Useful Information – June 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

 

 


Campaign for Learning Conference: Wellbeing for families, communities and you

The importance of supporting health and wellbeing for families is even more apparent with the disruption and isolation caused by the pandemic.

This event will look at how you can embed wellbeing in your offer: to support the families you work with, your colleagues and most importantly you.

6 and 7 July 2022, online – find out more here


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.

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.


Playlist for Life session

A playlist of personal music can help people living with dementia. Free session, 14 June, at Carlisle Society for the Blind. Click on the Thumbnail to see more details.

 

 


Navigating strategy risk and change in the voluntary sector

This online training session from NCVO on 30 June introduces strategic foresight methodologies which can help organisations move away from the reactionary to consider their future direction in a more structured way and identify strategic risks.


We Move: Race Equality & Migrants Rights Summit – 2-4 September 2022

Organised by the Runnymede Trust, this in-person event in Leeds will bring together academics, corporations, policymakers, trade unionists, civil society, journalists, students and the general public to explore how we harness the opportunities for positive change, address the threats to, and maintain the recent momentum for, racial equality.

You can find out more about the summit here, and register your interest here.


South Lakes Citizens Advice Mid-summer Foodie Fundraising Cruise

Not many people are aware that South Lakes Citizens Advice is a charity that has to raise its own revenue to keep going. Their first major fundraising event since March 2020 is a Foodie Fundraising Steamer cruise on Ullsawater, on 23 June.

Click on the flyer thumbnail for more details and information on how to book.


Leading in uncertainty: Peer support session for charity leaders

IVAR (Institute For Voluntary Action Research) is running a free workshop for charity leaders on Thurs 30 June – Social tech and digital inclusion.

Read more about the workshop and sign up here.


Elements training platform – new finance course and introductory offer

Elements is an e-learning platform from North Tyneside VODA that allows you to study in your own time and at your own pace. The courses use an interactive mix of videos and questions and you will receive a certificate on completion. You can enrol on Understanding Your Charity’s Finance today for just £12.


Welcome meal for Ukranians – 12 June

Jonny Gios has a welcome meal planned in Kendal on 12 June (for both Ukrainians and hosts) – if you know of families who might want to be involved, or have information you think it’d be useful to include in a welcome pack, then just drop Jonny an email – jgios@me.com


Step Up Step Forward: Inclusive Arts and University Partnerships

Prism Arts and the University of Cumbria Institute of Arts (UOC) are delivering a Symposium event on Tuesday 5 July at the UOC Institute of Arts, Brampton Road Campus in Carlisle.

The voices of learning disabled and autistic artists are largely absent from higher education institutions making removing barriers to inclusive teaching and learning difficult to achieve. This day of active sharing, workshops and presentations will demonstrate how they can access learning opportunities and develop as artists in higher education settings.


North Pennines AONB – Festival of Nature

At Talkin Tarn on Saturday 18 June from 12 noon to 11.30pm and on Sunday 19 June from 7am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Celebrating nature around the themes of water, woodland, and meadow, the festival will bring together families, wildlife recorders, budding naturalists, farmers, environmental organisations, and communities. There will be something for everyone, from guided walks and nature spotting tips to pond dipping and species identification, from composting and wildlife gardening to arts, crafts, and family games, from trail camera and moth trapping demonstrations to geology activities and a sensory walk. Find out more here.


Let’s Talk Bereavement Project – Free training offer

A new collaborative project involving the NHS and the Third Sector, funded through NHS Charities Together, “Let’s Talk Bereavement” aims to enable people in north Cumbria to gain access to the bereavement support they need.

The project will deliver free training for staff and volunteers working in organisations and community groups in North Cumbria. It’s open to those in all sectors.

Additional information can be found here


Climate and Carbon Literacy Training

Do you want to get your facts straight about the latest climate science, carbon footprints and what we can all do, at home, in our communities and at work, to help restore the balance?

Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) training provides a clear understanding of climate science, an awareness of carbon costs and the impacts of everyday activities. It also builds an ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual, community and organisational basis.

This inspiring, informative and interactive accredited training course, split over two half day sessions (22 & 29 June), will take you concisely through the science of climate change, causes, impacts and solutions.


Vision for Volunteering

This important work looks at how to ensure volunteering can continue to have an amazing impact across our communities. The Vision launched on 6 May, and sets out what is needed to create a diverse, innovative, sustainable, ambitious, and person-centred future for volunteering in England, responding to the trends, challenges, and opportunities of the years ahead.


Small Charities Coalition Helpdesk

The Helpdesk is now managed by NCVO, who are working with FSI to continue the work of Small Charities Coalition (SCC).

You may have contacted the SCC in the past to get help running your organisation. This support is now available through NCVO’s practical support team, knowhow@ncvo.org.uk or 0207 520 2552.


Covid guidance from NCVO

NCVO’s Knowhow site has been updated to include new guidance for workplaces to help reduce the spread of respiratory infections; changes to the Charity Commission’s guidance on holding meetings; and updates to risk assessment requirements.


Ageing Better resources library

Ageing Better is a seven year, £87 million investment to improve the lives of people aged over 50 by addressing social isolation and loneliness within local communities. The project has recently come to an end, but you can access useful resources on their website, here.


Charities react to the Queen’s speech

Charities have expressed concern at the introduction of proposed legislation such as the new Bill of Rights, which will replace the Human Rights Act, in May’s Queen’s speech.

Civil Society News asked charities for their thoughts on the implications for the sector


Space to build a boat?

The Outdoor Partnership are in the process of applying for funding for building a wooden Skiff boat in Whitehaven, the boat will be built by volunteers and supported by various partners. Once the boat is built we will develop a community coastal rowing club based in Whitehaven. We are looking for a shed/space to build the boat.

Please contact Claire Bryant if you can help.


Charities can gain from £30m of free technology apprenticeships

More than 5,000 apprentices at charities and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) could be trained free of charge in the next twelve months. Find out more in this article from Civil Society News.


The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering.

Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years.

Equivalent to an MBE, QAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Do you know a voluntary group in Cumbria that deserves recognition for the work it does? Nominations for the 2023 awards are now open, until 15 September 2022.

You can find out more, and nominate a group, here


How can we help charities through the cost-of-living crisis?

The cost-of-living crisis is at the forefront of many people’s minds at the moment, with inflation at a three-decade high and not expected to peak until the autumn.

This article from Civil Society discusses what charities can do to navigate their way through tough financial times.


How charities manage turbulent times

A third of charities will struggle to survive as the effects of the cost of living crisis impacts charity finances, according to a survey conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation.

Many organisations have significantly depleted cash reserves following the pandemic. This article from Civil Society looks at the steps trustees and management teams can take to navigate the organisation through this “perfect storm”.


Rooms to Rent – Manna House, Kendal

Looking for a satellite office, permanent home or therapy rooms?

These newly refurbished first floor spaces in Kendal can be rented by the month or annually. They are separate and discrete spaces in our community service building, but you will be co-habiting with Manna House, a homeless charity, and Cumbria Alcohol & Drug Advisory Service (CADAS). See the attached leaflet for more information.


NCVO announces initiative to address power and integrity issues in the sector

A new initiative hosted by NCVO will aim to tackle organisational issues of power and integrity in the charity sector.

Power & Integrity (P&I), the first initiative of its kind, will enable organisations to use shared learning to understand how power structures can create negative organisational cultures and behaviours, including sexism, racism, and bullying. Find out more in this article


VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Fund aims to support VCSE organisations who can provide a holistic support offer to assist women experiencing reproductive health issues. The HW Fund is managed by Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Funding of between £200,000 to £600,000 per applicant is available over a period of three financial years, and closing date for applications is 5 August. Further information can be found here


Cumbria’s Royal Variety Show – stall spaces

Cumbria’s Royal Variety Show is on Thursday 9 June in the late afternoon/evening. There will be a few stalls spaces available, to either promote your organisation or sell stuff. Stalls are £10.00 + a % of takings. It all for charity. Contact Pam pinc-cumbria@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Tickets are available for the event as well at £10.00 each and are available from Harraby community centre.


Pride event in Caldew School – 7 July

Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC) are looking looking for relevant information stalls that will appeal to young people for this event. Contact Pam pinc-cumbria@hotmail.co.uk for more information.


Call for new volunteer drivers and coordinators

Cumbria County Council’s Community Transport Service is on the look-out for more people able to give up some of their spare time to be volunteer drivers or scheme coordinators. All expenses are reimbursed.

The service has more than 50 voluntary social car schemes throughout Cumbria, providing journeys for people who need to do the weekly shop, see the doctor, or just to visit friends.


Looking for 1 day community challenges for a group of graduates

At the end of September 2022, circa 90 graduate trainees will join Sellafield Ltd and embark on a two-year development programme. Around 75 of these trainees will work in Cumbria and, as part of their induction to the business and local area, they will each be required to undertake a mini community outreach project.

Could they help you? Find out more here


National Lottery Community Fund consultation

The National Lottery Community Fund has launched a consultation as part of it’s new UK-wide strategy. They want input from individuals, organisations, and informal groups to help set their future direction and ensure funding meets the challenges and aspirations of communities.


Review of the work of the Inter Faith Network through Covid

IFN Inter Faith Network of UK annual report 2019-2021 includes Kendal.

(Kendal, SLEDP, CFRS and Kendal ICC on page 49. Kendal and SLIF South Lakeland Interfaith Forum on page 34.)


What is the value of youth volunteering?

Since 2018, 32 NHS Trusts and their respective charities have been welcoming young volunteers into their hospitals.

A new report, and accompanying webpage, shares insight across participating NHS Trusts to develop youth volunteering programmes and explores the meaningful contribution and impact of young volunteers – supported by statistics, stories and learning.


The first Census 2021 results are on the way

On 28 June 2022, the Office for National Statistics will publish the first results from Census 2021.

These will include five datasets containing population and household estimates for England and Wales, at local authority level.

Find out more here


Funding Experience survey

Do you wish that fundraising and funding relationships took less time, effort and stress? IVAR have launched a 15-minute The Funding Experience Survey to understand how funders can improve your experience.

Over 100 UK grantmakers are committed to using the results to improve what they do – so you have the opportunity to influence over £800 million of UK grant-making. You’ll also have the chance win one of 10 prizes of £100 for your organisation.


Charity Shops Survey 2022 opens

The 2022 questionnaire is now available to complete. This is the 31st edition of the survey, which has provided a crucial benchmarking data set for charities that operate in retail for more than three decades.

It monitors trends across the voluntary sector trading sector every year. You can complete the survey, and view the 2021 survey results, here


Charity productivity: Focus groups for small charities

Small charities make up the majority of the sector, but often their insights, expertise and experiences are not given sufficient attention in research. As such the Law Family Commission on Civil Society is holding a series of online focus groups exclusively for trustees and senior leaders of small charities.


Inspiring Impact end-of-programme evaluation and learning report

Inspiring Impact ran from 2011 to early 2022, with the aim of increasing the impact of charities and social enterprises. Read and learn from the end-of-programme report.


Parking space grants for charities

For a limited time, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles is providing charities grants of up to £350 to provision their parking spaces with EV chargepoints. A grant will be available for each parking space provided with a chargepoint socket, with every charity able to claim up to 40 grants. Find out more.


Pride of Cumbria Awards 2022

The Awards are currently being featured across all local newspaper titles in Cumbria to celebrate the very best of our local community heroes.

We will hail NHS staff, keyworkers, charities, good neighbours, care workers, volunteers and young people. We will also be recognising everyday heroes in all sectors from local charities to business and education.

All of our finalists will be celebrated at our celebration evening on Thursday, 23rd June 2022. Nomination form here


Local Government Reorganisation logoLocal Government Reorganisation – election results

Elections were held on 5 May, and  the results are now available at:

cumberland.gov.uk

westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

The inaugural meetings of the two Shadow Authorities for Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness were held on 17 May. The councils will act as shadow authorities as they oversee the planning and preparation for the new authorities. Keep up to date on the latest news and developments from LGR here


United for Ukraine – jobs website

Businesses across the North of England have set up the United for Ukraine website, designed to help people find jobs with supportive employers.


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.