the echo Our vision: CARING, VIBRANT and STRONG communi�es where everyone can fulfil their poten�al.

Our mission: CONNECTING and INSPIRING people and organisa�ons to achieve posi�ve change,

while CHAMPIONING their value to partners and the wider community.

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February 2016 Front Page All Together Better

News Healthwatch Dudley Information Champions Keeping in touch with you Have your say on local rail services DY1-stop shop Sainsbury’s Local Food programme In a Nutshell

Funding Children in Need CB & HH Taylor Wolves Aid Henry Smith Charity Transform Foundation Heart of England Fdn Swimathon Foundation Charles Wolfson Charity

News Healthwatch Dudley drop in Can you name two or more local charities? Children, Young People and Families Network invitation Spotlight on Anne Adams

Our Services What we can do for you

Be in the know and spread the word!

Health and social care services in Dudley borough are changing. All Together Better is a partnership which brings together health and social care organisations (including Dudley CVS) to review and shape our future local health and social care services.

Every day local community groups and clubs, social enterprises and voluntary organisations are contributing to people being well, healthy and cared for. We want to activate the hidden knowledge and creativity in our sector, and find better ways to connect resources we can share. A first step is to put information in the hands of people from community based groups and voluntary organisations.

We’re working with Healthwatch Dudley to run events where you can try out activities to take away in a pack and use in your group or organisation. The events take place on: Tuesday 23rd February, 2:00pm-4:00pm in Halesowen Wednesday 24th February, 10:00am-12:00pm near Sedgley Monday 29th February, 7:00pm-9:00pm in Stourbridge Tuesday 8th March, 12:30pm-2:30pm in Dudley Wednesday 9th March, 10:30am-1:30pm in Brierley Hill

Find out more and book places at

www.healthwatchdudley.co.uk/in-the-know or call 03000 111 001. If you can’t make it to an event but would still like to be involved contact Healthwatch Dudley for an activity pack.

More about All Together Better: www.dudleyccg.nhs.uk/alltogetherbetter @ATBDudley on Twitter.

All Together Better

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Meet our newest Information Champions! The Community

Information Point Network has gone from strength to strength and now has over 200 people on board from all over Dudley borough.

Information Champions can be anyone who volunteers with or works for a local organisation, community group or business, who comes into regular contact with local people – and, most importantly has access to the internet.

Free information giving training is offered to all new Information Champions. In two half day sessions attendees get to find out all about the network, get helpful tips on clear information giving and meet other people in information giving roles. The second session provides hands on assistance with how to get the best out of a wide range of useful websites to better support vulnerable people.

Information Points can be found in community drop-in centres, Dudley Council reception points, cafés, pharmacies and GP surgeries and the network works closely with the Dudley Community Information Directory: www.dudleyci.co.uk

New training dates have just been added. For more information and to book a place visit: www.healthwatchdudley.co.uk/infopoints or call Deb or Melissa on 01384 267427 or email hello@healthwatchdudley.co.uk.

Keeping in touch with you We are constantly seeking to ensure that you get relevant, timely and high quality

information, news and opportunities from Dudley CVS. We’re planning a few changes as part of some wider work on our communications and would love to hear your thoughts.

We’d like to send you a simple monthly bulletin packed with funding, opportunities, and news about what’s on so you’ll always be up to date. Every other month your bulletin would be accompanied by our Echo newsletter containing in-depth features, news and pictures. We think the Echo is perfect for sharing stories about the great things happening in Dudley borough and letting you know about changes which might affect your work and activities.

If you like your bulletin and newsletter sent in the post we will do that, or if you prefer updates and news by email we’ll send you things that way. We will of course continue to communicate through our blog, website, Facebook page, Twitter and other platforms.

If you’d like to have a chat with us about our plans, please join us from 2.30pm on Thursday 25th February at dy1 (Stafford Street, Dudley, DY1 1RT) and tell us about the best ways to communicate with you. Alternatively, contact us on 01384 573381 or email dale@dudleycvs.org.uk.

New information Champions for January include staff and volunteers from the New Testament Welfare Association, Dudley Health Trainers, Dudley Council and Albion House Patient Participation Group.

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In a nutshell...

Have your say on local rail services The Department for Transport and West Midlands Rail (representing 14 partner authorities of the West Midlands area including Centro) is seeking local views on the future of rail services and stations to be provided in the next West Midlands rail franchise which starts in October 2017. The consultation period ends on 22nd March 2016. For further information go to: www.dudleycvs.org.uk/latest-news-top/1201-rail-services-in-the-next-west-midlands-franchise.html

Sainsbury's is expanding this programme so that registered charities local to their stores can apply to join the network. Food partner charities can collect dry and tinned food donated by customers and/or fresh food donated by Sainsbury's to distribute in the community. Applicants must have appropriate Food Hygiene certification and be able to collect donated food regularly from their partner store. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information contact: E-mail: sainsburys@ccworks.co.uk Website: www.ccworks.co.uk/sainsburys.html

Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has announced a new

learning opportunity for people working with young adults. The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) has been invited by the CCG to run a course on building resilience through person-centred approaches. This is aimed at those working with young adults (18-25) to develop their skills in a range of approaches designed to increase resilience and prevent or support mental health issues. Dates for these sessions are 9th February 2016 and 21st March 2016. A third date is yet to be confirmed. For further information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/jogljxz

Include Me TOO peer supporters are setting up a support group for parents and carers of children with disabilities and additional needs. The launch event will take place on Wednesday 24th February between 10am and 12noon at Orchard School in Oldbury. For more information go to: http://tinyurl.com/j8ccaea

Sainsbury’s Local Food Partner Programme

The Savoy Centre in Netherton has vacant shop/office accommodation available to rent. Further info: http://tinyurl.com/hydrqbm

dy1-stop shop! Becky and Eileen are throwing

open dy1’s doors to anyone who wants to chat through anything to do with: Setting up a project or group Running a charity or voluntary organisation Recruiting and supporting people to help

run your group or activities Connecting with other organisations

Get your questions answered, generate ideas and feel supported all over a friendly cuppa! dy1-stop shop starts on Wednesday 2nd March, 10am-1pm and the first Wednesday of each month at dy1, Stafford Street, Dudley, DY1 1RT.

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Wolves Aid programme supports organisations, with annual income less than £1M, working with children/families, the disadvantaged and elderly/disabled people. Funding can be for equipment, project costs or multi-year funding including salaries. Applicants must have been in existence for a minimum of one year. Only certain areas of Dudley are supported so check “Geography” link on website before applying. Applications can be submitted at any time. For more information call Laura Cowley: Tel: 01902 828366 E-mail: lauracowley@wolvescommunitytrust.org.uk Website: www.wolvescommunitytrust.org.uk/wolves-aid/

BBC Children in Need provides main and small grants for projects that help children and young people experiencing: • illness, distress, abuse or neglect; • any kind of disability; behavioural or psychological difficulties

and/or living in situations of deprivation. Main grants are for £10,000 and above for up to 3 years. The next deadlines for receipt of applications are 15th May AND 15th September 2016. Small grants, up to £10,000, are available quarterly for one year only. The next closing date for applications is 1st March. For more information call Helpdesk 0345 609 0015 or local regional office in Birmingham 0121 567 6707 E-mail: pudsey@bbc.co.uk Website: http://tinyurl.com/ogeu5wy

invites applications from minority groups/women led initiatives providing grants for: • social welfare work helping elderly/

disabled people/the homeless as well as housing initiatives and counselling/mediation;

• education and training with a focus on adult literacy, young people and employment;

• arts and culture/music and drama; • children and young people; • environment/conservation work. Only registered charities in the West Midlands can apply and the Trustees meet annually in May/November. Applications in writing to Clare Norton, 266 Malvern Road, Worcester, WR2 4PA. Most grants are below £1,000.

Henry Smith 2016 holiday grants for children

programme is now open with four application deadlines this year: • 18th March for

trip by end of April; • 1st March-20th May for trips 1st May-

30th June; • 2nd May-22nd July for trips 1st July-31st

August; • 1st July-18th November for trips 1st

September-31st December. The purpose of this funding programme is to provide disadvantaged or disabled children, aged up to 13, with a recreational holiday or outing they would otherwise not be able to access. Grants of £500 to £2,500 are available, representing maximum 66% of the total cost of the holiday/trip. For more information call: 020 7264 4970 Website: www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/holiday-grants-for-children.html

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Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust supports organisations delivering educational and welfare services. The Trust will fund capital work or fixed term projects, with grants ranging from £1,000 up to around £0.5M. Applications can be made at any time. For more information contact Joanne Cowan: Tel: 020 7079 2506

The mission of the Transform Foundation is to transform the charitable sector, facilitating change through technology. The focus this year is on turning digital into a powerful force for raising money. Grants of £18,000 are available covering strategy, design and development to build websites. In addition, a team of leading charity focused digital marketers, developers and designers will support registered charities build their web presence as follows: 1. Two workshop days with the Raising IT

team to define website strategy and organisation needs;

2. Raising IT designers and developers will bring the website to life supporting its launch and helping in engaging supporters and volunteers;

3. Post launch the foundation will help organisations understand their impact online through a focus on measurement.

Applications can be made any time online via a 15 question/10 minute process. For more information write to: 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE E-mail: Via website. Website: www.transformfoundation.org.uk/our-process

The Swimathon Foundation Community Grants Scheme offers funding of between £300 and £2,500 to groups who provide and promote swimming in their local community. To be eligible for a Swimathon grant, organisations need to be supported by pools that are participating in Swimathon and applicants must be a representative of, or have the support of, a participating pool. Closing date for applications is 4th March 2016. For more information E-mail: swimathongrants@swimming.org Website: www.swimathonfoundation.org/apply

Heart of England Community Foundation As well as managing a range of grant programmes, the Heart of England Community Foundation provides specific guidance on funding Social Enterprise (SE) and Community Interest Companies (CICs) which are often in a good position to tackle social issues by generating income as part of their normal operation. It is important that when a making a grant application, SE/CICs demonstrate a sound business model and strong financial track record. Amongst the general grant criteria, (see link to guidance document on website below) applicants must be able to show 50% or more of their income comes from trading. Also, SEs or CICs should have been registered with the appropriate Regulatory Body for twelve months prior to the date of the grant application and become self-sustaining within four years from incorporation. Heart of England Community Foundation will usually only support organisations with annual income below £250,000. For more information, 024 7688 3262/3265 E-mail: info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk Website: http://tinyurl.com/hrfl9l7

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The Barrow Cadbury Social Investment Fund invests in charities/social enterprises aiming to achieve both social and financial returns through a £4M investment of which just over £2M is currently committed. Barrow Cadbury Trust is interested in: 1. Investing for impact in criminal, gender, racial, and economic justice. 2. Developing the social investment market through a secondary market place (where social

investments can be traded) encouraging innovative investments to catalyse interest from other investors and hence the market.

The fund will invest between £50,000 and £250,000 in organisations, based in Birmingham and the Black Country, offering the following products: • Loans; • Social impact bonds; • Equity/quasi-equity investments. For more information, call Mark O’Kelly (head of Finance and Administration) on 020 7632 9060. E-mail: m.okelly@barrowcadbury.org.uk Website: www.barrowcadbury.org.uk/social-investment

Healthwatch Dudley drop in sessions take place every Friday morning 9.30am–12pm in the Lunch on the Run Café, at our dy1 community building, Stafford Street, Dudley town centre, DY1 1RT.

Come along to meet the team, ask for information about local services or share your views and experiences of health or care.

On the first and third Friday of every month, members of the Carers Network are also on hand to give dedicated support to local carers.

The Children, Young People and Families Network would love you to join us!

The CYPF Network supports voluntary, community, faith groups and charities who promote the health, wellbeing and safety of children, young people and families across Dudley borough.

We meet face to face every quarter to share information, discuss thematic areas of interest, explore opportunities to collaborate and raise any issues or concerns.

We also have an online forum where you can keep up to date with new things that are happening, read our blog posts, download resources and ask questions.

Never has it been more important to get involved and know what’s happening. Sign up here! http://dudleycypfnetwork.net/

Our next meeting is on Friday 6th May 2016, 12:30pm – 2:30pm at dy1, Stafford Street, DY1 1RT.

Can you name two or more local charities? Research by TSB has revealed that only 10% of the public can name two or more local charities, even though 50% feel that local charities are important to the community. Becky discusses this on Dudley CVS’s blog and asks: 1. Can you name more than two Dudley borough charities? What’s the great work that they do and how would you like to celebrate them? 2. How can local charities increase awareness? 3. What do you think of the idea that support from local businesses could help with this? To join the conversation, visit: http://tinyurl.com/j75t9tj

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It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that Dudley Stroke Association (DSA) is in the DNA of Anne Adams. Twenty nine years after forming DSA in 1987, Anne is still heavily involved, volunteering over 1,000 hours each year to line manage the charity that provides comprehensive support to people affected by strokes in Dudley and surrounding areas. Anne Adams left her home town of Leicester for Dudley in 1977 to work as a speech therapist with people affected by stroke. But even in those early days, Anne was convinced more could be done to help both the person suffering a stroke and those close to them. Anne formed Dudley Stroke Club in 1982 to provide opportunities to share experiences and organise social events. But specific information about how to help people post-stroke was very limited, the only source being the London-based Chest, Heart and Stroke Association. Something needed to be done. In 1987, Anne was encouraged by a stroke victim, Jeanne Hignett, to create Dudley Stroke Association. Jeanne became the first (and only to this day) Chair of DSA. The DSA launch event took place in Dudley town centre on 26th June 1987 when hundreds of balloons were set free into the afternoon sky. Each balloon had a tag for children to fill in their name. One balloon was eventually found in Belgium and the little boy whose name was on it returned to Dudley town centre twenty five years later to celebrate DSA’s silver birthday. Anne’s answerphone message for anyone wishing to discuss stroke issues has been active 24/7 since 1987. Between 1987 and 2007 Anne wore two hats, by day a professional speech therapist and at other times a volunteer champion of the work of DSA and people affected by stroke. Anne is proud to point out that DSA pre-dates the national Stroke Association, which did not drop the ’Chest’ and ’Heart’ to become solely involved in stroke until 1992, and developed ”Life after stroke services” in

2012. DSA’s strap-line “Life goes on after stroke,” has been used since 1987. Anne retired from paid work in 2007, but giving up on DSA was not an option. “The way stroke patients are treated now is hugely different to thirty years ago,” said Anne. “People used to be in hospital for months, now it is weeks, or even days, which makes the support and services DSA provides to be even more important. The FAST (Face; Arms; Speech; Time) campaign has led to strokes being treated in the same urgent manner as heart attacks. Stroke victims are Blue Light emergencies enabling them to get to hospitals and be assessed and scanned more quickly. If treated within four hours, with thrombolysis infusion where appropriate, stroke patients have significantly greater chances of recovery. And this is where DSA provides such fantastic support after discharge from hospital. At DSA we are proud that Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group entrusts us to provide many of these services.” About her 25 years as a Dudley CVS Board Member, Anne said, “DSA is indebted to Dudley CVS for the help and support we have received over many years, particularly when DSA was applying for charity status. DSA would not be where it is today without Dudley CVS. I feel privileged to be a board member.” Away from DSA and Dudley CVS, Anne and husband, Brian, enjoy their quarter acre garden growing all manner of fruit and vegetables, lazy weekends in their mobile home in Herefordshire and ship cruises. But like most people with passion for a cause close to their heart, Anne is rarely non-contactable for more than a few days at a time. “I have been known to be working on a proposal for DSA while sitting in a beach bar in Grenada,” said Anne. Dedication indeed.

Anne Adams, Dudley Stroke

Association and Dudley CVS Board

How can we help?

DUDLEY CVS works with all community and voluntary groups, however small or large the organisation. We work with a range of partners, putting us at the forefront of voluntary and community sector representation.

KEEP UP TO DATE Visit our website www.dudleycvs.org.uk to find out about new developments affecting the voluntary sector, locally and nationally. BECOME A MEMBER Membership is free to any voluntary and community organisation operating in Dudley. Sign up today and start enjoying a range of services and support. SOURCING FUNDING If your group is considering options for funding, Dudley CVS can help you identify sources of funding and assist in developing funding applications.

SPECIALIST HELP Dudley CVS offers support tailored to suit your specific needs. Our Core Service Officers have years of experience available to local organisations. Help is wide ranging and includes, among other services: community engagement; enterprise development; asset management; business planning; legal structures and conflict resolution. GROUP DEVELOPMENT Established larger organisations can sign up to our Building Blocks organisational development toolkit. New, emerging and developing small groups can receive expert one-to-one guidance through our Route Map programme.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES Dudley CVS has officers dedicated to the needs of children and young people, families and those organisations and professionals working with children in Dudley VOLUNTEERING Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre provides all the expertise that would-be volunteers and volunteer managers might need. Guidance and training on managing, legislation recruitment and retaining volunteers is available all year round. We can also match up those seeking to volunteer to those groups looking to recruit volunteers. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE With health services under review, our assigned support officers are in much demand by both services providers and service users.

PUBLICITY Our marketing and communications officers can help local groups to raise their profile and maximise their promotional needs. Advice on producing newsletters, leaflets promotional materials and media relations.

ADMIN SUPPORT Voluntary groups requiring ad hoc or regular support with learning basic computer skills, printing, mailings, book-keeping, payroll etc. can use Dudley CVS admin services at very competitive rates. CAN’T SEE WHAT YOU NEED? Call the number below.

For additional information about all CVS services contact: Telephone: 01384 573381 E-mail: info@dudleycvs.org.uk

Dudley CVS is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee

Place of registration: England Company number: 1998105 Charity number: 517766