Newsletter and Update No. 61 – 19 August 2022
Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction
I hope you have seen and enjoyed the recent social media series introducing the Voluntary Action Team. We have lots of ideas about how we can better support voluntary, community and faith groups in Doncaster. We are planning to do more events, provide more regular networking opportunities and offer a range of personal and organisational development support. As a small team, we are keen to not only listen to what people say, but also link up with the relevant local experts to deliver the most appropriate support.
I feel the time is right to start to develop a local talent bank to support the sector. As a first step I am keen to explore the feasibility of introducing Associate Memberships. Potentially I am thinking of building relationships with a range of quality assured independent and commercial enterprises who are interested in working with the sector. We could look to develop trusted supplier arrangements with local organisations and people that can provide services to VAD, our members and the wider sector.
I would be delighted to hear from
- Voluntary, community and faith groups serving Doncaster – please use this feedback form share your thoughts;
- Any consultants or businesses which would like to work with us – please use this Expression of Interest Form to let us know.
It would be great if you could spare a few minutes to share your thoughts and ideas. I am keen to gauge interest in this idea so I would like to hear from you by 1st September 2022 if possible.
I am taking a short break and look forward to getting back to see your feedback when I return. I will then update everyone in the autumn. Thank you.
Reports and Information
Asylum Seeker Donation Project – We need your help
Are you able to donate any men’s T-shirts, hoodies, jumpers, trackie bottoms, flip flop type shoes etc?
We are collecting and distributing these much needed clothing items for a local Afghan Asylum Seeker project. All adult sizes are wanted but we do ask that they are in a ‘good, clean condition, and that they still have lots of wear in them please.
Donations can be dropped off with our friends at the cafe inside Bentley Pavilion, Askern Road, Bentley Doncaster DN5 0HU, between 18th and 26th August only. Opening hours are Wednesday – 09:00 – 16:00. Thursday – 09:00 – 16:00, Friday – 09:00 – 16:00, Saturday – 10:00 – 15:00.
We cannot accept donations outside these hours or after these dates.
”Charities underpin the UK’s social safety net as cost of living crisis bites” – NAVCA speeks to the Financial Times about the sector’s role
NAVCA recently spoke to the Financial Times about how the charity sector is supporting people who are struggling with the cost of living.
Maddy Desforges, the chief executive of NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action), whose members support around 200,000 local charities and voluntary groups across the country, said the sector was now increasingly “backfilling” for the state.
“The state is relying on volunteers in a way I don’t think is helpful. So yes of course, during the pandemic volunteers stepped in, but one of my worries is that the state is now turning to volunteers to shore up services,” she said.
You can read the full article (behind a paywall) here: https://www.ft.com/content/4a1c4833-30e5-47e3-acd0-4588c83b53c0
Understanding your Training and Development Needs **Help us to Help You**
Looking ahead to autumn now, VAD are working hard behind the scenes to develop a training and development offer for both our volunteers and their organisations, upskilling in an informal, certified or accredited way.
Adhering to our mission, it is paramount that we make sure we offer you what you actually need, and not what we ‘think’ you need. To that end we will be hosting some informal, consultative workshops in the coming weeks to learn from you , and invite you to help shape our offer. These short workshops will be facilitated by an experienced educator skilled in training needs analysis in an informal environment, each having a different focus and audience.
We really hope that you or your volunteers will get involved. More details on dates and times will be in our next newsletter, in two weeks time, when you can sign up!
My Community: All the latest tools, tips and ideas to make your community an even better place to live
My Community is a website for people and organisations who are passionate about their communities. Whether setting up a foodbank or planning finances, we all need a little help at times. My Community is the go-to place for this support.
Importantly, these are resources you can trust. All the content on My Community has been curated, written, designed or hand-picked by leading voluntary sector organisations who truly understand what communities need to survive and thrive – including NAVCA!
Doncaster Council awarded Trailblazer status
Very similar to the LGA peer review we recently went through, DMBC have been assessed by Race Equality Matters – a UK wide collaboration of thousands of organisations and millions of employees creating change to achieve Race Equality in our workplaces.
“We submitted our application to Race Equality Matters to recognise our organisation as a leading, pioneering organisation advancing the Race Equity Continuum Paradigm shifting from a comfortable to uncomfortable zone where meaningful change has been attained via the Ethnic Culture Fusion Network (ECFN) Tea Break events. An ethnic diverse group of judges reviewed our evidence and robustly provided feedback (attached) identifying our strengths as an organisation and areas we can improve on.
I am so pleased to announce we have been successfully awarded the Trailblazer status and Doncaster Council is recognised for tackling race inequality by leading meaningful change for our employees and residents. Judges’ comments were inclusive of but not limited to:
One judge praised the “commitment” your application has demonstrated, as well as the leadership support you have acquired. Another judge noted that there was: “Good evidence of the council being committed to reducing race inequality long-term, with a fair and Inclusive strategic direction for the Council to build over the next decade.”
I wish to thank you all, particularly our leadership for the strong support and ally ship. ECFN has not achieved this alone and it is a testament to our ambition to work collaboratively and lead the way regionally, nationally and internationally. With your support and ally ship ECFN will continue using the Race Equity Continuum Paradigm as a blueprint for our organisation moving us into the higher levels of empowerment, innovation and collaborative communities.
We have attained this award within ten months of ECFN’s inaugural event last October during Black History Month and is a badge of honour illustrating our aspiration to continuously improve and work to new higher standards. Our objective is now to win over heads of services and middle management and to showcase what is achievable when diversity is allowed to thrive. I am convinced some of our most staunch opposition will become our best allies and we will achieve a win-win for all.’
Utility Aid provides a completely FREE desktop energy audit on your energy billing, with no obligation.
You may have seen news in recent weeks about the current energy crisis; sadly prices are rocketing and we don’t know what the future holds. The rise in energy costs mixed with the difficulties energy suppliers have faced in the past few weeks alone may well be causing concern.
We are offering advice and guidance to all, whether you are a customer or not.
Utility Aid is the UK’s largest energy broker for the third, fourth and public sectors, serving over 3,000 customers. We’re market leaders and have over 2.0 terawatts of energy under management – equivalent to the energy consumption of Scotland for a winter month! Our mission is to support charities and not-for-profit organisations to get the best value for their energy supplies.
Utility Aid provides a completely FREE desktop energy audit on your energy billing, with no obligation. We’ll check you’re not being overcharged by your current supplier for peace of mind and offer you a bespoke quotation for when your next renewal is due, detailing our added value and services.
Did you know that we have recovered over £4 million for our customers, simply by checking their bills for them?
Available Services
- Energy Procurement
- Invoice Validation
- Net Zero and Carbon Reporting
- Void Management Service
- Customer Care
- Account Management
To begin helping you now, all we need is a recent bill for each meter you are responsible for, and a hand signed and dated copy of the attached letter of authority (LOA) on company headed paper. This will allow us to perform the FREE desktop audit identifying immediate overcharges. You can either email these to myself or upload them through our bill upload tab by clicking here.
Third Sector Trends Study in Yorkshire and Humber 2022
You’ll probably have seen this study by Durham University. 4,445 voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises have joined so far.
They really need groups to take part in South Yorkshire so they can build a picture of what is happening locally, what has changed since 2013, 2016 and 2019 and what you think is going to happen next.
All answers are securely stored completely anonymously and confidentially.
It’s quick, interesting, easy to do, on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC. The survey is open until 30th September 2022. Click here to start
Events
Eco Festival – St Peter’s Church Askern
27th August 2022 – 10am to 3pm
Come and join in and see how you can live an environmentally friendly life and save money.
Food will be available or you can bring your own picnic.
Address: St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Doncaster, Askern, South DN6 0PH
Friends of Hexthorpe Flatts Park Are Proud To Present: The Elmfield Armthorpe Brass Band
Sunday 4th September from 2pm
(with two 40 minute sections around a drinks break)
In the bandstand in The Dell at Hexthorpe Flatts Park
Entry is FREE
Seats are limited but you are welcome to bring your own.
Training Opportunities
FREE WEBINAR: Transitional Safeguarding & Homelessness
Monday 26 September 2022 – 2PM – 4PM
Continuing the sequence of webinars on adult safeguarding and homelessness, this webinar will focus on Transitional Safeguarding where young people and young adults have experienced homelessness and/or insecure forms of accommodation. There will be presentations that draw on findings from safeguarding adult reviews and serious case reviews, and from research.
As part of the ongoing work that Professor Christine Cocker has completed with Research in Practice about Transitional Safeguarding, they have undertaken a piece of work studying a number of review reports written following the death or serious injury of care experienced young people aged between 15-24. Themes from these reviews will be discussed, particularly whether any Transitional Safeguarding needs around housing and homelessness were identified or not, and met or not met in the care planning for these young people.
This is a virtual Zoom webinar.
To book a place, please click here.
Empowered in Nature – Overcoming Emotional Eating Workshop
3 September 2022 / 11:30am To 3:30pm
Log Cabin, Walled Garden, Flourish, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, Doncaster DN4 8QP
This workshop aims to gain insight into current eating behaviours and historic influences. Using nature and outdoor exercises as a guide, delegates will learn about how mindfulness based techniques can help with emotional eating and gain insight into eating patterns and future coping strategies.
This workshop doesn’t focus on weight status, or nutrition. It aims to make sense of the underlying causes for repetitive eating behaviours, help delegates learn to become more self aware, more comfortable around food and free from rules, so that delegates can affect change and create choice and control in their lives when they feel emotionally triggered.
For more information and how to book your place, please visit Empowered in Nature website.
If you need any further information or want to talk to us about a specific workshop, please contact us by email hello@empoweredinnature.co.uk in the first instance, including a telephone number (07505 008226 / 07703361444 / 07869 930527) and one of us will be sure to call you.
Avalon Group – Suicide Prevention Workshop
In September we recognise Suicide Prevention Day when we reflect with sadness
on the number of people who have ended their lives prematurely. To raise awareness of this important subject, we are running a Suicide Prevention Workshop to consider and talk about the issues, including our role, in supporting people in emotional crisis to try to prevent anyone from making the choice to kill themselves.
The workshop is open to anyone and will be delivered over Zoom.
If you would like to attend the free Suicide Prevention Workshop it will be held on Friday 16th September between 9.30 – 11.30 on Zoom.
Please be aware that we will be discussing difficult and painful issues in the workshop including watching videos of people sharing their personal experiences of suicide.
To register please contact Anna Jackson on annajackson@avalongroup.org.uk
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a charity trustee
Mon, 12 September 2022, 6pm-8pm, via zoom
Whether you are currently a charity trustee or you are considering doing so, it is important you clearly understand your responsibilities.
Charity trustees are often like gold dust! So many good causes are crying out to have people with work experience, life experience, skills and knowledge to volunteer and join their board of trustees to help oversee the governance and strategy of the charity.
This 2 hour live virtual course would particularly suit you if:
You are currently a charity trustee and:
- you feel a bit like you’re not quite sure what you are doing?
- you are wondering how effective you and/or the board may be?
You are thinking about becoming a trustee:
- but feel worried about what you might be letting yourself in for?
- and you are unsure about how you could help or what you have to offer?
This course will cover:
- the key duties of charity trustees
- common issues trustees may face in their role
- tips for focusing on governance and strategy versus operational matters
- strategic risk register
- recruitment of trustees
- an overview of some of the essential key policies
Trainer: Mark Smith is CEO of MAKE YOUR MARK UK which helps businesses and charities to be better by offering training, coaching and consultancy.
Mark has worked with many different charity trustee boards supporting them to develop their strategies and plans, identifying organisational risks and reviewing policies and procedures. Mark also has experience volunteering as a charity trustee and non-executive director for several charities and will draw on his experience and insight during this live virtual workshop.
Cost: Tickets are just £57* per person for this informative, fun and interactive workshop.
Terms and conditions
* tickets are non refundable, however can be transferred to another person (with advance notice given to the organiser)
For any questions, please contact: info@makeyourmarkuk.co.uk
Easyfundraising Webinar: Free Funding For Voluntary Organisations
Easyfundraising provides voluntary organisations with an easy, accessible, and permanent fundraising solution.
Come along to this online session to find out how!
Easyfundraising partners with 7,000 brands including John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Trainline, Booking.com, eBay and Amazon, who will donate to your organisation when your volunteers, staff and supporters shop with them. It is a completely free service and is already used by 180,000 good causes around the UK.
Becky from easyfundraising will talk through how it works, how to get started as well as answering any questions you may have. It will be an informal lunchtime session – feel free to invite your colleagues too.
When: Wednesday 21 st September
Time: 12.30pm-1.15pm
Suitable for: Voluntary groups, community buildings, churches, grassroots sport clubs, schools, self-help groups, community groups, charities, CICs and social enterprises.
Please register in advance for this session here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Funding Opportunities
Santander Foundation
Grants up to £150,000 over three years are available for UK charities with an income above £75,000. It will support projects to improve people’s digital confidence, knowledge and skills to enable them to make more informed decisions about money and have access to financial services.
Priority will be given to small and medium-sized organisations with an income of less than £2 million.
The deadline for applications is 23rd September 2022. Full details here
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Government grants of £5,000 – £6,000 to encourage property owners (including small non-domestic properties) to replace existing fossil fuel heating with more efficient, low carbon heating systems including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and, in limited circumstances, biomass boilers.
You can get:
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
- £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump
These grants help property owners overcome the upfront cost of installing a low carbon heating system. Full details here
Climate Action Fund
The next round of National Lottery grants is available for community-led partnerships to have a positive impact on climate change in the UK which focus on the link between climate and nature and bring other social and economic benefits to local communities.
There is an £8 million funding pot, with grants of up to £1.5 million over two to five years on offer. It is expected that most awards will be in the region of £300,000 to £500,000.
Development grants of £50,000 to £150,000 over 12 to 18 months are also available.
The programme is open on a rolling basis. Full details here
Volunteering Opportunities
Please see what current volunteering opportunities are available on our website.
YWCA Yorkshire – Volunteers Needed
We are running a volunteer recruitment for inductions in September.
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and give back to the community you live in. We have plenty of roles right across South Yorkshire.
All we require for the majority of our roles is your time, energy and enthusiasm. You decide how involved you want to be, after all it’s your time that you’re giving. Our volunteers receive a thorough induction and will be given training and support when joining the charity
You can help befriend our clients, volunteer in one of our shops, help out in the office or assist with the maintenance of our projects. Whatever your skill set, we need you.
We are currently recruiting for volunteers, and have some exciting new opportunities available.
For descriptions on the roles available and our application pack please visit our website or chat to Nicole Cannon our Volunteer Coordinator by call or text on 07908621469
Job Opportunities
Please see this week’s Advance Vacancy Bulletin with a range of roles based within Doncaster.
****COME AND WORK WITH US******
Junior Content Producer Apprentice – VOLUNTARY ACTION DONCASTER
Voluntary Action Doncaster is looking for a self-starter to take control of their marketing needs. You will be active in the third sector supporting different members of the team with their marketing needs, including designing and developing marketing material and managing the social media for the company.
What will the apprentice be doing?
- Manage all the social media accounts for Voluntary Action Doncaster
- Design social media posts using Canva and other tools
- Provide support to the wider team to design and develop marketing materials
- Support the production of our fortnightly newsletter with a view to taking the lead
- Create content to make updates and posts on our website
- Provide comms and marketing support to 2 project officers
- Support the wider team at events to promote volunteering, this could include manning a stand and offering basic advice to prospective volunteers
- Occasional administrative support for events and workshops
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
Doncaster College
Apprentices without English or Maths Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.
*Junior content producer Level 3*
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
A full-time position is available for the right person on completion of the apprenticeship
For more information and how to apply please visit the Find Apprenticeship website. or contact hilary@voluntaryactiondoncater.org.uk for more information.
Home Support Services Workers – Age UK Doncaster
Can you help us in our mission to take the fear out of ageing by empowering and supporting older people in Doncaster to live and age well?
We’re looking for kind, compassionate, brilliant individuals to support people to live and age well within their own homes. Are you someone who is flexible and friendly? Practical and patient? Want to be part of a team that makes a difference? If this is you then we want to hear from you!
Apply to join our team and we will offer you all the necessary knowledge, skills and support you need to be a great member of our team! To apply or find out more about the roles please click the links below.
Home Support Services Workers – Apply Now
If you require any further information, please contact
Chair of the Fairness & Well-being Commission
This is an exciting opportunity to oversee an independent commission to explore and understand the lived experience of people in Doncaster related to barriers to work, maximising incomes, food security, housing costs and how the current cost of living crisis impacts on different cohorts of our population.
The role would require the person to chair the commission sessions and to actively shape the content and planning of the commission work plan. Experience of this type of work would be useful but not necessarily essential for the role… we are looking for passion and enthusiasm to drive the commission work.
There will be support provided to deliver the final commission report but the chair will have a key role in shaping the form and content of the report that will be submitted back to the health and well-being board in 2023.
The appointment term is for a period of up to 10 months starting September/ October depending on individual circumstances.
An attendance allowance of £50 per half day and any out of pocket expenses will be paid.
For more information interested persons should contact Dr. Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health via email: Rupert.suckling@doncaster.gov.uk
Completed EOI’s should be submitted by 11th September 2022.
More information can be found here.
Doncaster Council – Trees & Woodland Officer x2
We are looking for 2 self-motivated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic people to join our Trees and Woodland team to help develop, implement and monitor a framework for the management and maintenance of the municipal tree stock and woodland areas within the Doncaster Borough to ensure that trees and woodlands contribute to high quality urban environments for present and future generations.
Based at: North Bridge Depot
Closing date: 4th September 2022
More information can be found here.
Senior Home Care Worker – Age UK Doncaster
Can you help us in our mission to take the fear out of ageing by empowering and supporting older people in Doncaster to live and age well?
We’re looking for kind, compassionate, exceptional individuals to support our Home Care Support Workers and support people to live and age well within their own homes.
- Are you someone who:
- Understand person centred care?
- Knows what it takes to deliver an outstanding service?
- Is flexible and friendly?
- Is practical and patient?
If this is you then we want to hear from you!
Apply to join our team and we will support you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to continue your career in care.
Hours: 28 hours per week or 56 hours per fortnight. This post includes shifts between the hours of 7am -10pm on a rota basis and includes alternate weekend working. Flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the service. You will be required to take part in the on call rota.
In line with our ethos and conforming to legislation, Age UK Doncaster actively welcomes applications from all regardless of age, disability, sex, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, parenthood, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.
Pay: £10.76 per hour
Benefits:
- Sick pay
- Wellness programmes
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 31st August 2022.
