New VA-L Facilitation Service
Kathy Faulks, VA-L’s Small Groups Development Worker, is offering groups the opportunity to use her skills and experience in the sector to facilitate away days and workshops.
Contact Kathy on 0113 297 7943 or email her on kathy.faulks@val.org.uk
Coalition sets out “Big Society” plan
The Prime Minister has launched a cross-Government policy programme aimed at creating a climate that empowers local people and communities. To view the three page summary document that sets out the “Big Society” policies visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
Office for Civil Society to replace Office of the Third Sector
The Office of the Third Sector is to be replaced by the Office for Civil Society, taking responsibility for charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations in the Cabinet Office. Nick Hurd, the new minister responsible for the sector, will take the title of Minister for Civil Society. Visit www.civilsociety.co.uk and for commentary www.dsc.org.uk
Commission warns of bogus telephone calls
The Charity Commission has been made aware of a scam involving people being telephoned by individuals claiming to represent the Charity Commission. More information at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
Equality Act 2010
For a summary of the main points of the Equality Act 2010 that voluntary organisations need to know about visit www.sandy-a.co.uk
Green Streets
Green Streets, a student led volunteering project, is back with lots of free shops throughout June for you to come along and pick up things you need from clothes to books and crockery to television sets. Come along to any of the free shops and pick up some items! For more information contact 0113 380 1329 or leaveleedstidy@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
Partnership working at the Volunteer Centre
Learning Partnerships is working with VA-L to run the vInvolvedLeeds project fortnightly for one day a week at the Volunteer Centre Leeds. For more information, contact Natasha Mort, 0113 395 0451, natasha.mort@val.org.uk
Support for women and girls experiencing violence during the World Cup
Domestic violence escalates during major sporting tournaments, therefore with the World Cup pending agencies are being encouraged to raise awareness of domestic violence support agencies and also encouraging men to take a stand and challenge violent behaviour. Visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
The Biz Centre
From this week The Biz Centre on Chapeltown Road will stay open late on a Thursday evening until 7pm. Contact gemma@urbanbiz.org.uk
Trustee Recruitment Toolkit
NCVO has produced a new trustee recruitment toolkit. Visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
For more news, see the new Summer edition of our printed newsletter at www.val.org.uk
VA-L is excited to announce the launch of its new website. The site, whilst still containing the useful information of its predecessor, now contains new additional features:
• Sector Jobs – VA-L members can advertise for FREE
• Our new ‘Ask Kathy’ feature
• Online registration for groups who need volunteers
• Searchable training directory
Visit www.val.org.uk now!
Training
VA-L Training
For details of all training currently available, use our new searchable training directory on the VA-L website www.val.org.uk
Other training of relevance to local voluntary organisations includes:
New Employer – the first 6 months
Date: 16 June
Venue: CNET, Bradford
Cost: Free to West Yorkshire VCS
Contact: admin@pers.org.uk
Advice Leeds courses
23 June: Maximising income for clients
14 July: Supporting clients to claim DLA
Contact: 0113 202 1830, adviceleeds@leedscab.org.uk
Social Return on Investment Introductory and Practitioner Training
Date: 10-11 August
Venue: Hillside, Beeston Rd, LS11
Cost: Day 1 £295 +VAT, both days £565 +VAT
Contact: www.thesroinetwork.org
Young People, the Arts and Social Inclusion
Dates: 16/17 September, 14/15 October, 11/12 November
Venue: Kala Sangam, Bradford.
Cost: £320-£420 (20% discount to VA-L members)
Contact: www.artswork.org.uk
Leeds Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)
LSCB has a number of places still available on upcoming courses. Contact Karen Shinn, LSCB Training & Development Officer, 0113 395 2121, karen.shinn@leeds.gov.uk
Funding
Caird Bardon Community Programme
The Caird Bardon Community Programme provides grants of between £5,000 and £60,000 to fund community and environmental projects located in Leeds Metropolitan District wards. The current round opened on 24 May with closing date 22 November. Contact www.grantscape.org.uk
Community Wildlife
The Big Lottery Fund’s £2m Community Wildlife funding programme will offer grants of between £300 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to improve or protect the natural environment by raising awareness of threatened wildlife or places. Visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Leeds City Council Black History Month Small Grants Scheme
Grants up to £300 available for voluntary organisations in Leeds implementing projects or events for Black History Month. Deadline 16 July. Contact: Tajinder Virdee, 0113 247 4728, Tajinder.virdee@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Community Foundation grants
Forthcoming deadlines for the following grant schemes:
– Grassroots Grants standard grant: 16 June
– Third Sector ERDF Access Fund: 31 July
– International Personal Finance Fund: 11 August
More details at www.leedscommunityfoundation.org.uk
Visit the Sector Support pages on the VA-L website for more information on how we can help your group develop.
