Useful Information – April 2022

Events, charity news, surveys, feedback, reports, services and much more – in one handy place!

If you’ve seen something you think we should be sharing, let us know! Email us: info@cumbriacvs.org.uk

 

 


NIHR ARC NENC Inequalities and Marginalised Communities Theme Networking Event

University of Cumbria – 27 April 2022, 12noon – 4.00pm

This is a free, in-person event, with lunch, which will provide the opportunity to explore research undertaken, with presentations introducing the ARC NENC, ARC Inequalities and Marginalised Communities Theme research within North Cumbria and the North East, and discussions on how to take the ARC NENC forward.

See registration page for full agenda and further details.


Carer Champion training sessions – West Cumbria

Open to people in Copeland and Allerdale, the training is for people in front facing services who would ideally signpost people to West Cumbria Carers.

There are two dates to choose from: Tuesday 10 May, 10-11am or Tuesday 7 June at 2-3pm.

The aims are to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a carer, identify the signs of someone who perhaps unknowingly, is an unpaid carer, become more aware of the stresses and strains a carer can face, and learn how to assist carers in taking the first steps to seek help and support.

For further information, contact susanhogg@westcumbriacarers.co.uk.


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Boards and Trustee Responsibilities

On 14 April, Gamiel Yafai, Director of Diversity Marketplace, is hosting a workshop specifically for Board members and Trustees of charities, on the importance of their role in progressing EDI. Trustees have a vital role in shaping their organisation’s direction and strategy, meaning that they are uniquely positioned to advance EDI.

Find out more about the event, and book your free place here


Charity Ball in aid of Eden Valley Hospice

14 May at the Halston, Carlisle.

3 course meal, charity auction and entertainment by Ian Milburn & Zing Choir.

(Click the thumbnail to view details and how to get tickets)


Volunteer Expo Live: 6-7 May

The UK’s national volunteering show is coming to the NEC, Birmingham – the only event of its kind, it brings civil society together to celebrate the impact of volunteering and help people find ways to give back.

The event includes speaker sessions with celebrity campaigners and volunteer heroes, alongside interactive workshops, networking opportunities and more.

Find out more about exhibitor opportunities here, or book free visitor tickets here


Free Ideas Box Workshop: Ways to Wellbeing

28 April – online. This free workshop will be fast-paced with ideas, signposting of quality resources, and quick wins along with an opportunity to share your favourite resources with others.

The session will be delivered by the Campaign for Learning team.

Find out more a book here


1CLIC Initiative between The Well Communities and Cumbria Constabulary

A new initiative trying to tackle county line exploitation in South Cumbria, 1CLIC will focus on creating widespread awareness, through the public, VIA schools, employers, hospitals, and brand awareness.

Supporting anyone who is potentially being exploited, harassed, bullied, or cuckooed, also ensuring everyone is aware of the signs is the primary goal.

If you feel your school, college, workplace, or community group would benefit from a 1CLIC awareness presentation please call Tom 01229 829832.

For more information, please contact Tom Sharp (The Well Communities) tsharp@thewell2.co.uk or Kev Milby (Cumbria Constabulary) kevin.milby@cumbria.police.uk


Applications open for the 2022 Cumbria Social Enterprise Awards

Celebrating and honouring all the great work being done by social enterprises across Cumbria, there are five categories for the awards this year … as well as the prestige, the winners each receive £750 cash for their social enterprise and the runners-up £250.

The winners will be announced and presented at this year’s Awards Ceremony to be held on Thursday, 28th April at the People First Conference Centre, Carlisle.

More information, and details on how to apply, here


NCVO appoints permanent CEO

Sarah Vibert has become NCVO’s permanent chief executive having held the role on an interim basis since early 2021. Before joining NCVO, Vibert was chief executive of the Neurological Alliance, the membership body for neurological charities.

She was previously director of strategy and external affairs at the Epilepsy Society and is also a trustee of National Voices, the coalition of health and social care charities.

Read Civil Society’s full article here


Fewer charity closures during pandemic than in previous years

Civil Society highlights the surprise news that academics have found the pandemic did not prompt a spike in charity closures, but at the same time fewer new charities have been established.


Grants for organisations to help older people stay warm and healthy

The grants aim to reduce excess winter deaths and numbers of older people living in cold homes across Cumbria. This is not an open-access fund.

Who can apply? Individuals aged 60 or over who reside in Cumbria and who receive a state pension and/or pension credit or struggle to maintain a basic acceptable standard of living during the winter due to the cost of heating their home and the restrictions of cold weather. Grants will normally be £150.

Contact Age UK Carlisle and Eden on 01228 536673.


Want to try Wheelchair Rugby?

Penrith Pumas WRC are recruiting new players!

Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed team sport, that allows individuals with a physical disability or impairment to all play on the same team no matter their experience or ability of using a wheelchair as we teach all of this. This removes all barriers and stigma around disabilities.

They offer an all-inclusive opportunity also for able bodied individuals to attend to be a part of the wider group, training alongside the team improving their own physical and mental wellbeing.

 


Updated FAQs about Vaccination guide

The latest version of Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccination – A guide for Community Leaders in Cumbria is now available.


Tips for completing trustees’ annual reports

Some handy tips from Charity Finance on making your trustees’ annual report more engaging.


Helpline for children and families from Ukraine

Barnardo’s have launched a free helpline, staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine.

The helpline is open Monday – Friday (10am-8pm) and Saturday (10am-3pm).

Callers will be able to get help and advice on a range of issues to help them build a brighter future.

If you know of anyone who may need support, please do share the helpline number: 0800 148 8586.


Guide: How charities and civil society can support Ukraine

NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) have posted a useful guide on ‘How charities and civil society can support Ukraine‘.


Have Your Say! Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan Consultation

South Lakeland District Council is inviting your comments on a proposed Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) for the Cartmel Conservation Area.

The purpose of the Management Plan is to help protect the special character of the Cartmel Conservation Area and provide a basis for more informed decision-making to help preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Please let us have your views by 14 April 2022. Online survey, and further information, here


Discharge to Assess – exploring experiences of patients

When a patient is ready to leave hospital they might need support to go home safely. This could be fitting ‘grab bars’ to get out of the bath, or someone to help get dressed or make a meal.

If you do need this extra care your needs should be assessed when you have been discharged from hospital, in your home. This process is called Discharge to Assess (sometimes shortened to D2A) or Transfer of Care.

Healthwatch Cumbria have been asked by North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) to explore the experiences of patients and want to hear from patients, their loved ones and unpaid carers in West, North and East Cumbria. We also want to hear from health and social care professionals about their thoughts and opinions of the D2A process. More information here


Call for equipment return

Cumbria County Council’s Community Equipment Service is appealing for people to return equipment such as commodes, toilet frames, bed levers, over-the-bed tables and shower chairs.

The service provides free equipment across Cumbria to support people with their mobility and to help with normal daily tasks, helping them stay independent in their own homes, and the service desperately needs returns of equipment no longer in use.

Equipment can easily and conveniently be returned through local Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).


‘Get the Jump’ skills for life campaign

This new campaign from the Department for Education aims to help every young person understand what their post-16 and post-18 education and training choices are, and to ultimately help them land their dream job.

Get the Jump provides everything they need to know about the education and training choices available, turning what young people see as a giant leap of faith into smaller, more manageable next steps.

To find out more and to benefit from this campaign, visit the new webpage: Gov.uk/get-the-jump and use the new Get the Jump toolkit.


Changing Futures Lived Experience Network contract opportunity

Cumbria County Council are currently procuring a Changing Futures Lived Experience Network which aims to provide adults experiencing three or more of the following five (homelessness, substance and alcohol misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system) the opportunity to have their voices heard. Supporting them to be able to talk about their experiences of both Statutory and Non-Statutory Services, in order to co-produce future provision.

Further information and procurement documents can be accessed via Changing Futures Lived Experience Network (due-north.com). All bids must be sent electronically via The Chest by the deadline 8th of April 2022 – which is stated in the RFQ document.


New website – The UK stands with Ukraine

A useful new Government website, The UK stands with Ukraine, has the latest on the Homes for Ukraine scheme, ways you can donate safely to charities and aid organisations, UK visa support for Ukranian nationals and more.


Free Easter holiday activities

Cumbria’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme has launched, giving eligible Cumbrian young people lots of free activities to choose from during the school Easter holidays.

Funded by the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme, all the activities are free for families whose children receive benefits-related free school meals. The programme will also fund additional free places for young people in particular circumstances, with eligibility for funding depending on the organisation running the activity. Most activities also have paid-for places available to all children and young people.


Thinking of sponsoring refugees from Ukraine?

A really good blog from City of Sanctuary suggests things people might want to think through before they take on the commitment of sponsoring refugees from Ukraine.


Help improve walking and cycling routes in Cumbria’s visitor areas

Cumbria County Council is asking for feedback on proposals to improve the cycling and walking offer along key corridors within Cumbria.

The consultation runs from Friday 1 to Friday 22 April. For further information and to provide feedback via the online questionnaire please click here


Disclaimer
The information above is provided in good faith. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that it is correct, Cumbria CVS cannot accept liability for any omissions or inaccuracies and does not take responsibility for the quality for any services or products mentioned.