Our Society - http://oursociety.org.uk/
Take Part - www.takepart.org
CD Challenge report - http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/communitydevelopment
If you wish to sign up to the NW community activists network please email Joe Taylor via info@nwcan.org to receive his mailings and to access the website.
Community North West
Suite 1, The Ace Centre
Cross Street, Nelson BB9 7NN
Tel: 01282 692323
Tuesday 29th March 2011 at Gujarat Hindu Society Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN from 10.30am - 3.45pm including lunch.
http://www.nwtwc.org.uk/events/recent-events.php
Lots of interesting stuff about the current funding and cuts crisis. although. rather depressing with a number of neighbourhood renewal workers etc facing redundancy this week..
Also a bit depressing that we could only gather four people round a table to talk about the contribution of Faith communities, and I was the only card carrying Christian among them. This suggests that the world of community development and the world of the church are not actually connecting very well, despite all our projects, and volunteering and holistic mission.
There was some encouraging stuff, opportunities emerging around government funding the training of a new generation of community organizers, and local opportunities for training of voluntary health champions in churches and communities, and local environmental improvement projects, food growing etc with help from
There are two key documents worth reading that were available at the conference.
Community development will play an important role in building the 'big society' in our region. This Strategy has been developed by Neighbourhoods North West and North West Together We Can. Based on discussions with key players in the region, it builds on the ways community development (CD) skills are already being used in the region to improve life for communities.
The Strategy sets out our vision of how this experience can be taken forward over the next ten years. Although the policy context has recently changed, the Strategy remains a relevant and valuable tool for all those wishing to champion CD over the coming decade.
Click here to download the report.
At a time of massive cuts 'community resilience' is what will determine how well local people will survive. When there is no public sector money, when business retreats, all that is left is the collective action of local people.
The Coalition believes the scale of community action is not really recognised and understood. Community groups are often overlooked and ignored by government third sector policy.
The challenge for government in creating a Big Society is how to help communities to help themselves - supporting not stifling grassroots community action.
Read the full document here.
:
|
8 hours per week
Pay scale: £18182 - £23050
(£9.45 - £11.98 per hour)
Main duties will include:
· Work with staff, students and volunteers to provide a flexible assertive outreach service as part of the Community Cafe Team.
· Make contact with rough sleepers, street drinkers and other vulnerable/homeless service users and refer them to the Community Cafe.
· Provide information and advice interventions.
· Complete and keep up to date Sessional evaluation recordings of all outreach sessions.
· Attend supervision, training and Team Meetings as required.
It is desirable that the successful candidate will have experience of homelessness.
For further details and an Application Pack contact:
Tel:01772 555925
Closing date for applications:
Interviews on Friday 8 April
The Foxton Centre is a registered charity no. 521286
www.thefoxtoncentre.co.uk
New Paper from Joseph Rowntree Foundation at
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/social-networks-their-role-addressing-poverty
'Social networks' – the ties between individuals or groups – are receiving more attention in public policy discourse as people are encouraged to help each other at a time of austerity and the Coalition Government's emerging 'Big Society' ideas. Evidence and ideas are needed to ensure that strategies intended to do more with fewer public resources do not have a negative effect on the most vulnerable.
This paper by brap (formerly Birmingham Race Action Partnership):
( NCVO workforce development e briefing11/3/11)
A range of over 20 online training courses for has been launched, covering a range of topics for both individuals and organisations.
Costing £25 for a year's subscription, My Learning Pool is designed for community and voluntary groups, small charities, social enterprises and anyone involved in civil society.
Some of the topics available include procurement, managing stress, finding a new job and health and safety at work.
To find out more about the opportunities available, visit www.mylearningpool.com.
We'd like to invite you to join the Creative Network. We're setting the Network up in order to connect people who are engaged in creative activity in our region.
The 'big idea' is that people:
1. Connect with each other
2. Support people with whom they feel an affinity
3. Collaborate as opportunities open up
The Network consists of:
The first meeting is
Would you please let me know by email if you are intending to be there AND pass this invitation (including the FAQ below) to all whom you feel would be interested?
Yours sincerely,
Nigel Stewart
Nigel Stewart M.Sc., B.Ed., P.G.C.L.T.H.E., D.P.S.E.
07883-181978
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King Junior
FAQs
1. What do you mean by 'creative'?
We are defining 'creativity' in the widest possible sense; to give you some idea, we would welcome people from all of the following areas:
· Musicians of all types
· DJs
· Poets
· Actors
· Authors
· Dancers
· Teachers
· Promoters
· Animators
· Songwriters
· Video Artists
· Photographers
· Show Producers
· Web Developers
· Theatre-related Staff
· Multimedia Developers
· Music Shop Representatives
· Equipment Manufacturers & Sales Representatives
· Recording Studio Owners, Producers, & Engineers
2. Do I need to be working professionally in this creative area in order to be involved?
Absolutely not – everyone has a role to play.
3. Do I have to attend every meeting?
No – you don' t need to attend any meetings if you don't wish to. We see meetings as a critical part of the Network's operation because it allows people to meet face-to-face – getting together gives each of us the chance to meet someone who can:
· Connect you with someone who's acted that part
· Suggest a solution to your writing challenge
· Assist you with that piece of equipment
· Solve that Web site problem
· Play that instrument
· Help find that gig
· Write that song
The key is to share what you know and can do, and let others assist you.
4. Does it cost anything?
No – it is totally free. The Creative Network is a non-profit organisation, but donations will always be gratefully accepted because there are overheads in running any set-up.
5. I'm still at school; is the Network appropriate for me?/I've retired; is the Network appropriate for me?
Absolutely – the Network is for any age.
This session is open to all, especially service providers and service users who would like to learn more about human rights, religion and belief and how to confidently assert your rights in this area if you believe your rights to be in breach.
FOLLOWING THE SESSION LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED AND THERE WILL BE AN
The overall aim of this session is to:
· Highlight the importance of human rights
· Recognise fundamental human rights – Human Rights Act 1998 & the new Equality Act 2010
· Interactive – human rights in practice
· Provide accessible information on Rights, Responsibilities & Duties
· Build confidence in using human rights and seeking advice, support and assistance.
For further information and/or to book a free place please contact Leah on 01772 906422 or 0789 4595072 or e-mail humanrightsact@hotmail.co.uk
  March 2011 edition | ||
| » Training | » Resources | » Funding | » Good Practice | ||
| Training | ||
| Practical Impact Conference - 6th April - London Practical Impact is Church Urban Fund's annual national conference for churches and activists tackling poverty in their communities. Join other community activists, youth workers, clergy and volunteers in exploring issues that affect social action, from finding funds to working with vulnerable people. There will be speakers in the morning, including Lord Nat Wei (one of the key advisers on Big Society project) and David Robinson from Community Links, as well as a variety of workshops in the afternoon. The cost of the day is £25.00 (including lunch). Travel bursaries are available. | ||
| A Light in the Darkness - 12th March - Coventry A prayer conference for Christians concerned about the growth in addictions. Hear the vision from both Life for the World Trust and other Christian addiction ministries from across the UK. The vision of this day is to provoke, prepare and pray! This event is free. Tea and coffee will be provided; please bring your own lunch. | ||
 Luton Urban Mission Workshop - 29th March - LutonFollowing the workshop at a recent St Albans Bishop's Study Day, the Diocese offers some more ideas for urban mission from accessible local practitioners from across the spectrum of urban ministry. The day will include talks and workshops on a range of urban mission projects from setting up a church-based community project, to providing debt advice and working with travellers. The event is free, but please bring your own lunch. | ||
| Voice 11 - 30th March - London Voice11, the UK's biggest social enterprise event, is taking place on 30th March 2011 at the The O2, London. It is the first time that the Social Enterprise Coalition's annual event has been held in the capital and the new venue will make this year's event the biggest since it started in 2005, with 2,000 delegates expected, 130 exhibitors and high profile speakers including Matthew Taylor (RSA), Lucy Siegle (The One Show), Ali Parsa (Circle Health), Karen Mattison (Women Like Us), Simon Parker (New Local Government Network), and SEC's own Claire Dove and Peter Holbrook. For more information and make a booking, go to: http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/pages/voice11.html | ||
| MindSet: The Conference - 2nd April - Watford A one-day conference for Youth Leaders on mental health and emotional wellbeing This conference, aimed specifically at youth leaders but suitable for anyone with a pastoral interest in youth and young adults, will encourage and equip those working in these areas and will include a day of keynotes and seminars, focussed on education and practical application. There will be a particular focus on self-harm and eating disorders. Discover resources and networks to continue the journey. Cost: £30. | ||
| Resources | ||
| Time for God (TFG) | ||
| CES Monitoring and Evaluation on a Shoestring | ||
| Funding | ||
| Health and Belief 2011 Health and Belief is a grant programme funded jointly by Church Urban Fund, London Catalyst and Wakefield and Tetley Trust to support faith-based community projects in tackling poverty and health inequalities in London. One year grants are available up to £10,000 - closing date 31st May 2011. | ||
| Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund Grant This trust concentrates its resources on a small number of programmes, including: • Support for ethnic minority and refugee groups • Community-based health and social welfare initiatives (including projects in Israel) • Areas of scientific and medical research of particular interest to the trustees, especially areas with low public visibility • Projects encouraging participation in the arts, particularly by young people, with a preference for traditional art forms; and small grants for community-based performing arts venues to improve facilities. | ||
| Drapers' Charitable Fund Trust | ||
| Josephine Butler Memorial Trust Grant The Trust looks to support projects that link Christian faith and social action. The Trustees are interested to hear from work that engages with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society and particularly those relating to women. The Trust is not able to offer full core funding for organisations but are pleased to consider applications to fund specific projects or aspects of an organisation's work. As a guide, grants to organisations and projects are usually no more than £3000. Completed application forms together with the requested supporting information should be received by the Secretary to the Trustees by 31st March. | ||
 Santander Foundation GroupAll of the funding must directly help disadvantaged people through one or both of these charitable priorities: education and training, or financial capability. Examples of education and training could include independent living skills, anger management, or improving self esteem. Examples of financial capability could include budgeting skills, accessing affordable credit as well as managing the challenges that arise from being a carer, unemployment, disability or relationship break up. Grants of up to £10,000 can be awarded anywhere in the UK, to organisations with a charitable status. | ||
| Good Practice | ||
 Starting a Parent and Toddler GroupA web resource from 'Engage' with start-up hints, ideas, and resources for those interested in starting up a Parent and Toddler group in their church. Toddler groups have been an effective way for many churches to engage better in their communities. | ||
 Working in a Multi-faith CommunityThe Springfield Project in Birmingham has had extensive experience of working successfully in a multi-faith community. They are running a workshop, The Springfield Experience, on 12 May 2011, to equip and encourage those working in similar environments. It will provide an opportunity to hear more about how they partner effectively, use volunteers and staff, and reach out to their community. The day costs £40 per delegate and includes lunch and a resource pack.. For further information take a look at their website - or phone 0121 777 2722. | ||
(c) Church Urban Fund 2010 Church Urban Fund, Church House, 27 Great Smith Street, LONDON SW1P 3AZ Phone: 020 7898 1667 Registered charity number 297483 Church Urban Fund is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in Cardiff; no. 2138994  | ||
Hi you are invited
Taking Good News Relevantly to Every Young Person
Prayer & Praise Evening
with guest speaker
National Director of YFC
Gavin Calver
on
Friday 18th March
7:30pm
@
Fulwood Free Methodist Church,
Lightfoot Lane, Preston
Bring your youth group and church leaders to hear this inspirational preacher.
With the added opportunity to meet
new Centre Director of
Preston Youth for Christ
Esther Peggs
This event will be followed by
refreshments and the AGM of
Preston Youth for Christ.
Please stay to hear about what PYFC is
doing in Preston & surrounding area.
Most of us are aware of increasing levels of poverty in the Preston area as the recession bites, unemployment rises and benefit rates and regulations are tighter. The network of drop ins and soup kitchens now provides free or very cheap meals plus friendship and practical support for needy people (many of whom are homeless) seven days each week. However, we are aware there are many low income households with some sort of a roof over their heads but who struggle to feed their families (and to heat, furnish and equip their homes).
We are aware that in Preston the Salvation Army provides a limited service of food parcels on referral and limited to one per calendar month, and we think there are other churches who keep stocks of non perishable food and respond when required.
Before we think of any new initiative we are keen to research the need, the level of existing services and possible interest among churches around the city. It would be really helpful if you could respond to our online questionnaire. It has been set up on Survey Monkey and all you need to do is follow this link.. and follow the instructions to answer the questions.
Trussell Trust runs foodbanks in various locations http://www.trusselltrust.org/foodbank-projects
and offers advice and support to groups wanting to start one.http://www.trusselltrust.org/start-a-foodbank
In terms of other needs in this area we know that
Christians Against Poverty offer debt counselling and money management courses
there are furniture projects such as Gift 92 and in Leyland which can supply cheap furniture
The Besom can offer some support in equipping and decorating / cleaning needy households
We have also come across starter pack projects for example in Glasgow http://www.starterpacks.org.uk/ and through Church Action on Poverty in Barnsley which help first time tenants back the transition from homelessness and hostel life to supported tenancies and independent living.
West of Preston Churches
Wednesday 23rd March
A brief history of Islam in Britain
Beginning with coffee at 7.00 pm, followed by
Does your project or Church need a full time volunteer? Do you want to help someone gain experience, develop new skills, grow in their Christian faith, or test their calling? 
The Draper's Charitable Trust typically supports UK-based charities involved in the relief of need (for example, working with the homeless, young offenders and prisoners, and the elderly), as well as work within education and training. There is no minimum or maximum grant, but most grants are for less than £10,000, and rarely for more than £20,000. The next meeting date is April 19th, and any applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks before this date.