VAS id: news, events & information from
Swindon's voluntary & community sector

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VAS information digest

21st September 2018

News

The 2018 VAS Community Fair

The 2018 Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) Community Fair will be taking place on Sunday 23rd September from 12pm-3pm at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon, SN1 1HE. The theme of the event is homelessness and the aim of this event is to promote the services available to people living in Swindon who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness of any kind.

Come along to meet local community and statutory organisations working around homelessness in Swindon. Key charities that provide essential Health support services for physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Other organisations providing varied support services will also be present.

Is a New Charity the Best Option?

Before you start to set up a charity make sure that you know it is the best option for what you want to do. Working together can be more effective than setting up a new charity. For example, so there are not two charities competing for resources.

New guidance from the Charity Commission suggests alternatives to setting up a new charity, as this may not always be the best option for achieving your aims. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to set up a Community Interest Company, or named fund or trust.

Healthwatch Swindon's Current Themes and Priorities

Healthwatch Swindon are committed to working transparently and to communicate clearly their work and its outcomes. They have produced an overview of their current work themes, priorities and projects for your awareness.

Ella Forums Launches in Swindon

On September 28th a new group launches to support and inspire CEOs and leaders as they deliver their vision and grow their organisations to have more impact. It will meet monthly to explore the latest thinking on key topics with expert guest speakers, share best practice in leadership and provide support and mentoring for group members on the issues they are finding most challenging.

Ella Forums invite you to attend this introductory meeting as their guest and experience how this group can help you develop as a leader, create high-performing teams and deliver on your goals. The new group is chaired by experienced trustee and leadership coach Steve Litchfield.

The ongoing group will have a maximum of twelve people to provide the continuity and depth of relationship that supports significant growth for its members.

Date: Friday 28th September 2018
Time: 9:15am-2pm
Venue: The Willows Centre, 11 Prospect Place, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3LQ

Please go to http://ella-forums.org/event/group-15-swindon to reserve your place at this meeting. For more information please contact Phil Thompson - phil@ella-forums.org.

Swindon Seniors Forum AGM & Open Event

Swindon Seniors Forum Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 at 11am at Pinetrees Community Centre The Circle, Pinehurst, Swindon. Registration from 10.30am. The AGM will commence at 11:00am. At 1.30pm, the Mayor of Swindon, Junab Ali will be opening this special event. Registration is required by 24th September for catering purposes.

Preparing for Adulthood Transition Roadshow

Preparing for Adulthood: Transition Roadshow is a drop in event for parents, carers and professionals who care for young people with additional needs. Come and talk with stallholders who provide services for young people (18 years plus, with some for 16 years plus). Stallholders will cover: independence, new skills, good health, and community inclusion.

Date: Wednesday 19th June 2019
Time: 12 noon-5pm
Venue: Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH

The Youth Music Programme

The Youth Music Programme provides grants up to £200,000 for music-making projects in England that increase the number of children and young people with the opportunities to take part in high quality musical activities.

Funding is available for revenue costs such as project delivery for: developmental music-making projects for children and young people; and strategic work to support the development of the workforce, organisations and the wider sector. The next deadline is 9th November 2018.

Apply Now

Wiltshire Community Foundation: Tampon Tax Community Fund

The Tampon Tax Community Fund aims to support women who are most marginalised to overcome barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential. The programme will benefit women and girls, investing in a wide variety of projects, that make a tangible and long-term difference to health, well-being, confidence and social/economic activity, as well as addressing equality gaps. The programme is allocating funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products to projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls.

Grants between £5,000 and £10,000 are available for one off events or projects that last up to 12 months.

Apply Now

Vacancies

Immigration Solicitor at Wiltshire Law Centre

Established in 1981, Wiltshire Law Centre has an outstanding reputation locally in the free advice sector. The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to build your Immigration advice hub as part of Wiltshire Law Centre's recently awarded LAA Immigration & Asylum contract in their central Swindon offices. As a dispersal Town, the successful candidate's expertise will be greatly valued by the residents of Swindon and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the service and build relationships with other agencies all as part of a well-established Law Centre.

Salary between £28221 – £30756 pa; 27 days annual leave + statutory hols; 5% pension Contribution; Permanent position; Flexible working; Part-time and job sharing considered. The successful candidate shall be able to self-supervise under SRA and SQM standards, have a minimum two years’ experience of immigration and asylum casework, be a qualified Immigration Solicitor and hold Supervisor status to IAAS Level 2, and be experienced in close working with colleagues, local agencies and the Tribunal Service.

Application closing date: 4pm, Friday 28th September 2018. Interviews: week commencing 8th October 2018.

Solicitor at Wiltshire Law Centre

Wiltshire Law Centre is a not for profit advice agency specialising in the areas of Housing and Immigration. The aim of the service is to reduce the risk of homelessness, assisting clients with benefit appeal and reduce indebtedness.

Salary between £28221 – £30756 pa; 27 days annual leave + statutory hols; 5% pension Contribution; Permanent position; Flexible working; Part-time and job sharing considered. Suitable candidates must be a qualified Solicitor and if not already experienced in Housing law must be willing to develop the skills and knowledge to conduct housing casework. Training will be provided. The successful candidate will cover Wiltshire Law Centre's Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme contract as well as providing advice to clients under Wiltshire Law Centre's other non LAA funding. The position will involve close working with colleagues, courts and court staff, the local Council, Housing Associations and other local agencies.