Bikeworks exists to enable everyone to get the enjoyment and benefits of cycling. A not-for profit company that makes an impact on society through cycling. Cycling is good for health and wellbeing, saving money and most of all offers enjoyment and fun. You can join various cycling projects across Hammersmith and Fulham that will help you fix your own cycle and learn basic and intermediate cycle mechanics skills. You can also improve your riding with cycle training giving you the skills and confidence to cycle wherever you wish. Or simply enjoy cycling in a local park on some of Bikeworks wonderful cycles at our Cycling Club. Cycling Club on Little Wormwood Scrubs – this takes place every Friday and on alternate Saturdays between 1100-1300. Anyone can join. You get the chance to ride on one of our wonderful cycles. Beginners and intermediate cycle maintenance training & Recycle the way you travel These courses run regularly on Maxilla walk. These are free if you live, work, or study in Hammersmith and Fulham or Kensington and Chelsea. You will learn to fix your cycles and get some cycle training Cycle Skills training for people in Hammersmith and Fulham See https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/ for information Call to Action Bikeworks will be launching Ride Side By Side in the Spring, a cycling project for people over 60, with a mobility issue or visual impairment (See https://www.spacehive.com/ride-side-by-side) . If you’d like us to run a taster session for your community group or organisation in H&F please get in touch. Email david.dansky@bikeworks.org.uk Call 020 8980 7998
After years of dedication from the current Chair, we are now seeking a new Chair to lead the organisation. At the same time we are presenting a great opportunity for up to two new trustees to join the Board. Trustees are appointed on a three year basis. Currently we are a diverse board of 8 which includes local residents and trustees from across the voluntary, statutory and private sectors. The positions We are currently recruiting three new trustees. We are seeking a new chair to lead Sobus and two trustees with knowledge in the either Contract Law or Property management. All Trustees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to equalities and diversity, and be active contributors to the running of the organisation. How to Apply To find out more or to receive the Chair or Trustee job description, please contact Sue Spiller, CEO of Sobus on 020 7952 1230 or email her at sue.spiller@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk To apply send your CV and a covering letter, including the details of two referees to Sue Spiller.
We’ve had a couple of queries from groups asking for some clarification on social prescribing and Primary Care Networks – what they are, what they do and how they will work. We’ve pulled together some information on this, which you can find using the links below. Social prescribing Primary Care Networks
Once again, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is supporting local isolated older people by holding their largest ever Big Christmas Day Lunch for up to 250 local residents who would otherwise be on their own. Guests will enjoy a festive meal & live entertainment in good company at Novotel Hammersmith. Residents, the Mayor, councillors & council staff will all be volunteering their time and pulling together to give the guests a memorable day. The Big Christmas Day Lunch helps to combat loneliness during the festive season; it brings the community together to share a delightful day; and the opportunity to meet new people. It also makes guests aware of services that might help them throughout the year, such as befriending, home care, meals on wheels and lunch clubs. And it helps our social services team to identify and offer support to vulnerable residents they may not already be aware of. Funding for the event is being raised through SpaceHive – please forward this information on to your contacts who might be interested in supporting this brilliant local event. https://www.spacehive.com/hf-big-christmas-day-lunch2019
For me, as for many others, Christmas seems to have crept up on me again this year! One minute it was the start of the school term, and what feels like 5 minutes later, its time to haul the Christmas tree out again and spend a considerable amount of time untangling miles of Christmas lights! For many of us – updating our audited or examined accounts to Companies House adds a bit of festive pressure – with 31st December deadline not far away – if you haven’t done yours yet, you need to make sure you put it in your diary to complete on time. Don’t forget, the deadline for the Charities Commission is at the end of January. Many local organsiations close during Christmas – taking a well deserved break for a week or so, however, there are of course lots organisations who stay open. Hammermith & Fulham Council are also again providing a wonderful Christmas Day event for up to 250 local older people who would otherwise be on their own – see the article in the newsletter about how you could help. Homelessness and rough sleeper organisations, FoodBank, faith groups, advice services and many othersall continue to open their doors and support our residents with an often literal lifeline of support and assistance. Thank you for your continued hard work and efforts – I am, as always, inspired by the commitment, hard work and dedication of your staff and volunteers. Wishing everyone a peaceful and restful Christmas and New Year. Sue
In October 2019, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Cabinet agreed a report, “Developing Our Relationship With the Voluntary & Community Sector”. The report set out an emerging new relationship between LBHF and the local voluntary sector. Find the full report here. Sobus convened a CEO forum on 15th October, and were delighted that over 40 local groups and organisations came along to talk to Ruth Redfern, the senior council staff member who authored the report. It was reassuring to hear from Ruth that the council plans to maintain the current grants budget for the voluntary sector – but without a doubt, will need to rethink how this is allocated in order to gain maximum benefit for local residents – whilst continuing to support the sector as a whole. You can find a write up of the meeting here. It will be important to keep the momentum going on this – as in order to inform and influence how our relationship with Hammersmith & Fulham council develops. We will set up a follow up meeting for mid-February – please look out for the invitation in your inbox.
Friday 13th December, 8.30am to 10am at Freston Road Hub, 196 Freston Road, W10 6TT: Are you ready for end of year taxes? Hear from local business finance expert Ily Maisanda Find out more about what’s happening at Imperial College’s local development Sample some delicious seasonal nibbles from “Roti Mums” Meet and network with other local businesses, enjoy free tea and coffee and a festive mince pie! For further information, contact Natasha or Charlene: Tel 020 7952 2160 or email reception.frh@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk
If you’re a #smallbutvital charity in or around London, don’t miss the FSI’s popular small charity training this 4th and 5th February. Explore 14 different courses covering topics such as trusts & foundations, project management, fundraising strategy, charity leadership, earned income and many more! These sessions are heavily subsidised and fill up fast, so book your spaces now: https://bit.ly/2OqX8N7 Full course list: Boards That Work for Charity Leaders Demonstrating Your Impact Developing Community Fundraising Developing Corporate Relationships Developing Your Earned Income – Enterprise Your Mission Developing Your Fundraising Strategy (alternative 15thJanuary session available) Fundraising for Charity Leaders Fundraising from Trusts & Foundations Legacy Fundraising Major Donor Fundraising Project Management Risk Management for Charity Leaders Stewardship – Retaining & Maintaining Donors Strategy Development for Charity Leaders
A new community group is using knitting and crocheting sessions to help combat loneliness – while giving the clothing they make to homeless people to stay warm! ‘The Purls Club’ was formed this summer and meets each week at The Invention Rooms Cafe on the Imperial College campus in White City. If you’d like to meet new people, get creative and help homeless people too, come along to a session. For more information call 07862 294 794 or click here.