Newsletter and Update No. 62 – 2 September 2022

Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction

As we welcome a new season we are bracing ourselves for what will undoubtedly be a very challenging Autumn and Winter ahead of us!  For many, there will be difficult daily choices to be made between heat and eat.  For families with children – that focus on essentials will also put toys and fun activities out of reach.   Earlier this week I was able to see the fantastic work of Spirit of Christmas as they have been delivering Banana Boxes of Toys to children in Doncaster.  They are currently taking referrals so if you know of a child who would benefit from a Banana Box, please do let them know.  Of course donations are always welcome – whether that’s cash (to purchase new items, accessories, batteries etc) or new or pre-loved items to give as gifts at  Christmas or throughout the year as part of the  Banana Box Toy Project.  They are always on the lookout for, Small toys, Puzzles / games, Children’s books and Stationery items.   There is a  drop off point in Doncaster.  Please contact Re-read via facebook to arrange a drop off.  I tend to agree with P. T. Barnum when he said “ To me there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter.”

Reports and Information

Understanding Your Current and Future Development Needs – How We Can Learn From Each Other

Voluntary Action Doncaster is creating an exciting programme that will soon be available to individuals and groups across the voluntary, community and faith sector in our borough. But first, we need you to help us shape that programme to ensure we only give you the support, skills and knowledge that you actually need, and that is relevant to you or your organisation.

Led by our friends at Northern College, we are looking to run 3 focus groups in September to give you a chance to tell us where your skills and knowledge gaps are, and to help us better understand both the detail and the scale of our sector’s development needs locally.  We will then use this information to help us shape and develop a programme of learning, coaching and mentoring.

Northern College is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED and specialises in short courses, and adult and community learning, so we are excited by this opportunity to work alongside them. All courses will be delivered locally in Doncaster, as long as numbers permit, and will be fully or partially funded, depending on individual circumstances.

We want to make sure we offer something for everyone, from an individual who may be thinking about volunteering for the first time, to an established organisation who may be looking to branch out into a new area, or maybe struggling with fundraising or a new kind of technology.  

So, to ensure we can try to meet everyone’s wishes we will run 3 sessions each with a different focus as follows:

1 For active or prospective volunteers – Monday 26 Sept from 12.30 – 14.30

Covering: 

• How and why to get involved – the benefits and rewards for those considering doing it for first time or returning to it
• Explore if skills training may sway someone who is maybe considering but not sure
• What would they like in advance of signing up to volunteer
• What would make them a better volunteer
• Concerns that could be addressed through training / what are they?
• Any previous experience of training as a volunteer (good or bad)

2 For Coordinators/Supervisors/Managers of Volunteers – Wed 28 Sept from 12.30 – 14.30

Covering:

• What would help them (in their role) do their job better or more efficiently
• What training do they consider would be beneficial to their volunteers?
• Anything that could help them around volunteer recruitment / induction
• Would a training offer to volunteers help with retention?

3 For anyone involved in the management or supervision of VCFS Organisations – Thursday 29 Sept 12.30 – 14.30 

Covering: 

• Where do training interests lie – personal development or development for the whole organisation, or both?
• Explore skills gaps as individuals. as managers, and their view on volunteer training
• Funding restrictions impacting training-  gauge if participants would benefit from funded and thoughts on non – funded – what are they willing to pay for and how much? Travel or local delivery. 

ALL SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT CHANGING LIVES, 2-5 PRINCES ST DONCASTER DN1 3NJ

If you would like to get involved, please complete this Google Form . Or you can call us on 01302 965459 to register your interest.  

Sessions will involve a maximum of 8 people and places allocated on a first come first served basis. 

We really value your opinions so please do consider attending if you can.

Clothing Donations Pop-Up Shop

On Tuesday 31st August we worked in partnership with Go Green & Public Engagement Officers from the Council to respond to an urgent local appeal for clothing and footwear for male Asylum Seekers newly arrived in Doncaster with little or no personal possessions.

As the accommodation receives new arrivals weekly, the turnover and need for clothes & shoes is constant and donations often fall short of meeting need. 

The local response for donations received a huge boost thanks to our friends at Amazon, who generously donated a variety of new goods in a range of sizes, with thought being given to  the types of clothing that would be most beneficial to living in their current environment.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we were able to assist over 40 individuals  on the day all of whom were extremely grateful .  The donation of ‘new’ items was particularly well received and totally unexpected. 

Many of those benefiting showed their gratitude by offering their help with sorting and folding the clothes & translating for us. The interest in seeking opportunities to join up as volunteers themselves around the City  was astounding & has definitely given us food for thought of how Voluntary Action Doncaster provides valuable support in this area.

Cold Weather Planning and preparedness

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is holding a webinar on cold weather planning on Thursday 22 September, from 10:00 to 12:30 (online). To book a place just complete this online registration form 

This webinar will provide partners with information on:

• The latest weather forecast for winter 2022/23
• Reflections on winter 2021/22, including observed public health impacts of cold weather
• Changes to the Cold Weather Plan for England and associated guidance
• UKHSA/Met Office Cold Weather Alerting Service and the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service
• The role of the local and national authorities in the implementation of the Cold Weather Plan
• The role of social care services and community and voluntary services

We Want Your Views! Feedback On Your Locality.

As you may already be aware, the 2022 Locality Plans are now available for residents to view on the Your Life Doncaster website.

We would like to share the plan with our communities to enable residents to view the priorities that came from the conversations and engagement sessions with local residents , businesses and groups in the 2022 plans. We would also like to encourage residents to give feedback towards the 2023 plans by telling us what is already great in each of their communities , and what we can look to improve together.

Residents can also subscribe to Your Life Doncaster for regular updates, You said We did.

To complete the feedback please click here.

Togetherall (Formally Big White Wall)

We are excited to announce that Doncaster Council have recently commissioned Togetherall ( Formally Big White Wall), a clinically managed, online community designed to improve mental health. 

The platform provides anonymous, peer-to-peer interactions so that as many people as possible can benefit from instant, easy-access and round-the-clock support when they need it. Anyone who is over the age of 16 and with a Doncaster postcode can register for support. 

To register please sign up on the Togetherall website

Easyfundraising

Thousands of third-sector organisations in our region have just received a share of over £1.3m in free, unrestricted funding. This money has been generated by their volunteers, staff and supporters shopping online with leading retailers like Tesco, eBay, Amazon, John Lewis, Booking.com, Sainsbury’s, Wilko, Asda, Just Eat, trainline – everything from buying their weekly grocery shop, booking weekends away, renewing their car insurance, has raised donations. 

Find out more about how your organisation can receive this free funding too here.

Big Ambitions CIC – Supporting 18-24 Year Olds To ‘Feel Well Work Well’

We are looking for referrals to our Feel Well Work Well programme to help support ANY young person aged 18-24 who are unemployed and not in education, to find a job FASTER, EASIER and PRESSURE FREE, no matter what barrier they may have.

The programme is able to help with wellbeing challenges, such as low mood and anxiety, the only requirement is that young people are able to engage with their coach and are ready to explore their career prospects. We recognise that without good mental health, it is incredibly challenging to begin and continue in employment.

To be eligible for this service, we ask that the individuals are:

• Are aged 18 – 24 
• Are unemployed or economically inactive
• Have diagnosed/undiagnosed Mental Health conditions (anxiety, depression etc.)
• Living in either Doncaster or Barnsley

The programme is part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and brings nearly a million pounds of investment for young people into South Yorkshire.

Contact us directly on 0114 276 0039 or email us at Enquiries@bigambitions.org.uk , to find out how you can get involved or to Refer someone.

We also take referrals from local GP’s and Jobcentres.

MAKE YOUR MARK UK – Charity Partner Nomination (2022-2023)

MAKE YOUR MARK UK is a training, coaching and consultancy, helping businesses and charities to be better.

Nominations are now open for organisations to be considered as the next official Charity Partner (‘charity of the year’) for 2022-2023. Deadline for nominations (which will then be considered by a panel) is Fri 30th September 8pm

Over the past few years our support has ranged from developing fundraising strategies, running team building events, helping develop business plans and providing executive coaching to leaders.

Nominations for charity partners to receive pro-bono support in 2022-2023 can be from good causes including: voluntary groups, community groups, registered charities.

Only one nomination is required for an organisation to be considered as the applications will be considered by a panel following the closing date.

Please keep your answers/responses within the word limit where this has been stated.

Preference will be given to nominations for good causes in the Yorkshire region and from organisations with an annual turnover of under £750k.

Here from b:friend, the current charity of the year – MAKE YOUR MARK UK Charity Partner Nominations 2022/2023 – YouTube

Apply here

Events

Family Food Programme – Market Engagement Event

Date – Friday 30th September from 1pm

Location – Doncaster, UK (Venue TBC; virtual options to attend will be explored)

Good family nutrition is a vital part of a child’s growth and development. Embedding good feeding habits from as early as possible gives the best chance of a child reaping the benefits of a varied, nutritious diet, alongside forging a positive and peaceful relationship with food.

The Public Health Children and Young People’s team at Doncaster Council have been working to develop a service model that will support parents/carers to feed their children in a way that supports a lifelong trajectory for good health and wellbeing – Doncaster Family Food Programme. We would like to engage with provider services to explore the proposed model and the opportunities and challenges it may pose.

Factors influencing diet are complex and multi-faceted. Poor diet and associated health conditions are strongly associated with wider, social determinants of health and yet most interventions focus on individual responsibility to change behaviour. Interventions that focus on information, advice and skills often fall short by failing to adequately address the impact that circumstance and environment have on a families’ ability to eat a varied and nutritious diet.

The Family Food Programme service model will consist of 1:1 or group support for families during pregnancy or soon after birth, to optimally feed their children through a combination of knowledge building; practical skills and tools; and therapeutic interventions to explore parents own relationship with food/body and how this impacts on parenting/feeding style.

Providers interested in attending the market engagement event can visit the YORtender portal YORtender (eu-supply.com) to register interest and get more details about the programme.

Meno  Fest 22’ – Saturday 8th October  2022

As part of our commitment to support Menopause within South Yorkshire for our workforce, we have planned this menopause festival to take place at Sheffield United conference and events centre , Bramall Lane, Sheffield . 

Plan your attendance and book the morning or afternoon and on arrival choose to attend talks on a variety of topics  such as ‘eating well during menopause’, ‘sleep and menopause’, ‘brain fog’ and others. There will be a large numbers of stalls that offer menopause support, Holistic treatments and drop in sessions supported by Halsa Wellbeing and Meno zones

Please bring along a friend or colleague.

South Yorkshire ICB Health and Wellbeing team have organised this event as part of our commitment to increase the awareness of menopause and gaining Menopause accreditation with Henpicked as a system.

Venue information 

Spaces are limited so don’t miss out and book now!

The Elmfield Armthorpe Brass Band In Hexthorpe Park

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.

Walk Leader Training Sessions

I’m pleased to share another three Walk Leader training sessions that have been planned for September and October. There are two training options, please contact marianne.turner@doncaster.gov.uk if you would like to talk through the options if you are unsure on the most appropriate type or if you would like to book a place.

Option 1: Full Walk Leader training to become able to lead Ramblers Wellbeing Walks (new name for Walking for Health Health Walks). This training consists of:

• Wellbeing Walks Induction (document to read at your own convenience)
• Walk Leadership Foundations (90 min online course at your own convenience)
• Walk Leadership for Wellbeing Walks (3 hour course face to face with practical) in Bentley

Currently, one Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Walk Leader session is planned:

• Thursday 6th October 9am-12pm

Option 2: a shorter Walk Leader training to be able to lead community walks. This is aimed at those who would not be leading Ramblers Wellbeing Walks but would be leading walks for organisations with Public Liability Insurance. This training consists of:

• 1 hour Walk Leader training via Teams

Currently, two community Walk Leader sessions are planned:

Wednesday 14th September 1pm-2pm

Tuesday 18th October 12pm-1pm

Training Opportunities

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Fuel Debt Advice in the Community – National Energy Action (NEA)

The course is designed for frontline staff working with low-income and vulnerable households who may be in fuel debt or at risk from fuel debt.Delivered across three webinars this course aims to provide an understanding of the causes of fuel debt, issues householders may face with metres, fuel statements, payment and tariff options. It also considers consumers, private landlords and fuel suppliers obligations, as well as complaints procedures and support available for low-income and vulnerable households.

The course will be split across three webinars delivered live via Zoom (video conferencing facility) by our expert tutors to small groups to ensure a good level of interaction and support for learners.  Participants will require a device with a camera and sound.

Learners must attend all three webinars to complete the course and go on to take the exam.  To gain a Level 2 City & Guilds qualification an option assessment is now available.  This consists of an open book exam which will take a maximum of three hours to complete.  Candidates are encouraged to use their course hand-outs to help complete the exam.

New course dates are as follows:

• 13, 14 & 15 September (England) – 9:30-12:00
• 3, 4 & 5 October (England) – 13:30-16:00
• 25, 26 & 27 October (Wales) – 9:30-12:00
• 8, 9 & 10 November (Wales) – 9:30-12:00

Learners will be asked to join the webinar 15 minutes prior to the start time in order to register.

Funded places are available to non-commercial organisations in England and Wales. Learners must also be frontline staff and volunteers that regularly encounter those in or at risk of fuel poverty – i.e. essentially those on a low income / in a vulnerable situation and who are struggling to manage their household bills?

For those not eligible for a funded places, fees are as follows:

                                                        NEA Members             Non Members

Not for profit organisations                £290 + VAT                 £330 +VAT

Commercial organisations                 £340 + VAT                 £380 + VAT

Book your place on the NEA website.

Trauma Informed Working and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit is committed to working with all organisations to raise awareness of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and encourage improved ways of working so that we can better support the people that we serve.

The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit runs Trauma Informed Working and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) basic awareness training. The course will be delivered over the Zoom or MS Teams digital platforms.

The dates are as follows (all are 10am–1pm)

• September 7th and 14th 2022
• October 12th and 19th 2022
• November 9th and 16th 2022
• December 7th 2022
• January 10th and 18th 2023
• February 1st and 8th 2023
• March 1st and 8th 2023

To book via Eventbrite please use the link.

The Doncaster Admiral Service – Carers Skills Course

An 8 week course of specialist dementia education and peer support sessions led by Dementia Advisors along with guest speakers from Mental Health, Social Care and Legal services.

Covering topics such as:

•  What is Dementia
•  Managing Behaviours
•  Medications
•  End of Life Support
•  Power of Attorney
•  Diet and Hydration
•  Coping with Stress
•  Financial Support

Courses are held online via Zoom.

The next course begins on Tuesday 4th October 10am – 12 noon

To book your place contact The Doncaster Admiral Service on 03000 211038.

Funding Opportunities

Small Grants Available to Support Refugees in England

Church Urban Fund, in partnership with Benefact Trust, is offering grants of £500 – £5,000 to Christian churches or registered Christian charities to aid refugees with all aspects of settling and integrating in their new communities:

• Providing items to cover basic needs.
• Helping with settlement into life in England.
• Providing safe spaces and networks of support.

The primary focus is on Ukrainian refugees, though work supporting Afghan refugees will also be considered.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 9th December 2022. Full details here.

Sustaining Spaces Fund

National Survivors User Network (NSUN) can offer grants of £500 – £1,000 to support community spaces for trauma-experienced people and communities.

Priority will be given to groups that are by and led for young people (aged 18 to 25), LGBTQ+ people or people from racialised communities.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 16th September 2022. Full details here

The Thomas Wall Trust

The Trust believes that communication skills are critical capabilities for people who want to improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances.

They offer grants up to £5,000 to specific projects or core activities that develop these critical life skills for people from disadvantaged groups. They will fund charities at least three years old with an income between £10,000 and £500,000

The inclusive charity welcomes proposals which target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups demonstrably facing major hurdles to employment, especially; women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.

Full details here. No deadline given

Volunteering Opportunities

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

Job Opportunities

Please see this week’s Advance Vacancy Bulletin  with a range of roles based within Doncaster.

Community Support Worker – Rotherham Federation

Full Time 37 hours

Salary – £23,468 per annum – fixed term until December 2023

Rotherham Federation are seeking an experienced Community Support Worker to join their team to work on the “Making Our Money Go Further” project supporting community groups to form, develop and improve their skills, knowledge, and resilience in relation to money management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote the Making Our Money Go Further project and support the formation of community groups.
• To support groups and individuals with money management matters, improving their skills and knowledge and reducing their stress and anxiety.
• Provide planned and ad-hoc support to community groups formed through the Making Our Money Go Further project including delivering face to face and online/digital sessions.
• Work in partnership with Citizens Advice Rotherham and refer clients for one-to-one advice sessions.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers to develop their confidence and skills, and become “Money Champions”.
• Support and train other service providers to develop their knowledge and skills regarding Money Management.
• Monitor the impact and effectiveness of the work through agreed monitoring and data capture systems.
• To deliver and report on specific targets and outputs as determined by funding requirements.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 1 years’ experience of providing support and guidance to groups and individuals in a community-based setting.

For further details and to request an application pack, please contact: Sarah Fletcher on 07538 625113 or email sarah.fletcher@rotherfed.org 

The closing date for applications is 26th September 2022 at 10am with interviews held on 30 th September 2022. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted on the 26 th September and invited to an interview.

TBC – Interviews will be face to face or held online via Zoom or Teams.

Successful candidates will have a DBS check carried out.

Appointment will be subject to suitable references.

Big Ambitions CIC – Specialist Keyworker

Location: Doncaster

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Fixed Term contract until July 2023

Salary:  £22,268.00-£24,698.00 (dependent on experience) pro rata per annum

Deadline: 11th September 2022

Job overview:

The Keyworker will work directly with unemployed and economically inactive clients by effectively delivering a holistic, personalised support service, which empowers clients to increase their skills, motivation and confidence to enable them to progress into employment, self-employment and training/education.

The Keyworker will support people into employment opportunities and with personal development. They will provide clients with comprehensive assessments, development plans and action planning, as well as delivering a range of personalised one to one support and group activities. They will facilitate in helping individuals to overcome any barriers into employment, to develop their employability skills and to access training, job search activities and sustained employment.

To APPLY: Big Ambitions jobs and careers | Indeed.com

Alternatively, send us your CV and Cover letter to Enquiries@bigambitions.org.uk 

Scheme Manager Based at MHA Communities South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

Location: Sheffield/Worksop/Doncaster

Salary: £30,520.00 per annum

Package: Pension, 30 days holiday (pro-rota if part time) inc. bank holidays, Life Assurance, Discount Scheme and DBS provided

Contractual hours: 37 (full time)

Application closing date: 25/09/2022

The role is based primarily across the Sheffield, Doncaster and Worksop area. Car driver with access to a car is also essential.

The MHA Communities Scheme Manager is responsible for developing and managing the Communities Scheme to meet the needs of older people within the local community. The Scheme could operate across multiple sites within the geographical catchment and all Schemes will vary significantly in size, scale and scope.

The post requires an individual with a range of business and operational skills, but critically, who possesses a strong drive to deliver high quality services that reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and promote the wellbeing of older people across a range of community settings.

The MHA Communities Manager will be responsible for line managing any additional staff appointments to the Scheme – this will depend upon the size of the Scheme and the breadth and volume of services delivered. Volunteers are crucial to the successful operation of any MHA Communities Scheme and the Manager will be responsible for the recruitment and selection and on-going support and supervision of all Volunteers.

For more information about the role please and how to apply please visit their website.

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT (CO-OPTED) MEMBERS POLICE & CRIME PANEL

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel currently have two vacancies for Independent Members, and are seeking people with the necessary skills, enthusiasm and commitment to be a Member of the Panel and to bring a fresh external perspective to its debates.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved the governance and accountability arrangements for policing in South Yorkshire.

Candidates should:

• Have a genuine interest in improving policing in South Yorkshire, through the governance arrangements afforded to the Panel;
• Have a professional background in an area such as community safety, criminal justice, health, victim support or the voluntary / third sector;
• Be an independent voice alongside elected Councillors providing constructive challenge, scrutiny and support to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

It is also restricted to applicants living or working in South Yorkshire. Independent Members serve a maximum tenure of eight years, and currently receive an allowance of £920.00 per annum (this amount is subject to tax) and reasonable travel expenses. The latter are reimbursed through the completion of an allowance claim form.

Closing date for applications: 4:30 pm on Friday 16 September 2022

Interviews for the role will take place on Monday 3 October 2022

The interview will be held physically at Barnsley Town Hall

More information can be found here.

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 14th September 2022.