Newsletter and Update No. 89 – 27 October 2023

Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction

This is the latest edition of our newsletter. Happy reading!

Reports and Information

Free Support For Unemployed Jobseekers – Work Your Routes

Work with an expert Employment Adviser  and access skills training, wellbeing and  

financial support.  Whatever your circumstances, we can help  you find and start the right job for you. 

How it works:

• Your own Employment Adviser 
• Support personalised to your  circumstances 
• Skills training courses 
• Health and wellbeing support 
• Financial help and funding 
• Self-employment guidance 
• Job application help and interview practice 
• Support with reasonable adjustments in your  
• workplace 

Please visit their website if interested or call 0800 015 5332. 

Your Views: The Mexborough Elective Centre Survey

A £14.9 million project is currently underway at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough, which will bring elective surgery to the site. 

A collaborative project undertaken by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BH), and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT), the centre will feature two state-of-the-art theatre units, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery suite, in addition to 12 inpatient beds.

Initially, the purpose of the new unit will be to undertake hip and knee inpatient procedures, alongside foot, ankle, and wrist and shoulder day case surgery. 

In the first year of operation the centre will undertake some 2,200 orthopaedic procedures on behalf of the three partner trusts, equating to about 40% of the current orthopaedic waiting list locally.

If you live in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham and need this kind of procedure, from 2024 there is the possibility that you may be offered to receive your care in this new facility.

As such, we want your views (whether you’re currently awaiting care, or just a resident in Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster). 

Please take the short survey here.

Arts for Impact

Big Give is partnering with New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (NPAC), a network of arts supporters who are passionate about increasing philanthropic support of the arts and culture sector, to launch our inaugural Arts for Impact campaign aimed at supporting arts and culture charities working to achieve societal impact across the UK.

The campaign aims to raise £2 million for the sector over a period of 7 days between the 19th – 26th March 2024. Applications from charities interested in participating are open now until Friday, December 15th 2023. As part of the launch, we would love your help in sharing the opportunity with your networks.

How you could help:

Email – Share the campaign with your network and audience. This campaign will be perfect for charities that include arts and culture within their core mission and are working to achieve societal impact across the UK.

Social media – Post on social media or share one of ours on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Website – Link to the campaign page within your communications. The page includes key information on the campaign stages, eligibility and instructions for charities.

Comms we have available for you to use:

• Arts for Impact Logo
• Comms wording: “From providing positive mental health benefits to improving social skills, the arts play a valuable role in people’s lives. Big Give and New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture’s ‘Arts for Impact’ campaign aims to support charities working to achieve arts social impact across the UK. The application window to participate in the campaign is open for charities from today until Friday 15 December. The application page can be accessed via this link. Charities can apply for three tiers of match funding – £2,500, £5,000, or £10,000 and the fund includes donations targeted at specific geographical locations around the UK which NPAC and its partners have identified as needing particular support.
• Social Media wording: “From mental health to social skills, the arts play a valuable role in people’s lives. Big Give & NPAC’s Arts for Impact campaign aims to support arts & culture charities working to achieve social impact across the UK. Interested charities apply by 15 Dec here ”

Events

Holmescarr Ark And Crafts – Textiles And Fashion

A range of Sewing crafts, including using a sewing machine

Enrolment Day – Tuesday, 14 November, 1pm-3pm, followed by 5 Tuesdays at the same time.

Supported by WEA and the South Yorks Mayoral Combined Authority.

Total cost £42, or FREE if you can provide documents on Enrolment Day (Photo ID, Proof of address within last 3 months, Proof of benefit claim, or settlement letter for overseas students).

More information by ringing 07771 672561

Shared Reading Inspiration Day with The Reader

“I’ve discovered a great feeling of wellbeing and self-worth that I  haven’t experienced in a long time” (reading group member) 

Shared Reading improves wellbeing, reduces loneliness, and helps us find new meaning in our lives.

The Reader is working with Doncaster Council to reach out to new partners in Doncaster.

Join us on Tuesday 28 November at 9.30-11am (Teams) to try Shared Reading with us and learn about our impact and the training and support we can offer you. 

To RSVP or for more information email: hannah.short@doncaster.gov.uk 

Networking And Funding Advice For Sports Clubs And Community Organisations

Following on from the fantastic success of Well Doncaster and Get Doncaster Moving’s previous event ‘Networking and funding advice for sports clubs and community organisations’, Well Doncaster and Get Doncaster Moving are bringing it back! 

Join us at Wheatley Hills Rugby Union Club on the 15th of November at 06:00pm till 07:30pm for another evening of funding and networking opportunities for local sports clubs and community organisations to collaborate.

You will find out about local opportunities, including:

• 6.00pm-6.20pm – Sport England- A member of Sport England’s Investment management team, will give an overview of Sport England’s current open funding programmes, which will include information such as Who can apply; What Sport England can fund; Sport England Funding Priorities; The application processes and decision timescales.
• 6.20pm-6.40pm – SYFAB- South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB) offer support, guidance, and information for community & voluntary groups around funding and fundraising. We have a weekly Funding News email bulletin; a database of funders to search through; resources to read through covering various funding topics; a training programme to learn alongside others to enhance fundraising and bid writing skills.
• 6.40pm-7.00pm – Active Communities Grant – Get Doncaster Moving and Well Doncaster offer a fund called ‘Active Communities Grants’ which is available to local residents, groups and organisations to fund ideas that help people get out and about more and be active where they live. Grants of up to £500 are available and this presentation will provide information on the fund and top tips for your application.
• 7.00pm-7.30pm – Questions, networking, evaluation, and food.

It will also provide clubs and organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the city’s Get Doncaster Moving program, Well Doncaster support and guidance, and collaborate with like-minded groups and clubs.

JOIN US using this link

Social Enterprise Exchange 2023 – Conference And Networking Event

The 8th Social Enterprise Exchange conference takes place in Sheffield, 16 November 2023, celebrating International Social Enterprise Day and promoting new collaborations to build the social economy.

Join us for inspirational speeches, lively discussion and, of course, plenty of opportunities for networking and exchange. Our annual event brings together social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and sector stakeholders from South Yorkshire and the North of England. 

For more information and to book click here.

Training Opportunities

Boundaries in the VCSE Workplace

Tuesday, 5th December 2023 – 9:30-13:30 

Professional and personal boundaries are key to keeping service-users, staff, and organisations, safe, effective, and professional. They help us to utilise our skills in the most appropriate way within our professional roles, and to ensure consistency of service and management of the expectations of service-users. But what are boundaries, and what can make it difficult to maintain them? This workshop explores the various aspects of boundaries in the workplace, using open discussion of our own boundaries, case studies of situations that can arise, and how we can manage the maintenance of boundaries through internal and external policies and personal accountability.  

For more information on this workshop, please visit our Eventbrite page: Boundaries in the VCSE Workplace Workshop 

Participation in these workshops can be booked for £50.00 per attendance through Eventbrite. If you prefer to pay by invoice, please contact us directly. We are also able to deliver workshops in-person or online to individual organisations or on behalf of organisations that already provide training in the VCSE sector. These can be provided for £500.00 per workshop. 

If you would like to know more, please contact us at info@peerpartnership.org  or call us on 01179555038. I can arrange a call with our Development and Training Manager if you are interested to discuss this further.

Group Dynamics and Facilitation

Thursday, 7th December 2023 – 9:30-13:30  

Group support can be a valuable and effective intervention for people living with complex or difficult circumstances. The ability to share your knowledge and experiences with others while also learning from the knowledge and experience of others can lead to new ways of thinking and approaching situations, as well as supporting a reduction in feelings of isolation. Groups can be organic and unpredictable, with each instance bringing new personalities and new complications. By learning how groups form, engage, and resist, and by understanding how to create an environment that emphasises the needs of the group as well as those of the individuals within it, support groups can maintain focus, cohesion, and effectiveness. This workshop is designed to support staff and organisations in voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to understand group dynamics within a support setting and to manage and coordinate groups, or supervise volunteers to do so.  

For more information on this workshop, please visit our Eventbrite page: Group Dynamics and Facilitation Workshop

Participation in these workshops can be booked for £50.00 per attendance through Eventbrite. If you prefer to pay by invoice, please contact us directly. We are also able to deliver workshops in-person or online to individual organisations or on behalf of organisations that already provide training in the VCSE sector. These can be provided for £500.00 per workshop. 

If you would like to know more, please contact us at info@peerpartnership.org or call us on 01179555038. I can arrange a call with our Development and Training Manager if you are interested to discuss this further.

How to Design Peer Support

Thursday, 14th December 2023 – 9:30-13:30  

Peer support can be a hugely effective intervention for people going through complicated life circumstances. Being able to receive empathetic support from people who have been through similar situations can reduce feelings of isolation and not being understood. It can also help people improve their knowledge, confidence, and ability to take control of their situation by learning from the experiences of others who have overcome, or who may still be struggling with, the obstacles and barriers they are facing. This workshop is designed to support health organisations and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to consider, plan, and troubleshoot the introduction of peer support programmes into their services.  

For more information on this workshop, please visit our Eventbrite page: How to Design Peer Support Workshop

Participation in these workshops can be booked for £50.00 per attendance through Eventbrite. If you prefer to pay by invoice, please contact us directly. We are also able to deliver workshops in-person or online to individual organisations or on behalf of organisations that already provide training in the VCSE sector. These can be provided for £500.00 per workshop. 

If you would like to know more, please contact us at info@peerpartnership.org  or call us on 01179555038. I can arrange a call with our Development and Training Manager if you are interested to discuss this further.

‘Getting Grant Funding Ready’ workshop

This ‘Getting Grant Funding Ready’ workshop is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support you in applying and grant funding for your organisation or project. Whether you represent a club or community group, this online workshop is tailored to help ensure that you are ready and have the resources needed to turn your vision into reality.

In today’s world, securing funding for your club or community organisation is more crucial than ever.

Grants provide the financial support necessary to address pressing issues, launch innovative initiatives, and drive positive change within your organisation.

However, navigating the landscape of grant funding can be challenging and that’s where this workshop can support.

By the end of the session, you will have improved knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to tackle the challenges and support you in applying for funding with confidence.

JOIN US using this link.

Funding Opportunities

South Yorkshire Community Foundation

If you are a charity, voluntary or community organisation looking for funding, then South Yorkshire Community Foundation gives grants that may help the work you do.  

South Yorkshire Community Foundation have a variety of grants ranging from £500 – £10,000 available to the region’s community organisations.

You can browse our grants wizard to find latest funding opportunities and each programme has its own eligibility criteria, so please read these carefully before applying.

Our funding programme for individuals has two funding streams, one for South Yorkshire residents and one UK wide. Both funding programmes are open all-year round but have a specific remit.

In 2022/23, we distributed over £45,000 in individual grants in 2022/2023,  supporting over forty individuals. 

Search and apply for funding today

Community Investment Fund – Central Locality

Have you got a project that seeks to support your local community?

The Community Investment Fund, funded by City of Doncaster Council, can support your local project. Grants of up to £2000 are available for local grassroots groups and organisations.

The Community Investment Fund can be used for many types of projects, including:

• Environment, Sustainability and Green Space
• Community Safety
• Thriving Communities
• Fairness, health and Wellbeing
• Support for Businesses

For more information please visit our website or email cifcentral@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk 

Volunteering Opportunities

Please see what current volunteering opportunities are available on our website.

7th Doncaster Boys Brigade Are Looking For Volunteers

Calling all Volunteers! We really need your help!

Our Anchor Section is really short on Leaders at the moment and we could do with some extra pairs of hands. If you have an interest in spending an hour a week helping 5-8 year olds learn, grow, develop skills and live life to the full please get in touch with Aimee Roddam 7doncaster@boys-brigade.org.uk , 07379365986

Events & Fundraising Volunteer – Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Bluebell Wood offers care for children and young people in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire with a vast range of complex medical needs. We provide support, respite, care in the community and end of life care. Sibling support is also at the heart of our work, as well as counselling, wellbeing and bereavement services.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to support Bluebell Wood fundraising events. Getting involved with our events is a great way to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills. Events take place across different regional areas so you can choose to volunteer at the ones local to you, at the times that suit your availability. A lot of our events take place on weekends and bank holidays. Many of our volunteers fit this role around other commitments in their life, choosing to volunteer at the events that interest them.

From supporting us behind the scenes with getting events set up, to being an enthusiastic marshal, cheering people on, we’ve got something for everyone! Some of the things you can get help us with in this role include:

• Meeting and greeting people at events, and selling tickets
• Marshalling at fun runs and races
• Setting up gazebos and tables
• Selling Bluebell Wood merchandise
• Bucket collecting
• Helping to represent Bluebell Wood
• Dressing up as our mascot – George the dog!

Can you help?

If so, please email Collette or Amy on Volunteering@blubellwood.org , or you can view our current volunteer opportunities on our website where you are also able to download an application form.

Voluntary Action Doncaster Are Looking For Panel Members

We are looking for residents and community members who would be interested in joining our decision making panel.

Community panels need to be representative of their community and be tailored to a locality and or community level. A community panel is to be created and will review applications and make decisions around what is to be funded and inform the host organisation who will then administer the funding.

Panel members are to consider the following when making decisions about each application:

• Draw on their local insight around current activity and priorities 
• Review community priorities as identified through community insight and health/economic etc. data
• Review information provided by the Well Doncaster team of analysis of current/recent investment to ensure equity in further investment 

Community panels are to follow the following guidance:

• Previous organisations who have received funding through the Locality Investment process cannot be on the panel or have a decision-making role
• The panel must have a minimum of 5 members representing the locality to be quorate; this can include elected Ward and Parish/Town Members, PCN, Schools, GPs, young advisors etc.
• All members of the panel are to complete a declaration of interest form and withdraw themselves from reviewing any applications to which they may have a conflict- this includes elected Ward and Parish/Town Members
• DMBC staff cannot be panel members 

If you are interested in becoming a panel member please email: cifcentral@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk 

Job Opportunities

Volunteer Programme Coordinator at Doncaster Mind

Become a driving force for a vibrant volunteering community here at Doncaster Mind!  

We are looking for someone who genuinely loves connecting with others and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of people in Doncaster to join our team as Volunteer Programme Coordinator. 

In this role, the successful applicant will be responsible for identifying opportunities for volunteering and the recruitment, induction, training and ongoing development of individuals working in our volunteer programme to give them the best experience possible by getting to know them; boosting their passion for their work and recognising their achievements and contributions. 

To apply please email Helen on Helen@doncastermind.org.uk to book a phone conversation first, where we would talk you through the role, how your skills and experience might fit our job description, person specification, and how to complete the application form.

Finance Manager – darts

darts is looking for a new Finance Manager based at The Point in Doncaster  

An exciting opportunity has arisen to become darts’ new Finance Manager. darts is Doncaster’s award-winning participatory arts charity. 

darts is looking for someone who is experienced, skilled, and proactive to join their knowledgeable, and motivated team who share a passion for darts’ charitable aims and core values.  

The successful candidate will ensure that darts’ finances continue to be well managed, with robust systems, high standards and meticulous attention to detail. The right candidate will be conscientious, organised and driven, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet regular deadlines. darts is looking for someone with strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues. 

darts is an inclusive and welcoming organisation and seeks to recruit candidates who represent the communities it serves. The charity strongly encourages applications from all interested people with related experience, regardless of age, ethnicity and gender. darts warmly welcomes candidates from under-represented groups in the sector which includes Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people, those who are D/deaf, Disabled or Neurodiverse, care experienced and LGBTQIA+ candidates. If there are any questions whatsoever, do contact the team for a chat.  

All information can be downloaded in the Recruitment pack on the darts website or here. To apply, please read the pack and provide a CV and covering letter evidencing the skills and experience you have that meet the Person Specification and complete the Equal Opportunities form.  

Deadline 27th November. Salary: £32,302 (f/t), hybrid.  

Email Eliza on eliza@wearedarts.org.uk  if you have any questions at all.  

Activity and Support Worker – Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Victims Support Group (SARAG) 

Position: Activity and Support Worker

Salary: £17.21 p/h (£23,130.24 per Annum)

Location: Office (Rotehrham) or Home with Travel across Yorkshire andHumberside (5 Support Groups per Month – 1 per location: York/Sheffield/Doncaster/Hull/West Yorkshire)

Contract: 12 Months Minimum (Maternity Cover)

Start Date: Dec 2023

Hours of work:  28 hours per week – Over 4 working days including Monday and Tuesday (other working days to be agreed)

Responsible to: Head of Service and Charity Development 

Overall Aims of the Post:

• Work closely with the Head of Service and Charity Development to support the implementation of SARAG’s strategic plan and maintain a range of services and support for individuals and families affected by exposure to asbestos.  
• Ensure clients receive the most appropriate service when and where they need it.  
• Work closely with the Head of Service and Charity Development to provide effective and efficient support with a focus on integrated services, friendship, face-to-face and telephone support to enable increased social connections and reduced isolation for individuals and families affected by asbestos.  
• Empower clients and their families to make informed choices about their health, ensuring clients have access to psychosocial support and information about other support available.

For a detailed job description click here. For personal specification click here.

To request an application email nevyn@saragasbestossupport.org 

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 13th of November.

Contribute to our Next Newsletter!

If you have an article, job opportunity or funding opportunity you would like to see included in the next edition of this newsletter, please send it to us at info@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk by 1pm on Wednesday 8 November 2023.