How can we limit the spread of COVID-19? Click here
Like me, I’m sure many of you are busy with your budget for 20-21, and dealing with the day to day pressures of balancing service delivery with good governance, fundraising and supporting and developing our teams of staff and volunteers – there are never quite enough days in the week to get it all done!
In the meantime, COVID-19 is making major headlines, as experts try to predict the course that this might take. The best evidence suggests that much higher numbers of the population will likely be affected, but the majority of people (over 80%) only experience mild symptoms (similar to having the Flu). Those with underlying health conditions and frail/elderly people are most at risk, so it would be prudent to make sure we’re following the advice available, and protecting both ourselves and the people we support as far as we possibly can.
Do give some thought to how your business can adapt to a short term change – whether staff could work from home, whether phone or conference calls could replace meetings etc. In the meantime, keep an eye out for regular updates from the NHS and other central government departments for further advice.
As the saying goes – keep calm and carry on!
Ahead of his upcoming training course – Charity Survival and Sustainability on 7th April – Graeme provides three articles (so far) in a series, featuring practical tips and tools for organisational sustainability.
The capacity of an organisation
Shapeshifter Productions, is a performing arts charity based in London. We are in our tenth year of delivering participatory singing workshops called The Smiling Sessions to residential sheltered housing schemes and care homes for the elderly in deprived areas of London. The sessions are delivered by three professional musicians who have many years experience in this field.
We are currently looking for volunteers who would like to gain experience working in adult social care, dementia, occupational therapy or community music, engaging with the elderly during the sessions to help them engage in singing and register weekly attendance. This will also include monitoring and evaluating the impact of music and song on well-being and dementia throughout the project.
Our project encourages people to become more active, and to try new activities in a safe environment. We have found that, through time, the sessions improve people’s; sense of well-being overall, stimulating them into having a happier social life, share experiences and feel more supported.
We ask for a commitment of 2hrs a week for 6 fortnightly sessions if possible. We are currently delivering in the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Rotherhithe, Hammersmith & Fulham and Waltham Forest. We can reimburse travel expenses.
You can also learn more about our work on the website, www.shapeshifter-productions.com
and on this youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA85WFZqxcI&t
Zara Hussain, Social Media and Volunteer Coordinator: T: 0207 018 2927
Good Thinking is a FREE, NHS-approved website which has been used by over 400,000 people to help relieve anxiety, stress and depression. This resource can be used anywhere at anytime to access a list of online tools, free apps and urgent support information. Please visit the website if you would like some support:
Link to Good Thinking:
Masbro Tunes & Tea Elders singing group starting next Thursday February 27th 2020.
Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR
WAND UK is pleased to offer FREE dancing programme at Fatima Community Centre from 26 February 2020.
Please see below for more information.
The ultimate guide for charities and organisations working on the front line, supporting those living in poverty or with complex, multiple needs.
“With its straightforward navigation, this guide helps you to quickly and easily identify appropriate grant-giving charities, including smaller local organisations.” Tina Willis, Casework Teamleader, UNISON Thereforyou
Click on the links below for top tips from DSC.
Creating the organisational culture you want
Delegation: things as a manager you should not be doing
Valuing evaluation: ten top tips
Our crowdfunding campaign to support free training in the local community is live and ends on 4th March.
Please see the campaign page and rewards at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-square-boxing-club
We’re offering lots of great rewards at heavily discounted prices. e.g. a taster class for £10.
For info, our first free community training sessions with the Community Actions project start this week for children and will run for 6 weeks every Thursday (details on above campaign link).
sobus
20 Dawes Road, London, SW6 7EN
Telephone 020 7952 1230
Email info@sobus.org.uk
Registered Charity No.1071089
and Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No.03471416
Sobus is a new Community Development Agency for Hammersmith & Fulham. It has been created through the merger of the Community and Voluntary Sector Association Hammersmith & Fulham (CaVSA) and the Fulham Community Partnership Trust (FCPT). Building on the strengths of both organisations, sobus aims to provide a wider range of support services for local charities, community groups, social enterprises and start up businesses.