E-Bulletin

08 January 2009

working to create a genuinely participative democracy

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1	Derry City Council – Rates 09/10, Equality Impact Assessment
2	Cold snap triggers cold weather payments
3	Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
4	Chinese New Year Celebrations 2009
5	Deaf Awareness and Sign Language Session
6	Development of Western Area Hidden Harm Action Plan
7	Parent Anger Management Programme
8	A New Year for Youth Dance
9	R.E.A.C.H Across Youth Leadership Training in 2009
10	'Community Drum Circles'
11	Mental Health advocacy course
12	Walk Leaders Course
13	Strabane Social Night

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1	Derry City Council – Rates 09/10, Equality Impact Assessment Please see attached Derry City Council’s Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for local rates 2009/10. While Council deserve commendation for adopting this approach, which has not been followed by any of the other 25 NI Councils, analysis of the wider environment has led to fears in some quarters that if hits are to be made, investment in community activity, and notably Grant Aid, may feature as a prime target – this cannot be allowed to happen. The closing date for consultation is actually Friday 9 Jan 2009 and a pro forma for consultation response is also attached. Those who wish to express views on the need to sustain investment in community activity, at a time when it is becoming increasingly needed, are strongly encouraged to make their response. You have the option of using the pro forma to make this response, though please do not hesitate to put forward views, in the style of your choice, that advocate the protection of monies that have sustained valuable community services over many years. Large numbers of community & voluntary groups in the DCC area are heavily reliant on grants between £1-5k and it is our responsibility to communicate strongly that any curtailment to this will not be tolerated. Whilst consultation closes on 9 Jan, full details on rates and Council spend for 2009-10 have not yet been finalised so our opportunity to put forward the community voice does not end here. You are still encouraged to put forward your opinions by this deadline, and await developments as they occur.
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2	Cold snap triggers cold weather payments The Department for Social Development is to make Cold Weather Payments following extremely low temperatures recorded over the last week in parts of Northern Ireland. Payment was triggered by information supplied by the Met Office from its Castlederg weather station, indicating forecast sub-zero temperatures over a seven-day period from 29 December 2008 to 4 January 2009. The following postal areas of Northern Ireland were affected by the cold spell: BT45- 48, BT70, BT78- 82. Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development, welcomed this additional help and said: “The £25.00 payment will be paid automatically by the Social Security Agency to qualifying groups in the affected areas. There is no need to make a claim.” Those qualifying are people in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income related) for one day during the period of cold weather who already receive a relevant pensioner or disability premium or have a child under the age of five. The Cold Weather Payments will be made over the period of 7 January to 12 January 2009 either by direct payment to customer accounts or by cheques.
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3	Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Tuesday 10 March 2009, The Station Centre, Omagh, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm. Simon Ward is a Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist in Sefton. He is currently leading the mental health training strategy alongside colleagues from Health and Social Care. For a number of years, Simon has also been running a variety of projects to develop the well being of staff and pupils in an increasing number of schools. As a regular trainer, he has delivered seminars on a variety of topics including, promoting mental health, motivation and learning, positive behaviour management and solution oriented approaches. His interest in the development of well-being is reflected in his position as a founding member of the Centre for Applied Positive Psychology. This seminar will be of interest to anyone working with children and young people in a range of settings, particularly youth and community workers, social workers, teachers, health promotion workers, primary care workers and others in the allied health professions who have an interest in the promotion of positive mental health. The seminar will include: Positive Psychology…The science of well-being, Moving from risk to resilience, Mood management...Developing coping skills, Changing thoughts and beliefs, Increasing engagement, Recognising and promoting strengths, Building a compelling and hopeful future. To register please call 028 7186 5127
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4	Chinese New Year Celebrations 2009 Training for Trainers Year of the Ox Chinese New Year workshop AIM: For participants involved in working with pre-school or primary school children to facilitate their own workshops on Chinese New Year. PROGRAMME: Chinese New Year and festivals/Chinese community in NI/Chinese culture and tradition / Art and Craft ideas and resources One day Training in Derry On Friday 16 January 2009, Registration: 12.45pm – 1.00pm Workshops: 1.00pm – 3.00pm, Cost: £5.00, Facilitators: Chinese Welfare Association Sai Pak Project To book your places see contact details below. Fundraising event for the Chinese Resource Centre Time & Date: Monday 26th January 2009, 6pm, Venue: City Hotel, Derry, Entertainments: 4 Course Dinner, Lion Dance, Chinese Acrobat, Prize Draw, Local Singer, Live Band & Disco Ticket Price: Adult £28 each, Child (5 to 12 years old) £14 each, Elderly (aged 60 or over) £14 each (Ticket prices do not include beverages) 1st Prize: £1500, 2nd Prize: 42” HD Ready TV, 3rd Prize: Laptop, 4th Prize: Wii and many more prizes!! Tel: 02871 288858 or Email: cwa-derry@btconnect.com to get your tickets or for any further information
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5	Deaf Awareness and Sign Language Session Derry City Council has awarded Foyle Sign Language Centre a grant to provide 10 different organisations with a basic introduction to Deaf and Deafblind Awareness and Sign Language course. This session will be a one-off training day - duration 4 hours (can be split with lunch break if necessary). It is a fun interactive short course. Participants will learn interesting facts about the Deaf Community and learn the sign language alphabet. The aim of the session is to provide a basic knowledge of the Deaf community and an understanding of their communication needs. If you have a group interested let us know as soon as possible as places are filling up quickly (7 sessions remaining). We have been providing the training for staff members and volunteers of community groups. The training is free of charge; all we ask for is a copy of your public liability insurance. If you are interested please email: info.fslc@googlemail.com
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6	Development of Western Area Hidden Harm Action Plan Hidden Harm has become recognised as a serious issue affecting the lives of many children and young people who have a parent or parents misusing alcohol or other substances. Following extensive research and consideration, it has been decided that concerted effort must be brought to bear to support these children and young people. DHSSPS is developing a Regional Action Plan and has asked the Western Health and Social Services Board to consider local issues affecting children and young people in the Western area. While some of the children and young people affected will be known to Children’s Services within Western Health and Social Care Trust, many are not. It is therefore imperative that others within Education, Housing, Criminal Justice, Community and Voluntary Sector and other parts of the Health Service consider the role each of us must play and how support services can be more integrated in addressing the needs of these children and young people. The planned Stakeholder Events then will be an opportunity to consider these issues and to begin to plan to meet need now and into the future. Each of the events will include an overview of Hidden Harm; the Northern Ireland response to date and discussion on developing a coherent response among agencies and organisations. Both venues are accessible and have adequate parking. Tea and coffee will be served on arrival and a buffet lunch will be available at the close. Stakeholder Events Friday 23 January 2009, 10am-1pm, White Horse Inn, Campsie, Derry/Londonderry. Friday 30 January 2009, 10am-1pm, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. RSVP – kay.devine@whssb.n-i.nhs.uk or call 028 71 860086
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7	Parent Anger Management Programme This course aims to teach parents techniques for managing stress, anger and family conflict. Facilitated by Christine Carlin, Parents Advice Centre, 8 Week Programme 2 hours per week Commencing Tuesday 13th January 2009 (Every Tues for 8 weeks) Time: 7pm - 9pm Venue: Pennyburn Playtrail Office To reserve a place on this course please contact the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership on 71358787
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8	A New Year for Youth Dance Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company’s ever-popular youth dance events are back for 2009, starting again next week with dance and movement classes for children on Tuesday 13^th January and Daring Feet for teenagers on Wednesday 14^th. Dance and Movement for Children is suitable for kids aged between 5 and 12 years old and the weekly classes focus on being creative and having fun in a non-competitive environment. The 8-week course begins on Tuesday 13^th January in the Echo Echo Dance Studio in the Waterside Theatre. The 5 to 7 year olds start at 4pm and 8 to 12 year olds at 5pm. Full course costs just £40 with family discounts available. Echo Echo will be restarting its youth dance company, Daring Feet led by professional dancer Ayesha Mailey. The classes will take place every Wednesday as usual from 5.30pm to 7.30pm beginning next week on 14^thJanuary. The classes are a great way to develop performance skills, to learn from professional dancers, and to experience different ways of creating choreography. Echo Echo encourages anyone aged between 13 and 19 who may be interested in getting involved to come along to a class and give it a go. Each class costs £3 and annual membership is £5. For more information on any of Echo Echo’s youth events or to register a place for your child, please contact the Echo Echo office on 7134 2266 or email info@echoechodance.com
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9	R.E.A.C.H Across Youth Leadership Training in 2009 Cross-community youth group R.E.A.C.H Across is currently recruiting Volunteer Leaders ( 20yrs+) for its 2009 youth programme. Applications are welcome from throughout the western region of N. Ireland and transport is provided to and from residentials and training courses. Applicants will be invited to attend an introduction evening in mid-January followed by a Leaders training residential which will be held between Sat 7th and Sun 8th February 2009. On completion of the training weekend, Leaders will be invited to supervise group members on outdoor activity residentials in March and April, training courses, weekly group meetings and international exchanges etc, depending on their availability. Training courses for Leaders include Basic First Aid, Child Protection, Outdoor Activities, Youth Leadership, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness, Art and Drama, Catering, Computer/I.T skills, Facilitation Skills, Counselling etc. Activities include paintballing, quad bikes, canoeing, day trips, absailing, trampolining, horse-riding, cheerleading and adventure courses. Residential weekends are staged at centres in Tobermore, Ballycastle, Portrush and Enniskillen. In 2009, R.E.A.C.H Across hope to organise International Youth Exchanges in Croatia and Italy. Volunteers may also represent R.E.A.C.H Across at international youth conferences throughout Europe. The principal aim of the project is to create cross-community contact between young people from the western part of N.Ireland (14-17yrs) and to provide new training and activity opportunities. The cost of the residential is £10 and follow-up training and activities are free for Volunteer Leaders. Applicants must be 18 yrs old by February 7th 2009 and available for the residential weekend at the start of February. If you would like an application form or require further information please contact the Youth Co-ordinator, call into 21 The Diamond, L’Derry, BT48 6HP or telephone 028 71 280048. Also, you can e-mail to reach_across@hotmail.com or download an application form from our web-site at www.reach-across.co.uk R.E.A.C.H Across would also welcome applications from former members or Assistant Leaders.
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10	'Community Drum Circles' In order to kick the year off to a good start your group might be interested in participating in 'Community Drum Circles', which will be facilitated by Joe Loughlin, The Gathering Drum, on Wednesday 21 January, 10.30am - 12.30pm in the Old Clondermot High School, (please use East Avenue gate). This is a fresh approach to teambuilding, ice-breaking and group dynamics and will also foster a sense of togetherness, community and team spirit and will also be a fun experience for all participants. A drum circle is any group of people usually playing hand drums and percussion in a circle. They are not concentrating on creating an end performance, but playing "in the moment". Everyone has rhythm and with the help of an experienced facilitator, groups can create and share powerful experience through the medium of drums and percussions. For further information please contact 71 329144 or email shared.city@derrycity.gov.uk to confirm numbers for your group.
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11	Mental Health advocacy course Mind Yourself! and Foyle Advocates are offering training in mental health advocacy to people who have struggled through a mental health problem themselves and who are ready to use their own experience to help others in the same position. Our Peer Advocacy in Mental Health Course takes place on one day per week, 10.00am to 4.00pm over 10 weeks, starting at the end of January. It is accredited by NOCN Level 2. Successful applicants will be expected to give a firm commitment to full attendance and to working with Foyle Advocates in the coming year. Application forms from Mind Yourself! Tel: 028 7126 3461. Completed applications to Mind Yourself! 15 Magazine Street, Derry BT48 6HH by Monday 19th January. Interview dates will be Wednesday 21st or Thursday 22nd January. The Course will begin the following week.
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12	Walk Leaders Course This free one day course facilitated by the physical Activity Co-ordinator will train adults to: Set up a local walking health programme, Lead safe and enjoyable walks for people of all ages and abilities, Promote the health benefits of walking and Motivate people to take up walking. 19 February 2009 – An Creagan Centre, Omagh 05 March 2009 – St Columb’s Park House, Derry If you would like to secure a place please contact Sandra Guy on 028 7186 5127.
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13	Strabane Social Night Alley Harron & Marian Curry In St.Patrick’s Hall, Strabane On Monday 26th January 2009 Doors open 9.00pm, Admission £5.00 & Light supper provided. Everyone Welcome. All proceeds in aid of St.Patrick’s Luncheon Club.

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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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A New Year for Youth Dance

A New Year for Youth Dance