In this issue

From the Chief Executive

The Chief's Christmas Message 2020

I’m sure that most people will on the whole be rather glad to see the back of 2020 and with a vaccination programme rolling out over the next several months there is now a solution in touching distance to this otherwise intractable crisis.

Many of us will have lost loved ones during 2020 and I want to pay tribute to all of the wider VCSE family of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who have experienced loss this year. Your loved ones should be remembered for all they have done either within their communities, our wider voluntary sector or to support you in your own endeavours.

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National News

Support Staffordshire wins Award for being the beating heart of the local community

Support Staffordshire, which supports a membership of more than 1000 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Staffordshire won the 2020 NAVCA Heart of the Community Award for being the beating heart of the local VCS and wider economy.

New £16 million Winter Support grant to FareShare to provide meals for those in need

A new £16 million government grant, delivered across England through charity FareShare, will allow thousands local charities across England to distribute food to people struggling as a result of the pandemic, Food Minister Victoria Prentis has announced today.

5 takeaways from Spending Review 2020 for charities

Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP gave his Spending Review on 25 November, setting out government spending for 2021. Due to the ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic and associated deep economic recession, this review had already been downgraded from the usual three years to just an annual plan.

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Countywide News

Our E-Bulletin is Changing in 2021

Our monthly newsletter contains a range of information from news and jobs to funding and training and often very lengthy, so as of January we will be splitting the bulletin. Click read more to learn more.

Don't forget, member organisations can register for a user account to upload and promote news articles, events and job vacancies on our website and in our e-bulletin via a self-submission form.  

Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards 2021

As most of you will be aware due to Covid-19 the countywide Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards which were due to be held in June 2020 have been postponed to June 2021 and all dates have been rescheduled with the venues. 

All nominations submitted for the 2020 awards will be carried forward and the new closing date for nominations will be 30th March 2021.

There are 72 Places of Welcome registered in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent

After what has been a long and hard 2020 for us all, but especially for those whom we all support in our local communities, I would like to close the year by celebrating the resilience and ingenuity that has been shown by our Places of Welcome in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, and look forward to reaching out into our neighbourhoods again, come the New Year. 

Book a test plea issued as cases start to rise

Council health chiefs are making a plea for people to get a coronavirus test if they live in one of the county’s ‘hotspot’ areas – even if they don’t have symptoms.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the number of Covid cases in the county is starting to creep back up, with the whole of Newcastle borough now classed as a hotspot.

New Sexual Assault and Abuse Service for Staffordshire

Survive is a new sexual assault and abuse service for Staffordshire (not including Stoke-on-Trent), providing a free, non-judgmental and confidential service for adults, children over the age of 4, and close family members/significant others who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse at any point during their lives.

COVID-19 Residents Survey

Staffordshire County Council is committed to listening and responding to the needs of its residents, which is why we want to hear from you.

Share your opinions on your local area and the services you receive from Staffordshire County Council in the new Staffordshire Residents’ survey.

Look for a Light Project

Communities have pulled together during Covid-19 producing relationships that would not have been seen before. New Inter-generational relationships have gained importance in communities.  There is a sense of neighbourhood. The cohesive work that has been completed during Covid-19 is an asset which we wish to retain, and with the lack of being able to properly celebrate Halloween and Bonfire night the Look for a Light project came into being as something to get involved in, something fun, something that creates light in the dark days of autumn and winter.

VCSE DATA & INTELLIGENCE PROJECT - How is your local sector inteligence supporting effective public service design?

NAVCA is supporting NCVO and other members of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance to explore how data and intelligence held by the voluntary sector is utilised at a local level. The aim of the study is to enable better service planning and address inequalities in public service delivery. The sponsors of the work NHS England and Improvement, Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care. The final details of the research will be shared in April 2021.

The SEND Strategy consultation is now open 

We are pleased to announce that Staffordshire's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy is now available for you to read and give feedback on.

You can now read the first draft of the SEND Strategy by clicking on the links below:

Assure Covid tariff that has been extended until 31st December 2020

Applications for Assure will go live on 23^rd November and can be accessed by our website, although this is still not an online form, we do feel that this is an improvement on what we had when we first started the social tariff several years ago.  We are presently helping over 26,000 customers with Assure.

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Health & Wellbeing

Innovative online workshop supporting people with mental health difficulties in Staffordshire to cope with winter

An innovative online workshop is offering support to people in Staffordshire to manage mental health difficulties over the winter period.

The Coping with Winter course focuses on supporting with anxiety, depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and coping with Christmas, as well as January blues.

Healthwatch Staffordshire - Want your views

Healthwatch Staffordshire are seeking Patient Experience of Primary Care in Staffordshire.  We are asking for feedback of your experience of GP consultations in the last few months.  Tell us about your appointment, what type of appointment did you have (telephone, video or face to face) and were you satisfied that your consultation met your needs.

Beat the Cold has a new number

Beat the Cold now has a new telephone number. As of the 15 November, the new number to contact Beat the Cold is 01782 914915.  The old telephone number will be phased out over the winter months. 

Bereavement Help Points

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Beth Johnson Foundation has developed a new initiative called Bereavement Help Points. 

We run weekly groups via zoom and people join in via tablets, laptops and smart phones.  

New online tool to help people stay independent at home

People who want to be more independent in their own homes are being urged to try out a new interactive online tool.

The innovative ‘Happy at Home’ house will help highlight the range of simple and affordable assistive technology equipment available to people who may be struggling with everyday tasks around the home.

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Rural & Environment

Trent Talks with Garden Organic

12 January 2021 | 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE

Join us for an online talk about the biodiversity you can find in your garden through the process of composting!

Trent Talks are fun and informative talks about wildlife and sustainability in the Trent Valley. Get comfy with a hot drink and let us bring nature into your home throughout the winter months.

Staffordshire Village Halls Network

25 January 2021 | 14:00 - 16:00 | ONLINE

Creating a safe and welcoming environment in village halls

The 6th village hall network meeting will once again be planned online via Zoom during Village Halls Week to kick off national celebrations of the important role that village halls play in rural communities.

Trent Talks with Dave Emley (Staffordshire County Moth Recorder)

28 January 2021 | 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE

This talk will be delivered by Dave Emley, who is the Staffordshire County Moth Recorder, and is an introduction to butterflies. We'll be looking at the commoner species to be found in the Trent Valley, how to identify them, where to find them, and their life histories. Perfect for anyone interested in ecology and wildlife identification.

Trent Talks with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

11 February 2021 | 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE

This talk will be delivered by George Bird from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and will be an exploration into the habitats of Willington nature reserve and why it has been chosen to host a new beaver family in the Trent Valley.

Trent Talks with Dave Emley (Staffordshire County Moth Recorder)

25 February 2021 | 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE

This talk will be delivered by Dave Emley, who is the Staffordshire County Moth Recorder. He will be introducing us to the importance of species recording: the recording system, identification, verification, what to do with your sightings, why it matters.

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Volunteering

Vaccine Support Volunteers needed to help NHS staff teams at local vaccine sites

Though we are currently still awaiting guidance and confirmation from the NHS nationally, we are now reaching out to individuals and voluntary organisations who may be able to assist in the community vaccination programme, so that volunteers can be ready to go once we have the green light.

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Funding

The Support Staffordshire Member Bursary

Are you seeking advice and support, but need more than our usual 3 FREE hours, or have already used it up?

Our Member Bursary could be for you.

Covid-19 Emergency Grants from The Community Foundation

No closing date specified

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire will be awarding grants between £1,000 and £5,000 from the Covid-19 local appeal and the NET Coronavirus appeal to organisations supporting those communities that have been affected. The aim of the fund is to support organisations with the immediate and unexpected costs the COVID-19 virus has created. 

South Staffordshire Community Innovation Fund

No closing date specified

The grant is available for all Community and Voluntary Sector organisations in South Staffordshire, including good causes signed up to the Community Lottery.

Grants up to £1,000 are available for all Community and Voluntary Sector organisations in South Staffordshire, including those registered to the South Staffordshire Community Lottery.

National Lottery Community Fund - Partnerships

Rolling Programme

No closing date sepcifiedGrants are available to voluntary and community organisations in England which work together with a shared set of goals and values to help their community thrive.

Minimum Value: £ 10,000

Grants of over £10,000 are available for up to five years.

Feminist Review Trust

Application deadline: 31 January 2021

Grants of up to £15,000 are available. 

The Feminist Review Trust was set up in 2001 with funding from the Feminist Review journal. Feminist Review is a peer reviewed, interdisciplinary journal setting new agendas for feminism. The journal is committed to exploring gender in its relationship to other axes of power including race, class and sexuality.

BBC Children in Need - Small Grants Programme

After a pause, applications are once again being accepted with a deadline of 21 December 2020 (11:30am). The next closing date for applications is expected to be in March 2021.

Grants for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people who are 18 years old and younger living in the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

BBC Children in Need - Main Grants Programme

After a pause, applications are once again being accepted with a deadline of 21 December 2020 (11:30am). The next closing date for applications is expected to be in March 2021.

​Grants for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people who are 18 years old and younger living in the UK.

Grants of over £10,000 per year are available to support projects for up to three years. The average grant is likely to be around £30,000 per year.

Alec Dickson Trust

Application deadline: 17 December 2020.

Grants are available to support volunteering projects in the UK, organised and run by young people (under 30 years).

Grants of up to £500 are currently available for projects which respond to the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.

Community and Business Grants 2020 -Hednesford Town Council

Closing date: Monday 18 January 2020

Application for Hednesford Town Council's annual Community and Business grants are now open. These are available to groups or organisations what are based within Hednesford or who run activities within Hednesford.

Weston Charity Awards

Closing date: 8 January 2021 | 5pm

Awards are available to registered charities working in the Midlands, North of England, and Wales, in the fields of youth, welfare and community. A package of support will enable winners to develop, raise their profiles, become more sustainable and face the future with greater confidence.

National Lottery Grants for Heritage

This is a rolling programme so there are no deadlines 

The National Lottery Grants for Heritage funding programme has been created as part of National Lottery Heritage Fund Strategic Funding Framework 2019 to 2024.

The funding is intended to help the UK’s heritage sector respond to the impacts of coronavirus/COVID-19 and to adapt and thrive again.

Community Business Reboot Fund

Next appliction round deadline: 6 January 2021

Grant funding and matched equity investment are available for existing community business, with charitable purpose, that are based in England to prepare a community share offer to support their recovery from coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Equine Rescues Emergency Fund

Closing date: 15 January 2021

Grants are available for equine welfare and rescue organisations in the UK which have experienced financial and operational challenges as a result of the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

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Training

FREE 'Supportive Communities' Training

Limited dates remaining in January 2021

‘Supportive Communities’ is a programme of work that supports older people to stay healthy and independent for longer.  There are three FREE virtual bite-sized training sessions that can help you to gain new knowledge and skills in supporting older people.  

Session 1: Signposting and Resources

Session 2: Communication & Safeguarding

Session 3: Assistive Technology & Digital Skills​

THE RIGHT START: Committee and Trustee Roles and Responsibilities

13 January 2021 | 13:30 - 15:00 | ONLINE

This session is aimed at new or existing committee members and trustees who would like to know more about their role and responsibilities.

Covid-19 Secure Risk Assessments

19 January 2021 | 13:30 - 15:00 | ONLINE

Are you aware of your responsibilities to make your premises Covid-19 secure? Are you fully comfortable with completing risk assessments? Do you know what areas to cover in when you are considering your services?

THE RIGHT START: Writing Good Policies and Procedures

21 January 2021 | 11:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE

This session is aimed at anyone new to writing policies and procedures or those who would like the latest information on some of the key policy areas.

THE RIGHT START: Adult Safeguarding Awareness

28 January 2021 | 11:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE

This introductory session will provide participants with an understanding of what to look for to safeguard adults from harm, how to recognise abuse, respond effectively and refer appropriately.

ONLINE TRAINING: Befriending Skills

2 February 2021 | 11:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE

Do you provide a befriending service? Have you got volunteers who are telephoning or staying in contact with vulnerable or isolated people?  This course is aimed at staff and volunteers who are providing a befriending service to anyone in the community and wish to gain further knowledge and skills.   It is also suitable for managers and supporting staff.

Effective Bid Writing

9 February 2021 | 09:30 - 16:30 | ONLINE

Those who are new to bid writing and want in depth knowledge and skills. Those who have some bid writing experience but wish to refresh their knowledge or further refine their skills.

In a world of funding cuts, effective bid writing is increasingly important for organisations to be successful. This course will give you some practical techniques and guidelines to enable you to make the most of funding opportunities.

THE RIGHT START: Income Generation and Funding

25 February 2021 | 09:30 - 11:00 | ONLINE

As the voluntary sector continues to face the hardship of funding cuts it is becoming increasingly necessary for community groups and organisations to generate and manage income from multiple sources. This introductory session will provide guidance to identify ways to maximise opportunities to generate additional income for organisations.

THE RIGHT START: Involving Volunteers

2 March 2021 | 09:30 - 11:00 | ONLINE

This session is aimed at both paid staff and volunteers who support other volunteers within an organisation.

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Other Support

Do you have a December financial year end?

If so, you may be looking for an independent examination.  These are required for organisations and groups who have a yearly gross income of between £25,000 and £250,000.  If your income is below this, it is often best practice to have one carried out anyway to demonstrate you are open and transparent about the use of funds and public money.

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Jobs

Digital Communications Assistant (Apprenticeship)

Closing date: Monday 4 January 2020

Salary: £6.50 per hour | Hours:  30 hours per week, over 4 or 5 days | Contract: Fixed term 18 months initially |  Location: Stafford Civic Centre, Riverside

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to forge a career in Digital Communications and Marketing. In addition, you will gain insight and connections to a career in the third sector, offering far more than sales; ideal for someone seeking an ethical career where they can make a genuine difference.

Young Person’s Lead Worker

Closing Date: 4 January 2021

​Salary: £26,000- initial contract for 3 years  | Area: Burton upon Trent and District

We are looking for a person who can lead the young person’s team. You will have had experience with working with young people aged 11-18 and have a relevant counselling qualification. You will have good networking skills and experience of working collaboratively with agencies and the public sector to ensure the best outcomes for young people who have been victims of sexual abuse.

Mental Health Development Worker

Closing date: 11 January 2021 | 12 noon

£18,000 (£30,000 FTE) + travel expenses,

Hours of work are 21 hours per week, with flexibility over which days. Occasional evening and weekend working might be needed.

(fixed term contract for 12 months with possible extension subject to funding)

Enterprise Supervisor

Closing date: 18 December 2020

We are looking to recruit 3 new members of staff on zero hours contracts to deliver job coaching to our supported interns. We are looking at 10 hours per week between 4^th Jan and 21^st July to fit in with the academic year.

Business Administration Apprentice Level 3

Closing date: Friday 8 January 2021

We are seeking a Business Administration Apprentice for 30 hours a week.

The post is currently home-based due to Covid19. The successful applicant must be able to travel to our office in Cheadle town centre and, on occasion, to other outreach locations in the Cheadle area.

The post is initially for 12 months. Salary is in line with the National Minimum wage at £193.50 per week. See document attached for more details.

FOR APPLICATION PACK CONTACT admin@citizensadvicecheadle.org.uk OR CALL 01538 751816. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th January 2021 with interviews taking place w/c 18th Jan 2021

One Advocacy Service Manager

Closing Date: Rolling Recruitment

Salary: £26,275 | Hours of Work: 37.5

Location: Derby City and across Derbyshire

To lead on the service delivery of the One advocacy contract, a statutory provision within Citizens Advice Mid Mercia (CAMM). You will oversee, inform and create a service delivery strategy that contributes to the effectiveness of the service and is contract compliant.

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

Closing Date: Rolling Recruitment

Salary: £20,253 | Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Derby and surrounding areas

To deliver independent advocacy to any vulnerable adult aged 18+ who may require support to have their voice heard, when important decisions are being made about their lives, or to overcome issues that are impacting on their health, wellbeing and preferred lifestyle.

External Contracts Manager

Closing date: 13 January 2021 | 12 noon

Salary: £ 24,000 - £28,000 (dependent on experience)              

Hours: 37 hours per week | ​Contract: Permanent  

Location: Based at the Stafford Office. Currently homeworking.

Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West are looking for a dynamic, driven and highly motivated individual to work as part of our diverse and well respected charity.

We are looking to recruit an experienced External Contracts Manager who will join our senior leadership team and support us in providing high quality advice and information across our delivery channels.

BACT Health & Wellbeing Manager

Closing date: 20th December 2020

We are looking to recruit an experienced Health & Wellbeing Manager to manage and develop BACT’s successful health and wellbeing programmes across East Staffordshire.

Statutory Advocate (IMCA)

Closing date: 26 January 2021

​Hours per week: 22.5  |  Salary: £20,253.00 pa pro-rata

Type of contract: Permanent

Location: City & home based with travel throughout Derby City

Advocacy Service Manager

Closing date: 26 January 2021

​Hours per week: 37.5  |  Salary: £26,275 pa

Type of contract: Full Time Permanent  |  Reports to: Deputy CEO/SMT

Location: Based in Derby City with travel to surrounding areas.

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Cannock & District

Cannock Chase VCSE Locality Forum

Tuesday 16 March 2021 | 13:00- 15:00

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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East Staffordshire

YMCA Burton Sleepout raises much needed funds with their first virtual event

On Friday 6^th November Burton YMCA held their annual Sleepout. True to 2020, the event had to be changed in order to comply with Covid19 restrictions and so it became their first virtual event.

People and their pets were invited to spend a night, sleeping in or out to raise awareness and sponsorship for the charity. 

Caudwell Children to launch Warm Homes family support service

Warm Homes is a family support service that also looks to alleviate fuel poverty amongst families with disabled children in specific areas, which includes East Staffordshire.

East Staffordshire VCSE Locality Forum

Thursday 18 March 2021 | 13:00 - 15:00

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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Lichfield & District

Shenstone Old Church Tower to be Renovated - £374,000 Raised by Friends of Shenstone Tower

For some years, Shenstone old church tower has been designated a Grade 2* (At Risk) listed building, and in 2017 Historic England conducted a feasibility survey to produce a plan to renovate it. 

Lichfield Community Lottery - Be a part of the good cause launch!

Monday 18 January 2021 from 5pm to 6pm

Lichfield District Council is excited to be launching Lichfield Community Lottery in the spring, to raise money for good causes across the district and to give players a chance to win a £25,000 jackpot plus smaller prizes.

Lichfield & District VCSE Locality Forum

Wednesday 17 March 2021 | 13:00 - 15:00

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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Newcastle-under-Lyme

The passing of Peter Grocott

Support Staffordshire has recently lost one of its brilliant band of volunteers.

Peter died at Royal Stoke Hospital on Monday 7th December. He had been a volunteer Connector in Newcastle-under-Lyme for several years and a long-term active community champion in the area, including with Red Street Community Centre and in local football.

WHITMORE & DISTRICT ACTIVE LIVING GROUP CONTACT AT CHRISTMAS PROJECT

Although unable to hold its regular monthly “Tea, Coffee, Cakes & Conversations” events since March of this year, the Whitmore and District Active Living Group has continued with its Book Club and Walking Group events over the summer and autumn months. However, David Harrison, Chair of the Group and his wife, Louise, one of the Group’s Trustees, felt it was important to reach out at Christmas to all its members to let them know they were in their thoughts and still here to help during the Covid restrictions, especially those members who were on their own or isolated.

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South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire VCSE Locality Forum

Tuesday 9 March 2021 | 10:00 - 12;00 | ONLINE

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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Stafford & District

Stafford & District VCSE Locality Forum

Tuesday 2 March 2021 | 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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Staffordshire Moorlands

CITIZENS ADVICE CHEADLE WANT TO HELP LOCAL RESIDENTS GET ONLINE

Citizens Advice Cheadle are part of the National Lottery Community funded Everyone Connected project and have 10 brand new Lenovo tablets complete with internet access to give away in Staffordshire Moorlands!

Citizens Advice Cheadle want to help local residents get online

Citizens Advice Cheadle are part of the National Lottery Community funded Everyone Connected project and have 10 brand new Lenovo tablets complete with internet access to give away in Staffordshire Moorlands!

The Back Dane Trust

The Trust’s purpose is to provide educational and recreational facilities for those in need, or those who are disadvantaged in some way.  Back Dane is available for hire to groups that share our aims and we welcome, and support, charitable groups for example for inner city kids, refugees, young carers, children and adults with learning difficulties.  

Staffordshire Moorlands VCSE Locality Forum

Wednesday 3 March 2021 | 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE

If you want to find out about how Support Staffordshire can support your group

• Have your voice heard
• Share information and network with voluntary sector colleagues

Then the Forum is for you.

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Tamworth

Community Threads - Crafting Connections between Libraries and Communities

Staffordshire libraries are applying for funding to deliver a creative outreach project where they will match local artist / makers with libraries across the county to run micro residencies in those communities to combat loneliness and social isolation.

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Stoke-on-Trent

“Furlough for Good” for #StokeonTrentTogether

As a local hub for COVID information and support services, #StokeonTrentTogether saw the helpline receive more than 3,000 requests for support and over 750 volunteers sign up to help in their local community, in the first three months. Some volunteers had been placed within city-based voluntary sector organisations to help with their own response to the crisis and other volunteer support came in the shape of general community help.