Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction

As the school term ends for summer many families will be thinking about what to do to keep the children fed, happy and occupied during the school holidays!  Despite the weather forecast being very wet over this weekend, we are helping Friends of Sandall Park prepare for their first Multi-Cultural Festival.  It promises to be a fun packed and informative day – so do pop along to see us if you get the chance.

Last week I attended the launch of Doncaster’s Crisis Alternative Alliance. This has been a long time in the making and is an excellent illustration of how we can be much more powerful and have more impact by working collectively than we can be working in isolation.  Well done to all those involved.  I thought it would be helpful to share the overview of that Alliance for those that were not able to attend. 

Finally, as this month marks our third year, I thought it would be helpful to reflect on what we have achieved so far.  From a standing start and the barest minimum of resources we have started to offer practical support across the city.  For example:

• We have helped a number of groups set up supporting them the practical steps involved such as developing their constitution; navigating the finance and governance landscape; and recruitment.
• Our Volunteer Hub now has over 700 people registered.
• This newsletter goes out to nearly 5,000 people.
• We have awarded 103 small grants (up to £750) through the Microgrants fund.
• Digital Connectivity Grants of up to £500 have been handed out to help groups get
• online, basic DIgital Skills courses are being offered and Digital Mentors are available to help train and support small organisations.
• 400 groups feature on VAD’s online directory
• VAD also scored a significant success in its mission to fight the corner of the city to ensure that it gets its fair share of support.  Working with Citizens’ Advice Doncaster, the scheme is offering help and support to people – largely thrown into debt for the first time – who are struggling with high energy prices.

As a start up Charity ourselves, we have needed to take time to get ourselves established.  That groundwork is now beginning to pay dividends!  We are having more and more success in landing funding for work we know needs to be done.  We are increasingly seeing other organisations outside Doncaster coming to us – wanting to work with us to support voluntary and community groups in Doncaster.   So although there is some uncertainty around things at the moment I’m excited about the next phase of our development! 

Reports and Information

South Yorkshire’s Survival Guide

This new Survival Guide is designed as a first port of call for anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in South Yorkshire.

It provides information on finding accommodation, food, health, other support and amenities in the Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham areas.

The guide includes many types of organisation, some of which you can attend as a drop-in without an appointment, some require an appointment and some you may only access with a referral from an agency such as Citizens’ Advice or health care professionals. If you have questions regarding any of the services, then use the contact details provided in this guide to seek answers and advice. If you contact a service in this guide and they are unable to help you in the first instance, then it is likely that they will redirect you to somewhere that can.

Surplus Furniture at NHS South Yorkshire ICB

As a result of some reorganisation, our NHS colleagues have identified some surplus office furniture which is being made available to the voluntary community and faith sector in Doncaster. 

 All items are available free to the voluntary community and faith sector groups. If any voluntary groups are interested in checking out what is available – please contact info@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk who can forward details.  Items will need to be collected (or pick up arrangements agreed) by 31 July 2023. 

Report on the value of small grants

Small Grants, Big Changes, a report by the Directory of Social Change (DSC), provides the evidence to support what most people involved in delivering and funding charitable activities believed to be the case – small grants and small grants programmes have a vital role to play in enabling and sustaining critical support for charities and their beneficiaries. As identified in this research, specific advantages of small grants include their ability to target hard-to-reach communities, foster partnerships and attract future funding. 

More details, and link to download the report, here

NPC Guidance for Trustees to shift decision-making amid ‘permacrisis’ 

Charities must fundamentally change how they make decisions due to today’s unending crises, according to the think tank NPC.

The guidance outlines four ways in which charity governance should adapt, including:

1. Focus on your mission, not your preservation.
2. Recognise that change is constant and that your response will need to keep evolving, rather than holding out for a return to business as usual.
3. Use lived experience to shape how you interpret data and make decisions.
4. Look beyond your immediate focus, recognising how crises are connected and work with others as part of a systems strategy.

The top priority for any trustee is to “keep your charity focused on its core purpose – achieving impact”.  Charities “cannot help anyone without your staff” and states beneficiaries will suffer if staff cannot perform at their best.  “If an organisation works in ‘crisis response mode’ for too long, staff are likely to get burned out and leave,” the think tank warns.

Charities may need to look at structures and protocols for trustee involvement, “adopting a more flexible or iterative approach which helps trustees make timely and informed decisions”.

“It can be helpful to adopt a change mindset – recognising that change is constant, and that your response will need to keep evolving. In a permacrisis, there is no point holding out for a return to ‘business as usual’.

“If we see ‘permacrisis’ as continual change, rather than a brief pause in business as usual, it is clear that we need to use the tools at our disposal to understand and reflect on what is needed, what is working, and when to pivot.”

Boards should empower trustees to develop and grow their role, such as by listening to one another about their experiences.

It adds that in times of rapid change, it is important to review and regularly reassess how your organisation fits into the wider ecosystem as “previous assumptions may quickly become inaccurate”. 

“To respond effectively as circumstances change, you need to see your organisation as one of many moving parts,” it states.

“This is not a one-off storm. The climate has changed. We’re now in a time of permacrisis; of unceasing storms, swells, and hurricanes through which we must navigate. Whether you’re a trustee or a chief executive, you cannot continue as before. In any crisis, people’s needs change.

“If you continue to deliver what you have always delivered, or to make decisions as you have always done so, then you risk becoming less relevant and less impactful.” 

“Resist the temptation to scale back on measurement, evaluation and learning as a ‘non-delivery’ activity. Times of rapid change are precisely when measurement is most needed.”

Medical School Community Partnerships

It is ever more apparent that the high levels of inflation and worsening cost of living crisis are having a huge impact on the most vulnerable, and that inequalities in our society are widening as a result.  It is so vital to have you all involved in the education of our future Doctors, so that they understand the challenges experienced by the most disadvantaged individuals and families across our region.

We know from students and organisations that face to face placements offer great mutual benefit and tend to promote the most authentic learning for students. However, it is also possible to adopt a hybrid approach if you find this more convenient.

Community Placements last 4 weeks and are full time, between 20th Nov-14th Dec 2023.  You will determine the amount of contact days/time in a week. If the students are not in attendance each day it is entirely appropriate for you to set them self-directed work to conduct during this 4 week period.

All students should be fully vaccinated and will have been on placement in hospital between July-Oct.

If you would like to provide a placement please complete this project form and H&S form and submit by 10th September.  

Events

Get Doncaster Moving and Well Doncaster Workshop 26 July

Get Doncaster Moving and Well Doncaster are working in partnership to provide opportunities for local sports clubs and community organisations to collaborate through a ‘Networking and Funding Workshop aimed at Sports Clubs and Community Organisations’.

This will be a great opportunity to establish new and strengthen existing networks with a focus around sport and physical activity, and find out about local funding opportunities and support available for sports clubs and community organisations.

The first workshop will take place (in person) on Wednesday 26th July, 6pm-8pm at Castle Park, Armthorpe Road, DN2 5QB (registration from 5.45pm, refreshments and food provided)

At the workshop you will find out about local opportunities including:

• Community Wealth Builder – Support to social enterprises, community groups and sports clubs, access to training, funding, and networking, with policy and governance advice.
• Sport England Club Matters Programme – Introduction to the programme, which provides free resources, support, guidance and workshops to Grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations.
• Holiday Activities and Food Programme – Summer, Easter & Christmas holiday club with funded places for those on Free School Meals and Short Breaks, funding to allow a child or young person with additional needs to have an enjoyable break away from their primary carer, and give them a break from their caring responsibilities.
• VCFS Fund – The VCFS Fund grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are available for VCFS organisations with projects and activities to get people together, reducing social isolation and loneliness.

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.

To book a place at the event, please book on via eventbrite 

We know there are some Summer Fairs happening in August: 

Summer Fayre in Carcroft on Sunday 6th August.

Woodlands Summer Fayre on Friday 11th August.

Sprotbrough Summer Fair on Saturday 19th August

Team Doncaster Women’s Network

The 1st meeting of Team Doncaster Women’s network was organised by officers and cabinet members who wanted to create a network for all Team Doncaster women to meet, chat, give and receive support, and celebrate the contribution we make to Team Doncaster, whatever stage you are at in your career.  Women gathered for the first time in June. It was a  combination of networking, sharing experiences, hearing from Doncaster women who have seen a problem and done something to sort it.   It was an informal, enjoyable 2 hours with cake and a cuppa provided in a safe space.  Following the event – posters have been developed to raise awareness and extend the network further.  The words are from women who attended in answer to the question what advice would you give to your younger self. 

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th September from 5pm – 7pm – the venue is to be confirmed. 

Training Opportunities

The Empower Course is back!

As you can imagine we are already filling up quickly for our August cohort and spaces are becoming limited already! If you any individuals on your workload who would benefit from the extra support, please do let me know so we can secure their space ASAP!

Here are the upcoming start dates. 

Access free short courses through the Advancing Digital programme

Delivered by experts, Advancing Digital provides businesses in South Yorkshire with free short courses across a variety of subjects.

Running until December 2023, our programme currently offers a range of courses, including:

• Data analytics
• IT service management
• Project management
• Web analytics
• Web marketing

For more information and to register for an upcoming short course, visit the Sheffield Hallam University website.

If you have a more bespoke digital training need, we can provide personalised support to companies with a minimum of ten learners. To find out more email advancingdigital@shu.ac.uk.

Funding Opportunities

HMRC funding for tax advice & support

HMRC is offering £5.5 million through its Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding programme to provide free advice and support to people who may face barriers in understanding their tax obligations and claiming their entitlements; are digitally excluded from accessing HMRC services; or have any other difficulty in interacting directly with HMRC.

Grants can be between £30,000 and £500,000

Bids should support HMRC’s principles of support for customers who need extra help and include two or more of the following activities: 

• Help people comply with their tax affairs  
• Support customers with complex needs (including those referred from HMRC’s Extra-Support Team)
• Support people to be able to use digital ways of accessing HMRC’s services  

Organisations can apply between 24th July and 21st August 2023. Full details here

Big Bike Revival Grants Programme 

Voluntary groups, social enterprises, and other not-for-profit organisations across England can apply for grants up to £2,000 for cycling projects targeting people who do not typically cycle.

The aims are to

• Encourage people who don’t cycle to cycle.
• Encourage people to cycle more often.
• Increase short cycling trips.
• Improve the perception of cycling safety.
• Improve people’s confidence to cycle.

The Big Bike Revival Grants Programme will support events and activities that use the ‘fix-learn-ride’ model to provide sessions for people groups that are underrepresented in cycling

Proposed projects and activities must be delivered by 30th September 2023.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2023. Full details here

Giving Back: The Commissioner’s Community Grants Scheme: extended deadline

The Police & Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Community Grants Scheme offers grants of up to £10,000 to charities and community groups to deliver projects that help to address crime related issues, support victims of crime and make South Yorkshire a safer place to live.  

It will fund direct costs, including staff, venue hire, transport and delivery, for projects that contribute to the South Yorkshire Police & Crime Plan. Projects can last up to 12 months.

Examples of previously funded projects include:

• Positive diversionary activities for young people
• Training, education and support programmes to change behaviours, reduce risk factors and break down barriers
• Mentoring and peer support projects to engage young people and vulnerable adults
• Targeted activities to help victims of crime and groups identified as vulnerable or at risk
• Awareness raising and education programmes exploring issues identified in the Police & Crime Plan such as road safety, cyber-crime and other online threats and violence against women and girls
• Activities to tackle rural and wildlife crimes such as fly-tipping, damage caused by off-road vehicles, farm/agricultural crime and poaching

The deadline has now been put back – it will close at noon on 30th September 2023. For more details and to apply click here

Thrive Together Fund

The new £6 million Thrive Together Fund provides a funding package of loan (75%) and grant (25%) to eligible voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, who are delivering social impact.

The funding is intended to expand the reach of social investment to smaller organisations or those based in disadvantaged areas, targeting funding where it can be most effective at promoting equitable outcomes, and ensuring that any interventions enhance the social and economic capacity of a community.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be registered in England as either a Charity, Community Interest Company or Community Benefit Society.
• Have a viable borrowing request (that can reasonably be expected to meet its repayment obligations).
• Have a minimum of two years’ operating activity.
• Have a minimum turnover of £100,000 in their last financial year.

There are no deadlines. Full details here

Training, Movement for Good Awards

Awards from the Benefact Group of £10,000 that support one of the following themes:

• Heritage/arts/culture – to help celebrate, preserve or protect our heritage and culture.
• Education/skills – to enable learning and development, particularly among young people.
• Rural/community development – to support and build our communities, particularly in rural areas.
• Climate change/environment – to contribute to our collective challenge to tackle impact on the climate and environment.

To be eligible, charities must have been in existence for at least six months.

The winning charities will be contacted on or before 31st December 2023. The winners will be publicly announced on the Benefact Group website.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 28th July 2023. Full details here.

Volunteering Opportunities

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

Doncaster Housing for Young People Limited

We are recruiting for Charity Trustees. Would you like to be part of an organisation that does vital work, supporting young people at risk of homelessness to overcome disadvantages so they can have a brighter future and thrive?

As a Trustee, you will oversee the running of the organisation, including strategic planning, reviewing performance and ensuring our finances are well managed.

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be paid. We will provide you with the training and support to help you fulfil the role and develop your own skills and experience.

Above all, you will be part of a friendly and forward-thinking team, making a huge difference to young people in Doncaster.

We welcome people with a broad range of skills and experience from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Trustees meet on a monthly basis at our offices in central Doncaster

Please email admin@dhyp.org.uk to request a recruitment pack

Openings at Doncaster Mind

Calling all Volunteers! Join our team for a rewarding experience. We believe in crafting an unforgettable experience for our volunteers, ensuring that every moment is fulfilling. As you start your volunteer journey with us, expect to be warmly welcomed with a comprehensive induction, specialised training, and support guiding you every step of the way! Some of the volunteer roles available are

Young people Mentors: Doncaster Mind – Volunteer Mentor – Young People’s Service

Adult Mentors: Doncaster Mind – Volunteer Befriender – Adult Services

Befrienders: Doncaster Mind – Volunteer Befriender – Adult Services

Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Victims Support Group (SARAG) – Trustee 

SARAG is a charity dedicated to helping individuals and their families suffering from asbestos-related diseases throughout Yorkshire, Humberside, and North Nottinghamshire. SARAG provides expert benefits advice and helped service users access just shy of £ 4 million in government benefits and compensations in 2022 alone. SARAG provides emotional support to victims and their families through one-to-one support and monthly social groups. And SARAG provides legal signposting.

Despite a total ban on asbestos products in 1999, Asbestos remains the UK’s largest workplace killer. Sadly, Thousands continue to die from Asbestos-related diseases in the UK each year because there is a 15-to-60-year latency period between exposure and illness.

Becoming a Trustee

SARAG has an opportunity for a trustee to join our board. This is a voluntary role and much of the board’s work is conducted online. The board holds monthly online meetings and is responsible for agreeing on the strategy and overseeing the governance of the charity. In-person meetings are infrequent but are held at SARAG premises in Rotherham.

As a Trustee, you will help drive our strategy and support the governance of our small charity as it continues to provide valuable services for asbestos victims across the region.

We are looking for a person who is willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Previous governance experience would be welcome; however, we will provide a full induction and relevant training.

We are particularly interested in someone with financial expertise to lead our Finance and Investment Committee.

If you would like to know more about SARAG and this position please contact our Chair, Andrew Turner, to arrange an initial conversation.

Email: andrew.turner6@sky.com

Job Opportunities

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

B:Friend: Befriending Coordinator 

Job role: Befriending Coordinator

Contract type: 1 year fixed-term contract

Reporting to: Programme Manager (South Yorkshire)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Salary: £12,735pa

How to apply: Send a CV and covering letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this role to info@letsbfriend.org.uk with the subject line: Befriending Coordinator Application

Application deadline: 4 August

Interviews to take place: 8 & 10 August

Job purpose:

As a Befriending Coordinator, you have the extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of isolated older neighbours in South Yorkshire. Your role is not just about coordinating and managing volunteers, but about creating connections that bring warmth, friendship, and joy to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with older individuals, organising vibrant social club sessions, and building relationships with stakeholders, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing and connectedness of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower older individuals to rediscover the joy of human connection, making a lasting difference in their lives. Together, we can inspire hope, restore happiness, and create a future where no one feels alone.

b:friend welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, pregnancy and maternity, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

The full job role and person specification can be seen here.

Doncaster Mind

We now have a vacancy within the Doncaster Mind Team of Therapy Coordinator, this is a 30 hour post per week and will focus on coordinating the Therapy Service at Doncaster Mind.

This is a relatively new service and will give the successful applicant an opportunity to develop a service to meet a demanding need in Doncaster.  You will be part of the team looking at setting this service up within one to one counselling in both a fully funded and fast tracked service but with a view to offering additional modalities in the near future.

If you are interested in applying for this role please see our website www.doncastermind.org.uk, or alternatively, please email us on zain@doncastermind.org.uk.

Closing date: 18 August 2023

We are also looking for people to join our Preferred Providers Network (Paid Work).  

This is a framework that allows people to join us as an independent provider, either as a Sessional counsellor, Group activity facilitator or Self-help course facilitator so that we are able to continue providing our services like counselling, courses and groups. It is a continuous activity, which means that we would always need people, so anyone who is passionate about supporting people with their mental health and have a skill or hobby that they want to share with others, is welcome to join by applying here 

Student Counsellor needed

Are you an empathetic, passionate individual currently enrolled in an accredited course and looking for a placement to fulfil your hours for qualification?  Then join us to utilise your skills in supporting people with their wellbeing – click this link to apply

New opportunity to have your say on patient safety research 

The NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Research Centre is looking for patients, service users, carers and members of the public with lived experience of health and social care services to join our Lay Leaders.

Do you live in Yorkshire and Humber?

Are you interested in improving healthcare to make it better and safer?

Do you have good connections with community and/or public sector organisations?

Do you like learning about new things and have a curious mind?

Then we’d like to invite you to apply to join our Lay Leaders.

Who are we? 

We are researchers from the Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Research Centre (Y&H PSRC) ( https://yhpsrc.org/ ) which is a partnership between Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Leeds. We are funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and have been awarded £6.8 million pounds over the next five years (from April 2023) to carry out research focussing on making healthcare safer.

What does the role involve? The role will include looking at research plans to provide suggestions/ ideas, raising community awareness of the centre, finding out what matters to communities and prioritising work for future patient safety research projects.

We are looking to recruit six new Lay Leaders to join our existing community of four Lay Leaders (see here to find out more about our patient and public involvement https://yhpsrc.org/about-the-pstrc/patient-involvement/ ). The Lay Leaders usually attend meetings at least once per month (some online).

We will offer additional opportunities for involvement, such as developing community engagement projects, developing and delivering training etc. All Lay Leaders are paid for their time and expenses according to NIHR guidance (NIHR public contributor payment policy | NIHR )

What are the deadlines and how do I apply?

The closing date for applications is: Friday 1st September 2023 at 5pm.

Shortlisted candidates notified by Monday 11th September 2023 and will be invited to an informal meeting.

How do I find out more?

Role descriptions and applications forms are available here

For informal discussion or more information about applying please contact

Jenni Murray – jenni.murray@bthft.nhs.uk or call 07879445201. – heading

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 2/08/2023.