NVSC - Newham Voluntary Sector Consortium
July 09, 2004
Entering Our 3rd Year with Anticipation
Entering into our third year, we celebrated our 2nd Birthday on June 23rd. Like most organisations there seems to be very little time to think about achievements and even less to think about failures.
We are already having to look at where our funding will come from if we are to maintain our current work - and like so many of you we recognise that although there appears to be a wealth of funding around it all seems so short term. So this really begs the question of sustainability.
I have always supported the idea that if you truly believe in the services you provide and still deliver with the same enthusiasm then you will be alright. So many of our community groups have survived purely on the commitment they give to making a difference on the estate or street where they live.
Two years on and we are still if not more enthusiastic about our work, because every day brings a new challenge. And now we have more staff to deliver the ever changing, ever increasing demands on our time. We started with just 3 members of staff and we now have 7. This will eventually become 12.
We donít have failures at NVSC! We just have learning experiences. And there have been a few of those. But we never give up looking for new ways to inspire you to take part in the community renewal agenda.
We recognise that it isnít easy to continually be asked to participate, to give your time, to attend endless consultation events. Especially when itís difficult to see where you have really made a difference - when you feel that people may have listened but have they actually heard.
Well, we think that you are starting to make a difference - and together we can bring about enormous change. We are working with you to create confident communities - to give you the skills to make a difference.
We are here to help you make that difference - lets hope for more achievements and less learning experiences in our third year.
Sarah Ruiz
Director
The Disability Discrimination Act
Government figures estimate there are 8.6 million disabled people living in the UK and changes to existing disability discrimination legislation will mean many of them will soon no longer have to choose where they eat, shop or what services to access because of their disability.
The new legislation which comes into effect on October 1st will have an impact on everyone providing a service, business and the public sector with the possibility of fines if the legislation is not adhered to. The new law will make it unlawful for service providers to discriminate against a disabled person on the basis of their disability and for any employer to discriminate against a disabled person when choosing someone for a job or considering people for promotion, dismissal or redundancy. Your organisation will have to consider making changes to physical features to make it easier for disabled people to use your services and being in the voluntary, faith or community sector is no exemption.
All reasonable steps to open your services to disabled people ñ including where appropriate, changing premises will need to be taken unless alternative means of providing that service can be found.
Some straightforward changes could be made such as lowering the height of the reception counter, replacing the entrance step with a ramp or ensuring good signage and lighting for people with a visual impairment. But the most important on question is ëwhere is the money going to come from?
Well, before we answer that question most guidance firstly suggests the best way to determine what alterations need to be made is to carry out an access audit. This is a detailed survey of the building and the preparation of a report that will identify access problems and can advise on solutions and improvements. This is not a legal requirement, but they are identified in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Code of Practice as performing a good practice role for service providers seeking to fulfil their duties to make services accessible to disabled people under the DDA.
The first port of call for most of us will be the local authority. Newham has put aside £2m from its budget to make the necessary alterations to its own buildings but what about the rest of us?
NVSC in conjunction with Action & Rights have collated the responses to our recent questionnaire asking voluntary organisations what physical changes needed to be made to their premises in order to comply with the new legislation.
These responses were collated and presented to the local authority at a meeting held on July 2nd.
This lack of statutory funding means the majority of us will have to pursue funding from the private grant-making trusts. The Directory of Social Change produces a range of publications which give comprehensive and accurate details on the donations policies of major and minor trusts and companies. They include: The Guide to Major Trusts volume 1-2, £19.95 each and volume 3, £17.95; a guide to Local Trusts (four titles), £17.95 each; and A Guide to UK Company Giving, £25. The Community Involvement Project, Forest Gate, have a comprehensive library where these books are available for reference only. There details can be found below along with some other useful contact details.
Depending on what type of service you offer some organisations maybe able to obtain funding from The National Lottery Charities Board, the Arts Council for England or The Heritage Lottery Fund for those in building of historical interest or the English Sports Council to assist with the cost changes to physical to premises.
Employment
For all not for profit organisations and including businessí the Access to Work scheme and the Job Introduction Scheme can make grants towards making premises accessible and meeting the additional needs of a disabled employee. First port of call should be the Disability Employment Advisor at your local job centre or Access to Work.
Every service provider needs to be seen to be taking positive steps towards making changes to comply with the legislation or face financial penalties. Below are a list of useful telephone numbers and addresses where further information on funding and the Disability Discrimination Act can be found.
Community Involvement Unit
During Hall
Earlham Grove
Forest Gate
London E7
Tel: 0208 519 2244
Directory of Social Change
The reference library is open 9.00-17.00 Monday to Friday, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP
Tel 020 7209 5151, fax 020 7209 5049,
www.dsc.org.uk
Email: books@dsc.org.uk
Access to Work
020 8218 2810
The National Lottery Charities Board
St Vincent House, 16 Suffolk Street, London SW1 4NL
Tel 020 7747 5299
Textphone: 020 7747 5347
www.nlcb.org.uk
Email: enquiries@nlcb.org.uk
The Heritage Lottery Fund
Communications Team
7 Holbein Place
London SW1W 8NR
Tel: 020 7591 6041/2/3
The Arts Council of England
14 Great Peter Street
London SW1P 3NQ
Tel: 020 7312 0123
Email: lottery.com@artscouncils.org.uk
English Sports Council
P.O. Box 649
London WC1H 0QP
Tel: 0345 649649
The Millennium Commission
Portland House
Stag Place
London SW1E 5EZ
Tel: 020 7880 2030
www.millennium.gov.uk
The Centre for Accessible Environments
Nutmeg House
60 Gainsford Street
London SE1 2NY
Tel/textphone: 020 7357 8182
www.cae.org.uk
Email: info@cae.org.uk
Community Learning Chest
Community Chest and the Community Learning Chest have now come over to NVSC and while presently the team consists of Ali Ahmed NRF Grants Manger and Deb Cozier ñ NRF Grants Officer this team will become 4 with the appointment of 1 full time and 1 part time outreach workers.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest (NRCC) and Community Learning Chest (CLC) are two of three "Community Participation Programmes" designed to help voluntary, faith and community groups play a more active and influential role in delivering the objectives of Neighbourhood Renewal agenda in Newham.
The NRCC offers grants of between £50 and £5,000 to groups for projects that will improve local quality of life and encourage involvement in community activity. Whilst the lesser known but of equal importance CLC grant is ring fenced for learning and training purposes only and is part of the Skills and Knowledge programme in the Government's National Strategy for Neighborhood Renewal. The National Strategy identifies the importance of developing the skills and knowledge of local people involved in delivering neighborhood renewal and also recognises the need to look at 'how learning and development can be funded for those with limited financial resources'.
However, the decision on who to issue with grant rests with the organisation delivering the programme, not with central government.
What will the Community Learning Chest fund?
CLC will fund activities to develop the skills and knowledge of communities participating in Neighborhood Renewal at a local level and improve the management of local community activities and organisations. It should be particularly targeted at groups who have traditionally not taken up learning activities. A few examples of what activities the grant could fund are:
A training programme or leaning opportunity for a group's committee or members
Paying for participation in activities which aim to develop community leadership
Paying for an exchange visit to or from a similar group in another town to share good practice
The grant is very flexible and can be used to pay for almost anything which contributes to the objectives shown. However, all training should have Identifiable learning outcomes that seek to up skill your workforce and ensure enhanced service delivery.
Who can apply?
If you are a ëNot for Profití voluntary, faith or community group you can apply.
How much funding is available?
Groups and organisations can apply for a maximum of £5,000.00, per application round. However, a maximum of £500.00 only may be spent on any trainees. In addition your organisation or group may apply more than once in any given financial year provided that the training required has not already been undertaken.
Application Assessment
Assessed on a rolling programme applications for over £1,000 are assessed bi-monthly with the panel meets during the first 2 weeks of February April, June, August, October, and December, so applications are welcome anytime.
However, we strongly recommend that applications are submitted at least 10 days in advance of panel dates.
Applications for £1,000.00 or less are assessed on the last Friday of each calendar month, except in December. This too is a rolling programme so there are no deadlines and applications can be submitted at any time.
How can organisation apply?
Applications can be downloaded from our website at: www.nvsc.org.uk or alternatively you can contact Ali Ahmed on 020 8522 53454 or Deb Cozier on 020 8522 5353. Full details of the criteria and guidance notes for both grants can also be found on the website.
Success Stories
So far this financial year, 51% of Community Chest and 51% of Community Learning Chest application have been successful.
Community Involvement Unit - Tel: 0208 519 2244 Contact Kevin Blowe
Directory of Social Change - Tel: 020 7209 5151 Email
Access to Work - Tel: 020 8218 2710
The National Lottery Charities Board - Tel: 020 7747 5299 Textphone: 020 7747 5347 Email
The Heritage Lottery Fund - Tel: 020 7591 6041/2/3
The Arts Council of England - Tel: 020 7312 0123 Email
English Sports Council - Tel: 0345 649649
The Millennium Commission - Tel: 020 7880 2030
The Centre for Accessible Environments - Tel/textphone: 020 7357 8182 Email
Sector Updates
VOLUNTARY
In recent months the voluntary sector has faced innumerable difficulties. Cut backs are having to be made and some long established groups having to make cuts in provision and even staffing.
The last voluntary sector meeting saw a number of voluntary sector workers voice concerns regarding what appears a closed process for the second round of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and concerns regarding the Compact and we can assure you that all issues are currently being raised with relevant parties. The meeting saw about 25 people in attendance and saw presentations from Shanks - East London, Involving Communities in Health and Ali Ahmed of NVSC on the Community Chest and the Community Learning Chest.
FAITH
Since last April the Faith Sector meetings have steadily grown in size with a current membership of about 30 groups. User led, the main emphasis to date has been on education as this seemed to be a common concern to all participants. A number of guest speakers have attained the Faith Sector meeting which include Newhamís Director of Education Pauline Maddison, Principal Community Education Officer, Barbara Holden, LBN Local Strategic Partnership Co-ordinator Phil Mayer and Mayoral Advisor on Community Forums, Councillor Clive Furness.
One issue that keeps coming back is the concern have expressed by many at the meetings regarding the increasing number of negative influences their youth are being exposed to, how to counteract these influences, and what we as individuals and corporately can do to ensure the next generation do not loose their religious identity.
As a result, NSVC are arranging a major faith conference to take place later this year, at the Stratford Town Hall, with guest speakers, presentations and workshops looking at how to move forward on this issue.
The day will begin with registration and lunch from 1pm with speeches commencing at 2pm, followed by workshops and performing arts. With a tea break at 4.30pm we reconvene with another keynote speech at 5.45pm delivered by Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham. Concluding at 7.45pm the day will end with dinner.
The event has been arranged in this way to give those unable to attend during the day the opportunity of participating in the evening workshops.
It is also hoped that each of the faith groups will exhibit display boards, with resources available to cover any costs that may be incurred. A steering group has also been formed with members representing various faith groups in the borough. Anyone wishing to join the steering group, or contribute ideas should contact Faith Development Officer Jacqui Connor on 020 8522 5356.
COMMUNITY
Our most recent Community Sector meeting was a real pleasure to be at. It was good to begin to see some familiar faces from the sector make these sessions a priority in their diaries and come back meeting after meeting.
The turn-out was staggering with over 60 people in attendance (promise to cater for larger numbers next time !!).We all enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere that was convivial whist also being serious in itís endeavour to seek out more efficient and more positive ways to get the voice of our sector better heard and better served.
I was able to outline the current activities around Neighbourhood Renewal but sadly had to report that with the way in which the current structure operates, with little or no decision making opportunities for the Voluntary organisation representatives, life for me is extremely frustrating.
Hopefully the current review into the workings of the component parts of the LSP, which is now underway, will correct what I firmly believe to be the current in - balance of representation especially on the Executive where we (Voluntary, Faith or Community) are not represented at all. There is hope that this review , which I for one have been pushing for, will result in a more open decision making process in which we will have the opportunity to make our contributions known at an early enough stage in the process to make a real difference.
My commitment to the Community Sector remains as strong as ever and this commitment is always buoyed up when the attendance at the meetings is so good. I did ask everybody present what was the reason for the sudden increase. I was told that it was simply a case of lighter nights on which people are more willing to come out from their homes because they feel safer in broad daylight.
One of the priorities for the Local Strategic Partnership is ëSafer Streetsí so lets hope we will see this a resounding success and we can then enjoy well attended meetings even on dark Winter nights!!
I look forward to meeting with YOU at our next meeting.
Colin Watts
Representative for Community Organisations within the Voluntary Sector.
Celebrating Success
Parkside Gardening employs 12 people with mental health support needs and or/ learning disabilities and on the 11th June celebrated the achievements of 10 of its employees with a special awards ceremony.
Certificates were presented to each employee for having successfully completed elements in the horticultural National Proficiency Tests, which were performed in by an external assessor in a public park.
Most of the employees now hope to return or start fully integrated employment having now gained more confidence, skills and qualifications.
The photograph shows from left to right Mr V Howell, Mr R Webb, Mr VJ Soni, Mr J Bailey, Mr M Watts, Mr C Luxton, Mr M Copus, Mr N Shah, Mr M Burrows and Ms P Holland.
Funding
The following organisations are awarding grants in the near future.
Young Roots, Heritage Lottery. Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to promote the involvement of young people aged 13-20 years old, in their heritage. They are keen to support applications from the BME community. Applications assessed on a rolling programme. Contact 020 7591 6000 or visit their site.
Innovations Fund - Thames Gateway Creative Skills Partnership. Up to £1,800 to creative enterprises (including micro business and the self employed) for business support and training. Applications assessed on a rolling programme and received by received July/31st and October 2004. Applications downloadable from www.tgcsp.org.uk
Bridge House Estates. Up to £5,000. Five priority areas - older children, young and disabled people, the environment and community activity. Applications assessed on a rolling programme every 4 months. Contact Valerie Stapley on 020 7332 3705.
Grants for the Arts. From £200 up to £30,000. Grants for the Arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts as part of their work. Activities might include projects and events/commissions and productions/research and development/capital items/professional development and training/fellowships/residencies. Applications assessed on a rolling programme. Visit the Arts Council website or phone 0845 300 6100.
CAF Grant making programme - Minority Ethnic Fund. Up to £4,000 to support the capacity building of small minority or ethnic-led charitable organisations working with groups in the UK. Grants are processed on a rolling basis. Contact the grants Officer on 020 7400 2334 for further information.
You and Your Community. Average cash award is £1,600 (up to £7,500 for groups). Offers grants to enable people to put their bright ideas into action to benefit others. Scheme is targeted at individuals and will not fund established voluntary organisations. Grants assesses on a rolling programme.
UnLtd's Millennium Awards. Level 1 - Up to £5,000 - Level 2 - £5,000 to £15,000 for individuals and informal groups to provide practical and financial support to people who have both the ideas and commitment to develop projects which will benefit the community. Projects must: Benefit the public or a community in the UK, offer a learning opportunity for the applicant, be either a new initiative or clear expansion of an existing idea. Grants are processed on a rolling basis. See www.unltd.org.uk for further details.
People's Places. Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000. Applications are welcome from projects actively involving people from the local community, especially in disadvantaged areas with little or no access to green spaces. Applications assessed monthly. For an application pack ring 01491 821 600 or email.
NewCeys Open Day Invitation
To celebrate their first year as an extended, refurbished local facility delivering youth and adult education provision NewCeys would like to invite you to attend their OPEN DAY on Saturday July 24th between 12.00 and 4.00 p.m.
This building and its provision represents a unique partnership between the London Borough of Newham, Newham College of Further Education and the Forest Gate and Plaistow SRB.
During the day there will be opportunity to tour the building; view displays; attend workshops and meet students, tutors, young people and youth workers.
At 2.15 p.m. there will be a Youth Performance Showcase followed at 3.30 p.m. by some short formalities to recognise this special partnership and provision. Everyone is welcome and you donít need to book in advance. For further information please call 020 8221 3750.
Stepping Up to Excellence
Mind invite you to participate at their 2005 annual conference and exhibition, 'Stepping up to Excellence'.
Mind is asking for proposals from individuals and groups who would be interested in running a lecture or workshop at its 2005 annual conference. March 15-17 2005. For further details contact the Conference Unit by telephone: 0844 448 4450 (local rate), email or visit the Mind website.
Resource Centre Opening
From July 27th the Resource Centre at NVSC will be open for business. Equiped with, 3 computers, a laminator, binder, book stapler, large hole punch, HP Colour Printer (for proofing), a shredder, guillotine and colour copier, the Centre is open to all registered members free of charge. You only pay for the cost of your colour copies which are greatly reduced from high street prices.
Capacity - The Centre can accommodate a maximum of 3 people at any one time and sessions must be booked a minimum of 3 working days in advance. Booking can only be taken over the phone by contacting Andrea Chott or Saifur Valli on 020 8519 9500. A full session must be booked to use any piece of equipment in the Centre even if you think you may only need part of the session. Full procedural details and pricing information can be obtained from our website at: www.nvsc.org.uk or by calling the office.
Induction - During your first session you must leave 20 - 30 minutes for an induction on all equipment.
Opening Times - The Centre will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays with 3, three hour sessions per day. 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm and 5pm - 8pm.