Community First in Hereford and Worcestershire May Newsletter
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Community Ownership: Empowering Rural Communities In England
Plunkett UK, a charity supporting community ownership across the UK, has released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the transformative effect of community-owned businesses in rural areas. In this article, the Rural Services Network focuses on the impact of these businesses in rural communities in England.
Read more>>>>
Green infrastructure strategy set out by council
A new strategy around the future planning and managing of “green infrastructure” in Worcestershire has been revealed.
The county council said it wanted to set out a vision that maintains and improves access to parks, nature reserves, rivers and canal corridors.
Read more>>>>
If you have health and wellbeing content for our newsletter, please email it to Fran, francesw@comfirst.org.uk; 01684 312730
Mental Health Awareness Week (13th-19th May)
Time for a Cuppa 2024
Dementia Action Week 202413-19 May 2024
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REACH Worcestershire | Finding a voice in research for seldom heard groups
REACH (Research Engagement and Community Health) is a Worcestershire VCSE Alliance initiative that aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and address health inequalities through research-informed support for communities.
A key part of this project focusses on increasing participation in community health research by diverse and seldom heard groups.
We have been speaking with people from a range Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise organisations across Worcestershire to learn how health and care research is currently perceived. We’ve been listening to suggestions of which communities would most benefit from better involvement in research.
To read more about our initial findings and to get involved visit: REACH Worcestershire – widening community engagement in research – let’s keep the conversations going!
Free holidays to families in need during school holidays
- Mon – Friday holidays available
- Families need to be referred by anyone who works with them (teacher, doctor, health visitor, social worker etc)
- All food and drink provided
- Children need to be 9 years old and under
- Some shared facilities but each family has their own room
- Play areas (inside and outside)
- Referral form is available on our website
For more information contact Dodford Farm via their website
National Stop Loan Shark Week 13th to 19th May 2024.
The campaign is about there being ‘No Blame, No Shame’ for anyone who has borrowed from a loan shark. From our research, we have found that many borrowers do not try to find help until 2 years after they first take out a loan from an illegal money lender.
Read more>>>>
Downloadable resources
Click here for a list of resources produced by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust available to download for free.
If you require these documents in a different format please email WHCNHS.communications@nhs.net
Safe Haven (Herefordshire)
Herefordshire Mind is delighted to have recently expanded its Safe Haven service so that it is now open 7 nights a week from 5-10pm, at Heffernan House, 130-132 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9HN. The service offers a safe space to anyone in Herefordshire over 18 who is experiencing emotional distress.
They work with people experiencing a wide range of issues and can be contacted by telephone and email as well as providing face to face support and a social space. If you are struggling emotionally, please get in touch. Tel: 01432 372407, or email: safehaven@herefordshire-mind.org.uk
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Join Community First’s Village Hall Network!
If you would like to join our network to get discounts and free advice notes and model documents
and occasional extra briefings contact Richard Timney on richardt@comfirst.org.uk
You can also bask in the glory of being in a club of halls – able to share information and experiences – to allow your village hall to prosper and to do so efficiently and practically.
Callow End Village Hall New Trustees/Volunteers needed
Email info@callowendvillagehall.co.uk or call 0195 831019 for more information |
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Park Yoga Kidderminster
Park Yoga provides free weekly outdoor yoga sessions from May to September, to get people moving and connecting with nature. The sessions are gentle and at a level that everyone can access and adapt easily. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background or ability.
Every Sunday 9.30 am-10.30 am Brinton Park, Kidderminster
Read more>>>>>
Bromsgrove Forum of Older People
Drop-in Information and Q&A event
In response to concerns raised about the impact of the digitalisation of the UK’s Phone network upon older and vulnerable people in particular, in partnership with the Bromsgrove Forum of Older People, Age UK BRWF is hosting a drop-in Information and Q&A event:
- Wednesday 15th May 2024
- 12-2pm
At Age UK BRWF’s Bromsgrove High Street Charity Shop (113 High Street, B61 8EZ)
New YourSpace Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs for Children and Young People aged 11-25
YourSpace Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs for Children and Young People aged 11-25 available in community locations across Worcestershire.
YourSpace recognises the need for early support to help children and young people cope better with their mental health and wellbeing and prevent escalation to more serious mental health difficulties.
YourSpace provides a single point of early access, without the need for an appointment or referral* to both one to one and group support for children and young people.
Read more>>>>>>
Be part of the first Worcestershire VCSE Alliance Forum meeting on 22nd May!
- Are you part of a Voluntary organisation, Community group or Social Enterprise in Worcestershire?
- Are you working towards helping residents in Worcestershire to be happier and healthier?
- Would you welcome the opportunity to share anecdotal information about the people you work with and talk about how together we can improve services?
Join us and learn how together we can make this happen!
10 am to 12 noon 22nd May at Lyppard Hub, Worcester, WR4 0DZ
Click here to register and for more information
Registration is essential and closes on Monday 20th May at 12 noon. Each person attending should complete this form. To allow for widest participation we ask that each organisation is represented by a maximum of 2 people.
Elmley Small Grants for Arts Scheme
This scheme is for community groups in Herefordshire and Worcestershire planning arts events or art equipment purchases. There are two funds – Events and Activities and Arts Equipment. Both offer up to all the projected cost, to a maximum of £1,000. (There are separate Guidelines for each fund.)
The scheme is administered on behalf of the Elmley Foundation by Community First, Guidelines and application forms are available to download online.
If you have any questions about your eligibility or whether your ideas fit the scheme, please email your questions to our Grants Administrator at Community First using email grants@comfirst.org.uk
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE, WITH ANY ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION TO grants@comfirst.org.uk
The next round of application dates:
- 12th July 2024 for decision by 26th July 2024
11th October 2024 for decision by 25th October 2024
The Stay Connected Community Grant
Tackling loneliness, social isolation and health inequalities has been a priority in Worcestershire for several years.
To support this priority, the Tackling Loneliness Partnership Group was created to understand local needs and shape initiatives which aim to increase connections through a variety of opportunities. The group brings together representatives from the County and District Councils, the NHS and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to explore ways to tackle loneliness and isolation throughout Worcestershire across all ages.
Read more>>>>>
Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of young people across Worcestershire?
We are seeking 2-3 new trustees, with relevant expertise, enthusiasm and time to help guide our work.
The Basement Project is a local charity which employs 10 staff members and has a team of committed volunteers. The Basement Project is a safe, secure environment and offers support and advice with a wide range of issues to young people under the age of 25. Our work focuses on helping young people create a foundation for independence.
- Where: Our main office is in Bromsgrove but we work across Worcestershire.
- Time Commitment: We hold 6 meetings per year, usually on a Monday at 5PM. We welcome assistance as appropriate outside of these meetings.
- Salary: None, but expenses available.
- Term of appointment: Initial appointment of three years.
- Deadline: Applications need to be received by Friday 17th May.
If you would like to know more, please look at our Trustee Recruitment Pack on our website
Youth and Communities Worker Vacancy
Worcester
Job Title: Youth and Communities Worker
Responsible to: Youth and Communities Co-ordinator
Responsible for: Supervising Assistant Youth Workers, volunteers and young people during youth work sessions
Hours of work:
- 1 x 6 hour contract
- 1x 20 hour contract
- both roles will include evening and weekend work.
Click here for more information
FREE PUBLICITY– Community First are keen to help you publicise your Herefordshire and Worcestershire voluntary, community and social enterprise sector jobs and volunteering opportunities in this space. Send them to: Fran francesw@comfirst.org.uk
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