HackneyCEN

Big Lottery Fund to offer an extra £50m to voluntary organisations

2011-11-09T04:36:00.001-08:00

The Big Lottery Fund has announced that it is to award an extra £50m to voluntary organisations in the current financial year. The BLF, which is the voluntary sector's largest grant-maker, is increasing the annual budgets for its Reaching Communities and Awards for All programmes by £12m and £5m respectively

Dramatic increase predicted for child and working-age poverty

2011-11-09T04:35:00.003-08:00

A new study undertaken by the Institute for Fiscal Studies – Child and working-age poverty from 2010 to 2020 – finds that, as a result of the Coalition's reforms:
• The number of children in relative poverty is forecast to rise from 2.6 million in 2009-2010 to 3.3 million by 2020-2021 (before housing costs), and the number of working-age adults in poverty from 5.7 million to 7.5 million by 2020-2021.
• Relative child poverty will rise from 20% to 24% by 2020-2021, the highest rate since 1999-2000 and considerably higher than the 10 per cent target in the Child Poverty Act.
• Absolute poverty will rise considerably in the next few years as earnings growth is forecast to be weak but inflation high.
Whilst Universal Credit is expected to reduce poverty, the effect of other government changes to personal taxes and state benefits will offset this.

How do current government polices impact on equalities issues?

2011-11-09T04:34:00.001-08:00

Research commissioned by the North West Infrastructure Partnership, and carried out by the Centre of Local Economic Studies (CLES), has just been launched: it looks at the impact of current government policy on equalities and the specialist organisations that deliver to some of our most marginalised communities. The research concentrated on 15 issue-specific focus groups and involved over 250 VCS groups: the executive summary can be found here. The full report entitled "Open for All" will be available shortly from Voluntary Sector North West.

Government report published on the inquiry into regeneration

2011-11-09T04:32:00.001-08:00

The government has published its report from the inquiry into regeneration calling for the Department for Communities and Local Government to produce a national strategy for regeneration, targeting the most deprived areas. Urban Forum submitted evidence to the Inquiry jointly with Voice4Change England.

Community organisers take up position

2011-11-09T04:31:00.001-08:00

The first 47 people trained as Community Organisers have been recruited from 11 communities. The plan is for the Organisers to be trained from now until 2015 and they will be based in local groups, bringing people together around various local issues. It is hoped that the Organisers will be involved in assisting communities to take advantage of the Community First Fund. Locality has launched a website where you can find our nearest community organiser and your nearest host.

‘People power' removed from the Localism Bill

2011-11-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

The House of Lords has removed the flagship 'local referendum' provision, which provided the community empowerment element from the Localism Bill, and have allowed voters to launch a local referendum on any local issue. "We have listened to the concerns over expense and have decided, with regard to towns, that the local referendums do not need to have a place within this Bill," said Baroness Hanham, Parliamentary-Under-Secretary of State. However, Hanham added that referendums have not been totally abandoned and still exist for council tax, right-to-build and neighbourhood planning, a cornerstone of the Bill. Full list of amendments here

A Plain English guide to the Localism Bill

2011-11-09T04:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1923416.pdf

Do you need volunteers for your organisation?

2011-06-29T04:51:00.001-07:00

As part of the Young Hackney Volunteer Programme, CSV (Community Service Volunteers) are looking for one-off volunteer opportunities in Hackney for groups of 16 year olds for this coming Saturday October 1st and Saturday October 2nd.

The volunteers will be supervised, refreshments provided by us and we’ll ensure their safety on the day what CSV are looking for are organizations/ groups that could benefit from their volunteers help.

They also have funding for materials such as buying bulbs or paint.Example one day projects could be painting a youth centre, clearing an outside space in a park/ community garden, planting a winter crop of blubs in a care home, striping paint in a church etc.

If you could benefit, or if you have any questions please get in touch mruskin@springboardlc.org.uk or 02085104906

2011-06-29T04:48:00.001-07:00

Home Sweet Home

refugees, migrants and legal aid

Exhibition of photographs

Free entry

Wed 6 July – Fri 15 July 2011

Hackney Central Library

(next to Hackney Town Hall)

Mare Street,London E8 1GQ

Buses: 30, 48, 55, 106, 253, 254,

236, 276, 277, D6

Overground: Hackney Central; London Fields

Exhibition launch with speakers and discussion

Wed 6 July, 6.00pm

Hackney Refugee and Migrant Support Group

Women Asylum Seekers Together (London)

Home Sweet Home

A photographic exhibition presented by Hackney Refugee and Migrant Support Group and Women Asylum Seekers Together (London). The photographs highlight the conditions migrants and refugees experience today and raise questions about the detrimental impact on them if the proposed cuts in legal aid are implemented.

Cuts in legal aid

Legal aid is provided by the Government to fund legal advice and representation at court for people who cannot afford it. Over half a million people will lose out, according to the Government's own figures, if the legal aid budget is to be cut by £350 million. Legal aid for advice and representation on immigration, housing and benefits will become severely restricted.

Exhibition supported by Hackney Law Centre, Tower Hamlets Law Centre, Women for Refugee Women, Hackney Borough of Sanctuary group, Hackney Unites

Hackney Refugee and Migrant Support Group:

http://hrmsg-online.ning.com

Women Asylum Seekers Together (London): www.wast.org.uk wastlondon@yahoo.co.uk

For more details about the exhibition and the proposed changes to legal aid, email

hrmsgroup@googlemail.com / or call 07791 991416

CELEBRATING WHAT YOU DO - CYP SURVEY

2011-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

We know, yet another survey - the information from this will be used to create a directory with details of children and young people’s voluntary and community groups in Hackney.

We are working with The Learning Trust and Team Hackney to develop a school grants programme for voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups working with children and young people in Hackney. This will help The Learning Trust identify projects which should be funded
The children and young people’s agenda is always changing and this directory will help us advocate with policymakers and commissioners for more resources for your vital work. It will also help the Children & Young People’s Forum, who advocate for the needs of local groups, to gain a better understanding of what is out there
You can find out about other groups in Hackney, who you could partner up with and refer your users to
You get to publicise your organisation or project for FREE!

What is this survey about?

It may look long, but it’s lots of tick boxes and should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. There are 15 questions which cover:

your organisation’s contact details
the services you provide
the children and young people who take part in your activities
your relationship with local schools, the public sector and other VCS groups.

Please complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cypsurvey

TALKING MATTERS - 10th AMG!

2011-06-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Join Talking Matters at there 10th AMG
Wednesday 22nd June
12.30pm for light lunch, 1.15 for speaker

Mr Ian Beever, specialist in central and local government health policies
speaking on
"The NHS" Who is safe to deliver it for us?

Visnitz Hall, Lampard Grove N16 6XB (off Stamford HIll, near Morrisons) with wheelchair access

For more info please contact Jose Martin 020 8802 9222

Pushed to the Edge

2011-06-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

The government's new Work Programme replaced the Future Jobs Fund aims to tackle worklessness.

Community organisations were expected to play a big role in its delivery - but this has not been the case.

Download Pushed to the Edge, Locality's report into the issues our members have faced over the Work Programme at http://locality.org.uk/resources/pushed-edge-2/

Procurement in the NHS 2011: every penny counts

2011-06-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Procurement in the NHS 2011: every penny counts
13th September 2011: Manchester Conference Centre
This is to confirm that this years Procurement in the NHS conference and exhibition will be taking place on the 13th September at the Manchester Conference Centre, Sackville Street, Manchester

Now in its third successful year 'Procurement in the NHS' has established itself as the leading procurement event for the health sector in the UK

As there are major ongoing changes taking place within the health procurement sector will you or any of your colleagues will be available to attend the conference as delegates this year?

You can read more about the event at http://www.publicserviceevents.co.uk/overview/185/procurement-in-the-nhs

The Third Sector in 2011: Funding and Delivering the Big Society

2011-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Below are details of the forthcoming Westminster Briefing Conference, hosted by the House Magazine.

Title: The Third Sector in 2011: Funding and Delivering the Big Society
Date: Tuesday 5th July
Time: 10.00am - 4.15pm
Venue: Westminster, London

The Context:
Organisations of all sizes within the third sector are facing an uncertain future as they grapple with the effects of public funding cuts upon the services they offer to their beneficiaries. Alongside these very real and urgent questions of funding runs the narrative of David Cameron's Big Society, emphasising a greater role for charities, social enterprises, voluntary and community bodies in public service ownership and delivery. The challenge is now for the public and third sectors at both national and local levels to identify their roles within the Big Society, and to reconcile ideas with practical local implementation.

The Speakers:

Nick Hurd MP - Minister for the Civil Society
Simon Hebditch - Former CEO, CapacityBuilders (Chair)
Professor Cathy Pharoah - Co-Director, Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy, Cass Business School
Nick Odonohoe - Government Advisor on the Big Society Bank
Dawn Austwick - Chief Executive, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
Matt Leach - Associate Director, Respublica
Debra Allcock Tyler - Chief Executive, Directory of Social Change
Steve Wyler - Chief Executive, Locality
Mary Marsh - Founding Director, Clore Social Leadership Programme
Simon Burral - Director, Involve
Caroline Mason - Chief Operating Officer, Charity Bank
Rodney Schwartz - CEO, Clearly So
Jonathan Senker - CEO, VoiceAbility
Clare Thomas - Chief Grants Officer, CityBridge Trust

For more infomation about this event and booking infomation please go to http://www.westminster-briefing.com/conferences/event-detail1700/newsarticle/the-third-sector-in-2011-funding-and-delivering-the-big-society-1/

you can also contact

Jon Fuller
Research & Development, Westminster Briefing
Email: Jonathan.Fuller@westminster-briefing.com
Phone: 020 7593 5742

Hackney Borough of Sanctuary - Garden Party!

2011-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

HACKNEY BoROUGH OF SaNCTuaRY

Following the successful launch in March, the Hackney Borough of Sanctuary group would like to invite you to their...

Summer Garden Party

to be held at The Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane (entrance by the famous peace mural, opposite Dalston Junction Station)

on Friday 15^th July 6pm-8pm.

Come along to hear about how things are proceeding and to share in some light food, drinks and music.

Entrance and food free, but donations will be gratefully received.

Bring friends, spread the word!

City of Sanctuary is a movement of local people and community groups across the UK.

We want our towns, cities and boroughs to welcome all people seeking sanctuary from war, poverty and persecution.

To find out more go to www.hackney.cityofsanctuary.org

REACH conference 2011 - Book Now!!!

2011-06-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

The REACH conference 2011 will be taking place on Wednesday, 6 July!

BOOK NOW!!!!

You can book your place at the event now at http://cenreach2011.eventbrite.com

This event is a fantastic opportunity to share information about what is happening in your communities and the voluntary and community sector, show how your work relates to statutory partners, find out about partnership working, changes in the public sector and more.

The REACH CONFERENCE will be a great opportunity for community networks to connect with colleagues in the voluntary, community and public sector. There will be debates, workshops, guest speakers, stalls and we can confirm that Councillor Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services will also be attending.

We will also be announcing winners of the REACH awards (deadline for nominations Thursday, 30 June) and the successful applicants of the CEN strategic Network Grants.

Don’t miss out on this event – Come and represent your community!

For more information please visit http://www.hackneycen.org.uk/events/73-reach2011/default.aspx

See you there!

Social Action for Health - "Cancer Early Intervention Project report"

2011-06-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

Social Action for Health will launch the “Cancer Early Intervention Project report" which will be held on Thursday 16^th June 10.30am-2.00pm at St. Mungo’s Homeless Hostel, 146 Mare street, London E8 3SG.

They will be reporting back findings from their community research looking at why there is late diagnosis of cancer in East London as well as engagement with health professionals as to their view of the situation.

The launch will also include a discussion of the methods used, including a short video presentation of the dialogue forum events we held in the community.

They will also discuss recommendation in the report and analysis of the situation of late diagnosis of cancer in East London.

If you would like to attend please do contact

Helen Hibbard

Tel: 020 8510 1970

Email: helenh@safh.org.uk

THE PETCHEY CARNIVAL!

2011-06-14T06:23:00.001-07:00

The first ever PETCHY CARNIVAL will take place on 18th June at 3pm.

The event will take place in the school grounds.

There will be food stalls, activites including BBQ, Ice-Cream, Photo booth and more.

The Petchy Academy anticipate some outstanding performances from the Gospel Choir, Dance Company, The Academy Band, The Petchey Bateria, Hackney Steel Pans, African Drummers and guests from Mossbourne Community Academy.

There are over 120 children involved in performances at the Carnival, so tickets are likely to sell very quickly. We are therefore selling them on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more info and tickets please go to

http://www.petcheyacademy.org.uk/events/petchey-academy-carnival-2011.php

or contact events@petcheyacademy.org.uk

Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month Launch

2011-06-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month Launch

This is your final chance to reserve a place at the:

Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month Launch (please see invite below)

Thursday 9 June 4.30 - 6pm

Hackney Central Library

1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ.

Please come and support this important event and discover more about the invaluable contribution Traveller communities make to Hackney.

Please RSVP as soon as possible.

Amber Linell

Hackney Libraries, Archives & Information Services

Tel 0208 356 7576/ 0778 0695989

amber.linell@hackney.gov.uk

To view the flyer for this event please visit

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/Assets/Documents/grthm-2011.pdf

Nominate a Torchbearer

2011-06-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Nominate a Torchbearer

Do you know someone truly inspirational? This is your chance to give them their moment to shine. You have until 29 June 2011 to nominate them to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer... and don't forget, you can nominate more than one person.

For more infomation and to make nominations please visit
http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearer.php

Lessons from Recent Polls and Referendums

2011-06-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

Lessons from Recent Polls and Referendums

Anticipating the Impact of the Localism Bill

14th June 2011, London - Prospero House, Borough High Street, SE1

The Government’s plans for Councils to hold more polls and referendums may affect a lot of people’s roles in public engagement

Elected Members will certainly be impacted. We have traditionally voted for people; suddenly we will all be going to the ballot box to give our view on specific policies or on neighbourhood plans. It makes a change to the democratic mandate for Councillors, who can themselves initiate polls.

Chief Officers who have relied upon Councillors to take sometimes-difficult decisions, may now have to take account of the possibility that some of these may become subject to local referendums. It will change the preparation for and the consultation required before tough choices are made.

Public engagement staff and those responsible for community dialogues will find many campaigning groups keen to attract popular support. They likely to be very attracted to seeking referendums on their chosen causes and may well fight hard for what they believe if and when a poll is declared.

Electoral registration staff, obviously face a greater workload, but Democratic services and Overview & Scrutiny functions as a whole may be impacted.

But the innovations proposed in the Localism Bill may have serious implications well beyond local authorities. Anyone engaged in the Planning or Regeneration fields will be affected. So will other local service providers including the Police and the NHS.

Our event is designed to help you think through all the issues and gain confidence in discussing the implications with colleagues in your organisation

For more infomation and booking details please go to
http://www.consultationinstitute.org/training-and-events/course--and--event-calendar/?booksys_event=199

Locality ’11: Communities ambitious for change

2011-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Save the date!
1-2 November 2011, Palace Hotel, Manchester
Locality ’11: Communities ambitious for change

Save the date for the very first national convention from Locality, the UK’s leading network of communities ambitious for change.

With over 500 community-led regeneration practitioners and supporters expected to attend, Locality ’11 will be the largest event of its kind across the country. This will be an opportunity to discuss the latest issues affecting communities across the UK; network with like-minded individuals; and find out more about how Locality is promoting community enterprise support, asset ownership and development, social action, local community engagement, community organising, community-led planning and much more.

Who should attend
Locality ‘11 is ‘must go’ event for all Locality members and anyone else who is transforming, or looking to transform, their local area through community enterprise, social action and community asset ownership and development. Others who will benefit include:

Local community-based organisations
Social enterprises
Local VCS groups
National third sector support bodies
Local and national government
Policy-makers and think tanks
Academics interested in social policy
Charitable foundations and funding bodies
Social finance providers

Further information and details are available on our website
http://locality.org.uk/
If you would like to take advantage of exhibition and advertising opportunities, contact communications@locality.org.uk

2011-06-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Transforming Child Protection Services:
Working in Partnership to Deliver a Child-Centred System

Central London

Thursday 7th July 2011

Event Details go to http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/BG07-PPE.php

You must register to attend.

Professor Eileen Munro’s eagerly awaited and wide-ranging review of frontline child protection practices has now been published.

Arguing that the current system is failing to focus on the needs of the child and the journey they take through the child protection system, the Munro Review’s final report, ‘A child-centred system’ (May 2011), outlines a radical new approach to improve the quality of child protection services in the UK.

This timely symposium offers an invaluable opportunity to:

·Analyse and assess the Munro Review recommendations for developing a child-centred protection system

·Examine how to work in partnership to improve early intervention and prevention methods

·Explore how to up-skill the social care workforce, through better training and career development

·Discuss how to improve and expand multi-agency working, increasing accountability and sharing best practice

If you need any other infomation please contact

Alexandra Kelly
Public Policy Exchange
Tel: 0845 606 1535
Fax: 0845 606 1539

Cameron plans charity giving including £30 million for infrastructure

2011-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today the goverment has announced a £10 million Social Action fund, as part of it's Giving White Paper, It is also said that there will be £30 million to support the voluntary sector.

Please click the following link to read the full article on this

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/1071329/David-Cameron-unveils-Social-Action-Fund-Giving-White-Paper/9E50DE7DFABF0DF5E57D72459364C632/?DCMP=EMC-CONDailyBulletin

Be part of Procurement in the NHS

2011-05-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Procurement in the NHS 2011: every penny counts
13th September 2011: Manchester Conference Centre

Be part of Procurement in the NHS

The NHS aims to achieve savings of up to £20 billion over the next four years. How can such a great deal of money be saved without damage to patient care? There is no question that substantial procurement savings will be sought in the efficiency plans of NHS trusts and foundation trusts

Now in its third successful year 'Procurement in the NHS' has established itself as the leading procurement event for the health sector in the UK

By attending the event delegates will get an insight into the future workings of the procurement process in the NHS and be offered the opportunity to meet and network with hundreds of fellow professionals from the industry

Read more www.publicserviceevents.co.uk/event/overview2.asp?ID=185

Register to attend the event here http://www.cvent.com/events/procurement-in-the-nhs/event-summary-268074e635044e048e920ae06f6b0e9c.aspx

Speakers confirmed to date include:

The conference is being chaired by procurement expert Colin Cram, Former Chief Executive, North West Centre of Excellence

John Warrington, Deputy Director, Procurement, Investment and Commercial Division, Department of Health

"Strategies for NHS procurement"

Mike Hall, Director of Facilities, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust

"Improving the nation's health through efficient procurement and estates management"

Dr Raj Patel, GP and PEC Chair, Tameside and Glossop PCT

"Supporting GP commissioning and procurement"

Sally Chisholm, Chief Executive, NHS Technology Adoption Centre

"The generic adoption process"

Peter Akid, Chief Executive, Commercial Procurement Solutions

"Releasing resources to support front line services"

David Shields, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Buying Solutions

"The new Buying Solutions"

We have also invited Mark Davies, Director, Health Value for Money Studies, National Audit Office

"Efficiency through procurement"

"Through the coming years, every part of the NHS needs to make every penny count for patients" – Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health.

The NHS is changing rapidly. Yet the pressure will be on all those responsible for procurement and commissioning to secure value for money. The GP commissioning model could mean that the survival of some hospitals will depend on the quality of their procurement and estates management.

Procurement in the NHS: every penny counts will help all those tasked with securing value for money to negotiate the shifting landscape, understand how to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the various procurement organisations and initiatives, understand the changes that are taking place and how to deliver the procurement savings that are needed if NHS services are to be maintained

If you need more infomation please use the contact details below

Mike Agnew
Divisional Events Manager
magnew@specialistdelegates.co.uk
publicservice.co.uk Ltd
City Wharf
New Bailey Street
Manchester, M3 5ER

Tel: 0161 831 7111
Fax: 0161 832 7396

ESOL FEST!

2011-05-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 19th June there will be two big ESOL FESTS in London, one in the south and one in the north and east, with the aim of bringing together students, teachers and community organisations for a celebration of multi-culturalism and ESOL, within the context of a general defence of Adult and Further Education.

The east London fest will meet at Hackney Town Hall 12.30pm OR Stepney Green Park at 12.30pm to march to Bethnal Green Gardens for an afternoon of celebration and activities from 2-5pm.

And at the sister event in south London meet at Windrush Square in Brixton at 12pm to march to Kennington Park for 2pm.

Afternoon activities will include music, dancing, food, speakers, henna tattoos, and lots of other activities.

We hope the event will be a festive day with a serious message behind it that ESOL is important and deserves, like all of Adult Education to be protected and we invite all teachers, students and community organisations to come out and support us.

Please circulate this event to friends, teacher, student and anybody you think will take an interest.

To view the flyer for this event and for more infomation please click the link below:

www.actionforesol.org

please feel free to print off this flyer and promote the event around your college/department or any other points of interest.

Contacts for this event are:

Naina Kent 07813135922

Mandy Brown 07973853795

Masterclass session for the Healthcare Sector around Health Policy and Delivery in the 21st Century

2011-05-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Public Policy Exchange will be holding a masterclass session for the Healthcare Sector around Health Policy and Delivery in the 21st Century.

A description of the session given by the Public Policy Exchange follows..

This practical Masterclass analyses in detail how all the various strands of health policy in the UK fit together, from national framework to local implementation. The Masterclass explores the roles and layers of responsibility between central government, local government, health services, wider civil service, the public and how it all affects you.

The session will take place Tuesday 14th June in central London.

For those of you that are interested you can get more infomation at the following website and also make a booking

http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/masterclasses/BF14-SM.php

NIA Survey

2011-05-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

the nia project’s Hackney IDVA service is committed to obtaining feedback from all its stakeholders, including partner agencies. To this end, they have created a very short and straight forward survey and would ask you to complete this, clicking on the link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/78ZWRTZ

NIA would be very grateful if you would take the time to complete this and to cascade it to any members of your teams, as your feedback will help us develop the IDVA service and maintain its effectiveness. It should only take 5 minutes.

The survey is completely anonymous.

The survey will be available to complete until Wednesday 25 May 2011.

Amendment to London Child Protection Procedures

2011-05-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Please note that the 4^th edition of the London Child Protection Procedures has been slightly amended to correct an error at paragraph 17.1.29. The section previously read:

17.1.29 It is illegal to appoint a candidate to a position where a CRB check is required (a regulated position) until the outcome of the check has been received.

This has now been amended to read:

17.1.29 When appointing to a position where a CRB check is required (a regulated position), it is good practice to obtain the disclosure before an individual begins work. It must in any case be obtained as soon as practicable after the individual’s appointment and the request for a CRB disclosure should be submitted in advance of the individual starting work. Employers have discretion to allow an individual to begin work pending receipt of the CRB disclosure but should ensure that the individual is appropriately supervised and that all other checks, including the Children’s List (previously List 99 / PoCA), have been completed.

The amended version has been posted online at www.londonscb.gov.uk/procedures/www.londonscb.gov.uk/procedures/, and I would appreciate it if you could circulate this information through your own networks and ensure that any locally saved versions are replaced with this updated edition.

Available CHSCB training

2011-05-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

CHSCB have good availability on the newly scheduled courses:

Group B: Working together to safeguard children
(1day course)                                                                                18 May 2011

Lunchtime seminar: Children who demonstrate harmful sexual behaviours
(12:00 – 14:00)                                        25 May 2011 (Aims and outcomes confirmed shortly)

Group B: Risk assessment, analysis and decision-making
(2 day course)                                                                    09-10 June 2011

Group A: Working with diversity in safeguarding children
(1 day course)                                                                    29 June 2011

Group A: Safeguarding children - a shared responsibility
(1 day course)                                                                    13 July 2011

Group C: Managing allegations against professionals working with children and young people
(1 day course)         19 July 2011

Please apply online via the training calendar http://www.chscb.org.uk/content/14/training rather than using the hard-copy training application form, in order to save you time and paper. However, we still accept hard-copy training application forms in circumstances where this is not possible. If you require a hard-copy application form, please get in touch.

As a reminder, the CHSCB multi-agency training is open and free of charge to all professionals from agencies who work with children and young people in Hackney and the City of London area. The training is categorised into 3 different training audiences; Group A, B and C – please see the information on these categories in the training brochure which can be downloaded from the website. It is important that you have attended a Group A training course, or an equivalent introductory safeguarding children course in another borough or organisation, before undertaking Group B or C courses. This information will be requested on the online training application form.

The website will send you an automated message with confirmation.

Positive for Youth - Your chance to shape London's contribution tothe forthcoming strategy

2011-05-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

PYL would like to invite you to our consultation event on Positive for Youth - your chance to shape London's contribution to the Government's forthcoming youth strategy, programme attached. Currently the Department for Education is seeking comments, suggestions or questions relating to the Positive for Youth draft documents, which can be found here http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/a0076757/positive-for-youth-let-us-know-your-views and are being updated periodically. Although no deadline has been set yet for final contributions the government intends to develop the strategy 'with significant input from the sector over the summer'.

Our event will draw together all of the issues in one place and will also enable you to contribute to a Pan London response from PYL to the government. This event is open to senior managers in the voluntary and community and private sectors, and local authorities. There is no attendance charge for this event.

If you would like to attend on Wednesday 22nd June 2011, 1.45pm to 4.30pm at Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3RB, please contact:

	Lucy Sandford
	020 7332 3599
	lucy@pyl.org.uk

Government makes vetting and barring U-turn!

2011-05-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

The government has taken a U-turn on plans to scale back the age limit on vetting and barring arrangements for children's professionals.

Professionals working with 16 and 17-year-olds will not be exempt from vetting arrangements.

Under the Protection of Freedoms Bill the arrangements would have no longer applied to those working with only 16- and 17-year-olds.

But ahead of a debate at the committee stage of the bill today the government has added an amendment to keep the cut off age at 18.

Andrew Flanagan, chief executive of the NSPCC, which had lobbied for the amendment, said: "The government’s amendment is absolutely right. We welcome this wholeheartedly as it will make a huge difference to the safety of young people.
http://www.cypnow.co.uk/bulletin/cypnow_daily/article/1067841/government-makes-vetting-barring-u-turn/

Personalisation briefing: Implications of the Equality Act 2010

2011-04-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

This at a glance briefing examines the implications of the Equality Act 2010 for personalised adult social care. The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework which can support personalisation in adult social care. They are both about ensuring individuals receive services that are respectful, effective and accessible. It is essential that care providers from all sectors understand the implications for them. http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/ataglance/ataglance41.asp

Event: Power and Knowledge creation: towards a theory of user control and community integration in voluntary action research

2011-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Who creates, controls and measures knowledge in the voluntary and community sector? What role is played by service users and volunteers, universities, voluntary sector organisations and umbrella organisations such as NCVO? Join NCIA’s Andy Benson at the ARVAC annual lecture in London on 9 May 2011 to explore these questions and more.
Association of Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector (ARVAC) annual lecture
Power and Knowledge creation: towards a theory of user control and community integration in voluntary action research
9 May 2011, 2 – 5pm
The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters
101 Newington Causeway
London SE1 6BN
The speakers are:

Ian Bruce, Cass Business School
Bernard Harris, University of Southampton
Angela Ellis Paine, Third Sector Research Centre
Andy Benson, NCIA

The event has been designed to actively engage academics, practitioners and policy makers in these issues, which are gaining particular importance in today’s economic and policy climate.
Attendance is free but places are limited, please register and book a place by contacting: community@uea.ac.uk or 01603 591561.

Party Conference Bursary Scheme

2011-04-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

The scheme gives smaller organisations the chance to send a representative to either: the Liberal Democrat, Labour or Conservative Party conference. Participating groups get the chance to put MPs on the spot, attend fringe events and discuss key issues such as the Big Society or the impact of spending cuts on their organisation at a special roundtable discussion. Open to voluntary and community organisations with an income of less than £500,000. Winners receive a two-day conference pass, one night’s accommodation and reasonable travel expenses.

Closing date: Friday, 20 May

Please contact: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/partyconferencebursary

A beginner's guide to commissioning

2011-04-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you support organisations in your community?
Are you new to this thing called 'commissioning'?
Do you want ideas for more effectively working with the public sector?

The commissioning of local public services and the impact on communities and organisations is as important as ever. Huge numbers of people play some role in supporting voluntary and community organisations to navigate this often complex world of local commissioning, but where do you start?
NAVCA have provided, for the first time, a guide for development workers starting out on this journey of supporting organisations to engage with the commissioning landscape.
The guide covers:

what commissioning is
why it is important for development workers
ways of supporting organisations
ideas for working with the public sector

There are also useful checklists on developing effective local networks, gathering relevant evidence for tendering and working out what you need to know. Download the guide here

Event: What is Immigration Detention? Weds 20th April 2011

2011-03-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 20th April 2011, 6 -9pm

The Old Town Hall, 29 The Broadway, Stratford, London, E15 4AL

Find out more about immigration detention, what happens when people are detained, and what practical support local communities can be provide.

Every year over 20,000 people enter into one of the immigration removal centres in the UK. Currently there is a lot of talk about changes to the detention system for families with children, but detention still remains a harsh reality for some individuals and can have repercussions for whole communities.

Hosted by RAMFEL, the Detention Forum and the London Detainee Support Group, and supported by Praxis and the Dover Visitors Group, this is a timely opportunity to

- Find out more about detention

- Find out how the system works

- Find what faith groups, voluntary groups, and communities can do to help those finding themselves detained and those that are then released

- as well as bring yourself up to date with the current discussions and debates over the detention of children and families

With testimonies from individuals who were detained as well as a panel of experts, on hand to answer questions – this is a rare opportunity not to be missed

To book a place contact

Lucy Mercer 0208 478 4513 or email lucy@ramfel.org.uk

Culture and Depression - conference on 23 May

2011-03-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Culture and DepressionThe validity, diagnosis and management of depression in different cultures needs an extensive re-examination.

23rd May 2011 / London

Over the past few decades, a significant body of research has outlined major problems that relate to the use of western diagnosis and methods of research across cultures. Amongst the diagnostic groups, depression has been singled out as one that raises significant issues of cultural validity and which poses special problems as a universally valid disorder. Fundamental problems include a) cross-cultural variations in defining identity, b) differing concepts of emotions; c) cultural variations in language with problems of translating everyday emotion, and d) the absence of a universal biological cause. Despite these demonstrated concerns, mental health professionals, psychiatrists included, consider depression as universal in form with cross-cultural differences in symptomatology as a mere artefact. If there are such major differences in symptomatology, it begs the question: Why do they receive the same diagnosis? And, how does this contradiction arise?

Some of the key questions which will be discussed during the one day event include:

Do cultures have their own specific emotions that shape depression? Or, do ethnic groups differ in their emotions?

What is cultural validity? Why should it matter?

Is depression universal?

What are the challenges for diagnosing depression across different cultures?

Can depression be treated by uniform protocols / how can inter-cultural therapy be helpful in depression?

What role can inter-cultural therapy play in the treatment of depression?

What is the scope for future research in this area?

This event will provide the opportunity for clinicians from all professional backgrounds who have experience in caring for people from diverse backgrounds to come together. Clinicians will have the opportunity via the sharing of case vignettes, to share the benefits and challenges they have experienced in their work and to also discuss good practice and learning points.

Programme of the day

9.00 - 9.30	Registration, Tea & Coffee
9.30 - 10.40	Introduction & Chair What is cultural validity? Why should it matter?Sushrut Jadhav
10.40 - 11.30	Depression: An Anthropological ViewDavid Napier
11.30 - 11.45	Tea & Coffee
11.45 - 12.30	How useful is the category of 'childhood depression' in managing it?Begum Maitra
12.30 - 1.00	Morning session Q&A
1.00 - 1.45	Lunch
1.45 - 2.35	Who says depression appears in all cultures?David Summerfield
2.35 - 3.25	What role can inter-cultural therapy play in the treatment of depression?Yemi Oloyede
3.25 - 3.40	Tea & Coffee
3.40 - 4.30	What is the scope for future research in this area?Robert Littlewood
4.30 - 4.45	Afternoon Q&A
4.45 - 5.00	Plenary, Closure & Evaluation sheets

Who Should attend?

This conference will be relevant to all professionals in the field of Mental Health and Social Care, including those from Local Authorities and NHS trusts across the UK, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Early Intervention Teams, CPN’s, OT’s, Social Workers, Chaplains, Community Faith Leaders & Healers, Equality Leads, Community Development Workers, Service User Representatives, Charities, Third Sector, Educational Establishments, Academics and Policy makers.

Where?

The Resource Centre
356 Holloway Road
London
N7 6PA

Tel: +44 (0)20 7700 0100
http://www.theresourcecentre.org.uk

Conference Booking

Conference Brochure

Conference Booking Forn

Conference Contact

Ahmed Qureshi (conference co-ordinator) tel. 07540 356 526
email us on: info@bmehealth.org or visit us on www.bmehealth.org

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White Ribbon Campaign Supporters seek your assistance on 26 March!

2011-03-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends....

Re: 'MARCH FOR THE ALTERNATIVE' (called by the TUC), LONDON - 26 MARCH 2011.

Chris, Steve and other Mytholmroyd 'Ribboners' are travelling down to London on the 26th to be present at the march. White Ribbon Campaign UK is concerned that government financial cuts will reduce services which provide assistance and support, in all their forms, to women affected by male violence against them.

I have prepared a WRC A5 flyer addressing our concern which we will hand out to the marchers and interested onlookers. We have 2500 copies of this flyer. It includes a section on the back for people to take The WRC Pledge. The key wording on the leaflet front reads: The government cuts will affect everyone. 60% of refuge services have no funding agreed from 1 April 2011. 72% of outreach services have no funding agreed from 1 April 2011 (source: Womens Aid Newsletter, March 2011). Women seeking advice, support and safety as a result of men's abuse and violence towards them, could find that the relevant support services no longer exist in their area, or have become drastically reduced.
2500 flyers will be difficult for a small number of us to distribute! We would be very grateful if any of you could assist with handing out these flyers. If you'll be at the march, and will help us, please contact us directly on 07941597584.

In anticipation,............I thank you.

Regards

Stuart Hogg

Budget 2011 - how does it affect the charity sector?

2011-03-24T06:49:00.001-07:00

Flowing from yesterday’s budget, for summaries on the key points affecting the sector visit: http://www.charityinsight.com/

'Who's telling our stories? Unheard voices; mobilising migrants to speak up'

2011-03-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

April 15^th 1-6pm -

April 16^th 9.30am-2pm

At: Amnesty International, The Human Rights Action Centre,

17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA

Migrant Voice is delighted to invite you to our Spring conference examining public attitudes and media representation of migrants and exploring strategies for migrants' engagement in the public conversation on migration.

The conference is the first joint event of the newly established 'Migrant Voices for Change Network', with membership from migrant and refugee communities' leaders and professionals, media experts, academics and other stakeholders, from London, Birmingham and Glasgow.

The two day event will bring experts in the field of messaging, public attitude and migration to shed the light on the latest research and activities, including the Barrow Cadbury Trust, Oxfam, The Searchlight Educational Trust, Institute of Public Policy Research, Migrants Rights Network, Open Society Foundation, and others.

A panel of journalists from the BBC, The Guardian, Channel 4 and other media, will provide an insight into the British media perspective on the coverage of migration, and highlight opportunities for migrants to engage with and influence the media.

The conference will be a market place for exchanging innovative and inspirational projects and initiatives from across the three cities, and will see workshops facilitated by leaders in the art of communication, including Bridging Arts and Manifesta.

Day one will conclude with a reception.

Day two will engage members of the Migrant Voices for Change Network in hands-on media training and activities and facilitated discussions on strengthening the network and on developing and implementing communication strategies to get more migrant voices heard in the media and the debate on migration.

Please RSVP info@migrantvoice.org or call 020 8960 0121 indicating if you would like to attend day one of the conference only or if you would like to join the Network and participate in both days of the conference. Attendance is free but places are limited and will be given on a first come first served basis.

London Councils judicial review: trial on Thursday 27 January

2011-01-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

As part of the campaign against the cuts to vulnerable groups a case against London Councils has now been listed for trial. It will take place next Thursday 27 January at the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. It will probably start at 10.30 am and finish at about 4.30. It is hoped to get judgment that day or the following day.

You can find out which court room it’s in by looking on the main notice board immediately behind the info desk as you come into the RCJ from the main entrance on the Strand, or by going to this website link the day before after about 2 pm.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/list_admin.htm

The case is called R (Hajrula & Others) v London Councils. The Claimants are being represented by Helen Mountfield QC and Aileen McColgan from Matrix Chambers, and Jason Coppel is representing London Councils.

Event: Hackney, future planning for our changing environment on 9 February 9.30 – 12.30pm

2011-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hackney CEN is playing a key role in the Team Hackney Partnership, bringing people together to look at how we can protect the most vulnerable from current economic challenges.

To this end we are helping organise the event: Hackney, future planning for our changing environment on 9 February 9.30 – 12.30pm.

Please note this is by invitation only, with 40% for people from the voluntary and community sector (CEN representatives and community network leads) and 60% for all other Team Hackney Partners Hackney Council, PCT, Police, The Learning Trust, Hospital trusts etc.
If you would like to contribute your views to this event, please tell us on our blog here: http://hackneycen.blogspot.com/ or email: liz@hcvs.org.uk
For more info on the event: http://www.hackneycen.org.uk/events/28-hackney-wide-conference-with-team-hackney-/default.aspx

Community Network Support Workshop – Monday 24 January 2010

2011-01-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Find out how to use GrantFinder (1.30 -2.30pm)

Hackney CVS is investing in GrantFinder which is an internet database housing information on over 6,000 funding opportunities and policy items. This state-of-the-art package is widely held to be the best in the business and will be available in our computer resource area. Learn how to use it and make the most of this opportunity to improve your organisation’s finances.

Plus… follow on session from 2.30 – 4.30pm especially for community networks! This will include a targeted session on funding for your network, volunteer support for your Network from ELBA (East London Business Alliance) and Shadowing and Mentoring opportunities for potential CEN reps.

More information on this part of the course is here: http://tinyurl.com/4jxf5j2

Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,

5 Tyssen Street London E8 2LY

To book: Call us on 020 7923 1962 or complete the booking form attached or here: http://tinyurl.com/5twh7hl and email info@hcvs.org.uk

Recession mapping – BAME Children and Young People

2011-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

AFRUCA and MiNet have opened a short survey to map any emerging patterns and funding cuts on organisations delivering to children and young people in London, and the impact of each. Information gathered from the survey will be used to inform a report which will be presented to children and young people commissioners and funders. Get more information or take part in the survey:http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/MiNet_RecessionSurveyMar11.aspx

Transparency in Outcomes - DOH comes to Hackney -Book Now

2011-01-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with London Borough of Hackney, the Health and Social Care Forum invite you to a consultation on transparency in outcomes - A framework for Adult social care.

Date: 11th January

Time: 2pm - 5pm

The Department of Health will be coming down to explain the framework and to hear local views .

Please book by emailing me on hscf@hcvs.org.uk - Booking is essential.

The consultation closes on the 9th February for written responses and the full documents are here.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_121509

Hackney Community Law Centre public meeting

2011-01-05T09:12:00.001-08:00

Friday, 31 January 2011: 7pm

Public meeting to endorse Hackney Law Centre stance against the proposed cuts. The Hackney Community Law Centre would also like to invite you to respond to the Government’s consultation that closes on February 14 2011 and will provide you with the information for doing so at the meeting.

Please contact: email matthew@hclc.org.uk

City & Hackney Health & Social Care Forum and Hackney LINk - The Future of Health in Hackney Event: The implications of the NHS White paper & bill for services in Hackney

2011-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Friday, 28 January 2011: 9am - 1.30pm

Venue: TBC

Info: http://www.hscf.org.uk/index.php?page=38&event=147#news_7308

Please come along to the rearranged The Future of Health in Hackney meeting with

Paul Haigh - Chief Executive East London Integrated Care
Jacqui Harvey - Chief Executive City & Hackney Primary Care Trust
Lesley Mountford - Director Public Health
Yvonne Faulks (tbc)

We will be discussing:

What does the NHS Bill & Public Health White Paper mean for Hackney?

How will GP Consortia led Commissioning work?

What will the implications of the PCT merger be?

How will the cuts to the Local Authority & NHS budget affect Hackney & how can we assess the impact?

How can we use Olympics to raise the profile of wellbeing & preventative activities in Hackney?

The meeting will be 9am - 1.30pm
Booking Essential please email if you would like to attend: hscf@hcvs.org.uk

Hackney Refugee Forum: Come along to discuss “Housing issues and Health impacts” and the issues affecting Hackney’s refugee and migrant communities

2011-01-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hackney Refugee Forum: Come along to discuss “Housing issues and Health impacts” and the issues affecting Hackney’s refugee and migrant communities

Wednesday, 26 January 2011: 1pm

Refreshment and food available.

Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,

5 Tyssen Street

, Dalston, Hackney E8 2LY

Please contact: email Ali Aksoy ali@hcvs.org.uk, call 0207 923 1962, or find out the forum on the new CEN website: http://tinyurl.com/2dyba6s

Hackney Unites meeting onthe impact of the cuts with guest speaker Lee Jasper

2011-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hackney Unites and Black Activists Rising Against the Cuts are holding a joint meeting to discuss the impact of the government's cuts agenda on Hackney's diverse communities. There will be a round table discussion with speakers including Lee Jasper, and local community activists.

The first hour will be a traditional meeting, but with a focus on what we can do to protect our communities. During the second hour we will break into groups to explore tactics and strategy for mobilising our communities. There will also be a session of Hackney Unites' Workers Advice Project.

Date: Sunday, January 23, 2011
Time: 2-4pm
Venue: Open the Gate
33 - 35 Stoke Newington Road N16 8BJ
Please register here if you want to attend: http://hackneyunites23jan2011.eventbrite.com/

Older People’s Reference Group info meeting: Personal Budgets for Social Care:

2011-01-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Services are changing to give people more choice and control over their care support. Come along to find out what this will mean and ask the questions you want answered

With Dr David Woodhead - Assistant Director, Health and Housing, Community Services, Hackney Council and Professor Jill Manthorpe - Director, The Social Care Workforce Research Unit, Kings College

Tuesday, 18 January: 10.30am

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall,

Mare St.

, E8

Please contact: Inquiries and transport requests to Age Concern Hackney on 020 7241 5906

Tell us what you think should be in Hackney’s first voluntary and community sector (VCS) strategy!

2011-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

How important is funding, premises or developing partnerships with other agencies to your voluntary or community organisation?

Tell us what you think should be in Hackney’s first voluntary and community sector (VCS) strategy!

Shrinking funding and increasing demand for services - means more pressure on the sector. Help develop a plan that could relieve this and strengthen our position as a sector by taking part in consultations on Hackney’s first VCS strategy.

By developing this draft strategy with help from NAVCA and based on your valuable input, Hackney CVS is keen to ensure there is a strong strategic and operational plan in place to support the further development of our sector.

There are two ways you can give your views and be in with a chance to win a BlackBerry 9300 mobile!

1. Come along to one of our focus groups below:

Monday, 17 January - 2 to 5pm or Monday, 17 January - 6 to 9pm

Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,

5 Tyssen Street, London E8 2LY

Please contact: Complete a booking form here http://tinyurl.com/3axzf8t or call HCVS on 020 7923 1962 or email info@hcvs.org.uk

2. Complete our short survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCQ663N it should take 10 - 15 minutes to complete.

Find out more about this VCS Strategy consultation and read the background documents: click here http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/3rdsectorstrategy.aspx

Do you deliver training, back-to-work support, wellbeing training, volunteering programs, enterprise development?

2011-01-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

Any program which helps Hackney residents to be nearer employment has the potential to be funded through the government’s Work Program – the Economic Development Network is helping local groups promote their programs to potential subcontractors. If you register the details with the EDN directory here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y9S5R3B. If you have any questions or have difficulty with making the link work, please contact Judy judy@hcvs.or.uk and you will be contacted to help you through the process.

Volunteer Centre Hackney Props Project loses funding

2011-01-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

For 2 years Volunteer Centre Hackney (VCH) have run the Props project which supports people with mental health problems and ex-offenders. Until recently, the project, which costs £66,500, has been funded by the local NHS primary care trust and the Lloyds TSB Foundation. None of this funding will be renewed after the current financial year.

VCH is now desperately trying to find the money to continue this project. You can read more about this in an article written for the Guardian by Celosia Mendes who is Head of the Props project: http://gu.com/p/2m4yt

Save the Date - Conference on the Impact of the Cuts - Weds 9 February

2010-12-21T02:21:00.000-08:00

Looking at the impact of the cuts and how we can best measure the impact of the cuts on Hackney’s communities, the CEN are holding a Conference with Team Hackney on Wednesday 9 February 2011. The Conferenece sets out to protect those who will be most affected. Save the date, more info on this in the new year.

Safer Young Hackney meet with Baroness Newlove

2010-12-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

The Safer Young Hackney Network gained an audience with Baroness Newlove last week. The Baroness visited Hackney CVS in Dalston as part of a nationwide tour, meeting with and talking to young people and Voluntary and Community projects up and down the country about what works and how.

The Baroness heard powerful testimony from young people whose lives had been changed by the intervention from Hackney providers. She saw how young people have developed emotional resilience and ways forward, which saw them walk away from risky behaviour and often dangerous activity into productive and rewarding lifestyles. Safer Young Hackney have also launched a newsletter, to recieve your copy or more info on the Network email: Gary@hcvs.org.uk

Hackney Councillors campaigning against the cuts

2010-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Some Councillors in Hackney have launched a campaign against the government’s cuts to public services and funding. They would like people to visit their Facebook paga and also welcome people's comments.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Their-Cuts-Not-Ours/178128612200341

Transparency in outcomes - an audience with the Department of Health in Hackney 11 January

2010-12-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

City & Hackney Health and Social Care Forum, in conjunction with London Borough of Hackney invite you to a consultation on transparency in outcomes - A framework for Adult social care on the 11th January 2pm - 5pm. The Department of Health will be coming down to explain the framework and to hear local views .
Please book by emailing hscf@hcvs.org.uk - Booking is essential.

The consultation closes on the 9th February for written ressponses and the full documents are here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_121509

Have your say - Local surveys to improve support for local people and community organisations

2010-12-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

Tell us what you think should be in Hackney's voluntary and community sector strategy and win a BlackBerry 9300!

At HCVS, our focus is supporting local voluntary and community organisations to do the best for local people. Ensuring Hackney Council has a strong plan in place for Hackney’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) is one of the ways HCVS is working to do this, by leading the development of this first strategy for the VCS in Hackney.

Please give us your views on this important document by:

- Completing our online survey here – it should take 10 – 15 minutes: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCQ663N

- Responding to the questions in the consultation paper here: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/3rdsectorstrategy.aspx

- Attend one of our consultation events on Monday, 17 January: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/EN/store/hcvs/2010_VCS_Strategy_bkg.doc

You have until the 25 February 2011 to let us have your views – many thanks for your support.

What are the effects of cuts and changes to benefits for your service users and your organisation

City & Hackney Health & Social Care Forum in conjunction with the Community Empowerment Network and HCVS are launching a survey to collect evidence on the impact of Government policy on Hackney residents.

Please fill in the short survey here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5J9CQ26 - looking at your experiences since May, we will be resending the survey monthly to track changes over time. The survey is eight questions long and should be possible to complete in less than 10 minutes.

Please email Jackie Brett on hscf@hcvs.org.uk if you have any comments on the survey or questions about it.

A message from Hackney Community Law Centre - fightingthe cuts to Legal Aid budget

2010-12-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleagues

Some of you will have noticed the Government Green Paper which has just been published, and which proposes some £350 million in cuts to the civil legal aid budget (about 33%).

The issue is tremendously important. Over 500,000 people will lose a service, 1/3 of civil legal aid funding would be cut, and funding from (among others) most debt, all welfare benefits, all employment and about 40% of housing and 60% of immigration cases. Most ancillary relief cases would also cease receiving funding.

Recent surveys by the Law Centres Federation estimated that for every £1 spent on funding Law Centre work, up to £10 is made back in wider social benefits. These include savings such as increased payments or rent, managed debts and increased benefit uptake. By cutting this funding, the government will be increasing poverty and social exclusion by several orders of magnitude.

Last week the LCF, Unite and many others launched Justice 4 All, a campaign to stop the cuts. Please help by signing up as a supported to their website. They also have a facebook site which currently has more than 500 members.

I urge you to log onto the website and register. There is also a facebook site which currently has about 500 affiliates. If you are on facebook please register there too. Please ask your friends and family to sign up too.

The website can be found at http://www.justice-for-all.org.uk/

Yours sincerely

Nathaniel Mathews

Hackney Community Law Centre

Children & Young People’s Providers Forum (CYPPF) meeting Thursday, 9 December

2010-12-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Would you like to find out more about tools you can use to measure the impact your organisation is having?

As cuts to funding increase, so will the pressure on voluntary and community organisations to prove their worth and demonstrate how effective they are at delivering their service to funders and commissioners.

Find out about practical tools you can use to do measure this with a briefing with Anastasia Mihailidou from Charities Evaluation Service.

Join us for the next

Children & Young People’s Providers Forum or CYPPF

Thursday, 9 December

With lunch from 1 - 3pm

Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,

5 Tyssen Street London E8 2LY

To book: Complete the attached form or visit http://tinyurl.com/24yrh7p or call 020 7923 1962 or email info@hcvs.org.uk

This event is organised by Hackney’s Children & Young People’s Providers Forum but the briefing with Anastasia Mihailidou is open to people from all voluntary and community sector organisations.

Welcome from the CEN Chair

2010-11-28T23:29:00.000-08:00

Like many in Hackney, we are very concerned about the impact on the borough's most vulnerable residents of the recent cuts announced by the Government. The Government's own changes to Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, and other benefits are all likely to affect most those in need. In addition, the effects of cuts in Government funding to Hackney Council, the NHS, and the Police among others are likely to result in the loss of local services provided or funded by these statutory sector organisations, which is also likely to affect most those in need. As a voice of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Hackney we are also very aware of threats to the funding of many organisations working closely with Hackney's many different communities, which will affect their ability to deliver services. Advice services, employment support, older and disabled people's services, youth clubs, after-school-clubs, language and literacy training, refugee and migrant programs - all this - and much more of what we have come to know as part of Hackney - has been supported by programmes and grants now under review.

What can we do?

We want to bring together everyone who shares these concerns - voluntary and community sector organisations, residents, the council and other statutory service providers - anyone who plays a part in service delivery in Hackney, to see how we can best protect those who are most vulnerable. We have invited the mayor, and are looking at a date early in the new year. If you'd like to play a part in this, please get in touch...

EVENT: THIS WEDNESDAY 1ST DECEMBER - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NETWORK CONSULTATION

2010-11-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

If your organisation helps people into work, or you are involved with basic skills and ESOL training, helping to set up businesses in Hackney, or you work in the Green Economy, this event could be for you.

Is this event for me?

· Do you want to learn more about the Single Work Program – this is the new funding path for worklessness, skills training and enterprise support.

· How can your organisation work with the very large organisations who will be running these programs across East London?

· Find out about Hackney’s new Economic Development Strategy – the council want to hear from you. How can the strategy help you to help Hackney residents out of poverty?

Chair: David Blagbrough (Inspire and chair of EDN)
Speakers: Juniper Hope Strong (Head of Partnerships and Investment, Hackney Council), Derek Harvey (Job Centre Plus), Ian Ashman (Principal of Hackney Community College and co-chair of EDP)
Panel: Bisi Ojuri (Volunteer Centre Hackney, and CEN rep to Team Hackney), Cllr Guy Nicholson (Cabinet lead for Regeneration, Hackney Council and co-chair of EDP), Derek Harvey (Job Centre Plus) + specialist from Prime (TBA)
Workshops: Working with NEET young people, Skills and Worklessness (small groups), Skills and Worklessness (medium/large groups), Enterprise and Green Economy

Date: Wednesday Dec 1st
Time: 10am-1pm, followed by a networking lunch
Venue: St Mungo’s, 146 Mare Street, E8 3SG (020 8525 7700)

To book a place please call 020 7923 1962 or email judy@hcvs.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stop Press….London Councils Funding cuts– campaigners secure a partial victory

2010-11-28T22:56:00.001-08:00

The BME Advice Network have been coordinating opposition to the cuts to London Councils Grants. Last Thursday they held a lobby outside London Councils offices. News reaches us that London Councils have decided on a managed approach to transition. Regionally and locally the funding of services will be looked at individually by relevance and all will have funding continued until June 2011.

*Click here* for report from London Voluntary Sector Forum.