E-Bulletin

03 July 2009

working to create a genuinely participative democracy

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1	Integrating Community Organisations Programme Reminder
2	Core funding for health charities
3	Big Thinking Consultation
4	Mental Health First Aid Course
5	The NEXUS Institute 25th Anniversary Conference
6	Volunteer Development Agency Welcomes Volunteering Strategy Consultation
7	Environment Minister launched a new website and Guide to the Planning System
8	New arrangements for making a complaint about Health and Social Care Services
9	Love Music, Hate Racism festival
10	REACH Across – Night at the Races
11	PS Hockey Pushes Forward
12	Drive 105.3 FM Derry/Londonderry’s First Community Radio Station Has Launched
13	Bronagh sign’s up as first Playhouse Patron

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1	Integrating Community Organisations Programme Reminder The Rural Development Council (RDC) is acting as an agent for The International Fund for Ireland’s Integrating Community Organisations Programme. The programme is designed to facilitate community organisations that wish to co operate on a cross border and/or cross community basis to work on issues of common interest. There was an open all for expressions of interest from February 2008 to November 2008 and bona fide community groups from both urban and rural groups operating within Northern Ireland and/or the Border Region of Ireland were invited to apply. It has been agreed that a further recruitment process will take place. The closing date for the receipt of expressions of interest is 4.00pm, Friday 14th August 2009. If you would like more information on the Programme, please contact Yvonne Breen or John Kelly on 028 8676 6980 or email: info@rdc.org.uk - www.rdc.org.uk If you would like an electronic version of the expression of interest, please contact klancashire@rdc.org.uk
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2	Core funding for health charities The 2010 GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards recognise and reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health. Eligible organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health related field in the UK, with a total annual income between £10,000 and £1 million. Up to 20 awards will be made with ten winners receiving £25,000 and highly commended and runner up organisations receiving £5,000 and £3,000 respectively. Organisations that win or are highly commended for an award will also be offered free training valued at £3,500. Download the 2010 IMPACT Awards guidelines and application form at www.kingsfund.org.uk/gskimpactawards. The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on 25 September 2009.
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3	Big Thinking Consultation We launched the Big thinking consultation process in November 2008. It has been extremely important in helping us engage more closely with the Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and all of our other stakeholders. During the formal consultation period nearly 3,500 people UK wide answered our online survey, 104 from NI, many of them representing organisations of tens, hundreds and on occasions even thousands of people. We reached many hundreds more through our meetings. We utilised all the communications channels modern technology has to offer, from a live webchat with our chair to regular Tweets on our Twitter channel. We learnt much about how we communicate best with our many different stakeholders and we will employ this learning as we seek to become a more responsive and engaged funder. What you told us is an in-depth analysis of the responses to the consultation, drawing on material from the online survey and the regional and national meetings held during the three months of the consultation. It shows where there was the strongest support for our ideas and where we will want to discuss issues further in the coming months. It demonstrates how we came to the conclusions in Big thinking – our strategic framework to 2015 and we see it as a crucial part of what has been a very open and transparent consultation process. Along with What you told us, we are publishing Big thinking –our strategic framework to 2015. Our strategic framework sets out the principles which will underpin BIG’s approach to funding in the UK in the next six years. It explains what we want to achieve and how we will deliver our Mission & Vision: bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. All of our future programmes will use the new framework as a starting point and it sets out our ambitions for being an efficient and responsive funder. Both documents What you told us and Big thinking - our strategic framework to 2015 can be downloaded from our website at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/bigthinking
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4	Mental Health First Aid Course MHFA is a free 12 hour course, usually spread over 2 full days (9.30 am - 4.30 pm). It gives a basic knowledge in explaining the most common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as crisis first aid for suicide, panic attacks and psychotic episode. Mental Health First Aid or MHFA is about providing initial support for someone with a mental health problem. It will not teach you how to be a therapist, but you will feel more confident in supporting clients, employees, colleagues, friends and family. You will receive a certificate on completion of the course and a MHFA handbook. Anyone can attend the training – the benefits to individuals AND organisations are well researched and evaluated. The course has been delivered to organisations in the public and private sector worldwide. It is especially relevant to those who come into contact with staff or members of the public who may be distressed and in need of support. VENUE: Strabane Enterprise Agency Dates: 23rd and 24th July Places for this course are limited. To ensure greatest access only one place will be allocated per organisation, however a reserve list will be compiled. For more information contact and application form please contact: Shauna Houston, CLEAR Project Manager on 028 8225 3953 or shauna@derryhc.com
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5	The NEXUS Institute 25th Anniversary Conference For 25 years NEXUS has provided counselling for adult survivors of sexual abuse. Today NEXUS has four regional offices and 33 outreach centres offering 14,000 counselling sessions each year across Northern Ireland. To mark 25 years helping survivors of sexual abuse we have arranged a conference with two outstanding speakers from their respective fields, Professor Dave Mearns and Dr Tony Humphries. Date: 21 October 2009 Venue: The Studio at The Waterfront, Belfast Cost: £90 full day (including lunch) £40 half day More info/to book a place www.nexusinstitute.org / Email: info@nexusinstitute.org Write to: NEXUS Conference, 119 University Street, BELFAST BT7 1HP Phone: Lynda @ 028 9032 6803
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6	Volunteer Development Agency Welcomes Volunteering Strategy Consultation The Volunteer Development Agency, the centre of expertise on volunteering in Northern Ireland, welcomes the launch of the Department for Social Development’s consultation paper on a volunteering strategy for Northern Ireland today. Wendy Osborne OBE, Director of the Volunteer Development Agency said, “We are delighted that volunteering is open for discussion at this level. We hope that all organisations who have an interest in volunteering and/or involve volunteers– whether they are voluntary and community, charitable, private, public or statutory sector - and volunteers themselves, will take this opportunity to respond to the consultation document and help shape the development of the Volunteering Strategy that will follow. She added, “For the first time, the value of volunteering as an indicator of the well being of society is being given its due importance. The development of a Volunteering Strategy means that there is a real chance that volunteering can be part of the culture of Northern Ireland with everyone recognising the contribution volunteers make, through their gift of time, to building a strong community and a healthy participative democracy. “ The Volunteer Development Agency are hosting a number of consultation sessions across Northern Ireland from September. Full details are available at www.volunteering-ni.org
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7	Environment Minister launched a new website and Guide to the Planning System These new resources were created by Community Places, who are a voluntary organisation that provide independent advice and information on planning to both local communities and individuals. The Minister said: "I welcome the work of Community Places in supporting local communities and their involvement in the planning process. The new website provides valuable advice and information on planning issues for community groups and individuals, who may not otherwise access the Planning System." Access to a range of guides and factsheets on planning issues is freely available on the website as is an information pack on Community Planning. The new Guide to the Planning System, also launched by the Minister, explains how to apply for planning permission or object to a planning application and explains how applications are assessed. Community Places Director Colm Bradley said: "We are pleased the Minister was able to launch the new site and guide and for the on-going support of his Department. We now look forward to receiving online requests for advice and information and to working with local communities and individuals in greatest need of the support we provide.” The new website is at www.communityplaces.info and Community Places can also be contacted on 028 9023 9444.
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8	New arrangements for making a complaint about Health and Social Care Services Listening, learning and improving, that is the aim of new arrangements for making a complaint about Health and Social Care services outlined by Acting Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr Michael McBride. Dr McBride said “The new system will make it easier for the public to complain about any aspect of health and social care services, including hospital care or treatment from a GP, health service dentist, pharmacist or optician. The emphasis will be on local resolution of their complaint. “Making a complaint does not affect a person’s rights and will not result in the loss of any service. Where a person remains dissatisfied they can still take their complaint to the Northern Ireland Ombudsman.” All Health and Social Care organisations have staff who can advise on how to make a complaint. Information leaflets and posters are widely available. The Patient and Client Council can also provide free and confidential help and advice to patients or their families and carers about making a complaint. The Chief Executive of the Patient and Client Council, Maeve Hully, said today: “It is very important that people feel able to make a complaint about any part of the care and treatment they receive. It is essential that this revised complaints policy will handle all complaints in a fair, timely and independent way.” More details of the new HSC complaints procedure are available at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/hsccomplaints.htm and Http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/do-it-online/dio-health-and-well-being/make-a-complaint-against-the-health-service.htm
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9	Love Music, Hate Racism festival Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2009 Courtyard, One World Centre, Foyle Street Love Music, Hate Racism, in conjunction with SEEDS anti-racism network, have organised a two day music festival at the One World Centre in Derry to promote opposition to racism, following the attacks on Roma families in Belfast and a rising flow of racist incidents in Derry. Admission to the festival is free, and it is an alcohol free event. The Love Music Hate Racism Festival is also supported by Derry City Council, Equality Commission, Community Relations Council and Homely Planet. Festival running order: Saturday 4th July 1-5pm The Electric Sessions ' / Our Krypton Son / Future Chaser / Chipzel / Inexistence / Connor Kelly / The Free Radicals / Under Stars and Gutters / Sullem Voe / DJ Stephen McCauley & Dee Dee McAuley / DJ Singh Bangla and DJ Elly Sunday 5th July 1-5pm Andrew Ferris / Jonny Black (LaFaro) / Skruff / Junior Johnson / Tim Pot Operation / Jonny Nixon / Paddy Nash Christopher Norby / plus poets and spoken word DJs Kwame and Danny McGeady ALSO…… CAFE DEL MONDO ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENINGS FROM 7.30PM BRILLIANT LIVE MUSIC AND ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ AND BYO FOR £10pp.... LIMITED NUMBERS... FOR BOOKINGS CALL INTO THE CAFE OR PHONE 07881916890
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10	REACH Across – Night at the Races Local cross-community youth group are staging a fundraising Night at the Races in the Phoenix Bar on Friday 3rd July. The event has been organized to raise funds that would allow its youth programme to continue during the Summer months. At present, the organization is experiencing critical funding difficulties despite having 500 young people applying to its project this year. 160 young people took part in cross-community contact residentials in Spring and the organization wish to continue this contact through various activities, camps, group meetings and courses over the next few months. There are still some horses available and everyone is welcome to attend. There are prizes for the winning horse owners and random spot prizes. For more information about the event or REACH Across, contact 028 71 280048 or 07854833371.
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11	PS Hockey Pushes Forward Alan McCague Chairman Foyle Hockey Club would like to thank Select Kidz store Spencer Road for their provision of new hockey bibs for each of the four schools which took part in the first hockey tournament. Select Kidz can help with queries into kids hockey equipment should your children wish to come along and enjoy the fun so, call in soon where staff can help. FHC would also like to acknowledge the considerable efforts made by DCC Sports Development in funding the 8 weeks of coaching, and also the schools for test-driving the sport, which also included Longtower PS and Oakgrove IPS. The Fountain PS and Ebrington PS schools became the first U12 PS girls and boys hockey champions respectively. More primary schools are set to take on the sport in the new term as 'their sport' and this should help establish grass roots progression for schools and club hockey which is totally new for boys here. Now that the schools programme has finished further evening club hockey coaching is available every Wednesday at St Columb's Park from 6pm. In fact progression through to local and regional U12 competition is already happening, so keep your kids interested and fit and active with a new direction if they haven't tried hockey before. This sport helps develop key hand-eye coordination and balance attributes as well as the social skills development which naturally will come with playing in a team. Next big focus will possibly be for a 'Halloween Hockey Tournament' where kids and parents are expected to take part in fun Halloween dress! Contact Alan via the club website or text 07764499495.
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12	Drive 105.3 FM Derry/Londonderry’s First Community Radio Station Has Launched Hundreds of well wishers took to the streets of the Waterside to celebrate with the Drive 105.3 FM team at their official launch party. Among those present were, Bishop Kenneth Good, Bishop Seamus Hegarty, Mayor Paul Fleming and Mayor of Buncrana, Lee Tedstone. Also present were Joanne McMullan, Head of Broadcasting and Telecoms for Ofcom, Northern Ireland’s regulative body and Emma Mullen, founder of Northern Ireland’s Community Media Council. Richard Moore, Director of Drive 105.3 FM said he was delighted to see so many friends, neighbours, donors and community groups there. Drive 105.3FM, Derry/Londonderry’s first licensed community radio station is run with the help of 35 volunteers. Eileen Walsh who provides ‘Arts’ coverage for Drive 105.3 FM said; ‘It was an absolutely wonderful day. There were balloons everywhere. Even the sun went and got itself a big hat for the day for our official launch. Presenters, production team and local school children got to mingle with the rich, famous and the media. It was very exciting.’ The objectives of Drive 105.3 FM are: To act as a voice of the Community reflecting the multi-cultural society we live in To provide a forum that enables debate about local, domestic and international issues To provide training in ICT, media and journalism. To forward the cause of cross-community relations and multiculturalism To provide quality entertainment ranging from the late 1960’s to present day To develop strategic relationships with local community groups, educational institutions, charitable bodies and local government To encourage and promote citizenship and thus create a sense of empowerment and responsibility Still very much in its infancy, Drive 105.3 FM receives 80,000 hits on their website www.drive105.co.uk every month. With statistics like this, the future looks very promising for Drive 105.3 FM. DRIVE 105.3 FM - YOUR VOICE, YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR STATION
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13	Bronagh sign’s up as first Playhouse Patron It has just been announced that Bronagh Gallagher, one of N.Ireland’s most famous actresses has just agreed to become the Playhouse’s first Patron. The Award Winning Playhouse which is N.Ireland’s largest arts centre has just been refurbished at a cost of £4.6 million. In the last week, Pauline Ross and Niall Mc Caughan from The Playhouse, accompanied by local historian Ken Mc Cormack were in London and visited Bronagh in who is the female lead in the West End hit “War Horse”. Bronagh stated: “I am delighted to become a Patron for the Playhouse in Derry. It’s a great honour to be asked to be part of this success, which is not only a thriving and award winning arts centre in Derry but is one of the leading commissioning and producing theatres in the North. The Playhouse is very much at the cutting edge of investing in arts and developing new talent; very few venues in Ireland would have nine theatre companies based on site, and operational virtually 24/7! I look forward to the official opening later this year, and coming to see some top quality theatre in a state of the arts facility, which still retains its original and unique charm. Pauline Ross, Founder and Director of The Playhouse stated: “We are really delighted that one of our most famous actresses, has become our first Patron. Bronagh is a fine example of the terrific talent we have in this city, and she has performed in The Playhouse many times. In the last few days we had the opportunity in London to see her in the female lead of “War Horse”, which has broken all records in the West End. Bronagh is the first Patron of The Playhouse, and over the next few months leading up to our official opening in the autumn, we will be announcing a few more names for our Board of Patrons.”

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Neola Nelis North-West Community Network 23 Bishop Street Derry~Londonderry BT48 6PR Tel. (028) 7127 9090 Fax (028) 7127 9357 Email neola@nwcn.org Website www.nwcn.org
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