Contents 1. Forum 2. Open House 3. Thought for the Day 4. LCVYS AGM 5. Disability Discrimination Act 6. Meeting Room Available 7. LSC Consultation Paper on Reforming the Funding and Planning Arrangements for Learning for Adults 8. National Minimum Wage 9. HARV Outreach 10. Russell Commission 11. 575 Brownies and their Leaders from Girlguiding Lancashire West Celebrated 90 Years of Brownies with a Huge Birthday Party 12. Resources 13. Close to EU: Europe in the North West 14. Publication 15. Compact 16. Quad Bikes Stolen 17. Brunshaw Action Group – Events Coming Up 18. Inkinddirect 19. Positive Activities for Young People – Supporting Lancashire Communities Connexions Lancashire Ltd is Recruiting 32 Key Workers across Lancashire 20. Lolly Submissions 21. Mini Buses 22. Towards more Open and Accountable Workplaces 23. Consultation Fund Open to Applications 24. Harvest Trust Holidays for Young People 25. Funderfinder 26. Children’s Fund Local Network 27. The Electronic Lolly 28. B&Q Better Neighbourhood Grant Scheme 29. Database of Funding Opportunities 30. PROHELP 31. BBC Children in Need 32. Cash Help for Learners 33. The High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award 2004 34. Tender Specification: for the Provision of a Positive Activities for Youtn People (PAYP) Key Worker Training Event LANCASHIRE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY YOUTH SERVICES FORUM Presentation on the Strategy to Enhance the Voluntary and Community Sector in Connexions Lancashire Venue - County Hall, Preston on Wednesday 24th November 2004, 7 pm for 7.30 pm start You may reserve your free place by contacting the office on 01772 250001 Tea and coffee will be available. OPEN HOUSE LCVYS Open Evenings Tuesday 30th November 2004 5 pm to 7 pm Monday 10th January 2005 6 pm to 8 pm Wednesday 16th February 2005 5 pm to 7 pm If you want to practise using the resources, utilise the funding desk, use the Funderfinder software, look through the InKindDirect catalogue or get general support and advice, contact the LCVYS office and book your place. Tea and coffee will be available. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY The most expensive component is the one that breaks LCVYS AGM The staff at LCVYS would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the recipients of the 2004 Certificates of Achievement. Mr Christopher Peacock and Ms Heather-Marie Shaw - Cumbria and North Lancashire Wing ATC Ms Elizabeth Russell - Girlguiding UK Mr Mark Worthington - Lancashire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Ms Ashleigh Tomlinson and Ms Emma Wilkinson - Lancashire Youth Association - Huncoat Youth Project Ms Rebecca Robinson and Mr Ben Thornton - Leyland St Mary’s Church Mr Usman Alam and Mr Yasin Patel - Red Rose Sports Club Ms Kim Beswick and Mr Lee Boothroyd - Signposts Congratulations are also extended to the 10 groups who successfully completed the Heritage Lottery Young Roots Project, these are: Streetlife, Ablaze, Preston Muslim Forum, Queens Park and Audley Youth Information Project, Huncoat Youth Project, Fishwick Rangers YDS, Red Rose Sports Club, Imagine! Productions, PPAL Community Circus School and East Lancashire Community Cohesion Project. LCVYS would like to thank Tracy Cowle and Peter Hall for their time and support for the Heritage Lottery Project and all those involved in making it such a success. LCVYS would also like to thank everyone who assisted at the LCVYS AGM Last, but not least, LCVYS is pleased to announce Mr Robert Beardsworth (Catholic Youth Service – Salford Diocese / VYNET) has been appointed as Chairman of LCVYS from September 2004. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT (DDA) New provisions in the Disability Discrimination Act were introduced at the beginning of October 2004 to ensure that disabled people gain better access to small businesses. Under the DDA, Employers have duties not to discriminate against disabled employees and job applicants. Until now these duties only applied to larger employers. But from 1st October 2004 they apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, regardless of the number employed. You can visit the Disability Rights Commission’s website www.drc-gb.org for further information, help and advice. MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE LCVYS has two meeting rooms available for use. Based in the centre of Preston on Guildhall Street, this is an ideal venue for groups of up to 8 (small room) or up to 30 people (large room) wishing to meet in professional surroundings away from their normal venue. Hot and cold drinks facilities are available. LCVYS also has a range of resources and office facilities available at a cost (free to LCVYS member organisations). The rooms are available during office hours of 9.30 am - 4.30 pm Monday to Friday but may also be booked at weekends and evenings by prior appointment. Contact LCVYS for rates and availability. LSC CONSULTATION PAPER ON REFORMING THE FUNDING AND PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEARNING FOR ADULTS The LSC consultation document Reforming the Funding and Planning Arrangements for First Step, Personal and Community Development Learning for Adults was placed on the LSC website on 29 September and is available to download from the website via the following link: www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Documents/SubjectListing/ConsultationsandResponses/Currentconsultations/PA_alr_consultation.htm The consultation outlines how the reform of planning and funding of adult courses with no external accreditation will be taken forward. In particular, the proposed reforms address the skills strategy commitments to ‘safeguard’ learning for personal and community development and to ensure a coherent range of ‘first steps’ opportunities for those wishing to return to learning and progress to further, accredited, provision. The latter includes provision through FE Colleges, LEAs, UfI/learndirect and the Voluntary and Community Sector. KEY PROPOSALS For planning and funding purposes a distinction is made between courses designed by the provider to be ‘first steps’ or those intended for ‘personal and community development learning’. All ‘first steps’ provision would be funded through the further education funding methodology whereas funding for ‘learning for personal and community development’ would be based upon the size of the adult population, weighted for disadvantage and area costs. The funding for the latter would be a cash contribution to invest in learning as a whole but not on an individual learner basis and the approach would carry a minimum of bureaucracy and allow for maximum flexibility and innovation. The reforms would be phased over 3 years, to avoid destabilisation to providers and disruption to teachers and learners, from the 2006/07 academic year. This would allow a reasonable lead in time in 2004/05 and 2005/06 for effective preparation, both by the LSC and by individual providers. NEXT STEPS A number of events are planned during the consultation period with local LSC staff, providers and national representative bodies. The closing date for responses to the consultation is 17 December. Following analysis of the consultation responses, it is intended that a policy statement is drafted setting out the finalised approach for this provision. Contact: Ray Begley. Lancashire LSC Adult Strategy Manager. Tel: 01772 443027 E-mail: ray.begley@lsc.gov.uk NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE 16-17 year olds are for the first time entitled to a minimum wage of £3 an hour – whatever job they do – as long as they have completed year 11. The new rate introduced on 1st October will only apply to under 18s that are no longer of compulsory school age. Thousands of 16-17 year olds will see an increase in their pay packet. The priority remains for 16-17 year olds to participate in education, and the Government has introduced a range of policies to encourage them to do just that. The recently introduced Education Maintenance Allowance offers up to £30 a week to young people who remain in full-time education or training. Now they can be sure that their part-time job will pay them a reasonable wage too. So if they aren’t getting the new minimum wage, get them to phone the helpline on 0845 6000 678 to find out what they can do to make sure their employer pays them the proper wage – or check out www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw. The new rate will not apply to apprentices. Apprenticeships provide young people with ‘on the job’ training, which gives them the skills and qualifications needed in the workforce. However, whilst apprentices are exempt from the new minimum wage, the Government expects they should be paid a minimum weekly income of £70-£80 a week whilst in training. If your students are interested in an apprenticeship they can find out more on http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/. HARV OUTREACH Is this you? Domestic Violence doesn’t happen in my community. Want to know more about Domestic Violence? Concerned about a family using your service? If someone asked you for help, would you know what to do? Then HARV Outreach can help. We can help you to understand the issues surrounding domestic violence, who to turn to for help and the best ways to deal with it. We are a registered charity (number 1069367) providing support and advice to women experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Our services include a telephone helpline, counselling, mobile phone loan, one-to-one support, a legal surgery, help with housing applications and practical support. We also offer training to other groups, including voluntary, community and statutory organisations. This aims to raise awareness of domestic violence so that more women can reach us and you know how to contact us and spread the word. For more information on our services or to enquire about training, please contact Debbie on 01254 879855. Look out for our Conference in January 2005 at the Hope Centre in Oswaldtwistle. RUSSELL COMMISSION The Russell Commission has asked Volunteering England to organise a series of regional events to enable voluntary and community groups working with young volunteers to feed into the consultation process. Join the Russell Commission and Volunteering England from 10am until 3pm at: 03 November - Bolton The Commission’s final proposals for a youth volunteering strategy will be sent to Government in March 2005. Visit www.volunteering.org.uk/russell for more dates and a booking form or call 020 7520 8901 575 BROWNIES AND THEIR LEADERS FROM GIRLGUIDING LANCASHIRE WEST CELEBRATED 90 YEARS OF BROWNIES WITH A HUGE BIRTHDAY PARTY. Brownies and friends came together from Lytham St. Anne's, Kirkham and Blackpool for an activity afternoon of non-stop fun to celebrate 90 years of Brownie Guiding. The afternoon included circus skills, disco, maypole dancing, and parachute games. There was a huge birthday cake with a piece for everyone to take home. A town crier announced the proceedings which were attended by the Fylde Deputy Mayoress and Consort and The Wyre Mayor and Mayoress. The Police, Fire Brigade and Coastguards were also in attendance to answer the Brownies’ questions. If that was not enough to keep them going there were also aerobics sessions and a non-stop disco, an owl display, tuck shop and ice-creams. After 90 years, Brownies is still as amazing as when it began back in 1914. The girls were originally called Rosebuds but they didn't like it, so Baden-Powell changed their name to Brownies. Gone are the days where girls sat around a toadstool working on their knitting skills. Today's 300,000 Brownies are more likely to be trying out lots of new and exciting challenges, activities and badges such as Circus Performer, Stargazer, Science Investigator and Wildlife Explorer. One in three girls are in Brownies and Britain's largest organisation for girls and young women, Girlguiding UK has recently launched a new uniform and programme called The Brownie Adventure, which is full of new challenges, activities and badges for the girl of today. If you would like to help today's girl reach her full potential ring us on our County Hotline 07947 368843. RESOURCES LCVYS is able to support its members by loaning out certain resources that many organisations cannot afford to buy themselves. Through the Transforming Youth Work Development Fund in association with Lancashire County Council Youth & Community Service and Connexions Lancashire, we have been able to purchase additional equipment. Available to our member organisations, are: Combined TV and Video player, 6 in 1 industrial sack truck, Microsoft Office 97 Professional Training Videos and CD ROMs, Portable Over-head Projector with slides, Portable Copier, Laptop and Digital Camera, Thermal Binder, Tractor Action (A Safety Training Guide, a Step by Step Safety Guide, A Video), A Wall Chart, Flip Chart Board, Laminator, and within the office a scanner and CD Writer, DVD writer, a colour laser printer. A 3M MP8775i Multimedia (XGA) Powerful (3500 ANSI Lumens) Projector, suitable for using for large audiences and on large screens, fastfold 6’ x 8’ screen with front and rear projection cloths. A VCR, a laptop, a Sony Digital Camcorder DCR-TRV16, a Sony Cybershot Digital Camera DSC-P7, access to an interactive whiteboard and a smaller Sony CX5 XGA projector, and a small portable PA. Visit our website www.lcvys.org and click on resources. Choose the items you require then contact LCVYS on 01772 250001 for more information. CLOSE TO EU: EUROPE IN THE NORTH WEST Thursday 13th January 2005 9.45 am to 2 pm County Hall, Chester, Cheshire Part of a series of Local Government International Bureau regional road shows, it aims to explain how the European Union works and what it means for the north west region and its local authorities. The event is being held by the LGIB in association with Cheshire County Council. Key figures from the region will discuss issues of relevance to the area, with case studies of schemes that have introduced a European dimension. To request a booking form for this free event contact Pat Speller at the LGIB Email: pat.speller@lgib.gov.uk Tel: 020 7664 3120 Fax: 020 7664 3128 PUBLICATION NEW EDITION OF DSC'S LOCAL AND SCOTTISH TRUST GUIDES DSC has just brought this popular series of guides to local trusts right up-to-date for 2004/2005. An essential research tool for anyone looking to raise money from trusts in their area, the guides include clear descriptions of trusts' policies and practices, as well as contact details and practical expert advice on how to approach them. With the total amount of grants for each area ranging from £43 million to £91 million a year - a sizeable percentage increase since the last edition - the Guides hold the key to information which is increasingly valuable to voluntary organisations and individuals. The five newly-published editions in this series are: A Guide to Local Trusts in the North of England, A Guide to Local Trusts in the Midlands, A Guide to Local Trust in the South of England, A Guide to Local Trusts in Greater London, A Guide to Scottish Trusts The Guides are published by the Directory of Social Change and cost £18.95 plus P&P. The Guide to Scottish Trusts costs £17.95 plus P&P. Tel: 08450 77 77 07 or visit the website: www.dsc.org.uk/charitybooks COMPACT Compact week takes place on 1st - 7th November. The Local Compact is an agreement between Lancashire County Council and the voluntary, community and faith sectors (VCFS) which aims to improve the relationship between them for mutual advantage. If you are celebrating this in anyway please let us know and we will cover it in the November issue. QUAD BIKES STOLEN Chorley Adventure Youth Club have had 4 quad bikes, the trailer and all the helmets, boots, body armour, goggles, elbow and knee pads etc stolen sometime after 30th September. The total value is approximately £13,000. The local papers, Radio Lancashire, Granada local news and BBC North West Tonight have been informed and the hope is that with all the publicity someone might remember seeing it being driven round Chorley, The trailer had 2 wheel clamps attached and a hitch lock when it was stolen. If you have any information contact the LCVYS office on 01772 250001 or email val@lcvys.org.uk BRUNSHAW ACTION GROUP - EVENTS COMING UP Volunteers needed! All volunteers are CRB checked. Interested call now! Dance Group meets every Saturday 1.30pm - 3.pm or Fun Night every Saturday 7.pm - 9.pm both events are for 8+ years and take place at Brunshaw Youth Centre, Morse Street, Burnley 2 November - Starlight Express Trip - Opera House Manchester. 10 young people will have the chance to go to see Starlight Express 6 November - Blackpool Lights Trip Bridging the Gap Project. Community Groups involved - Centre Stage, Daneshouse & Community Centre, Burnley Lane Action Group, Top of the Town & Lower Bank Hall 12 November - The Centre Spot Experience & Buffet Evening. This Charity Event will be raising money for Burnley General Hospital. Adults £3 Conc £2 Family Tickets £8 (2A/2C). Let the young people entertain you and dance the night away at The Centre Spot, Burnley Football Club. This event is for all the Family (250 tickets available) 18 November - Christmas Tree Switch On in Burnley. Young people from Brunshaw Action Group will be taking part in the Switch on from singing to dancing 26 November - The Barnes Court Experience. Young people entertaining the elderly at Barnes Court Burnley 3 - 5 December - The Playaway Residential. 35 young people will be away on a residential working the performance project 11 December - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Performance at Brunshaw Youth Centre at 7.30pm Ticket £3.50 / £2.50 27 - 29 December - The King & I performance at Brunshaw Youth Centre, Morse Street Burnley Tickets £3.50/Conc £2.50 for tickets call 07984145141 Brunshaw Action Group, 93 Brunshaw Ave, Burnley, BB10 4NP Tel: 01282 715400 or 07984 145141 Email brunshawag@aol.com INKINDDIRECT Below is a list of some of the things that have been available in recent catalogues. 1000 white C6 gummed envelopes @ £10.00, 100 suspension files A4 size @ £5.00, 17 inch (refurbished) monitor @ £50.00, or 15 inch refurbished) monitor @ £30.00, 3 Berghaus rucksacks @ £20.00, 4 completely foldable aluminium skate scooters @ £15.00 (or 6 for £20.00), 2 Braun steam irons @ £15.00, 36 Disney movie character cuddly toys @ £15.00, 3 Women’s Berghouse fleece jackets size 8, 10 and 12 @ £15.00, 2000 food bags @ £15.00, 22 mixed CD albums and singles @ £15.00, 5 Battery operated pock shaver pack @ £12.00, 5 Kids musical electric toothbrushes @ £15.00. Also available - Microsoft software, pens and pencils, sportswear/footwear, Laser labels, rolls of material, laptop cases, batteries, power tools, duvet sets, cutlery, plastic plates and much more. The catalogue is available to browse by prior arrangement at the LCVYS office in Preston on Guildhall Street, Preston between 10 am and 4 pm every weekday or we can arrange a time suitable to you. Call LCVYS on 01772 250001. POSITIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (PAYP) – SUPPORTING LANCASHIRE COMMUNITIES CONNEXIONS LANCASHIRE LTD ARE RECRUITING 32 KEY WORKERS ACROSS LANCASHIRE Have you got what it takes to steer young people towards a positive direction in life? PAYP is a national initiative which aims to reduce juvenile crime and anti-social behaviour and to encourage young people to return to education or training. By taking part in a range of sports, arts, creative and social activities, young people can develop new skills, build their self-respect and improve their chances of success in education or employment. The programme will also bring together young people from different neighbourhoods across Lancashire, breaking down prejudices and improving community cohesion. Through effective partnership working with other youth support agencies Key Workers will play an instrumental part in finding young people who could benefit from the activities. They will work closely with each individual to motivate and support them towards fulfilling their potential. Although the activities will take place during school holidays the Key Workers’ role in recruiting and supporting the young people will continue throughout the year. Mary Livesey, Connexions Team Leader (13 – 19 projects), is excited about the PAYP programme in Lancashire – “It has begun to make a real impact on the lives of marginalised young people within our communities. We are keen to recruit Key Workers who are committed to working in innovative partnership with other agencies, parents and carers to improve the future prospects of these young people”. If you like a new challenge every day and believe you can help young people to fulfil their potential, then we would like to hear from you! Ideally you will have experience of working with 13-19 year olds, and hold a relevant qualification – we are recruiting both trainees (£14,614 - £20,804) and qualified workers (£18,870 - £23,627; Level 4 in Advice and Guidance, Youth & Community, Teaching or Social Work). The posts are temporary until March 2006; secondments are welcome from partner organisations and the voluntary and community sector. Applications closing date Monday 15 November, 12 noon. Come along to one of our open events for an informal discussion, to find out more information and to pick up an application pack. NELSON Saturday 30th October 10.00 am to 12.30pm Info Centre, 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson SKELMERSDALE Saturday 30th October 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm The Info Centre, Unit 73, The Concourse Shopping Centre, Southway, Skelmersdale Visit www.cx-lancs.co.uk or phone Dawn or Eileen on 01772 642407 LOLLY SUBMISSIONS If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in the next edition of the LCVYS Lolly Newsletter, the deadline is Monday 15th November 2004. The newsletter is circulated to over twelve hundred readers in either hard copy or by email. It is also available on the LCVYS website: www.lcvys.org.uk. Details of how to receive a copy of the electronic newsletter free of charge are on page 13 of this newsletter. Alternatively to receive a hard copy at a cost of £15.00 per annum contact the LCVYS office on 01772 250001. MINI BUSES LACYP has raised the following issue concerning recent changes by the DVLA regarding the driving of mini buses. The changes have resulted in a number of their members of staff not being able to drive their Association mini buses in connection with their work throughout Lancashire. Drivers passing their test after 1997 now have to have a category D1 entitlement on their licence, which in essence means they have to apply for the category and then pass an additional test estimated to cost in the region of £600 - £1000, assuming they pass first time. However, there are certain circumstances which enables voluntary organisations to continue using mini buses, without the D1 category, which is most helpful except for the penultimate clause which states that drivers ‘may not receive any payment of consideration for doing so…..’ After seeking clarification from the DVLA they were clear that this clause would exclude our paid workers even though they are not employed as drivers. While we understand the need for safe drivers and also compliance with EC regulations, we do not understand the rationale that a volunteer who has perhaps completed a hard working day can drive a mini bus but a paid voluntary sector worker cannot. If anyone would like to comment on this, please contact the LCVYS office. TOWARDS MORE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE WORKPLACES 10 am – 4 pm, 3rd November 2004, Thackray Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN or 10 am – 4 pm, 7th February 2004, London, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), 94 White Lion Street, London N1 PPF The Green Paper Every Child Matters highlights 5 key outcomes for children and young people which services should work towards. These include staying safe, enjoying and achieving, and making a positive contribution. These outcomes now form an integral part of both the Children Bill and the integrated inspection framework. As all those responsible for safeguarding the interests of children agree, it is crucial to create and maintain an open and accountable organisational culture in order that children are put first and better able to achieve these outcomes. NCVCCO is providing a one-day workshop to help you identify where you are now and to start planning for the future. It is also designed to help you encourage your staff and volunteers to be part of the process of putting children first. If you work for a voluntary child care or family support organisation and you have responsibility for any of the following, you should consider attending this workshop: Governance, Management, Supervision, Human Resources/Personnel Issues, Training/Promotion Safeguarding children and safeguarding services provided depends on having an open and accountable workplace culture. This workshop will give you the opportunity to: reflect on the extent to which your organisation is currently open and accountable; be it to service users, staff, volunteers, members or funders. Explore whether your organisational values, people management systems and management behaviour send the right messages to staff and the children and families they support; examine how whistle blowing policies, training and promotion – properly understood - can help staff raise concerns responsibly and encourage high standards of care. Contact Rebecca Edwards, Safeguarding Children Project, NCVCCO, Unit 4 Pride Court, 80 – 82 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF Tel: 020 7 833 3319 Fax: 020 7833 8637 Any queries contact rebecca@ncvcco.org CONSULTATION FUND OPEN TO APPLICATIONS The Consultation Fund is a central Government Fund which has been established to give children and young people a voice in the issues that are important to them, whilst at the same time raising the profile of participation and promoting an awareness of its importance among decision-makers. Grants are available to voluntary and community sector organisations to run consultation activities for children and young people. The Fund has a particular emphasis on reaching children and young people who are excluded or hard to help. The current round of funding is available for activities taking place before 31st March 2005. Further information, including the application and guidance is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/listeningtolearn, Website: www.dfes/gov.uk HARVEST TRUST HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN Do you know 12 children in real need of a break? Harvest Trust is a charity which provides free seaside holidays for groups of disadvantaged children. The holidays are for groups of 12 children between the ages of 8 and 12, and are based at the Trust’s own holiday centre in west Wales. All of the week long holidays take place between April and September, and are organised in partnership with schools, community groups and child care organisations. The Trust provides all accommodation, transport and admissions free of charge. Your organisation need only buy food and provide three adult workers to accompany the children. Application forms are available now for the 2005 holiday season. For more information and a brochure and application form telephone 01559 371190 or visit the website www.harvesttrust.com Closing date for applications is 31st January 2005 Harvest Trust, Penboyr, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, SA44 5JE Email: office@harvesttrust.com FUNDERFINDER Funderfinder is a software programme that assists organisations to source trusts and grant giving organisations that may be able to support them. It is available at the LCVYS office to all member organisations during office hours. To arrange a convenient time contact the office on 01772 250001 or email enquiries@lcvys.org.uk Also available - free access to the internet, colour laser printer, mono duplex printer, photocopier and fundraising resources including software, manuals, cd roms etc. CHILDREN’S FUND LOCAL NETWORK Do you need between £250 and £7,000? Are you a small community group in the Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen or Blackpool areas? Can you organise projects or activities that directly benefit disadvantaged children or young people? If the answer to these questions is yes, then the Children’s Fund Local Network may be able to help. For an application pack telephone 0845 113 0161. The Local Network Fund covers the Lancashire area including Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen and targets children and young people aged 0 – 19 years who are recognised as facing disadvantage. The next deadline for applications is: Friday 10th December 2004 Closing date after that is: Friday 11th February 2005 This fund is currently being directly administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, with outreach and support provided by LCVYS. Funding is available to help improve children’s lives in Lancashire, through the Children’s Fund Local Network. The Children’s Fund Local Network has been set up by the Department of Education to help tackle child poverty. The four main themes are: Aspirations and experiences Economic disadvantage Isolation and access Children’s voices The priorities of the Fund are: First time applications Disadvantaged wards Minority ethnic groups For help with any aspect of the application procedure please contact the LCVYS office on 01772 250001. THE ELECTRONIC LOLLY Free subscription is available to all for the electronic version of this newsletter which is published monthly. Send an email with the words “subscribe lolly” in the main body of the email to: majordomo@lcvys.org.uk and you will be added to our list and receive confirmation by return email. To receive the latest copy of the Lolly by email at any time, send a blank email to: latestlolly@lcvys.org.uk within a few seconds the latest edition will be emailed back to you. B&Q BETTER NEIGHBOUR GRANT SCHEME Every B&Q store is striving to be a 'better neighbour' by forming partnerships within its local community. Through the Better Neighbour Grant Scheme, schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project. The B&Q Better Neighbour Grant scheme provides £50 to £500 of funding in the way of materials, except electrical, petrol and gas items. (Stores have limited annual funding and all applications must meet the criteria of the Better Neighbour Grant). Better Neighbour grants do not cover maintenance, so the project should be designed for easy care, and provision of access for disabled people must be considered. Sustainable materials must be used where possible, such as B&Q Organic Peat-Free Multi Purpose Compost, timber which carries the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) logo, and paints labelled low or minimal VOC for redecoration projects. The materials and methods used should not cause environmental damage in the short or long term. The final result should have long lasting benefit to the community. www.diy.com/diy/jsp/aboutbandq/socialresponsibility/BETTERNE.PDF B&Q stores may also be able to support projects by donating waste and unsaleable goods, excluding electrical items. This could include off-cuts of timber, damaged tins of paint and odd rolls of wallpaper. To apply for a Better Neighbour Grant or donations of waste and unsaleable goods please contact the Environmental Champion or Duty Manager at your local store. All enquiries will be dealt with by the local store and not by the Social Responsibility Department at B&Q Head Office. B&Q is working in partnership with: Groundwork ( www.groundwork.org.uk ) Environment Agency ( www.environment-agency.gov.uk ) Leonard Cheshire Foundation (www.lcf.org.uk); Scope ( www.scope.org.uk ). Stores can also use the Better Neighbour Grant Scheme as part of their relationship with their recognised local community partners. Please refer to B&Q's Website: www.diy.com/socialresponsibility for further information. If you would like to request B&Q literature in Braille, large print or audio cassette please email: socialresponsibility@b-and-q.co.uk DATABASE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES British Arts have compiled a very useful database of funders for arts projects, as well as a guidance page on how to apply for funding. www.britisharts.co.uk PROHELP ProHelp, the national network of professional firms which offer help and advice to charities and community groups free of charge, celebrates it 15th anniversary this week. To celebrate, ProHelp has increased the help they offer, and businesses involved in the network now include solicitors, accountants, surveyors, PR and marketing agencies, and consultants in management and IT. To find out more about how ProHelp can help you, contact Nicki Della Porta at Business in the Community, 0870 600 2482 or email nicki.della-porta@bitc.org.uk BBC CHILDREN IN NEED BBC Children in Need welcomes applications for good quality, carefully planned, projects which show a clear focus on children in order to change their lives for the better. These applications can be from: Self-help groups; Voluntary organisations; or registered charities. Applicants should be properly constituted, non-profit organisations. The children they help are aged 18 years and under, and live in the United Kingdom. You should only apply for a grant if it will benefit children who are disadvantaged by: any kind of disability; behavioural or psychological problems; living in poverty or situations of deprivation; illness, distress, abuse or neglect Next Closing Dates are 30th November 2004 and 30th March 2005. The Grant Guidelines and Application Forms for the BBC Children in Need Appeal are available for download from September from the BBC web-site at: www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/apply If you require an Application Form & Guidelines, or you require advice on completing the application form please contact your local BBC Children in Need Office for your area: North West Tel: 0161 2443439 Central Office Tel: 020 8576 7788 BBC Children in Need Appeal, PO Box 76, London W3 6FS Email: pudsey@bbc.co.uk CASH HELP FOR LEARNERS Whether you are working with young people thinking about starting college, or you’re considering further study yourself, remember: Many colleges in Lancashire offer a range of full and part time courses starting in January 2005 Those who left school after GCSEs in 2004 can get up to £30 per week Education Maintenance Allowance if their family income is below £30,000 per year and they attend a full time college course. Those living in east Lancashire (Pendle, Rossendale, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn) can also apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance if they left school in 2003 or 2002. Call 0808 101 6219 or contact your local college for more information. For those 19 and over, if you want to study full time towards your first level 2 qualification (GCSEs, NVQ L2, BTEC Foundation etc) you can get up to £30 per week Adult Learning Grant if your income is below £19,000, or household income is below £30,000 if you have a partner. If you are under 30, you can also get the Adult Learning Grant to work towards your first level 3 qualification (A Levels, NVQ L3, BTEC Certificate etc). Call 0800 100 900 and ask for an application pack, or contact your local college. All colleges can advise those on a low income about help available with travel, childcare costs, books and other course costs. Don’t let financial concerns be a barrier for those wanting to learn, find out what cash help is available first! THE HIGH SHERIFF OF LANCASHIRE’S YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD 2004 If you know someone between 12 and 19 years old who has helped either their local neighbourhood, family member or school I would like to hear from you. And if you nominate the winner – we’ll give you £50 too. I want to hear about all kinds of projects. I am especially keen to hear about projects that help make local communities safer and better places to live, those which help to regenerate deprived areas or those which help people to build confidence and unlock their true potential. Approval of a parent or guardian is needed for the nomination, subsequent publicity and any future events involving the finalist. Closing date for nominations is 31st December 2004. For further information or guidance, please call Awards Coordinators, Ian Groundwater on 01772 618733 or Al Yusuf on 01772 618796 TENDER SPECIFICATION: FOR THE PROVISION OF A POSITIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (PAYP) KEY WORKER TRAINING EVENT Objective : To develop and deliver a training event aimed at PAYP Key Workers which raises awareness of Voluntary and Community groups and their role as: (i) activity providers on the PAYP programme (ii) providers of support and advocacy for at risk young people within the Connexions Lancashire partnership area Outcomes: • 2 x one day training events for a maximum of 20 people per event • Events to take place February 2005 (avoiding half term week) • Production of a resource for PAYP Key Workers which will enable referral to and use of appropriate VCS provision within the Connexions Lancashire area Scope: • Design and delivery of a training event appropriate for an audience of PAYP Key Workers. • Defining Voluntary and Community Organisations for the PAYP Key Worker audience • Highlighting current good practice of VCS organisations involved in PAYP delivery both regionally and nationally. • Showcasing good practice locally • Sourcing and cost of an appropriate delivery venue • Design of a resource for PAYP Key Workers which will enable referral to and use of appropriate VCS provision within the Connexions Lancashire partnership area. • Production and production costs of the above resource following the Connexions Lancashire “Style Guide” and incorporation all appropriate logos. Contract Value: in the region of 25k, Closing Date: Monday 22nd November We particularly welcome joint applications from Voluntary and Community sector groups working in partnership. For an application form please contact Mary Livesey at: Connexions Lancashire Head Office, Guide Business Centre, School Lane, Guide, Blackburn BB1 2QH. Tel: 01254 685120 INVOLVING THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR IN CONNEXIONS In spring of this year a DfES paper a 2004/5 strategy and guidance report titled “Involving the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Connexions (CXVCSSAG) was published. This report recognises the valuable part the VCS play in delivering shared goals and is aimed at ensuring the VCS involvement in the Connexions Service along with the Connexions Service understanding the needs of the VCS. Since this report was published Connexions Lancashire Ltd and Lancashire Council for Voluntary Youth Services (LCVYS) have worked together to produce a draft strategy for Lancashire. The five key themes to the strategy as required by the paper are: Representation, Infrastructure and Capacity Building, Communication, Quality & Success and Volunteering and Personal Development. Within each theme the Lancashire Objectives, Partnership Action, Target Dates and the Lead are detailed to ensure there is a wider understanding within the VCS as to what the strategy is targeting. The Linx Worker, funded by Connexions Lancashire, is about to embark on a tour of Lancashire County, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool area to present the strategy to the Voluntary and Community Sector. The Linx Worker’s responsibility is to develop and implement strategies in support of the involvement of Voluntary and Community groups in the Connexions Lancashire Partnership. To support the capacity of the sector to engage with the Connexions Partnership. Connexions Lancashire will now work in partnership with Lancashire Council for Voluntary Youth Services to consult with the wider VCS from the period of October 04 – January 05 on this document. During November to January the Linx Worker will deliver 13-19 strategy presentations throughout Connexions Lancashire Partnership area to target the Voluntary and Community Sector as well as targeting Connexions Local Management Committees, Connexions Area Managers and the Connexions Board of Directors. Presentations for the VCS will be held starting at 7.30 p.m. as follows:- Preston 24th November at County Hall, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley & Rossendale 29th November Venue TBC, Burnley & Pendle 2nd December Venue TBC, West Lancashire 6th December Venue TBC, Blackburn with Darwen 8th December Venue TBC, Chorley & South Ribble 9th December Venue TBC, Lancaster & Morecambe 13th December Venue TBC, Fylde & Wyre 16th December Venue TBC, Blackpool has still to be confirmed. These sessions are open to all that have an interest in the Connexions Lancashire Service. Please advise Peter (see contact details below) to confirm your attendance or request any further details. A feedback document has been produced to allow all comments to be collated and fed into the strategy. By telling us what you think of the strategy for involving the voluntary and community sector you can help us refine the final document and meet the needs of the Voluntary and Community sector. Copies of the strategy and details of the presentations can be obtained from Pete Beesley at Lancashire Council for Voluntary Youth Services on 01772 250001, or alternatively by e-mail: pete@lcvys.org.uk. DISCLAIMER While LCVYS and its Members use their best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein, LCVYS hereby disclaims any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence or other causes. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, LCVYS does not in any way vouch for the information supplied by Members about their organisations, or for the quality of their youth work. LCVYS reserves the right to edit. Please notify us about any perceived errors or omissions.