news

Tag Archives

Brexit Countdown: Preparing for the Unknown

October 15, 2019by Leona in Blog, News and Events tagged

Brexit is scheduled to happen in just a few weeks on 31 October, possibly with or without a withdrawal agreement (or ‘deal’) with the European Union. Even at this late stage, there are things people involved with charities can and should do to get ready. The Directory of Social Change have gathered together some free resources to help.

The Government has given mixed messages about whether it would follow this law or seek to get around it somehow in order to leave by 31 October regardless. Further wrangling with Parliament could result in the Brexit clock running out as the courts rule on the matter, or the government collapses – resulting in a no-deal by default or possibly even uncertainty about what exactly the status of the UK is come November. Much also depends on the EU’s position – not just whether they agree a deal but whether they agree to any extension. This is uncharted territory and it’s hard to predict anything.

To read more, please view – https://www.dsc.org.uk/content/brexit-countdown-preparing-for-the-unknown/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=policy&utm_campaign=141019&dm_i=6S7,6IWV3,1OKOY1,PX78W,1

Source: Directory of Social Change

 

Charity Fraud Awareness Week

October 10, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Did you know...?, News and Events tagged ,

The fourth annual Fraud Awareness Week is fast-approaching, an initiative run by the Charity Commission with the support of the Fraud Advisory Council.

The week will run between 21st and 29th October 2019.

Its aims are to:

  • raise awareness of the key risks affecting the sector
  • promote and share good counter-fraud practices
  • promote honesty and openness about fraud

Visit the GOV.UK site to find out more about the launch event on Monday 21st October 2019 and you can now access training through the brand new Charity Fraud Awareness Hub.

Source: FSI

CAF Charity Resilience Report Released

October 10, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, VCS Feature tagged

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) are currently researching the resilience of charities. The Resilience programme looks at how funders and major donors can help the organisations they support to improve their organisational health and longer-term prospects, to ensure the delivery of vital services can continue.

Through the programme, ten small and medium-sized charitable organisations have received funding alongside bespoke training and advice in aid of improving resilience – ultimately CAF hopes the project will inspire funders and major donors to think more about how they can contribute to the resilience of the organisations they support. Have a look at the recently released report on CAF’s findings so far.

Source: FSI

Wool, Bells and Buttons Needed

September 30, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, Swap-shop tagged , ,

Lee’s Memorial Sons of Rest, Greets Green need your help with materials for their Dementia twiddle muffs. They are asking for donations of wool, bells and buttons for their ladies section to knit the twiddle muffs to give to residents who would benefit from one within Sandwell.

If you are able to donate any of these items you can drop them off at Lee’s Memorial Sons of Rest, Farley Park, Whitehall Road, Greets Green, B70 0HF, to find out when the centre is open please call John Lawley at the club on 0121 7921285.

For more information please call John Lawley at the club 0121 7921285.

Princes Trust Team Programme Smethwick

September 16, 2019by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Children & Young People, Did you know...? tagged , ,

Princes Trust Smethwick are now recruiting for their next 12 week Team Programme for 16 – 25 year olds, starting 7th October 2019. The Programme offers skills such as team building, confidence and leadership. Young people will gain nationally recognised qualifications and certificates in First Aid and Food safety.

Alongside this, young people:
• can build a CV
• will be taught interview skills
• will have two weeks work experience and
• will be introduced to employers and training providers in a field that they wish to progress into.

A bus pass is provided which does not affect benefits.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Jack Dytor, the Prince’s Trust Team Leader, on 07787 245 832 or by email Dytorj@wolvcoll.ac.uk

If a group has an upcoming event which the Princes Trust could attend to aid recruitment, please contact Jack Dytor at Smethwick Police Station on the above number.

Further information

Your opportunity to help inform the National Food Strategy.

August 23, 2019by Stuart Ashmore in Health & Wellbeing tagged ,

On 27 June, Defra’s Secretary of State commissioned Henry Dimbleby to conduct an independent review to help the government create its first National Food Strategy for 75 years.

The purpose of the review is to address the environmental and health problems caused by our food system, to ensure the security of our food supply, and to maximise the benefits of the coming revolution in agricultural technology.

The National Food Strategy will examine activity across several departments of state, building on the flagship Agriculture Bill and Fisheries Bill currently before Parliament, the Industrial Strategy, the Childhood Obesity Plan and the upcoming Environment Bill.

The purpose of this call for evidence is to gather inspiration to help us transform our food system. We want to hear from anyone who has a good idea: producers, processors, retailers, consumers, academics, policy specialists, inventors, farm labourers, factory workers, health care practitioners, charity workers, or simply interested citizens.

We are looking for ideas big and small. From government policies to simple practical things that make a difference in your community or your business. These might be things that are already working well, here or abroad, and that could be scaled up or used differently. Or they might be new ideas: things that haven’t been tried yet at scale, but which you think have the potential to improve the system. We would like to understand the rationale for your proposals and study the accompanying evidence.

The scope of the strategy is within England, but we would also love to hear from people in the devolved administrations or abroad.

We are looking for innovations you have seen work in your home, your neighbourhood, or your business, in this country or beyond: ideas that help citizens make informed decisions about the food they eat, or which increase access to and affordability of high-quality food; ideas that make food production more environmentally sustainable, creating a flourishing countryside rich in wildlife; ideas that help farming, fishing and food businesses and communities thrive, benefitting employees and the wider community; or that promote the highest standards of animal health and welfare; or that could put England at the forefront of innovation and reshape our food system in the coming years.

The easiest way to submit your ideas is via the online survey but you can also send responses to the email or the postal address below:

or

  • National Food Strategy Team,
    Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
    Area SE, 2nd Floor,
    Seacole Building,
    2 Marsham Street,
    London,
    SW1P 4DF

New Shared Lives Scheme thriving

August 19, 2019by Mazeline Hemmings in Blog, Did you know...?, VCS Feature tagged , ,

It is a little over two years since national charity, Camphill Village Trust, decided to add Shared Lives to their already established Stourbridge community in the Black Country. In this time, the new scheme has gone from strength to strength, networking closely with other community-based organisations to gain momentum.

Shared Lives is still a relatively unknown model of care that is similar to foster care, where specially trained Carers open up their home and support people with additional/complex needs to lead as independent life as possible and stay connected with the local community. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 people being supported the UK in this way.

The scheme is nearly a full year into the new contract and has already set up 11 Arrangements, receiving over 60 enquiries with a variety of additional support needs from learning disability, autism, mental ill health, through to older people and hospital discharges.

Shared Lives offers opportunity for those people with the right values and commitment to develop a social care career and earn up to £29K annually as a self-employed Carer. It is a rewarding role which challenges the assumptions of what can be achieved within an ordinary family home.

If people wish to find out more about how the scheme is developing, please contact Kate Morgan on 01384 441505 or kate.morgan@cvt.org.uk

Follow Shared Lives on twitter @CVTSharedLives.

Creative Black Country Expands to Include Dudley

August 14, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, News and Events tagged , ,

Creative Black Country has been awarded £1,403,154 of National Lottery funding through Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme (CPP) to expand its current CPP activity to include Dudley, in partnership with Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Council for Voluntary Service.

Black Country Together has led the Creative Black Country CPP project in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton since 2015, with Arts Council investment of almost £4.5 million to date. Since then it has been producing creative events, performances and activities bringing inspirational cultural experiences to thousands of local people.

This includes the Creative Communities and Open Access programmes that support community groups to experience the arts and produce their own events; Funny Things comedy programme celebrating Black Country humour; and the 100 Masters campaign raising the profile of expertise, innovation and craftsmanship. It also includes the unique Desi Pubs partnership between artists and pub landlords, which helped redefine pub culture in the Black Country, reinventing the traditional handcrafted pub sign using Punjabi text.

Arts and culture have a significant role to play in building thriving villages, towns and cities, bringing people together and making them proud of where they work and live. Creative People and Places allows more people to choose, create and take part in arts and cultural activity – encouraging long-term collaboration between local people, artists and partners, and embedding lasting change in communities.

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “Arts and culture make the places we live vibrant and exciting, entertaining and inspiring, benefiting our wellbeing and helping local economies.

“This National Lottery investment in Creative Black Country will see the team build on their achievements so far, with great work such as the Desi Pubs projects and 100 Masters, ensuring more people across Dudley and the Black Country can take part in and enjoy creativity in their communities.”

Creative Director of CBC, Parminder Dosanjh, said: “We are over the moon. Expanding to Dudley feels like a natural step; the prospect of working as a regional programme in the Black Country is hugely exciting and we look forward to local residents benefitting from the investment.

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, who will play an instrumental role in supporting the expansion programme going forward.”

Creative Black Country is one of 12 successful arts projects to receive a share of almost £17.5 million National Lottery funding to create arts and cultural experiences in areas across England where people tend to engage less with arts and culture. These twelve projects, part of the Creative People and Places programme, will take place between 2019-2023 and will be co-created with their local communities.

Andy Gray, Chief Executive of Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, said: “We’re delighted to work with Creative Black Country to build audiences and bring more opportunities to the people of Dudley. We’re looking forward to supporting communities across the Borough to create and choose the arts activities and experiences that are right for them. We’re confident Dudley will rise to the occasion and really get involved.”

 

Centre secures £78,812 youth funding from Children in Need!

August 13, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, News and Events tagged , ,

The Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick has been allocated a three-year grant of £78,812 to provide a weekly youth club and holiday activities for disadvantaged children and young people facing poverty and deprivation locally. Through the programme of support the project aims to build the young people’s life skills and improve their overall health and wellbeing whilst increasing their confidence and self-esteem for the future.

Robert Bruce, Chief Executive Officer at Dorothy Parkes Centre, commented on the funding award, saying: “This funding really will go on to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people locally.  Through engaging with enjoyable social activities their skills and confidence levels will improve, helping them to feel happier and more empowered for a positive and fulfilled future. Thank you, BBC Children in Need.”

The youth club, for those aged 11 – 18, will be launched in September and will be led by a Senior Youth Worker supported by sessional Youth Workers. Details regarding the day and time of the club will be released soon.

Source: Dorothy Parkes Community

Charity Tax Commission: Tax Reforms Could Boost Charities and Unlock Wave of Giving

August 7, 2019by Libby Mahoney in Blog, VCS Feature tagged

New tax rules and more Gift Aid awareness could bring charities 100s of millions/year

Universal donor database and encouraging Payroll Giving would boost funds further

No review of charity tax reliefs in 20 years despite digital revolution

Tax reliefs offered to UK charities urgently need an overhaul, according to a new report from a group led by the former chairman of the Inland Revenue (later HMRC).

Taken together, its proposals would ensure giving is made easier while charities increase their income by 100s of millions a year and spend less on unnecessary admin.

Sir Nicholas Montagu, chairman of the independent Charity Tax Commission, has said that changes to the rules surrounding Gift Aid – where the taxman adds 25p to every pound given – and other reforms could incentivise giving and offer financial protection to UK charities and those who depend on them.

Speaking ahead of the publication of a new report on charity taxation, Sir Nicholas said:

It’s been 20 years since charity tax reliefs were last reviewed, and many of the rules were written for an analogue era. With people giving by text message and contactless payment, and with many donors themselves increasingly mobile, we need a system fit for the digital age if we are not to see the UK’s natural generosity held back.

The Charity Tax Commission’s recommendations could help bring the tax treatment for charitable giving into the 21st Century and result in a huge increase in the amount of money available for good causes.

Yet none of these proposals should involve significant extra public spending or lost revenue. It’s the right time to get on with this.

The independent commission was convened by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in 2017 and is today, Wednesday 17 July 2019, launching its findings and recommendations.

It says that while top earners can use their self-assessment forms to claim back the additional income tax they have paid on money they give, many choose not to, while others opt not to pass it on to their chosen cause.

To improve this, one of the commission’s most eye-catching proposals is to enable higher rate tax payers to pass their tax relief onto their chosen charities more easily, potentially raising at least £250m more for good causes every year.

To read the full  NCVO article click here.

Source: NCVO

Page 1 of 56123...Last