The Sheila McKechnie Foundation are looking for people who have made change happen most effectively, creatively, and courageously. What they should all have in common is the determination to secure a specific change that will make things better – whether for a group of people, a local neighbourhood or for every single one of us. Nominate someone today here.

Historically, the World Health Organisation has called for an end to violence against women and girls through 16 days of activism that runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day.

As a Community Organiser, I have met both women and men in this borough who have experienced violence and abuse that for some has lasted for many years. The impact of living with and in this experience has had a measurable impact on the mental health of those who have survived. This article will focus on the experience of women in recognition of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence of women and girls.

For one local resident, she described living with the effects of her experience as impacting on the wellbeing of the children – now young adults – she was trying to raise. She shared that she feels tremendous shame and guilt for what she described as “not protecting my daughters enough” , the poor relationship with the people she was closest to and initially was unsure of who to seek support from.

Some women now describe themselves as survivors – including the female resident above.

Hammersmith and Fulham are fortunate to have a number of organisations – charities and charitable, public and statutory, forums and networks seeking to support residents in need of help, raise awareness and work both collaboratively and in partnership with agencies and organisations to address this.

Events occurring in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Tuesday 12th December – H&F Council – 16 Days of Activism to end Violence Against Women and Girls event.

For tickets, visit Eventbrite: Making an IMPACT on Domestic Abuse Survivors’ Criminal Justice Outcomes Tickets, Tue 12 Dec 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

Useful web links:

Some local voluntary and community organisations operating in Hammersmith and Fulham supporting women and girls experiencing domestic abuse and violence:

 

‘In Kind Direct, which distributes donated products to its network of over 6000 charitable organisations across the UK, is urging charitable organisations, community groups, foodbanks and warm spaces to register to join so they can access essential items to share with their communities…’ Read more here.

Good wellbeing should be accessible for everyone. One way to get there is through rewarding and sustainable work; a job that’s right for you. Finding the right job with the right support can provide structure, social networks and a sense of achievement, as well as improved mental health, confidence and self-esteem.


What is West London Works?
West London Works is a voluntary service, which aims to support people with mental health and physical health conditions to find and sustain paid employment. To be eligible for the programme, you must be:
• Over 18 years old
• Living or registered with a GP within Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon or Hounslow
• Motivated to find and retain meaningful employment

Our team will work with you to help you find the right job fit and joining this service will not impact on your benefits. You can also opt out of the service at any time, if you don’t feel it’s right for you.

Find out more

Go! London Foundation grants will help organisations ​continue delivering impactful work in physical activity and sport, ​reach more young people, and become more resilient and sustainable​.

Grants of up to £40k are available for up to 24 months are available to community groups delivering sport and physical activity to young people in London. We will fund project-specific costs, core costs or both​. ​

Foundation funding aims to

  • Improve organisational sustainability
  • Enhance services for children and young people​
  • Increase numbers of children and young people supported by sustaining provision

Organisations interested in applying for funding, and meet the eligibility criteria, will need to complete a short online eligibility/fit to fund quiz form. Eligible organisations will then be able to access an online application form.

  • The deadline for eligibility forms is 2pm, Friday 10th November 2023
  • The deadline for applications is 2pm, Tuesday 21st

More information, including eligibility requirements, can be found on golondon.org.uk/foundation/

LMP Education are looking to deliver an initiative that will help young adults between the ages of 16 to 24 who have learning difficulties/neurodiversity’s or mental health needs. This will help clients who also have anxiety, depression or who may be dyslexic. We are looking for 100 young participants who can assist LMP Education.

LMP Education are trying to identify if learners in this age group are being marginalised, and if so, provide the correct pre-employment programme to support and guide. Our qualified work coaches will create an individualised programme for each learner and assist in placing them in a positive destination. Each learner will be eligible to a £250 bursary (paid in Love2Shop Vouchers) that is paid in increments throughout their journey with LMP Education. To be eligible, learners must be aged between 16-24, live in the Greater London Authority area, not be in education, employment, or training, have access to either a laptop or a computer, and have the correct “Right to Work” documents.

If you would like to refer any of your clients to this positive action initiative, please email  anais.arsene@lmpeducation.org with your client’s name, email address and contact number. Anais will keep you in the loop with how contact is progressing.

Groundwork London is helping dedicated community groups and organisations to apply for funding to safeguard and revive our Wild Isles! 

Aviva, in partnership with WWF and the RSPB, is dedicating £1 million to empower community groups and organisations across the UK in the vital mission of protecting and restoring nature right in your local area. The Save our Wild Isles Community Fund is being delivered with Crowdfunder. It will give £2 for every £1 raised to help a project reach its fundraising target quicker. This matching scheme extends to each individual donation, multiplying the impact of contributions up to £250. With a substantial total match of £15,000 per community project, the possibilities are endless.

Join our Live lunch time Q&A session at 12.30 on Monday 23rd October on Zoom, either through Facebook or LinkedIn , or register for the webinar by reaching out to Groundwork here.

Topic: Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund London

Time: Oct 23, 2023 12:30 PM London

Register your interest via Facebook or LinkedIn

If you cannot attend this session, please feel free to contact Vanessa to ask for more information or support.

Applications close on the 1st November, so you’ll need to apply soon, but the process is straight-forward and Groundwork staff are on hand to provide support and advice. 

Three key areas that the fund will cover are:

  1. Nature Restoration: Dive into activities that enhance local biodiversity. Whether it’s protecting or restoring habitats, creating nature havens, connecting green spaces, or addressing activities that directly impact biodiversity, your project will be a force for nature’s revival.
  2. Nature Connectedness and Pro-Environmental Behaviours: Take action to foster a greater connection to nature within your community. Promote pro-environmental behaviours that will benefit nature and leave a lasting, positive impact.
  3. Community Cohesion and Connection: Your project will do more than conserve nature; it’ll bring your community together in beautiful ways. By connecting people of diverse backgrounds, generations, and abilities to both nature and each other, you’ll build a stronger, more united community.

Please join us on Wednesday 13th December at Holy Trinity Church for our Christmas Carol Concert, raising money for older people in the borough. Adam Hills MBE, star of The Last Leg, and other special guests will be leading the festivities and we hope you can be there too. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are available to purchase at https://giving.give-star.com/event/age-uk-hammersmith-and-fulham/carol-concert-2023

The GLA are asking charities with services in London to support them in order to create an online map resource for migrant, refugee and newly arrived communities

With the aim to help them navigate the charities in London in which they can access relevant support to meet their needs.  

By filling out this short survey you will be asked to share information about your charity project, including the activities you do. Your input will greatly contribute to this valuable resource.  

For those who’ve previously submitted their information you will be able to access your previous submission to update or add any information.

To access the survey and for further information, please click here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting migrantmapofservices@groundwork.org.uk.

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Communications & Engagement Officer (Healthwatch)

Apply here: https://www.advocacyproject.org.uk/communications-engagement-officer/

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (see details)
Location: Flexible working (1 to 2 days pw in Brent)
Closing date: 12 noon, 28 September 2023

Salary: £27,251 per annum

This role is to promote Healthwatch to local residents and stakeholders, and encourage people to get involved with our work. You’ll be a skilled communicator, comfortable networking and engaging with a diverse range of local residents. We’re looking for someone who can understand and relate to the diverse population in Brent, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.