NCVS e-bulletin - Thursday 8 August 2024

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight. The deadline for contributions and comments is Monday 19 August 2024. Email communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Did you know we keep an archive of past NCVS e-bulletins? View the archive here.

NCVS wholeheartedly supports the message from NAVCA, our national body. Over the past few days, we’ve been connecting with colleagues and members and monitoring social media to understand the situation and determine how best to support Nottingham.

Read the message from NAVCA here.

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to stand united against hate and strengthen our communities by supporting local groups and volunteers.

We have compiled a list of resources and access to advice and support, read more for more information. If you have concerns or need someone to talk to, please reach out to us at ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Join the NCVS team! We're looking for an innovative communicator.

Changing Futures Communications and Marketing Coordinator
We are looking for a creative individual to drive positive change through effective communication. Join us in championing the great work of the Changing Futures Programme, supporting those facing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) in Nottingham. This role is in partnership with the Changing Futures Programme.

• Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week (initial 12 month contract with a possible extension dependent on funding)
  
  
• Salary: £27,945 to £29,945 per annum
  
  
• Closing date: Tuesday 27 August 2024, 12 noon

The deadline for nominations is Friday 30 August 2024

The clock is ticking for the 2024 Black Achievers Awards, with the final deadline for nominations fast approaching. This prestigious event, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of black individuals in various fields, continues to inspire and honour excellence within the community.

The Black Achievers Awards have long been a beacon of recognition for outstanding individuals who have made significant impacts in areas such as business, education, community service, the arts, and social care. By highlighting these successes, the awards aim to promote positive role models and encourage future generations to strive for greatness.

Nominations are still open for six categories, including the Community Award, which is proudly sponsored by NCVS. 

The black-tie event will take place on Saturday 26 October at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel, Mellors Way, NG8 6PY. Purchase your tickets here.

Robin Hood and Little John, 1 Church Street, Arnold, NG5 8FD
Last Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 9pm

How are you? Out of 10? That's the question that starts every Talk Club.

Talk Club is a mental fitness community for men launching in Nottingham in August 2024.

There is no need to book; just turn up and talk. 

For more information, email notts.talkclub@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

Take advantage of amazing travel offers this summer!

The Sherwood Arrow bus is free on weekends during the summer holidays. Just hop on at Victoria Bus Station and enjoy a great day out to places like Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak, White Post Farm, Wheel Gate Park, Rufford Park, and Clumber Park.

Enjoy up to a third off group bus tickets on all operators across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this summer. This offer is valid until Sunday 1 September 2024.

Check with individual operators for details.

The deadline for applications is Monday 9 September 2024

Footwork is a UK charity that works collaboratively with people who want to help shape the places where they live in order to build resilient communities. Its People and Place programme supports community innovators to turn their ideas into projects that deliver long-term change for their neighbourhoods.

People and Place 2025 will provide successful applicants with one-to-one mentoring support, networking including field trips to pioneering community-led projects around the country, visits from the Footwork team and an unrestricted £5,000 grant. The programme is for small groups or individuals whose experience of an issue in their neighbourhood has motivated them to take action and address it.

The deadline for applications is Friday 1 November 2024

Proud to Pitch in is an initiative from Greene King IPA that provides grant funding of up to £4,000 to support grassroots sports clubs in the UK. The programme focuses on projects that positively impact the local community, with beneficiaries aged 18 and over. Emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate a long-term impact and where the funding will provide a tangible benefit.

This is a rolling programme and will close once all of the funding has been awarded

Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available for projects supporting people living with Parkinson's get more active. 

Activities must demonstrate the following desired impacts:

• People with Parkinson's become and stay active, and/or significantly increase their levels of activity if they are already active.
• More physical activity provision for everyone with Parkinson’s across the UK.
• Improved social wellbeing in people with Parkinson’s as a result of attending the project.

Existing provision will not be funded unless it’s a significant expansion of an already existing activity for people with Parkinson's.

We're regularly updating the funding news on our website, so click the button below and find the fund for you!

Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer at NCVS, continues his series of articles in support of Leaders of Volunteers.

Being a leader of volunteers is so much more than managing tasks; it involves inspiring others and fostering a positive environment. In his latest blog piece, Dave outlines the five key attributes he feels make an effective leader of volunteers: 

1. Empathy
2. Communication skills
3. Adaptability
4. Organisational skills
5. Inspirational leadership

Thursday 19 September 2024, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An online networking meeting for anyone with an interest in managing, supporting or leading volunteers. Share your experience, give and receive advice, and network with people who understand volunteers and volunteering.

Please register to ensure you're sent instructions about how to join the meeting on Zoom.

If you have any questions about the LoVN or this meeting, please contact Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer at Nottingham CVS, by emailing davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Green social prescribing is a way of connecting people to nature-based activities and green groups, projects and schemes in their local community for support with health and wellbeing. Often this will be through a referral from a Link Worker based at a GP practice or another primary care professional.

Our scheme in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, called GreenSpace, was one of seven government Green Social Prescribing Test and Learn sites.

While the National Test and Learn may have ended, NCVS continues to embed green social prescribing into health systems to make nature-based/outdoor activities an intervention of choice to support people to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The latest GreenSpace bulletin is available to read.

You can view it in your web browser now. If you would like to receive future issues directly to your inbox, please email greenspace@nottinghamcvs.co.uk with a request to be added to the mailing list.

If you wish to share any events or stories happening in your organisation, or relating to green social prescribing or nature-based activities, please get in touch with the GreenSpace team. The deadline for submissions for the next bulletin is Friday 23 August 2024.

Our full Training and Development programme is available to view on our website. All courses take place online via Zoom.

We have new sessions and new dates for 2024/2025. Book now.

Wednesday 9 October 2024, 10.30am to 1pm

This online training will give you a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities in safeguarding adults and how to respond to concerns.

Cost: £25 per participant

Wednesday 23 October 2024, 10.30am to 1pm

This online training will give you a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children and young people and how to respond to concerns.

Cost: £25 per participant

Tuesday 27 August 2024, 10.30am to 1pm

This online training will give you a basic understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead Person for an organisation working with vulnerable children and young people.

Cost: £25 per participant

Wednesday 14 August 2024, 10.30am to 11.45am

This online training explains your safeguarding responsibilities as a trustee for an organisation working with vulnerable adults or children and young people.

Cost: £15 per participant

Tuesday 10 September 2024, 10.30am to 12.30pm

This online training covers the basic information that all trustees should know.

Cost: £20 per participant

Wednesday 5 February 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

This online training takes you through the basics of being a Fire Warden/Fire Marshal and will prepare you to carry out this very important role.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Learn the basics of taking effective minutes in this online training – and make note taking easy.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 21 January 2025, 6pm to 8pm

This online training will teach you the basics of health and safety, and explain the process of carrying out a risk assessment in your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 12 November 2024, 6pm to 8pm

This online training will refresh your knowledge as a trustee, update you on current issues, improve your personal skill set and help you develop your role for the benefit of your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Thursday 24 October 2024, 10am to 11am

Identify barriers to volunteering and develop ideas to minimise and remove them during this training, to ensure your organisation isn’t missing out on great volunteers.

Cost: £10 per participant

Wednesday 28 August 2024, 10am to 12 noon

This online training, previously called “How to be a Better Leader of Volunteers”, takes you beyond the basics of managing and supporting volunteers and will explore some of the real-life issues that you’re facing as a Leader of Volunteers.

Cost: £20 per participant

Thursday 5 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon

This online training takes you beyond the basics of managing and supporting volunteers and will challenge you to consider the difference that volunteers make to your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 22 October 2024, 10am to 12 noon

In any group of volunteers, there’ll be occasional disagreements, personality clashes and conflicts. Although these are hopefully rare events, this updated, online training will prepare you for when they occur.

Cost: £20 per participant

Wednesday 2 October 2024, 10am to 11am

Start your journey into the exciting and rewarding world of volunteer leadership with this online training that explores the volunteer journey from start to finish.

Cost: £10 per participant

Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am to 12 noon

Although the law has little to say about volunteers and volunteering, what it does say is important. This online training will help you develop an understanding of some of the legal requirements that relate to your volunteering programme.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 1 October 2024, 10am to 11am

Are your volunteer opportunities struggling to attract people, or people with the right interests and skills for your organisation? This online training will teach you how to enhance your volunteer role descriptions and make them stand out.

Cost: £10 per participant

The Practice Development Unit (PDU) aims to promote and facilitate collaborative learning and the sharing of good practice among professionals and volunteers from all sectors, in Nottingham and neighbouring areas, who work with people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD). This is understood as a combination of mental ill-health, substance misuse, homelessness, offending and domestic abuse, among other issues.

Contact our PDU Team if you need more information: pdu@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Join our free online hub www.pdunottingham.org

Follow us on Twitter @NottinghamCVS #PDUNottingham.

Wednesday 11 September 2024, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An online forum for professionals, volunteers and people with lived experience of severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) who are passionate about employability, skills led recovery and resettlement, or new to this area and curious to learn more.

The theme for this session is 'Disclosing convictions and health conditions'.

Wednesday 23 October 2024, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An online forum for professionals, volunteers and people with lived experience who are passionate or curious about co-production, to come together to learn and share expertise.

The theme for this session is 'How to support people to get involved'.

Friday 23 August 2024, 9.30am to 2.30pm
The Vine Community Centre, Bobbers Mill Road, NG7 5GZ

Cruse is working in partnership with the Co-op Foundation to deliver bespoke community grief training to local community groups and members.

• Understand why people grieve differently.
• Explore the impact of grief.
• Improve knowledge on how to provide support.
• Increased compassion and confidence.
• Learn how to support others in death and grief.
• Build more connected communities locally.
• Gain knowledge of what’s available in your area.

For any enquiries, please contact Amber Plumbly at Amber.Plumbly@cruse.org.uk.

If you are a VCSE organisation in Nottingham City or a VCSE organisation recruiting to a job role which covers the Nottingham City area, you can submit a job advert for our website. Adverts remain on our website until the closing date. We feature new adverts once in the e-bulletin, where possible, depending on the volume of new adverts received.

There are lots more job listings on our website. You can view all the job vacancies available by clicking on the 'More Vacancies' button at the bottom of this section.

Nottingham Trent University’s psychology department is one of the largest in the UK, with over 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. They have a track record of sector-leading teaching excellence and a diverse and powerful programme of innovative research.

As part of their second-year psychology course, students must undertake a 60-hour placement. This placement is embedded in their course and enhances their employability.

Could your business benefit from fresh insights and ideas? Do you have a business challenge that could serve as a placement opportunity for a group of students?

They are looking for employers that are interested in accessing our talent and building a pipeline for the future.

Psychology students offer a variety of benefits to their employers. They can apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of fields, ranging from working in mental health or the criminal justice sector to supporting HR functions, wellbeing, and EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) programmes or contributing to sales and marketing departments.

To discuss your options further, contact the team at talent@ntu.ac.uk or 0115 848 2189.

Signpost to Polish Success (SPS) has been supporting Polish and other Eastern European migrants in Nottingham and the East Midlands since 2005. 

They are excited to announce the development of an online directory of local services available to Eastern Europeans facing language barriers. This directory will help identify local agencies that offer translation and interpretation services or employ Polish and Eastern European staff.

To make this directory as comprehensive as possible, SPS is reaching out to local agencies. If your organisation provides language support, or employs staff who can assist Polish and Eastern European clients, SPS would love to hear from you! 

Contact Beata Polanowska at beata.polanowska@empp.co.uk for more information and to get involved.

The deadline for applications is Monday 30 September 2024, 6pm

Save the Children works with communities across the UK to ensure children have the money, services, and power to end child poverty. They strive to build communities of people who care about children, listen to what’s important to them, and work together to make things better.

They would like to work with partnerships that represent different parts of the country, various types of localities, and marginalised and under-represented groups. Building partnerships in different places helps to identify not just ‘what works?’, but ‘what works here?’ to address child poverty.

Save the Children is hosting two Q&A sessions to support the application process. These will be recorded and uploaded to the webpage for anyone who isn’t able to join on the day.

• Q&A session 1: Thursday 29 August 2024, 12.30 pm. Register here.
• Q&A session 2: Tuesday 10 September 2024, 5.00 pm. Register here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch at england@savethechildren.org.uk.

The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Specialist Centre for Social Care provides free advice and support to develop funding applications for social care research and post-award advice to award holders.

Whether you’re an experienced researcher or brand new to research, if you have a research idea to change practice or improve service in social care and you’re not sure about next steps or want some guidance developing your research funding application, the RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care offers expert research advice and specialist topic expertise across the full spectrum of social care to help you realise your ideas.

For further information, please email nihr-rss-socialcare@lancaster.ac.uk.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 27 August 2024, 5pm

Nottingham Financial Resilience Partnership is advertising an exciting contract opportunity for a public-facing financial capability communications campaign in Nottingham that will draw from aspects of 'NUDGE' theory to enable effectiveness.

Nottingham-specific resources

• A digital guide to local mental health services - Please see this link for a new leaflet and guide to mental health services provided across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

General VCSE sector resources and reports

• What does ‘financial resilience’ mean for Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise organisations? - What do VCSEs need to be resilient? What challenges do they face? How can funders, social lenders, and others support VCSEs’ financial resilience? These are just some of the questions at the centre of Ecorys latest report on financial resilience, as part of a wider National Lottery-funded evaluation of the Growth Fund (designed to provide flexible finance for VCSEs).
  
  
• How to make your homelessness service trauma-informed - Over the past year, Homeless Link developed a framework to help voluntary and community organisations in the homelessness sector implement trauma-informed care. You can access the launch webinar recording on trauma-informed approaches and psychologically informed environments (PIE).
  
  
• Learning from OSCR's Inquiries: Dominant behaviour in charities - The Scottish charity regulator has looked into instances of individuals or small groups of people dominating decisions in charities. They looked into why this might happen and what can be done to stop it.

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