From: NWCN [neola@nwcn.org]
Sent: 23 September 2011 09:10
Subject: NWCN E-Bulletin - 23 September 2011

Attachments: image002.gif; image002.gif; WEA Autumn 2011 Training Calendar.doc; Local Jobs, Sep 11.doc

NWCN

E-Bulletin

23 Sep 2011

working to create a genuinely participative democracy


Quick Links:

1

IEF grant programme to encourage discussion on education

2

Big Lottery Fund: International Communities Programme

3

Do you run a programme that diverts young people away from offending?

4

Consultation on Draft Strategic Framework for Community Development for NI

5

CollaborationNI announces details of mentoring programme

6

Free lesson plans to help your groups make their money go further

7

Link to Care Project ~ Stress Management Clinic

8

Open Call To All Groups To Register Activities Available

9

New FREE Drama Project for Adults

10

Hold It Down Project launched

11

The Playhouse International ICAN has announced a vibrant programme of events

12

Building Bridges For A Better Shared Future

13

Volunteering information

14

Foyle Hospice Zumbathon!

15

WEA is pleased to launch its Autumn 2011 Training Calendar

16

Local Jobs

 

 

 

Submit an Article / Guidelines

 

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1

IEF grant programme to encourage discussion on education

 

The Community Engagement in Education (CEE) grant programme has been opened by the Integrated Education Fund. This is a new grant programme (with an initial overall total of £20,000) which offers grants of up to £5,000.

 

CEE is open to constituted voluntary and community sector groups in a particular geographic locality to develop discussions both about how their children and young people currently learn with and about each other in school, and possibilities for the future.

 

The purpose of these community led discussions would be:

To value and explore what is currently happening within and between local schools with regards to sharing

To explore local interest and demand for greater sharing both within and between local schools that enhances the sustainability of quality local education provision

To explore possibilities for the future

To engage in dialogue with key decision makers on local possibilities

 

The total amount of funding available for the programme is limited and therefore the number of grants that the IEF can award is also restricted. Closing date for applications is 7 October 2011.

 

For further information contact Sara Shields, Grants Officer on 028 9033 0031 or email sara@ief.org.uk. Information can also be accessed on http://www.ief.org.uk/grants/cee/

 

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2

Big Lottery Fund: International Communities Programme

 

The International Communities programme is open to UK organisations working with overseas partners in Africa, Asia (including the Pacific and Central Asian countries), the Middle East, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Eastern Europe.

The International Communities programme is the Big Lottery Fund’s way of helping disadvantaged communities overseas. It will have a budget of up to £80 million between 2010 and 2015.

They will fund effective projects that tackle the causes of poverty and deprivation and bring about a long-term difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged people in the world. These will result in:

- Improved primary education for the most disadvantaged girls and boys
- Improved health for the most disadvantaged people
- Improved access to and use of natural resources to benefit the most disadvantaged people
- Improved ability for the most disadvantaged people to exercise their human rights
- Improved livelihoods for the most disadvantaged people by enabling communities in need, both rural and urban, to reduce poverty in a sustainable way.

BLF expect to make grants of between £50,000 and £500,000 for projects of between two and five years' duration. For exceptional projects, they may make a small number of grants of up to £1 million. Projects must run for a minimum of two years. They can fund all or some of your project costs, but they encourage you to get some of your funding from other sources if you can.

They will only fund UK-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations that are working with local partners overseas to run a project. By voluntary and community sector they mean: registered charities; charitable or not-for profit organisations or; organisations set up as social enterprises (that is, businesses where any profits are mainly invested for community benefit).

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_international_communities.htm

 

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3

Do you run a successful programme that diverts young people away from offending?

 

Join Catch22 for a webinar at 2pm on Thursday 29 September to learn if your project could benefit from the Big Lottery funded programme Realising Ambition. 

 

This £25 million programme, managed by Catch22, aims to build the UK evidence base of what works in helping young people avoid pathways into offending by scaling up and replicating existing projects.

 

The webinar will provide another opportunity to learn about the programme and the support available, find out who can apply for funding through the programme and what is meant by evidence-based programmes. 

 

Please send your questions in advance:

via Twitter using the hashtag #RealisingAmbition

by email: RealisingAmbitionwebinarQs@catch-22.org.uk


Register for the webinar now.

Speakers include:
Paul Bott – Operations Director, Catch22 (webinar chair)

Paul has been with Catch22 since 2009, initially as a Regional Director, and more recently as the Operations Director with responsibility for the North (starting in Bristol) and Wales, as well as for National Programmes such as the DFE funded Engage in Education programme, The Home Office funded Positive Futures programme, and the BIG Lottery funded programmes Community Space Challenge and Realising Ambition.

   

Catch22 is a local charity with a national reach. We work with young people and others who find themselves in seemingly impossible situations.

 

Tim Hobbs, PhD – Researcher, The Social Research Unit

Tim has worked with The Social Research Unit since 2005. He helped develop the Standards of Evidence which, in part, underpin the Realising Ambition programme. He has worked with numerous organisations and public systems in the UK, Ireland and US to help design, implement, replicate and rigorously evaluate services for children. 

 

The Social Research Unit is an independent charity and research organisation dedicated to improving the health and development of children.

 

Bethia McNeil – Programme LeaderThe Young Foundation

Bethia leads on the Young Foundation's work relating to young people and the youth sector. Bethia's current work focuses on supporting youth sector organisations to innovate and grow, and on developing the evidence base around the impact of services for young people. Prior to working at the Young Foundation, Bethia spent time in youth policy, research and development, and as a trainer and mentor to young people. 

 

Stuart Thomason - Senior Associate, The Young Foundation
Stuart works on social venture support. Stuart led the Youth of Today Youth Leadership Fund, and continues to provide venture support to a range of organisations within the youth sector. Prior to working at the Young Foundation, Stuart was based at UnLtd, where he coached and mentored social entrepreneurs. Stuart also developed courses in sustainable development and social enterprise, which he still teaches at the University of Sheffield

 

The Young Foundation brings together insights, innovation and entrepreneurship to meet social needs. 

 

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4

Consultation on Draft Strategic Framework for Community Development for NI

 

A steering group comprising of representatives from voluntary and community organisations, statutory agencies and key Government Departments, have been working together to develop a Strategic Framework for Community Development for NI.  This Framework is a co-ordinated attempt at starting to explore the purpose, value and contribution of community development practice in Northern Ireland.

 

Rural Community Network is leading on this initiative with support provided by Building Change Trust.  A series of workshops was held in June 2011 across NI to engage with a broad audience of community development practitioners (paid and unpaid).  The draft was also supported by a number of submissions from key sectoral organisations.

 

We are now seeking your views on the draft Framework and would be very keen to receive some feedback.  This will be invaluable as we work towards producing the final Framework in the coming months.  Please find attached both the draft Framework and an accompanying diagram that may be included in final design.

 

These two documents can also be retrieved by following the link below.

 

http://www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org/news/news.aspx?ID=357&type=news

 

We would be grateful if you would please send your comments by no later than 4pm on Friday 28th October 2011 as follows:

 

By post: Mr Fergal O’Donnell, Community Development Officer (Learning & Skills)

Rural Community Network, 38a Oldtown Street, Cookstown, BT80 8EF                                             By email: fergal@ruralcommunitynetwork.org                          

By telephone:   (028) 86766670                         

By fax:             (028) 86766006

 

The contribution of those directly involved in community development is critical to the development of this Framework.

 

Note: An event is scheduled for Wednesday 5th October 2011 in Oxford Island, Craigavon, from 10am to 1pm.  This has been organised to provide practitioners some background on this initiative and more importantly to start reflecting on the draft Framework.  If you would like to attend this event, please contact Sarah Christie at Rural Community Network on 028 86766670 or email sarah@ruralcommunitynetwork.org .

 

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5

CollaborationNI announces details of mentoring programme

 

CollaborationNI is delivering a broad range of activities to help the Northern Ireland voluntary and community sector become more skilful in working together. As part of this initiative, CollaborationNI is embarking on a Mentoring Programme to enable members to benefit from the experience and knowledge of their peers, either from within the third sector or from the public and private sectors. 

 

The programme is part of the CollaborationNI framework funded by the Building Change Trust and delivered by a consortium of NICVA, CO3 and Stellar Leadership. The Mentoring programme will be delivered by CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector, and will enable chief executives to share best practice in mergers, collaborations and partnership working, thereby strengthening the economic and emotional prosperity of Northern Ireland Civic Society. 

 

CollaborationNI is looking for mentees who are facing a "new to them" situation or a specific issue around mergers or collaboration or partnership working and would like to work this through with the help from a mentor. CollaborationNI is also looking for volunteers who are leaders in the sector to mentor leaders of voluntary/community organisations in Northern Ireland.

 

The Mentoring Programme will begin in October 2011 and those interested in finding out more are invited to a Mentoring Information Session on either:

Wednesday 21 September 12.00pm-1.30pm in CO3, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast.

or

Tuesday 27 September 11.00am- 12.30pm in Verbal Arts Centre, Derry

 

For further information on this exciting new programme or to book a place at either of the information sessions just click on the links above.

 

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6

Free lesson plans to help your groups make their money go further

 

The Consumer Council has produced two new sets of lesson plans: Understanding Your Credit Report and Shopping for Home Contents Insurance to help the groups you work with make the most of their money. 

 

To request free copies contact Julia McMullan on 028 9067 2488 or email jmcmullan@consumercouncil.org.uk or visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk/education/adult-education-training/

 

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7

Link to Care Project ~ Stress Management Clinic


As Part of the Link To Care Project we are offering individuals (over the age of 18) who are experiencing stress or stress related conditions such as Anxiety, Depression or PTSD free stress management clinics to access new information and skills to manage stress. This project is funded by the Big Lottery.

 

Monday 26th September 2011 6-7pm @ C.A.L.M.S

Emma Logue will cover self healing techniques to reduce stress in everyday life and promote well being.  Covering techniques on meditation, energy healing and colour.

 

This clinic is free to the public and everybody is welcome. C.A.L.M.S is at 10 Northland Road, situated at the top entrance of Magee university. Please do not hesitate to contact Emma Jane on the details below if you have any queries or would like further information.


Mobile: 07821775078 / Email: linktocare@gmail.com

 

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8

Open Call To All Groups To Register Activities Available

 

Time IV a Change Project – Directory of Alternative Activities

Time IV a Change Project / Derry Healthy Cities have secured funding to compile a ‘Directory of Alternative Activities’. The aim is to provide young people within Derry City and the surrounding areas of alternative activities available to them.

 

Research suggests that many young people start drinking alcohol because they believe “there is nothing else to do”. We hope by showing them a wide range of activities they can take part in, many of which are free; that they will be discouraged from taking part in underage drinking.

 

If you would like to register your organisation and give details of the activities that you offer; please contact Kenda at Time IV a Change Project by email – kenda@derryhc.com or by telephone – 02871384568.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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9

New FREE Drama Project for Adults

 

Interested in drama?

Join our FREE weekly drama workshops for adults aged 50+ at the Waterside Theatre commencing October 2011 and running to April 2012 – times and dates to be confirmed.

 

FREE taster workshops are available for interested community organisations.

 

For further information please contact Amanda Jane at the Waterside Theatre on 028 7131 4000 or email aj@watersidetheatre.com

 

Transport can be organised for participants to attend workshops

 

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10

Hold It Down Project launched

 

The Minister for Justice Mr David Ford has officially launched Strabane Community Safety Partnership’s revolutionary ‘Hold It Down’ Project. The Project has been developed to inform young people of the effects of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour on themselves, their family, their community and their environment. The project is targeted at young people aged between 13-16 and will be hosted on the new Safer Strabane website and will be available for everyone to play. The soundtrack will be released onto itunes for free download and the music video has been uploaded onto YouTube, to ensure access to as wide a range of audience as possible.

 

The project aims are two fold; to encourage young people to channel their energy in positive ways in their local community by becoming involved in socially acceptable activities that are taking place, and through education, to achieve a reduction in: the levels of ASB locally; underage drinking and drug use; graffiti; vandalism; street fighting; and noise nuisance.

 

The game has been funded by the Department of Justice through the Community Safety Unit, and developed in conjunction with local agencies and young people. The interactive computer game is set locally and will therefore be familiar to many young people, with the soundtrack ‘Hold It Down’ developed and written by local MC Gerard i2, following consultation with young people.

 

The game has been designed to look and feel appealing to its target age group and whilst the game has many fun elements very important messages are portrayed to the young people.

 

Anti Social Behaviour is a key area of concern for Strabane Community Safety Partnership. The CSP have designed and developed projects which provide support to communities in dealing with the problem of ASB, projects that aim to educate young people about becoming involved in ASB, diversionary activities that provide positive social activities to become involved in, and more focused programmes to help young people at risk. Strabane CSP aim to reduce the levels of ASB by 5% within this financial year, and also aim to reduce graffiti, underage drinking and drug use.

 

For more information and for a full list of people who made the project possible go to www.saferStrabane.com

 

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11

The Playhouse International ICAN has announced a vibrant programme of events

 

All events are free and all are welcome.

 

The first is a master class lead by Dijana Milosevic Co-Founder of Dah Theatre, Serbia. During this master class Dijana will demonstrate how theatre methods and techniques can be used to bring about social change. This is a skill building master class suited to all those theatre practitioners, educationalists, peace builders and anyone who is curious.  The master class is in the Playhouse on 22, 23 September, 6 and 7 October from 10.30 – 2pm.

 

Secondly Dijana Milosevic and Cynthia Cohen will co-facilitate Acting Together on the World Stage: Resilience and the Moral Imagination. Cynthia is Director of Peace Building and the Arts Brandeis University, Boston and has devoted her career to evaluating tools available to artists and peace builders in areas of conflict.

The master class is in the Playhouse on 26, 27, 28 & 29 September from 10.00 – 2pm.

 

Lastly the Irish Premiere of Acting Together on the World Stage shows courageous artists working in conflict regions Serbia, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Israel, Palestine, Argentina, Peru, India, Cambodia, and Australia and describes exemplary peace building performances and tools for the creative transformation of violence. Screening at the Playhouse Theatre on Wednesday 28th September at 8.00pm

 

To participate in any of these events book by calling Elaine Forde on 02871 268027 or email elaine@derryplayhouse.co.uk

 

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12

Building Bridges For A Better Shared Future

 

V.V.I.P. speaker in First Derry Presbyterian Church on Thurs 6th October at 6.45pm.

 

Subject - Building Bridges For A Better Shared Future.

 

Musical input by St Mary's College & Foyle & Londonderry Jazz Band.

 

All welcome

 

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13

Volunteering information

 

One Good Reason Action Day

Fancy a great day out whilst making a difference in your local community?

 

Many charities and voluntary organisations provide vital services within the community.  As part of the European Year of Volunteering we’re calling on over 50s to join us on Friday 30 September 2011 to give some much needed support to these local organisations.

 

Building on the success of last year’s event, you’ll have the chance to choose from a wide range of one off volunteering opportunities in advance including gardening, painting, dog walking, conservation work and many more! Refreshments will also be provided on the day.

 

Why not sign up as a group or club you’re already part of? Or come along on your own, you’ll meet plenty of new people on the day.

 

This is a fantastic opportunity to find your one good reason to make volunteering part of your life.  Will you take up the challenge? Register your interest now and join us for a great day out!

 

Volunteering opportunities on the day will take place across Northern Ireland in the following locations: Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Derry~Londonderry, Strabane, Enniskillen, Downpatrick, Antrim, Broughshane/Ballymena, Newry and Dungannon.

 

Find out more at www.volunteernow.co.uk or call Sarah Jane Goldring to register on: 028 7127 1017

 

 

Hot Opportunities for September in the North West
If you enjoy volunteering or would like to try it out, here are just a few of the volunteering  opportunities available in your area

 

Foyle Women’s Aid
A range of volunteering positions are currently being recruited for at Foyle Women’s Aid to include administrative roles, roles within in their residential setting in the city and roles as court support volunteers. Prospective volunteers will be required to complete an application process and full training will be available.

 

The Stroke Association

The organisation is recruiting volunteers to assist with their Day Care Centre on the Waterside as well as an Information, Advice & Support Volunteer  who  would provide a listening ear, information, advice & support to people who have communication disability following a stroke, this role would suit someone with good communication skills, someone who is flexible, sociable and able to work alone.

 

The Alzheimer’s Society

The Society is currently working to develop active, local Volunteer Advocates to provide independent advocacy for people with dementia to enable their views to be heard in decisions about their lives. Advocacy for people with dementia can take place in a range of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, day centres and people’s own homes.  Some advocates may be based predominantly in one nursing home. The Society has a range of roles from awareness raising to fundraising, why not find out more at their Information Evening on Wednesday 5th October in the North-West Volunteer Centre at 7.30pm.

 

Foyle Fold Music Circle

The residents of Foyle Fold have recently begun hosting musical entertainment on Thursday afternoons. The Circle are currently putting together a register of entertainers, musical or otherwise to add to the talent base of the Circle. If you can sing, dance, or play an instrument, the Circle would love to hear from you!

 

Foyle Contact Centre

The organisation are currently welcoming volunteers, Strabane session are held in the Family Centre,  Melmount Road every Tuesday from 3.30pm – 5.30pm, Sessions are also held in Derry~Londonderry at different times throughout the week, session times and a full role description can be provided on request.

 

For more information on these and many more volunteering opportunities please visit: www.volunteernow.co.uk or telephone 028 7127 1017 or email: enquires@volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk or call in person to North West Volunteer Centre, 22 Bishop Street

 

FREE Autumn/Winter Gardening Class!

Saturday 8th October, 10.30am at The Koram Centre’s Heal and Grow Community Allotments, Tulacorr Heights, Strabane.

 

With BBC GARDENER BRENDAN LITTLE

‘’All you need to know about AUTUMN/WINTER gardening and how to prepare your garden for Spring planting……….’’

 

Food will be provided and places are limited so please phone 07746929395 or email mccallannnicky@gmail.com no later than Friday 30th Sept.

 

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14

Foyle Hospice Zumbathon!

 

Its Zumba time so limber up and shimmy your way over to Templemore Sports Complex this Saturday 24th September for the Foyle Hospice Zumbathon.

 

Entry is £10 and registration starts at 10:30am with the Zumbathon finishing at 1pm. This charity event is open to everyone and all ages. Come along and join the challenge, shake your hips and have fun whilst supporting your local hospice!

 

For further information contact Rachel Bruce at Foyle Hospice on 028 71359888, find us on facebook or visit www.foylehospice.com

 

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15

WEA is pleased to launch its Autumn 2011 Training Calendar

 

Organising and Managing Community Events (NOCN Level 2 accreditation available)

This 3 day course will help participants vision, plan and manage successful community events.

 

During this course participants will learn how to:

Plan a community event

Plan health and safety considerations when running an event

Plan the finances of running an event

Who should attend?

 

This course is aimed at people who wish to know about event planning and management but it is also useful to those who are already engaged in this activity.  Whether you wish to run a day trip or a large festival this is the course for you.  The learning is very practical.

 

Developing Facilitation Skills (NOCN Level 3 accreditation available)

This course is aimed at those who already have some experience of working in groups, but who are looking to increase their confidence and improve their theory and skills base.

 

During this course, participants will learn how to:

Understand the development of a group

Gain an understanding of the role of a trainer/facilitator

Assess the key skills, knowledge and tasks of a trainer/facilitator

Gain advanced communication skills

Effectively manage conflict in groups

Understand the use of exit strategies

 

Who should attend?

This course would be beneficial to facilitators involved in training/facilitation who want to advance their skills and therefore employability. 

 

Please see attached for further information

 

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16

Local Jobs

 

Please see attached for job opportunities with Aware Defeat Depression, Learmount Community Development Group and Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau ~ Tourist Information Centre.


 

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Neola Nelis McCrossan
North-West Community Network
12 – 14 The Diamond
Derry~Londonderry
BT48 6HW
Tel. (028) 7127 9090
Email neola@nwcn.org
Website www.nwcn.org

NWCN is a membership organisation for community & voluntary groups in the North-West, click here for a membership form for 2011-12.

North-West Community Network receives core funding through the Community Investment Fund (DSD).