RAWM Monthly e-Bulletin May 2008
RAWM Monthly e-Bulletin
May 2008 Email: rawm@rawm.co.uk
Web: www.rawm.org.uk
Tel: 0121 359 9100
NEWS
RAWM News
Finance Support Services Vacancy
Regional Action West Midlands requires a Support Services Finance worker to work as part of the Support Service Team but will focus on providing support and assistance to RAWM’s Finance Manager. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 9th May 2008. For full details see: www.rawm.org.uk
Regional News
New Regional Disability Network
The Council of Disabled People (CDP) is developing a specialist support resource for local and sub-regional groups of disabled people in the West Midlands. Funded through BASIS, the project aims to promote information sharing, support sustainability of new and existing projects and facilitate involvement in decision-making. CDP are carrying out an audit of potential members of the Regional Disability Network. If you would like to become involved, email Pete Millington at pete@cdp.org.uk .
New Gender Identity Centre for the West Midlands
Gender Matters is a charity that support trans-people (transvestites, transgender and transsexuals) and their families and supporters. They provide help, advice and counselling to anyone dealing with trans-issues. Gender Matters were recently awarded a grant from the Big Lottery - Reaching Communities fund to create a Gender Identity Centre in the West Midlands which is located in Wolverhampton. They also operate evening Sanctuary Support Groups throughout the West Midlands and a day-time drop-in centre. Visit their website at www.gender-matters.org.uk or contact them direct on 01902 744424, Monday to Friday 09:30 - 16:30.
bWell Birmingham
The latest project in the Living Well in the West Midlands initiative is up and running. bWell Birmingham is a project that aims to promote positive mental health and well being though a 2-pronged approach; working with both employers and communities in Birmingham. For more info visit www.bwellbirmingham.co.uk. For info about the Living Well in the West Midlands visit www.wmra.gov.uk/page.asp?id=263 .
People's Millions 2008 is now in full swing!
Five People's Millions awards of up to £50,000 will be up for grabs across the West Midlands to carry out projects that improve and enrich local communities. Organisations have until the 15th May 2008 to enter the contest. The finalists will be screened on ITV Central West evening news later in the year when the people of the West Midlands will be able to cast their vote for the projects they want to win the Lottery good cause cash. If you or an organisation you know is up for the challenge, log on to the website www.peoplesmillions.org.uk or call 08454 10 20 30.
National News
Learning at Work Day 2008, Thursday 22nd May 2008
Last few days remaining for organising your Learning at Work Day 2008. Visit www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/cfl/WorkplaceLearning/lawday/index.asp for information, ideas and inspiration!
Silver Surfers’ Day 2008, Friday 23rd May 2008
Digital Unite are a group of media literacy experts for older people, who have managed and run Silver Surfers' Day for the past six years and offer free resources for Event Holders, large or small, on www.digitalunite.net and www.silversurfersday.org. Silver Surfers' Day (which will be held on the Friday of Adult Learners' Week, May 23rd 2008) is the only annual national outreach campaign to engage the nation in offering free help to the digitally disenfranchised over-50s (still nearly 10 million). For more information about the event go to www.digitalunite.net/docs/press.html
New online database from the British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation National Centre (BHFNC) has launched a new online database for physical activity and health professionals. To receive all the latest physical activity and project news from the National Centre straight to your inbox simply complete the following online registration form: www.bhfactive.org.uk. If you are an existing member of the BHFNC database you will have to re-register. If you have any queries please contact BHFNC at: bhfnc@lboro.ac.uk.
Finance Hub commissions Third Sector procurement project
ACEVO and the Development Trusts Association (DTA) have undertaken a project commissioned by the Finance Hub on Successful Procurement & Negotiation in the Third Sector. The Hub has responded to the need for a more detailed national picture of co-operation between statutory and voluntary agencies to promote and standardise funding advice. This includes building understanding of good practice, and ensuring that the need for services to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector are aligned. Improving the skills of third sector leaders in working with commissioners is vital in building relationships between third sector organisations and statutory commissioners. To that end ACEVO have launched 4 briefings to support the sector; the briefings are available to view at: www.acevo.org.uk/index.cfm/display_page/Sucessful_Procurement2
CONSULTATION
CSIP ‘No Secrets’ Third Sector Consultation Event
This event is specifically targeted at any Third Sector service provider organisations (voluntary and community sector, social business enterprise, mutual etc) that are interested in the working of the protecting vulnerable adult’s guidance ‘No Secrets - Reviewing Adult Safeguarding’. For more information and for a booking form contact: melanie.nicholas@csip.org.uk
Human rights inquiry targets voluntary groups
As part of a Human Rights inquiry launched last month, the Equality and Human Rights Commission is asking both public authorities and their users to respond to a questionnaire about their experience of the Human Rights Act. Alongside evidence from hospitals, schools and local councils, the Commission hopes to speak to voluntary and private sector organisations carrying out public functions. Individual users will be asked for examples of where authorities have used the Act to tailor services to their needs, or instances when they felt their human rights were breached when using a public service. The consultation is open until 21st June 2008; if you would like to participate please go to: www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/projects/humanrightsinquiry/Pages/Gatheringevidence.aspx
EVENTS
Regional Events
Achieving Excellence in Public Health: 11th Annual Conference
Thursday 22nd May 2008, Uttoxeter Racecourse
This conference aims to raise the profile of mental health and engender enthusiasm and commitment to action on this significant and challenging area of work. For more information and for a booking form contact: Freya Cooper by email: excellence@wmpho.org.uk
Gender Matters Annual Summer Ball (with Disco & Buffet)
7.30pm until midnight Saturday 21st June 2008, Adderley Village Hall, Adderley, Market Drayton, TF9 3TF
Tickets cost £10 (£7.50 unwaged) and can be purchasedvia PayPal, at a Sanctuary or by calling 0844 870 0178. For more info visit www.gender-matters.org.uk/#/summerball/4525376868
National Events
The National Evaluation of Sure Start
8th May 2008, 2 - 4pm, Campaign for Learning, 19 Buckingham Street, London. Cost: £99 plus VAT.
Following the publication of the national evaluation of Sure Start in March this event will look at the impact of the programme. Delegates will hear from Dan Racher from the Children's Centres and Extended Schools Division at DCSF, and Catherine Prisk, Deputy Head (Care & Education) at the Ann Tayler Children’s Centre. To book a place at the briefing visit www.campaignforlearning.org.uk and follow links for events.
The Importance of Being Albany
A celebration of 50 years working to improve the social conditions necessary for healthy psychosexual development
Friday 30th May 2008, 76 Portland Place, London
This one day conference brings together experts, practitioners, researchers and historians to revisit Albany's pioneering work and aims, and to ask whether, in the 21st Century, they are still relevant, urgent and, if so, how they are practically achievable. For more information contact Hannah on 020 8541 1399 or email hannah@healthcare-events.co.uk or visit this page.
Planning for Climate Adaptation
Monday May 19 2008, RIBA, London
In the first major national conference of its kind, the Guardian has brought together key thinkers, policy makers and politicians, to debate what guidance is needed to prepare the UK for the challenges ahead. Leading case studies from the City of London, Seeda and Leeds City Council will further provide you with a unique insight into the significance of climate adaptation. The day is designed for public service executives responsible for the environment, emergency planning, strategic policy, transport, risk management and asset management. To book a place, or for further information see: www.guardian.co.uk/climateadaptation/ .
Regeneration and Renewal 4th Annual Conference: Securing Investment to Deliver Empowered, Prosperous and Sustainable Communities
22nd & 23rd May 2008, Business Design Centre, London.
This conference will focus on the implications of the Sub-National Review of regeneration and the Housing and Regeneration Bill, tackling worklessness and the welfare-to-work agenda, sustainable regeneration in the face of climate change and the emerging agenda for the new Homes and Communities Agency. For more information and to book your place: www.haymarketevents.com/conferenceDetail/254/regeneration-renewals-national-conference
Improving your productivity through technology
Opportunities for the voluntary and community sector, 10th June, London
NCVO and Microsoft UK are hosting an interactive conference combining case studies, workshops and keynote speakers to explore the potential of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for small and medium sized charities. This full day event is free of charge to all charity employees on a first come first served basis. Online registration will be open from 23rd April 2008 at http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032376570&Culture=en-GB
NIACE Conference: How Colleges can promote Community Cohesion
Monday 16 June 2008, 09:45-15:45, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Participant fee: £190 per person (includes lunch, NIACE does not charge VAT).
This conference will examine the role of colleges in promoting community cohesion. Participants will hear from authoritative speakers including Bill Rammell (Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education) and Dr Abdul Bari (Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain). Participants will form ideas on how to create a practical strategy and make a case for government funds to support community cohesion initiatives. For more information, to download an application form or to reserve a place online, visit the NIACE website: www.niace.org.uk. Enquiries to NIACE Conferences Team - Tel: 0116 204 2833 / E-mail: gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk
RESOURCES
JRF Report: Immigration, faith and cohesion
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation have published a report exploring the factors that affect community cohesion in urban areas in England with significant Muslim populations. This research analyses new data from three local areas, Birmingham, Bradford and Newham, where relatively large numbers of recently arrived Muslim migrants and established Muslim residents are living alongside people of other faiths and of no faith. It is based on 319 interviews with individuals from 40 countries of origin, including the UK. The report can be downloaded from: www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialpolicy/2190.asp .
'Prescribing' volunteering improves mental health
Community Service Volunteers (CSV) has published a report on mental health, volunteering and social inclusion which focuses on its Pan-London Capital Volunteering programme and projects in partnership with the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. This report aims to share the experiences and learning from these initiatives and identify key messages for policymakers, commissioners and programme/project developers in understanding the contribution that volunteering can make to recovery. To obtain hard copies and for more information email sgullberg@csv.org.uk or call 0207 812 0032 to download click here.
Free financial capability 'capacity building' for VCS working with offenders
UNLOCK, The National Association of Reformed Offenders, can make their successful UNLOCKing Financial Capability (UFC) package available FREE to 25 small community and charitable organisations working in the community with offenders, reformed offenders,families of offenders and those at risk of offending. UNLOCK will give you everything you need to deliver UFC yourself. Applications are welcomed from small non-profit community and charitable organisations benefitting UNLOCK’s target group, NOT large organisations delivering services under contract to government agencies. For more information and an application pack visit www.unlock.org.uk. If you have any questions please contact enquiries@unlock.org.uk or telephone: 01634 247350 or fax: 01634 247351 quoting “Big Lottery UFC” financial capability training for people working with offenders in the community FR££! Deadline for applications: June 16th 2008
TRAINING/EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
FREE Business Support training sessions from i’SE
iSE would like to invite organisations to some FREE Business Support training sessions taking place between April and July 2008. Places are limited so please book early. For more information contact Sarah Aziz by email sarah.aziz@i-se.co.uk or telephone 0121 771 1411.
Hear by Rights Training from Participation Works, Wednesday 7th May 2008, West Bromwich
Participation Works is a consortium of six national children and young people’s agencies who are working together to ensure that every child and young person can influence decisions affecting their lives. Participation Works offers a wide range of training courses and a consultancy package, ranging from introducing a selection of training methods and tools, through to organisational change and strategic planning. Workshops are designed to raise awareness about participation and demonstrate how to use the Participation Works Hear by Right Self-Assessment Tool. Courses are free to Voluntary, Community and other Third Sector organisations (1 person per organisation) and £85 for statutory organisations. To book your place or find out more visit: www.participationworks.org.uk or call the Participation Works Enquiry Line: 0845 603 6725.
Volunteer Management Training
Places are available on two Volunteer Management courses (for new and experienced managers):
1. Recruitment & Training; Thursday 15th May 2008
2. Supervision & Retention; Friday 16th May 2008
Both courses are from 10am – 4.30pm at BVSC, Central Birmingham. Later sessions are also planned for Manchester and Glasgow. The sessions will be delivered by Adam Woodward from Volunteering Solutions at a cost of £110 per course, or £92.50 if you book on both courses. To find out more (including testimonials from people attending previous courses), go to www.volsolutions.co.uk , call 01539 735444, or email adam@volsolutions.co.uk .
Social Enterprise West Midlands: Marketing Workshops
Social Enterprise West Midlands is holding a series of marketing workshops for social enterprises from across the region at BVSC in Birmingham throughout May and June 2008. The workshops are free to attend for members of Social Enterprise West Midlands, or £35 each for non-members. Places are strictly limited to 15 per workshop and priority will be given to social enterprises. The workshops will be run again in September/October this year at another location in the region. For more details about the May/June workshops see: www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk/news-events/events/
Free Live Saving Skills Training, Friday 22nd May 2008
One of the leading first aid training providers, the British Red Cross, is encouraging businesses to use Learning at Work Day to provide more employees with life saving skills. To mark the day, a series of free training sessions are being offered. They will provide the opportunity to learn essential skills such as CPR and treatment of an unconscious casualty, which could be used to save a life in the workplace or the wider community.
Courses will be held in various locations across England including Birmingham, on Friday 22nd May 2008. To book, or for more information, including terms and conditions, please contact 0844 871 8000 and quote Campaign for Learning.
JOBS/OPPORTUNITIES
Community Development Officer Vacancy
Dudley Council for Voluntary Service seeks to appoint a Community Development Officer who will be responsible for producing and providing information, supporting and training people, organising events and working with public and private sector partners. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Wednesday 7th May 2008 (candidates invited for interview will be contacted on Monday 12th May 2008). For more information or to request an application pack, please contact: Dudley CVS, 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE. Tel:01384 573381.
Regional Development Officer: West Midlands
The Development Trusts Association (DTA) is the leading network of community enterprise practitioners, and is aiming for a successful development trust in every community. They require a regional development officer to grow membership of the Development Trusts movement across the West Midlands. Based at their regional office in Birmingham, you will be working across the whole of the West Midlands in both rural and urban communities. Closing date for applications is Friday 16th May 2008 and interviews will be held on Friday 30th May 2008. For more information and to download an application pack visit www.dta.org.uk/aboutus/recruitment/
WMLGA Policy Officer Vacancy
The West Midlands Local Government Association (WMLGA) requires a part-time Policy Officer to help address both the housing needs aspects of the Gypsies and Travellers communities and the Regional Spatial Strategy requirements. The post is in the small Regional Housing Team but will also act in support of the Regional Planning Team and with local authorities. The Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Monday 19th May 2008 with interviews planned to take place on Thursday 22nd May 2008. For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Jo Hill, Policy Officer on 0121 678 1033 or Steve Forrest, Strategic Housing Advisor on 0121 678 1064, or at s.forrest@wmra.gov.uk . Further details about this post are also available here.
Development Officer (Refugee Strategy Network)
Acting on behalf of the Refugee Strategy Network and working closely with the Regional Development Advisor, the post holder will promote the successful development of the Network, and ensure that it responds to the needs of its members in enabling voluntary and community organisations to influence policy, strategy and practice in relation to refugees and asylum seekers in the West Midlands. For more information about the post, go to www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/about/jobs .
©2008 Regional Action West Midlands
Email: rawm@rawm.co.uk
Web: www.rawm.org.uk
Tel: 0121 359 9100
www.rawm.org.uk
RAWM
Waterlinks House
Richard Street
Birmingham
B7 4AA
Switch: 0121 359 9100
Fax: 0121 359 9101
rawm@rawm.co.uk
RAWM is a registered charity no. 1083908 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 3934208.
RAWM is funded by several organisations including Advantage West Midlands, Capacitybuilders, Government Office West Midlands, and The Big Lottery.
