0-25 VCS Forum Newsletter -13th December 2023
If you work with children, young people and families within Dorset, we have all the latest news and updates for you.
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0-25 VCS Forum - join us for these upcoming events, TRAINING and meetings:
Invitation to Upcoming Collaboration Event with Schools and 0-25 VCS Members' Meeting
** If you offer or can offer support to students/teachers during school AND after/outside school then this meeting is for you **
We are excited to announce a forthcoming collaboration event with Dorset Council and various schools in Dorset, which will include participation from Senior Leaders and Governors. This event is a significant opportunity for us to showcase the impactful work that members of our sector are accomplishing and to explore ways to enhance our connections with local schools.
FUNDING - With current and possible further funding via the LAG’s (Local Alliance Groups) we hope that future collaboration with schools will benefit 0-25 VCS Forum members.
PROMOTE YOUR ORGANISATION - We would like all members to be prepared and bring along and flyers, banners and marketing materials to share with those in attendance. We will be limited on space so please bear this in mind.
Event Details:
Date: Friday 12th January 2024
Time: 9-11am (Collaboration Event) 11.30 -1pm (0-25 VCS Forum follow on meeting)
Location: Dorford Centre, Dorchester
AGENDA
-Collaborative discussions with Dorset Council and school representatives
-Presentations on VCS initiatives and educational partnerships
-Networking sessions
Our goal for this event is to foster a better understanding and stronger relationships between our sector and schools, paving the way for future collaborations that will benefit our communities.
If your organisation would like to be considered to offer a short presentation during the event please get in touch with Lynne ASAP.
0-25 VCS Members' Meeting: Following the event, we will hold a dedicated 1.5-hour meeting for our 0-25 VCS Forum members. This meeting is a crucial platform for us to discuss: Current opportunities within our sector (including a follow on from the Pathfinder Event), Updates on various projects and initiatives, LAG’s, Networking and collaboration
Your participation is invaluable, and we look forward to your insights and contributions.
** Please RSVP to confirm your attendance ** For any queries or further information, feel free to contact us at lynnerockey@dorsetyouth.com
Thank you for your continuous support
https://dorsetyouth.com/0-25-v...
Our Dorset launches centralised resource to promote trusted Mental Health Apps to Young people in Dorset
For information and updates from the Dorset Council Children's Services Local Alliance Groups follow this link: 0-25 VCS Forum Meetings & Minutes (dorsetyouth.com)
Please click on the link below to check out all the latest adventures of The Chatterboxes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFo_2jhstE/DSwMv3AKMQRYTC1NDxCwhg/view?utm_content=DAFo_2jhstE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer
** COMING SOON - Community Wellbeing & Mental Health Fund - In early 2024 Dorset Community Foundation will be working in partnership with Community Action Network (CAN) and distributing funding from NHS Dorset. The Fund focuses on early intervention and prevention (rather than clinical interventions or treatment for people with severe mental illness). Grants will support non clinical services and activities for adults (age 18+) that improve wellbeing and reduce the need for NHS intervention, enable local people to participate in community activities that support wellbeing, support people to manage or recover from mental health conditions. Grants of up to £10,000 for up to 12 months. Grants of up to £40,000 per year for 2 years - for groups established more than 2 years - Home - Dorset Community Foundation
** Throughout December (and potentially into early 2024), The Volunteer Centre, want to help households who have been most impacted by cost-of-living pressures, and particularly utility bills. We will provide households in need with small energy saving items that will save some money on utility bills, and make people warmer, healthier and happier in their home.
To be eligible for help, a professional like yourself will need to make a referral using this online form, which should be completed while having a conversation with the client about their household situation and utilities. There is quite a long list of items which someone could choose from. Items need to be selected that you/they believe will make a difference in their household, and that will impact on their energy costs and home/personal warmth.
For example, if a family often cooks using an oven, then they could save money by using an air fryer. Or they might need additional blankets or electric blankets for beds so they don’t run the central heating overnight. If an elderly person is worried about having the heating on throughout the day; then a heated throw, drink flask and hot water bottle might help keep them warm and while keeping costs down.
For someone to be eligible, they need to be on a low income, or in receipt of benefits, and also have additional vulnerabilities (listed in the guidance and form). It is vital that we are helping people who could not make these changes themselves either due to physical or financial constraints.
I am hoping that we can work together to help your clients this winter.
Lynita Harris, Operations Manager, Dorset Volunteer Centre, Office: 01305 269214
Mobile: 07919 288675
** The latest round of Community and Culture Project grants is now open for applications.
The grant, which are managed by Dorset Council, welcomes applications for projects and events for community, arts, accredited museums, heritage, sport, youth, play and physical activity in the Dorset Council area. We cannot support organisations in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole area (BCP).
Groups who are planning innovative and creative projects to engage new people in high quality arts activities in 2024 are encouraged to apply for a grant. We also want to fund heritage projects that aim to include all members of the community especially those priority groups who don’t normally access cultural opportunities.
The Community & Culture Project grants can provide funding of between £1,000 and £5,000 towards activities/events that will have a social impact and support local communities and hard to reach groups.
Applicants must raise at least 20% of their project costs themselves. Application is via the councils online application form and closes midnight on Monday 8 January 2024. If successful, projects will need to start by April 2024 and be completed within 12 months of an award.
Cultural applicants (arts, heritage, museums) must meet one of the Councils key priorities and at least one cultural outcome listed in Dorset’s cultural strategy. Full details are contained on the webpage.
** The Triple T Charitable Trust - Small grants, generally for between £500 and £2,000, are available to UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas for general charitable purposes. Charities working in the areas of the relief of suffering, health, children and young people and animal welfare are regularly supported. Applications can be made in writing at any time.
** Lawrence Atwell's Charity (The Skinners' Company) - Revenue grants up to £10,000 per-year for up to 3 years are available for registered charities and Community Interest Companies in England and Wales that are helping disadvantaged young people move into employment or become employment ready. Grants are also available for individuals. Application deadline - Friday 16th February 2024 for the Charity's March 2024 meeting
** The Clothworkers' Foundation Open Grants Programme - Small, medium and large capital grants for UK registered charities and not-for-profits working in the areas of alcohol and substance misuse, disadvantaged minority communities, disadvantaged young people, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness, older people, people with disabilities, prisoners and ex-offenders and people with a visual impairment. Application deadline: none – applications may be made at any time, initially by completing an online Eligibility Quiz.
** The Sir Cliff Richard Charitable Trust - Grants, generally for £2,000 or less, are available to UK registered charities and voluntary groups working in the areas of supporting children and young people, the elderly, people with a disability, health, overseas aid, religion and animal welfare. No deadline - applications can be made in writing at any time
** The Kelly Family Charitable Trust - Capital, revenue and core grants up to £5,000 are available to help establish recently formed UK registered charities that are working to nurture and support family life. Application deadline - Friday 1st March 2024 **
** Funding for Youth Music Projects (England). Youth Music, which is a national charity that aims to give every young person the chance to make, learn and earn in music has announced that it has updated and re-opened its Trailblazer and Catalyst Funds.
** Funding for Outdoor Learning Experiences for Disadvantaged Young People (England). Charity and not-for-profit organisations in England that provide outdoor learning, can apply for a share of £1.5 million to deliver outdoor learning experiences to disadvantage young people aged 11-18, or up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
** Funding Available for Urban Nature Projects (UK). Grants of up to £2,000 will soon be available community, youth and voluntary groups from across the UK that want to bring local people together to transform an urban space by sowing and growing UK native wildflowers and/or plants
*** Full details of all of the above can be found here: Funding Homepage (dorsetyouth.com)
Youth Work Training days with Dorset Youth & Dorset Council- We are doing things a little differently in 2024 with the Youth Work Training Days - we are piloting three dates across the year rather than what we did this year which was two in the Spring and two in the Autumn. The dates in 2024 will be –
Saturday 2nd March- Lytchett Minster School
Saturday 29th June- location TBC
Saturday 16th November- location TBC
We are currently looking for venues for these dates, one will be in the West and one be in the North but which way round this will be will depend on when venues have availability.We are planning to release details of the training available at the Youth Work Training Day on 2nd March in January, please don’t hesitate to come back to us in the meantime if that would be at all helpful.
Connected Minds is an 8-week early intervention program tailored for 10–12-year-olds (Year 5 - 7) experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, emotional issues, and school attendance or engagement concerns.
We empower young individuals to manage their mental health by providing them with essential information and tools. Our goal is to help them explore reasons for school avoidance and develop a toolkit to address these challenges. Sessions are interactive, adapted to the needs of the group and cover topics like understanding emotions, effective communication, and coping strategies through engaging activities and discussions.
This program targets young people at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) due to mental health or emotional issues.
The next session block commences on Tuesday, January 30th (please refer to the attached 'Spring Term Schedule 2024 V2' document). A meet-and-greet session for school staff, parents, and young participants will be scheduled the week before; the date is yet to be confirmed.
To refer someone, please review the Referral Guidelines document and fill out the attached Referral Form. Completed forms should be sent to dmyh@dorsetmind.uk by January 18th. The program accommodates 12 participants.
The 0-25 Knowledge Hub is part of our 0-25 VCS Forum and highlights our wonderful voluntary and community sector. It is for anyone working with and for children, young people and their families in Dorset. Check out the site here and make sure your organisation and service is included 0-25 Knowledge Hub Homepage (dorsetyouth.com) if you are not listed, contact us to ensure details of your service is Dorset are available
We have been asked to share the following information from The Dorset HealthCare School Nursing team. ChatHealth - a confidential text messaging service for students aged 11-19. This allows students to contact a School Nurse Via ChatHealth if they would like advice or support with anything they may be worried about.
ChatHealth will be available during the Christmas School Holidays (other than over the weekends and the bank holidays) so they are welcome to contact us for advice.
· If someone is aged between 11 and 19 they can seek confidential advice from a member of the School Nursing team via ChatHealth - on 07480635511.
· The School Nursing team can provide advice and support around anything that may be worrying you such as Anxiety, Low mood, self-harm, bullying, family problems, relationships, alcohol, drugs, smoking and more.
· They do not need to share their name.
· ChatHealth runs Monday to Friday 08:30-4:30 (Excluding Weekends and Bank Holidays).
· Following the message they will receive an immediate bounce-back message to let them know that a message has been received and they will aim to respond to all messages within 24 working hours.
· You can find more information on ChatHealth on our School Nursing Web page www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/school-nursing/chathealth
The School Nursing team also currently have Facebook and Instagram pages.
Find us on Facebook – Dorset HealthCare School Nursing Team www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089483889236
Find us on Instagram – dorsethealthcare_schoolnursing www.instagram.com/dorsethealthcare_schoolnursing/
Excellent spacious office facilities for a Charity to rent above Dorchester Youth and Community Centre (DYCC) in Kings Road, Dorchester. One office 7.5M x 7.5M with kitchen facilities. Second office space 3M x3M. There is a large storage space and two WC’s. The offices are accessed via side door to DYCC and the door is fitted with an intercom and remote locking system to the door. A lift is also installed. Two dedicated parking spaces are provided. A competitive monthly rent of £750 with a separate service charge of £250 is available to a charity. Ideally this will be for two years period. Vacant occupation availability expected from December. Viewings, plans and photos on request. Richard Biggs as Chair of Trustees as a point of contact on this mob 07810 503 457 Kate Parkman, Youth Work Manager, Dorchester Youth & Community Centre
Children and young people are gearing up for a happy and healthy Christmas, courtesy of a range of free activities, holiday clubs, and fun days offered through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).
The HAF programme allows anyone that is already in receipt of benefit related free school meals to sign up for a HAF passcode. This passcode grants free access to the enriching activities and events across the county, all accompanied by a nutritious hot meal.
Fee paying bookings are also available at the majority of activities.
Additionally, local holiday clubs and activity providers have increased their support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, with a number of location now being able to offer 1 to 1 support where required.
Register your child for free activities if they're eligible for benefit-related free school meals at: Holiday Activities registration - Dorset Council sel - Introductionf-service portal (achieveservice.com)
To search for activities go to: Winter In Dorset 2023 - Holidays, Activities and Food (helpandkindness.co.uk)
** long post but worth reading - Just One Question - UK Youth **
Thank you for your support with the ongoing launch of Just One Question, the response rate was positively high with yourself, your network and youth practitioners engaging well with the question. By continuing to share your insights and experiences, this will continue to contribute the much value needed for the youth sector.
We want to say a big thank you to the 339 of you who responded to our first question What’s the best bit of advice you’ve been given about working with young people?’ This is what we have heard:
- The advice that was given have focussed on ‘things you should do’ (65%), ‘ways to be’ (39%) and ‘things to remember’ 31%
- The most common advice was to listen to young people (33%) which often referred to the importance of active and non-judgemental learning
- The second most common advice was the importance of empathy (18%) These responses encouraged youth practitioners to reflect on their own childhood/youth, their own journeys and experiences, to try and understand a young person. This was closely linked to responses that reminded to treat each young person as an individual (8%).
- 13% of responses cited the importance of being your genuine and authentic self. Many of these responses indicated that young people can tell when you are not being your authentic self and this can prevent the building of trust.
- The key themes that emerged across responses were the importance of empathy, trust and consistency when working with young people.
You shared some wonderful pieces of advice that you have received – we’ve highlighted three of them below
‘Sometimes your presence alone is the asset. Not the programme, the space, the theory or the approach. The fact you can show up and see them as who they are is what breaks through’
‘ Don’t assume anything and don’t pry. Build a relationship and let them get to know you and they will open up, but don’t promise anything you can’t deliver’
‘Don’t rush to fix – young people have the solutions to their own problems. They just need help to find their way through’
So, I am pleased to announce the second question is now live! Click below to access the question and submit your response. The question will close on EOP Wednesday 20th December 2023.
https://ecv.microsoft.com/KI6xgPBeVc
Please share with your colleagues, networks and youth practitioners to continue encouraging the active participation that we need to make this platform a success. Our comms pack can be downloaded here
If you have any questions regarding this initiative, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me 😊
Cara Prince, Network Insight Manager | UK Youth
If you are working within the VCS in Dorset with or for children, young people and families and would like to your job vacancies and volunteering opportunities, email the details and we will add them here free - 0-25vcs@dorsetyouth.com
Vacancies & Voluntary Opportunities (dorsetyouth.com)
Support a Local Youth club in need
On the 1st of December local charity The Prout Bridge Project launched a Crowdfunder campaign ‘Support our Future: Prout Bridge Project. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position that you can afford to give this Christmas time, please, support your local charity and donate what you can now to their December appeal.
All they ask is that you give what you can. If we all give a bit, we can achieve a lot. Every pound will
be spent delivering these services, and every pound counts!
You can find their Crowdfunder page by visiting – www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pbp-2024
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
Public Health Dorset have released a new centralised resource aimed at promoting trusted Mental Health Apps to young people in Dorset, find out more here Self care apps you can trust - Public Health Dorset - Dorset Council.
YOUTH CLUB SUPPORT
The NYA and the Regional Youth Work Units are co-hosting regional roadshows to share our work and to gather insights from those working with young people and in youth services across the country, to inform our collective action. Join us as we tour each region of England throughout January to March for a day of discussions, planning, sharing and networking. The seven in-person events will run from 10.30 – 16:00 with a networking lunch included. Presentation and discussion themes for the days will focus on.
- Morning (10:30-12:30) –the updated guidance for the local statutory duty and what this means for local authorities, local youth services and organisations and the allied sectors. We’ll talk through different models that have been adopted by local authorities and by the VCS sector. We’ll talk through a new toolkit to support local authorities to meet this duty.
- Lunch and Networking (12:30-13:30)
- Afternoon (13:30-16:00) – we will update on national policy activity, workforce development and funding streams building on the findings of the ‘Joining the Dots’ report. We will also hear from regional and local organisations on developments in the sector and discuss how we can support and advocate to meet the sector’s most pressing needs.
More details on the full programme and contributors will be published prior to each event. The day will contain talks, panel Q&As, breakout discussions and networking.
These are FREE EVENTS.
We encourage early registration as numbers are limited at each venue.
To support attendance, we are offering bursaries for smaller grassroots organisations to help with travel costs (subject to conditions/application). Please contact Lydia for further information on bursaries: lydiaa@nya.org.uk. To book you place Click Here
Mustoe Shorter in Partnership with Weymouth Ridegway Team churches- are raising donations of sanitary products and toiletries to help young people in the local area. If you know young people in need please in get in touch. Or if you are able to donate any items please download the poster below to see what they are looking for and why to drop off items.
Poster