NVSC - Newham Voluntary Sector Consortium
November 30, 2006
"At its best, the not for profit sector is far better than anything the Council can provide" - Sir Robin Wales.
Some 200 people attended the launch of the Newham Compact and the Go for It Grants Programme.
The Newham Compact is a document that will guide how the VCF sectors work with the Council, the Police and the Health Authorities. The Compact has been developed and widely consulted on for the past 12 months. There are still 2 codes to further develop but I would urge you to start using the document. The full document is available on either www.newham.gov.uk or on www.newhamcompact.org.uk.
The launch of the Compact heralded the formation of the Implementation Group, this group is made up of representatives from across the partnership and will work to ensure that the Compact is embraced in all our work. The Implementation Group has a challenging work programme and our number one task is to ensure that best practice is developed throughout the sectors and across our statutory partners. Cllr Neil Wilson spoke of the real challenges that the Compact would bring and the change in culture that would be required. Chief Superintendent Phil Morgan welcomed an opportunity to work in partnership with the sectors and hoped that we would keep them to task.
Each of the Statutory partners will be appointing Compact Champions, they will be selected, from each council department that has contact with the VCF sectors. This in itself will be a challenge, and we all recognise that it won't be perfect from the start, but you can be assured that your 5 representatives will be working hard to promote the Compact.
The VCF sectors have 5 places on the Implementation Group, all of whom were elected by their constituent groups. They are:
• Local Infrastructure Organisations - Kevin
Blowe and Sarah Ruiz
• Voluntary sector - Paul Leslie
• Faith Sector - Ann Easter
• Community Sector - Mulki Cumar
The lead contact for the VCF sector is Sarah Ruiz. We also hope to develop a training programme to encourage groups to actually use the Compact. In the meantime should you have any questions please contact Sarah on 020 8519 9500 or email sarah@nvsc.org.uk.
The launch was addressed by Sir Robin Wales, who spoke about the importance of the VCF sectors contribution in Newham and his support of the Compact is welcomed. He also, I think, laid down a real challenge for the sectors. He said that "At its best the not for profit sectors is far better at providing services than anything the Council can provide" We all know that we provide excellent services, reaching many communities, with more resources we could do more. Many of the services provided give real value for money and we should not underestimate the additional resources that the VCF sectors bring to this Borough. But we need to ensure that we can be held up to scrutiny, that our governance is robust and that we continue to be innovative. As the borough changes then so must the way in which we work.
The Go for It Grants provide a starting point for many, whilst at the same time giving an opportunity to try something new, to encourage community activities and enable communities to take a pride in where they live. We heard of some excellent examples at the launch, from International Dance events to the production of a book on the memories of our older people during the time when the Docks were in their prime. Whatever you want to do in your community, why not Go For It - the application form is fairly simple and you can get help filling it in.
Further information is available on www.newham.gov.uk/goforit or call 020 8430 2486/2433.
Sarah Ruiz - Director
LAUNCH OF LEADERSHIP & RECONCILIATION INITIATIVE
The Bridge House Trust has announced the launch of a new £1 million initiative entitled 'Leadership and Reconciliation' to fund existing projects working with young people. The aim of the fund is to reduce conflict and increase understanding amongst London's communities. This is a one off funding initiative that will support projects under three priorities. These are identifying and developing young community leaders; conflict transformation; and building bridges across communities. Interested organisations should in the first instance discuss their proposal with a member of the Trust's grants team and then submit a pre-proposal. Organisations may then be invited to submit a proposal. The deadline for applications is the 5th January 2007.
www.bridgehousegrants.org.uk/BridgeHouseTrust/News/
NewsArchive/
Launch+of+Leadership+and+Reconciliation+Initiative.htm
ITS YOUR COMMUNITY
A New Award Scheme to enable people to make a difference in their local environments
‘Think Global, Act Local’ – that’s the call that is frequently made to people all over the world. The Conservation Foundation and O2 have launched a new award scheme: “It’s Your Community” – to help provide funding for projects designed to improve local environments throughout the UK.
Awards of up to £1000 are available to local groups and individuals for the hire of tools or equipment, and to purchase plants, paint, signs, materials etc. All types of environmental projects such as: turning derelict land into an amenity park or wildlife area, tree planting, creating a wildlife pond, renovating neglected river and canal footpaths, providing water butts and recycling facilities in village halls - are welcome to apply, from anywhere in the country.
Everyone receiving an “It’s Your Community” award will be invited to send ‘before and after’ pictures to The Conservation Foundation to show how their award has made a difference and qualify for a further “Well Done Award” to ensure the project’s sustainability.
Who can apply:
• Local amenity groups
• Parish and village councils
• Schools
• Youth clubs
• Heritage groups
• Environmental and conservation groups
• Individuals - who can show that their project will benefit the local environment.
Application forms are available in all O2’s 350 shops or by emailing The Conservation Foundation to request an application form. Or visit www.conservationfoundation.co.uk/ActLocalAwards.php
Sector news
Voluntary
'A representative from The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be in attendance at the Voluntary Sector Meeting on the Wednesday 13th December. They will be in attendance to discuss the Olympics and to determine where the Committee are with regards to the process, they will follow the presentation with a question and answer session.
Representatives from all organisations are welcome to attend this meeting, however booking is essential. Please call Corrine on 020 8522 5360 if you are interested in attending.
Please also note that at the next voluntary and community sector meetings, there will be a demonstration of the new GrantFinder programme (see page 6 for more info.)
Faith
The topic of the next Faith Forum on the 28th November will be 'Health' and will introduce our proposed 'Health Project' for the faith communities of Newham. The Forum will be held at St. John's Church in Stratford from 6 pm until 8.30 pm, all interested are welcome.
Currently underway is the 'Women's Project' which invites women from each faith community in Newham to join small informal multi-faith groups across the borough. The discussion groups will provide an opportunity for women from different faith communities to meet with each other and discuss common issues.
The groups will be asked to provide a few common issues that will be explored in workshops led by trained facilitators early next year.
If you would like to host or participate in a group please get in touch with Becci on 020 8522 5356 or email: becci@nvsc.org.uk.
Upcoming Faith Events
“Thursday's Child
A celebration of Faith" Reception at St. Ethelberga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, 7th December 2006, 6-8pm. To book a place or for more information, please contact: Vivienne@thursdays-child.co.uk
TELCO
(The East London Communities Organisation) is a diverse alliance of active citizens and community leaders organising for change.
6th December London Citizen's AGM, 2nd and 3rd February 2007 London Citizen's 2-day Community Leadership Training, 25th March Rally for abolition of slavery.
Online Diary
The Online Diary will provide a common access point for available learning and other events for and by Voluntary, Community and Faith groups in Newham. It can currently be accessed through NVSC website www.nvsc.org.uk or via Newham ChangeUp website www.newhamchangeup.info
ChangeUp
designed to improve voluntary, community and faith sector infrastructure.
The London Regional ChangeUp Consortium has secured £2m for London's 39 Consortia. London Consortia took the decision not to compete for funding in order to maximize the opportunity to develop the work already begun on the ChangeUp Plans. Delivery of projects will begin in November ‘06 - March ‘08.
NVSC as the Fund Manager for Newham submitted the bid on behalf of the Newham ChangeUp Partnership and secured its equal share of £45,416, along with the 31 other London Boroughs.
Julia Kaufmann, Capacity builders' Board Member and Chair of the Grants Committee commented on the London bid:
"This is an excellent example of what can be achieved with collaborative working across the sector. London consortia have worked together extremely well, within a very tight timeframe, to create a strong London bid which addresses needs in local areas and hits regional priorities … which meet the needs of frontline groups and will deliver in every London borough."
(from LVSC Press Release 6.10.06)
In Newham, the ChangeUp partnership will be working together in developing and delivering programmes of support to the Voluntary, Community and Faith (VCF) sector in 'Moving from grants to commissioning and procurement'. The project will focus on:
Full Cost Recovery (FCR) and Tendering: Co-ordinated learning events in FCR for VCF organisations, identifying gaps, preventing organisations from tendering, support for organisations in tendering for work for themselves and in partnership with others and ensuring VCFs involvement in procurement policy.
Quality marks: Information and advice on quality marks and support to organisations in obtaining suitable quality marks for their organisations as one of the prerequisites for successful tendering for work. This process will also help identify any other needs and will inform future VCF capacity building.
VCF capacity building: Linking in with East London Network's workforce development project, we will use the Workforce Analysis System to help identify Newham VCF orgs'. learning needs.
Dedicated Website: Information and supporting documentation for the above areas of work will be accessible through Newham ChangeUp's dedicated website: www.newhamchangeup.info, as well as information about the ChangeUp Partnership.
The following resources have been produced by ChangeUp partner organisations and are now available online:
Directory of Local Infrastructure Organisations: Services provided, contact and referral details.
Office space: Listing available office space in the Voluntary, Statutory and Private Sector ranging from hot desking and rent a desk schemes to shared office space and on to licensing or leasing.
For further information, contact Renate Ruether-Greaves, ChangeUp
Co-ordinator on 020 8522 5359 or email renate@nvsc.org.uk
NEWHAM’S VOLUNTEERS
ABOUT NEWHAM’S VOLUNTEERS
Newham Council and other key partners developed the
Newham’s Volunteers Programme to ensure all sections of the community have an opportunity to be part of the lasting legacy of the 2012 London Games. Since then, the volunteers have been instrumental in not only winning the Games, but also ensuring the success of many events throughout Newham. Sign up now to be a volunteer and make your own lasting memories.
BE INVOLVED
Volunteering is your opportunity to be part of the lasting legacy of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Since 2004, over 300 volunteers have participated in more
than 60 events in Newham and around London. But there’s
room for many more. The Newham’s Volunteers Programme is recruiting now.
DID YOU KNOW?
• There are opportunities for everyone – regardless of your
ability or age.
• You can volunteer to gain relevant skills and work
experience.
• You will be reimbursed for your expenses.
• Anyone aged 16 or older can volunteer.
• Newham’s volunteers played a major role in securing the
2012 Games for London by promoting the Bid.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NEWHAM’S VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME
By becoming a Newham volunteer you have the opportunity
to follow a continuous development path into accredited
training and improve your prospects for further education or employment. You can expect many opportunities from the
Volunteer’s Programme including:
• Advice and guidance from the volunteer co-ordinator on how to make the most of volunteering.
• Ongoing support to help you look for openings to use your voluntary work as a way of gaining relevant skills and
work experience.
• The chance to be involved in exciting and prestigious events.
• Learning leadership skills and gaining experience working in a team.
• A range of outings and activities held for volunteers to get together and socialise.
THREE EASY STEPS TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
1. Complete the form, then detach and return to the
freepost address.
2. An application pack will be sent to you in the post, where
you will be invited to a volunteer induction session. It is compulsory to attend a session before you can start volunteering, but you can choose the date of the session that suits you best.
3. You’re ready to go! Review the volunteer calendar of exciting upcoming events, choose the ones you want to be involved in and then have fun.
For any further questions please phone 020 8430 3598 or email volunteers@newham.gov.uk
Health and Wellbeing LAPB
The Health and Wellbeing Local Area Partnership Board is looking to fill 3 vacant seats on its Board.
These vacancies are open to any Voluntary, Community or Faith organisations working in Newham.
The Board meets every 2 months in the daytime. There may be occasions when you have to attend evening or weekend meetings.
The vacancies are to be filled from groups working in the following areas:
• Choosing Health - helping people make healthier choices.
• Older People
• Mental Health
Support to enable you to fully participate at the meetings will be provided by the Black and Ethnic Minority Community Care Forum based in Beckon.
To be considered for one of these seats please send your full details, including a short statement of why you wish to stand and what you have to offer to:
Sarah Ruiz, NVSC, Burford Business Centre, 11 Burford road, Stratford E15 2ST
email sarah@nvsc.org.uk
fax 020 8221 2779
Closing Date for nominations is Friday 8th December. In the event that we receive more than one nomination per seat, there will be an election.
St. Mark’s Community Centre
St. Mark's Centre is a large community centre in Beckton close to the Beckon Alps. St. Mark's was built by the London Dockland Development Agency along with the rest of Beckon in the late eighties and has experienced similar highs and lows to the community it serves. It is an interesting building of wood and glass, designed by the same architect as the Froud Centre in Manor Park to be the 'gateway to Beckon' hence the 'outdoor street' look to the main reception area and coffee bar area. While the idea of people walking through St. Mark's to access Beckon centre never materialised there remains a sense that St. Mark's is very much at it's heart. Many local people use the facilities regularly through the week, whether to have a quick coffee in the morning, to ward off a few pounds at the keep fit class or to attend a training session.
The centre has been underused in recent years and the staff team are working hard to build up use. St. Mark's is now being managed locally by the Church of England and Roman Catholic churches both of which have congregations that worship in the centre - as well as eight other worship groups of various Christian tradition.
There are 13 offices in the centre, leased by various voluntary organisations including Newham Action Against Domestic Violence, Beckton Community Forum and Black & Ethnic Minority Community Forum. A rich mix of tenants provides excellent opportunity for partnership working and skills sharing. A regular users forum provides a good opportunity for networking along with the less structured opportunity of hanging out in the coffee bar for a chat!
It is apparent that office space in the borough, particularly for small groups and organisations, is at such a premium that we are keen to develop a service to respond to that need. From December we will have desk space in a shared office available for short term rent - we already have a waiting list! Various flexible options will be available to serve differing need - whether a client needs a four hour session or a six month licence we hope to be able to accommodate them.
St. Mark's also boasts space for larger functions, meetings and celebrations. The usual community centre mix of dance classes, tai kwondo and table tennis form our regular users diary as well as increasingly being used by the statutory sector for meetings and training sessions.
A large kitchen is well equipped to provide food for large groups. Although we do not currently have café provision in the centre, we are running a volunteer coffee bar. Long term there is vision that the café area may be rented by an organisation experienced in running community cafes. The centre is also home to a day centre for services users with learning difficulties, we would very much like to build on this client base by renting kitchen space to an organisation providing catering training to people with learning difficulties.
St. Mark's is very close to Beckon Alps which is to be home to one of Channel 4's Big Art Project installations. We are very excited to be involved in this project and are currently working with an artist and some local people to develop our own community art project here at St. Mark's.
St. Mark's has been through some difficult times in recent years and still has some way to go to prove that it may viably serve the community into the future. However there is such a local love for the place, such commitment from the staff and volunteers and good will from the churches that there is a confidence that St. Mark's will go from strength to strength and be hosting all sorts of community events linked to the Olympics in 2012!!
Art and Craft Fair
Art and Craft Fair
Royal Victoria Gardens
2nd December, 12-4pm
Newham Council Park's Service would like to invite interested stall holders to express interest in having a stall at Royal Victoria Gardens Art and Craft Fair.
In particular we are looking for local community groups and non-profit organisations. Great opportunity to promote your group and raise some funding.
For more info. or to book a stall contact Fiona on 020 8430 2000 Ext 21314 or email fiona.hasselman@newham.gov.uk
Race Equality in Newham
Race Equality in Newham
Race Hate Conference
Thurs. 30th Nov. 2006
9.30am - 4.00pm
A stroll in any high street, in the London Borough of Newham, would leave visitors with the impression that ethnic minorities are not merely visible but a celebrated asset. More than 30 different communities co-exist in the borough. At 60.4%, black and ethnic minority residents outnumber white residents - the result of 80 years of movement into the area. Research shows that sheer numbers do not guarantee safety as more members of the black and minority ethnic communities are vulnerable to criminal victimisation, race hate and religiously motivated crime. The conference will investigate strategic responses identify and share best practice and debate initiatives to tackle the issues constructively.
For further details, please contact REIN on 020 7473 5349 or email angela@rein.uk.com
Local Area agreement
The first draft of the Local Area agreement is now complete and is available to download from our website, visit www.nvsc.org.uk/laa
You can also download the first issue of the Local Area Agreement Newsletter
If you have any specific comments\feedback please contact Ali Ahmed on 020 8519 9522 or email ali@nvsc.org.uk.
Office Space
Office Space available to rent at Stratford Advice Arcade on the 1st Floor (fully accessible).
Other rooms are also available to hire for meetings/training/interview etc. all at competitive rate.
For more information, please contact Olivene Howell on 020 8221 1995
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