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NEWS

Issue No. 56 Autumn 2012

Charity Number 1043989 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 2993429

www.avow.org

Donate for the Christmas Homeless Collection!12th November - 17th December 2012

It is coming up to that time of year when we are looking at supplying food parcels for the homeless and vulnerable people of the county.

Over the past three years we have had a tremendous response and last year generous people from Wrexham County Borough donated three times more than in previous years! Thanks to that we were able to provide over 100 food parcels to supply food for times when other services are closed for the festive period.

AVOW are again asking for food that can be easily heated such as ring pull cans, pot noodles, crisps, biscuits, cup a soups and chocolate bars, again this year we are also looking for warm clothing, hats,

scarfs and fleeces etc.

Due to preparation of parcels and a party for homeless people on Christmas Eve the collection will take place from 12th November until 17th December 2012, which will give us the chance to get everything ready on time.

The Christmas Homeless Collection Point will be based in Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham.

Please check AVOW’s Facebook page and website www.avow.org for more updates.

Thank you in anticipation of your support. Should you need further information please contact peter.jones@avow.org or call 01978 312556.

Pictures from last year’s Christmas Homeless Collection

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Events 3

Inspirational speaker at the AVOW AGM 2012 4

Ollie’s Cafe Hygiene Rating 4

Changes to CRB Checks 5

Health Care in North Wales 5

No more discounted Microsoft 5

New Pension Changes 6

Trustees’ Week 6

Funding and Governance Surgery 6

Charitable Collections 7

E-mail from the Hilton in the Community Foundation 7

Welsh Language Measure 8

Wrexham Council’s Third Sector Commissioning 8

Training Courses 9

Christmas Reception / Snowmachine & Santa Claus Hire 10

What do you think about AVOW NEWS?We hope you enjoy AVOW Autumn News. Please share with us what you think about it, by emailing info@avow.org or calling 01978 312556.

AVOW | Tŷ Avow 21 Egerton Street | 21 Stryd Egerton

Wrexham | Wrecsam | LL11 1NDTel/Ffôn: 01978 312556

Fax/Ffacs: 01978 352046info@avow.org | www.avow.org

AVOW Trustees & StaffTo find out more about AVOW Trustees and Staff please visit our website www.avow.org/our-trustees/ and www.avow.org/about-us/our-staff/

E-NewsletterIf you would prefer this Newsletter by email please let us know by emailing reception@avow.org or subscribe online www.avow.org/subscribe-to-newsletters/

In this issue

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Our website not only promotes our events but any events that may be happening across the Wrexham County Borough through our events calendar, visit www.avow.org/events/. If you would like us to promote your event please e-mail aleksandra.zembrzuska@avow.org or phone 01978 312556.

Are you an AVOW member? Join us today, visit www.avow.org/become-a-member and find out about benefits of membership. It does not cost much, but there is so much you can benefit from. Alternatively, join our FREE e-subscription of newsletters and e-bulletins visiting

www.avow.org/subscribe-to-newsletters/ or let us know by email reception@avow.org.

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Time for cakes, coffee, tea and people in our lives

In aid of Macmillan Cancer SupportMonday 24th September 9am

Plas Madoc Opportunities Centre, Wrexham

Events

The Service User Celebration DayPromoting Recovery

Friday 5th October 20121-5pm

Memorial Hall, WrexhamAll service users from drug and alcohol services, their families and carers are welcome to come and

join the workshops, presentations and success awards.Free buffet and refreshments included.

For more information please check AVOW website www.avow.org , our Facebook page or contact Tony Ormond on 01978 312556 / tony.ormond@avow.org

Next Members Meeting CRB Update

3rd October 2012 at 10:30am

in Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, LL11 1ND, Wrexham

Carers Rights Day Friday 30th November 2012 ‘Getting help in tough times’

focussing on helping carers:• Find financial help• Get a helping hand• Make the most of technology

To find out more visit us on Facebook or Twitter (@WrexhamCarers) or visit

Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1NDTel: 0800 276 1070 or Email: carers@avow.org

www.avow.org

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AVOW News

AVOW’s café at the Law Courts in Wrexham has been awarded a 5 for food hygiene

The scheme is run by local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.

Each business that sells food is given a ‘hygiene rating’ when it is inspected by a food safety officer from the local authority. The hygiene rating shows how closely the business is meeting the requirements of

food hygiene law, so well done Ollie’s for getting 5 out of 5!

Sarah Rochira (Commissioner for Older People in Wales) and Councillor I. David Bithell (the Deputy Mayor).

Sarah Rochira giving her inspirational speech.

Inspirational speaker at the AVOW AGM 2012The Annual General Meeting for AVOW took place on 20th July 2012. A number of member organisations were represented as well as those receiving cheques for grants that have been awarded and Volunteers who have achieved milestones in their volunteering time. Presentations were made by the Deputy Mayor (Councillor I. David Bithell, MBE) and Deputy Mayoress (Mrs Virginia Bithell).

The guest speaker was Sarah Rochira – Commissioner for Older People in Wales – who was truly inspirational with her touching speech.The role of the Commissioner is to champion older people, in the same way that the Children’s Commissioner has been for children and young people.The Commissioner believes that older people deserve a stronger voice about the services they receive and the needs they have. The role of the Commissioner is to ensure that the interests of people aged 60 and over in Wales are safeguarded and promoted.The Commissioner, as an ambassador and authority on older people’s issues, will speak up on behalf of older people. Perhaps most importantly, the Commissioner works to ensure that older people themselves can influence the way in which important public services are managed and delivered in Wales.

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Changes

Healthcare in North Wales is ChangingBetsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is proposing changes to the way some healthcare services are provided across North Wales.

The plans are out for consultation until 28th October and the details can be found at www.bcuhbjointhedebate.wales.nhs.uk

BCUHB are also holding 2 public meetings in the Wrexham area where you can feedback your views. They are :

• 12thSeptember–CHIRK• 1stOctober–WREXHAMPlease phone 0800 678 5297 for details of times and venues and to book your place. Get further details from AVOW Health and Social Department, by email health@avow.org or tel. 01978 312556.

No more discounted Microsoft softwareMicrosoft has recently announced it is to change its eligibility to discounts for charities and social enterprises, meaning some charities have found themselves unable to buy software discounted at the level they have enjoyed for several years.

As of 1 July, 2012, charities that get less than ten per cent of their revenue from voluntary contributions have been unable to buy discounted software under Microsoft’s Academic discount. From that date, groups affected by the new criteria will be required to buy under Microsoft’s Public Sector Agreement – meaning a significant price increase in software licenses.

Changes to CRB Checks and safeguardingCome September 2012, there will be a number of changes to CRB checks and barring arrangements.

In addition the Protection of the Freedoms Act, which came into force in May 2012, will bring about changes that will impact on all voluntary groups working with vulnerable people.The WCVA Criminal Record Unit will be at our next Members Meeting on 3rd October 2012 at 10.30 am, at Ty Avow, to discuss how these changes will affect us all. If you would like to come please let us know for seating arrangements.Alternatively the Home Office have issued a useful guide called ‘Changes to disclosure and barring: What you need to know’ and this can be downloaded from their website: www.isa.homeoffice.gov.uk/

For more information on this please attend the next Members Meeting on the 3rd October 2012 at 10:30am in Ty Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham.

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New Pension ChangesAny charity employing staff will be affected by the new pension changes which come into effect from October 2012.

Workers known as “Eligible jobholders” will automatically need to be enrolled on a qualifying pension scheme of which the employing charity will need to make contributions as well.Eligible job holders are individuals that earn more than the minimum earnings threshold; • are aged between 22 and state pension age; and • work in the UK. Charities must contribute at least 3% of the employee’s earnings with the employee being responsible for paying a specified percentage as well. This is determined by government guidelines.The changes will come into effect after October 2012 in a staged way (larger charities will have to comply sooner than smaller ones). But even the smallest employers, with 1 or more staff members aged 22 or over earning more than £5,564 pa, will need to have arrangements in place by 2017 at the latest. Further information regarding these changes can be found at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/docs/intro-to-workplace-pension-changes-2011.pdf

Trustees’ WeekTrustees’ Week, the annual campaign to promote and celebrate trusteeship, is planned for 5th-11th November this year.

Trustees’ Week, which is in its third year, is an opportunity for charities to raise awareness of the vital work of trustees, organise trustee training events, recruit new trustees or simply say thanks to their existing trustees. The Charity Commission will be posting information about events and campaigns taking place under the Trustees’ Week banner on the Trustees’ Week blog. You can also download useful information and resources from the blog, including model posters and flyers, and a list of 10 top tips for promoting Trustees’ Week. You can also e-mail the Charity Commission to tell them about an event you have planned or to nominate a trustee case study. Email: trusteesweek@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk

Trustees’ Week

Funding and Governance SurgeryCommunity and voluntary organisations can access Funding and Governance advice and information at the next surgery being held by AVOW as part of Trustee Week (5th-11th November).

Tuesday 6th November 2012

2.30pm - 6.30pm

Marchwiel Village Hall, WrexhamCathryn Williams, Community Development Manager and Heather Hicks, Funding Advice Officer will be in attendance to offer help, advice and support for all your funding queries as well as any governance issues your committee may have.

Appointments slots of 30 minutes are available for your group to ensure you are given dedicated time. Please book by contacting AVOW on community@avow.org or 01978 312556. In the meantime, if you’re a committee or staff member that needs any information regarding the running of your community and voluntary organisation, please contact Cathryn Williams on 01978 312556.

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Charitable CollectionsAs funding opportunities decrease, community and voluntary groups are starting to look at other ways of generating income for their respective charity. There are different ways of raising money and the best way will depend on the resources your charity has available and the people who support your cause.

The Institute of Fundraising highlights the various ways organisations could generate funds (www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/about-fundraising) and here they touch upon Charitable Collections. Charitable collections will help your organisation generate unrestricted funds meaning that it can spend the money on anything related to the charitable objects of the charity (check your charity governing document for clarification) and there won’t be any funder criteria to meet which is an added bonus. However there are different rules associated with charitable collections and some of the most common are:• Streetcollections-ifyouareholdingacollectioninthestreet,youwillneed to obtain a licence from your local authority.• Privatecollections-ifyourcollectionisstillopentothepublic,butbeing held on private property, such as within a shopping centre, you must obtain permission from the landowner or centre manager.• Staticcollectionboxes-boxesmustbesecureandtamperproof.Youdo not need a licence to place these in a shop or business, just permission from the business owner.• House-to-housecollections-licencesmustbeobtainedfromtherelevant local authority Further information on fundraising can be found at www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/about-fundraising/charitable-collections/

Hilton in the Community FoundationWe recently received the following email, which we have been asked to pass on:Hilton Hotels established its own charity many years ago which focuses on supporting specific projects for children and young people, working to improve the quality of education and the provision of health care to relieve suffering and equip individuals.Hilton Worldwide facilitates the fundraising and administration of Hilton in the Community Foundation by supporting core costs, fundraising and volunteering activities. The funds that we raise support projects reaching sick, disabled and underprivileged young people. The Foundation has a particular focus on supporting: Children and young people with disabilities; Young

people in hospital; Homelessness and Life-limited children and young people in hospices.Disappointingly, we do not receive many applications from Wales which is a great shame as there are many organisations that could do with more support. Completed applications are first assessed by the Foundation office, with approximately 20 of the strongest and regionally representative applications put forward to the Grants Committee. The Grants Committee comprises independent and Hilton nominated members and meets quarterly to discuss the applications.I would dearly love to see more applications coming from Wales which allows us to give back to the Community. If you do come across any such organisations that you feel would be appropriate please do point them in the direction of our website for further details:www.hilton-foundation.org.uk/home.htm

Fundraising

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What will the Welsh Language Measure mean for your organisation?The Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner came into existence in April this year (2012) after the dissolution of the Welsh Language Board, and Meri Huws was appointed to the role. Many voluntary organisations are already aware of the importance of the Welsh Language and Culture and will have prepared Welsh Language Schemes and taken steps to broaden the use of the language within their activities and service delivery. However the new Measure is more far reaching as there are two principles to underpin the Commissioners work:

• In Wales, the Welsh language should be treated no less favourably than the English language.• Persons in Wales should be able to live their lives through the medium of the Welsh language if they chose to do so.Instead of Welsh Language Schemes there will be Standards which organisations will be expected to

meet if they either provide public services directly or under an agreement, or receive public money in excess of £400,000 in a financial year. Public sector organisations will definitely be expected to meet these standards, however the financial threshold or delivery of public service contracts means that a large proportion of medium to large sized third sector organisations will also need to meet the standards.The standards relate to specific activity areas such as Service Delivery, Policy Making, Operational, Promotional and Record Keeping. The Standards will not come into force until 2013, but since they are aimed at ensuring that any citizen anywhere in Wales can expect to receive the same opportunities to access services equally in Welsh or in English, voluntary organisations would be well advised to begin to work on understanding them and implementing them sooner rather than later. The Welsh Language Commissioner will have the power to investigate organisations that do not comply and can impose a fine of up to £5,000 for failure to do so. More information can be found on the Commissioners website www.welshlanguagecommissioner.org/english/Pages/Home.aspx

Wrexham Council’s Third Sector CommissioningThe Third Sector Liaison Group (TSLG) is a working group which oversees Wrexham Council’s Third Sector policies and procedures. The working group’s membership is made up of AVOW and Council officers including the Lead Member for Health and Social Services, Councillor David Griffiths.

The TSLG have been working with Adult Social Care officers in reviewing Third Sector commissioning and contract management arrangements across Wrexham Council departments. The review is working towards establishing a more coordinated and structured approach to the management of Third Sector funding arrangements in terms of confirming their Value For Money and outcome focussed approaches. In May 2012 a report was presented to Wrexham Council’s Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) which recommended that Adult Social Care should manage all Third Sector funding arrangements across the Council. SLT supported this recommendation. Consequently Adult Social Care Contracts Team is now moving to manage all Third Sector contract monitoring and oversee the procurement of Third Sector funding arrangements (where applicable). Contact - Steve Williams Tel: 01978 298019 or Chris Girvan Tel: 01978 298673

FYI (For your information)

AVOW produces a number of other newsletters including Funding Bulletin; Volunteer Centre Newsletter; Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Newsletter; Wrexham Carers Service NewsletterIf you would like to be included on the mailing list for any of these newsletters or have your article included please contact AVOW tel: 01978 312556, email info@avow.org or see our website www.avow.org/subscribe-to-newsletters/

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Community Training Provided by WCVA

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) have free places available. Check with WCVA for eligibility.

Planning and writing successful funding bids27th September 2012 at AVOW - Wrexham

Getting publicity for your EU funded project*16th October 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Writing effective surveys17th October 2012 at Plas Pentwyn, Wrexham

Managing risk across your organisation*23rd October 2012 at Bangor

Competitive tender presentations*24th October 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Structuring and writing competitive tenders*24th October 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Performance management25th October 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Using the Volunteering Impact Assessment Toolkit

6th November 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Effective Partnership working20th November 2012 at Morfa Hall, Rhyl

Staff supervision, support and development21st November 2012(3 day course) at Morfa Hall,

Rhyl

Successful contract management* - NEW28th November 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Influencing commissioners NEW28th November 2012 at WCVA - Rhyl

Practical participative tools for public engagement

4th December 2012 at Plas Dolerw, Newtown

Trustee Roles and ResponsibilitiesThursday, 8th November 2012 10am till 1pm, Tŷ Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham£20 per personTo register, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TruRolRes20121108

We are currently preparing the Community Courses training programme. If there is any training you would like to see on the programme please contact Cathryn Williams on 01978 312556 or email cathryn.williams@avow.orgDetails of training courses are available on the website at www.avow.org/training-2/

TRAINING COURSES

For details about training courses available• in Flintshire CVC visit www.flvc.org.uk, email: info@flvc.org.uk or tel. 01352 744000

• in Denbigshire CVC visit www.dvsc.co.uk, email: office@dvsc.co.uk or tel. 01824 702441

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AVOW Christmas Reception14 December 201212pm - 2pmCatrin Finch CentreGlyndŵr UniversityMold RoadWrexham, LL11 2AWAn ideal opportunity for networking. Refreshments provided.

The AVOW Christmas Reception is an ideal opportunity to network with the wider voluntary and community sector of Wrexham County Borough. This year we will also be collecting items for homeless people in Wrexham. Please keep this date free!

Father Christmas complete with Snow Machine available for up to 2 hours for £100 for community events, office parties, hotels and events etc.For more information/to hire please contact AVOW on 01978 312556; email: reception@avow.org

Hire Father

Christmas & a

Snow Machine this

winter!

AVOW | Tŷ Avow | 21 Egerton Street | Wrexham | LL11 1ND | Tel: 01978 312556 | Fax: 01978 352046 | info@avow.org | www.avow.org