Tag Archive for: National

Thrive Together Fund – Blended grant and loan to grow and diversify social enterprise

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Grants available: Up to £150,000

District: England

Applications close: rolling

Who is the funding for: 

The Thrive Together funding programme offers up to £150,000 as a blended package of loan (75%) and grant (25%) to those looking to grow or diversify their business models by providing funding to help strengthen operations, improve resilience, encourage growth, expand impact, and ensure long-term success. 

Link: Thrive Together Fund | Funding | Social Investment Business (sibgroup.org.uk)

About:

Small and medium sized charities and social enterprises based in and delivering impact in England, who are looking to grow or diversify their business models. 

Am I eligible?
  • Incorporated voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations*
  • Based in England and delivering social/ environmental impact in England
  • A minimum of two years’ operating activity
  • A minimum turnover of £100k in the last financial year
  • A viable borrowing proposal.

* Must be registered as a Charity, Community Interest Company or Community Benefit Society. If registered as any other legal entity, it must have a social object, asset lock and restriction on profit distribution (must distribute less than 50% of post-tax profits) written into its governing documents.

Updated Guidance on Volunteering, Shielding and Furlough

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Everything is moving fast since the announcement of the lockdown that came into force on 5 November 2020, and community organisations may be struggling to keep up. This quick primer should bring you up to speed on the key facts.

This article was published on 6 November 2020. We will strive to update it as new information becomes available.

Jump to:

The growing numbers of Covid-19 cases has lead to the reintroduction of tighter lockdown restrictions across England. The advice now is to stay at home and avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes. Various businesses and venues are also closed.

Volunteering

One of the “specific purposes” where people are permitted to leave their home is for “work purposes, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, where you cannot do this from home.” (link here)

Elsewhere on the Gov.uk website (here) it gives more information about volunteering:

“While volunteering, you can meet in groups of any size from different households, indoors or outdoors. When meeting people from outside your household or support bubble, you should follow social distancing guidelines.”

The guidance goes to say that people can travel to volunteer or while volunteering, and restates rules about face coverings. It also lists ways to volunteer, with just four examples given:

  • shop for food and medicine (online, or in person)
  • deliver food and medicine
  • help with food banks and homeless services
  • work on a telephone support helpline

From this guidance, it is unclear whether this is an exhaustive list or just examples. Crucially, the guidance doesn’t state whether contact with other people while volunteering for other causes is currently permitted. However, the links to general volunteering opportunities such as Reach Volunteering imply that any form of formal volunteering meets the criteria.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people

During the first lockdown in March-July 2020, people who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) were instructed to shield. These are the people who are at the highest risk of become very unwell if they were to catch Covid-19 – the list of medical conditions can be found here. During March to July, shielding meant no contact with anyone outside of their own home, except for medical reasons.

This time (from 5 November), the rules aren’t quite as strict. CEV people who live alone can continue to be part of a support bubble with another household. However the government is still advising that they “stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essential health appointments.” On that basis, demand for community shopping services is likely to increase for this group.

The guidance for CEV people goes on to say, “You may wish to meet up with one other person from outside your household or support bubble, for example, to exercise in an outdoor public place, but we suggest that you always try to do so as safely as possible.” This is the same rule as for the general public. However, it’s a different story for CEV people and work: “You are strongly advised to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you should not attend work for this period of restrictions.” People in this situation may be eligible for furlough (see below).

While these restrictions for CEV people aren’t as tough as in the first lockdown, it’s important to realise that the risks to their health are just as high. Community support groups may wish to consider how they can encourage these people to stay safe while still maintaining some kind of social contact.

Extension of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough)

On 30 October 2020, the day before the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS, also known as Furlough) was due to be replaced by the less generous Job Support Scheme, it was announced that CJRS would be extended through November for this latest lockdown period. On 5 November, there was a further announcement that CJRS would be extended to 31 March 2021.

The latest guidance is yet to be published, but as of 31 October, the guidance is that employees can be placed on full-time or part-time furlough, with the government paying a grant to the employer to cover 80% of salaries for the hours not worked, up to a monthly cap of £2,500. Employers have the option to top up salaries.

Previously CJRS was only available to people who had already been placed on furlough before 1 July 2020. The government’s CJRS page still states this rule, although BBC News reports that employees “must have been on the payroll by 30 October 2020. They do not need to have been furloughed before.” This is backed up by the guidance on this government page. We will update this page when the change to the rules is confirmed.

Briefing: How Can the Voluntary Sector Help Primary Care Networks Engage with Communities?

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NHS England has set out a new way for health and care services to be organised at a local level; these are called primary care networks (PCNs).

National Voices (a coalition of health and care charities in England) has published a briefing that explores how voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations might supply knowledge, expertise and training to help PCNs develop. This could be significant in making sure the PCNs – as they are supposed to do – become closely engaged with their local population and focus on what matters most to individuals and communities.

Please click here to open the briefing in your browser.

Trustees Week November 2019

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Between the 4th and the 8th November 2019 organisations across the country will be celebrating the people that are in charge of our charities, the Trustees.

Trustees play a pivotal role in local organisations across Cambridgeshire, make often difficult decisions and give their time freely, all of which contributes to the UK being the sixth most giving country in the world.

Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.

Support Cambridgeshire wants to play it’s part.

So if you want to recognise a Trustee from your organisation in that week please send us one side of A4 plus a JPEG photograph of the individual concerned and we will include them in our news items for that week. Tell us why they are such a great Trustee, how they help and why they do what they do.

Contributions should be with russell@huntsforum.org.uk by 5PM on the 1st November 2019. 

 

 

#YouMadeItHappen

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We all know that volunteers are the life-blood of many community organisations, and that without their dedication activities and projects would simply not be delivered.

So lets all join in with NCVO’s latest campaign – YouMadeItHappen.

This is an opportunity for voluntary sector organisations across Cambridgeshire to say a big thank you to their supporters and to show them the difference their time and money has made, and its all happening soon.

NCVO are asking every charity to use the hashtag #YouMadeItHappen on social media on Friday 11 October 2019.

Here’s some guidance from NCVO about the day:

  • Join others across Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram all day on 11 October 2019 by thinking of the messages you want to highlight and using the hashtag #YouMadeItHappen.
  • The key is to make sure your supporters see you saying thank you. Get everyone to notice the hashtag and see the amazing organisations they and their friends and family are supporting, as well as the huge range of work charities do.
  • Focus on providing stories and statistics that illustrate the difference your supporters make. This is not about raising money or getting more volunteers signing up, it is about simply saying ‘thank you’ to those who have already donated their time and money, as well as showing them exactly what that time and money is achieving for your mission. 

 

Its Very Hot..!!

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The Met Office have today issued a Level 3 Heat wave warning across Cambridgeshire.

The warning will stay in place until the 27th July 2019.  Temperatures are predicted to remain over 30 degrees over the next few days, with warm and humid conditions expected to continue overnight. Hot weather can be uncomfortable for most people. However for the old, very young and those with an ongoing health condition it can have very negative effect upon their health. There some key actions people can take to reduce the ill effects of very hot weather.

If you know or work with these and any other vulnerable people who may be at risk of becoming unwell in high temperatures please check on them and take action to lessen the effects of the heat.

Here are some practical tips on how to stay cool:

Shade or cover windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, including tea and coffee can make you more dehydrated.
Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling. If you are working or going outdoors during the heatwave make sure you are protected with sun screen.
Walk in the shade if possible.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Heatwave.aspx

Ask Me Community Ambassador Scheme

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[Republished from www.cambridgewa.org.uk]

People within a survivor’s community are often the first to know that domestic abuse is happening. But lack of understanding and confidence can make people afraid to talk about it, and unsure of how to respond when someone speaks out. Survivors have told us they can feel judged, silenced or isolated by the people around them.

We are changing that through the Change That Lasts Ask Me scheme, developed in partnership between Women’s Aid Federation England and Welsh Women’s Aid.

The project is a simple initiative that equips community members in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with an understanding of domestic abuse and how to respond to survivors. This knowledge will enable the community to play an active role in ending domestic abuse.

Being a Change That Lasts Community Ambassador

We offer free 12 hour training courses to members of the local community from all backgrounds and identities where they learn about domestic abuse, including its gendered nature, how to challenge the stereotypes surrounding it and how to listen to, believe and direct survivors to specialist support.

Anyone with a connection to Cambridgeshire and/or Peterborough can become an Ask Me ambassador, whether you have been personally affected by domestic abuse or whether you would like to learn more.

After the training, ambassadors are given resources and support to share what they have learned with those around them in ways that feel most comfortable to them. They are encouraged to start conversations about domestic abuse that will help others to better understand the barriers that survivors face in speaking out. An ambassador can commit as much or as little time as they can give.

We keep in touch with Community Ambassadors with new opportunities and events such as ambassador meet-ups, campaign involvement and volunteering. We also send short surveys to find out how they are getting on and how we can support them further.

A Community Ambassador…

… believes in equality of all people, regardless of their gender identity, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, cultural beliefs or circumstances.

… listens and believes others that share their personal experiences of domestic abuse.

… is non-judgmental and respectful.

… is passionate about ending domestic abuse.

There is a chance that we may decide that it isn’t appropriate for a person to take on the role if they don’t share these values and qualities. We will work with people to overcome any barriers wherever possible, or we will direct you to a more suitable volunteering or training opportunity.

Interested? Join the Scheme

If you would like to take part, please register your interest through the online form here: REGISTER INTEREST FORM

The 6 top challenges for Charities

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The CAF Charity Landscape report of 2019 has identified the top 6 challenges for CEO’s and the Charitable sector across the UK.

The most pressing challenge at number 1 is that of Income Generation, particularly at a time where demand for services is growing and financial restrictions continue to dominate the headlines.

Digital technology is number 2, seen as a double edged sword by many Charity leaders. Whilst embracing new digital technology will provide opportunities for Charities, it comes at a cost and may well change the nature of the problems currently faced.

Number 3 on the list is Brexit. Most leaders feel that Brexit will have a very negative impact on the Charitable sector and the beneficiaries for whom they serve.

Fourth up is Government. Few Charitable leaders think that the Government will continue to support the sector, with many thinking that the Government will see them as a nuisance for criticising policy decisions made in Westminster.

At number 5 its public trust. Many Charity leaders believe that media negativity surrounding Charities makes it harder to build levels of public trust, and that many members of the public have no understanding of the importance of Charities and the work they do.

Number 6 is a mixed bag: Many Charity leaders are more confident about the future of their own organisation than they are for the sector as a whole.

Fore more detailed information on the CAF Landscape Report, and how Charities can rise to the challenges click here:

 

 

Council takes CVS in-house

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Umbrella body NAVCA has expressed concern over the independence of Waltham Forest’s community and voluntary service (CVS) after it was taken back in-house by the council.

Community Waltham Forest (or CWF for short) was set up as an independent organisation but had been run by fellow CVS Community Southwark since 2016.

This month the London Borough of Waltham Forest announced that the contract with Community Southwark had been cut short and that the council itself would run CWF and employ its three part-time members of staff.

The council will incorporate CWF into its newly-established Connecting Communities team and it said the change would be as seamless as possible.

For more information on this story click here:

 

 

Cyber Security – A Government Warning

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The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (or DCMS for short) has issued a further warning to both business and charities about the cost of cyber breaches.

The average annual cost to business or charities has been assessed at £4,180.00, which for smaller organisations is a considerable loss to recover.

However, its not all bad news: Whilst 32% of business identified a cyber breach in 2019, this is a reduction on the previous years percentage (43%).

In addition, charities appear to be taking cyber security more seriously, with 75% having protocols in place in 2019 compared to 53% in 2018.

As a smaller organisation what can you do to protect information and assets?

The National Cyber Security Council (or NCSC for short) recommend the following key steps:

Protect your network from attack, and filter out unauthorised access or malicious content.

Train staff and volunteers to be aware of cyber attacks and possible scams.

Establish anti-malware defences across your organisation.

Be careful how you use removable media like USB sticks or Dongles.

Limit user privileges and monitor user activity.

Think about information recovery in the event of a cyber attack.

Analyse unusual activity which could trigger an attack.

Develop a mobile working policy and train staff in understanding and adhering to it.

More information can be obtained from www.ncsc.gov.uk.

If you have any concerns about cyber security issues please contact Keith Johnson at Hunts Forum (keith@huntsforum.org.uk) in the first instance, or telephone 01480 420604.