The members meeting and successive funds launch held on Monday at Hesleden Community Centre were very well attended. For those who were unable to make it, more information about the two new funds along with application materials are available below. If your group would like funding advice call Colin at the Trust on 0191 5693511 to arrange an appointment or chat.
Community Learning Fund
The Community Learning Fund has been established in order to encourage new and innovative ways of engaging Communities in learning activities. Specifically it is hoped that these activities will engage people who would not normally be attracted to traditional mainstream educational courses.
This fund will hopefully fill that gap.
The programme has been developed so that it is easily accessible thereby:
- there is no necessity to include formal accreditation
- there is an expectation of an element of ‘fun’
- activities may well take place away from traditional educational establishments
Applications are encouraged from organisations who are working in partnership with others and it is envisaged that activities will address the following issues raised by East Durham AAP Forum:
1.) To contribute to the delivery of learning opportunities and services to the local community of the East Durham AAP area.
2.) Support parents to engage in the learning process with their children by providing family learning activities.
3.) Provide non accredited learning opportunities for adults with progression.
4.) Provide first steps towards gaining support to access employment opportunities.
For further information contact Colin Jackson at the Trust or download the application and guidance here.

EVENTS
Jubilee Woods Tree Planting Event
Wheatley Hill, County Durham
Saturday 24th March 2012 from 11am-1pm
Arriva bus number 22 passes through Wheatley Hill from Durham/Hartlepool. Parking will be available along Black Lane and planting will take place a short walk around the rear of the Greyhound track. For sat. nav. directions the nearest postcode is DH6 3JN.
All tree planting events are suitable for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and wants to make history by creating a living legacy for future generations to enjoy. The events are all FREE and trees will be provided but donations are welcome. If you have a spade, please bring it along with your wellington boots or stout footwear and wear warm, waterproof clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day. Children are especially welcome but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please use public transport, car share or walk whenever possible
For further information contact Dominic Sweeting on 07720 808 754 or email: dominicsweeting@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Institute of Fundraising North East Group Meeting
28th March 2012
The Institute of Fundraising is the professional membership body for UK fundraising. Their mission is to support fundraisers, through leadership, representation, standards-setting and education, and we champion and promote fundraising as a career choice.
Members and non-members will be welcome at this regional event to network over canapés and a glass of wine and participate in the following discussions: Institute’s Chief Executive, Peter Lewis, will be speaking about “Trends in Fundraising - how the Institute will help fundraisers to manage these successfully”
Michele Marriott, will discuss:
“Fundraising and profile-raising opportunities for charities participating in the Challenges
and the benefits of a four-day Challenge in Europe over UK or long haul destinations”.
Email catrina.flynn@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk by 21st March to indicate intention to attend
Inspiration and Connections: Funding Your Future
Tuesday 27th March at the MPH Centre, Gateshead NE10 OHW
9.30 and 2 pm with lunch.
The event will bring together over 40 leaders from third sector and social enterprise organisations from across Tyne and Wear and beyond to:
• hear directly from third sector organisations who have successfully won and delivered public sector contracts
• take part in ongoing innovative networking opportunities which will allow you to meet potential new business partners, establish links and share your experiences with likeminded people around income generation
• explore innovative consortium development and matchmaking opportunities including Gateshead’s Commissioning Exchange
• access guidance on sustaining your organisation through the wide range of public sector contracting opportunities
• hear expert advice on TUPE - demystify and explore the positive aspects of the legislation and how it can work for you.
To confirm your attendance please complete and return the attached booking form by no later than 5pm Friday 23rd March to s.davidson@cvl.org.uk.
Final confirmation and joining instructions will be provided by return.
If you have any queries please email me or call 07790 567201.
We look forward to seeing you on the 27th March
Sensory Support Awareness Day
Wednesday 28th March 9am-4pm
County Hall, Durham
Exhibitors that will be present at the awareness day include The Bionic Ear Show, an interactive and educational show promoting the importance of looking after your hearing and safe listening. The show, which will hold three sessions at throughout the day, will demonstrate how sound travels through the ear to the brain, what happens in different parts of the hearing system and how individuals can protect their hearing.
Read More
Criminal Justice System Event
30th March 2012 Bowburn Community Centre 9.30 – 14.00
One Voice Network will be holding a Criminal Justice System (CJS) Event at Bowburn Community Centre. The event will look at:
The Criminal Justice System in County Durham;
How VCS organisations, both large and small can engage with the CJS;
What opportunities are available for VCS organisations to the support the delivery of CJS priorities;
The experience of organisations already supporting the delivery of CJS priorities;
How VCS organisations can build relationships with key CJS commissioners and who those
commissioners are.
*Carina Carey, Director of Offender Services, Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust has been confirmed to give an overview of the CJS in County Durham
There has not been much discussion in County Durham about how the wider VCS can engage with this agenda and the opportunities it may present. Therefore your attendance and input into this event, which we hope will be the start of ongoing discussions, will be much appreciated.
To book please email a.cairns@2d.org.uk or telephone Ann Cairns on 01388 762220 (please advise any dietary/accessibility requirements) Please ensure you book your place by 19th March 2012 – limited places
TRAINING
FREE Legal Training
One Voice Network are offering two free training sessions on legal issues affecting voluntary organisations who undertake, or are interested in undertaking contracts. They are being delivered by Muckle LLP and cover the following:
TUPE and the implications for the VCS: 21st March 2012 - 9am-12pm - Emirates International Cricket Ground, Chester le Street.
Contract Law: 28th March – 9am-12pm – Emirates International Cricket Ground, Chester le Street
Further detail on the course content please contact Peter Locke on 01207 529621 or email peter@onevoice.co.uk.
Community Needs Assessment Training
Healthworks
Thursday 22 March 2012 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Friday 23 March 2012 10:00am – 4:30pm
Friday 30 March 2012 2:00pm – 5:30pm
Community needs assessment training is a systematic method for reviewing the health issues facing a population, leading to agreed priorities and resource allocation that will improve health and reduce health inequalities.
The aim of the training is to help participants plan and implement community needs assessments in the community with which they work.
If you would like to register your interest please contact Healthworks reception 0191 527 4150.
Spring Procurement Training
One Voice Network are running a series of FREE training sessions looking at various aspects of commissioning and procurement.
The sessions available are as follows:
14th March, 2D Offices, Crook. – An Introduction to Commissioning and Procurement
21st March, Durham County Cricket Club, Chester le Street – TUPE and the Legal Implications for VCS Organisations
28th March, Durham County Cricket Club, Chester le Street – Contract Law and the Implications for VCS Organisations
25th April, Bullion Hall, Chester le Street – Tendering in a Consortium, Session 1
2nd May, Bullion Hall, Chester le Street – Tendering in a Consortium, Session 2
Further details about the sessions and the course content are available on the booking form.
To book please return completed booking forms to Sue Graham:
Email: sue@onevoice.co.uk
Post: Sue Graham, One Voice Network, FREEPOST DU389, Lanchester, DH7 0BR (No stamp required)
Or alternatively call: 01207 529 621
VOLUNTEERING
Seaham - East Durham Citizens Advice Bureau Needs YOU
Volunteers needed for new Citizens Advice service in Seaham.
We have various roles for volunteers including, reception, initial assessment volunteers, generalist advisers and trustee board members (as all citizens advice bureau are individual charities we also need volunteers to help run the bureau).
We are looking for people who are impartial, non-judgemental and can ensure confidentiality at all times. Full training will be given.
If you have time to commit to CAB training and commit to us for at least a year, have good basic skills and you are a people person please contact Nicola Connolly on: 0191 5872695 or Email: nicola.connolly@eastdurhamcab.org.uk
CONSULTATION
Consultation on Draft County Durham Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015
Durham County Council are pleased to announce that the Draft Cycling Strategy is now available for consultation. This document is the third cycling strategy for County Durham. The strategy and action plan aims to bring together key partners who can make changes for a better cycling County.
DCC’s vision is Cycling is a visible, normal, everyday activity. Cycling is part of Durham’s culture and is a safe, affordable and enjoyable mode of transport as well as a fun, family-friendly, cheap and accessible and competitive leisure activity.
DCC aim to work with you to fulfill the objectives of the plan and are keen to hear your views on this draft by Wed 2nd May 2012. Please send your comments to prow@durham.gov.uk before May 2nd and title your email “Draft Cycling Strategy” all comments before we produce the final plan.
Further details available from Victoria Lloyd, Sustainable Travel Officer on 0191 383 3114 or email victoria.lloyd@durham.gov.uk
Dignity in Care for Older People
Recent reports have highlighted cases of undignified care for older people. The NHS Confederation has set up an independent commission for improving dignity in care for older people in hospitals and care homes. A draft report and recommendations has recently been published and the commission is seeking people’s views by 27 March.
To find out more visit the NHS confederation website.
Thank you for taking time to read the East Durham Trust e-newsletter. If your community group or voluntary organisation have any good news to share or events to promote email lindsey.wood@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk