ResourcesResources
07.07.10
Crossover City Resources for Urban Mission and Transformation
Edited by Andrew Davey; Foreword by the Archbishop of York. Contributors: Laurie Green, Bishop of Bradwell; Peter Robinson, Newcastle; Jon Kuhrt, Livability / West London Mission; Mandy Ford, Leicester; Tom Gillum, Earls Court; Anna Thompson, Eden; David Nixon, Devonport. The book comes out of the work of the Urban Mission and Theology Group which was commissioned by the Mission and Public Affairs Council following the discussion of Faithful Cities in 2006. The book draws on a broad range of contributors from across the Church of England providing a helpful resource for those working in urban mission. Mowbray ISBN: 9781441138644 £14.99
Tensions in Christian Ethics. An introduction by Malcolm Brown
Christian Ethics is a vast field. War, human rights, sexuality and more are all in the public consciousness and Christians need to know how to respond. The volume provides a sound and comprehensive grounding in Christian ethics using engaging examples and memorable illustrations. It has received praise from many contemporary scholars who have described it as ‘a riveting read’ and ‘sharp and stimulating’ and is ideal for students to grasp the essentials of this field of study. Malcolm Brown is Director of Mission and Public Affairs for the Church of England. ISBN: 978 0 281 05827 3 Published May 2010 SPCK price £19.99
Making Connections
An excellent and inspiring new resource specifically for the rural church and focused on mission activity and with some really heart warming case studies. Published Acora 2010 price £3.50 to obtain copies go to: http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/makingconnections/index.html
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Churches offer guidance on high pay
Free churches have issued guidance on the morality of pay calling on churches to invest only in companies where the highest paid staff receive no more that 75 times the lowest paid worker see weblink: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/campaigns/closethegap/
churcheshighpayguidance?searchterm=free+churches%2C+high+pay.
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FREE Surplus Goods
Giving World Online (GWO) is a scheme set up to help community groups and charities access free surplus goods from businesses and organisations whilst at the same time helping reduce the amount of goods sent to landfill. During the next three months GWO will be engaging with businesses in the East Midlands to encourage them to use GWO's free service to redirect their surplus goods on to charities and groups that could make use of them. The service is available to all charities and community groups particularly smaller organisations that are often volunteer-led or operate on very limited funds. To register to receive FREE goods or list the items that you need see http://www.givingworldonline.com/.
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Emergency Budget: comment
Church Action on Poverty insight on the emergency budget- fair taxes? See: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/news/Osbornebudget
New Economics Foundation insight on the emergency budget- banks, climate change, economy, jobs and tax. See: http://www.neweconomics.org/press-releases/budget-response-tax-climate-change-jobs-and-poverty
National Council for Voluntary Organisations insights: The budget- how will it affect you? See:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/news/funding/budget-2010-how-will-it-affect-you
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Biblefresh
An initiative which aims to encourage and inspire Christians across the UK to a deeper level of engagement with the Bible, with a focus during 2011 - the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. The Biblefresh campaign is an opportunity to see how God’s word can really bring change in our lives, our churches, our communities and our world. The initiative brings together more than fifty agencies to empower Christians across the UK to a deeper level of engagement with the Bible and to raise the level of biblical literacy, through the following four tracks: • Bible Reading; • Bible Training; • Bible translation; • Bible Experience
A handbook of inspiring articles and ideas for engaging with the Bible is now available. ISBN: 978 18602 4802 3. Publisher: Authentic (2010) RRP: £4.99. Download a copy from: www.biblefresh.com/i/m/
BIBLEFRESH%20LEADERS%20GUIDE%20FINAL.pdf
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Keeping faith in your community project
See resources from a recent Salvation Army training day for a chance to do a quick review of how your Christian message links with your community mission activity at:
http://www.communitymission.org.uk/training_events/past_event_materials/we_dont_do_god.aspx
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Report from npfsynergy Understanding misunderstood youth
Research report offers support to early intervention in not for profit sector
Download it at: http://i.ctt-news.org/CmpDoc/2009/8200/0_understanding-misunderstood-
youth---young-people-and-street-violence.pdf?dm_i=6BS,6M1G,KNG8P,GAWK,1
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HOPE for the Future
Following on from HOPE 08 this is a further resource which evaluates HOPE 08 and in doing so offers some great ideas. ISBN 978 1 86024 572 5 £2.99 Published 2009 Authentic Media
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Meeting the spiritual needs of people with dementia
Dementia is a term used for a range of physical illnesses, which affect the brain. The number of people with dementia is steadily increasing; however, it is easy for people with dementia to be forgotten by the church. For those who have attended church, the difficulties encountered when visiting and the fact the visit is forgotten minutes after the visitor has left, means that contact with the church is easily lost. This resource offers information and ideas to help you to support those people who have dementia. Download it from: www.baptist.org.uk/resources/resource_downloads/597.pdf
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Your Human Rights
"Your Human Rights" is a series of plain English, non-technical guides focusing on the practical relevance of human rights in the UK published by British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR). They are written directly for people living with mental health problems, disabled people, older people and refugees and asylum seekers who are in situations where they may need information on their human rights. http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/policy_list.php?article_id=63
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Submit your ideas for saving money to the Spending Challenge
Following the emergency budget and the announcement that many Government departments will be facing 25 percent cuts in their budgets, the Government is asking frontline staff, including those in the third sector, to submit their ideas online to The Spending Challenge, for how the public sector can save money. http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=837
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In His Image: Understanding and embracing the poor By Andy Matheson
If the world knew that they were made in God's image, what difference would it make? If people knew that their very being was of great worth, was valued, had the reflection of the divine in it, what impact would it have? Andy Matheson, Oasis International Director, has first hand experience of the injustices that have developed in our world. He has worked in developing countries around the world and lived in Mumbai, a city with an extremely high rate of poverty, human trafficking and child labour. Andy argues that it is not the resources that we provide to the poor, but the relationship we build with them that will really make a difference. http://www.faithworks.info/Standard.asp?id=5903&dm_i=5G1,6HHQ,1W9W7Z,G1KZ,1
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Acts 435
Acts 435 is a revolutionary website that allows people to give money directly to others. 100% of what is donated via Acts 435 goes directly to those in need. If you GiftAid your donation, it helps towards the running costs of the charity. It’s a very simple idea. There are people in our communities who need financial help, and there are people all over the country who want to help those in need. Acts 435 puts those people together. It has been piloted in York diocese and the Archbishop of York is now extending its scope across the country. See www.acts435.co.uk
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Volunteer Management Portal
Volunteering England has launched the Volunteer Management Portal, a signposting tool for people managing volunteers. It aims to provide greater access to a wide range of information on support, training and development opportunities. For more information visit their website at: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/WhatWeDo/Projects+and+initiatives/volunteer-managers/index
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1 September – 4 October –Creation Time
Begins on the first day of the Orthodox Church’s year, and provides an opportunity to commit to the protection of the natural environment. Past resources prepared by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are available, and new resources for this year will be published soon. Go to: http://www.ctbi.org.uk/BAB/295
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'Restriction and Rehabilitation: Getting the Right Mix – An inspection of the management of sexual offenders in the community'
A joint inspectorate report that states there were a number of areas where both the police and probation services in England and Wales could improve the management of sexual offenders in the community. Download http://www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-probation/docs/Sex_Offenders_Report-rps.pdf
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PEACE Days 2010 19, 20, 21 September
International Day of Prayer for Peace (20th Sept) offer opportunity for faith communities to hold worship and prayer vigils on peace related themes. Sep 19th is the closest Sunday and this can also be linked with UN peace Day promoting the World Council of Churches initiative.
Prayer for Peace
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust,
Lead us from hatred to love, from war to peace,
Let peace fill our hearts, our lives, our world, our universe, Amen.
For related resource pack send cheque £5 to ‘Peace Services’ address: Rev B Cooper, Churches and Inter-Faith Peace Work, Uniting for Peace, WDC PO box 28209, Edinburgh EH9 1ZR, tel: 0131 446 9545, email:
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; related web pages see: www.una.org.uk/peaceandsecurity/index.html; www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/prayers/#peace
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/socialpublic/international/nucleardeterrence/
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Local Area Agreements
Communities and Local Government conducted a survey in 2009 to explore how the Local Area Agreements were helping partnerships achieve positive outcomes for local people. One East Midlands brings you a summary of the survey results focusing on outcomes for the community and voluntary sector. The Survey covered all upper tier local authorities in England with signed Local Area Agreements.
www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=735
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Resources to Help with Trustee Recruitment
New resource pages covering 'Trustee Recruitment for Small Organisations' are available on NCVO's website, produced with the help of other support bodies. They are specifically designed for organisations with limited resources: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/trusteerecruitmentforsmallorganisations
There is also a Trustee Recruitment Join Us Campaign, which provides material to help sector support organisations run their own trustee recruitment campaigns. See website:
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/Trusteerecruitmentcampaignspack
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Carers Breaks Information and Advice Service
A new service currently delivered by Disability Direct is aimed towards supporting carers. Working alongside other local organisations who support carers eg: Derbyshire Carers Association and Derby City Council, we are providing a new Carers Breaks Information and Advice Service that aims to supply a range of services to people to support them in their caring role. These services may include the allocation of a personal budget which could be spent in any way the carer feels is suitable for them, access to a Dementia befriending and sitting service, a free three month trial of telecare services, flexible day and respite care, free pampering days and a better access to information. If you are a carer or know someone who is, please contact Raichel on 01332 299449 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and she will be happy to help.
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‘The Stuff’ is here!
The ‘Enable’ Young Disabled Persons project is proud to announce the launch of ‘The Stuff’ – the new website packed full of news, information, activities, opportunities and ‘stuff’ for young disabled people aged 16-25 who live in Derby City and Derbyshire. The site gives details about volunteering, courses, work, sport, entertainment and creative options, as well as an accessible forum where young people can chat and make friends. ‘The Stuff’ goes live at the beginning of May and we would welcome comments, ideas, and suggestions. Visit www.thestuff.org.uk and give us your views via the online comments box, or contact Naomi Hope, Young Persons Worker 01332 299449 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Personalisation in Derby
As most of you will be aware, Social Care Services are changing and that Derby City Council has been running events to help people understand the concept of personalisation and ‘Personal Budgets’. From now on, anyone who approaches Social Services for help with care will have an assessment and then be offered the choice of a personal budget to help them pay for all the care, services, respite or activities that they need to live independently. Disability Direct has a Personalisation Manager and a Support Worker who are available to give people advice and information about how personalisation will work and how a Personal Budget will benefit them. For more information about personalisation, please contact Sally or Raj, tel: 01332 299449 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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"Ready to Go" Community Projects
Would you like to start a community development project at your church? Are you feeling daunted and don’t know where to start? Church Urban Fund have compiled details of organisations that have a passion for helping churches to be more effective in their community, and 'ready-to-go' projects that have been tried and tested elsewhere. These national organisations can give you the tools you need, as well as advice and support throughout the whole process of setting up your project in your local area. http://www.cuf.org.uk/resources-projects/ready-to-go?dm_i=5DF,4W72,POEK4,F7NH,1
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Amber Valley CVS Offers Support On:
Avedass: advice and support for adults or children who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse; Befriending: support service for the elderly and isolated people of Amber Valley using trained volunteers; Community Group Support: advice support and guidance on funding, constitution, H&S and HR; Derbyshire LINk: raise issues or concerns to do with health and social care from a local community or individual; Help at Home: domestic and gardening service for those who are elderly or disabled, helping to maintain independence in their homes; Home From Hospital: free short term befriending service to those over 50 who have just been discharged from hospital; Training: free training opportunities and courses for community groups and volunteers. For more information and to contact them tel: 01773 512076; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; website: www.ambervalleycvs.org.uk
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Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Cafes
The Alzheimer’s Society have set up dementia cafes and carers support groups at a number of venues around Derby. For dates and venues of the cafes and support groups visit http://www.communityactionderby.org.uk/news/alzheimers-society-dementia-cafe email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: 01332 208845.
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Incarnational Living and Rediscovering Hospitality
Catalyst Urban Trust have produced new DVD training resources for churches and Christian groups to help put their faith into action in tough places. CONCRETE FAITH – Exploring Incarnational Living with Matt Wilson (Eden Network), MAKING ROOM – Rediscovering Hospitality with Fran Beckett (Restore, Peckham), COACH (community mentoring) Toby Baxter of the Catalyst Trust. This is under their "Love is a Verb" initiative. http://www.loveisaverb.org/what-is-it?dm_i=5DF,4W72,POEK4,FGNM,1
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Job Clubs in Churches
As the economy continues to struggle and with major spending cuts on the horizon, more people are facing unemployment. It is an issue that causes stress, depression, financial distress and relationship tensions. The church is well placed to provide practical, spiritual and emotional support at this point of crisis in people’s lives. A church job club can offer additional support, time and encouragement to job seekers that can complement existing statutory services provided by Job Centres. http://www.cuf.org.uk/sites/default/files/Responding%20to%20the%20Recession-Job%20Clubs%20in%20Churches.pdf?dm_i=5DF,4W72,POEK4,F7NH,1
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Disability Direct Home Shopping Service – Shop 4 You
Home shopping service previously only available to older and disabled people, is now being offered to anyone in Derby who is unable or too busy to do their own grocery shopping. The service offers assistance with compiling a list and unloading shopping, competitive rates of £10.90 per shop, accompanied shops available (hourly rate of 10.90 applies), internet shopping available for £5 plus supermarkets own charge. Contact Charlotte Rawlings, tel: 01332 299449 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This development is a social enterprise.
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The Cabinet Office Recently published: State of the nation report: poverty, worklessness and welfare dependency in the UK
Key statistics from the report include:
o almost one in ten people live in persistent poverty, and there are 800,000 more working age adults in poverty than in 1998/99
* 1.4 million people in the UK have been on an out-of-work benefit for nine or more of the last 10 years
* an estimated 670,000 households in the UK are eligible for benefits and tax credits of over £15,600 per year
* health inequalities are higher now than they were in the 1970s
* there remains a large gap in educational achievement between children from rich and poor backgrounds, with a 39 percentage point gap in gaining 5+ A*-C GCSEs between those living in the most and in the least deprived areas
* 5.3 million people suffer from multiple disadvantages in the UK
* people living in the poorest neighbourhoods will, on average, die seven years earlier than people living in the richest neighbourhoods
Set against international comparisons, income inequality in the UK is now at its highest level since comparable statistics began in 1961, and the proportion of the population living in relative poverty is higher than in many European countries. For young people the findings are particularly alarming. In the UK, the proportion of children growing up in workless households, and the proportion of young people not in work, education or training, is higher than in almost any other European country. To download the full report go to: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/publications/state-of-nation-report.aspx
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Two film clips discussing the effects of inequality:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsEZr3s1aBA&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVMwEbFzRTg
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Derbyshire Disability Action Network
Gives information on many aspects of events and support for people with a disability. Enquiries This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it For the newsletter email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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PARTICIPATION WORKS!
21 techniques of community participation for the 21st century
Produced by the New Economics Foundation with members of the UK Community Participation. Sadly this is now out of print but is available as a download here for strictly non-commercial use.
Download as an MS Word document or as a PDF document
The Financial Inclusion Partnership for Derbyshire http://www.financialeducationpetition.com/ sign up to ask the new PM to include financial education in PHSE lessons. The page also has some interesting links in this area of work with young people. For more details contact Stella Collishaw
The Test of Faith project
Initiated to proved relevant and accessible educational materials to be used in any setting where people are interested in science and faith. You can find more details as well as a collection of free resources at http://www.testoffaith.com/youth/
Hardest to Reach
A new pamphlet by the MEAM coalition, of which Clinks is a member, that looks at policies to improve the lives of people who experience a combination of issues including homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health and who are often serving short-term prison sentences. The report is available at http://www.meam.org.uk/events/launch-of-hardest-to-reach
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Careers Guide for Voluntary Sector Youth Work
The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services has produced the second edition of its 'Careers guide: An introduction to working and volunteering in the voluntary and community youth sector'. http://www.ncvys.org.uk/UserFiles/Workforce%20Development/Careers_Guide_FINAL_Mar2010.pdf
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The Benefits of Youth Work
Lifelong Learning UK, along with trade union Unite, has published 'The Benefits of Youth Work' which sets out why and how such work is important, cost effective and makes a real difference to young people's lives. Researched by the National Youth Agency. www.lluk.org/documents/the-benefits-of-youth-work.pdf
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South Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau have moved to…
114 Church Street, Church Gresley, DE11 9NR. Drop in sessions - Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm; Wednesday; 4.45pm – 5.45pm; telephone advice: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 12.30pm – 3.00pm; Wednesday 4.45pm – 5.45pm.
Derbyshire Domestic Violence 24/7 helpline: 08000 198 668 email :
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for paper copies of publicity or for electronic information contact Faith in Action at
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.
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Resources for Church Urban Fund : Practical Impact Conference held in Birmingham on 27 April
Perhaps you are interested but could not get to the day. Most of the sessions have been uploaded to the CUF website (http://www.cufx.org.uk/2010conference.aspx) along with useful weblinks and over the coming week, they’ll be adding podcast and video blog interviews with the speakers.
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20.04.10
The Moneymadeclear money guidance service launched
The service is available via the website (www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk), phone (0300 500 5000) and from the end of the March, face-to-face initially in priority areas in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Full roll-out of the face-to-face service will happen later on in the year.
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Social Return On Investment (SROI)
SROI measures social, environmental and economic outcomes and uses monetary values to represent them, giving a truer picture of the service organisation. E.g. A ratio of 3:1 indicates that an investment of £1 delivers £3 of social value. For more information and guide go to www.neweconomics.org/publications/a-guide-to-social-return-on-investment
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Community Payback
The Probation Service can provide labour and supervision free of charge through Community Payback; where offenders serve a community sentence. The cost of materials would need to be met by the agency requesting the service. Anybody wishing to use this service should contact email:
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tel. 01332 340047 Ext 272.
Bible Society Newswatch subscription
New reader? Subscribe at www.biblesociety.org.uk/newswatch
Newswatch is a collection of current faith based news stories from across the main newspapers.
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A Listening Group in South Derbyshire
South Derbyshire CVS and Derbyshire Library Service are setting up a listening group based at the CVS in Grove Street, Swadlincote. This will be for visually impaired or print denied people. Members will be provided with an audio book, or large print version; then meet every 6 weeks to discuss the book in a friendly and informal atmosphere with biscuits and refreshments provided. The listening group is free, and transport can be arranged, so why not go along? Contact Eric Clayton at CVS on 01283 550163 or email:
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16.03.10
Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme evaluation report
A government programme designed to improve support for adults suffering from 'chronic social exclusion' – with multiple needs and 'chaotic' lifestyles – was found to be producing 'promising' early results. There had been improvements in clients' physical and mental health, benefit take-up, and relationships with friends and family after 4-6 months' engagement with the pilot programmes. Read at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/342005/ace231209final.pdf
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Families affected by drugs
The Home Office’s ‘Around Arrest Beyond Release’ project has published it’s third and final report ‘Reinforcing positive practice in drug related family support’. The project identified some of the issues for families of drug using offenders and promoted practical solutions. The report includes resources for partnerships and services to help inform commissioning, planning and provision of services to consider the needs of families of drug misusing offenders. Download at: http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/dip/ac-families-aabr3a50b.html?view=Standard&pubID=67
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Prisons discussion
Jack Straw spoke in the House of Lords about the 12 March end to the Early Release Scheme for offenders in custody. The debate that followed included comment from Dominic Grieve, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice (Con.) and David Howarth, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice (Lib Dem). The discussion includes women in prison and restorative justice. Can be found on pages 22-26 at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/chan42.pdf
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Community Cohesion
'2008-09 Citizenship Survey: Community Cohesion Topic Report' used data from the 2008-09 Citizenship Survey in England and Wales to provide an in-depth examination of community cohesion, attitudes towards the neighbourhood and the local area, belonging to the neighbourhood, fear of crime, social networks, and interactions between people from different backgrounds. Download free at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1473353.pdf
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Signposting Women Offender Services
A new information sheet from Clinks, providing an overview of the key players working with or for women offenders. It is intended as an easy reference point for those interested in ‘who is doing what’ in this field. Download at: http://www.clinks.org/publications.aspx#CLINKSPUBS
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Advice Improves Mental Health
An organisation called Youth Access has published a report entitled ‘With rights in mind’. This outlines the results of their study into social welfare problems, mental health and youth. One point that that report highlights is that the provision of social welfare advice e.g. benefits advice may have a significant beneficial impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Youth Access believe that advice services should be routinely provided alongside services that can provide support for young people’s emotional and mental health issues. They also highlight the need for joined up planning for advice, mental health and youth support services to be effective. To see the full report go to: www.youthaccess.org.uk
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Better Banking Coalition launched
A group of leading charities and campaign groups has launched a coalition to campaign for better access to financial services for those currently excluded. The Better Banking Campaign states that up to seven million people could have problems accessing affordable credit and up to 1.75m people do not have a basic bank account. In turn many of these people then take out loans from doorstep or payday lenders who tend to charge very high interest rates. See http://betterbanking.org.uk/
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Money Advice Map launched
Access to free face-to-face money and legal advice will be easier from today following the launch of the Money Advice Map (MAM) by Credit Action, the national money education charity. See http://www.creditaction.org.uk/
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Beacon event on Financial inclusion East Midlands
Presentations at the recent event have been published go to:-
http://fichampions.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=255:financial-inclusion-beacon-event&catid=60:east-midlands&Itemid=270 in particular a colleague recommends the report from Leeds about the economic impact in the area of interest.
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Community Task Force
TNG is looking for organisations to offer young people voluntary placements or participation in projects in all occupational areas. It is part of the Community Task Force which is for young people 18-24 years who are having difficulty finding employment. See: http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=618
For jobs in the Financial Inclusion field see http://fichampions.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=60&Itemid=270
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Santander Foundation supports Financial Inclusion work
The Santander Foundation, formed by the merger of the charitable activities of Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley, will continue to fund education and training and financial capability work.
The foundation was launched on February 23rd and announced that it will be allocating £3m to UK charities in 2010, slightly less than the £3.28m given out by the three banks in 2009. Eligible organisations based in nine regions where Santander has a ‘significant presence’, will be able to apply for grants worth up to £30,000, organisations outside of these areas can apply for one- off grants of up to £10,000. For more information visit: http://www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/
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Small Charities Coalition
The Small Charities Coalition is a free voluntary sector matchmaking service, enabling small charities to help each other to achieve their aims and objectives by exchanging the skills and resources they have, for those they don't. This model of support is self sustaining; small charities helping small charities but the coalition underpins this support with help of larger charities. One of its aims is to bridge the gap between large and small and it aims to do this by encouraging the largest charities to allow their key staff time off to support small charities under the guise of staff development. More information see: http://www.smallcharities.org.uk/
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Discrimination is Against the Law
Thanks to funding from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Chesterfield and Nottingham Law Centres are offering free legal advice and representation aimed at helping people to work and access goods and services without discrimination and harassment. The service is for people who live in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and have been discriminated against because of age; gender; race; disability; transgender issues; sexual orientation; faith; or religious or non religious beliefs. A person or organisation may discriminate against someone for a variety of reasons, but no matter whether it is based on race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religious or non religious belief - it is unlawful and the specialist workers at the Law Centres can help. For Employment Advice contact Nottingham Law Centre on 01159 787813, and for advice around access to goods and services contact Chesterfield Law Centre 01246 550674.
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Can you help people to get together, make friends, and learn from each other?
This could be a chance for you to contribute to helping your community and at the same time, attract new people and good publicity to your club, centre or business? Help give your community the energy, fun, friendliness, hope and knowledge of people learning together, from each other. See http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=609
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Are They Safe?
The Safe Network has produced a resource pack for community and voluntary groups to help managers, staff and volunteers who provide activities to children and young people feel confident about what they need to do to safeguard children effectively.
Read the full article on http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=606
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10.02.10
Local Area Agreement Bulletin Issue 6
Produced by and specifically for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Derbyshire is now available to download. http://3dsupport.org.uk/documents/VCS%20LAA%20bulletin%206.pdf
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DCIL Outreach Posts
DCIL has set up a project supporting people with mental health conditions which is staffed by a paid worker and volunteers with mental health experience (either personally or in the capacity of being a carer). They run outreach posts (drop in sessions) in Matlock, Swadlincote and Bakewell every fortnight, organise advice and information for people and offer training to anyone interested in mental health and social inclusion and DCIL. For more information please contact Rita Hodkin, Project Worker,
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Plain English Guide to Data Protection
A guide to data protection law accredited by the Plain Language Commission has been published by official regulator the Information Commissioner's Office. The Guide to Data Protection gives practical advice to those with day-to-day responsibility for data protection, taking a straightforward look at the principles of the Data Protection Act and helping organisations safeguard personal data. Download pdf (602KB) at
www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection_guide.aspx
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18.01.10
‘Creation Challenge’
The Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union are part of a web-based network called Creation Challenge. This offers your church lots of ways to think, discuss, pray and act for the good of your local environment and for our planet. Discover worship and other resources around the urgent issue of climate change. Sign up today for newsletters and make use of the new website. Go to: www.creationchallenge.org.uk
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A Community Development Approach to the Use of Church Buildings
The Diocese of Hereford has launched this new toolkit which takes churches through the whole process of opening up their church for wider community use. Most of the material is of equal relevance to any form of community building both in a rural or urban setting. The Toolkit was commissioned by the Diocese of Hereford supported, and with input from, the Shropshire Rural Community Council, and Herefordshire Council and the Church of England, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division. The Toolkit can be downloaded from the Diocese of Hereford website: http://www.hereford.anglican.org/churchgoers/community_partnership_and_funding/about_us_and_latest_news/toolkit.aspx
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Regeneration through Heritage handbook
A route-map for community groups regenerating a redundant heritage building. Written in straightforward non-technical language for people with no experience of heritage regeneration projects it takes them through the process to the funding stage, with each stage illustrated by a case study.
Price: £15.00 see: http://princes-regeneration.org/publications.php
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Following the publication of the Diocese Pastoral and Mission Measure (2007) Rt Revd Alistair McGowan Bishop of Ludlow has prepared a resource specifically for rural churches. This publication (sponsored by Ecclesiastical) helps explain the potential opportunities of the measure to help rural churches. An online interactive version exists see: http://content.yudu.com/A1fn82/DPMMGuide/ Printed copies are available from the ARC - email Katrina Sealey (postage will be charged for) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Volunteers and the Law http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/publications/volunteersandthelaw.htm
A short guide to legal issues for volunteer managers. This publication is the first of its kind dedicated to volunteering. Valuable for large and small organisations alike, Volunteers and the Law covers all the main areas of concern: Expenses, Benefits, Criminal record checks, Health and safety, Data protection, Avoiding creating employment contracts.
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Citizenship survey 2008-2009
The new citizenship survey is available to download and has lots of useful data on the demographic trends of volunteering as well as the general trends in volume of volunteering. The September issue of the online Volunteering England (VE) Magazine states: “results show a worrying fall in irregular volunteering especially amongst those under 50 but that regular volunteering rates have held up and bucked the trend of decline seen between 2005 and 2007-08.” Citizenship survey, http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/citizenshipsurveyq4200809, article by Volunteering England http://www.volunteering.org.uk/News/mediacentre/2009+Press+Releases/Response+to+2009+Citizenship+Survey+July+2009.htm.
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Voice4Change England has published their new study on inspirational responses to the recession from the BME third sector. 'Stories of Resilience' presents a range of case studies that tell stories of resilience at a time when demand on services is at its highest, with dwindling access to resources and funding. Read it at http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/Recession-Stories.html
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Publication: On khat use
'Khat: current views from the community around the UK' is a summary report of a number of forums held with Somali, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Yemeni communities to explore the use of khat. It makes a series of recommendations to national and policy makers and local commissioners. Read the report at: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16231066/NDAREC-Khat-Report
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Publication: on CJS workforce
Skills for Justice conducted a survey covering over 500 Third Sector employers working in the Justice sector across the UK. The survey included questions on the characteristics of the workforce - both paid and volunteer - and looked at workforce development, skills gaps and shortages as well as future skills demands. The summary and full reports are available at: http://www.skillsforjustice.com/template01.asp?pageid=721.
Louder is a new e-campaigning website. It draws together a range of online activist tools enabling you to create and run your own campaigns and connect with others. Try it out at: http://www.louder.org.uk/
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Criminal Justice system: offender health plan
'Improving health, supporting justice: the national delivery plan of the Health and Criminal Justice Programme Board' is the new cross-government action plan to improve the health of offenders in prison and in the community. The plan draws together recommendations by Lord Bradley’s review of people with mental health and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system and the views of stakeholders. It will help to protect the public, reduce health inequalities and cut levels of reoffending. Download at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_108606
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Criminal Justice system: opposition CJS report
'Order in the Courts: Restoring Trust through local justice' is the latest report from Centre for Social Justice, which draws on interviews with the public, experts, the judiciary, probation and others involved in the criminal justice system. The report states that in chasing national headlines and targets, the now government-controlled agencies have not addressed the problem of crime in deprived communities, where it is most acute. It goes on to say that the current system deals with criminals ineffectively; neither reducing reoffending nor promoting rehabilitation. Download at: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/default.asp?pageRef=266
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Publication: on child poverty
'Through Thick and Thin: Tackling Child Poverty in Hard Times' is a new report that warns the number of children in families without jobs is rising to its highest level for a decade. It claims that without substantial investment now, 2.3 million children will be living in poverty in 2010, more than half a million above the government’s target. Investing £4 billion would take the government close to its aim of halving child poverty. Download at: http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/why-end-child-poverty/through-thick-and-thin
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The Home Library Service is a free service run by Derbyshire County Council Libraries. It delivers books, audio books and music CDs to housebound people in their own homes, in care homes or in sheltered accommodation. For more details please contact: Sarah Wood, Access and Inclusion Librarian, Alfreton Library, Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 7BQ. 01173 833199 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Charity Builder UK
CBUK is an innovative new way of helping voluntary and community groups address any Human Resources and Health and Safety issues they may have FREE of charge. The new service is provided by Tennyson Insurance who specialise in insuring organisations that support society. They recognise that small and medium sized community groups, charities and social enterprises often find it difficult to comply with Human Resources and Health & Safety legislation - key areas in the successful and safe running of a non-profit organisation, and two areas which can be complex and time consuming. CBUK will help your organisation be compliant, efficient, and will also help you to save money. CBUK is a free service and there are no hidden costs. In order to benefit from the wide range of interactive tools you must first register with CBUK. You will then be supplied with a unique user ID, which allows unlimited access to these services. For more information and for details of how to register please visit http://www.charitybuilderuk.com/started.php or email
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.
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Resource: to support prisoner’s families
Court to Custody is a practical information booklet, by PFFS, intended to help defendants and their families prepare for the possibility of custody. It covers arrest, bail, remand, what happens at court, sentence, and what happens on reception into prison. Download the new, updated version at: http://www.pffs.org.uk/news/item/court_to_custody_second_edition/
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Sign up to 10:10
Doing your bit for climate change can make you feel powerless but if everyone in the country cut their emissions, that joint effort could really make a difference – this is at the heart of 10:10. A climate safety report http://pirc.info/ said a 10% cut in UK emissions by 2010 would give the best chance of not triggering a climate disaster, so 10:10 is asking all of us to cut emissions by 10% by 2010. Go to the website for loads more information and to make your commitment http://www.1010uk.org/
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Money Survival Kit for Single Parents - One Space Site for Finance and Debt Advice
The Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) is providing a 1-2-1 benefits, money and debt advice service to help one parent families on low income avoid debt and financial crisis. http://www.onespace.org.uk/ has recently launched a new online ‘Money Survival Kit’ to give immediate help to single parents facing financial crisis. SPAN is encouraging front-line staff in children’s centres, community groups, housing associations and faith groups to support single parents in accessing the site. It also contains useful information for front-line staff on finance and debt issues. For more information on real life practical help for those facing financial problems visit http://www.onespace.org.uk/ and click on ‘Money Survival Kit’. SPAN, Millpond, Baptist Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 0YW; Telephone: 0117 951 4231; Email:
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Christian Aid
Christian Aid produces a variety of worship and prayer resources to help you bring a global dimension into your worship? To find out more please visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ and click on churches at the very top of the page.
For a fortnightly update of Christian Aid’s activity in an easy to read, easy to copy and paste, easy to delete format sign up by e-mailing
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For Youth Leaders. Sofa Sessions, interactive sessions to get young people talking about the issues that are important today. www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/youth/sofa-sessions
For Outreach workers, Did you know that Christian Aid is running a government funded project to enable 18-25 year olds who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go, to volunteer overseas for ten weeks on a fully funded placement. Find out more at http://www.myplatform2.com/.
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Free resources on faith based community development and regeneration
See www.fbrn.org.uk/fbrn-publications
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The Building Faith Campaign Messages:
The Building Faith Campaign has three simple messages:
Churches matter and deserve support; Without support they are at risk; We are therefore seeking: better funding for their repair and a ‘level playing field’ in terms of access to other funding. This would strengthen the Church’s capacity to develop the use of its buildings for worship and mission to the wider community.
Become a Building Faith Supporter:
To join a network of people, at national, regional and local level, within the Church and outside, to be kept informed of developments, approached directly about new initiatives and to tell their stories about the achievements of churches in their communities, and spread the word themselves with their local and regional contacts. To register as a Building Faith Supporter and receive copies of the Building Faith in our Future e-bulletin, please contact: Becky Payne at: Email:
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Tel: 020 7898 1886.
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24.11.09
Findings from the Trans Research Review
(Mitchell and Howarth 2009) published by the Commission in October 2009. The Trans Research Review highlights that some transgender people experience transphobia including bullying and discriminatory treatment in schools, harassment and physical/sexual assault and rejection from families, work colleagues and friends. The review highlights significant gaps in knowledge about key areas of life for trans people and the need for improving policies and practices designed to reduce discrimination.
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/fairer-britain/trans-inequalities-reviewed/
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Publication: communities in the recession
'Communities in recession: the impact on deprived neighbourhoods' is the latest report from Joseph Rowntree Foundation which asks what impact the current recession is having on disadvantaged communities and what can we learn from evidence from previous recessions? The report shows which areas have been hit hardest by the recession and suggests how local authorities and community and voluntary organisations can help maintain gains and 'recession-proof' the poorest communities. Download at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/media-centre/communities-in-recession
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How To Make Information Accessible: A guide to producing easy read documents
Ensuring that written materials are produced in a format and language that is easily understood by people with learning difficulties is a challenge. National Equality Partnership commissioned CHANGE, a leading national organisation led by disabled people, to produce a guide to producing easy read documents.
Download a copy (56 pages) of the guide at: http://www.wrc.org.uk/includes/documents/cm_docs/2009/h/how_to_make_information_accessible.pdf?Ref=enews&dm_i=4DW,2945,XRWDA,79IO,1
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Climate Justice Fund
The Church of England’s National Fund in partnership with TearFund. A web based resource that enables individuals, parishes and Dioceses in the UK to calculate their own carbon footprint and pay compensation to the fund for anything over their own fair share. The income will be used by Tearfund to finance climate change adaptation projects from around the Anglican Communion. See website: www.tearfund.org
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Responding to the recession: job clubs in churches
Many churches and community projects may be receiving more requests for help in finding employment due to the effects of the recession. For other projects, providing space for people to talk about the stress of a limited or tight budget is becoming an important part of their work. This publication from Church Urban Fund shares simple steps to set up a drop-in where people can look for employment and get support through the process. Weblink: http://www.cufx.org.uk/resources/1/PDF%27s/Job%20clubs%20in%20churches.pdf?dm_i=3MG,22RM,7H5L8,6NFV,1
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Digital Umbrella
Digital Umbrella was set up by High Peak CVS to provide web design and IT solutions to the community and voluntary sector. They are a not for profit company. If your group need support with IT issues, including web design, please contact Rachel at Digital Umbrella email:
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or tel: 01663 736432.
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Graffiti Hotline
Since a community’s physical environment has such a huge impact on whether it is perceived as a safe and healthy place to live, many churches have begun to deal with the problem of graffiti in their area. This hotline has helpful information on organising community clean-up days as well as preventing graffiti. There is also information on community murals as a means to control graffiti. http://www.graffitihotline.co.uk/index.htm
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Managing volunteers, and getting the most from their skills and energy
Karen McIntyre shares top tips for working with volunteers see weblink: http://www.communitymission.org.uk/includes/documents/cm_docs/2009/f/fw_team.pdf?dm_i=3MG,22RM,7H5L8,6N76,1.
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Bridging the gap between toddler groups and church
Many churches run toddler groups and desire that these groups are connected to their church ministry. This is an inspiring story of two churches that managed to make their toddler groups mission-focused and the difference that this has made to people. See weblink: http://www.communitymission.org.uk/stories/local_stories/bridging_the_gap.aspx?dm_i=3MG,22RM,7H5L8,6N76,1
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Disability Direct Information and Advice Service
For older and disabled people, carers, health professionals. Benefits and completing forms / Social Groups/ Equipment / Transport / work and learning / independent living etc. http://www.disabilitydirectderby.co.uk/
Tel: 01332 299449 / type talk 18001 01332 299449 / email:
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/ write to Disability Direct, 227, Normanton Road, Derby, DE23 6UT.
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[Derby City] Disability Direct: database of activities for older & disabled people
“Do what you want” Information is sought from local organisations to be part of a free web-based directory for anyone searching for hobbies / leisure / creative arts / sports / self-help activity in Derby City. Disability Direct have grant funding to collect this information and make it available to the public. There is a form you will need to fill in which requires a brief description of the activity, contact details, opening times and any charges. Also you need to give specific details concerning access information so people with disabilities will know if they can be included. Why not take up this opportunity of free advertising and be more inclusive of local people in the groups you run at your church or services you provide? Please highlight this to community groups that hire your premises. To obtain a form contact- tel: 01332 299449 or email:
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and ask for Michael Owusu. Website: www.disabilitydirect.com this is where the directory will be launched after Easter. Its scope may extend beyond Derby City later.
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CLINKS NEWS: Dads in Prison
The latest edition of Clinks News is now available for non-members to download. The 20 page newsletter features a frank interview with a Dad, a son’s moving story of having a Dad in prison, good practice examples of the VCS working with families, and a centrepiece on family policy by pact. The editorial is provided by Lucy Gampell, former Director of Action for Prisoners Families. Download your copy at: http://www.clinks.org/(S(do2mphvdcg3lmki4rm0jbd45))/newsletter.aspx
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Employing lone workers publication by the Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive have published an information sheet on how to keep lone workers healthy and safe. It is aimed at anyone who employs or engages lone workers, and may help self-employed people who work alone themselves. Download free at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf
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East Midlands Funding Forum Funding Index
The online EMFF funding index which has now been updated. Please visit and signpost organisations to the
website: www.fundingindex.co.uk. If you have any comments or updates for the Funding Index please get in contact with James Kirkpatrick; tel: 0115 979 2333; email:
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Free Property Advice for charities and voluntary groups
NVCO and the Charity Finance Directors’ Group and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have jointly launched a Charity Property Help service. It will provide a one hour consultation with an RICS member firm at no cost, which could cover such matters as property maintenance, environmental issues, lease, renewals and tenancies, planning issues. Details at www.charitypropertyhelp.com
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Free Debt Advice
Derby City Mission ‘Basics Bank’ Project offer weekly walk-in clinics. Sinfin Library, Mondays 1 – 3pm. Pear Tree Baptist Church, Pear Tree Road Mondays 1 – 3pm. Derwent Christian Centre, Hornsea Road, Chaddesden Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon and Osmaston Road Baptist Church, Charnwood Street Wednesdays 10am to 12 noon. Tel: 01332 551414. Free advice can also be obtained from your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau; to look up contacts see:
http://www.advicederbyshire.org/advice.shtml ; http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/Social_health/welfare_rights/
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BETEL
Offer a service to people who need to break a life-controlling habit. BETEL is a caring Christian residence where people can get away from the drugs, drink and depression. It is free of charge and they almost always take people in the day after they call. Tel: 01283 735615 for more information.
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Securing Employment for Offenders with Mental Health Problems
This is the latest paper from Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health which claims prisoners with mental health problems are not getting the support they need to gain employment when they are released. It finds that most employment schemes for offenders place too much emphasis on learning skills and not enough on what actually helps people to get and keep jobs. Read the full report at: http://www.scmh.org.uk/news/2009_securing_employment_for_offenders.aspx
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Mental health resources
Resource for spiritual and pastoral care: www.mentality.org.uk/
Mental Health Foundation: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Information pages for carers from Derbyshire Mental Health Trust: http://www.derbyshirementalhealthcarers.co.uk/index.html
Links pages include a wealth of internet options from national charity websites and government pages to local organisations and campaigns. Also on the site is useful information about a wide range of mental health conditions.
BBC mental health pages: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/index.shtml
BBC Headroom have set up a dedicated number, 0800 0933 193, for anyone experiencing mental health issues.
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Children in custody 'Locking up or giving up?'
This is the latest publication from Barnardo’s, which looks at the incarceration of children under the age of 14. The study found that a third of children locked up should not have been put behind bars, when judged against the Government’s own criteria. Barnardo's is now calling for strict sentencing rules, a clear definition of persistency, guidance instructing courts to seek further information about children who have experienced abuse, neglect or disadvantage. Read the full report at: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/news_and_events/media_centre/press_releases.htm?ref=49256
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'Children: Innocent until proven guilty?' is the latest report from Prison Reform Trust which looks at the use / overuse, of remand for children in England and Wales. See: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Uploads/documents/children-innocent%20until%20proven%20guilty%20(report)(1).pdf
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For trustees: The latest 'Giving Insights'
New Philanthropy Capital’s (NPC's) quarterly magazine is a special trusteeship-focused edition. This issue calculates how much your time as a trustee is worth in financial terms; asks two charity trustees what they think makes good governance; and answers the question: ‘Should I consider becoming a charity trustee?’ Download it at: http://www.philanthropycapital.org/news_and_views/Newsletter/
giving_insights_Summer09.aspx?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0&dm_i=59B,1E47,KFOIQ,455W,1
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The Department of Health have launched "New Horizons - Towards a Shared Vision for Mental Health", a consultation that aims to help develop the promotion of mental health and wellbeing across the population, improve the quality and accessibility of services, and enable Strategic Health Authorities to deliver their regional visions. Take part at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_103175.pdf
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People with mental distress are three times more likely to be in debt, also people in debt experience a negative impact on their mental well being so it can act as a pathway to mental ill-health. See ‘In the Red. Debt and mental health’, published on line by Mind May 2009 see weblink: http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_issues/report_and_resources/896_in_the_red_debt_and_mental_health
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Unemployment
A number of resources relating to unemployment are available at http://faithinderbyshire.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=107 The section is entitled ‘debt’ but many of the advice agencies also offer appropriate advice regarding unemployment. If you are changing your community ministry activities to better include people who have been made redundant or who are currently unemployed or setting something up in response to the current recession please tell us your story. Contact tel: 01332 388684/ email:
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Mind the Gap: Digital England – a Rural Perspective
The Commission for Rural Communities has now published its own report on rural broadband etc. after the national report “Digital Britain”, was published. See website: http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/publications/mindthegapdigitalenglandaruralperspective
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The Future of Our Farming
DEFRA has launched its own ‘manifesto’ document to coincide with the Royal Show. See: http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/pdf/farm-future-leaflet090709.pdf
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The Conservative party have launched their “Rural Action” manifesto
(on the back of the visit by Nick Herbert, Shadow Rural Affairs spokesman, to the Royal Show). The manifesto document itself is downloadable from: http://www.conservativeruralaction.com/
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A future for Community Development
A new report from the Community Development Foundation examines how the community development field and profession is likely to be affected by the recession, and after a general election. The paper explores where the opportunities for community development may lie in the coming years, examining the most likely scenarios for 2010, particularly from a policy and economic perspective. See http://www.cdf.org.uk/SITE/UPLOAD/DOCUMENT/Policy/090610afutureforCD.pdf
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The Ministry of Justice have launched the country’s first Mental Health courts, for offenders with mental health problems or learning disabilities. These follow recommendations from the Bradley Review, and form part of government’s ‘Problem Solving Courts’ initiative which aim to take a specialist approach in dealing with offenders with specific needs, from mental health, to drug abuse or domestic violence. They address the causes and consequences of offending, dealing with the underlying problems associated with criminal behaviour. Press Release at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease020709a.htm
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15 Questions Trustees Need to Ask
The Charity Commission has come up with a checklist that trustees should use to review their organisation in light of the current recession. The checklist reflects a good practice approach that charities should use when regularly reviewing the way they operate, and this approach becomes especially important during an economic downturn. The checklist can be downloaded from www.charitycommission.gov.uk
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PUBLICATION: attitudes to mental health
The Department of Health have published national statistics on 'Attitudes to Mental Health'. The report finds suggest that people are broadly sympathetic towards people with a mental illness, however, some attitudes towards people with mental illness are worse compared to when the Department of Health first commissioned the poll in 1994 whilst others have improved. See http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsStatistics/DH_100345
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Rent RE^Form
Rent RE^Form Community Solutions operates a confidential service to help charities get a renegotiated rent from their landlord. They offer a no win no fee service. Tel: 0845 643 2223 or: http://www.rentreform.co.uk/
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Tips for organisations to survive the recession: ‘Feast or Famine’ by Joe Saxton
http://www.nfpsynergy.net/includes/documents/cm_docs/2009/n/nfpsynergy_feast_or_famine_or_how_can_charities_survive_the_recession.pdf?Ref=email&dm_i=6BS,1DTH,KNG8P,441U,1
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YWCA Publish Credit Crunch Guide
Young women’s charity YWCA have published a 9 page credit crunch survival guide aimed at guiding girls on low incomes through the financial system. This document is available to download from the YWCA website: http://www.ywca.org.uk/resources/infosheets/credit_crunch_survival_guide
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Oxfam Report on Forgotten Ripped-off Excluded Debt-ridden
Anti poverty charity Oxfam have published a new report called “Close to Home: UK Poverty and the Economic Downturn”. They are calling on the government to do more to help the poorest people in the UK through the recession by reviewing their policies. They recommend: Increasing the tax threshold; Free, high quality childcare; A social house-building programme; An emergency increase in out of work
benefits and tax credits; Enforcing employment rights; Setting a maximum level of interest.
Actions such as these should lay foundations for a more equitable society, and prevent more and
more people from becoming “Freds” see weblink: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/ukpoverty/fred/
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Inside Information
Information on prisons particularly for prisoner’s family and friends. Contents includes: a glossary of terms, information on visiting, prison rules, and a directory of sources of help for prisoners on release by area and issue see website: http://www.information.insidetime.org/
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The Ministry of Justice have published an updated briefing on the 'Capacity Building of One Stop Shop Services for Women' funding stream. The overall aim of the funding is to achieve a reduction of the number of women in prison, who do not need to be there as they are not serious or violent offenders who pose a risk to the public, through the provision of additional and enhanced one stop shop services in the community. To obtain the full briefing, please email Helen Goddard: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Handling Change
To download useful talks and powerpoint slides on handling change go to www.run.org.uk/r/envision/rep/Handling-change-derby08.aspx
New anti-discrimination treaty for disabled people
A major UN treaty enshrining the human rights of disabled people has been ratified by the UK. Covering all aspects of life, including health, education, employment and access to justice, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) reaffirms that disabled people have - and should be able to enjoy - their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people. For more information go to: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2009/june/drc151-080609.asp
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Volunteering England and ACEVO have produced a guide to involving volunteers
http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/managing_your_organisation/essential_guide_to_involving_volunteers?sid=&search=volunteers for free download.
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Recession Resources
NCVO has put together a guide for voluntary and community organisations on surviving the recession, it looks at topics such as future sustainability, strengthening key relationships and tightening up financial systems. For more information or to contribute go to www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
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Ride out the recession
Related information for third sector organisations is available on ACEVO and MBF websites:
www.recessionsupport.org.uk/main/index.php; http://www.mandbf.org.uk/resources/recession_resources/
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Ways of engaging with your community
There are many different models of community involvement, from providing services like youth clubs to campaigning for a living wage. http://www.communitymission.org.uk/includes/documents/cm_docs/
2009/w/ways_of_engagement_2.pdf?dm_i=3MG,14RN,7H5L8,2ZZ6,1 gives an outline of the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches and is useful for churches at the beginning stages of getting involved as well as those with community projects who would like to evaluate their work.
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Children’s Society Disability Toolkit
The Children's Society has produced a 'Disability Toolkit', a one-stop information hub aimed at any person working with, or supporting disabled young people. The toolkit is interactive so to share your experiences of working with young people and your knowledge of resources with others working in the same field. Get involved at: http://sites.childrenssociety.org.uk/disabilitytoolkit/
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The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has just published its revamped Rural Proofing Toolkit. Find information, and a link to the toolkit, at: http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/publications/crc97
ruralproofingtoolkit.
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Refugee Integration and Resettlement Strategy Published
The UK Border Agency has published a strategy on the integration and resettlement strategy entitled 'Moving on together: Government's recommitment to supporting refugees.' Read the full article on http://www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/news.php?readmore=188
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