The contents of the report won’t be surprising – it highlights the sheer scale and number of challenges that small and medium sized charities are facing as well as identifying help that could support them in these tough times. Throughout the report the charities’ own compelling words are used to paint the picture of what they’re going through. They tell of the increases and growing complexity of demand, the difficulty of attracting funds and the disadvantages they face when it comes to commissioning. They also describe how they are rising to these challenges, often with little support and even fewer resources.

Some highlights include:

• 81% of small and medium sized charities (income £25,000 - £1M) are struggling to raise the funds they need to survive and 63% are seriously worried about their ongoing funding over the next two years.
• Many do not have the capacity or capability to be able to add other income streams and some are simply not viable, such as charging vulnerable clients for services, or social investment. 63% of charities therefore predict that their ability to secure funding will get harder over the next two years.
• The funding problem is exacerbated the changing needs of the people charities help. 88% reported a changed in the requirements of those they serve, and 72% of these stated that needs are increasing and becoming more complex, often as a result of other services closing, increased poverty and welfare reform.
• Where money is available for charities, the commissioning processes of central and local government are deepening the challenges faced by small and medium-sized charities because they favour larger and often commercial providers. 61% of those surveyed have bid for contracts yet half (49%) said that they found the process difficult or impossible. Among the obstacles they experienced were: commissioning processes incentivising competition, not collaboration; complex, secretive and burdensome processes; being undercut by larger organisations or used as ‘bid candy’ by them as they plunder the smaller charities’ local knowledge but exclude them when actually rolling out services.

See the report at www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/publications/stakeholder-report

Monday 21 Sept 2-7pm at Blythe House Hospice

www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

The consultation period closes on 30 September 2015.

One East Midlands (formerly Engage East Midlands) has existed since 2001... However, following the 2010 general election and the subsequent loss of many regional structures and policy, the purpose has consistently been questioned. Consultation with members continued to support the need for an ‘impartial intermediary at sub national level’ but the impact of national austerity measures and changing attitudes towards the role of VCS infrastructure has made this very difficult to sustain.

Alcohol Awareness and Brief Interventions

15 September and 13 October

This one day course covers:

• Facts about alcohol, myths, units and safe limits
• The physical effects of alcohol both short term and long term
• Definitions such as binge drinking, high risk and dependency
• Brief Interventions
• Support available and how to refer

Working With Change Resistant Drinker

29 September, 4 November

This one day training looks at how to work with change resistant drinkers with the aims of assessing and managing risk, encouraging change and minimising harm.

Topics covered will include:

• Denial
• Promoting self belief and self efficacy
• Recognising  and responding to health concerns
• Dual diagnosis
• Containment

Working With Families Affected by Alcohol Misuse

8 & 9 September, 6 & 7 October

This two day course is beneficial for professionals wanting to build practical skills for working with complex needs families affected by alcohol.

The aim of DAY ONE is to help build practical skills in order to effectively intervene with the adult members of families where alcohol misuse is problematic. The aim of DAY TWO is to build practical skills to effectively intervene where family issues are complex due to the reluctance of the ‘problem drinker’ to change.

DAAS can also deliver short service talks and brief sessions in Alcohol Awareness. If you would like us to come to your organisation please contact the training team on training@daas.uk.com

The survey link is: www.surveymonkey.com/r/TellEMAS15

No need to book, just come along at 1pm.

• Gain valuable job skills
• Get out and meet people
• Give something back
• Help other people

Further details to follow when confirmed. 

Your group / organisation will need to be a member of High Peak CVS to vote at our AGM Contact Jackie on 01663 736436 or email jackie@highpeakcvs’org.uk to check membership status. 

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 12 October 2015.

The changes will also mean that carers of a child under 18 will no longer be eligible for a carer’s break award.

Information is available at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/carers