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As the Third Sector Interface for the Falkirk Council area, we're a local, independent charitable company which exists to promote, develop and represent the third sector and volunteering. We provide a range of services predominantly to volunteers and third sector organisations, but also provide support and assistance to statutory partners to engage better with the third sector.
Our e-bulletin articles are linked to our website which will provide you with further information, simply click on the article title to open the full article in a new window.
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Scottish Government has recently published the COVID-19 Framework for Decision-Making, outlining the approach and principles for the country to move out of the current lockdown.
This is a 4 phase approach to carefully and gradually move to a new normal. The Framework Annexes (Annex A and Annex B) summarise these phases.
To view or download the full framework, please visit the Scottish Government website.
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The Poverty and Inequality Commission has published a report on local action to tackle food insecurity in Scotland during COVID-19, after the recent consultation period.
The consultation, carried out by the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU), involved a variety of community groups, organisations and projects across Scotland.
The report highlights what is currently working in emergency food provision, the role of local authorities, and that this provision takes many forms. Also included are worries from these groups that they are not able to reach everyone in need, and their concerns about what happens next.
The Commission states that, “it is clear that the role played by community organisations in helping people weather the storm is vital.”
For further information, including how to access the full report, please click on the above title.
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Diabetes Scotland is continuing to offer online guided mindfulness and seated yoga sessions for people with diabetes, as a way to lower stress levels, which can affect blood sugar levels.
Two hour-long sessions take place via Zoom per week, on Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 3pm. The sessions are led by Donna Booth of Vitality Retreat. Those interested will be sent the Zoom login details in advance, and do not need to register for their own Zoom account.
For further information on taking part, please contact Diabetes Scotland by email: scotland@diabetes.org.uk
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PETAL provides free counselling and bereavement support to those affected by murder and suicide in Scotland. They have recently received funding to extend their services to those affected by COVID-19 deaths.
They are continuing to offer these services via telephone and online appointments in place of face to face meetings during the current pandemic. Their support is available to anyone aged over 12 years old in Scotland.
To access these services and make a self-referral, please contact PETAL by phone: 01698 324 502. Please note that personal information will be requested in order to offer counselling support.
Alternatively, view the service leaflet or visit the PETAL website.
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Youth Scotland is keen to find out how COVID-19 and the current lockdown are affecting community-based youth groups, and have set up a short online survey to capture people’s views.
The survey asks youth workers and managers about their training needs, challenges and concerns for the future when reopening the groups, but Youth Scotland also wants to know about the success stories from the sector.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and Youth Scotland hopes to use responses in adapting their support of community-based youth work further.
To submit your response, please visit the SurveyMonkey page.
Alternatively, for further information, contact Youth Scotland by email: office@youthscotland.org.uk
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ACOSVO has announced that it will be utilising its reserves to offer a limited number of free memberships for both ACOSVO and the Chairs Network Scotland.
This offer is available to both current and non-members of ACOSVO whose income has been significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is part of ACOSVO’s commitment to providing the best support they can to sector leaders during this time.
Bursary decisions will be based on need and availability of ACOSVO funds and reserves.
For further information, including how to apply for a bursary membership, please click on the above title.
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Outside the Box is expanding their Permission to Dream project, a mental health peer support project which works with small groups of people, enabling them to support each other.
They are looking to start 3 new groups across the Falkirk district for people living with mental health issues, who are also:
- former carers
- adoptive parents
- young people
The main aim of all groups is to reduce participants’ social isolation and loneliness by supporting them to build or increase their social support networks.
For further information (including how to get involved and how the support groups will be held during COVID-19), please click on the above title.
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Waverley Care, one of Scotland’s leading HIV and Hepatitis C charities, has received funding from the Wellbeing Fund to support their most vulnerable service users living with HIV or hepatitis C, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund will help Waverely Care support people (including those who are destitute, struggling financially, have poor emotional or mental health, or who are at heightened risk for other reasons) as they socially isolate or shield.
As a result, Waverley Care are able to purchase essential items and services enabling people to be safe at home, including mobile phone, gas and electricity top-ups, and talking therapy.
For further information, including how to request support, please click on the above title.
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NHS Forth Valley has a range of self-help guides available on their website, including information on Metal Wellbeing During COVID-19.
You can read, download, listen to an audio file or forward a guide to help family and friends.
Other self-help guides available include: alcohol, bereavement, domestic violence, eating disorders, and many more.
For further information on all self help guides available, please visit the NHS Forth Valley website.
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The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee have launched an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on equalities and human rights.
This inquiry seeks to identify the evidence that some groups of people are experiencing disproportionately negative impacts of COVID-19, and some of the measures taken to deal with it.
As part of this, the committee is looking for organisations to summarise the views and feedback from individuals and groups who might not be able to access the Inquiry online. Individuals and groups can ask to remain anonymous when submitting.
The deadline for responses is Friday 1st January 2021.
For further information, including how to submit your response, please click on the above title.
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As a result of the current COVID-19 situation, CVS Falkirk has pulled together different guidance, resources, and amazing efforts by our local communities to support each other, in order to make them as widely available as possible.
This page will be updated regularly with additional resources and guidance as they become available, including:
- health guidance from the NHS and other trusted sources
- local support available across the Falkirk areas
- organisation support, business resilience and HR guidance
- COVID-19 funding
- community support
- Falkirk Council support
- ways to keep yourself safe during this time
A statement from our CEO, Jen Kerr, is also available.
For further information (including the full list of resources and community efforts), please visit the CVS Falkirk website.
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The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has released its latest report on housing rights: “Housing Rights in Practice: Lessons Learned from Leith”.
The SHRC worked with people living in poor housing conditions in Leith, north Edinburgh, over a period of 4 years. They aimed to support residents in securing improvements in their housing by advocating for their right to an adequate standard of housing.
The report is a summary of the project; a film on the project has also been produced.
To view or download the full report, please visit the SHRC website.
Alternatively, to request printed copies, please send your request with your name, organisation and delivery address, by email: hello@scottishhumanrights.com
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A message from one of our Development Officers on some of the impact COVID-19 has had on our charities, and support available:
“It is fair to say that we are living in unprecedented times; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every part of society, forcing many charities to change how they usually operate.
Social distancing means that meeting in person is mostly impossible, impacting the ability of trustees to physically hold meetings and to make decisions.
Against this backdrop, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has produced detailed COVID-19 guidance for charity trustees, to help them navigate through the challenges they are likely to experience.”
To read the full message, including links to OSCR’s guidance, please click on the above title.
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A number of funds have been announced in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of our COVID-19 Community Responses, Resources and Guidance page, our team at CVS Falkirk has pulled together a range of funds relevant to our local communities and sector: COVID-19 Funding page.
Please check this page regularly, as new information is being added on an ongoing basis.
For further information on available funding, please visit the COVID-19 Funding page, or continue reading this e-bulletin.
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We at CVS Falkirk are looking forward when it is safe for all our local third sector groups and organisations to resume their valued services and activities.
The challenging circumstances of COVID-19 have led to many of our local people letting us know that they are ready, willing and able to volunteer to help. We want to provide them with the information they need to choose a volunteer opportunity that is a good fit for them.
We know that volunteers will be needed more than ever, during recovery and reconnecting, and we would like you to tell us how this will look for your organisation.
For further information, including how to get in touch with our Volunteering Team, please click on the above title.
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The COVID-19 Falkirk Volunteer Expenses Fund has been set up to support community groups and voluntary organisations which operate in Falkirk and District, and whose volunteers provide support through community activities during COVID-19. CVS Falkirk will be administering the fund.
Expenses will be reimbursed directly to volunteers in order to reduce organisational time and resources required to administer additional or increased volunteer activity.
All COVID-19-related volunteer-involving groups and organisations are eligible to use the fund. For the full eligibility criteria and details on what can be reimbursed, please view or download the guidance document before registering.
To register, groups and organisations should download and complete the registration form.
For further information, please contact CVS Falkirk by phone: 07872464215, or email: volunteer@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
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The Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network (FVSEN) held its first online meeting on Friday 22nd May, providing an opportunity for members to share their experiences of running their social enterprises through the current COVID-19 pandemic, and to offer each other support.
Some members continued their discussion offline, and some new project partnerships will likely be seen in the future.
FVSEN also welcomed Social Media professional Shannon Earaker as a guest speaker. Shannon, currently furloughed, provided members with expert tips and guidance for managing their social media content and output.
If you are a social enterprise operating in the Forth Valley area and would like further information about FVSEN, or about becoming a member, please contact Jennifer Robertson by email: fvsenetwork@gmail.com
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Social Enterprise Scotland (SES) has compiled a new report, “COVID-19 and the Impact on Social Enterprise in Scotland”, based on findings taken directly from Scottish social enterprises.
Examining the impact of COVID-19 through analysis of the sector by geographic considerations, industry sector, finance, present and future support requirements, and the impact on the people and communities that social enterprises support, the report also outlines some of the emerging issues facing the sector.
To view or download the report, please visit the SES website.
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Addictions, Support and Counselling (ASC) is currently recruiting for a Fundraising Officer.
The position is 14 – 21 hours per week (including possible weekend and evening work), with a salary of £24,289 – £26,891 per annum (pro rata) and a fixed contract until July 2021.
Applicants should have a recognised professional qualification at a minimum of SVQ level 4 and a minimum 3 years’ demonstrable experience in fundraising.
They should also be able to work flexibly and creatively in motivating and supporting volunteers for fundraising activities.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 15th June; application is by application form only.
For further information, including how to apply, please click on the above title.
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PATH (Scotland) has extended the deadline on their 12 month Housing Traineeship (in partnership with ng homes), due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The position has been specifically designed to redress under-representation of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in employment in Scottish housing.
The traineeship has an allowance of £9.30 per hour (equivalent to £13,540.80 per annum), gaining work experience, specialist qualifications and professional memberships.
Please note that due to the nature of the position, it is reserved for applicants from BME communities, under section 158 of the Equality Act 2010.
The new deadline for applications is 12:30pm on Tuesday 28th July.
For further information, including how to apply, please click on the above title.
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