VAS information digest

26th October 2018

News

Involve Swindon Network Day - Help Us Shape the Agenda

Involve Swindon is a network of companies, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations working together to encourage employees to give their time and develop their skills through volunteering in the local community. Involve sources exciting volunteering projects for employees to get involved in ranging from team volunteering days through to using their business and professional skills to support a local charity or getting involved in the longer term as a regular volunteer or trustee. Involve works with local charities, social enterprises, community groups and statutory organisations who will really benefit from the skills employee volunteers can bring and their expertise in leading employee volunteering.

Involve are planning to host the next Involve Swindon Network Day in February 2019. By letting them know what you would like you are helping to better shape the day around your needs. Please follow the survey link below to let them know which topics would be of greatest value.

Take the Survey

Wiltshire Police: New Hate Crime Survey

As part of their current Hate Crime Awareness Campaign, Wiltshire Police are launching a Hate Crime Victim Survey to find out directly from the experience of hate crime victims how they may be able to improve their service, understand levels of awareness of their (PCSO) hate crime advisors and understand why some people do not feel able to come forward to report hate crime.

Take the Survey

Events

Wiltshire Law Centre AGM 2018

Please join Wiltshire Law Centre's Annual General Meeting being held on Tuesday 20th November 2018 at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon SN1 1HE. Their guest speaker is Sara Banting, Swindon Borough Council Homeless Operations Manager. Sandwiches, tea, coffee and cakes will be served at 12.30pm prior to the AGM, with the AGM running from 1.00pm – 2.00pm.

Please RSVP to Martin Kerr on 01793 486926 or by email to martin.kerr@wiltslawcentre.co.uk.

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day is an annual event to bring organisations across the UK together to help carers know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. This year Carers Rights Day is on Friday 30 November 2018, and Swindon Carers Centre will be holding a Market Place style event at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, SN1 1PX.

There will also be a question and answer session featuring both Swindon MPs. To register an interest in a stall or place at Carers Rights Day please contact ann.giles@swindoncarers.org.uk or call 01793 531133.

Funding Opportunities

The Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust

The Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust funds projects that give disadvantaged young people the chance to develop an existing interest in the great outdoors. Outdoor activities means walking, climbing, cycling, kayaking, sailing, horse riding and residential courses at outdoor centres. They typically support organisations. Applications should be made by email.

Apply Now

The Caron Keating Foundation

The Caron Keating Foundation offers grants to UK based registered cancer charities including professional carers, complementary healing practitioners and support groups dealing with cancer patients, as well as via cancer charities, individuals and families who are affected by cancer.

The vast majority of grants awarded are for between £2,000 and £5,000. There is no requirement for match funding.

Apply Now

Wiltshire Community Foundation: Small Grants Scheme

The Community Foundation Small Grant Programme supports projects which will make a sustained impact in the lives of disadvantaged people in Wiltshire and Swindon. The Foundation particularly awards grants to projects taking place in communities with limited financial capacity and benefitting people who cannot afford to cover the costs themselves.

Grants up to £2,000 per year, and two year funding is available (total £4,000). If you choose to apply to, or currently hold, a Foundation Main Grant you will be unable to apply for a Small Grant.

Apply Now

Vacancies

Independent Advocate – Statutory Advocacy at Swindon Advocacy Movement

Swindon Advocacy Movement (SAM) has a well established reputation of providing a range of advocacy services for people with care and support needs in Swindon. They are now looking for an Independent Advocate for their Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service working with people who are deemed to lack capacity and are eligible to access the advocacy service in key ‘best interest’ decisions. This service enables vulnerable people to participate as fully as possible in any decision to maintain their independence and secure the rights and services they are entitled to.

Closing date for applications is midday Friday 26th October 2018 for interviews being held Thursday 1st November 2018.

Information and Marketing Worker at Healthwatch Swindon

Healthwatch Swindon, part of The Care Forum, are recruiting for an Information and Marketing Worker based in Swindon who can: ensure that Healthwatch in Swindon has an effective social media and traditional media presence; keep the public up to date on local health and social care developments; market the project and its impact; and manage a database of contacts. The post is 22.5 hours per week, £18,070 – £20,661 pro rata (NJC:18-22). Closing date for applications is 19th November 2018 at 9am. Interviews will be held on 3rd December 2018 in Swindon.