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E-Bulletin

29 Sep 2011

working to create a genuinely participative democracy

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1	Village SOS competition - Are you ready for a share of 5m?
2	We Can Be Heroes
3	Hit the Big Screen
4	Support for social enterprise
5	Our past, our present, your future
6	Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) Workshop
7	Poots launches a new innovation to safeguard adults at risk
8	Advice NI launches new freephone service
9	Virtual Lives Conference
10	Sexual Health Education - Facilitators Training Course
11	Parkinson’s – Change Attitudes. Find a cure. Join us
12	Irish Sign Language course
13	"Laggan Historical Society"
14	Courses at Eden Place Arts Centre
15	Call for Auditions for “The Cripple of Inishmaan”
16	The BBC Audience Council for Northern Ireland invites your views on……

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1	Village SOS competition - Are you ready for a share of 5m? The Village SOS competition is giving around 250 villages across the UK a share of 5.3 million to kick start a community business. The Village SOS Competition will give around 250 awards of between £10,000 and £30,000 to kick start community businesses. We want to support inspiring business ideas that will bring people together in villages across the UK and support activities and enterprises that will tackle the challenges they face. Entering the competition is easy - we can even accept entries from informal community groups - so click here to get started. We've extended the deadline to 20 October to give groups more time to work on their enterprising ideas. You must be a Village SOS member to enter the competition, so if you haven't already, join here Find out more about the competition If you're not in a village but would like to know how to set up a community enterprise that would benefit your area, or connect with like minded people in your community please go to www.villagesos.org.uk For help developing your idea into a sustainable business, give our Advice Line a call on 0845 434 123*. For everything you need to know about the Competition, including the conditions, read the Competition guide
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2	We Can Be Heroes The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) Northern Ireland are encouraging all Fundraisers to learn how to become heroes by attending their 2011 Annual Convention, ‘Superheroes- How to Be a Hero for Your Charity’ on 10th November at NICVA, Belfast. The convention is aimed to help Fundraisers facing increasingly difficult economic situations in Northern Ireland and inspire them with new fundraising ideas and techniques and to support training for the third sector. Marcus Cooper, Chairman of IoF Northern Ireland says, "We are delighted to welcome internationally renowned fundraising heros such as Stephen Pidgeon and Joe Saxton to this year's Convention. It is a great opportunity for anyone involved with fundraising in Northern Ireland to avail of top class training locally. So no matter what your level of experience is or the size of your organisation you can gain additional skills to become a better, or even super fundraiser!" Simon Scriver, Director, Total Fundraising adds, "Total Fundraising is delighted to be sponsoring this year's IoF NI Annual Convention. As a company we are committed to promoting professionalism in fundraising and are looking forward to a super Convention!” For those interested in attending Early Bird and group discounts are available; for more information on IoF NI Annual Convention or to download a brochure please visit www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk or email northernireland@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk for more details.
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3	Hit the Big Screen The BBC Big Screen project in Northern Ireland is looking to showcase a selection of short films on the screen over the coming year. The 25m squared LED screen shows a mixture of news, sport and weather but also local content from community, arts groups and film makers. The screen is run in partnership between the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), the BBC, Belfast City Council and DSD/DCAL. Situated in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, it has a passing footfall of almost 40,000 per week and is growing a reputation for having livened up the city centre. Work has begun on a second in Derry situated in Waterloo Place. This would give the opportunity for local filmmakers to reach out to a larger potential audience. BBC Big Screen are on the look out for short films to run as part of the daily schedule. These can be on any subject matter provided the relevant clearance has been obtained and it meets the editorial guidelines with the duration being less than seven minutes. The screen can also be used for events and screenings, having been successfully used as part of the Belfast Photographic Festival and the BBC Music Video Festival to exhibit galleries and films. For further information, or if you have films that you would like to be broadcast, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/bigscreens or e-mail bigscreenbelfast@bbc.co.uk.
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4	Support for social enterprise Social enterprises located across Northern Ireland have accessed skills and expertise through a number of University of Ulster programmes. UU is holding a free information event on 25 October to gain an insight into the support available and the results it has delivered. Hear the experiences of social enterprises that have benefitted from the support on offer. Ulster experts and other support organisations including North West Marketing (Social Entrepreneurship Programme) will also be on hand to provide advice and guidance on the schemes and financial support available to help your social enterprise. Tuesday 25 October 2011, Intelligent Systems Research Centre, Magee campus, University of Ulster, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL. The event starts with registration and refreshments at 9.30am and will conclude with a networking lunch around 1.00pm Places are limited. To register your place at this free event: t: Alison Wilkinson on 028 9036 8019 or e: knowledgeclub@ulster.ac.uk
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5	Our past, our present, your future Rural Community Network NI, are celebrating 20 years of service to Rural Communities throughout Northern Ireland and we would love to have you come along and support our anniversary event in Donaghmore, Dungannon on the 20th of October. We are showcasing our achievements and some of the groups we are working with will be displaying their talents at the event. It promises to be a day full of memories, full of meeting up with colleagues and acquaintances and planning for the future. We would relish you company and your support on the day. RSVP: theresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org
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6	Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) Workshop Date: Tuesday 4th October 2011 Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm Venue: Waterfoot Hotel, Caw Roundabout, Waterside, Derry~Londonderry, BT47 6TB The aim of the event is to increase understanding of PPI and investigate issues around improving user engagement in the Health Service. To Register please contact: Gabrielle on 028 7136 8811 or email: Gabrielle@nwcn.org All costs to be met by PESP – North West Community Network, Big Lottery funded project.
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7	Poots launches a new innovation to safeguard adults at risk Health Minister Edwin Poots launched a new Internet-based adult safeguarding information Hub. The Hub, known as the ‘Safeguarding Adults at Risk Information Hub’ (SAaRIH), is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK or wider afield. It will host information and resources relevant to adult safeguarding in one easily accessible place. The Hub is expected to be an invaluable resource for a wide range of agencies and organisations with an interest in adult safeguarding. Speaking at the launch, Mr Poots said: "The Internet is a powerful mechanism for connecting people to information and to others with similar or mutual interests. “This is exactly what the Hub is built to do. It connects individuals with an interest in adult safeguarding to the most up-to-date information on the subject. “It will provide access to the latest research, to new policies, to changes in procedure, to examples of best practice, to the latest news; all with a relevance to adult safeguarding.” Welcoming the introduction of SAaRIH, Northern Ireland’s Chief Social Services Officer Sean Holland said: “The Hub will provide an on-line central, easily accessed repository of national and international information relating to adult safeguarding which will be updated daily. “It has been developed for use by practitioners, managers, researchers, educators and policy makers with an interest in adult safeguarding. The aim is to provide access to information that will inform and shape adult safeguarding policy and promote best practice in a complex area of work." The Hub was launched at Parliament Buildings. The launch event was attended by organisations that work with adults at risk of harm. The Hub was developed by local company, Capacity Builder, on commission from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. It can be accessed at http://www.saarih.com/user
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8	Advice NI launches new freephone service Advice NI will be delivering a new, unique Tax and Benefits Advice Service which offers advice and support to members of the public struggling with issues relating to tax and/or benefits. The service launched on Monday 26 September 2011 and will be available through a freephone telephone helpline and a number of outreach venues throughout Northern Ireland. The service will focus specifically on Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) related products and services, such as: Tax Credits, Child Benefit, Financial support for registered childcare, PAYE, Self Assessment, National Minimum Wage, National Insurance Contributions. The two new advisers, Sue Stevenson sue@adviceni.net and Jennie Hammond jennie@adviceni.net have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with HMRC products and services and providing welfare rights advice. Jennie will be based at the Advice NI headquarters and will be offering a Northern Ireland wide freephone tax advice service. The freephone telephone helpline is available on 0800 988 2377 and will operate Monday to Friday, 9.00am–1.00pm, with a messaging service outside these hours. Sue will be based at a number of outreach locations throughout Northern Ireland and will provide a face to face tax advice service including appointment based and drop-in sessions and home visits. Both Sue and Jennie are available from the 26 to answer any queries you may have in relation to HMRC products and services and to receive client referrals from you for more complex HMRC related work. For further information please feel free to contact Jennie or Sue or email tax@adviceni.net
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9	Virtual Lives Conference The impact of new technology on young people’s emotional health and wellbeing Friday 07 October 2011, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co Tyrone For further information please contact: The Health Improvement Department on 028 7186 5127 or health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net
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10	Sexual Health Education - Facilitators Training Course Accreditation: This Training Course has been accredited by the Open College as a Certificate in Sexual Health Education at Level 3 Target Group: This accredited Sexual Health Education Course has been designed by ACET for people who would like to develop their knowledge and skills to become providers of Sexual Health Education, as part of their current role and/or in the wider community in the Western Trust area. Applications are welcome from people working in either statutory or voluntary sectors, who want to provide Sexual Health Education, with young people/adults. Course Content: This new accredited training course, covers issues including: Men’s Sexual Health: Genital hygiene, tight foreskin and/or frenulum, circumcision, peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, prostate and testicular conditions, including cancer, prosthesis options and Self Examination Skills. Women’s Sexual Health: Genital hygiene, menarche, menopause, conditions affecting fertility, breast and cervix conditions including cancer, prosthesis options and Self Examination Skills Body image and emotional impact of sexual health issues for men and women HIV, STIs, Hepatitis, HPV and Contraception Training given on Design of Lesson Plans, Communication, Presentation, and Group Facilitation Skills, together with Teachers Pack in CD Rom Training Programme: The programme requires full attendance at 10 training days in 2012 along with personal study and complete five written and one practical assignments. Training will be held at Omagh Hospital, from 10.00am – 4.00pm on the following dates: January: 19^th, 26^th February: 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd March: 1st , 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd ACET is currently recruiting for this course, with 15 available places. If you would like further information and/or an application form please contact ACET on info@acet-ni.com or telephone on 028-90320844 Training Costs: ACET has been funded by the Public Health Agency to provide this accredited course in the Western Trust area, and therefore ACET can provide this course free of charge to the course participants.
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11	Parkinson’s – Change Attitudes. Find a cure. Join us Information and Support event for people living with Parkinson’s Wednesday, 12 October 2011 in the Waterfoot Hotel, L’derry 12am Registration 12.30am Welcome - Catherine Murnin and Jack Glenn Opening remarks - Lord Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney 12.45pm Lunch 1.30pm Programme overview - Catherine Murnin 1.35pm Life with Parkinson’s Foyle Branch 1.55pm Specialist Nurse - Caroline McMahon 2.10pm Information and Support, Parkinson’s UK, Jean Lennox/Catherine Murnin 2.30pm Managing long-term conditions, Aideen Corr 2.45pm Supporting Carers, Cathy Magowan 3.00pm Local services , Western Trust Allied Health Professional 3.15pm Questions/discussion 3.30pm Thanks and close, Catherine Murnin Please see attached for booking form
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12	Irish Sign Language course Foyle Sign Language Centre are running a fully accredited Irish Sign Language course commencing on Thursday 29 September 2011 from 10am-12pm. Course Fees only £50 Course duration 32 weeks Venue 2nd Floor, 16 Bishop Street, Derry For more information contact Sharon on 07966477209 Foyle Sign Language Centre, 2nd and 3rd Floor, 16 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6PW Tel/Fax: 02871264062 / Email:info.fslc@gmail.com
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13	"Laggan Historical Society" We at The Ulster Scots/Scots Irish Heritage and Education Centre are very pleased to be announcing our weekly "Laggan Historical Society" starting Thursday 6th October. This is an informal group for folks with a passion or an interest in Local History to come and share their Knowledge or come and enjoy our Guest speakers and day trips, some of which will be of Ulster Scots interest. You would be more than welcome to join us and share a story or two. Monreagh Ulster Scots Centre, Carrigans, Co.Donegal, Ireland TEL: +353 (0)74 914 0708 WEB: http://monreaghulsterscotscentre.town.ie FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monreagh-Ulster-Scots-Heritage-Centre/248801655147028
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14	Courses at Eden Place Arts Centre Get in touch with your creative side and discover your green fingers in our Floral Art Course @ Eden Place Arts Centre. This course begins on Tuesday 4th October @ 7.30pm-9.30pm and costs £40 for the six week course, all materials are supplied. For more info contact Judi on 71 269418 or email judi_edenplaceartscentre@yahoo.co.uk Eden Place Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Eden Place Arts Centre, Pilot's Row Centre, Rossville Street, Derry, BT48 6LP
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15	Call for Auditions for “The Cripple of Inishmaan” “Here We Go Theatre Company” Attention all actors ~ An opportunity not to be missed Here We Go Theatre Company are holding open auditions for Martin Mc Donagh’s darkly comic, Yet beautifully poignant, Look at islands life, In Ireland in the 1930’s. The Cripple of Inishmaan has a cast made up of 9 characters: 5 male and 4 female; ages range from 17 -90. This production will be directed by Jean Dunn who recently produced Joseph Kesselring’s, Arsenic & Old Lace. If you think you’ve got what it takes to play an eccentric Irishman or women, then why not come along to The Arc Centre Bloomfield, Galliagh Derry, Saturday 1st Oct, 1pm-4pm. For more information call 07746515567 or Greater Shantallow Community Arts on 71357443.
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16	The BBC Audience Council for Northern Ireland invites your views on…… BBC services – TV, Radio and Online The Playhouse Theatre, Artillery Street – Derry/Londonderry, 20 October 2011, 4.15 pm – 5.45 pm The BBC Audience Council Northern Ireland would be delighted if you could join us for an informal discussion about BBC services, at the Playhouse Theatre, on 20 October. In 2010, the BBC Trust, the governing body of the BBC, published a new strategy for the remainder of the BBC’s current charter period. The strategy focuses on four priority areas: Increasing the distinctiveness and quality of its programmes and services Improving the value for money it provides to licence fee payers Setting new standards of openness and transparency Doing more to serve all audiences The strategy was further developed in light of a new settlement that keeps the licence fee at its current level of £145.50 until 2016/17. Over the last few months, BBC management has been considering the implications for the scale and scope of the organisation and its services, in order to meet the financial demands of this settlement, and will present its proposals to the Trust in the near future. The Trust will then launch a public consultation on the proposals. Whether you are a particular fan of TV, Radio or Online we would like to hear what you think about the BBC and, in particular, what quality and value services mean to you. We are interested in the views of occasional or regular listeners and viewers, whether speaking as an individual or on behalf of a particular group or interest and would be delighted if you are able to attend to share your views about the BBC. As places will be limited please RSVP to jhoanna.sto.domingo@bbc.co.uk (028 9033 8856 / textphone 028 9033 8100) by 17 October, indicating if you have any particular dietary or access requirements.

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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
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