November 2013

BEDS-SPREAD
43 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2AA Tel: 01234 354366 Fax: 01234 214880 E-mail:info@yourcvs.org Web:www.yourcvs.org

Innovative Voluntaryworks Website and Database Launches

The VoluntaryWorks consortium, of which Community and Voluntary Service is a member, has launched its new site at www.voluntaryworks.org. This includes a fully searchable online directory of voluntary and community sector organisations in Bedfordshire, and the services and events they provide. The site is still in BETA, which means that it is still being tested and new content being added. Voluntary and community sector organisations on existing VoluntaryWorks databases are receiving emails inviting them to access their user accounts and publish their details on the site. If you have not received your groups invitation and would like your organisation to feature within the directory, please contact info@voluntaryworks.org. The site will allow your organisation to promote its services and events to the wider community of individuals, other voluntary organisations, commissioners and businesses. The aim is that the site will become the must go to site for all things voluntary in Bedfordshire and Luton. So please act on the invitation when you receive it. You will find that the new site also contains a range of information resources and support services for voluntary and community sector organisations provided by VoluntaryWorks partner organisations. Visit to www.voluntaryworks.org to find out more.

VoluntaryWorks Drop-In Breakfast Sessions

Community and Voluntary Service are holding a series of breakfast drop-ins for anyone that wants to learn more about the new VoluntaryWorks website and database. Not only will you be able to learn more, but we will assist you in accessing your account, setting up your webpage on the site and populating your details in our database. We will be holding sessions at our offices (43 Bromham Road, Bedford) between 9am and 11am on Monday 18th and Wednesday 27th November. If you require any assistance in the meantime contact Mark Smith on 01234 354366 or at mark@yourcvs.org

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation Awards Now Total 3m

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation have just made a grant that brings their total fund-giving to 3m since their inception in 2002. Put another way that is 667 voluntary groups and charities that have benefited in that time. To learn more about the range of funds available, visit www.blcf.org.uk/grants

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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TRAINING
Being an Even Better Volunteer Manager
Wednesday 29th January 2014 - 9.45am to 4.00pm - 43 Bromham Road, Bedford This workshop is aimed at those who:
have some experience of managing volunteers wish to improve their understanding and practice further may have attended the Volunteer Management workshop

Participants will be asked to send their responses to a couple of questions before the course. These will be sent out with joining instructions a couple of weeks before the course. By the end of the workshop participants will:
have a greater understanding of the impact of their own style on the performance of volunteers be better able to avoid or to manage difficult situations have a clear action plan to improve practice in their own organisation

Behaving More Assertively

Wednesday 12th February 2014 - 9.45am to 4.00pm - 43 Bromham Road, Bedford Who is the course for? Anyone who feels that they dont always manage exchanges with others very well. If you think that you allow others to impose on you, find it hard to say no and tend to let others make decisions for you, this day will help. Equally, if you realise that you sometimes impose your ideas on others, or feel driven to get things done your way, it is likely that you could learn more comfortable and productive ways of communication. By the end of the day, participants will:

understand whats involved in assertive communication and how it differs from aggressive and passive models of relating reflect on the obstacles we face when trying to be assertive develop simple techniques for assertive communication gain an insight into managing relationships better learn how to say no and to give and receive praise and criticism

Minute Taking Skills

Tuesday 18th March 2014 - 9.45am to 4.00pm - at 43 Bromham Road, Bedford Who is the course for?
This workshop is primarily for those responsible for producing the minutes of meetings It will, though, also be useful for other committee members who want to extend their understanding, especially Chairs

By the end of the workshop participants will

have a clearer understanding of what minutes should include, how they should be structured and phrased be able to recognise poor minutes and identify ways of improving them appreciate the need for completeness and non-ambiguity have new ideas to make the process of recording during a meeting easier and more effective have practised producing good minutes Cost of these workshops: 60 per delegate (includes course hand-outs, buffet lunch, tea/coffee). Bookings: training@voluntaryworks.org or call 0300 303 8593.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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UPCOMING CVS TRAINING

Fit for Funding Workshops
These FREE workshops will cover all the basics to get you to the stage where your organisation will be able to apply for funding. The next workshops at the CVS office are on:
Wednesday 20th November - 10am to 12noon Thursday 12th December - 7pm to 9pm

Demonstrating Need and Understanding Outcomes

This FREE workshop will build on the skills you gained from the Fit for Funding workshop. Using practical examples and interactive workshops it will explain how to identify and explain need for your work and define aims, outcomes, targets and milestones. The next workshop at the CVS office is on:
Saturday 23rd November - 10am to 12noon

If you would like to attend one of the workshops please contact Lucia on 01234 354366 or email lucia@yourcvs.org

If you would like to attend this workshop please contact Lucia on 01234 354366 or email lucia@yourcvs.org

Free Safeguarding Awareness Workshops

Tuesday 10th December - 6pm to 10pm - Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade This workshop is for you if you .

are a paid worker, volunteer or trustee in a small voluntary organisation or community group are working with vulnerable adults, families or children are new to safeguarding want to refresh and up-date your knowledge need to undertake approved safeguarding training to meet funding requirements

By the end of this workshop you will:

understand what is meant by safeguarding have received clear and simple information about what abuse is and how to recognise it know what action to take to prevent abuse from occurring know how to raise concerns about, and report, suspected or actual abuse

To book your free place please contact Lucia on 01234 354366 or email lucia@yourcvs.org

Emergency First Aid At Work

Friday 15th November 2013 and Friday 24th January 2014 - 9.45am to 4.00pm - at 43 Bromham Road, Bedford The course is for you if you
require a certificate in Emergency First Aid at Work are required to give support to qualified First Aiders need to take charge in an emergency work in a low-risk area

are a small organisation and require a member of staff to have basic life-saving skills

By the end of this workshop you will be:

able to administer basic life-saving First Aid aware of relevant regulations for Health and Safety able to identify priorities of First Aid able to manage an incident

Is there a certificate? Delegates are assessed throughout the course. On completion of the programme, you will receive a certificate valid for three years. Cost: 60 per delegate. To book contact Jan Warnier on 01234 354366 or email jan@yourcvs.org

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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FUNDING
Bedford Borough Council Funding
Financial Assistance from Bedford Borough Council for 2014/15 (voluntary and community groups and charitable organisations) Bedford Borough Council is currently co-ordinating support for the third sector and invites applications for financial assistance from voluntary and charitable organisations for 2014/15. Electronic applications are preferred. Forms are available to complete on-line at www.bedford.gov.uk. To request a hard copy application form, call the Community Welfare Team on (01234) 276235 or write to CWT, First Floor, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP. Email: Community.Welfare@bedford.gov.uk. IMPORTANT: Application forms must be received by noon on 18th November 2013 to be considered. Please note that any funding available for distribution is subject to the Councils budget setting process.

B&Q Waste Donation Scheme

Every B&Q store is striving to be a 'good neighbour' by forming partnerships within its local community and with a new B&Q store just opened in Bedford at the Interchange Park it is worth checking out their Waste Donation Scheme. This scheme allows donation of waste materials, for example slightly-damaged tins of paint, off-cuts of timber, odd rolls of wallpaper and end of range materials, to community groups, charities, scouts and schools. The scheme is co-ordinated in store either by the environmental champion, duty or warehouse manager at the store. Before any materials are donated, the store will complete a waste donation form which must be signed by a representative of the group. Identification will be required as proof that you are a member of that group. Please note that any waste or surplus stock donated must not be re-sold. More details can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/2wccga5

McDonald's Kickstart
McDonalds Kickstart gives grants to Junior Football Clubs. You need to be recognised by the FA, and have at least one under-18 team. 500 - 2,500 is available for anything which will help to support, grow or develop your players and the community. It will cover things like club facilities, grounds-keeping tools, training courses, pitch hire, mini-vans and washing machines. However, it will not fund advertising and promotions, fundraisers, kit/team wear, club trips/tours, holiday training camps and club personnel wages/expenses e.g. fuel. Applications are considered once a quarter. Dates and details on the McDonalds Kickstart website at http:// tinyurl.com/nkpsznr

Comic Relief - New UK Main Grants Programme

Comic Relief have announced their new UK Main Grants Programme, with significant differences from the previous one. There are five broad themes rather than specialised programmes - these set out the kinds of people they want to reach and the issues they want to address:
Better futures Stronger communities Healthier finances Fairer society Safer lives

The application process is now over two stages, allowing early identification of projects unlikely to succeed. Applications accepted at any time. Grants are for a minimum of 10,000. There is no upper limit although they expect most grants to be between 20,000 to 40,000 per annum. More details at http://2013.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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FUNDING
CEMEX Community Fund
CEMEX Community Fund is a landfill tax credit scheme that gives grants of 1,000 to 15,000 to projects that:
Improve or enhance the social, built or natural environment, public space, facility or building for leisure or entertainment Improve or enhance buildings or structures of religious, historical or architectural interest.

To qualify for funding in our area projects need to be:

Located within three miles of any CEMEX site (of which there are two, namely Bedford Plant, Kempston Hardwick, MK43 9NT and the Letchworth Plant, Arlesey, SG15 6RS).

More details at www.cemexcf.org.uk/applications/

Football Association - Shared Access (England)

This scheme offers clubs the chance to receive free floodlights at no cost to the club. Shared Access will pay for and erect floodlights for local football clubs. These floodlights will house state-of-the-art wireless antennas and where available fibre connections, enabling significantly-enhanced broadband penetration and mobile phone coverage in the locality. The FA are encouraging as many clubs as possible, without obligation, to sign up, and subject to being in a suitable location, have the opportunity of either obtaining floodlights or other capital investment projects into your club. There is no cost to the club to apply. These benefits could include:
Free fully-installed and maintained floodlights An ongoing revenue stream to the club Planning and installation costs covered

Application form: Complete an Online Enquiry Form on the website below. Deadline: Enquiries can be submitted at any time. Contact: email: Andrew.King@TheFA.com or Shared.Access@TheFA.com. Tel: 07538683002 Website: www.thefa.com/my-football/club-leagues/shared-access

Sport England - Two New Sports Funds for Disabled People

Get Equipped Fund - will give grants of between 300 and 10,000 to purchase sports equipment that will help increase the number of disabled young people (aged 14+) and adults regularly. Deadline is 2nd December 2013. Details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/nfxg9j6 Inclusive Sport Fund - Round two of Inclusive Sport will give more substantial grants to open up sport to disabled people, and help make sport a practical lifestyle choice for everyone. This is what they are looking for:

understanding the needs of the disabled people targeted showing how the project will meet these needs describing any long-term partnerships set up to support the project explain how participation will be sustained after the funding period is finished

In the last round, they made substantial grants of several hundred thousand pounds to Councils and districtwide organisations. More local or specialist organisations received upwards of 25,000. Deadline is 5pm on 2nd December 2013. Details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/bw8drk7

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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VOLUNTEERING
Do you need volunteers?
The Volunteer Centre Bedford is here to help. We can promote your volunteering opportunities and help you recruit volunteers. Your opportunities will be promoted on the national volunteering database www.do-it.org.uk and at our weekly recruitment sessions in Bedford, Biggleswade and Luton. We have over 2,000 enquiries every year. We can offer advice on:

DBS checks Volunteer management Role descriptions Recruitment and retention Offering ex-offenders volunteer roles Policies and procedures

We hold regular networking events and workshops on issues that affect organisations that which recruit volunteers. For more information contact us on 01234 213100

Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board

Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board requires two Lay representatives to undertake an independent role as observers, providing scrutiny and challenge to the work of the Board. The role of the lay person is voluntary. however, as you will be expected to attend meetings, reasonable expenses will be paid. This is a unique opportunity for you to make a real difference. Closing date: 22nd November 2013. For further information on Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board please visit www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk or contact Sally Stocker on 01234 276346.

Removing Barriers to Volunteering in Bedford Borough

The aim of this fund is to provide financial support to community groups to help them recruit, retain and train volunteers to work with them in improving the lives of people in Bedford Borough. The maximum you can apply for is 2,000. There is no minimum sum. However, awards in excess of 1,500 will be the exception rather than the rule. The fund will support:
Projects where the objective is to recruit new volunteers to work for the applicant group Increasing the skills of volunteers by funding accredited training courses relevant to the work of the applicant group Non-accredited training courses for volunteers where the applicant can show an exceptional need or value to their volunteers Reasonable travel expenses so that volunteers can carry out their roles Capital items that assist with voluntary work

Visit www.blcf.org.uk/grants to download an application form or contact the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation on 01234 834930 or at administrator@blcf.org.uk

ITEMS REQUIRING A GOOD HOME

CVS has a couple of items that are looking for new homes, namely a Boardroom Table (2m x 1.2m) and a Photocopier (Xerox Phaser 740). If your organisation would like either of these items then please contact Mark Smith on 01234 354366 or at mark@yourcvs.org. You will be responsible for collecting the items and this is strictly on a first-come first-served basis.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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SNIPPETS
Bedford Borough Tax Reduction Scheme Consultation
From 1st April 2013 Bedford Borough Council has been responsible for deciding how much help low-income working age households should receive with the cost of Council Tax. The Council is proposing to reduce the amount of Council Tax Support for some households from 1st April 2014 due to a reduction in Government funding. The proposed changes will affect households;:
Where the property is in Council Tax Band E, F, G or H With savings or other capital of more than 8,000 Where there is a resident adult other than the householder(s)

As this may affect clients of local voluntary and community groups you may wish to respond to the consultation. You can access further details at http://tinyurl.com/lyfy94h where you can download the consultation document. You can respond online at www.forms.bedford.gov.uk/ctrs2014 The Council will make a final decision about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and other changes to Council Tax in January 2014. The Councillors making the final decision will consider the responses made to this consultation before making their decision.

You've got the Power

The booklet Youve got the Power - A quick and simple guide to community rights has just been published by the Government outlining a number of areas where communities can take a key role in their areas. The policies covered include:
Neighbourhood Planning Community Right to Bid Our Place! Town and Parish Councils Right to Reclaim Land Community Right to Build Community Shares Community Right to Challenge Right to Manage and Community Cash-Back

The document also points people in the right direction for advice, support and funding. You can download a copy from http://tinyurl.com/kncw7dp

Rotary Club of Bedford - Swimathon

Saturday 23rd November 2013 at Bedford School Swimming Pool Raise funds for your charity and also for Canine Partners the easy way! This is your opportunity to raise funds for your favourite charity and also for Canine Partners, a local charity in Clapham that provides specially-trained dogs to help people with disabilities, (including those injured while on active duty serving in the uniformed services), to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life. Teams of up to six swim in relay for 50 minutes. The teams will be asked to seek sponsors and all the money raised will be divided between the team's own chosen charity and Canine Partners. Every swimmer will receive a commemorative medallion and trophies for the most raised from sponsorship will be awarded to Top Local Business Team, Top Youth Team (school or youth group) and Top Charitable Group. Join Rotary in helping the community by entering your team on-line at www.rotaryswimathon.org.uk or down-load an entry form from there or call Keith Fossey on 01234 407478.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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SNIPPETS
The Avenue
The Avenue holds relaxed, informal fortnightly support groups in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Families can come and chat to other families who understand the highs and lows of living with a child with Autism. The Avenue is a positive friendly group where you can share tips, experience and knowledge. You can also view and buy helpful sensory and communication aids and pick up useful leaflets/handouts - all while enjoying a cup of tea. Our support group is run every first Friday of the month from 09:30-11:30 and every third Tuesday of the month from 12:30-14:30 at The Pentecostal Church, Crab Lane, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 0LN. For more information ring 07425 551110 or email theavenuesupport@outlook.com. Website: www.theavenuesupport.co.uk

Wrap Up Bedford Winter Coat Campaign - Can You Help?

The ReUse Centre is trying to begin a Wrap up Bedford Winter Coat Campaign, similar to the Wrap up London Campaign, which is now into its third year. The idea is that unwanted coats are collected and distributed to local shelters, refuges and other charities to keep Bedford's most vulnerable warm during winter. The ReUse Centre could facilitate this by providing a central drop-off location (or two) for donated coats, plus by prompting regular donors to also give their old coats when they collect their furniture and by providing a central location for other charities to collect coats from. The ReUse Centre would like to hear from your organisation if you think your clients would benefit from a free winter coat this year and if you would like to get involved in getting this project off the ground. Please contact Mark J Thompson (Chief Officer, The ReUse Centre) on 01234 353 578 or at mark@thereusecentre.org.uk for more information and to offer your support.

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group The future of childrens services in Bedfordshire

Wednesday 13 November, 2pm 4pm at CVS, 43 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2AA. As you may know, there have been major changes to childrens services at Bedford Hospital and some services have been suspended. Although robust interim arrangements have ensured all children who need care have access to the right care, it has been a difficult time for families, especially those who regularly use the hospital's childrens service. Our primary duty as GPs responsible for healthcare in Bedfordshire is to ensure high-quality, safe services for everyone. So we are taking this opportunity to look at the way children's services operate throughout Bedford and identify where improvements can be made. We have set up a consultation process which will run until March 2014. Bedford children and their families are at its heart. We want to hear from young people, parents, carers and the many groups, communities and individuals that we work with about what they need from childrens health services and how and where those services should best be delivered. The role that the voluntary sector plays in supporting the delivery of childrens services, and the broad range of children and young people, parents and carers that you work with means that it is really important for us to give you the opportunity to find out what is happening and have your say. We would therefore like to invite you to a formal consultation phase event which will take place on Wednesday 13 November, 2pm 4pm also at CVS, 43 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2AA. To book a place please contact our event host, Community & Voluntary Service Tel: 01234 354366 or email: info@yourcvs.org
CVS operations are funded by: Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, The Harpur Trust
Please note: Every care is taken to provide accurate information, however CVS accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in, or complaints arising from, items in this publication. Inclusion of information in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by CVS. Please feel free to replicate any articles, as long as you credit CVS.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423