VSI Alliance News & Events
Newsflash from the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance team
VSI Alliance News & Events
Watch our social media tomorrow! Calderdale Volunteer Ninja Day 5th December 2020
Saturday 5th December is International Volunteer Day AND International Ninja Day. We at the VSI Alliance wanted to celebrate both awareness days and though why not combine the two and create the Calderdale Volunteer Ninja Day!
All day tomorrow we will be posting on our social media about the truly amazing volunteers in our borough who have kept the borough supported with HEART. These volunteer ninjas don’t need lots of praise for what they have been doing, they just know there are people out there who need support.
This will be about saying a gigantic THANK YOU to everyone who has gone above and beyond especially over this unexpected year! Please keep an eye on our Twitter @VSIAlliance, our Facebook VSI Alliance and please get involved by tagging us in your volunteer thank you posts and use the hashtag #CalderdaleNinjas
In case you missed it:
Get help for your organisation’s unmet needs
The VSI Alliance has recently joined the VCS Emergency Partnership (VCS EP) which can help you get the things you need to help communities. Through its regional structure the VCS EP (a partnership of big national charities and local infrastructure organisations like VSI Alliance) is building a picture of how the pandemic is affecting third sector organisations and communities around the country.
News
Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum
Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum (ACDAF) is part of the Accessible Calderdale Project which aims to develop a more accessible and inclusive place for all. ACDAF warmly invite new members to join their friendly and inclusive group.
Cautious reopening of leisure centres and libraries
As the country comes out of national restrictions, some leisure centres and libraries in Calderdale are starting to reopen cautiously. In Tier 3, leisure and sports facilities can open, but group exercise classes, including fitness and dance, should not go ahead.
Do you want to help reduce fuel poverty?
Did you know 23%** of people have never switched energy provider? And that simple change could save them hundreds of pounds per year. If you know people who’ve never changed supplier and who’d like to save money on their energy bills, then now is the time to act.
Men Ending Violence – A Lockdown Toolkit
The White Ribbon UK Lockdown Toolkit is available to provide practical suggestions and show where to get help for men who are worried about their behaviour during lockdown, and men who are concerned about the behaviour of their friends and colleagues.
Events and Training
Third Sector Briefing: Wellbeing in the Third Sector – 10th December
Brought to you by Third Sector, the Wellbeing in the third sector Breakfast Briefing will feature case studies and best practice presentations from industry leaders and HR and recruitment experts that will outline how best to support your employees during this time of crisis.
Improving access to health research for BAME communities in Calderdale/Kirklees – 16th December
A webinar has been organised which will cover these two localities and include some short presentations by local NHS colleagues, followed by a Q&A panel to address any specific questions about research/COVID research.
Funding
Grants to Voluntary Organisations – Deadline: 21st December
Calderdale’s voluntary groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000, to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackle poverty and build strong neighbourhoods.
Calderdale Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Small Grants – Deadline: 4th January
The Calderdale Suicide Prevention Group have received funds from West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership to aid local suicide and self-harm activity. The fund will enable voluntary and community organisations to bid for small grants up to £8,000.
Weston Charity Awards
The Weston Charity Awards have been created through a partnership between the Garfield Weston Foundation and Pilotlight to celebrate and support charities working in the fields of youth, welfare and community.
In case you missed it:
New Bursaries Available for BAME Fundraiser and Charity Leaders – Deadline: 11th December
The FSI has a small number of bursary places to support applicants who are from groups under-represented and whom, without the bursary, may otherwise miss out on opportunities to access their SQA-accredited qualification in Fundraising Practice (Equivalent to QCF Level 3).
Cash Boost for Calderdale Community Groups – Deadline: 21st December
Calderdale’s voluntary groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000, to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackle poverty and build strong neighbourhoods.
Funding for Community Based Food Initiatives
Not for profit groups and various other groups/settings can apply for grants of up to £150 to use good food to connect and bring together people of all ages and from different backgrounds.
Funding for Meals for Those in Need Prior to Christmas
Charities, community interest companies, unincorporated clubs or associations, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to provide meals costing £4 or less for individuals, families, and children’s healthy holiday clubs.
Vacancies
Befriender/Mentor Coordinator – Closing date: 14th December
A passionate and enthusiastic Befriender/Mentor Coordinator is required, committed to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds within the Calderdale and Kirklees areas, to increase integration by supporting the most socially excluded new migrants in their local areas.
Mental Health Facilitator – Closing date: 15th December
Temporary vacancy for a Mental Health Facilitator, to join WomenCentre’s multi-disciplinary team in providing support to women who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
About VSI Alliance:
All staff at the VSI Alliance are available remotely to support you and your organisation at this time with various aspects of your work, along with providing key information and resources. For support/advice, please contact info@vsialliance.org.uk, or visit www.vsialliance.org.uk for more contact details.