News & Developments

It might be you would like to set up a good neighbour initiative, kick-start a community tea party or maybe get a self-help group off the ground. The aim of the Friends and Good Neighbours Grant is to help people who would benefit from some friendly contact and conversation.

These one-off grants of up to £3000 are from Derbyshire County Council, for voluntary and community groups in Derbyshire with an income of less than £20k per year.

Full details and an application form can be downloaded here or email befriending@sdcvs.org.uk or telephone Kerrie Fletcher on 01283 219761.

The deadline for completed applications is: Friday 6 Nov 2013

It will fund groups or individuals and supports:

• the creation and performance of outstanding new music in any genre 
• developing artists to their full potential 
• inspiring audiences 

The application is a two stage process, with the next deadline for the first stage being 23 September for activities taking place from late December or January 2014 onwards. Grants are generally £3,000 - £4,000.

Registered nonprofit organisations will be able to make use of the software without any charge, regardless of the size of their organisation or the number of staff they employ. It is available in the UK and 40 other countries from today, with a further 50 countries added by July 2014.

Microsoft's Office 365 Enterprise E1 package, which normally costs £5.20 per user per month, includes the entire suite of web-based Office products as well as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Lync video conferencing. In addition, companies can upgrade to the Enterprise E3 package, which includes Office desktop software licences for £3.50 per user per month, normally priced at £15.

Nonprofit organisations that are eligible for Microsoft's programme can visit the Office for 365 nonprofits hub for more informatio

All too often, people who have needed support from benefits get ignored, misrepresented or blamed for their situation. This broad coalition of charity, community and faith organisations want to change that and reach out to the huge range of people who have ever needed help from working age benefits.

They believe politicians should do more to listen to, understand and act on the realities of people’s lives, and should do more to focus on the real reasons that people are struggling, like low wages, the high cost of living and the housing crisis.

‘Who Benefits?’ is a growing campaign, keen for more organisations to join and more people to share their stories. They say that all benefit when support is there for those who need it - Who Benefits? We all do.

www.whobenefits.org.uk

The training will enable you to gain a greater understanding of eating disorders and recovery and an insight into the therapeutic relationship and a variety of approaches used with Eating Disorder Clients.

The training is available on Saturdays: 26 October 2013 and 30 November 2013; 9.30am - 4.00pm; Ingham House, Agard Street, Derby DBY DE1; Cost: £99; BACP endorsed.

Parking is Pay & Display at the junction of Agard Street and Ford Street (£2.70 a day). Refreshments are provided. There are shops nearby to buy lunch and people can stay and eat in the building.

Further information can be found at: www.firststepsderby.co.uk/eating-disorders/training/bacp-cpd-endorsed-unique-eating-disorders-specialist-training-health

If you would like to book a place please contact megan@firstststepsderby.co.uk or phone the office on 01332 367571.

First Steps Derbyshire exists to raise awareness of eating disorders and to support anyone whose life is affected by any eating difficulty or disorder 

In 2009, High Peak CVS introduced a new annual award in honour of its second Chairperson, Chris Woodcock, the Celebrating People Award.

Chris made a significant contribution to local groups within the High Peak including High Peak CVS. Chris had the unique ability to get to the nub of an issue, cut through to what is important and succinctly lay out the way forward. He was always dedicated, responsive, supportive and jovial. When he passed away, the High Peak voluntary sector lost one of its strongest advocates and supporters.

Through this award, High Peak CVS wants to celebrate and commemorate not only Chris’s contribution, but also his insight into the potential of voluntary activity for personal and community growth.

The award will offer local groups the opportunity to raise their profile and gain recognition for the work they do. Our key assessment criteria will be around acknowledging your achievements and progress. Examples of the types of changes we are looking for maybe around revitalising your group, attracting new members, attracting new funding, developing a new project and or making a significant impact in your local community.

You can apply on behalf of your group, you can be nominated by or nominate another group. A small panel will make the decision.

High Peak CVS will present the Award, a commemorative plaque, framed certificate and cheque for £100 for the group, at its Annual General Meeting in October. The Award is open to all groups, however small or large, newly formed or long established and we encourage everyone to apply. 

There is a simple application form which groups are asked to complete and return to: Jackie Donnelly, High Peak CVS, Dunbar House, 105 Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge, High Peak SK23 7HX. or Email: jackie@highpeakcvs.org.uk or Tel: 01663 736436 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th October 2013.

They are looking for Trustees to join their board, with experience in:

• Understanding of Mental Health
• Sales
• Marketing
• Raising awareness in the local community
• Mentor

Trustees are responsible for governance of the charity. The role includes attending Board meetings and interfacing with service users.

These are voluntary roles although certain expenses can be paid.

If you are interested please contact Ellis Hayward on 07845 945474 / 01298 72965, or send a letter or email office@grapevinebuxton.org.uk

If you work with any inspirational student volunteers and would like to nominate them you can do so on the following link: www.studentvolunteeringweek.org.uk/activities/student-volunteering-awards 

Here is what the NUS said: ‘This year we want to shine a spotlight on five inspirational students, who go above and beyond in their volunteering activity. This could be student leaders, campaigners, fundraisers, advocates or team players – anyone who you feel is deserving of being nationally recognised and commended for the time, energy and dedication they show to improving the society in which they live and leading their peers to create real, long-lasting change’.

Up to 20 awards are available ranging from £3,000 to £40,000 plus access to free training valued at £4,000. The awards are open to registered charities that are at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with a total annual income between £25,000 and £2 million.

The closing date for applications is Friday 20 September 2013.

The guidelines and online application form are available at www.kingsfund.org.uk/gskimpactawards  where you can also download information on the 2013 award winners and view their films. 

Kaye, who became familiar with the work at HPWA through her job at Barnardos, has set herself a target of raising £2,000 by October. 

If you would like to help Kaye reach her target please visit her sponsorship web page at: www.justgiving.com/KayePhillips or donate by TEXT KPWA68 £2 (or KPWA68 £5 or KPWA68 £10) to 70070.