Earlier this year, the H&F Health and Wellbeing Board and the POPS Forum heard from Opening Doors London (ODL) (www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk), an organisation which provides information and support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) aged over 50. ODL provide an outreach and befriending programme that ensures that support is available to a generation of older LGBT+ who had previously experienced abuse and rejection, during a time when had not been possible to be open about sexuality or gender within a hostile climate. Click here to continue…
GDPR was at the top of organisations‘ ‘to do’ list when the legislation came into force in May 2018, but unfortunately it has slipped down the ladder of priorities somewhat since then. Sobus would urge organisations to make sure you keep on top of this and make sure you are regularly reviewing and updating your policy and practice. If you’re still in a GDPR muddle – don’t panic! GDPR requirements seem rather daunting, but in reality, particularly for small organisations, it shouldn’t be as overwhelming as it appears. Remember – you didn’t have to have everything in place by 25th May, but you should have in place a clear plan on how your organisation will work towards being GDPR compliant. Click here to continue…
As many of you will already know, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are now established in Hammersmith & Fulham. So, what are PCNs? PCNs are described by as one of the building blocks of the NHS Long Term Plan. They bring GP practices together so that they can deliver some of their functions “at scale”. Most PCNs are arranged on a geographical basis, and in Hammersmith & Fulham 5 PCNs have been established. Part of the remit of PCNs is to deliver social prescribing through link workers. As the name suggests, Link Workers will “link” patients with local community based services which may be best placed to meet their needs. Each PCN will employ a link worker, plus additional link workers have been funded by Macmillan Cancer Care and employed by the H&F GP Federation. On the plus side – this should result in increased awareness and signposting to local community services. However, the obvious drawback is the capacity in local services to respond to what could be a significant increase in demand. Sobus will be asking groups to update the information that we hold about their services on our database, including some information on space or capacity in your services, so that we can help Link Workers ensure they have access to a really good source of information. If you would like to update your information now rather than waiting until we contact you, please contact info@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk. The attached link provides some further information on PCNs and social prescribing. Click here
Please note that due to the need for committee members to adhere to guidance regarding political impartiality in the pre-election period ahead of the general election on 12 December, a number of public meetings have been cancelled, including: LBHF Health & Wellbeing Board on 6th November Health, Inclusion and Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee on 11th November 2019 Further information on purdah is available through the following link: http://www.local.gov.uk/purdah-short-guide-publicity-during-pre-election-period
As the clocks go back and autumn sets in, the season of AGMs is almost upon us! Many local groups and organisations hold their Annual General Meetings between October-December, where they present their most recent financial accounts, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to what they hope to do in the future. It is often the time when Trustees are formally nominated, accountants are appointed and where some of the formal processes involved in running our organisations are undertaken. Importantly, AGMs also provide a fantastic opportunity to thank staff, trustees, volunteers and service users for their commitment, hard work and support. As we all know, volunteers and volunteering are the lifeblood of many local groups and organisations – some of whom are run entirely by unpaid volunteers, and others are dependent on a small volunteer army of committed and dedicated people, often local residents, without whom their services simply couldn’t operate. Volunteer roles span everything, from running organisations (as Trustees or Board Members) and providing back-office support, through to front line services in our offices and out in the community. How we recruit, support, retain and reward our volunteers is often a tricky business – for organisations of all sizes. The Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre (www.hfvc.org.uk) is there to help local organisations and match people who are looking for volunteering opportunities with local groups looking for help. NextDoor and Comoodle (see below) can also be a way to find volunteers and for individuals to volunteer to offer their skills. However, retaining the goodwill and continued support from volunteers needs to be considered, particularly if your services are dependent on them. The ways in which we can show volunteers our appreciation is of course endless – from a simple group or individual thank you message, a more public statement of thanks at your AGM and in your annual report, to a Christmas party or annual celebration, or even levering in some freebies from a corporate sponsor – we reap what we sow by showing our volunteers how much we appreciate and value their efforts. We would love to hear your ideas on how we could individually and jointly celebrate and acknowledge local volunteers. We would like to remind you that volunteer groups can also be nominated for a Queens Award for Volunteering. The deadline each year is in September for awards the following year and further information is available from: www.qavs.culture.gov.uk Finally – we’d love to help to promote your autumn events and meetings – please email info@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk to have them included in our events calendar and in our next newsletter.
Priya Warner shares tips for navigating the Code of Fundraising Practice online ahead of her session at Fundraising Now. Do you know that the Code of Fundraising Practice sets the standards that apply to fundraising carried out by all charitable institutions and third party fundraisers in the UK? The code has had its first major redraft in almost a decade to improve its style, presentation, clarity and accessibility. The revised code came into effect on 1 October 2019 alongside a new easier-to-use-and-navigate website version. Click here for some top tips to bear in mind when using the code online.
An invitation to Tender for Office Cleaning Services for Dawes Road Hub. For further information, please use the information and links below. Company: Sobus Contact: Carita Magnani Contact details: carita.magnani@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk / tel: 020 7952 1230 Tender deadline: 12 noon, Friday 15th November Contract start date: Sunday 19th January 2020 Tender for Cleaning Contract Health & Safety Questionaire Cleaning Schedule
As many of you will know, our two sites, Dawes Road Hub and Freston Road Hub offer fantastic workspace and meeting rooms, providing flexible, accessible and affordable space, ideal for start ups and growing businesses, with free wifi, unlimited tea and coffee (and the occasional cake!) and a friendly and welcoming reception service – all included in our rates. Both Dawes Road and Freston Road Hubs offer great space for all kinds of businesses and are both well served by public transport. Sobus hub members can use space at either or both of the sites, offering you the flexibility to work from different locations as and when you need to. Hot desks are available from £15 and permanent desks can be rented from £260 + VAT a month. We also offer a mailbox service for £14 + VAT per month. We’re really keen to make sure the hubs offer something special for residents, and so have lots of special offers and discounted rates for local people. At the Dawes Road Hub, special rates are available to local 3rd sector organisations and at Freston Road Hub, special offers are available to local residents from the area, including reduced desk hire and room booking rates. Business support will also be available through Freston Road for those looking for help and advice to develop and grow their businesses. For further information please contact Dawes Road Hub on 020 7952 1230 or Freston Road Hub on 020 7952 2610 or email: info@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk