Training on a Budget – Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

Charity Jobs have recently published a useful article on how small groups might consider creative and affordable ways to ensure training and development is provided for their staff and volunteers.

We’re currently facing a huge cost of living crisis and, according to some sources, also on the brink of another devastating recession, so it’s hardly surprising that VCS organisations are feeling the pinch!

According to the Status of UK fundraising Report, 32% of non-profit organisations saw a decrease in their income in the last twelve months. And when times are tough, the training budget is usually one of the first things to be cut. So how do you manage training your staff on a budget?

Providing learning and development programmes can cost money that small organisations simply don’t have available – after all, funding training for staff means there’s less money for supporting clients.  However, as well as training on new systems, initiatives, policies or services, the loss of one member of staff (or volunteer) can result in a huge loss of skills, knowledge and abilities that we then have to urgently try and provide training to someone to take on that role. Read on

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Overview of Hate Crime & Incidents in H&F – Sharon Tomlin, Sobus Community Organiser

Over time, residents of Hammersmith and Fulham have kindly shared their experiences of being a victim of a variety of either hate crime or hate incident.

What is hate crime or incident?

According to the definition provided by the Metropolitan Police is as follows. “A hate crime is defined as ‘Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.’

A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender.

Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, but it is equally important that these are reported and recorded by the police”

During the listenings, residents have shared the devastating impact of hate crime and incidents from which it is evident the profound and long lasting effects on the community. For some who have shared that they have reported incidences and or crimes had different response from some services, others did not consider it serious enough to be reported.

In terms of reporting and seeking support, residents shared the following:

  • Most residents shared that they reported to the police in the first instance.
  • For all residents were not aware of other agencies to liaise with.
  • Residents reported that they sought support independently from families and friends
  • One resident declined to seek support through fear and intimidation

The advice from the police is always report a hate crime and or hate incidence to the police

Presently, Hammersmith and Fulham Council are keen to meet with organisations, groups – small informal and formal, community leaders to share information on the council`s offer, who to liaise with and involvement of other organisations.

If you are interested in meeting with Hammersmith and Fulham Council`s Community Safety Unit, please contact Jessica Twomey by emailing Jessica.Twomey@lbhf.gov.uk

Some Useful links:

 

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Cost of Living Support Hub

During the cost of living crisis, many more individuals will reach out to charities for vital support. We understand the pressure on services and staff alike, so we’ve put some of our key resources in one place. From funding guides and staff training, to insightful commentary, articles and links, these are resources designed to help you to help others, especially those seeking welfare support. Click here to see.

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Charities Soon Unable to File Annual Returns Through Existing System

‘The regulator’s My Charity Commission Account service is going live on 31 July, it has announced. This means charities will no longer be able to file annual returns through the regulator’s existing digital system from next week…’ Read more here

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The Best Wellbeing Resources for Charities

Kirsty Marrins from Charity Digital shares some free resources for charity professionals to help support their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues. Take a look here.

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Practical Guidance to Help Charities Tackle Common Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions surrounding what charities do and how they are run. This new guide by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) seeks to educate charities on how to tackle common misconceptions. Take a look here.

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The 3rd Step in Building your Fundraising Strategy

In the final blog of the mini-series, Richard Sved shares his tactics for delivering a robust fundraising strategy. Take a look here.

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DANCEWEST FEST 2023

Click on the video below to hear from the participants who took part in the community dance platforms at the Rose Theatre Kingston as part of DanceWest Fest 2023.

Did you know that 600 performers aged 6-86 took part? 

DanceWest Fest is supported by Arts Council England and Kingston Council.

 

 

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Youth Volunteering Programme (Term Time) now recruiting 16-21 year olds

 

Imperial Health Charity works with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in central and north-west London.

Following the enormous popularity of our Summer Youth Volunteering Programme, recruitment has opened for our term time programme which starts in September. We seek young people who live within a few miles of our hospitals to lend a hand on wards, offering friendly companionship to patients at the bedside, delivering meals at lunchtime and carrying out other useful tasks that help staff provide the best possible care. Please note we do not offer work experience.

Our Youth Volunteering Programme gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain invaluable experience in a unique setting. We welcome local young people who are aged 16-21, whether young people who are interested in a future career in healthcare, or those who simply wish to support their local hospital. We give training and support to every young person we take on.

Applications close on 23 July. However, we will close applications earlier if we receive a very high number, so please encourage young people to apply well before the closing date.

 Applicants must be aged 16 by 25 August. We carry out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on all potential volunteers, to determine their suitability to volunteer in our hospitals.

Full details about the programme, key dates and how to apply can be found here.  Thank you for sharing this opportunity with your young people.

 

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Fantastic Volunteers & How to Find Them – 5 Volunteer Recruitment Tips

 

How can we reach out and find fantastic volunteers throughout the year, even in a post-pandemic world? Read more from Rob Jackson here.

 

 

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