NWCN Ebulletin 23 June 2021

 
Quick Links – click to go straight to each article

1 Mental Health Support Fund Launch
2 The Ultach Fund / An Ciste Ultach
3 European Social Fund - Call 3 - application forms and guidance
4 Henry Smith Charity - Holiday Grants
5 Public trust and confidence in charities research launch
6 Free School Meals and Uniform Grants Parent checklist for online applications
7 Important information on deadline for EU settlement scheme
8 New BIHR Project: Co-design a human rights “solution” with BIHR
9 Relaunch of the Feminist Recovery Plan
10 Invite to Lunchtime Elder Abuse Awareness Session
11 Diversity & Inclusion Training
12 NEW Managing & Motivating Volunteers On Demand Course
13 Gambling harm prevention training
14 Single Identity Training & Conflict Management and Mediation Skills Workshop
15 Online Training Courses with Autism NI 

1 Mental Health Support Fund Launch

Monday 5 July 2021, 09:15 – 10:00

CFNI are delighted to be joined by Health Minister Robin Swann as he announces the launch of our new £10 million mental health fund.

This fund will be rolled out over the next three years with the first round of funding opening for applications on 5th July. (Large Grants on 5th July (100k - 500k ) followed by medium (30k - 100k) and small (5k - 30K) grants opening in September.

We will hear more on the fund criteria, how this was created and the current challenges facing mental health in NI.

Register 
here

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2 The Ultach Fund / An Ciste Ultach

The Ultach Fund exists to support the work of communities across Northern Ireland who wish to use and promote the Irish language, through the work of registered charities, voluntary and community groups.

The Community Foundation have recently acquired the management and administration of the Ultach Fund and are delighted to continue to fund grass roots community and voluntary groups to promote the Irish language.

The fund is open to registered charities and constituted grass roots community and voluntary groups based in Northern Ireland.  Priority is given to applications from small groups, typically with an annual income of less than £250,000, as evidenced in the most recent set of accounts.

Deadline: 1:00pm on Wednesday 7th July 2021.


Apply here

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 European Social Fund - Call 3 - application forms and guidance

Please find link below for the guidance notes and individual application forms for Call 3 of the NI ESF Programme 2014 -2020. 

The guidance notes are designed to inform and support you through the application process. Applicants must familiarise themselves with these guidance notes and the ESF Operational Programme before completing their application form.

There is a separate application form for each Thematic Objective. Please select the application form/forms for the Thematic Objective(s) under which you intend to make an application.

Application forms and guidance

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4 Henry Smith Charity - Holiday Grants

The Holiday Grants programme provides grants for recreational trips for groups of children aged 13 and under in the UK who are disabled or disadvantaged. This year, given the extraordinary impact of Covid-19, we have made some temporary changes to our guidelines to provide more flexibility on the types of trip we can support.

Given ongoing uncertainties and potential restrictions, we have also decided to fund day trips rather than residential holidays. Our aim is to help maximise the likelihood of trips going ahead so children, many of whom have been under lockdown for much of the last year, can get out and have some fun!

Key grant details:
  • Grant size: £500 – £2,500
  • Length: One-off short grants
  • Decision timescale: 6 weeks
  • Deadlines: Submission dates vary depending when trips or holidays take place

Qualifying criteria:
Please only apply for this grant if you meet the following criteria:
  • Location of work: UK only, with priority to the 20% most deprived areas
  • Funding covers: Recreational day trips
  • Organisation type: Schools, small charities and not-for-profit organisations

Full details and application process available here

5 Public trust and confidence in charities research launch

Did you know that one of the biggest factors influencing the public's trust and confidence in charities is that the organisation does what it says it will?

According to new research from the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, 87% of respondents marked 'doing what they say they will do' as a major factor that influences their trust in an organisation. 

The research, conducted by an independent agency on behalf of the Commission earlier this year, gathered the views of 1,500 adults on issues including:

  • their perception of charities
  • levels of trust and confidence in charities
  • what influences that trust and confidence
  • how they have supported charities during the pandemic
  • the importance of charity regulation
The research results will be revealed in full at the Commission's live, online launch at 10.30am on Friday morning, 25 June 2021.

To book your place at the launch, which will include a Q&A session on the research with Chief Charity Commissioner, Nicole Lappin,and Charity Commissioner, Hugh McKeag, send your name and email address to 
events@charitycommissionni.org.uk
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6 Free School Meals and Uniform Grants Parent checklist for online applications

Am I eligible?

To be eligible you must be in receipt of one of the following:
  • Income Support;
  • Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance;
  • Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable household income of £16,190 or less;
  • Universal Credit with net household earnings not exceeding £14,000 per year; .
Or, you are an Asylum Seeker supported by the Home Office Asylum Support Assessment Team (ASAT)

What documentation do I need?
You only need to upload documentation if you are in receipt of Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit. If you are in receipt of Income Support; Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit you will not need to upload any documentation.

What else do I need?
You will need your National Insurance number; your childrens’ names, dates of birth and schools they will be attending; your address, e-mail and telephone number; your bank or building society account and sort code details.

Where do I submit my application?
You can make your application online by visiting 
our website here - after you submit your application it will take up to four weeks to process. You will be contacted if we need any further information. If you are having any difficulties accessing the website or if you need any help and advice you can contact our dedicated helpdesk on (028) 90 418044 or email mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk

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 7 Important information on deadline for EU settlement scheme

The deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme is fast approaching it closes to new applications on 30 June 2021. 
 
All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their non EU family members who were resident in the UK at 31 December 2021 must apply to the Scheme to protect their existing rights to things such as working in the UK; access to public funds such as benefits and pensions, if eligible; and use of public healthcare.      
 
Some important reminders are:
Applicants can obtain advice from NIDirect at: 
Staying in Northern Ireland if you’re an EU citizen | nidirect
And the Home Office at: Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 
Free help to complete applications including language support is available from both

If an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and their family members have lived in the UK for many years or have a permanent residence document or EEA Biometric Residence Card (BRC), they still need to apply to the EUSS (or apply for British Citizenship) by 30 June 2021 to continue to live and work in the UK.

  • Even if an applicant is having trouble with evidence or obtaining documents, it is better to get the application in before the 30th June and to work with the Home Office on any issue.
  • An application must be made for every eligible child within a family. Parents should apply on behalf of their children, even if they have already applied and been granted a status themselves.
  • Eligible close family members living overseas can apply to join an EU, EEA or Swiss family member who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. They can apply to come to the UK at any point. More information on joining family members can be found on GOV.UK.
  • Non-EU Family members of ‘relevant persons of Northern Ireland’ can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. A ‘relevant person of Northern Ireland’ is a person born in Northern Ireland who can be British, Irish or both.  See Advisor guidance on changes to the EU Settlement Scheme – CAJ
  • EU nationals and their family members cannot be required to show EUSS status before the 30th June. After the 30th June they will need to be able to show status in the UK. More information is available here; Your immigration status: an introduction for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (publishing.service.gov.uk)Those who have successfully applied to the EUSS can access their pre-settled or settled status online, update their personal details, and get a ‘share code’ to provide their status to others at www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.
  • Those who have applied to the EUSS before the 30th June but who don’t receive their decision before the deadline will have their rights in the UK protected until they receive a decision. The Home Office will accept some late applications after the 30th June but late applicants may lose their rights in the UK until they apply. If you can always apply before the 30th June.

Other useful publications:
Search results - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu)

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8 New BIHR Project: Co-design a human rights “solution” with BIHR

We are writing to let you know about our new project: Co-design a human rights “solution” with BIHR. During this project, we want support community groups and voluntary groups to find human rights “solutions” to problems or issues they face.

We want to ask you… if you had a blank page, what human rights support would you want from us at BIHR? What would it look like? Think outside the box, it does not need to be a training session or a resource (it could be of course!), creativity welcome!

If you are interested in working with us to co-design a human right “solution” to the issues your group, organisation or members face then head over to our website: https://www.bihr.org.uk/co-design-a-human-rights-support-solution-with-bihr to watch a video about this project and register for our first Zoom workshop on 1 July at 10.30am.

If you have any questions please email: 
eturnbull@bihr.org.uk

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9  Relaunch of the Feminist Recovery Plan

The Women’s Policy Group are relaunching our COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan on Wednesday 28th July 2021 from 10am-12pm. We would like to invite you all to attend this relaunch event. Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/351o1yy

One year on from the WPG NI COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan 2020 was initially launched in July 2020, gender-neutral policy making prevails and there has been little recognition of the gendered impact of the pandemic on women in Northern Ireland.

We are now re-launching the WPG Feminist Recovery Plan with updated evidence, recommendations and primary research. Our aim is to highlight the harm of gender-neutral policy making in Northern Ireland and hear directly from women on how they have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

For any questions about this event please contact: 
rachel.powell@wrda.net 

10 Invite to Lunchtime Elder Abuse Awareness Session

Age Friend Belfast and Hourglass invite you to a virtual lunchtime session as part of World Elder Awareness Month
 
Elder Abuse Awareness Session: Monday 28th June 2021, 12pm to 1pm
 
The session will be opened by
Councillor Kate Nicholl, Lord Mayor of Belfast and
Lauren Cunningham Hourglass Development Manager NI
will share how Hourglass support prevention of abuse of older people, and those who are the victim of abuse and how we can look out for signs.
Alderman Sonia Copeland, Chair of All Party Reference Group on Older People will close the session
 
We hope you can join us and if possible, wear something 
purple to show support!
 
If you could let us know you are attending by calling 07713684705 or email 
seniorsinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

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11 Diversity & Inclusion Training

 

This course, from Community Links Training, is being offered through our 'Work Well, Live Well' programme is designed for businesses to develop an awareness of the needs of ethnic minority workers.

The training aims to support a diverse and inclusive workplace and will outline how to access wellbeing support.

Wednesday, 14 July from 09.30-12.30

Participants will be:

  • Introduced to key legislation in relation to diversity in the workplace, as well as relevant theory & evidence
  • Asked to consider the impact of assumptions upon the people we work alongside
  • Asked to consider different approaches to questioning and challenging colleagues, clients and others who may be demonstrating intolerance, prejudice or discrimination
  • Offered an understanding of ethnic minority & migrant community wellbeing support services and how to access them
  • Time to reflect on how to put learning into action
This half-day training is free for workplaces. It is offered through the PHA's Work Well, Live Well programme. 

Register here

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12 NEW Managing & Motivating Volunteers On Demand Course
 
To celebrate the end of Volunteers’ Week in 2021 and in time for ‘Thank You Day’, Volunteer Now Enterprises Ltd has some exciting news as we continue to embrace the NEW ENVIRONMENT of Volunteers. We bring you another new online method of building your volunteer management skills.
 
We are delighted to announce the release of our new online training course, 
Managing and Motivating Volunteers.  This is a new addition to our online Volunteer Management Training offer, following the launch of Attracting and Selecting Volunteers in January.  We have also brought all our On Demand Courses together on one page so you can see all we have to offer here.
 
During the last difficult year, we have been tirelessly working to improve our product offering and service, and we believe that this course will help you enjoy your experience with online training even more.
 
So what is it all about? This unique training will support you and your organisation to follow innovative, creative, and good practice ideas when planning how best to manage and offer that continued motivation to your volunteers.  It will help your organisation to meet your mission, vision, aims and objectives for your volunteer involvement, programme, and projects.
 
With visuals, innovative features, and practical exercises to enable in-depth learning, this course will offer personal development in a flexible way, whenever and on whatever device.
 
The course offers a comprehensive overview of good practice, and is tremendous value for money at £45+VAT per person, with a certificate on completion. It is not time-consuming – an average 4 hours of learning. It is user-friendly and is suitable for those organisations, volunteer managers, co-ordinators or anyone who manages and involves volunteers on a regular basis.
 
Organisations continue to look for flexibility and affordability when it comes to Volunteer Management training, and we are positive that we continue to produce just that.
 
Our thanks go to the Department for Communities for financially supporting our organisation in the development of this forward thinking, innovative and user-friendly training course.
 
Enjoy you learning! In our own small way Volunteer Now and Volunteer Now Enterprises Ltd want to play our part in connecting, building, and changing volunteering now and into the future.
 
Register for your place 
here.

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13 Gambling harm prevention training

YWA (Youth Work Alliance) is working with YGAM (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust) Homepage - YGAM and GamCare to bring an education and support programme to Northern Ireland, with the mission of safeguarding future generations from gambling and gaming related harms. 
 
Gambling-related harms have been presented as a hidden issue in Northern Ireland for many years, which makes it even more vital for us to ensure children and vulnerable people are informed, educated and safeguarded against the potential harms associated with gambling and increasingly, gaming too.
 
YWA has 2 Education Officers myself (Helen) and Kevin McGuckin who facilitate the evidence-led, evaluated, and accredited education programmes that extend beyond the individuals that we reach directly by equipping people with the skills and confidence to talk to others about gambling harms and identify harmful behaviour in those close to them.

Feedback from Youth Workers who have completed the training and how it will impact on their practice:
"it's really helped not only our young people but also helps us to help each other, it will help us be more conscious while organising activities and behaviours to be aware of"
"have better information to talk to young people about the dangers of gaming and gambling, will help with the delivery of workshops to young people to help raise awareness"
"more aware of signs and confident to deliver interventions and awareness around these topics"
 
The training is delivered free and currently online, offered in 2 options:
1 Full session taking up to 3 hours
2 Delivered in 2 parts - Introduction taking 2 hours and Follow-up taking 1 hour
Upon completion of the training, you will be given log in details to YGAMS resource section.
 
For further information see attached 
flyer. 
 
To express interest in receiving training please complete the form link   
https://forms.office.com/r/qpKSH5cZqS
 
If you have any further questions, please get in touch: 
helen@youthworkalliance.com

 
14 Single Identity Training & Conflict Management and Mediation Skills Workshop

Facilitating Skills Good Relations – Single identity Programme
OCN Accredited Course Level 1 – 1 Credit
 
Venue       DiverseCity Community Partnership, Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT486PW
Date         26 July 2021
Time          9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost           Free as funding has been secured


Further information & Registration Form

Accredited Conflict Management and Mediation Skills Workshop
Northern Ireland Open College Network (Level 1 – 1 Credit)
 
Venue:     DiverseCity Community Partnership, 10 -14 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PW
Date:       27 July 2021
Time         9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost:        Free as funding has been secured


Further information & Registration Form

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15 Online Training Courses with Autism NI

We have spaces still available on our online training courses for parents, carers, family members and professionals. These courses will be delivered on Zoom. Our training is interactive, and will also include a question and answer session. 

Online courses available include:
  • *New* Schools Out and Autism - Tuesday 29th June 5.30pm-8.30pm (Parents, carers and family members only)
  • *New* Building and Supporting Personal Hygiene Skills - Thursday 29th July 5.30pm-8.30pm (Parents, carers and family members only)
  • Introduction to Autism and Anxiety - Wednesday 23rd June 6pm-9pm 
Visit our website to book online or for more information about our online training sessions, please email christine@autismni.org
16 SYNERGY: A 9 week T:BUC Summer Programme for 12-14 year olds

Hoodies, day trips, free lunch, teambuilding and adventures!
 
Churches Trust are running an exciting 9 week programme over the summer for 12-14 year olds where they will have the opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills and have fun.
 
Our Synergy project is funded by The Education Authority and The Executive Office.  The overarching aim of T: BUC is ‘to continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building good relations.’
 
The Synergy Camp offers post-primary school young people aged 12 – 14 the opportunity to participate in a fun mix of day trips, group work and adventure activities. Some of the activities we are doing include a day out to The Ulster Museum in Belfast, a storytelling workshop, circus skills workshop, scavenger hunts and much much more!
 
Synergy will provide a safe space for participants to explore ideas of place, nature, and heritage – all while challenging stereotypes and perceptions of ‘otherness.’
 
Synergy Project Schedule
Date Time Venue
Pre-Camp
Wednesday 7th July 10am to 2pm 12 – 14 The Diamond
Wednesday 14th July 10am – 2pm St Columbs Park
Wednesday 21st July 10am to 2pm 12 – 14 The Diamond
Residential (Camp)
Wednesday 28th July 10am to 5pm Belfast- Ulster Museum
 
Thursday 29th July 10am to 5pm
 
The Playtrail
Friday 30th July 10m to 5pm
 
12 – 14 The Diamond
Post-Camp
Wednesday 4th August 10am – 2pm 12 – 14 The Diamond
Wednesday 11th August 10am – 2pm TBC
Wednesday 18th August 6pm – 8pm 12 – 14 The Diamond
 
If you have any queries or require further information please contact Wendy at Churches Trust: Tel: 02871 311322 Mob: 07586333847
or email 
wendymccloskey@thechurchestrust.org.uk.
 
To register for the camp follow this link: 
https://tinyurl.com/synergycamp21
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17 FWIN's Your Voice, Your Stories Publication

FWIN are currently compiling stories of women’s experiences during Covid-19 and are working on producing a publication to record them. We are looking for short stories, poems, artwork or photos which capture your life during these very unusual times.

We’d also love to hear about any projects you undertook or something positive you achieved, what books you read, films you watched, box sets you binged on, board games you played or anything else that helped you cope.

Please send any pieces to Email
info@fwin.org.uk or by Post: Foyle Women’s Information Network, Holywell, 8-14 Bishop Street, Derry-Londonderry, BT48 6PW.

Closing date for submissions 27th August 2021. Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.

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18 Notice of NWCN Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend the North West Community Network AGM on Tuesday 6th July at 10:00am.   

Following the AGM we will also be presenting our new strategic plan and launching our new membership packs for all our members.
 
Venue – To be confirmed
 
If you wish to attend please let us know 
info@nwcn.org

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19 Would you be interested in joining La Dolce Vita Project Board of Directors?

La Dolce Vita Project is a gender neutral local community based organisation. Our aim is to bring awareness, educate, empower, promote and encourage communities in  understanding the affects of domestic abuse,and parental alienation.  Not just on the individuals but also on the family, friends and communities.  

We are inviting individuals to express an interest in joining our Board of Directors. These positions are voluntary.

We would ask those who have a passion or background knowledge, education in the area of domestic abuse and or parental alienation to consider expressing an interest.

This is not a mandatory requirement and we would also welcome those with a background in Community Development, Law, Funding, Fundraising, Social Work, Human Rights, Work related to Children and Young people,  public sector business skills, who can demonstrate core responsibilities within these roles.

All members must be over 18 years of age, will be subject to an Access NI or a Gardai Vetting check and will be required to attend 6, x 1 1/2 - 2 hour meetings per year. 1 Annual General Meeting.

If you are interest forward an email to include in your expression of interest ;

1.  Name, Address,

2. Contact Number

3. Email address.

4. Any conflict of Interests regarding membership of any other organisations or a member of other Boards. 

5. A short personal statement to include education, and what you feel you could bring to La Dolce Vita Project.

Emailinfo.ldvp@gmail.com

Additional information on La Dolce Vita Project can be found across our social media platforms:

Facebook: La Dolce Vita Project
Twitter: @projec_vita 
Website
www.la-dolce-vita-project.com 

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20 Job Opportunity: Marketing & Communications Coordinator Magee Projects 

The postholder will help to design and deliver marketing and communications activities for key partnerships and civic initiatives. They will collaborate with partners to help create movements around important civic agendas which contribute to the lives of the people of the city and region such as skills development, career pathways, life-long learning and youth leadership. (Fixed-term for one year.)

Deadline is 27 June 2021

Further details & Application available 
here

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21 Public Appointment Notice: NICIE, GTCNI, CnaG

The Department of Education has placed an advertisement, copy attached, seeking to appoint DE Representative Members to the Boards of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE); the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG).

DE is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds regardless of religious belief, gender, disability, ethnic origin, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether or not you have dependents.  However, it is recognised that women, people under 30 years of age, members of ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are under-represented on the boards of public bodies and to encourage applications from people in these categories the Department is issuing this notice to groups and organisations which are connected or involved with under-represented categories.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4pm on Monday 19 July 2021 and an Application Pack can be obtained by emailing: egt1@education-ni.gov.uk or by calling (028) 9127 7684 or 9127 9461.

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22 Pedal Power Challenge with Autism NI!

Join the Pedal Power challenge this July!
Get on your bike this summer and take part in our virtual family 5k cycle challenge or 100 individual cycle challenge. You can complete the challenge in stages... it's entirely up to you!

Get some pedal power and help raise vital funds for our autism services in Northern Ireland.

Sign up today to receive a free fundraising pack, email 
events@autismni.org or call 028 9040 1729 option 3.

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23 Fun, educational activities to keep you entertained this summer!

To help keep everyone entertained this summer, the Consumer Council has designed a range of free games, quizzes and activities for all to get involved with.
 
You’ll be learning about scams and consumer rights alongside our mascot, Peanut the Squirrel. Activities include snakes and ladders, snap, charades, pairs and colouring sheets. Who said learning couldn’t be fun? They’ve been designed to have a learning element too, so you may learn something new yourself!
 
In addition, you may even win a prize! The Consumer Council is asking you to tag it in photos of you playing these activities on 
Twitter or on Facebook to be in with a chance to win a £25 Love2Shop voucher.
 
The activities are available to download from 
www.consumercouncil.org.uk/activities/summer.
 
The fun doesn’t stop there, the Consumer Council also has a range of other educational activities focusing on consumer rights, avoiding scams and budgeting on its dedicated activities web page: 
www.consumercouncil.org.uk/activities.

 

 

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