Head of Finance and Resources Merton Voluntary Service Council’s mission is to support, enable and champion the voluntary, community and faith sectors in Merton. Delivering capacity building, training, financial management and assistance with good governance, we help the third sector recruit volunteers, win hearts and minds, and above all make things happen to transform the lives of the borough’s 211,000 people. We are currently seeking a Head of Finance and Resources to join our team. The purpose of the role is: Provision of strategic advice to the CEO on all matters of Finance, IT, Performance Management policy and strategy Preparation of the Annual Budget with the CEO and the Treasurer Preparation of quarterly management accounts, forecasts and cashflows Preparation of Final Accounts and Financial Statements and liaison with the External Auditor, ensuring compliance with all statutory reporting requirements Review and development of financial, investment and risk management policies Ensuring the efficient provision of MVSC’s computer-based accounting systems and security of prime documents Working with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to manage timely reporting against contract and grant funding requirements Management of MVSC’s Human Resources function, liaising with our contracted external adviser Management of MVSC process and systems and how they support general office functions and robust management of grants and contracts Development of a practical and effective MVSC performance measurement regime With the Head of Development and Volunteering, advising Borough voluntary organisations on best financial practice and procedure. Link
The peer mentor training is for women who identify as Black, Asian or an ethnic minority of any kind and Gay and Bisexual men living with HIV. There can be barriers which make it harder to connect. This is an opportunity to use your own experience to inspire, motivate and provide emotional and practical support for others. This training might be for you if you: o Want to learn more about sexual health o You already have an interest in sexual health and want learn more to support your community o You are living with HIV o You have experience if navigating sexual health clinics and services o You have experience of reproductive health such as periods, menopause, contraception etc The benefits of the programme include: Receive training Receive a personal development plan to support you to achieve your goals Develop communication and workshop giving skills Gain valuable experience working alongside sexual health professionals Connect with community The training will be delivered by Ella Frost and Jose Tovar who are peer mentor coordinators and will cover: ¨ An introduction to SASH ¨ Sexual well-being ¨ Communication skills ¨ Who peer mentors are and what they do ¨ Safe-guarding Please reply to this email to book, limited spaces available! Email us if you have any questions and we can organise a phone call, we are happy and open to questions. We are excited to meet you! Kind regards, Ella Frost (She/her/they/them) Peer Mentor Lead for Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women. SASH | Support & Advice on Sexual Health 31 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6PT Tel: 0207 851 2955 Mob: 07971387487 Email: ella.frost@sashlondon.org Website: www.sashlondon.org Think you know about sexual health? Why not take part in our study? SASH Sexual Health Study
Yesterday (23/06/20) Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs. From Saturday 4th July, the Prime Minister has announced that: 1) Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines – updated guidance for all workplace settings can be found here: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist 2) Two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures – updated guidance on social distancing can be found here: https://bit.ly/SDUpdated 3) People can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites – guidance on opening up the visitor economy can also be found here: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist 4) In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres – guidance on opening up the visitor economy can also be found here: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations which reduce the risk of transmission. You can find the full press release here: https://bit.ly/PMPressNotice The Prime Minister has shared the following tweet to outline which businesses can reopen from 4th July. We would appreciate you retweeting on your own channels where possible: https://bit.ly/4thJulyTweet
We’re hosting a 4 week online workshop in the month of July based on the TV drama MTV Shuga: Love, Sex & Money. The drama is based in Nigeria, mirroring West African culture and mannerisms, so you will need to be familiar with the culture in order to be able to participate fully. Week 1: How we think about our own risk of getting HIV directly relates to the level of caution we take around sex. In this session we will discuss and try to understand our sense of our own risk. Week 2: In this session we explore honesty in relationships, sharing about sexual histories and learning about a sexual network. Week 3 – In this session we will explore the bigger decisions behind all the smaller everyday decisions we take on things, including love, sex, relationships, money and how we are in the world. Week 4 – In this session we explore HIV stigma and the impact it can have on us and our relationships. If you are interested, register you attendance here – https://bit.ly/2C95tkK
This week is #LonelinessAwarenessWeek. In times like these, lots of people could do with a friendly check-in. So if you’re waiting in a queue or for a tea to brew, why not give someone you know a call or text, and make their day. For support, go to Let’s Talk Loneliness website – Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Office Communications
We know this is an extremely difficult time for local businesses with the coronavirus crisis bringing huge changes to H&F. We’re here to help and we’re doing everything we possibly can to support you. That’s why we’ve launched our new Shop Local, Shop Safe campaign in partnership with local business leaders to give our town centres, high streets, retailers, small businesses, arts organisations and markets a boost as the lockdown is eased, and businesses begin to reopen across Hammersmith, Fulham and Shepherds Bush. Public safety will remain our number one priority as we help businesses reopen safely, keeping both your employees and customers safe. Working together, we can help our local economy bounce back stronger than ever. We’ve launched a highly-visible Shop Local Shop Safe poster and sticker campaign, introduced temporary widened shopping areas in King Street, Hammersmith, and Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, with more on the way across the borough, and temporary cycle lanes to make it easier for residents and businesses to social distance when commuting to and from the shops and work. Link
Have your say on health and social care services in Hammersmith and Fulham Healthwatch Hammersmith and Fulham is the independent consumer champion for health and social care, and we are an existing provider in the borough since April 2020. Healthwatch was created by the health and social care reforms of 2012 with a powerful ambition of putting people at the centre of health and social care. We will play a role at both local and national level to make sure that your experience of health and social care are taken into account by the service provider. Tell us about your experiences of health and social care services in our area and help us improve services for the people of Hammersmith and Fulham. Please visit our website : https://healthwatchhf.co.uk/services
A free forum with expert speakers The Jen Group are pleased to host this free online forum. The event will run from 10-4 on 2nd July 2020. There will be 5-6 speakers, each followed by a Q & A and discussion. Confirmed speakers: Dr Onkar Sahota (Chair of the London Assembly’s Health Committee and a practicing GP) talking about ‘Covid-19’s impact on BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities’ Marco Pecher (Life coach, consultant for operational and change management and Hestia service manager) talking about managing staff wellbeing during the Covid-19 crisis Zahra Hussain (Sufra NW London) Zahra Hussain is the Service Manager at Sufra NW London, a food bank based in Stonebridge Park, Brent. Zahra will be joining us to share how Sufra NW London has adapted during these challenging times, the cases that we have witnessed and the mental effect upon the people that we support. Jamie Compton-Rea (National Centre for Suicide Prevention Training) Jamie Compton-Rea has 10 years’ experience in working in addictions services as a Regional Prevention Services Manager. His passion is in prevention and brief intervention around substance misuse and suicide. Jamie will discuss how the pandemic has had an impact on our wellbeing, specifically those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and more importantly how do we help and support those who are struggling. Mike Roe ( Chief Executive Officer of Brighton Youth Centre) is a hugely experienced youth work manager with an entertaining presentation style. He will be talking about the impact of Covid-19 on young people and youth work. Flyer Website
Save the date for the next SASH Social, on June 17th (Wednesday) from 2pm-3pm, which will be a check in followed by an open discussion on an article by the incredible writer Aisha Mirza. The article is very accessible and easy to understand whilst raising some interesting points – it’s time for the book worms to come out We understand that this time can lead to heightened feelings of stress or loneliness which is why we have provided a easy way to offer some much needed connection. There is no pressure to be anything, just come as you are, and you don’t have to turn on your camera if you don’t feel comfortable to. Have a read of the article beforehand if you have capacity: https://gal-dem.com/queeries-im-enjoying-lockdown-am-i-a-psychopath/ If you are unfamiliar with Zoom the links below might be helpful: How to Join Zoom Video Conference Using Your Phone https://www.youtube.com/watch?edufilter=NULL&v=lO206_NezaY Joining a Zoom Video Conference On Your Computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?edufilter=NULL&v=kh50kVaIdAY About SASH Socials The socials are a space where service users, staff members, London enthusiasts, art fans and anyone else who wishes to join come together to experience something new in London. We work hard to make the space opening and inclusive to all. The subject matter of some of the socials means that as a group we will be exploring topics that will challenge perceptions on history, race, gender, sexuality, religion and culture. When exploring these topics that concern a group of peoples ethnicity, religion, spirituality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or lived experience outside of your own, we must be mindful of how we interact and speak, acknowledging the people around us. It is incredibly important not to make any assumptions about anyone’s experience particularly in relation to their sexuality, HIV status, religion etc. This could be by actively listening, being sensitive and leading with empathy and openness. So that we can all have a meaningful experience on these trips and discuss the content without making anyone else feel excluded. This event is free and open to all genders connected with Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster However everyone must be over 18. Website
We are delighted to announce that our Elders Project programme is now online! Have a look at our weekly zoom sessions below: TUESDAYS at 2PM Masbro Elders Tea Club Zoom sessions A friendly space to meet and chat with different topics to explore each week. New Special Guest speakers will be invited along plus exercise sessions, quizzes and more. Please contact Tina via email to receive the latest programme and your personal invitation to join the zoom session: tina@upg.org.uk or telephone: 07738789 427 WEDNESDAYS at 2PM Will’s Theatre Workshops Will Hudson is a drama practitioner specialising in community theatre, inviting you to share scripts, poetry and music and your own unique stories! Will is going to be bringing along some of his creative friends to join in the sessions – so watch this space! Please contact Tina via email to receive your personal invitation to join the zoom session: tina@upg.org.uk or telephone: 07738789 427 THURSDAYS AT 12 AM PILATES WITH ALDA JAMES STRETCH EXERCISE CLASS Pilates is a gentle exercise method which will help you to strengthen your core muscles, encourage flexibility and improve balance and coordination. Please contact Tina via email to receive your personal invitation to join the zoom session: tina@upg.org.uk or telephone: 0773 8789 427 PLEASE CONTACT TINA ON 0773 8789 427 IF YOU NEED HELP DOWNLOADING ZOOM. Website