1National Lottery Community Fund: Leaders with Lived Experience 2020
Supporting organisations set up or run by people with first-hand experience of a social issue, who are trying to create positive change for communities and people who share those experiences. This funding will support lived experience leadership, and make sure lived experience plays a key role in shaping how communities move towards recovery and renewal after the impact of COVID-19. We expect to fund between 30 and 40 grants.
Area: UK-wide
Suitable for: Voluntary or community organisations, set up or run by leaders with lived experience
Funding size: £20,000 to £50,000 Application deadline: 13 October 2020, 5pm
Priority will be given to applications from small groups, typically with an annual income of less than £200,000, as evidenced in most recent set of accounts
Projects must aim to directly support one of the following specific groups:
Young people
Older people
People with disabilities
The Fund will not support projects targeting all ages.
Priority will be given to projects that will benefit groups dealing with disadvantage (e.g. rural isolation, low income, social exclusion, reduced access to services), and projects that involve the beneficiaries in their development and delivery.
The Telecommunity Fund is open on an ongoing basis. The applications are assessed at panel meetings held approximately 3-4 times per year.
The next panel meeting will take place on 24th November 2020, therefore applications submitted after 27th October 2020 at 12 noon will not be considered in this round.
The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts (The Fund) will distribute a total of €1million between 2020 and 2022 to support artists and arts projects across the island of Ireland.
Grants are available from €3,000 – €10,000/c. GBP£2,500 – £8,400. to support or commission artists or groups of artists to work with a partner organisation (e.g. a venue or event, arts organisation, community/voluntary organisation or another funding agency/organisation) in the development of new or existing artwork or projects that have been adapted due to COVID-19 or are inspired by/respond to COVID-19.
2 webinars are scheduled to help those applying with the application process, eligibility requirements and criteria and answer any questions you may have.
Click the links below to book your place:
The COVID Social Enterprise Fund will support social enterprises that already deliver services and products but find themselves in financial difficulties directly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The primary intention of the fund is to help social enterprises to stabilise and manage cash flow over this difficult period.
The fund has been co designed with Social Enterprise NI and is administered by Community Finance Ireland on behalf of the Department for Communities (DfC).
The Elevate Community Mentorship Programme is the pilot of a new way of working in Northern Ireland. We recognise that networking and peer to peer learning are core elements of good community development practice.
We have partnered with five organisations (one in each Trust area) that demonstrate excellent community development practice and a solid commitment to tackling health inequalities. These are Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership, SPACE, Co Down Rural Community Network, Women’s Tec and ARC Healthy Living Centre. They will each support local organisations through a structured mentorship Programme which offers a range of training, networking and support opportunities as well as a grant of up to £5,000 so the successful groups can bring their ideas to life, focusing on using community development approaches to reduce health inequalities at a local level.
Applications are invited from community and voluntary groups who want to use community development approaches to reduce health inequalities in local areas. Previously funded groups have used grants to support the voices of young people in care to access services; improve knowledge and skills around tackling health inequalities for people living with cancer; and reducing isolation and improving mental health for farming communities. The impact of Covid-19 has shown that inequality gaps are widening across communities in NI. Can your group play a role in reducing these gaps?
An Application Form can be downloaded here Guidance Notes can be downloaded here
Please note that closing date for applications is Thursday 1st October at 4pm. Successful applicants will be expected to take part in Elevate training, if they haven’t already done so.
Giving World helps charities access brand new life-essentials for free.
With the impact of the coronavirus measures on community organisations and their vulnerable beneficiaries, we are reaching out to confirm that we continue to operate, partnering with businesses and charities such as yourselves to get goods to where they are needed most.
As we approach the end of the furlough scheme when we will all be supporting the newly vulnerable, we have a wide range of products available including clothing for adults and children, toiletries, baby products, toys, bedding, kitchen equipment and other household items, books, crafts and ambient foods. Goods are for your organisation’s beneficiaries and cannot be sold or used for fundraising.
Please do let us know if there are particular items that would help support your beneficiaries during this difficult time as services resume.
Goods can be collected directly from us, or if this is not possible for you, we can arrange delivery at cost. Delivery costs range from £10 for a box of items to £65 for a full pallet – our website works out a maximum delivery cost based on what you request. We will always endeavour to reduce this when packing your items so that the final charge is as low as possible.
You can find out more here - www.givingworld.org.uk/charity
If you have any questions, any way we can help you deliver more essential supplies to the people who need them most, please call us on 0116 251 6205.
This dedicated support line is open 9.30am-4pm Monday-Thursday and 9.30am-12.30pm Friday.
You can also send an email with any queries to info@givingworld.org.uk
7Coronavirus Protocols for Councils Engaging with Voluntary & Community Organisations
The need to help some people in the community to pay bills or carry out shopping on their behalf is likely to continue over the winter months. The following Protocol was developed for Councils engaging with voluntary and community organisations where volunteers’ roles include carrying out activities where money is involved. Click the title below to view the best practice guidance.
8National Children’s Bureau Survey and focus group for young Travellers
The National Children’s Bureau are looking for young Travellers to participate in a survey and/or take part in a focus group before 16th October on mental health with the outcome of developing a Mental Health Charter with and for young people in Northern Ireland.
The Survey – open until 1 October ; 13-25 year olds in NI; 10 mins to complete; £50 shopping voucher draw incentive! – asking to promote on all platforms and with children and young people directly
Focus Groups with target groups – need to be facilitated by 16 October and NCB would support the delivery of the focus group where possible. 90 minute session (max); 13-25 year olds
For more information about this project or to get involved with the focus groups please contact Gill Hassard - ghassard@ncb.org.ukor (028) 9089 5006
Over the past 9 years, there has been little progress made with the implementation of the Autism Strategy, which was a result from the Autism Act NI (2011). The autism community in Northern Ireland deserve better and we are in full support of MLA Pam Cameron’s proposed Private Members Bill on Autism.
This Bill proposes an oversight function and a new funding model to guarantee independent evaluation and drive forward the implementation of dedicated autism services.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust and lead partners Derry City and Strabane District Council, Public Health Agency and Community and Voluntary organisations have worked together to promote the 3rd annual Positive Ageing Month throughout the Derry City and Strabane District Council area during the month of October.
Positive Ageing Month is an opportunity to draw attention to groups and activities that exist for older people throughout the District. In an ageing population, it is important we continue to work together to encourage older people to reach out and connect with their local community, not only to reduce social isolation and loneliness but to support them to live, long healthy lives.
Positive Ageing month takes into consideration the 5 steps to wellbeing - Be Active, Connect, Take Notice, Give and Keep Learning. This PHA initiative shows these 5 simple steps built into our daily lives can help maintain and improve emotional health and wellbeing. This year in light of Covid-19, a mixture of activities are planned that enable older people to connect both virtually through online events and physically where this is permissible within the Covid-19 guidelines.
12 World Mental Health Day 2020- Join AWARE as we learn to Navigate the 'New Normal'
COVID-19 has changed our lives and impacted our mental health significantly.
For World Mental Health Day this year, we are reflecting on the impact that change has on our mental health and how we’re learning to Navigate the ‘New Normal’. The campaign aims to promote positive mental health during this time and encourage people to look at the ways they can better manage their mental health as we continue to move through uncertainty.
Our campaign will be running from Monday 5th October - Saturday 10th October and we are inviting you to get involved!
Some activities you can get involved in during the week include-
Mindfulness Challenge
We’ll be running a 5-day Mindfulness Challenge in partnership with mindfulness practitioner and AWARE Board Member, Helen McDonnell of Indigo Life Coaching. Helen will be offering free drop-in mindfulness sessions via Zoom throughout the week. These sessions will provide an introduction to Mindfulness and its benefits whilst also giving you some practical exercises to introduce into your daily routine to help you better manage the daily challenges life brings https://www.indigolifecoaching.com/5-day-challenge-with-aware/ Slieve Donard Trek
We will also be celebrating World Mental Health Day with our Slieve Donard Trek on Saturday 10th October! There is still time to join Team AWARE and raise vital funds for mental health services in Northern Ireland. The AWARE Slieve Donard Trek is managed by LIFE mountain experts and guides who will be on hand to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. Click here to find out more.
Living Life to the Full – Online Life Skills Programmes
We’re delighted to be able to offer a range of Living Life to the Full programmes online starting Tuesday 6th October. To register visit https://www.aware-ni.org/booking-living-life-to-the-full/ About the Course:
The Living life to the Full programme will be delivered via zoom over 6 sessions lasting approx. 2hrs each. This is a programme that can make a big difference to your life. It can help you manage your feelings when you are stressed, worried or depressed and learn simple practical skills to help you cope with life’s challenges. It looks more closely at the ways in which mental health can be impacted by life events and unhelpful thinking styles which may also then affect our physical health and overall enjoyment of life.
Social Media & Web Resources
Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the week too as we will be sharing some self-care tips, videos, and mental health blog posts. We will also be launching a dedicated WMHD webpage next week showcasing a range of AWARE resources to help you manage your mental health during these uncertain times. You can find us on Facebook/Twitter @AwareNI, Instagram @aware_ni, and LinkedIn @AWARE.
Talking about how we are feeling during these difficult times is crucial and it is important to know that there is support available to anyone who is struggling. We’d appreciate if you can help us share this campaign far and wide so we can raise mental health awareness and encourage those who are struggling to reach out and ask for help when they need it.
- Every Monday 8pm-9pm on Zoom
- Basic (for complete beginners and people who already know some Japanese. )
- Conversation (During the class we'll enter breakrooms and the participants will practice according to their levels.)
-£30 for 10 classes or £15 for a month. Only people who pay in advance will receive the link to the class. -The first term -- from October 5th to December 14th.
If you're interested, please send e-mail to nwjapanesecg@mail.com for details.
The space is limited.
If the time doesn't suit you, one to one class is also available.
14Autism NI:New Virtual Training Opportunity for Professionals!
Do you want to improve your knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting autistic individuals within your job role?
Autism NI has places available on the following virtual training for professionals: Fundamentals of Autism Monday 12th October (10am-3.30pm)
This course will explore the key characteristics of autism and how this may impact autistic individuals. It will also explore a number of practical strategies you can use to support individuals in within your role.
This training will be facilitated on the Zoom platform and be fully interactive, including group activities, discussion and question/answer sessions.
This course is appropriate for any professional working with autistic individuals, e.g. Health and Social Care, Community or Education professionals.
AQA Unit Award Accreditation option also available as an optional add-on.
New Reflexology class begins at Focus on Family on Monday 26th October and runs for 8 weeks until Christmas, and for a further 4 weeks in the New Year. The cost is £5 per class, but if paid up front the total cost will be £50 (a saving of £10), giving you two weeks free. Due to reduced numbers, it would be in your best interest to register your name as soon as possible - contact Catherine on 07793 131094 who can get you signed up or answer any queries you may have.
Focus on Family have been running classes in Alternative Treatments over many years and they have been a massive success with the local community. All the classes are immensely enjoyable for a number of reasons - they teach people a variety of ways we can look after ourselves, how to bring ease, to release tension, and importantly, how to truly relax and cope in this busy, upside-down world in which we live.
Every class is devoted to ensuring a wonderful evening of time away from the cares, worries, stresses and anxiety of work and family that everyday life brings with it. For one evening each week, people come along to a warm, dimly lit room, with relaxing music and set all their anxieties aside to enjoy a treatment that sets them up for the rest of the week.
2020 has been unprecedented - never have we known anything like it and it has been a surreal experience. Across the entire world, we have all been locking ourselves away in fear of Covid-19. If ever stress, anxiety and worry were heightened it has been over these past months. People who were never inclined to worry or be stressed have found themselves becoming very anxious. Our everyday life has changed dramatically and there isn’t one person who hasn’t been affected by this virus, in some way or another.
So, Focus on Family have decided now that restrictions have been eased a little, we’ll start our Therapy classes once more. We feel this is a very needful time, where folk need to unwind, relax and feel a little ‘normal’ again. Importantly, all participants are assured that every precaution will be in place to make sure everyone is kept safe and because of this, participant numbers will be reduced.
We will be running a course on Reflexology, our most requested treatment. Everyone will be working in pairs and our highly experienced tutor, Catherine, will talk you through every part of the treatment in a slow and gentle way. All creams and oils are provided. Gloves, sanitizers, and wipes will be available as will social distancing protocols. Every care will be taken for the safety of all.
Normally, we supply all the towels needed but for extra safety we are asking people to bring their own. But if you are happy to use our towels at Focus on Family then that will not be a problem as after every class they will be laundered at a high temperature. If you are bringing your own, then you will require two large towels and one small towel.
09 October 2020, 11am-3pm , City Hotel Derry-Londonderry
This event delivers employment support and advice; providing information about the services available locally, including;
A range of local employers will be discussing vacancies including Customer Service representatives, Support Workers, Domiciliary Carers and a range of healthcare roles.
Staff from Foyle Jobs & Benefits office will be available to provide support with finding employment, training and advice. Attendance is by appointment.
The Management Committee invite applications for the post of Fundraising Co-ordinator, Fixed Term maternity contract (10 months).
This is a pivotal role that requires the post holder to be proactive and multi-resourceful, and willing to add value to the work of the team. Fundraising Co-ordinator will be responsible for providing an efficient and professional events calendar for both internal and external events. This person will also support the Project Co-ordinator to facilitate the efficient operation of the office.
The person appointed will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and highly organised with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Essential Criteria
Third level education.
Minimum 5 GCSE or equivalent: two of which must be Maths and English.
Minimum 2 Years’ experience, within the last 5 years of event management and general admin
Knowledge and experience of Public Relations/media
Advantage will be gained by applicants who possess the following
Desirable Criteria
Minimum 2 Years’ experience, within the last 5 years, of successfully sourcing and administrating funding grants or projects.
Well-developed organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven track record in working with management committees and volunteers.
Experience of successfully working on own initiative and unsupervised.
Have proven in-depth experience of Microsoft Office.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate how and to what extent their qualifications, experience and qualities are relevant to the post. The panel will decide to interview only those applicants who appear from the information available to be the most suitable.
This post is for a start date of Monday 30th November 2020 end date is approx. 29th Oct 2021(fixed term contract): Application form and job description must be requested by email foylerescue@gmail.com Closing date for receipt of completed applications via email is Friday 16th October 12.00 noon.
The panel reserve the right to enhance existing criteria to facilitate shortlisting. Applicants must be available w/c 26th October for interview.
We will confirm receipt of all email applications received. FSR do not accept responsibility for non receipt of email applications or delay’s if you have not received a reply it is the applicants responsibility to follow up.
St Columb’s Park House is a peace centre located in the heart of a beautiful historic park in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry. St Columb’s Park House contributes to peace building and active citizenship by providing a range of programmes which promote civic participation, human rights & leadership. We also operate as a ‘not for profit’ social enterprise that offers conference and residential facilities.
The Transition in Nature programme will engage with young people (5-18) across the City in an Outdoor Nature Based programme focussing on managing change in our lives during this pandemic.
We wish to appoint the following A Project Co-ordinator for our Transition in Nature (30 hours per week) on a fixed term contract (October 2020 _ 31st March 2022). Gross salary £22000 per annum
This position will focus on co-ordinating and developing a structured Nature Based Outdoor Learning programme suitable for young people aged 5 – 18 years old for managing change in their lives to be aligned with the John Muir Awards. The programme will consult with young people to establish the challenges they face today and use the outdoors and nature as the classroom for managing and accepting change for good. There will be a strong emphasis on developing a learning programme that is suitable for all age groups and considers the health and well-being of participants.
The successful candidate should have experience delivering a nature based learning programme with young people. They will have knowledge and a clear understanding of the benefits linked to health & well-being from being connected to the outdoors and be able to link this to the changes young people are experiencing in their lives today.
Shortlisting criteria will be detailed in the Job Description and Personnel Specification as “Essential” and may be enhanced in the instance of large numbers of applications.
Further information and application packs are available from Sharon Doherty St Columb’s Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 6JY. Telephone: 028 71 343080. Packs can also be requested using email; sharon@stcolumbsparkhouse.org Completed Applications must be returned to the Managing Director in an envelope clearly marked “JOB APPLICATION” no later than 5pm Thursday 1st October 2020. We will only accept completed and signed application forms issued with the job information. We do not accept CVs. Applications received after the closing date / time will not be considered. Interviews for short-listed applicants will be held on the week beginning 5th October 2020. Due to the nature of the funding and time frame for the delivery of this project the successful candidate needs to be in a position to take up the post no later than 19th October 2020.
Transform Lives with Extern
Join us and use your skills to make a real difference
Every day Extern transforms lives as the leading social justice charity across the island of Ireland. Operating since 1978, we believe another chance can change lives.
Each year we support more than 20,000 individuals and families. We currently employ more than 600 compassionate and dedicated staff. In addition to excellent terms and conditions, we offer an extensive training and development programme. Due to continuing growth, we are now seeking to add to our team. Are you passionate about your profession and willing to use your knowledge, experience, dedication and talent to help us achieve our Mission of Transforming Lives, Transforming Society? Then we would love to hear from you.
Salary: Grade 4 salary scale: £7,407 - £9,078 per annum Location: TBC, Derry / Londonderry Hours: 15 hours per week (including breaks) – out of hours and weekend work (Thurs – Sun) Contract Status: Fixed Term until 31st March 2021 (Specific Funding)
In addition, EXTERN can offer the following benefits:
26 days annual leave pro rata per annum, increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ service and to 32 days after 5 years’ service
11 statutory holidays pro rata per annum
Generous employer pension contribution
Closing date and time for completed applications: Thursday 8th October 2020 @ 12 noon
A campaign for a new Chair of the Northern Ireland Funding Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched. Details on the NLCF and the positions are attached but further information can be found at:
Please find attachedthe fourth edition of the Energy Strategy E-Bulletin, which aims to keep stakeholders informed about progress on the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland.
Other news from Energy Group
On 5 June 2019 the European Commission made The Electricity (Recast) Directive [(EU) 2019/944] on the internal market for electricity which applies from 1 January 2021 and has a transposition date of 31 December 2020. While much of the scope of the Directive builds on policies and procedures brought forward in the 2009 Directive, it contains a number of new policies which require fresh consideration.
In this consultation paper the Department for the Economy seeks views and comments from stakeholders on a number of issues raised within the Directive and on our proposed approach to transposition. The consultation closes on 16 October 2020.
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