymenthub@gmail.com

Put on your dancing shoes for a wonderful afternoon of dancing to live music provided by organist John Kyffin (of Rushworth and Draper fame). In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, enjoy a range of ball-room and sequence dances, tea, coffee, a piece of cake, entry into the raffle and of course the wonderful company of others, all included in the price of £5 per person.  All ages and singles welcome. No-one sits down for long because there is also the guidance of experienced dancers on site too. Everyone is encouraged to have a go!

The group have high praise for the afternoon tea dances. Here are some of the things they say: 

“ It’s wonderful! With sequence dancing you soon learn the dance steps and by repeating them you’re soon part of the dance!”

“The function room is beautiful- nicely decorated, clean and warm. The dance floor is in great condition too- so important. ”

“ It’s fun! At first I came to the tea dances to get me out of the house but now I’m really keen. I’ve enjoyed learning a new skill and have even been able to have the confidence to join in sequence and ball-room dancing on cruise ships.”

“ The other dancers are very welcoming and positive. I look forward to coming because it’s a fun, social weekly event that helps to keeps my mind and muscles moving and challenged!”

“Requests for dances are always welcome. The organist is very experienced and cheerful. The tea and cake are always welcome too. It’s a great value day out.”

“ I’ve admired , ‘Strictly Come Dancing on TV for years and finally plucked up the courage to give it a go. I’m so pleased I did. I enjoy my weekly dancing but also enjoy watching ‘ Strictly’ even more now!"

“ You don’t even have to dance! There are people who come in wheel-chairs who come to soak up the wonderful atmosphere. Some of us also go to the Foodini Restaurant in the room next door beforehand– so handy and also great value and one of the highlights of the week!”

VENUE: The Heath, Business and Technical Park’s event hall. The Heath is a corporate campus with many facilities used by the local community in Runcorn, WA7 4QX England. ( Many years ago the site belonged to ICI)

DAY & TIME: Mondays, 1pm until 3pm

COST: £5.00

For further details contact Alan.
Email: alan@mckieassociates.co.uk
Tel: 07971 832467 or 01928 513365

Get into the festive spirit by coming along to the Willowbrook Hospice indoor Christmas Fayre on 7 December (11am-3pm) at The Living Well on Borough Road, St Helens. As well as a range of stalls selling festive goodies, there’ll be games, food and drink and the fabulous Winter Wonderland and of course…Santa’s Grotto.  For more information, ring 01744 453798.

All proceeds will go towards helping Willowbrook to care and support local people living with life limiting illnesses across St Helens and Knowsley.

For more information, please visit www.willowbrook.org.uk 

Charity annual returns: print before you submit!

The Charity Commission is no longer providing copies of annual returns once they have been submitted online.

Charities are being advised to print your return in draft form before submitting it, as you will not receive a PDF of the final version as you may have done in previous years. Once submitted, there is no way to retrieve the information so it is important that you remember to print your return in draft format before you have pressed ‘submit’.

This useful information was circulated by Sandy Adirondack in her free legal update email service for voluntary organisations, which you can sign up for by emailing legalupdate@sandy-a.co.uk with your contact details. You can find out more about this useful service here.

Halton & St Helens VCA would like to invite you to our Annual General Meeting which is being held on Tuesday 10th December, at St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB from 2pm to 3pm. 

If would like to attend, please click the link below to register:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=310

Join us for refreshments from 1.30pm, we look forward to meeting you. 

Can you please email dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk if you cannot attend the AGM and would like to give apologies.

Monday 27th January 2020, 10am at Beacon Building, St Helens 

Halton & St Helens VCA are pleased to share with you the date of the next St Helens VCSE Forum.  We are bringing key partners together to connect with the sector to provide and share key developments on St Helens Cares and we will update on key work and initiatives in St Helens, more details to follow.  To book a place click on the link below

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=308&reset=1

Thursday December 12th, 2pm at Beacon Building, St Helens 

We are bringing together colleagues with an interest in the St Helens work to develop a Domestic Abuse Strategy. The St Helens People’s Board have identified Domestic Abuse as a priority for the Borough and partners are coming together to work on how we develop new approaches. Following the Domestic Abuse Summit held in October, we will be hearing from Samantha Murray from St Helens Council about work to develop a strategy and the role the sector can play. Come along if your organisation has ideas about how we can support this work and are interested in co-producing the Borough’s approach.

To book a place click on the link below

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=312

The Emergencies Partnership hopes to breakdown the silos that have previously aected the charity sector's response to disasters in the UK. Jane Ide the Chief Executive of our National Association NAVCA is the Vice-Chair of the Partnership. They are working to engage the wider sector into the response to emergencies. More information on arrangements for Halton & St Helens will be included in future e-bulletins.

Local charity, Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, is in the running for a national award in recognition of an inspiring film which takes viewers across the expanse of the Mersey Estuary revealing a host of delightful wildlife living right on our doorstep. The film takes a closer look at the Trust’s findings of how wildlife on the estuary has been affected by the construction of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, reflecting upon their choice to make room for nature.

Local people are being urged to view the video and support the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust by voting for their film “Making Room for Nature” at the Charity Film Awards website: https://charityfilmawards.com/videos/making-room-for-nature

Local wildlife filmmaker Alison Hitchens spent two weeks on the estuary, and with the environmental team, capturing wild footage including shell ducks, meadow pipits, lapwings and estuarine fish. 

David Colbourne, Chief Executive of the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, commented:

“We hope that the film will champion our wonderful local wildlife right here in the Upper Mersey Estuary. Receiving public votes for this award will support our charity and promote our mission to increase the biodiversity of the Estuary.  If you love your wildlife then please vote for us!”

The Charity Film Awards champions effective story-telling and digital engagement among not-for-profits in the UK.  Since its launch in 2017 over 1000 charity films have entered and over ¼ million members of the public have voted.

Simon Burton, founder of the Charity Film Awards, commented: “All the charities that have entered deserve to be congratulated, but they need more than thanks, they need votes! It’s simple for the public to vote for their favourite charity film at www.charityfilmawards.com.”

The current public vote phase will determine the final shortlist, which will then be judged by a panel of experts.

Local people are being urged to view the video and support the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust by voting for their film “Making Room for Nature” at the Charity Film Awards website: https://charityfilmawards.com/videos/making-room-for-nature.

Please Vote by the 1st December to help them reach the next stage. Please see their Twitter account https://twitter.com/mgenvtrust/status/1187731875533611009 or https://twitter.com/mgenvtrust/status/1192049972247748608

In December 2018, in line with St Helens Councils priority of raising aspiration and ambition for young people, a project was launched between Invest St Helens and Council Social Work teams to deliver Christmas for Care Leavers age 16-25 years, with plans to use the Ambassadors Programme as a platform to make this happen. The response to this was phenomenal – numerous businesses and individuals donated and the results spoke for themselves. Over £7,000 was raised, plus gifts and other items from over 40 different businesses, individuals, schools and groups.

It is the aim to make the 2019 campaign bigger and better and your help is needed to do that. Donations to the appeal can be made in the form of products, such as items from your business if appropriate, purchasing gifts to donate, providing goods or services free of charge in the form of a gift voucher or experience token, or financial contributions can also be received.

The letter from Invest St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus is attached below.  To pledge your support to the Christmas for Care Leavers Appeal please contact Lucy Parker, Personal Assistant on 01744 671810 lucyparker@sthelens.gov.uk

As Eamonn says "Your support to the Care Leavers appeal has shown just how powerful we can be when working together".

Halton and St Helens VCA are once again a drop off point for the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal.  You can drop off your donations at Halton and St Helens VCA, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

Halton Christmas Toy Appeal is in ugent need of your help, they need toys and gifts for this years appeal.  All toys and gifts are for the disadvantaged and less fortunate children living in this community, all donations get distributed within the community to children who wouldn't normally get a present on Chrismas day, they have over 200+ children to help this year. You can help by donating a new unopened toy or gift suitable for ages 0-18 boys and girls.

You can also donate monies by going on the go fund me site and searching for Halton Christmas toy appeal or their link on facebook page and twitter, if you need to make contact please ring 0778 3302506.  

Halton & St Helens VCA would like to invite you to the next Halton VCSE Forum taking place on Monday 16th December 2019 at 10am in Halton & St Helens VCA, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB.  We are bringing key partners together to connect with the sector to provide and share key developments on One Halton and we will update on key work and initiatives in Halton, agenda to follow.  To book a place click on the register now button.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=311

NAVCA  are the national membership body specifically for local sector support and development organisations (also known as local infrastructure) in England. They are working with NHS England and NHS Improvement to conduct some research into partnerships between NHS Trusts and organisations within the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

More specifically, the research aims to understand examples of these partnerships, how they come about, what supports them and the impact that they achieve. This is all with a view to making practical recommendations for how people can be supported in both the voluntary and public sectors and improve partnerships.

This survey forms an important part of this research and will be vital to creating recommendations in the final report. The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete and your time in completing this will be greatly appreciated.

Survey Link

This survey is for those working within VCSE- https://forms.gle/WUWSDd899dtTUUXF8

The Deadline for completion of this survey is Monday 2nd December

Workshop

The survey, along with other research will be presented and discussed at a workshop in Birmingham on Wednesday January 15th. The workshop will be a mixture of people from the public and voluntary sector and will help to inform recommendations in the final report in March 2020. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please let them know with an email to navca@navca.org.uk with subject Partnership Scoping Workshop, or complete your name and email at the end of the survey.

If you have any problems completing the survey or wish to discuss this or the wider research further, please contact Tom.Watson@navca.org.uk

Please note: this study excludes partnerships where the main purpose is the provision of hospital based volunteer services. This study will include those partnerships where volunteer services are linked to clinical pathways either through external referrals or signposting, services supporting hospital discharge etc, those using volunteers in their delivery, as well as services directly operating on NHS premises.

Halton Borough Council, working in Partnership with the Our Liverpool Programme, wishes to offer the opportunity for voluntary and community organisations to apply for one or two year funding grants.  Organisations will need to demonstrate that they can help achieve the agreed aims, objectives and outcomes of the programm, with the focus being on working with asylum seekers and refugees.  

GRANT DETAILS

Grants will run for either a 12 month period with a maximum grant amount of £5,000, or 24 month period with a maximum grant of up to £10,000.

Sizes of grant will vary and will be at the discretion of the Council.  The closing date for the first round of applications will be Friday 3rd January 2020, with an expected start date within 6-8 weeks of award being given.

Depending on the amount of funding remaining after the first round – there may be a second round, but this is yet to be determined.

All applicants must:

• Be an organisation that runs on a not for profit basis with a management committee and constitution in place.
• Have effective financial management arrangements.
• Be based and operating in Halton.
• Compliment or support relevant Council policy.
• Be non-party political.
• Have a commitment to safeguarding children (if appropriate) and ensure that any adult, engaged in the supervision of children and young people have been cleared by the DBS.
• Have a commitment to equal opportunities.
• Be working towards a more sustainable funding environment for the organisation’s work with the specific client groups.

Generally funding is NOT available for the following purposes:

• To reimburse money already spent.
• Counselling services.
• Building funds or building repairs.
• General rent, rates or leasing of buildings.
• Purchase or repair of vehicles.
• Routine overheads or running expenses for established groups.
• Personal items or personal expenditure on visits or trips.
• Projects or activities which may be funded by other existing funding streams better

suited to that project.

• To pay club/organisation honoraria.
• Certain disposable items of equipment.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION

Completed application forms should be returned, electronically, to Shelah Semoff, Partnership Officer, Halton Borough Council (shelah.semoff@halton.gov.uk).  Please ensure that all relevant paperwork and all of your supporting documents are included (scanned copies are acceptable).

CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications will be considered by a sub-group of Halton’s Multi Agency Forum for Asylum Seekers and Refugees, with a decision made within 6-8 weeks of receipt.

Applicants will generally be notified of the decision within this timeframe and are urged to consider this timescale if planning events etc.

A copy of the application may be sent to relevant individuals/groups as appropriate for comments.

CONDITIONS OF GRANT

When a grant is awarded, recipients will be required to confirm that they will agree to the terms and conditions set out within the application form.

As part of the Council’s scrutiny responsibilities, if requested, groups should be willing to attend the relevant Policy and Performance Board.

The Council reserves the right to reclaim any grant not used for the specified activity within the grant application form or should the group cease.

FURTHER HELP & SUPPORT

If you have any further questions regarding the grant process please contact:-

Shelah Semoff, HBC Partnership Officer

0151 511 8677

shelah.semoff@halton.gov.uk

To apply for the grant, please complete the attached application form.

Talent Match funded by Big Lottery and European Social Fund offering support to 15 – 29  year olds.

Talent Match has a team of mentors throughout Wirral who will work closely with each referral, providing intensive support to move young people towards training/education or sustainable employment using their SELF model.

They have access to various type of support and opportunities including:

• SKILLS – Access to training and accredited qualifications e.g. Health and Safety, First Aid, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene…etc
• EMPLOYMENT - Access to an Employment Mentor who can provide guidance re: traineeships, apprenticeships, work and volunteering placements in order to gain new skills and enhance your CV; Business start up support
• LIFE - Therapeutic support and access to counselling; Personal and social development opportunities to work upon confidence and motivation; Access to breaking down barriers fund, funding for travel, interview clothes, support with childcare etc.
• FUTURE – Support to help you build a better future; post employment advice

For more information contact Youth Fed on the details below:

Phone Number 0151 357 1971

Email support@youthfed.org

Your Payroll is an award-winning payroll bureau service serving approximately 1,000 satisfied clients, chiefly based in Merseyside. With ambitious plans to increase their customer base by exploiting opportunities within the social care, public and private sector markets across the UK, this is a great opportunity to join a fast paced, growing organisation.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Payroll Team Leader, the main purpose of this role is to work as part a team to administer payrolls for multiple companies to strict deadlines and deliver a high standard of customer service.

Requirements

Previous experience operating large scale payrolls and the ability to work in a fast paced environment to strict deadlines is essential. Familiarity with using FMP Payrite software is a distinct advantage.

Other requirements include:

• Strong communication skills
• Good organisation, self-motivation and time management skills
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• The successful applicant will have experience of operating large scale payrolls, including registering PAYE schemes with HMRC, pensions auto-enrolment administration and preparation of quarterly notices for tax and NI returns. Strong customer service skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Familiarity with FMP Payrite software and strong Microsoft Excel skills would be beneficial

To apply send a covering letter setting out your experience and why you are suitable for the post together with your CV.

Part time also considered

Applicants with a disability matching the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Two Ticks scheme.

The full job description can be viewed online here https://www.kdc.org.uk/payroll-administrator/

The closing date is Tuesday 26 November 2019. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 4 December 2019.

Your Payroll is a Disability Confident Employer

St Helens & District Dyslexia Association meets at 7 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month to discuss any dyslexia related issues referring to children or adults. It is a free, informal environment where all can join in, privacy can be arranged on request. It is staffed by experienced volunteers who are either dyslexic themselves or teachers and educational psychologists trained to help dyslexic people. All are welcome.

Nominations have now opened to nominate a family for this year’s Christmas hamper and toy appeal.

If you are working with a family in need, who need that extra help over the Christmas period then nominate them now!

Please fill in the attached form and return the completed form to  Diane.Orme@halton.gov.uk    or HaltonBrookCCSensoryRoom@halton.gov.uk   closing date for referrals is  5th December 2019. Due to high demand in 2018 they cannot extend this deadline.

For Widnes families please contact Carolyn McAuley at Carolyn.McAuley@halton.gov.uk

The Community Development service supports community groups and initiatives to improve outcomes for Halton residents. The team works alongside community groups, other Council services, partner organisations and funders to realise activity and deliver projects that bring communities together building resilience.

Halton Borough Council are seeking a Community Development Officer who is a self-starter with experience of working with a range of partners and securing funding. You will need to work on your own, as part of a team, with a range of stakeholders and be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Salary: £27,905 - £30,507 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 24th November 2019 at 23:55 PM
Interviews: Thursday 12th December 2019.

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

https://ats-halton.jgp.co.uk/vacancies/view/112742?ga_client_id=06eeb798-2f49-a233-bb88-88cd3928be84

Time to Change is providing FREE training to staff who work with young people in Halton aged 11 plus about starting the conversation around mental health and tackling stigma.

Young people in Halton have told us mental health stigma stops them from speaking out about their worries and ultimately getting help.

This training is available as part of the Time to Change Halton hub work which aims to change how we all think and act about mental health eliminating mental health stigma in Halton

Details of the training can be found in the attachment below. 

They have 2 different dates available

• Wednesday 27th of November, 2pm till 4pm- Hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Secondary School, Highfield Road, Widnes, WA8 7DW
• Monday 2nd of December, 3.15pm till 5.15pm- Hosted by the Heath Secondary school, Clifton Road, Runcorn, WA7 4SY

Places can be booked by emailing Katie.bazley@halton.gov.uk and will be allocated on a first come first served basis
 

The Hope Centre in St Helens are looking for Christmas volunteers! If you'd like to help out in the homeless centre any day between 23rd December - 31st December please contact Beryl on 01744 26414 or email Beryl@hopecentre.org.uk. 

For more information about the Hope Centre and the work they do, please click the link below:

https://www.hopecentre.org.uk/

Do you have an outstanding customer service ethic, confident, with exceptional retail, sales, hospitality or customer service experience and a proven track record of driving profits and efficiency? Age Uk are looking for an experienced, committed and dedicated Business Transformation Manager to take ownership and lead on the growth development, delivery, promotion and marketing of their innovative capacity taking them beyond their expectations.

The Mansion House is a unique business based in St Helens, regionally incorporating events space, short term office lets, weddings, functions, banqueting and celebration events utilising a magnificent grade 2 listed Mansion House and Orangery, set in Victoria Park.

Full time.

Up to £32k per annum 

For more details and an application pack, visit: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey/ or email hr@aukmm.org.uk

Closing date: 29th November 2019

Interviews: 12th December 2019

Due to unforeseen circumstances the next meeting of the St Helens VCSE Forum on 25th November is cancelled apologies for any inconvenience.  The following meeting will be on 27th January 2020, 10am to 12 noon at the Beacon Building details to follow in the New Year.

To book a place on the January meeting click on the link below 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=308&reset=1

Huyton Merseyside
Full Time 35 hours (Monday to Friday)
3-year Fixed-term contract
£24,000 per annum

'A Good Life' is an ambitious new project provided by Knowsley Disability Concern (KDC), in partnership with Knowsley Pensioners Advocacy & Information Service (KPAIS); Sight and Mind; and Tailored Advice Services in the Community (TASC). The project will provide wrap-around practical support for adults in Knowsley who are disadvantaged for any reason, be it poverty, disability, age or other circumstances which prevent them from having ‘a good life’. 

They are seeking to appoint a full time Project Coordinator to lead the delivery of the service, manage referrals and organise a small team of experienced project workers employed by the partners. 

The successful applicant will have experience in coordinating services, ideally in a health/social care setting, with strong leadership skills and the ability to deliver awareness-raising and promotional activities. Good IT skills and familiarity with the Outcomes Star model of measuring change when working with people will be a distinct advantage.
This is a pivotal role and an exciting opportunity to contribute to the early development and launch of a brand new initiative to help disadvantaged people in Knowsley. 

To request an application pack, please email recruitment@kdc.org.uk quoting 'AGLC11’ in the subject line. CV's will not be used during the shortlisting process.

The closing date for completed application forms is Monday 25th November 2019. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 3rd December 2019.

The Women’s Organisation are recruiting! They're on the lookout for:

• Conference and Facilities Support Officer (permanent)
• Temporary Engagement and Marketing Executive (3-month fixed term)

Further details are attached, and can also be accessed via their website here: https://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm Friday 29th November 2019. Interviews for short listed applicants will be held on Thursday 5th December 2019.

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.

Willowbrook Hospice has scooped two prestigious North West in Bloom awards for the high standards of its grounds and gardens.  As well as achieving the Outstanding in the Hospice category, the Prescot based hospice gardens were also presented with the Best Hospice Award 2019.

‘North West in Bloom’ is part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s national ‘Britain in Bloom Awards’. The awards encourage local communities to improve their environment through the imaginative use of trees, flowers and landscaping and also take into consideration the support of the local community.

Hospice Gardener Dee Newey said: “It’s a fantastic to win the Best Hospice Award this year in addition to achieving ‘Outstanding’ in our category. The awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication that the garden team put in all year round, most of which are volunteers. We’d also like to say a big thank you to members of our local community who have supported us with donations of plants which help ensure that there’s always something of interest to look at in our gardens, no matter what the season.

Alun Owen, Corporate Director at Willowbrook said “We are delighted to win the two awards from North West in Bloom. Dee and her team of volunteers work incredibly hard all year round to ensure that the grounds are colourful, welcoming and offer a tranquil open space for our staff, volunteers and all those who use our services.”

L-R – Mike Platt, Alan Chick (Chairman of Willowbrook Board of Trustees), Alun Owen (Corporate Director at Willowbrook) and Dee Newey (Head Gardener)

For more information on Willowbrook Hospice, please visit www.willowbrook.org.uk

St Helens Madlove are delighted to welcome mental health campaigner and suicide survivor Jonny Benjamin MBE to St Helens for a special screening of his documentary The Stranger on the Bridge on  Thursday 28th November 5pm. Part of A Madlove Take Over, an arts festival for mental health.

Jonny will be joined by fellow mental health campaigner Angela Samata for a Q&A after the film screening.

The Stranger on the Bridge tells Jonny’s moving story. Having been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder shortly beforehand, he stood on London’s Waterloo Bridge in January 2008 and prepared to take his own life. That was until a stranger walking across the bridge saw him and talked Jonny down from the edge. Jonny was taken to hospital and didn’t see the stranger again but was determined to find him and thank him for what he did.

Jonny launched the #FindMike campaign with the support of Rethink Mental Illness, which became a social media sensation, eventually reaching over 300 million people worldwide. Emotional, heartwarming and thought-provoking, this is a film about a simple human interaction and how one man’s kind gesture six years ago has had a huge butterfly effect beyond what anyone could ever have imagined.

The screening forms part of A ‘Madlove’ Take Over festival, produced by Merseyside-based social arts organisation Heart of Glass, artist the vacuum cleaner (James Leadbitter) and featuring the work of 13 local, national and international artists. The Madlove Take Over Space is based in the old Argos store, Unit 2, The Hardshaw Centre, Church Street, St Helens, WA10 1EB.  Find out more about A Madlove Take Over here.

The Madlove Take Over space is safe, welcoming and accessible. Please find more access information here and a map of the venue here.

When: Thursday 28th November 5:00 pm  —  7:00 pm

Where: The Madlove Take Over Space, The old Argos store, Unit 2, The Hardshaw Centre, Church Street, St Helens, WA10 1EB.

Price: Free

The St Helens & District Group of Advanced Drivers welcomes all qualified car drivers to the Introduction meeting for the January 2020 course at the Ibis Hotel, Haydock. This is on Sunday morning, 12th January commencing at 10:00am and will include a presentation outlining the ideals of the Group to enhance driving skills and further promote road safety. Free driving assessments will be available and also substantial discounts to certain age groups ie. 35years and under pay £60 instead of the £149 IAM course fee and 60 years and over pay only £99.

The Group is a registered charity with all members and driver 'mentors' being volunteers, the latter being highly qualified drivers. All are welcome even if only for a chat or for driving advice. Tel: 07849 674 939 (after 6pm) Email: contact@shgam.org.uk Web: www.shgam.org.uk

The Shopping City is hosting an event this year to mark Purple Tuesday.

They will be setting up a space for ‘stalls’ to promote Halton Services to the local public. 

If you are interested in setting up a stall please could you get in touch with Jackie Coulthard via jackiecoulthard@shopping-city.co.uk or 01928 716363.

Here’s what Jackie has to say about the event:

“Purple Tuesday 2019 is an international call to action, focused on changing the customer experience for disabled people. It will involve organisations of all sizes and from all sectors taking decisive, practical actions to meet the needs of disabled customers.

I would like to invite all Partners and Providers to join us on the 12th November in the Community Square 12pm to 2pm in support of Purple Tuesday, it will be an opportunity for services to offer and promote any services and/or information that might be required by our customers and general public.”

For more information please visit:

https://purpletuesday.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Purple-Tuesday-Brochure-Digital.pdf

Please note: Groups wishing to host a stall must contact Jackie before 8th November.

Now that the election has been confirmed for 12 December 2019, the Charity Commission are issuing a reminder to all charities of their particular responsibilities in the weeks ahead.

The Commission is aware that the political context for this election is very different from that which people may have experienced in the past, which makes it all the more important that trustees read both guidance on campaigning and political activity and the particular guidance that applies during an election (PDF, 606KB). They've also published lessons learned during the last election in 2017.

It is legitimate and healthy for charities to speak up for the causes they serve. But appearing to take a political position on either side could risk undermining public confidence in charity as something special, an issue which their chief executive made clear in her recent blog.

As well as your responsibilities under charity law, you need to be aware of the rules on what is called 'third party campaigning' under electoral law, which may affect your charity. The Electoral Commission has worked closely with charities to produce 'Non-party campaigners: where to start', using real-life case studies to provide advice to charity campaigners.

Skills Up CIC is a new support service for clients with disabilities. Clients in the group can work on life skills, improving knowledge, developing skills and increasing independence in a range of active, creative and fun activities. They have been running sessions at Brookvale Community Centre in Runcorn, for a number of weeks now and have been able to see progress in clients' abilities and good levels of enjoyment - find them on Facebook to see what they have been doing. If you are interested in joining the sessions on a Monday or Friday (charged at the Direct Payment Agency Rate), or think they could help you, then get in touch 07538483760 or enquiries@skills-up.co.uk.

For more information about Skills Up and the work they do, click here to vist it their website

ESOL TUTOR REQUIRED.

An ESOL tutor is required to deliver English lessons to Asylum Seekers in Runcorn on  Thursday mornings between 10.00AM and 12.00 PM. The venue is Trinity Methodist Church, Main Street, Halton Village, Runcorn, WA7 4AT, rate of pay is £25 per hour.

Should you be interested in this position please contact Mrs Sheila Parhizgar by text/telephone on 07874 32 11 33 alternatively email to umbrellahalton@outlook.com.

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

The Hill Dickinson Foundation is a fund administered and managed by the Community Foundation for Merseyside. Hill Dickinson is an international law firm which has been headquartered in Liverpool for over 200 years.

The Hill Dickinson Foundation aims to make a positive contribution to the communities in which the firm operates by supporting local grassroots organisations and projects.

Applicants should ensure they demonstrate how their proposed project meets the Hill Dickinson Foundation priorities below and beneficiaries should be from the Merseyside area.  

Fund priorities:

Fund priorities: Homelessness, mental health, resilience and confidence (particularly among women)

They are looking to support projects that:

• tackle the issues of homelessness (cause or effect)
• encourage positive mental wellbeing
• assist those suffering from ill mental health
• encourage resilience and support self-confidence (particularly amongst women)
   

Examples of the sorts of projects that may be funded:

• Projects that offer advice and guidance to people at risk of homelessness
• Peer mentoring projects that focus on improving mental health and wellbeing
• Confidence building and education sessions to homeless people to help them move on and gain employment
• Confidence building projects and workshops that assist girls and women to unlock their potential personally or professionally
• Drop-in centres for homeless people
• Support groups and helpline/counselling services for people with mental health issues
• Projects tackling the issue of bullying with young people
• Projects that look to achieve a positive mind-set change around mental health, e.g. awareness raising projects
• Moving in packs for young people moving into their own home
• Activities to support women suffering from domestic violence

How much is available:  The maximum amount you can apply for is £3000.  The total budget available for Merseyside is £20,000

Which areas are covered: All boroughs of Merseyside including Halton

Any special criteria: The programme is aimed at small grassroots groups with an income level of under £200,000.

The closing date is Friday 15 November 2019, however due to a limited budget, the fund may close earlier when sufficient applications are received.

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

https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/hill-dickinson-foundation-merseyside-

Self Care Week starts on Monday 18 November and runs through to 22 November. Halton CCG are providing CG staff/pharmacists, HIT/HBC colleagues to give information and support about the following:

• Self care for minor ailments
• Antibiotics
• Flu
• Ageing well & falls
• Frailty
• CVD
• Respiratory
• HIT team to do blood pressure checks or lung age checks

If you are holding any meetings or get togethers during Self Care week and would like someone from one of the teams above to attend please contact Des Chow on the details below:

Tel no: 01928 593578

Email:des.chow@nhs.net

Join Willowbrook Hospice on 1 November at Rainhill Ex Services Club for a spooky evening of bingo, fun, dancing and much more! Tickets are £15 and include bingo book, pen & accessories. To book ring 01744 453798 or go online at: Halloween Bananaz Bingo

Last week was World Menopause Day.  Those experiencing the menopause can find it has a negative impact on their working lives.   Acas has published new guidance to help employers and managers to support staff who are affected by menopause symptoms at work. 

To find out more click on the link below:

Menopause in the workplace

In light of the announcement that a General Election will be taking place on 12th December 2019 and that a period of purdah will apply and that the Children's Centre consultation process will involve elected members and portfolio leads across children's services a decision has been taken to suspend the consultation process until after the Election.

Further details will be circulated on Friday (1st November) about the revised arrangements.

Apologies for any inconvenience this will cause.

Kind regards

Jason

Jason Pickett
Assistant Director, Community & School Support Services
Atlas House
Corporation Street
St Helens
WA9 1LD

As part of the continuous journey of improvement within children's services and in light of additional financial investment into Children's Centres and Early Help provision St Helens Council plan to complete a process of consultation with children and families and key stakeholders.

The purpose of the consultation is to :

• Ensure families most in need are receiving the right kind of support at the earliest opportunity
• The services are tailored to meet local needs
• Best use is made of buildings and staff time
• To consider regulatory de-registration of each of the centres

For the consultation to have maximum impact, it is vital they have engagement from a wide range of children and families and key stakeholders in order to inform the success of future service delivery.

The consultation sessions will provide you with an opportunity to hear more about proposed plans and to have your say on the current offer and to shape the plans going forward in terms of the model of future service delivery.

It is intended a series of workshops will take place at each of the centres. In addition to the consultation sessions an opportunity will be provided to give written feedback in the form of a questionnaire with details to be sent out shortly.

St Helens Council in collaboration with State of Mind and Saints, will facilitate Boot Room sessions in both Thatto Heath Rugby Club and Bold Miners Rugby Club, they'll be showing match replays of classic games - come on down to experience the excitement of games gone by, join in, with former players.

State of Mind Sport is a charity that harnesses the power of sport to promote POSITIVE mental health among sportsmen and women, fans and wider communities.  It helps to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and well being.  Come along to the Boot room sessions in Thatto Heath Rugby Club and Bold Miners Rugby Club to find out more.  You can also find out more about State of Mind Sport by going to their website www.stateofmindsport.org

Are you aware that Acas' free Acas Learning OnLine modules provide a useful e-learning resource for anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge and improve their approach to employment relations issues. Through a series of online courses, you will have the opportunity to work through the theory, explore practical case studies, and test your knowledge through interactive questions and a test.

Click on the Acas Learning OnLine link below to find out more:

https://elearning.acas.org.uk/

New safeguarding resources on NCVO Knowhow

Last week saw the launch of new safeguarding resources on NCVO Knowhow. Over the past six months, NCVO has been working in partnership with some of the leading organisations in the sector to develop a range of briefings, guides, practical tools, podcasts and videos about good safeguarding practice and safe culture. Elizabeth Chamberlain wrote about these new resources and outlined what comes in the next phase of work of the Safeguarding Training Fund.

to find out more click on the links within the article.

If you want to register to receive NCVO updates click on the link below 

https://www.ncvo.org.uk/email-updates:

Take Over is the annual festival that reimagines public spaces through art projects made with, for and about people in St Helens. This year they've invited artist and mental health activist the vacuum cleaner (aka James Leadbitter) to take over a vast empty shop and create a space for art, conversation and care, titled A Madlove Take Over. The festival venue is Unit 2, Hardshaw Centre, St Helens (the old Argos store) and will be open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-6pm throughout the month of November.

They're looking for people to support them in three different volunteer roles:

Hosting

• Welcoming people into the space
• Offering and making cups of tea
• Introducing the space and what is available to experience that day
• Sharing information about upcoming events
• Having conversations and generally making people feel welcome
• Signposting toilets, seating, access support

Caretaking

• Maintaining the Madlove Take Over Space
• Looking after the plants
• Auditing the artworks – checking if there are any issues, making sure everything is working and looking good, reporting anything noted to the Lead Hosts
• Topping up materials, printing workshop sheets, making the space tidy and ready to receive guests

Facilitating

• Getting to know the space and the artworks in more detail
• Assisting on tours
• Assisting with workshop sessions and events
• Assisting guest groups and individuals with the set-up of their community open sessions

Interested? Or want to find out more?  Contact us for more information:

Hitesh Patel (Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Halton and Trustee of Halton & St Helens VCA) is the voluntary sector's elected representative on the One Halton Provider Alliance and below is his feedback from the meeting on 9th October 2019.

a) There is a real concern that we will experience a severe “winter crisis” this winter. It would be great if voluntary sector partners could have a think about what we can do collectively to help the community stay warm, stay well, etc. (There is also the HBC Affordable Warmth multi-agency group people can link in with).

b) The Alliance is looking at investing in a leadership programme to help managers develop skills relating to partnership working, collaboration, etc. I asked if access to Leadership training could be opened up to leaders in the voluntary sector.

c) HBC’s Public Health team is delivering “Making Every Contact Count” training to NHS providers. I made the point that it would be good if that could be expanded in some form to the voluntary sector. We also need clearer referral pathways etc. Could you also add

d) A draft version of the One Halton plan has been produced and this will influence how services will work together to improve the health & wellbeing of local residents. This was due to be signed off on the 2nd October at the health and wellbeing board meeting however there were some further amendments suggested from the Cheshire and Merseyside Healthcare Partnership and it was agreed to include those and enhance the mental health and learning disability content. It is now expected that the final document will be signed off by 31st October. Sophie Bartsch will come to the December meeting to provide a brief overview of the plan, but in the meantime, if anyone wants to see the draft document they can. It’s on the HBC website, under October papers for the Health & Wellbeing Board. 

e) The Cheshire & Merseyside Health Partnership now have 4 “audacious goals” 

• zero suicide
• zero stroke
• no harm from alcohol 
• no harm from violence 

Previously suggested “zero falls” and “100% vaccinations” have been removed.

You can find this update and other updates from Halton Stratetic Meetings from the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/updates-halton-strategic-meetings

If you attend a strategic meeting in Halton or St Helens and would like to share an update about it to the sector, please email a short paragraph about the meeting to ldaffern@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Do you want to be part of one of the largest and most ambitious Community Forest programmes in the UK?  Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career that will help make a lasting difference to local communities, to the economy and to the environment? The Mersey Forest is the largest of England’s Community Forests covering over 500 square miles on Merseyside and North Cheshire.  Cheshire West and Chester Council are looking for an individual who can help to deliver the ambitious plans to fully engage local communities in The Mersey Forest, to connect people to nature and deliver the aspirations for communities set out in The Mersey Forest Plan. You will bring enthusiasm, inspiration, innovation and significant practical knowledge to help deliver The Forest vision.

Organisation: Cheshire West and Chester Council

Location: Cheshire

Job Category: Education, Environmental and Public Services

Grade: CWAC NJC - Grade 10

Salary Min: £33,799 per annum

Salary Max: £39,638 per annum

Hours per week: 37

Closing Date: 31/10/2019

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

https://jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/vacancy/community-development-officer-398809.html

Community Foundation for Merseyside are pleased to announce the launch of a new round of the Daneway Foundation.

What is the focus of the fund:  The Daneway Foundation aims to improve the lives of young people aged between 11 and 25 years of age. It wishes to fund projects that support socially disadvantaged young people. It wishes to give them opportunities to improve their life chances and to become active and engaged citizens in their own communities.

Fund priorities

Particular support will be given to projects that support employability or encourage the physical health and well-being of young people, and the panel are keen to see projects that result in clear tangible outcomes such as qualifications. In addition, the panel would like applicants to be clear about any previous experience in delivering similar work and the achievements this work has resulted in. 

Examples of the sorts of projects that may be funded:

• Training and skills development for young people, e.g. Duke of Edinburgh schemes
• Mentoring schemes to improve the employability of young people
• Training courses and qualifications for young people enabling them to volunteer within clubs and community groups

How much is available: Grants of up to £5,000

Which areas are covered: Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral and St Helens.

Any special criteria: 

• The programme is aimed at small grassroots groups with an income level of under £250k
• Please demonstrate how beneficiaries will utilise their new skills and qualifications to become more active and engaged in their local community

The closing date is Monday 4th November 2019 and the total budget available for this funding round is approx. £30,000. Due to the budget available, the fund may close earlier when sufficient applications are received.

How to apply?

Please visit the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside’s website - www.cfmerseyside.org.uk and complete an online application form. 

The government are planning to host an online Brexit Business Readiness event on Wednesday 16 October at 11.30am.

This free webinar will offer practical tips and actions your business needs to take to prepare for Brexit. There will be the opportunity to submit questions and interact with presenters during the event.

For more information and to book your place, please click the link below:

https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/onlinebrexitbusinessreadinessevent/?utm_campaign=brexit-business-readiness-2019&utm_source=stakeholders&utm_medium=email&utm_content=bird-bulletin-onlineroadshows-1110

Here at Halton & St Helens VCA we're working alongside the Include-It Mersey Project to establish digital drop in sessions at the heart of our communities.  Following a successful pilot with St Helens Carers, we would like to roll out some more Tea, Tech and Toast drop-in sessions uilising the skills of our Volunteer Digital Champions in both Halton and St Helens. 

Establishing a drop-in session where people already meet has been really successful and has helped to develop good relationships - where confidence has grown in finding out more about how to use smartphones, tablets or laptops and if there is a need for more formal training, our volunteers can signpost to our partners.

For more information please contact Claire on 01928 592405 or 07860 846604 or emai claire.jones@seftoncvs.org.uk

Include-IT Mersey digital inclusion project is funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery as part of its 2014-2020 Building Better Opportunities Programme.  

Healthwatch St Helens is holding a series of listening events under the heading of: "Who can help me?" The first of the events is focuses on: "What services can I get from my Pharmacy?" and is being held on Thursday 24th October at the Beacon Building, 2pm to 4pm with light refreshments available. To book your place please contact Debbie East on: 0300 111 0007 or email: deast@healthwatchsthelens.co.uk

If you’re running a social enterprise or charity that makes an economic and social impact in the Liverpool City Region, the Liverpool City Region Impact Fund (LCRIF) may be a good fit for your organisation.

The fund offers:

• Unsecured loans of between £150K- £250K
• Repayment terms up to 10 years
• Competitive interest rates, ranging from 3-8%, based on risk and affordability
• No hidden fees

The fund is now looking to make its second wave of 2 or 3 local investments for 2019-2023: register your interest or find out more below.

Find out more:

https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/liverpool-city-region-impact-fund

MYA employs over 50 staff across a range of jobs within youth work, counselling, training, grounds maintenance and support services. They currently have 4 new job vacancies with closing dates varying between the 18th and 21st October:

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Site Location of this Post will be Youth Federation, Ellesmere Port

Salary: £16,445 - £17,615 p.a. (Pro Rata) – MYA Grade 2 Pt. 5-8 

Hours: 17.5 Hours Per Week

Fixed Term Funded to 31st December 2021

Merseyside Youth Association Ltd is looking to recruit an experienced and highly effective Administration Assistant to support the Area Manager and ensure contract requirements are met.  The successful applicant will be required to collate the input information using CRM and Data Base Systems to meet deadlines on a monthly basis, and support the claims process in line with ESF/YEI contract requirements and MYA’s Policies and Procedures.

Candidates must hold a recognised CLAIT/ECDL qualification or above in a relevant field and have experience of Software Packages ie.e Word, Excel Database etc.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children.

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure

Closing Date for Completed Applications: 5pm Friday 18th October 2019

APPRENTICE MENTOR 

Salary: Minimum Wage Applies 

Hours: 30 Per Week
(On a Flexible Basis May Include Some Evenings and Weekends)

Funded – 1 Year Initially with the Potential for a Further Year

Merseyside Youth Association Ltd is looking to recruit an Apprentice Mentor.  This is an exciting role where you will learn how to provide intensive mentoring to young people, including how to support the delivery of effective personalised pathways to employment.

No previous experience of working within this area of work is necessary as full training and support is provided.  This is an Apprenticeship job opportunity, so you will also be working towards an Apprenticeship Level 2 Qualification in Youth Work.  Applicants must hold GCSE’s in English and Maths grade C or above or hold Functional Skills Level 2.  You will need to be motivated, want to learn and work as part of a team.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children.

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure

Closing Date for Completed Applications: 5pm Friday 18th October 2019

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT MENTOR

Salary: £22,558 p.a. – £25,729 p.a. - MYA Scale 5 – Pt. 17-20

Hours: 35 
(May Include Some Evening and Weekend Work)

Fixed Term Funded to 31st December 2021

The successful candidate will be required to support and assist the pipeline of employment, education and training routes within Talent match Plus.  The postholder will deliver effective personalised pathway to employment for people who are not in education, training or work.

The successful candidate will hold a recognised qualification to at least NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject.  They will also have substantive experience of 1-1 mentoring, as well as group work delivery, caseload management, supporting people into meaningful progressions, together with post employment support.  The successful candidate will have an excellent track record in ensuring individual and project targets are met.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children.

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure

Closing Date for Completed Applications: 5pm Monday 21st October 2019

INTENSIVE MENTOR

Salary: £22,558 p.a. – £25,729 p.a. - MYA Scale 5 – Pt. 17-20

Hours: 35 
(May Include Some Evening and Weekend Work)

Fixed Term Funded to 31st December 2021

The successful candidate will be required to deliver effective personalised pathway to employment for young people aged 15-29 years who have not been in education, training or work and have complex needs across the Liverpool City Region.

The successful candidate will hold a recognised qualification to least an NVQ level 3 in a subject relating to Young People.  They will also have substantive experience of 1-1 mentoring, as well as group work delivery, caseload management, supporting young people into meaningful progressions, together with post employment support.  The successful candidate will have an excellent track record in ensuring individual and project targets are met.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children.

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure

Closing Date for Completed Applications: 12pm Friday 18th October 2019

For an application pack and further information for any of the above vacancies, please forward your request to recruitment@mya.org.uk alternatively https://www.mya.org.uk/about-us/jobs/ or send a large SAE for £1.20 (stating clearly the post you are interested in applying for) to:

The HR Department, Merseyside Youth Association Ltd, 65-67 Hanover Street, Liverpool L1 3DY

Please note, CV’s will not be accepted and should not be part of your supporting information.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited/the Youth Federation is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to maintaining a non-abusive environment

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 6th November 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. The speaker will be Catherine Gallagher, who will be giving a talk on the following:- 

The role of the humble carbohydrate in diabetes

Catherine is a Diabetes Dietitian from the Specialist Diabetes Unit in St Helens Hospital, she has not spoken at the meetings before. Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. They also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available and would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. Please note, this will be the last meeting of 2019 and their next meeting will not be until Wednesday 5th February 2020.

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

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

Haydock Male Voice Choir are proud to announce a joint concert featuring a rich combined singing heritage of over 217 years with guests including the renowned Dunvant Male Voice Choir from Swansea, South Wales on Saturday 2nd November 2019 in St Helens Town Hall at 7.30 pm.

Come and see Victoria Music new show Swing 'n' the Blues on Monday 4th November, 7.30pm at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn.  This production is to raise funds for Victoria Music's twice weekly wellbeing sessions and the free kids workshops next year so all support would be appreciated.  Tickets are available on the Brindley website www.thebrindley.org.uk or phone 0151 907 8360 for the box office. 

If you would like to help publicise the production there is a poster attached.

To support the Refugee Programme Manager with the implementation of the Refugee Resettlement and the ‘Our Liverpool’ programmes, across Liverpool City Region. The post will be hosted by Liverpool City Council but will work across Liverpool, Halton, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral. 

Liverpool City Council has been awarded £2,448,658 from the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Controlling Migration Fund to undertake a programme of work from April 2018-Oct 2020 across Liverpool and four other city-region authorities (Halton, Knowsley, St. Helens, and Wirral). The ‘Our Liverpool’ programme across the 5 LCR LA’s will deliver support to refugees to obtain mainstream benefits and housing freeing up emergency accommodation for the wider community, support to migrants to access employment easing pressure on job centres and family learning support to enable migrant children to access education more readily. In Liverpool, the programme will include initiatives to tackle migrant rough sleeping, provide specialist educational support to migrant children to free up pressure on schools and release the capacity of teachers and provide Community Development Officers, Family Support Workers and ESOL provision in Childrens Centres to enable migrants to use services more effectively, all of which contribute to better public services and a more cohesive society.

The ‘Our Liverpool’ programme will also enable Liverpool City Council and its partners to develop and deliver on their new refugee, asylum seeker and vulnerable migrant strategy which has the following outcomes:

1. Refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants are able to thrive in safe, welcoming and cohesive communities and are able to build diverse relationships and connections.
2. Refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants understand their rights, responsibilities and entitlements and are able to exercise them to pursue full and independent lives.
3. Refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants are able to access well-coordinated services, which recognise and meet their rights and needs
4. Local policy, strategic planning and Liverpool’s influencing to central government which has an impact on refugees and asylum seekers are informed by their rights, needs and aspirations.

This post is fixed term for a year.

Salary: 23836  - 27905  GBP  year

Closing Date: 14-10-2019

Interviews scheduled for: 30th October 2019.

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

http://lccjobs.liverpool.gov.uk/details.aspx?id=P1LFK026203F3VBQBV77VF6FT&nPostingID=5648&nPostingTargetID=51283&mask=lccext&lg=UK

During August and September we ran two social media workshops entitled 'Telling your Social Story' and  'Mastering Social Media', delivered by Grace Dyke from Yellow Jigsaw CIC.  Attendees refined their Facebook and Twitter social media skills at the “Mastering Social Media Skills” interactive session and developed their press release writing skills and understanding of how to write to engage different audiences – from commissioners to the public – in the “Telling Your Social Story” session. If you missed these sessions, Grace has written a blog on the workshops:  https://www.yellowjigsaw.co.uk/hshvca/. 

We have a number of training events booked in over the next few months, you can find all of our events on our events page on the website:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/training

The Combined Authority has established the Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board to act as an independent sounding board, ensuring that issues of fairness and social justice are considered in every decision. They now intend to establish a closed discussion group on Facebook for the purpose of developing links between the Advisory Board members and a wider network of those interested in supporting the work of the Advisory Board.  If you would like to apply to be on this board, please complete the attached ‘Expression of Interest’ form.

They are also hosting a consultation event at 4.30pm on Thursday 10 October at 1 Mann Island, when the Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board will be hosting an ‘LCR Listens’ on the city region’s Local Industrial Strategy. This meeting will receive a presentation from the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and consider the emerging evidence on the economic challenges and opportunities facing our city region. If you would like to participate in developing the city region’s fairness and social justice agenda please click the link below to find out more and regsiter your place:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lcrlistens-to-the-fairness-and-social-justice-advisory-board-tickets-69862140543

In January 2019, the NHS in England launched the Long Term Plan.  The plan was written to strengthen the NHS and make it fit for the future. 

The Cheshire & Merseyside Health & Care Partnership, is a collaboration of health and care organisations including Local Authorities, all NHS organisations and Voluntary sector from across our region. 

The Partnership is made up of nine places based upon the local authority footprint:

• Cheshire East
• Cheshire West
• Halton
• Knowsley
• Liverpool
• Sefton
• St Helens
• Warrington
• Wirral

Each of the places are developing specific plans on the issues that affect their communities most and will be separately engaging with them about the proposals.

In November each of these place plans will be incorporated into the Cheshire & Merseyside wide plan. 

A microsite has been established as the central point of information for the campaign - changetogether.co.uk, where you can find out more and have your say.

Edge Hill University Medical School (EHUMS) has an ethos of social accountability and community engagement, with the aim of showing students that health and social care does not just take place in NHS premises. EHUMS has been working in partnership with Halton & St Helens VCA to provide 2nd year medical students with personal learning about the community context to health and social care. The placement will involve the students engaging with a community project, which would result in recommendations or lasting benefits to the voluntary organisations. Please come along to find out more about how your organisation can become involved with Edge Hill University medical school. 

Free CPR & AED Training.

Lunch will be provided.

Date: Wednesday 20th Nov 2019 12:30pm - 4pm

Venue: Peter Street Centre Peter Street St Helens WA10 2EQ

To Book Onto The Event, Please Follow This Link:

https://edgehill.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/halton-sthelens-vca

If You Have Any Questions, Please Email:​

ehumscommunityengagement@edgehill.ac.uk

Sexton Avenue Community Allotment Garden group hope to open their site, which has been closed for a few years and is situated in Parr, St Helens, to community groups in 2020. It is quite a large area around half an acre with parking space, they aim to reinstate 4 large raised vegetable growing beds, also a large polytunnel, and bring back to live a sensory garden and a large grassed area used for events and playing area, also there is a large garage building which they hope to turn into a workshop for various groups, IE, woodworking, metalworking, recycling . This is a very exciting opportunity for Parr / St Helens and for any community group or volunteer wishing to get involved and call this place their own hub.

If you would like more information about this exciting project, please contact them sextonaveallotments@yahoo.com

Skills Up CIC is a new company in Halton, offering a variety of activities and experiences to support and challenge clients with disabilities and increase their independence.

Being qualified teachers, as well as being experienced in supporting people with disabilities within their families and friends, they are confident that they can improve options for clients.

Following shared personalised planning, group sessions will enable clients to progress along their pathways and towards their outcomes, developing their skills, knowledge and well-being.

Their aspirational projects will stimulate clients creatively and assist them in achieving their own potential and targets, including those from people close to them.

The first session is Monday 14th October, 10am -3pm, at Brookvale Community Centre. Sessions cost £13 per hour and direct payments can be used. Staff have enhanced DBS checks and first aid training.

If you would like more information or to join the group, contact Amanda or Louise on 07538 483760, visit the website at www.skills-up.co.uk or email enquiries@skills-up.co.uk

NCVO - New Trusted Charities Essentials tool

Trusted Charity Essentials is a free online tool designed especially for small charities as a way to do a basic health check on how your organisation is doing. This cost free tool benchmarks your work in 10 key areas – it will help assess the impact you have on the ground and whether you are making the best use of your resources. Get the tool.

Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking support from Halton’s voluntary sector to strengthen its Council of Governors.

The Council is made up of public, staff and voluntary/statutory representatives from Halton, Warrington and other parts of the North West from where it delivers community services .

To ensure the voluntary/third sector in Halton has a voice they are looking for someone to represent the borough and their colleagues and help inform their decision making.

As a leading provider of community services in the North West they are extremely mindful of the valuable contribution the voluntary sector plays in our communities and would be delighted to have it formally represented.

Their Council meets bi monthly and meetings generally last for two hours. Further information about the role of the governor can be found in the attached booklet.

For further information please contact Angela Green, Head of Membership on 01925 946142 or E mail angela.green30@nhs.net

Merseyside groups supporting women and girls with issues such as domestic and sexual abuse, mental health, social isolation and long-term unemployment can apply for a share of over £75,000.

The Merseyside Women’s Fund has been re-opened for charities and community groups working with women of all ages and backgrounds focused upon the following key areas:

• Confidence, aspiration, self-belief & resilience
• Domestic violence & abuse
• Mental health & wellbeing
• Social isolation

Groups and individuals can apply to the Community Foundation for Merseyside for grants of up to £10,000 and the funding can only be used for projects or services that directly benefit women and girls.

Priority will be given to grassroots organisations, organisations working with women or girls facing multiple challenges, user-led organisations and sustainable projects providing long-term solutions.

Earlier this year more than £70,000 was distributed as part of the Merseyside Women’s Fund. That included a centre providing counselling, care and support for domestic violence victims and Liverpool-based Stray Cat Media – an organisation empowering school age girls with anxiety issues to access and learn new skills in arts and digital media.

All new applications will be assessed by the Community Foundation and shortlisted projects will go to a local panel who will decide which groups to award funding to. Successful projects are likely to be announced early in 2020.

This is the second time UK Community Foundations have been selected by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to distribute the largest share of Tampon Tax funding. This is money raised through the levy on sanitary products which will be passed to small, local projects, working through the national network of Community Foundations. This year more than £3.5million has been made available nationally.

To apply to the Merseyside Women’s Fund, visit: http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/womens-fund

The closing date for entries is 11 October 2019.

End Furniture Poverty is recruiting! They are looking for an energetic, multi-talented, hugely passionate new team member who will make a big contribution to everything to do with their campaign to End Furniture Poverty….and more besides.

Working with FRC Group’s Business Development Manager, the Campaigns Officer, will be involved with every element of their campaigns – from research and data analysis to developing campaign themes and messages, to running the social media campaigns and devising and hosting campaign events and working on a one to one basis with partner organisations such as social housing providers.

The Campaigns Officer will thrive in working in a complex environment and juggling multiple projects. They will have proven strong project management skills and will have a track-record of working independently to understand complex issues. The Campaigns Officer will put their passion for social media to use developing tailored social media strategies for End Furniture Poverty and for the themed or sector-specific campaigns it runs.

FRC Group has a reputation as “the UK’s leading social reporter” and in everything they do, they look at what social value they are creating through their activities and how they can create more. The Campaigns Officer will have a role to play in the Social Value Team to support the measurement of social value created by End Furniture Poverty and its specific campaign activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Researching the issue of Furniture Poverty, its prevalence, causes and effects through:

• Primary research by engaging with different stakeholder groups using different techniques such as one-to-one interviews, focus groups, surveys etc.
• Secondary research techniques to bring together existing data and insight
• Maintaining and disseminating an up to date knowledge of the wider policy context for Furniture Poverty
• Mapping the existing provision of different solutions to Furniture Poverty
• Mapping the opportunities to expand solutions to Furniture Poverty
• Creating and maintaining a database and library of relevant information and publications

Developing End Furniture Poverty and its specific campaigns

• Creating content for End Furniture Poverty
• Keeping the website up to date
• Creating content for specific campaign microsites that are developed for specific markets
• Creating content for distribution through various channels including social media e.g. blogs, thought pieces, comment articles, short films, research presentations, infographics
• Working with the Business Development Manager to develop and deliver campaign events targeting specific influencers
• Representing End Furniture Poverty at partner meetings, events and training to promote our issues and influence attendees

Social Media

Developing and delivering tailored social media strategies for EndFurniturePoverty.Org and for the themed or sector-specific campaigns it runs.

Social Value Measurement

• To be part of the Social Value Team and to work with colleagues to create models that will demonstrate the social value created by specific solutions to Furniture Poverty:
  • Furnished tenancy programmes
  • Furniture reuse
  • Use of affordable credit
  • Local Welfare Provision programmes
• To work with campaign partners to measure the social value created by activity to End Furniture Poverty
• Carry out responsibilities as described in the FRC Group Health and Safety Policy, ensuring that activities are carried out in a way that is safe and without risk to health to yourself or others.
• Undertake any other work appropriate to the job as directed by your supervisor or training deemed necessary by the company to include training courses which may take place at weekends.
• Attend all meetings as requested by your supervisor, unless with prior arrangement of absence, including monthly group communications meetings.

Decision Making Authority

You are required to clear any issues relating to policy with your supervisor. You are also required to obtain clearance for any expenditure not in line with agreed budgets.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £24,908.00 /year

To apply, please send your CV to claire.donovan@frcgroup.co.uk

For more information about End Furniture Poverty and the work they do, click the link below:

https://www.endfurniturepoverty.org/

Social enterprise, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC, are currently looking for freelance facilitators, social enterprises and voluntary organisations to work with to co-deliver fun, exciting and educational social prescribing courses across the Liverpool City Region. It doesn't matter what your skill, background or interest is, they want to hear from you. They hope to give people the chance to discover new skills and passions, so get in touch if you can help. Good facilitator rates are available. Contact Caitlin Laws on 0151 237 2670 or via email at c.laws@wellbeingenterprises.org.uk 

For further information, please visit: https://www.wellbeingenterprises.org.uk/freelance-facilitators-we-need-you/

Hours: 20 hours per week
£10.00 per hour

Fixed-term contract for 9 months (36 weeks)

Crownway Community Centre are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with a ‘can-do’ attitude. The main objective of this position is to work co-operatively with all staff and volunteers to ensure that the community café can continue to provide quality food, drinks, snacks, and excellent customer service throughout the week.

The Ideal Candidate
• Have a passion for food and quality service
• You will need to work well as part of a team
• An understanding and appreciation of volunteering
• Be friendly and have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative
• Full clean driving license (desirable not essential)

The role will include: shopping, helping with cash and carry runs, and helping in the delivery of a weekly Luncheon Club.

Closing date Friday 27th September

Interviews to take place Tuesday 8th October 2019.

For further information or to receive an application form please see attached, contact Carol on 01925 222907 or check out the website https://www.crownwaycommunitycentre.co.uk/2019/09/vacancy-community-cafe-assistant/

Social innovations are new products, services and models that aim to address social challenges and that lead to new relationships and collaborations. The social economy is one form of social innovation.  It is enterprises, businesses, voluntary, community and faith organisations with a focus on social improvement, some level of participatory and democratic control by members, and reinvestment of any profits to achieve social goals.  The importance of the social economy is often acknowledged by policy makers, but in reality, this rarely leads to concrete funding or commissioning.

What would it mean for the economic regeneration and inclusive economy agenda if we took on board, to a serious degree, the size and relevance of the social economy in Liverpool City Region?  Could a focus on social innovation in industrial and economic planning bring the “people first economy” into being?  How can the public sector support social innovation and the social enterprise sector to be a more sustainable factor in the Liverpool City region economy? 

This workshop will look at what helps to facilitate social innovation, what more we can do to support social innovation processes in local communities, the place of the social economy and how all this relates to economic planning and wellbeing!

If you have already signed up for the workshop then that’s great and if not then please do think about spending some time in this workshop in lively discussion on a subject that offers another perspective on shared challenges.

You can contact Stacey.Hardcastle@phe.gov.uk to reserve a place in the workshop.

Date: 12.00 to 3.00 pm 4th October 2019.

Venue: Percival Suite Ruskin Drive, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6RP.   

Programme attached

New Funding opportunity from West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway deadline for applications 7th October  

West Midlands Railway 

West Midlands Railway are very pleased to announce that their CCIF is now open and they're accepting applications for West Midlands Community Project funding. It’s exciting because their CCIF is specifically to support projects in this region, and they’re looking for ideas that bring tangible benefits to their stations, the communities and the neighbourhoods, addressing regeneration challenges and tackling social needs.

So this is a chance for people along their routes to apply for a share of this unique fund, which, in its first year is estimated to be £1.7 million (subject to terms and approvals).

This is a substantial fund and although this is their CCIF’s first year, other Train Operating Companies have been managing similar funds for many years and they’ve seen the difference they can make.

They can’t wait to see what benefits their fund can bring to this wonderful region. It’s going to make a real impact at their stations and in your neighbourhoods and it’s now ‘open for business’.

To find out more click on the link below

West Midlands Railway CCIF 

London Northwestern Railway 

London Northwestern Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) is now accepting applications for London Northwestern Community Project funding. With an estimated £1.7 million (subject to terms and approvals) to fund projects along their routes in the first year, it’s a really big deal.

They’re looking for ideas that bring tangible benefits to their stations, the communities and the neighbourhoods, and which address regeneration challenges and tackle social needs.

Although this is their CCIF’s first year, other, more established Train Operating Companies have been managing similar funds for years along their lines. Now it’s their turn to make a difference with their fund.

To find out more click on the link below

London Northwestern Railway

Unlock Runcorn Festival Sunday 22nd September 10am till 4.30pm.  Algernon Street, Dukesfield, Runcorn, WA7 1ER

Join them for an end of summer heritage day.  Learn more about their bold and exciting project 'Unlock Runcorn'.  They aim to reconnect the Bridgewater Canal to the Manchester Ship Canal and beyond.  There will be a Bar, live bands, displays/exhibits/guided walks, barbecue, stall and activities and facepainting.  

The event is sponsored by ABC taxis, Dukesfield Tyres, Church Street Tattoos, Reload design, Herrietta's attic, Society Ltd, Craven media, Halton Borough Council

To find out more about the project visit www.unlockruncorn.org

Calling Chairs / Vice Chairs of smaller charities (with an income under £1m) in England. Join the Association of Chairs Beacon Programme. The programme offers:

• low-cost workshops in nine locations in England
• the unique opportunity to meet and learn from other Chairs and Vice Chairs of smaller charities
• free online resources and webinars.

A workshop travel bursary is available for organisations under £100k if booked a month ahead.

Learn more about:

• being an effective Chair
• strengthening your organisation
• managing relationships and board dynamics
• developing an effective board team.

Join the programme for free at http://bit.ly/joinBeacon

Do you need help managing and maintaining your buildings?

If you are a not-for profit organisation lacking the time, expertise and experience needed to manage, maintain and improve your buildings, LandAid's Free Property Advice programme is here to help.

LandAid, the property industry charity, arranges for skilled property professionals from their network of supporters to give free property expertise to UK not-for profit organisations supporting disadvantaged young people, families and communities, including those experiencing homelessness.

Examples of support includes:

• property legal advice
• property searches
• building surveys 
• valuations
• negotiating purchases and leases
• planning and architectural services 

Apply for Free Property Advice here: https://www.landaid.org/what-we-do/apply-free-property-advice

Please see details of the latest opportunity for 16-19 year olds to gain a National Certificate of Further Education in Preparation for Work in the Film and TV Industry with the BFI Merseyside Academy (Clapperboard UK) based in Liverpool. The programmes will run on Saturdays from October to December 2019. For more details and information on how to apply, please click on the link

https://www.clapperboarduk.com/news/bfi-merseyside-academy-applications-open-now/

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

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 2nd October 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall.  The speaker will be Phil Wilkinson who will be talking on the subject of:

Holiday and Diabetes - Dos and Don'ts 
 
Phil is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, from the Diabetes Unit at St Helens Hospital.  Anyone with an interest in Diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting.  If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have not been to a meeting before you are particularly welcome. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. They have a large selection of free diabetes leaflets available. So go along and find out more!

 
For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821. 

Halton Credit Union now has a Widnes town centre office and are having an official launch this Saturday 7th September at 2.30pm. 110 Widnes Road, Simms Cross, Widnes (up the road from ASDA next door to Dominos)

The Mayor, Councillor Margaret Horabin will be cutting the ceremonial ribbon and MP Derek Twigg will be in attendance.

Goody bags, piggy banks, pens and a Join for Free voucher (valid until the end of September) together with information leaflets will be given to all those who attend

A buffet and hot and cold drinks will be also provided.

Everyone is welcome! 

St Helens CCG would like to invite you to their Annual General Meeting (AGM) - and film premiere of 'St Helens - Dream to Reality' on Wednesday 11th September 12.30pm at Cineworld St Helens.

This will be an opportunity to hear from the CCG’s Governing Body about the work undertaken in 2018/19; including their achievements, key challenges and an update on the annual accounts.  

This year the annual report summary is being presented in the form of a film: ‘St Helens - Dream to Reality’ which illustrates the journey the CCG has been on over the last year. As this is the premiere of the film, the event is being held at Cineworld St Helens Cinema, Chalon Way West, St Helens, WA10 1BF from 12.30pm until 2pm, with tea and coffee served from 12.30pm and the feature beginning at 1pm.  

This is a public meeting to which everyone is welcome to attend.  However, to help plan catering and cinema seating, please advise if you plan to attend by calling 01744 627596 or e-mailing engagement@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

If you have access requirements which you need to advise them of or need assistance getting to the venue please contact them directly on 01744 627596.  Cineworld has free parking and designated disabled spaces close to the main door and is in the town centre so is easily accessible by public transport.

Volunteers and committee members wanted.

If you have retired and miss the company of work colleagues and being occupied at work, why don’t you consider becoming a volunteer or committee member for Halton OPEN.

As a volunteer you will be able to socialise with others and help at their social groups by talking, making tea, organising games etc. to help combat isolation and loneliness in older people

As a committee member you would be able with other committee members influence health and welfare issues of older people in Halton, and they encourage fellow committee members to raise issues and be outgoing.

The prime objective of Halton OPEN is to provide a collective voice of people aged 50 plus who live and work in the borough

The group communicates, consults and campaigns so they can influence and encourage the development of services which can help to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of all older people in Halton

The main areas that the network focuses on are Environment, Finance/benefits, health and wellbeing, public transport, quality of life, safety in the home and they work closely with the decision makers in the borough to bring about improvements in these areas

For further details, you can contact them by

            Telephone    01928 593117

            Mobile           07711 048933

            Email             haltonopen@yahoo.com

There is a modular building behind St Edwards church in Ivy Street, Runcorn postcode WA7 5ZN which is available for rent at £7,750 per annum.

It consists of a main room 9.0x8.25 m, store cupboard 1.0x1.2m, kitchen 2.4x2.75m, lobby 2.3x4.0m, male, female and disabled access toilets.

Contact Fr Peter Wright 01928 577755, email p.wright@btinternet.com.

Until recently the space has been used as a breakfast and after school club.

Halton Safeguarding Adults Board – Training Programme 2019-20

Halton Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) is able to subsidise a small programme of training to enhance opportunity and access to learning across Halton.

This training is offered free of charge to those living and working in Halton and who have a direct involvement in the care and support of adults with additional needs. This includes volunteers, carers, those employed through a personal budget and those who use services.  To find out more about how to book on the training and what it entails click on the programme attached.

Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group are looking for a volunteer to help expand their website.  To find out more about what they require please contact them either by phone on 01928620652 or email cavsg@btconnect.com.  To find out more about the group go to https://www.cavsg.com

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram launched LCR Listens earlier this month. The exercise is engaging with people across all six boroughs that make up the Liverpool City Region, asking people’s opinions on a wide range of topics, including transport, jobs and skills, the environment, housing and culture, to shape how the city region develops.

Featuring a host of ways to get involved, from public events, to on-street research, through to an on-line portal, the Combined Authority is committed to listening to as many city region residents, from as wide a variety of backgrounds, as possible.

Speaking about LCR Listens, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, said:

“LCR Listens is an exercise in bringing devolution to life, to ensure that local people have the opportunity to influence genuine local decision-making.

“It’s great that more than 500 people have now responded, and we’re keen to speak to many more from every part of our city region, to make sure we understand what is important to the people who live here.

“Devolution is about bringing power closer to the people, and through LCR Listens we are stepping up our efforts to understand what is important to all of our residents. What we learn from this exercise will directly influence our strategic direction for the next 20 years and we are pulling out all the stops to make sure that we reach all of our communities.”

LCR Listens is an opportunity for everyone in the city region to have their say on the issues that are important to them. The feedback the Combined Authority receives will specifically influence its Local Industrial Strategy, which will set out the long-term economic vision for the Liverpool City Region, providing a framework for its investment decisions, and for conversations with government about how we work together, through devolution, to maximise prosperity for all people and communities.

Anyone wanting to have their say on the future of the Liverpool City Region or find out more about LCR Listens, should visit www.lcrlistens.co.uk and look out for the #LCRListens hashtag on social media.

Fully funded training for those in paid employment. 54 St James Street – 24^th September, 9:30am – 12:30pm

We encounter stress every day, and many people work in highly stressful environments. This 3-hour session will equip you with tools to identify and manage workplace stress.

The course includes how to:

• Recognise the symptoms associated with stress
• Understand the formation and causes of workplace stress
• Understand how thought processes influence stress
• Identify coping strategies to manage stress

Eligibility criteria does apply, as the training is part-funded through the European Social Fund. To come along to the training you must be employed and live in the Liverpool City Region.

Please note that to book, you will be asked to provide evidence of employment AND proof of ID evidencing your eligibility to work in the UK.

To find out more or book your  place contact on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk.

All EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens living in the UK must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021 (see the link to the Government EU Settlement Scheme Registration Page https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families)

The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.

NB if the UK leaves the EU on 31st October 2019 with a 'no deal Brexit', then the deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme will be brought forward to 31st December 2020.

Migrant Help are offering outreach sessions to help vulnerable EU citizens fill in the ‘EU Settlement Scheme’ application forms, this includes Roma gypsy communities, the elderly, victims of domestic abuse or modern day slavery, young carers, people with disabilities or those with serious health conditions.

Bethany from Migrant Help would like to hear from anyone who can (i) help host an outreach session or (ii) who supports vulnerable EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens

NB If you can help then please contact Bethany directly:

Bethany Saunders
EUSS Outreach and Engagement Advisor
07483088736
Bethany.Saunders@migranthelpuk.org

Caring Connections is a registered charity, specialising in the delivery of care and support services across Merseyside. They are a registered provider with the Care Quality Commission and on the contracted framework with all Merseyside local authorities. Alongside their commitment of ‘connecting people to the highest quality of care’ they are also dedicated to the development of their workforce and the delivery of community projects which support the ethos of ‘improving the lives of local people’. This report enables Caring Connections to communicate the impact they have had over the last year – the impact on service users, local communities, employees and the impact on the local economy.

Colleagues from Halton’s  faith, community and voluntary sector, supported by external partner organisations from across the Liverpool City Region are holding a Drop In Service for asylum seekers and refugees, being delivered every Monday at Trinity Methodist URC Church, 138 Albert Rd, Widnes WA8 6LG 11 am to 1pm. 

• Chat, make friends
• Free meal, snacks and hot drinks
• Access donated clothes/food & household items
• Get information about English classes
• Access information, support and guidance
• Speak to many partner organisations

“Just call in any Monday and you will be made very welcome”

Nominations for the first Culture and Creativity Awards in the Liverpool City Region have been opened by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram to stimulate, recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in art, culture and creativity.

The awards are part of the Metro Mayor’s 1% for Culture initiative, and will honour the value and contribution that the cultural and creative sector brings to the Liverpool City Region, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business in. 
The 1% for Culture initiative means that Liverpool City Region currently uses the equivalent of 1% of its £30 million annual devolution funding on utilising many of the region’s existing assets and talent to stimulate cultural and creative opportunities.
The red carpet ceremony will take place on 28th November 2019 at the Lady Lever Art Gallery hosted by the 2019 Liverpool City Region ‘Borough of Culture’, Wirral.

Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:
“Culture and the creative arts are an incredibly important part of our identity. Whether it’s our museums, art galleries, theatres or our music, they all provide huge benefits, from bringing people together to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime events, getting involved in creative activities, and encouraging people to visit the city region for the first (and not the last) time. We are hugely proud of our cultural heritage and want to celebrate what makes all of our areas special to the people who live and work within them.”
Nominations for these awards can include an individual, organisation, group or partnership that is involved in the creation, promotion and use of art and creativity including the following art forms:

• Performing Arts (including: Theatre, Dance, Music, Opera)
• Visual Arts
• Digital Art
• Photography
• Film and broadcast media
• Literature (including comedy and comics)
• Museums, Galleries and Heritage
• Sculpture
• Craft
• Technology

Phil Redmond Chair of the Cultural Partnership said:
“Talent thrives on encouragement and exhibition. Whether already recognised or emerging, creativity flourishes when given a platform on which to shine. The LCR Culture and Creativity awards are planned to be an annual recognition of the region’s creativity, wherever it may be found, whether on a stage or in a science lab; whether an individual or co-operative effort. It will be the platform for the region’s talent to flourish. It will become the award anyone would love to win.”

Nominees must live, study and/or work in the Liverpool City Region - Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, or have created work/projects that significantly benefit the residents or visitors to the LCR and/or has positively contributed to the development of the economy of the LCR.

The 2019 awards will recognise arts and cultural events, innovative and creative activity that has taken place within the Liverpool City Region during the period 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019, with the exception of the Borough of Culture’ Star of the Year’ Award which can include individual achievement that has taken place during Wirral’s Borough of Culture from 1st January 2019 up to the closing date– 20 September 2019.

Councillor Shelley Powell the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and The Visitor Economy for the Combined Authority said:
“The nominations for these awards are not restricted to professionals it is also for people organising voluntary, community based social activity. They can be an individual, or part of an organisation, business, group or partnership that, has demonstrated outstanding creative achievement. One of our aims is to acknowledge how valuable culture and creativity is in creating positive results both in our communities and in the professional sector.”

In addition to an award, winners will be offered the services of a film maker to develop a three minute bespoke film tailored to the audience that the winner wishes to reach, providing an advocacy tool for future progression.

Nominations can be completed online and the closing date for entrants and nominations is Friday 20th September at 4pm. After this date the judging panel will shortlist the finalists for the People’s Choice Award – Outstanding Contribution to Culture, and the Liverpool City Region community will be able to vote for their chosen winner.

All other categories will be decided by members of the Liverpool Cultural Partnership and a judging panel who will compile a shortlist of finalists for each category from the nominations received.

For more information about the categories and how to nominate or apply to be considered please go to https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcr-culture-creativity-awards/

From Monday 19th August, VCA have new telephone operating hours of 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday where we will have a member of staff availalbe to take your calls.  Outside of these hours you will be directed to our voicemail services and can either leave a message for the staff member you wish to call you back or contact us by email. 

Community Spaces work with charities and start-ups to offer rent free space on a short term basis, with no service charge or insurance contributions.  They can negotiate on your behalf longer term occupations if required for discounted rent and additional benefits.

Whether you're looking to open a pop-up shop or something more permanent, they will find the perfect property for you.  

They have retail units in varying sizes in the Hardshaw Shopping Centre, St Helens.  

If you would like any more details or to arrange a viewing, call on 01743 730 004

The recent meeting of the VS6 partners was attended by VCFSE sector representatives from across the Liverpool City Region, including Sefton CVS, Liverpool CVS, Halton & St Helens VCA, Community Action Wirral and Merseyside Youth Association.

The meeting included discussion of the Clore Leadership programme, which now has its first Liverpool City Region cohort of individuals. The programme, which is supported by VS6 and Capacity: The Public Services Lab, provides participants with leadership skills training and individual development plans.

Also at the meeting, individual members of the partnership provided updates on meetings & work where they represent VS6, including meetings with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram; and work with the British Council around leadership and inclusive economy. Finally, Network for Europe shared information on current European funding available in the region, and possible future rounds to be aware of.

The next meeting of the partnership is due to take place  in September where guest speakers will be Paula Ellis, Corporate Engagement Manager at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; Claire Dove OBE, Chief Executive at Blackburne House and VCSE Crown Representative; and Sam Murtagh from Halton Borough Council who is leading on a piece of work for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on market reform in Children’s residential care and is keen to engage with the Sector through VS6.

For More Information About VS6, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/vs6-working-together-build-stronger-liverpool-city-region

‘Fresh Beginnings’ is a specialised professional hygiene training company with the additional option of delivering healthy cooking sessions all at affordable prices.

Whilst online training sometimes can be more convenient, Face-to–Face training still has more success because of the bespoke and interactive style of learning.

Are you searching for inspiring and effective learning that engages, achieves your business goals, improves your business performance and motivates your employees?

Please get in touch now to find out how they can help to deliver creative and engaging training that will get you results. 

Phone Number 07921579213

Email barbara@fresh-beginnings.co.uk

Apex Charitable Trust are opening a community coffee shop in September/October 2019, in St Helens through which they will be offering free accredited training and volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested in applying must live in the Liverpool City region (excluding Wirral), be over the age of 18 and have a conviction (current or historic). 

This is a fantastic opportunity for people to engage in accredited training while enhancing their work experience through their volunteering role, helping to increase their skills, knowledge and employability; and is suitable for anyone thinking of going into hospitality or wanting a career change. In addition it could be a way of securing paid employment for those who have faced challenges when seeking paid employment due to their conviction. Everyone who engages with this opportunity will complete a 5 step programme which includes support from the advice and guidance officer and a peer mentor, employment preparation including supported job searches and post-employment support for 4 months. In addition they are currently in talks with some bigger, well established hospitality establishments to offer work placements this will enhance the individuals experience and give people a taste of what it’s like to work in a busy kitchen with well-known and experienced chefs. 

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity or would like to know more please contact Leanne Corkery at Apex:

Phone Number 01744612898

Email l.corkery@apextrust.com

If you were living your best life, what would it look like? Would you be surrounded by family and friends? Exploring the great outdoors? Being active and eating healthily? Or learning something new?

That’s exactly what Wellbeing Enterprises CIC want to know!

Join in with group discussions and take part in creative activities about what living your best life means to you and then exhibit your vision at a celebration event.

Running weekly for 6 weeks from Wednesday 14th August 2019 at 1 – 3pm United Reformed Church, 6 The Landings, St Helens, WA10 2TD

For more information and to book your place:

Liverpool: 0151 237 2670

Runcorn: 01928 589799

info@wellbeingenterprises.org.uk 

The Introduction to Social Change and Campaigning workshops are designed for those interested in social change and change-making. It is for people new to campaigns or who have found themselves campaigning by accident and who want to know more. Participants will improve their understanding, skills and knowledge of change making, including understanding more about how change happens and be more effective at developing a campaign strategy. The workshop will also provide participants with the opportunity to meet other campaigners, develop their professional network and receive peer support.

Details

Liverpool | 10:00 – 17:00  | Wednesday, 18 Sep 2019

Fee
Prices range from £0-260 based on the size of the organisation/group and income. Free bursary places are available for students and those with no to low income.

For more information and to book a place visit:  https://smk.org.uk/1-day-workshop/

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

This event, which will be of interest to HR teams, Directors / Deputy Directors of nursing, carer support organisations and those with a responsibility for staff health and wellbeing and staff side colleagues, is jointly hosted by VSNW and Health & Care Partnership for Cheshire & Merseyside. They would particularly welcome representatives from carers organisations who are interested in contributing to this. Included on the agenda is the development of the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Carers charter.

VSNW will also be presenting research undertaken in partnership with Leeds Beckett University Centre for Health Promotion Research and Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) looking at the Informal Carer Workforce in Cheshire & Merseyside. 

Date: Tuesday 24th September 2019 Starts at 10:00am Ends by 3:30pm

Location: The Foundry 65 Lugsdale Road Widnes WA8 6DA

For more information and to book your place, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carers-in-the-nhs-workforce-tickets-65163525860

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 4th September 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall.  The speaker will be Jessica Graham who will be talking on the subject of:

Driving with Diabetes 
 
Jessica is the Volunteer Coordinator from the North West Office of Diabetes UK. Anyone with an interest in Diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting.  If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have not been to a meeting before you are particularly welcome. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. They have a large selection of free diabetes leaflets available. So go along and find out more!

 
For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821. 

Halton Health Improvement Team and Amparo are holding their 2^nd memorial evening at Halton Stadium for anyone who has been bereaved by suicide. 

The evening aims to provide a space for thought and reflection in supportive surroundings, provide an opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences and most importantly remember those we have lost to suicide.

The details for the evening are:-

Date: Tuesday 10^th September 2019

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue:  Halton Stadium Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes WA8 7DZ

Places can be booked via the link below but is not essential, and is open to anyone across Cheshire & Merseyside.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/memorial-evening-for-anyone-bereaved-by-suicide-tickets-64165227924

Children are welcome to attend and there is free parking on site. 

Tea and coffee on arrival from 6:30pm

Please do not hesitate to contact Health Improvement team on 03000290029 or HIT@halton.gov.uk if you have any questions.

On Saturday 31st August, hundreds of walkers will light up the streets of Liverpool when they take on a 10k walking challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, but they need your support!

Sign up right now to volunteer and together we will beat cancer! There are a variety of roles including supporting course marshals, pit stop volunteers and finish volunteers. Get stuck into all kinds of tasks from putting up marquees, giving out course maps and medals or take on a more supportive role where you’ll need to be proactive and empathetic to ensure walkers feel re-energised to continue taking steps to the all important finish line.

Make a difference to someone’s night and help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

To sign up please click on the link below and select Liverpool as your event town:
http://www.shinewalk.org/volunteering

As we get older, we often need a little more help and assistance to remain independent in our homes. If you need support at home, the Staying Home Service in St Helens is here to help.

Are you a homeowner or someone who lives in a privately rented property? Torus provide a variety of services, tailored to individual needs that help people over the age of 55 remain independent, stay in control and enjoy a better quality of life.  

How they can help

At Home:

• Help with housing advice and welfare benefits
• Help arranging for mobility aids and property adaptations
• Help filling in forms
• Help finding support with every day household tasks

Health & Wellbeing:

• Registering with a GP or dentist
• Help taking up new hobbies, skills or socialising
• Arranging for volunteer support

Contact them for more information on 01744 418118 or stayinghome@torus.co.uk

Round 2 of a £2.7 million programme to tackle unemployment launched April 2019, with backing from the European Social Fund, is now open.

The funds have been granted by the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in partnership with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA), an adult education charity which provides training and learning opportunities for people at risk of exclusion.

Over the next two years, the charity will help thousands of people who face additional barriers in the workplace, such as lone parents, improve their employability and gain permanent employment.

The WEA will distribute small grants of £20,000 across Merseyside and Halton to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between April 2019 and May 2021.

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 but especially those with:

• disabilities and long term health conditions
• single parents
• women
• people from ethnic minorities
• people over 50
• those planning to return to the workplace after a long period of absence

The closing date for electronic applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 18th September 2019.

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

https://www.wea.org.uk/liverpool-city-region-esf-community-grants-2019-2021

Community groups which work to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour during the busy autumn half-term are being invited to bid for a small cash boost, thanks to Merseyside’s Police Commissioner.

Jane Kennedy has announced that she 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 tenth time the Commissioner has asked 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. A total of £45,000 is available from the fund for one-off grants for organisations which are committed to improving community safety, reducing crime or supporting victims.

Jane has already awarded nearly £378,000 through the PPA to organisations that are making a difference in their communities. Since July 2015, the fund has been used to concentrate on youth engagement initiatives. Last year, funding was awarded to 23 community groups enabling more than 7,500 young people take part in fun, safe, organised activities over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Jane said: "I am pleased to once again be able to open up the Police Property Act Fund for bids of up to £5,000 to organisations which are working to make their communities safer and better places to live by engaging with young people.

“Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside, but sometimes the fun can get out of hand and sadly some communities still do experience a rise in criminal and anti-social behaviour during this holiday. Historically, it is 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 regret in the future. Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects. By using these grants to fund a wide range of fun, safe, organised 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.”

Jane added: “Local people know their communities best. They know what works when engaging with their young people and I am looking forward to reviewing their ideas and initiatives for ensuring everyone can have a safe and fun Halloween.”

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 4pm on 30th August 2019.

Please visit their website http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/police-property-act-fund to apply.

‘Offer of Rent & Business Rates Free property for Charities in and around Bootle’

Opportunity for charities looking for additional space to use on a Rent & Business Rates Free basis.

Avire UK Lettings Limited are able to offer retail spaces for charities which can be used for Retailing, Drop in Centre, Training or even just for storage.
Sizes range from 419 – 4680 sq ft approx

The only costs you will incur for using this property will be utility bills. 

If any Charity is looking for additional space to use, they can offer a 1-3 year lease with a 28 day rolling break clause.

For further information or to arrange viewing please email lucyrobinson@avire.co.uk or telephone 01295 256 338

Healthy Living Team, Smokefree and Specialist Weight Management Services are coming together to provide support for local people under a local offer.

To contact the service, as a professional or patient:

From 1st August 2019: please call 01744 371111, email: chcp.sthelens@nhs.net, or drop-in to one of the central hubs or outreach clinics.

Please note that the previous Healthy Living fax number (01744 697434) will no longer be in use as from 1st August, however referrals can still be made via email. Please note that the referral process currently in place will not change at this stage - just a change in details of where these are to be sent.

The new office base will be:

St Helens Wellbeing Service
City Health Care Partnership CIC
St Helens College
Water Street
St Helens
WA10 1PP

NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has started a 12 week consultation regarding its ‘Care at the Chemist’ scheme and wants to hear the views of the public as it reviews the future of the scheme.

The ‘Care at the Chemist’ scheme for minor ailments is available to the public in all but two patient-facing pharmacies in St Helens and patients eligible for free prescriptions can obtain treatment for 27 minor ailments free of charge.

The consultation is running until Saturday 21 September and is asking the following questions.

Should they:

• Cease the service
• Limit the number of pharmacies who offer the minor ailment service, for example only those pharmacies that are open 100 hours will be able to offer the service.
• Limit the number of minor ailments and treatments offered.
• Only offer the service to those aged 17 years and under.

You can find more details about the consultation and a link to the survey on the website.

It is normal for parents to argue but where arguments are frequent, heated, and unresolved it can have a negative impact on both the parents and their children. We call this state of affairs parental conflict”. We all know a family that has been under strain (even broken up) and where children are caught in the middle... but what more can local services do more to support families? 

To this end, Citizens Advice Halton is conducting a very short (5min) survey that will really help them and their partners understand how they can better support Halton families experiencing parental conflict.

All participants in the survey will be put into a draw for one of three £20 shopping vouchers. To complete the survey please click: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SS3RF96

Do you live in Runcorn? Do you care about local GP services? Are you passionate about the future of General Practice in Runcorn?

If so, why not join staff from Halton & St Helens VCA and the volunteers of the R Health project at an upcoming Focus Group? It will be held on Tuesday 13th August (between2pm and 4pm) at the Grangeway Community Centre. Attendees will discuss “access” or the challenges patients face when making an appointment to see a GP or other relevant Practice employee.

We’ll be discussing what the worst and best possible access would be, before passing our recommendations onto the decision makers at R Health. The R-Health project involves all six GP Practices working together learning from one another, sharing expertise & experiences and exploring new ways of delivering GP services in Runcorn.

To book your place at the Focus Group on 13th August please telephone Matthew or Debbie  on (01928) 592 405.

Halton Volunteer Centre are holding two Volunteer Recruitment Fairs in Widnes later this year.  The fairs will be a market place style event for the most part. However, we would like to make the event as exciting and interactive as possible, so please feel free to be creative when considering how you might engage with the general public & students.We would request that your stand is manned for the whole time, so that the last visitor has a good experience as the first one. Also, we ask that fundraising tins etc are not put out on your stand as this is purely a recruitment fair.

The first one will be held at Kingsway Campus on 1st October and the second one will be held at Cronton Sixth form college on 8th October.  If you would like to have a stand at either or both of the fairs, the links below will take you to our registration pages.
 

Kingsway Campus, Widnes Tuesday 1st October: https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=283

Cronton Sixth Form College, Tuesday 8th October: https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=285

Places are limited so early registration is recomeneded.

The National Retraining Scheme – which is being developed to support adults to adapt to changes in the workplace – has begun its initial rollout in the Liverpool City Region with the launch of a new digital service, Get Help to Retrain. The scheme - which is backed by CBI and TUC - will support adults to retrain and kick start a new career.

The Government have published an updated policy paper, with further information regarding the NRS National retraining scheme - GOV.UK and released a social media explainer video on the DfE’s YouTube channel National Retraining Scheme - YouTube.

• The pioneering National Retraining Scheme gets underway as new digital service Get Help to Retrain launches in Liverpool
• The scheme - which is backed by CBI and TUC - will support adults to retrain and kick start a new career
• Part of the Government’s drive to make sure adults can adapt to future changes in the workplace, especially those brought about by automation

Adults whose jobs could change or become obsolete due to advances in technology will get support to retrain and get on a path to a new career, Education Secretary Damian Hinds announced, marking the start of the innovative National Retraining Scheme.

The National Retraining Scheme – which is being developed to support adults to adapt to changes in the workplace – has begun its initial rollout in the Liverpool City Region with the launch of a new digital service, Get Help to Retrain.

It comes as figures reveal that up to 35% of jobs could be at risk of changing as a result of automation in the next 10-20 years, with computer programmes or even robots transforming the way things are done in the workplace.

Get Help to Retrain is designed to help adults to discover new opportunities and what they need to do to get the skills to land a new job. The online service will help adults identify their existing skills, explore local job opportunities and where to go to find training courses to gain the skills they need to progress. Dedicated support will also be on hand from trained careers advisors to guide people through the process and provide expert information and advice.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:

“Technologies like AI and automation are transforming the way we live and work and bringing huge benefits to our economy, but it also means that jobs are evolving and some roles will soon become a thing of the past.

“The National Retraining Scheme will be pivotal in helping adults across the country whose jobs are at risk of changing to gain new skills and get on the path to a new, more rewarding career.

“This is big and complex challenge, which is why we are starting small, learning as we go, and releasing each part of the scheme only when it’s ready to benefit its users.  We’re beginning with the launch of the Get Help to Retrain digital service in the Liverpool City Region first, working alongside our partners the CBI and TUC, to make sure we get it right and the service works for the people who need it.”

The launch of the Get Help to Retrain digital service is the first of a series of products that will make up the full National Retraining Scheme. The National Retraining Scheme - backed by £100 million of Government investment – is a manifesto commitment and is a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy for building a country fit for the future.

The scheme is led and overseen by the National Retraining Partnership – a unique partnership between Government, the CBI and the TUC – to ensure the collective voices of businesses and employees are heard.

Get Help to Retrain will initially start as a private service. Eligible adults across Liverpool – those aged 24 and over, with a qualification below degree level and working below a certain wage threshold – will be invited to trial the new service so the system can be developed and fully evaluated before being scaled up and rolled out to other regions in the coming months. Get Help to Retrain will be released to all eligible adults in England in early 2020. A series of additional products that will make up the full service are being developed and tested in parallel, before being released at different times.

The National Careers Service in the Liverpool City Region is supporting the testing of the scheme by providing qualified careers advisers to give expert information, advice and guidance to users of Get Help to Retrain.

Robert Jenrick, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said:

“The pace of technological change has never been faster and U.K. is well positioned to take advantage of that, but we also need to watch the backs of working people whose careers will be changed as a result. 

“The National Retraining Scheme is a £100m programme to help people gain new skills in the workplace, change occupation if necessary and increase their pay and prospects.”

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said: 

“Ensuring our country’s workforce is fit for the 21st century, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by automation, is vital if we are to improve productivity growth, which is the only sustainable route to higher wages and living standards.

“As the world of work changes, employers – supported by government - have a crucial role to play in providing opportunities that help people learn throughout their careers. And as it develops, the national retraining partnership should become part of wider cross-government efforts aimed at embracing the fourth industrial revolution.”

Kevin Rowan, Head of Organising, Skills and Services Department at the Trades Union Congress said:

“Every worker should have the opportunity to improve their skills and retrain.

“This is crucial as the labour market is transformed by technology and automation in the coming years. The launch of the first phase of the National Retraining Scheme marks the beginning of a new collaborative approach – opening retraining up to many more adults, and preparing them for the jobs of the future.

“Union learning reps will play a key role in supporting workers to access the advice and retraining opportunities made available through the scheme.

“This is just the beginning. The challenge for the National Retraining Partnership is to develop a national programme that invests in the potential of all workers, delivering the skills we need to compete in the growth sectors of the future.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“As new technologies disrupt our existing economic model, creating new types of jobs but making others obsolete, it makes perfect sense to give people the opportunity to retrain for the employment opportunities of the future so I’m pleased that the National Retraining Scheme is launching in the Liverpool City Region. 

“It is also clear that, because regional economies like ours differ so much from those of London and the South East, the government needs to deliver real devolution of powers and funding for training so that we can ensure our residents have the skills that our economy needs.”

To find out more and booking information please CLICK HERE

Invest St Helens Business Awards in association with Pride of St Helens, is now open for entry. They have10 categories that are open for self-nomination and you can also choose to nominate a fellow business.

The awards are open to all St Helens based businesses and are free to enter. This year they have created some new categories so there really is something for everyone, plus you can enter as many categories as you wish. Find out more here

CATEGORIES AND SPONSORS - open for nominations

• Community Impact Award - Sponsored by St Helens RFC
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Sponsored by Network Space
• Small Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Bericote
• Medium/Large Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Paramount Digital
• Workplace Health Award - Sponsored by Knauf Award
• Growing the Creative Industry Award - Sponsored by St Helens College
• Excellence in Logistics and Manufacturing Award - Sponsored by Brendon International
• Skills for the Future Award - Sponsored by Lucam Consultancy
• Developer of the Year Award - Sponsored by Green Circle Estates
• Development of the Year Award - Sponsored by St Helens Council

CATEGORIES AND SPONSOR - open for public vote

• Peoples Business Choice Award - Sponsored by O2 Business Centre

CATEGORIES AND SPONSOR - Not open for nomination, judges decision only

• Invest St Helens Achievement Award - Sponsored by St Helens Business Club

• Invest St Helens Business Award - Sponsored by Invest St Helens

For more information on each category and to submit your nomination please visit https://www.investsthelens.co.uk/business-awards/awardcategories/ You submit your entry via an online form that takes no more than ten minutes.

Deadline For Nominations: 12th August 2019
 

The Alfred Shaw Trust Fund is now open for applications and the closing date is 30 August 2019. The fund supports groups working in the Runcorn area on projects that help children, vulnerable adults and the elderly.

Background Information: The Alfred Shaw Trust Fund is managed by the Community Foundation for Merseyside. The Trust was established in memory of Alfred Shaw and this fund has been created following the transfer of the Trust fund to the Community Foundation.

What is the focus of the fund:  The charitable objectives of the Trust are:

• To help and support disabled children and young people
• To increase the provision of diversionary activities and facilities to help and support vulnerable children and young people
• To support projects and initiatives that support vulnerable people through the winter months. 
• To support the provision of amenities for the elderly helping to reduce social isolation
• To support education initiatives that will help to raise the aspirations of children and young people living in Runcorn with particular interest in music and the arts
• To support young people to undertake projects or activities, where assistance from public bodies is not usually available. Applications for funding assistance will be considered for the advancement of education and training of individuals under the age of 25yrs who are residents of Runcorn

How much is available:  The maximum grant available is £1500 for groups and £250 for individuals. More may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

Who can apply: Voluntary or community groups with a constitution or set of rules in the group’s name, which includes CICs and Social Enterprises and young people under the age of 25 residing in Runcorn.

Which areas are covered: Runcorn (WA7 postcode)

Any special criteria: The fund will not support core salaries or general running costs but will consider sessional worker costs and an element of full cost recovery as part of a specific project.

Examples of the sorts of projects that may be funded:

• Equipment for youth club
• Music workshops for young people
• Training for volunteers
• Equipment for luncheon club
• Activities for older person’s group
• Projects to reduce social isolation for vulnerable groups
• Play items for group working with children with disabilities
• Coaching qualification for young person  
• Costs of attending a training session that will help a young person develop their career

The closing date is Friday 30 August 2019

How to apply?

Please visit the Community Foundation for Merseyside’s website - http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/alfred-shaw-trust-fund and complete an online application form. Once you have submitted the online application you will need to send the documents listed below. If you do not submit all the relevant documents within 7 days your application will be withdrawn.  You can now attach the documents to your online application, email them to applications@cflm.email or post them to the address below.  Individual applicants should follow the link to complete an electronic application form which can be saved and emailed back to us. Supporting documents can either be emailed to us or posted to us.  

Individual applicants should download an electronic application form which can be saved and emailed back to us. Supporting documents can either be emailed to us or posted to us.

Documents which need to be included with your application:

Groups

• A copy of your governing document or constitution
• A copy of your latest annual accounts or income/expenditure document
• A copy of a recent bank statement for your group
• A copy of your current Safeguarding Policy. All applicants must ensure that they hold relevant policies and procedures in place to undertake activities, such as Criminal Records Bureau checks and/or a health and safety policy, depending on proposed activity. If unsure about what you need please contact the Community Foundation for help (details below)
• NB: If you have received a grant from us in the last 12 months and have already submitted copies of the above documents, you do not need to send them in again. However, a bank statement is required with every application.

Individuals

• Proof of residency in Runcorn (a copy of a utility bill/ driving licence or other similar document stating your home address will suffice)
• Proof of age (copy of passport/birth certificate/driving licence)
• A copy of a recent bank statement (if you do not have your own bank account, the name and address of a person over 18 years of age, who has a bank account and is willing to receive payment on your behalf)
• A letter of acceptance/support from the education/training provider

The following items cannot be supported via the fund:

• Statutory organisations or work that is their responsibility

• National organizations that cannot demonstrate local governance and control of local finances
• Commercial ventures
• Purchase/maintenance of vehicles
• Activities that will have already taken place before we offer you a grant
• Politically connected or exclusively religious activities
• Projects for personal profit
• Trophies and medals
• Organisations that are set up for the benefit of animals or plants: environmental groups that work with animals or the environment (such as city farms) are acceptable
• Groups comprising just one family
• Debts and other liabilities
• Reclaimable VAT
• Travel outside UK
• Gifts or projects exclusively for the purpose of entertaining – social events can be funded where there is a clear community benefit

What happens next?

Completed applications are considered by Community Foundation staff to check eligibility. You may be contacted for more information after applying and a decision making panel will make recommendations based on the fund’s criteria and the budget available.

You should expect to hear the outcome of your application within 6 weeks of the closing date.

For further information, please contact Joan Ford, Community Philanthropy Manager at:

Community Foundation for Merseyside
Third Floor, Stanley Building,
43 Hanover Street,
Liverpool, L1 3DN

T: 0151 294 4756 (Direct) 0330 440 4900 (Switchboard)

Email: joan@cflm.email

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is looking for 10 enthusiastic, skilled young people to volunteer to support, challenge and inform the work of her office and the wider criminal justice system.

Jane Kennedy is looking to recruit a group of new volunteer Youth Ambassadors to help shape the way she engages with young people while giving them a greater voice in policing and community safety matters.

The role will last for 12 months and is open to those aged between 16 and 24, who live, work or study in Merseyside.

Youth Ambassadors will meet bi-monthly with the Police Commissioner and her team and will assist in the creation and delivery of a new Youth Engagement Plan, which they will help to share with other young people by visiting schools, youth clubs and community groups across Merseyside. They will also be expected to attend youth engagement events, inform campaigns aimed at young people and review the services offered to their peers.

The new Youth Ambassadors will replace the Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Group which has run since 2013.

Jane said: “I’m looking for 10 enthusiastic, engaged young people who aren’t afraid to challenge, have an interest in policing and community safety and want to get fully involved in these new Youth Ambassador roles.

“Throughout my time as Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, I have been keen to listen to the views of young people. The Youth Advisory Group has been amazing, sharing their views and feedback with me openly and honestly and I have greatly valued their opinions and feedback. The Ambassador role is a development of the Youth Advisory Group and will enable the young people to deliver a closer engagement with and challenge to myself and to the police.

“I am looking to recruit a smaller group of dedicated, eager and skilled young people to become even more involved with my work. I am hoping these young people will be real ambassadors for their peers, listening to their views and presenting them to me in order to inform a new Youth Engagement Plan.

“I’m looking for young people who really want to make a difference and be a voice for change. In exchange, they will get some fantastic opportunities to learn more about policing and the criminal justice system and influence decision making at a senior level. They will also receive a range of training and development opportunities and some great experience to add to their CV.

Any young person interested in applying can find more information and the application form at https://www.merseysidepcc.info/youth-ambassadors.aspx and return it to info@merseysidepcc.info

Alternatively, you can post a copy to The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Wavertree Police Station, Wavertree Road, Liverpool L7 1RJ.

The deadlines for applications is close of play on Friday 9^th August 2019.

For more information, please call 0151 777 5155 and ask for a member of the Community Engagement team or email info@merseysidepcc.info.

Network for Europe via the VS6 partnership have shared with us the latest news on European funding, you can find this update in the attachment below.  

The office at Chain Lane Community Centre, St. Helens, will become available for hire from early October this year. The British Red Cross have run their St Helens ‘Support at Home’ Project from the office but sadly, the funding for this ends at the end of September.

The Office will accommodate up to 3 desks. Rent includes all utilities but telecommunications are the responsibility of the hirer. The Centre does have Wi-Fi. 

The Centre is near to the East Lancashire Road (A580) and is on a direct bus route to the town centre. Car parking is adjacent to the Centre. Chain Lane Shopping Precinct is over the road.

They are looking for an individual, group or small community organisation, charity or business that would like to be based out in the community. They do want the hirer to be on site for a reasonable part of the day, not just a base from which to occasionally call in.

Interested? Please contact Pam on 07586 842 161 or email: ccchainlane@gmail.com

The Centre address is Chain Lane Community Centre, Hinckley Road, St. Helens WA11 9HT

"Telling your social story" developing your key messages to connect with your key audiences - from volunteers and clients to funders and supporters. Yellow Jigsaw will share with you tried and tested strategies for telling your story to get the maximum impact to your target audience.

As this workshop is FREE for AFFILIATED Members of VCA organisations who are not affiliated will be invoiced £25 per person with payment being recieved before the workshop takes place.

CLICK HERE to book your place

St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK are a friendly group offering information and support to people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing it and anyone who wants to find out more about the condition. Meetings are free to attend and they have a good selection of information on diabetes available.

Attached below is the new programme of meetings. The programme will commence with the 1st meeting on Wednesday 4th September 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ.

More information can be found on their website www.st-helens-and-district.diabetesukgroup.org

Halton & St Helens VCA has been asked to support Runcorn GP Practices with some important engagement work. 

GP Practices play an important role in their community and many people cherish the relationship they have with their GP Practice.  Local Practices have recognised that they need to adapt to preserve this important relationship at a time when demand for their services is increasing. In Runcorn, the R-Health project has been set up to achieve this.

The R-Health project involves all six GP Practices working together learning from one another, sharing expertise & experiences and exploring new ways of delivering GP services in Runcorn.

“We also want to work with our residents” says Dr Gary O’Hare, the R Health Clinical Lead and GP at Murdishaw Health Centre. “The feedback we gather from our patients is extremely important to us. We know there are opportunities to do things better and we want local people to be involved in helping us shape services.”

One of the key areas R Health are currently examining is how people make an appointment with their GP Practice. As such, they’ve designed an online survey with questions about when you want or need help from your Practice.

You can complete the survey by visiting www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RHealthAccess   

R Health are also hosting some Focus Groups to discuss what the world’s worst and best “access to GP Practices” would look like. They will be held at the Grangeway Community Centre in Runcorn on Tuesday 23rd July (from 2pm till 4pm) and Wednesday 24th July (from 7pm till 9pm). Places are limited. To book yours please phone (01928) 592 405.

This event, which will be of interest to HR teams, Directors / Deputy Directors of nursing, carer support organisations and those with a responsibility for staff health and wellbeing and staff side colleagues, is jointly hosted by VSNW and Health & Care Partnership for Cheshire & Merseyside.

The current draft agenda is as follows:

10.00am: Arrival, refreshments and registration

10.15am: Welcome and introduction - Karen Howell & Chris Samosa (Chair)

10.25am: Cheshire and Merseyside research findings – Warren Escadale (CEO of VSNW)

11.00am: Break

11.20am: Challenges facing carers in the workplace- a carers organisation perspective – Carl Harris (Halton Carers Centre)

11.45am: A case study (1) – a Carer’s story from Cheshire and Merseyside TBC

12.00noon: A Trade Union perspective TBC

12.30pm: Lunch

1.10pm: Reflections from the morning session

1.20pm: A case study (2) – an NHS Employer TBC

1.35pm: Action Planning on tables (focusing on the recommendations from the research)

2.35pm: Developing the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Carers charter – Chris Samosa (Chair)

3.15pm: Summary and close – Chris Samosa (Chair)

Date And Time:

Tuesday, 24th September 2019, 10:00 – 15:30 BST

Location:

The Foundry
65 Lugsdale Road
Widnes
WA8 6DA

View Map

For more information and to book your free place, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carers-in-the-nhs-workforce-tickets-65163525860

For more information and to book your place on our Meet the Funder event with the WEA CLICK HERE..

Willowbrook Hospice has launched an urgent appeal for volunteer drivers and van driver’s assistants in the St Helens and Knowsley area to help with collections of donations and deliveries.

Bev Neilson, Retail Volunteer Coordinator at Willowbrook Hospice, said: “We’ve got 16 charity shops throughout ‘our patch’ and we really depend on our van drivers and assistants to help stock our shops and deliver any large items to our customers. All the money raised through our shops helps Willowbrook to continue to care and support people with life limiting illnesses across St Helens and Knowsley.

“Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding. Many of our volunteers have developed new skills or gained valuable work experience. It’s a great way to meet new people from all walks of life and get involved with the community and without the support of our volunteers we couldn’t continue to do what we do..”

Barry Lyon, one of Willowbrook’s volunteer drivers says: “I’m proud to volunteer for Willowbrook and have seen the fantastic work that the hospice does first hand.  It’s an amazing organisation and offers so much help and support to people in our local community. “Since I became a volunteer for Willowbrook I’ve met a great bunch of people – staff, fellow volunteers and supporters -  and I would encourage anyone who’s got a few hours to spare to sign up and join the Willowbrook volunteer team.”

For more information about volunteering please contact Bev on 01744 766929 or email help@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

Plan Bee coffee bar is the business arm of Apex providing employment opportunities and career advancement for people who have a criminal record. All profits made in Plan Bee are reinvested into the charity enabling them to continue to deliver great support services for our local community.

Join the Hive (organisation) as one of the volunteer bees and have the opportunity to learn new skills and develop work experience. They want to help people with a criminal record to move forward with their lives, and be a part of the bee colony (team).     

Plan Bee gives volunteer bees the opportunity to receive accredited training in many different areas including Barista skills, Cookery skills, and Food Hygiene to name a few. Apex provide personal development support from their IAG & Volunteer Coordinator and Peer Mentors to help get you job ready and secure paid employment. You will have the opportunity to work alongside the team of worker bees learning from them and be part of a buzzing Hive.

Volunteer bees are key members of the hive. They will assist the hive in ensuring customers receive a high standard of service.

As a volunteer bee you will:

• Make new friends and be part of a fantastic colony (team)
• Develop new skills
• Have experience to include on a CV and hands on work experience
• Improve your confidence and self-esteem
• Increase your employability

Volunteer Selection Criteria

You need to have a friendly, outgoing personality and be able to work as part of a team with other volunteer and worker bees. In addition:

• Be committed and reliable
• Be a good communicator
• Proactive and hardworking
• Be accountable
• Adhere to the Apex Trust policies and procedures (confidentiality)
• Have a criminal record or be at risk of offending

Volunteer Duties

• Support the team in delivering excellent customer service
• Prepare and produce drinks and food orders
• To undertake specific duties related to volunteer role
• To always act in a professional manner
• To follow standards as set in your training
• Adhere to health & safety guidelines.

Interested?  Then complete the attached application form, or if you've got any questions, you can contact Apex on the details below:

Tel: 01744 612898 Email: L.corkery@apextrust.com

Willowbrook Hospice is offering you a chance to win a fabulous Suzuki Celerio, courtesy of Chapelhouse St Helens.

Tickets are just £5 each and all profits from the raffle will contribute to the hospice’s “Make a Difference Appeal” – a recently launched campaign to help Willowbrook refurbish and upgrade their facilities to enhance the experience of both their patients and their family members.

Nichola Saunders, Head of Fundraising at Willowbrook Hospice said: “ After 22 years the Hospice needs a much needed facelift to ensure that our facilities are of the highest quality, are dementia friendly and improve the environment and experience for our patients and their families.  Willowbrook has a well-earned reputation for the excellent standard of our care and we want to make sure that our facilities match this.

“The amazing generosity of the team at Chapelhouse in donating a car for us to raffle has allowed us to kick-start our “Make Difference Campaign”. Every ticket sold will brings us closer to our goal of a complete refurbishment at the hospice, so get your tickets now to be in with a chance of driving off in a fantastic Suzuki Celerio car!”

Tickets can be bought:

• online via Willowbrook’s website https://www.willowbrook.org.uk/4333-2/
• By telephone 01744 453798
• Direct to a canvasser during door-to-door or other face-to-face promotions such as attendance at events
• Via post by returning their raffle stubs with payment
• By texting ‘Pay WILLOW CAR’ to 88802

The raffle closes on Friday 11 October with the winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday 12 October. 

Terms and conditions are available on the Willowbrook website www.willowbrook.org.uk

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

Sight Loss?

Vision Support may be able to help with

• Independent living
• IT Training (computer lessons)
• Low vision and daily living aids
• Home visiting
• Volunteering opportunities
• Welfare and benefits advice
• Social clubs and activities

The Vision Support Mobile Information Unit will be visiting on Thursday 11th July, 10am to 3pm at Greenoaks Shopping Precinct Widnes so you can call in to see what support they can offer. 

To find out more contact Vision Support, Halton Sensory Services, 126 Widnes Road, Widnes, WA8 6AX or phone 0151 511 8801

Citadel Arts Centre
Waterloo Street,
St Helens,
Merseyside,
WA10 1PX

Office Equipment Available for Organisations

Sadly, the Citadel Arts Centre venue will close on 30th June.

They have office equipment available for sale, donation or gift for like-minded charities who are able to collect items on Monday 1st July:

• Electronic Cash Register: Casio SE/C450. Saleable value £600
• Auditorium Chairs: 80 in total. FREE
• Crockery: 25 cups and saucers. FREE
• Plastic Tea Trolley: 1 FREE
• Filing Cabinets: 2. FREE
• Desks: 2. FREE
• Wooden Small Round Tables: 6. FREE
• Wooden Chairs: 16. FREE
• Bar Round Tables: 6. FREE
• Wooden Trestle / Craft Tables: 3 FREE
• Plastic Trestle / Craft Tables: 2 FREE
• Leaflet Rack: 1. FREE
• Office Chairs 3. FREE

If you are interested in any of the items please call Fay Lamb, Citadel Chief Executive on 01744 762304 or email faylamb@citadel.org.uk

The Elements of Colour

Visit Catalyst on Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th June for a chance to see ‘The Elements of Colour’ – a special family lecture demonstration presented by guest lecturer Dr Peter Hoare (Newcastle University)

The demonstration lecture celebrates 2019 the International Year of the Periodic Table.

Our perception and recognition of colours are fundamental to both our survival and our enjoyment of modern life. This lecture will explore some processes in chemistry which either produce or use light energy under four themes of:

• reactions
• combustion
• escences
• rates

with lots of colourful and sometimes dramatic demonstrations – with the occasional whoosh and even a bang!

The presenter has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering educational and entertaining demonstration lectures to audiences aged from 4 to 94 across North East England and increasingly further afield. He is a former secondary school chemistry teacher with over 20 years’ experience and was seconded as an RSC Teacher Fellow to Newcastle University in 2008 – 09.

Shows at 11.30am and 2.00pm each day.

Tickets cost £1.25 per person in addition to the admission charge and can be bought in advance via the website or in reception on the day.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA7 5QD
Telephone 0151 420 1121

www.catalyst.org.uk

We would like you to take part in this 10 year study of the voluntary and community sector which is now running right across the North of England.

Whether your organisation or group is big or small, flourishing or struggling financially – or just carrying on more or less as normal – we need to hear from you.

Using the findings, Durham University will build a picture of how organisations and groups work, how they get their resources and how they are planning to work in future.

The research helps to inform national and local government, health organisations and charitable foundations so that they make good decisions on how to invest in the activity of the third sector.

The research also helps the third sector itself to show the extent and value of the work it does. 

Please support the survey: The survey takes just 20 minutes to complete and you shouldn’t need to check up any facts and figures to fill it in. You can complete the survey online on you PC, tablet or phone by clicking this link:

https://durham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/third-sector-trends-in-the-north-of-england-2019-live-s-2

The project has generously been supported by Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Power to Change.

And tell your friends and colleagues to do the same: by sending them an email with the link to the survey or by drawing attention to the study via twitter using #ThirdSectorTrends

Headline findings will be published in December 2019 and the full results will be freely available from spring 2020.

Recent reports from the study so far can be found at:

https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/knowledge-and-leadership/third-sector-trends-research/

If you have any questions about the research and/or the questionnaire, please contact Professor Tony Chapman, St Chad’s College, Durham University, 18 North Bailey, DURHAM DH1 3RH, or by email: tony.chapman@durham.ac.uk.

Addiction and recovery can be a lonely experience. This is a chance to pause and have a chat with someone in recovery about recovery in the community, Funded by the Community lottery and HBC. The first step is hardest, so talk to someone who has been there. Confidentiality and respect at all times.

Meet at the following times and places:

Wednesday at Widnes Tesco café 11-12.30
Saturday at Widnes Superior Sandwiches café 12-1.

Look for the lemon badge.

For more information about Recofferee, check out their website below:

http://www.act-peer-recovery.com

The Women's Organisation are pleased to open this FREE event to local women who have ambition to run their own business as part of their Enterprise Hub Programme.

Since 1996 The Women's Organisation have helped over 55,000 women to assess their business ideas and to understand the practicalities of sustaining and growing a business. They would love to be part of your business journey.

Have you got a hobby, skill or passion you would like to turn into a job? Are you wondering how to go self-employed? Have you got a brilliant business idea but no idea where to start? Want to understand what help is available to help you get started and in the early stages of growing you enterprise? Come along to this empowering event to discover how you can develop your ideas into a thriving business.

• Hear from local entreprenerus who have set up their own business sharing tips on how they did it.
• Enjoy a group workshop to understand the key elements involved in self-employment
• Network with like-minded individuals who are also considering starting a business
• Open FREE to women living in the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton)

AT: The Women’s Organisation, 54 St James Street, Baltic Triangle, Liverpool, L1 0AB

ON: Wednesday 3rd July 2019 10am-1pm

Book your FREE ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/enterprise-hub-presentswomens-business-start-up-conference-tickets-63647179427

For more information please contact 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk

Willowbrook Hospice is inviting local people to join them on a special remembrance sailing on the River Mersey.

Nicky Saunders, Willowbrook Hospice’s Fundraising manager says, “Our ‘Petals on the Mersey’ sailing is really special event and provides people with a lot of comfort as they sail along the beautiful waterfront of Liverpool, remembering and celebrating the lives of their loved ones by scattering petals on the river”.  

The ‘Petals on the Mersey’ sailing will take place on Thursday 11 July at 8pm from Liverpool Pier Head.

Petals and a single rose will be given to you as you board.

Tickets for Petals on the Mersey (adults £15 each, children £5) can be reserved by ringing Willowbrook Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 01744 453798 or by booking online at:  https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/petalsonthemersey/

All proceeds will go to support the Prescot based hospice which cares for people with life limiting illnesses across St Helens and Knowsley.

.

Avire UK Lettings Limited are working on Retail Units which can be used for retailing, charity work, administration education, training and storage or any other ideas you might have, they are open to suggestions.

DESCRIPTION: Retail accommodation located in the Strand Shopping Centre

Retail Units range from 419 to 4680 Sq Ft Approx.

One of Avire UK Lettings Limited client’s currently has premises located in the BOOTLE area that has been vacant for a while. They would now like to offer this space to Charities on a rent and business rates free basis. Avire UK Lettings Limited deal directly with the landlord and have researched this property to ensure it meets their strict criteria. Leases are drawn up in-house by their legal team so there are no costs to the charity. The lease term for properties are usually 1 – 3 years with a landlord and charity rolling 28-day break clause in the lease. Charities only pays for what utilities they use whilst they are the leaseholders.

Since 2008, Avire UK Lettings Limited have worked with 100’s of local, regional and national charities in helping them secure suitable premises to run their operations from. If you, as a charity, have any other property requirements, please let them know and they will see if thjey can source a property for you, whether it is an office, shop or an industrial unit, please get in touch.

They only have limited space available and there are always more charities interested than they can accommodate, so if you are interested in viewing the property to see if it is suitable, please contact them on the details below:

Phone Number 01295 256 338

Email lucyrobinson@avire.co.uk

For more information about Avire UK Lettings Limited, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/sites/sthelenscvs.org.uk/files/webform/Avire%20Charity%20Lets%20-%20Benefits%20%26%20General%20Information%20for%20Charities.pdf

Sight Loss?

Vision Support may be able to help with

• Independent living
• IT Training (computer lessons)
• Low vision and daily living aids
• Home visiting
• Volunteering opportunities
• Welfare and benefits advice
• Social clubs and activities

To find out more contact Vision Support, Halton Sensory Services, 126 Widnes Road, Widnes, WA8 6AX or phone 0151 511 8801

The Vision Support Mobile Information Unit will be visiting on Thursday 20th June 10am to 3pm at Widnes Market (table in Mall) so you can call in to see what support they can offer. 

The High Sheriff and Merseyside Police fund is now live and open for applications.

The  maximum amount available is £2,500 and the main priority is diversionary activities for young people to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The next closing date is Friday 26 July but due to a limited budget the fund may close earlier when sufficient applications are received.  

Background Information: The fund aims to work with voluntary bodies and community groups in Merseyside to support community safety, crime prevention and security initiatives in their locality.

What is the focus of the fund: 

All applications must meet the following objectives of the fund: 

• To promote a safer and increased quality of life through the prevention of crime and the protection of people and property from criminal acts for the benefit of the public in and around Merseyside.
• To secure the advancement of education for the public benefit in all matters relating to community safety.
• To increase provision of diversionary activities and facilities that target young people to reduce crime and anti social behaviour.

How much is available: 

Grants will normally range from £500 to £2500 and may be less than the figure applied for. In exceptional circumstances, grants of higher value may be considered.

Which areas are covered: Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helens and Wirral 

Any special criteria: Groups should have been constituted for at least 12 months before seeking funding. The panel is unlikely to fund salaries and staff costs. Priority will be given to projects that focus on the advancement of education and increasing the provision of diversionary activities and facilities for young people. In exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given to other types of funding. NB The panel is unlikely to fund CCTV systems, security measures or similar pieces of equipment. 

In addition to the completed application applicants should provide a letter of support for the project, ideally from a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), traffic community support officer or similar referee. 

NB: The donor has discretion to also commission applications.

How to apply?

Please visit the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside’s website - www.cfmerseyside.org.uk and complete an online application form. Once you have submitted the online application you will need to send the documents listed below. If you do not submit all the relevant documents within 7 days your application will be withdrawn.  You can now attach the documents to your online application, email them to applications@cflm.email or post them to the address below.

Documents which need to be included with your application:

1. A copy of the group’s rules or constitution

2. A copy of the group’s latest annual accounts or income/expenditure document

3. A copy of a recent bank statement for your group

4. A copy of the group’s current Safeguarding Policy. All applicants must ensure that they hold relevant policies and procedures in place to undertake activities, such as Criminal Records Bureau checks and/or a health and safety policy, depending on proposed activity. If unsure about what you need please contact the Community Foundation for help (details below)

NB: If you have received a grant from them in the last 12 months and have already submitted copies of the above documents, you do not need to send them in again. However, a bank statement is required with every application.

The following items cannot be supported via the fund:

• Statutory organisations or work that is their responsibility
• ​National organizations that cannot demonstrate local governance and control of local finances
• Commercial ventures
• Purchase/maintenance of vehicles
• Activities that will have already taken place before we offer you a grant
• Politically connected or exclusively religious activities
• Projects for personal profit
• Trophies and medals
• Organisations that are set up for the benefit of animals or plants: environmental groups that work with animals or the environment (such as city farms) are acceptable
• Groups comprising just one family
• Debts and other liabilities
• Reclaimable VAT
• Travel outside UK
• Gifts or projects exclusively for the purpose of entertaining – social events can be funded where there is a clear community benefit

What happens next?

Completed applications are considered by Community Foundation staff to check eligibility. You may be contacted for more information after applying and a decision making panel will make recommendations based on the fund’s criteria and the budget available.

You should expect to hear the outcome of your application within 6 weeks of the closing date.

For further information, please contact Joan Ford, Programmes Manager at:

Community Foundations for Lancashire & Merseyside
Third Floor,
Stanley Building,
43 Hanover Street,
Liverpool,
L1 3DN

T: 0330 440 4900

Email: joan@cflm.email