Newsletter and Update No. 58 – 22 July 2022
Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction
Well this has been a record breaking week, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius and making international news. A friend living in Florida messaged me as she had heard about the heatwave in the UK. When we compared weather app screenshots – Doncaster was 20 degrees warmer (using Fahrenheit) than Clearwater! But they are much better equipped with air conditioning and sprinklers!
The extreme weather here was not enjoyed by all – it put additional pressure on our emergency services, frontline staff providing essential customer services struggled with uncomfortably hot working environments. Bus and rail services were disrupted, streets deserted. I heard lots more ambulance sirens than on a normal day and can only imagine how busy our A&E would have been. Unfortunately there were several outbreaks of fire with large plumes and the acrid smell of smoke were experienced in several areas of the City. All of us doing our best to stay as cool as we could. Many of our local community groups play a vital role in helping to keep people safe and well – ensuring those most vulnerable and alone were drinking plenty of fluids and still eating.
I’d just like to say thanks to everyone for doing such tremendous work. As we head into the school summer break – let’s hope we can continue to enjoy a more temperate climate so that families can enjoy their holidays.
Reports and Information
Free Essential Goods For Your Beneficiaries in Yorkshire
Giving World have partnered with Food Aware to expand in the North where we can redirect business end-of-line, surplus and discontinued stock to the most deprived communities in the UK.
Together we now offer greater volumes of vital and life enhancing goods, such as clothing, non-perishable foods, toiletries, cleaning and household products, from our new distribution hub in Rotherham.
To access these goods when you need them, simply register your organisation here.
Goods are free and can be collected directly from us, or we can arrange delivery at cost – you will only ever pay for transport.
For more information, please visit our website, call us on 0116 251 6205 between 9.30am- 4pm Monday-Thursday and 9.30am-12.30pm Friday, or email admin@givingworld.org.uk
Stainton Village Hall – Rooms For Hire
Stainton Village Hall is a compact community space run by the Stainton Village Hall Trust. All profits go to the charity to support the local community. It is a flexible building, suitable for small and larger gatherings, with outside space with lovely views over the local countryside. It has the latest heating and is a warm and comfortable environment, suitable for everything from small groups or business meetings to parties.
More information and prices are available here.
To Hire Contact: Sarah Brown 01709 810080 Sue Barratt 07941 543501 Staintonvht@gmail.com
The South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)
On 1 July 2022, as part of the Health and Social Care Act (2022), a new organisation – the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) – was formed. It took on the NHS commissioning functions of the four Clinical Commissioning Groups in South Yorkshire (Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley) as well as some of NHS England’s commissioning functions. It also took on accountability for NHS spending and NHS performance across South Yorkshire. You can find out more about the South Yorkshire ICB on our website https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/
The ICB comprises four areas known as ‘Places’ (Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley) each led by an Executive Place Director. For Doncaster this is Anthony Fitzgerald. Each ‘Place’ will work together with service providers, local authorities, partners and stakeholders across South Yorkshire to help deliver the ICB ambition: To improve health and wellbeing, the quality and experience of care, eliminate health inequalities, and ensure South Yorkshire people have access to the services they need to live well throughout their lifetime.
Anthony Fitzgerald said: “We will build on the good examples and successful track record we have of working alongside our partners and stakeholders in Doncaster because the importance of local voice will very much continue to be a strong focus. While working together across the four ‘Places’ in South Yorkshire, much of our approach will be targeted work at local level in Doncaster, responding to what communities and partners are telling us and what matters to them by making connections and involving people in service design and decision-making.”
To find out more and to see how you can get involved and share your views, please visit the website.
Charities Call On Chancellor To Tackle Fuel Costs Crisis
Recently, alongside other charitable organisations, we called on the Chancellor to take action to tackle the fuel costs crisis, which has been impacting volunteers’ ability to travel. We know that volunteering helps communities thrive and has a positive impact on wellbeing, but that the cost of living crisis is discouraging people from volunteering due to increased transport costs.
Events
NCS Summer Programme
NCS summer programme started on Monday and over the next month and a half over 400 participants will go through the programme. As part of the scheme, there’s a specific element of social action where 15 young people, accompanied by 2 staff members will be supporting their local community with volunteering work.
Groups are tasked to source local projects, but if your organisation knows of any opportunities that would be worthy of support for a few days over the next 8 weeks, please come back to me and I’ll connect you with the team. We will then build a bank of opportunities for the teams to select.
An idea of some of the projects that have been delivered previously;
- Creative projects
- Hosting quizzes in care homes
- Singing for residents
- Litter picks
- Garden upkeep projects
- Light paintwork
- Fun days
- Led walks
If you want to run an idea past us, please get in touch: john.davis@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk and I’ll connect you with our Youth Engagement Team.
Rossington Parish Council presents a 3 Day Summer Festival!
From the 22nd-24th July there will be a fun-filled fairground and outdoor festival that will be great to enjoy with the family.
Tickets price: from £5
Expect to see live music, marquees, free fairground rides and inflatables, payable fairground rides and go karts, activities, exotic animals and so much more…
There will even be a stage with a bar and Live bands playing incredible music.
Live bands and tribute acts include:
- Acoustic Angels
- Markham Main Colliery Band
- Freightdogs
- Skaadvark
- Ed Sheeran Tribute
- Cool as Vegas
- Annabel Tand
- Face the Music
- We Love the 90s
Finally, there will be Food, Market Stalls, Charity Stalls and Sporting Activities.
For more information, you can email anne@rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk or phone 01302 864731 or 07402 206667.
Scawsby Community Centre – Summer Fayre!
Date: 24 July 2022 – 11am
Place: Scawsby Community Centre Barnsley Road Doncaster South Yorkshire DN5 8QQ
Activities include:
- Fund dog show
- Tombola
- Ice cream van
- Crafts
- Face painting
- Craft stalls
- Food vendor
- Fire engine
- Bouncy Castle
- Re-Read
- Local group taster session
Doncaster Pride is Back!
Following two years of Covid restrictions leading to the cancellation of the event, the pride team is thrilled to announce plans for this year’s Pride.
Doncaster Pride will take place at Elmfield Park on Saturday 6 August and will be a return to the usual format with live music, entertainment, market stalls and the Parade. In addition, there are a number of new features planned for the larger space including a family area, a quiet space, a dance tent and silent disco are also on the list of things being added.
But there’s more… Pride now will begin a week earlier with a return of the ‘town pride’ format of 2021
In 2021 with restrictions permitting only small gatherings the Pride team made a passionate plea to the town to help us deliver the event. The original plans were to host 8 mini Prides in 8 different venues, but the requests to be a part of the event flooded in and eventually over forty mini events were delivered.
Doncaster stood up for the LGBT+ Community and Doncaster Pride and because of this legacy town pride returns on 30 July and we will once again be asking venues to get involved.
It’s so important that these events continue and that the venues that stood up for us when we needed them are again packed to the rafters with customers. The economic recovery of these businesses and our town is hugely important and if we can give them a big day then we feel that’s what we should do.
But that’s not all…
Doncaster Pride is committing itself to going GREEN. The trustees have committed to the implementation of a series of measures that will be more environmentally friendly.
We are looking at alternative power sources, recycling and only contracting with suppliers who have the same ethos as us and do all they can to reduce their waste. So no more single-use plastics and no more non-recyclable food cartons is just the start. We want to make Doncaster Pride more environmentally considerate and to do our bit for future generations
Key Dates:
- 30th July – Town Pride – a series of mini events in venues
- 30th July – 5th August – Pride Week – more venue based events
- 6th August – Doncaster Pride Main Event Elmfield Park
More information can be found here.
Training Opportunities
Rebel Business School Doncaster – Masterclasses for Doncaster Residents
We are running 2-hour Free Rebel Masterclasses to help you grow your small business.
These Masterclasses are run online via Teams between 6 – 8pm.
Writing for Your Business (Copywriting 101)- 25 July
There’s so much to write when you’re building your own business – web pages, emails, social media posts, adverts and more – but how do you write in a way that speaks to your ideal customers? In this masterclass we’ll show you how to craft copy (writing) that inspires, entertains and persuades potential customers to buy your products and services.
Getting to Grips with Tax & Accounting – 26 July
When setting up your business, you need to consider what business structure works best for you and how to manage your accounts and tax. In this masterclass we’ll explain the differences between limited companies, self employment, CICs and more, but also what’s best for you. We’ll also simplify accounting in a way that makes you excited to do a tax return.
Visit our website to book your FREE place.
Zero Suicide Alliance Training
Find out more about the suicide prevention work taking place in Doncaster as well as some useful advice about how we can all open up a conversation about suicide which could save lives.
Opening up and talking about suicide can be hard but it can also save lives.
Doncaster Council is supporting the Zero Suicide Alliance by encouraging residents to attend FREE special training sessions taking place in the city over the summer.
Sessions are available via walk-in basis, no need to book. Upcoming trainings is:
Monday 25 July, 10am-2.45pm, Stainforth for All, Church Road
For more information about the ZSA suicide prevention training being held in Doncaster please email: phenquiries@doncaster.gov.uk
You can find out more about the ZSA training via their website.
NHS Building Vaccine And Screening Confidence Training Programme
We have commissioned a further round of workshops to support both Flu and Covid-19 winter vaccination campaigns. These are aimed at trusted community champions and those in both public and patient facing roles where there is an opportunity to Make Every Contact Count. We particularly wish to target participants who come into contact with low vaccine uptake populations and screening hesitancy including: areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority groups, parents of 2&3 year olds and those in at-risk categories.
The skills training covers:
- How can we work together to build vaccine confidence, what we know and how this links to health inequality
- Core skills and processes (OARS, Evoke-Provide-Evoke, Decisional Balance, and the 3As)
- Skills practice – Building confidence in the vaccine
- Resources that staff can use to respond to questions and concerns
The session will be interactive and include modelled conversations that showcase the core skills and processes being used.
We will be running over 36 of these workshops from 12th September 2022 up until 10th January 2023. Please follow the link for further booking details.
Funding Opportunities
Woodward Charitable Trust’s General Fund
The Woodward Charitable Trust awards grants of up to £3,000.
The funding can support a range of core costs applications will be considered from registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies and exempt charities.
The deadline for applications is 29th July, 2022 (12pm).
Click here for more information.
Innovate UK Announces New £30m Fast Start Boost for Cutting Edge Start-Ups
Innovate UK is launching a new series of Fast Start grants worth £30 million to support UK start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop new innovative products, processes and services, building the UK’s future economy in key sectors from healthcare to climate technology.
There are two challenge themes:
- Achieving net zero and reducing environmental impact.
- Self-driven and de-centralised healthcare and mental wellbeing.
The funding is for projects:
- Between 3 and 6 months with total project costs between £25,000 and £50,000.
- That can start by 1 November 2022 and end by 30 April 2023.
Applications open on 11th July, 2022 with a deadline of 27th July, 2022 (11am).
Click here for more information.
Volunteering Opportunities
We have a range of open volunteering opportunities on our website. In addition we have just been made aware of the following volunteer opportunities:
The Talbot Trusts – Vacancy for Trustee
We are looking to diversify the representation on our Board and have a vacancy for a new Trustee to join our small charity.
The communities we serve are diverse and we aim for our team to reflect those communities. We particularly encourage Trustee applications from people with disabilities and people who identify as trans and non-binary, who are currently under-represented within our Board.
All applications will be considered solely on merit. As such, we redact details that may identify any protected characteristics or educational establishments on applications.
This role gives the opportunity to make a difference. The successful candidate will gain experience and skills at board level and the opportunity to network.
They will gain personal development in decision making skills/evaluating applications.
Further information and how to apply can be found here The deadline for applications is 15th September.
Volunteers Needed – Age UK Doncaster
Volunteers are a vital part of our workforce. Without these fantastic individuals, a number of our services would not be able to exist. We have been working with volunteers since we first began over 30 years ago. In that time we have worked with volunteers from almost every walk of life who have chosen to volunteer for a vast range of reasons.
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us provide vital support to our local community. If you’re looking for a volunteer role where you can learn new skills, join a fantastic team, and support a great cause, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities take a look at the Age UK Doncaster website.
If you require any further information, please contact volunteering@ageukdoncaster.org.uk
Flourish Enterprises CIC Are Looking for Voluntary Director To Join Their Board
Could you spare up to one day each month to share your expertise and enthusiasm with a local well-established Doncaster community enterprise and help it grow?
Balby-based Flourish Enterprises CIC is searching for a new part-time, voluntary director to join our board and work with the senior leadership team to ensure our community focused services are delivered to the highest standard.
Flourish is located at one of Doncaster’s hidden treasures, historic St Catherine’s House and Walled Gardens, at Woodfield Park. Formed in 2014, it is proud of its close links with the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH).
More information can be found here. The closing date for applications is Friday 29th July 2022.
For an informal discussion about the role or to request a Director Information Pack, please contact Laurie Smith at laurie.smith5@nhs.net or call on 07966 992032 or email Philip Gowland, Director of Corporate Services at RDaSH at p.gowland@nhs.net
Sighted Guide Volunteers Needed!
The charity Guide Dogs are appealing for volunteers to support service users in Doncaster and across South Yorkshire. “My Sighted Guide” is a fantastic service which supports people with sight loss to get out and about, living more independent and social lives.
Full training is provided to become a qualified Sighted Guide. Once completed, volunteers will be carefully matched up with a client and meet up with them roughly once a week to spend 2-3 hours going out to enjoy a range of activities – it might be going out to attend a social/community group, gym/class, having a look round the shops or even just going for a walk, a brew and a chat.
Regular, ongoing support is provided. It’s an opportunity to make a huge difference to someone’s life! You can start an application right now by entering your postcode on the Guide Dogs website, or contact Dave Ripley at david.ripley@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Here are some links to more information on the Guide Dogs website:
YouTube feature
Job Opportunities
Please see this week’s Advance Vacancy Bulletin with a range of roles based within Doncaster.
NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board – Medical Director (Doncaster Place)
MINIMUM 2 DAYS, MAXIMUM 3 DAYS PER WEEK COMPETITIVE SALARY (AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)
We are seeking to appoint a strong clinical leader to join the Doncaster place-based team within the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SYICB). Responsible to the Doncaster Place Executive Director, and with professional accountability to the SYICB Chief Medical Officer, our successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing a place-based strategy that supports the aims to improve health outcomes for our population, address health inequalities, enhance productivity and value for money and to help the NHS support broader social and economic development.
More information can be found here
For a more detailed conversation about the role please contact Anthony Fitzgerald, Executive Place Director, tel: 07581 476241 e: Anthony.fitzgerald3@nhs.net
Applications are either via NHS Jobs or in writing to andrea.richards7@nhs.net
The closing date for applications is 1 st August 2022 and interviews will be held 16
August 2022.
Apprentice Highways Operative – Doncaster Council
We are currently recruiting for an Apprentice Highways Operative to assist in a growing service area. You must have the ability to work within a team and learn to lay a wide range of bituminous, concrete and ironwork including other highways related products plus work towards achieving competency in working on the highway and in dealing with traffic management.
Based at: North Bridge Depot DN5 9AN
Salary details: Apprentice, £4.81 per hour for 16-18 year olds or over 19s in their first year of the apprenticeship. The National Minimum Wage is paid for over 19s and have completed the first year of the apprenticeship. For more information on the rates of pay click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Contract Type: Fixed 2 years, 37 Hours per week
Closing date: 27/07/22
More information can be found here.
Caretaker for St Catherine’s House and Walled Gardens
Fancy a change of scenery?
If you have ever wanted to be the custodian of a wonderful historic building surrounded by amazing green spaces and to have an opportunity to give back to the community you love – then look no further!
Flourish Community Interest Company is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated and positive self-starter to fill a key position within our organisation.
The role of Caretaker for St Catherine’s House and Walled Gardens remains critical to our aim of Flourish being a force for social good and as a destination Wellbeing Hub that promotes health and happiness to our communities.
So, if you are looking for a change in pace, then we can offer you a very special, rewarding, and beautiful place to work in.
For more information and to apply – take a look at Indeed
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 3rd August 2022.
