0-25 VCS Forum Newsletter -14th February 2024
If you work with children, young people and families within Dorset, we have all the latest news and updates for you.
Be the first to know what funding, training, events, meetings, vacancies and latest resources straight away by signing up to our bi-weekly news alerts.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
0-25 VCS Forum - join us for these upcoming events, TRAINING and meetings:
**Artz+ Sportz+ Xtra programme
Has now arrived hot off the press for March! For all bookings please email us at leisurewdwp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk with the following details;
- Please include your name and child’s/children’s name, telephone number.
Booking line closes on Wednesday 21st February and allocation will take place on Thursday 22nd February. Any remaining places will be advertised on Facebook. Please note the telephone booking line number is no longer in use. All bookings must be sent via email.
**The #Willdoes Bus is working in partnership with Dorset Council and the Chesil Targeted Youth Workers.
The Bus will be parked on Weymouth seafront by the clock tower every Wednesday between 6.30pm & 8pm. The bus is safe space where young people can go and talk to trained youth workers.
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)
**The Alcohol Education Trust has changed its name!
The 5th February marked a very important day for the youth charity The Alcohol Education Trust. After 14 years, the charity has changed its name to The TALK ABOUT Trust, to reflect the fact that it supports young people with the knowledge, life skills and resilience to make safer choices around vaping, cannabis, NOS and other substances, drink spiking and county lines as well as alcohol. Our flagship programme is called Talk About Alcohol and so the new name gives us continuity plus the flexibility to talk about other important issues facing young people today.
You can visit their smart new website via www.talkabouttrust.org
**Help us to complete the picture of the youth sector
As we move closer to an election the need for the NYA to have an accurate picture of the state of the youth sector is of vital importance. The deadline for this year’s report is 31stMarch and we’re keen for any organisation that delivers out of schools activities with young people to ensure they are on the map, from the big national youth sector bodies to smaller grassroots providers. Also look out for our new Census quiz coming soon to test how well you know your local regional youth work offer.
**New grants funding for youth work organisations open for application until 16 February 2024!
In partnership with The Henry Smith Charity, Impetus are looking for two impact-led organisations who support young people in mainstream and/or alternative provision with engagement outcomes and reducing lost learning.
Both successful organisations will receive £100,000 in core, unrestricted funding per year for at least two years, hands-on support from Impetus’ Investment team, and access to co-investment, their pro bono network and their peer learning forums.
Learn more about the application process and timelines on Impetus’ website. Applications are open until midnight on 16 February 2024.
**NYA Bursaries for youth work training places in 2024.
Up to five hundred bursaries for training places on youth work courses are on offer through the National Youth Agency (NYA) and its regional partners.
The bursary scheme opens up exciting opportunities in the youth work profession, as well as the chance to specialise in different areas of youth work, or progress into a leadership role. Simply complete a short form to find out what is available in your local area.
**Capital Grant Round 1 Open – VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
Applications are now open for capital grants under the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, following applications opening in December for independent energy assessments. The first capital grant round will close Thursday 29 February at 12pm with the second round opening in mid April and the third in early July .
Eligible organisations can apply for 1) an independent energy assessment to understand what improvements could be made to their building and 2) capital grants to install physical energy efficiency measures. For further details, including eligibility criteria and application timelines, please click here.
**Youth-Led Nature Projects Funding
Funding Available for Youth-led Nature Projects (UK). Grants of £500 are available for youth-led projects that celebrate UK native wildflowers, plants and fungi in exciting and engaging ways
**Grants for Equipment for SEND young people
Equipment Grants for Disabled and Disadvantaged Young People (UK). Schools, charities and not for profit organisations in the UK can apply for funding for equipment that helps mentally, physical and socially disadvantaged children
**Face to Face FREE online support for parents in Dorset.
February 23rd Deadline approaching. face to face will be delivering four online sessions (with repeated sessions the next day for those who can't attend all of them) on 2, 9, 16 and 23 March. If you know of any families that would like to take part please email landdchildrensservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
**DBS workshop-
The Volunteer centre Dorset are holding a FREE online workshop on 19th March 2024. This workshop is being led by Mel Berry, Regional Outreach Adviser (South West England) from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Mel will be presenting about the DBS service and will be hosting a Q&A session to answer any questions not covered by her presentation.
The workshop will cover:-
This workshop is suitable for anyone who has responsibility for engaging with DBS processes and legislation within their organisation including those who decide on levels of checks to be applied for, carry out recruitment or manage staff in regulated activity or have responsibility for safeguarding or trustees.
- the benefits of DBS and your organisation working together
- the different levels of DBS checks available
- eligibility, and when an employee/volunteer is eligible for a check
- what ‘regulated activity’ with adults and children is
- what the DBS Update Service is, and its benefits
- the safe recruitment practices that can be in place, with DBS checks forming a part of these
** Community Action Training & FREE Webinars
CAN have some great training and some FREE webiners coming up in the next few months such as:
- Free HR advice drop-in (Feb)
- Meet the Funder - National Lottery Community Fund
- Being a Charity Trustee (March)
- Outcomes & Impact Measurement
- Cyber resilience for small charities (March)
- Looking after your People - HR advice drop-in (March)
For more information click on the links above our visit their website on CAN training and free webinars | Community Action Network (can100.org)
**Volunteer Centre Dorset FREE online Training
The Volunteer Centre Dorset are able to offer a range of FREE online courses, which volunteers can complete at a time and date to suit. Courses do not need to be completed in one go. Online courses are offered via Virtual College with a certificate of completion provided. To see the full list of courses visit Online Courses (volunteeringdorset.org.uk).
**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
**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
** The Horse Course - Volunteering Leader (Horticulture-focused)
You will support people with mental health or wellbeing needs to plant, grow and cook veggies, to care for rescue hens, and to maintain the site for the equine side of the centre.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable success in horticulture, a passion for seed-to-table growing and experience/qualifications in youth work, occupational therapy, teaching, social work or other allied fields.
You will be leading individuals and groups to actively improve their wellbeing through learning new skills, growing and cooking, socialising and contributing.
We have seen the power of growing as a life-changing opportunity and we are looking for someone to jump in and keep this project blossoming.
We are committed to safeguarding and will follow robust safer recruitment processes.
Request an application form by emailing emma@thehorsecourse.org
Closing date 22 Feb 2024
Permanent 37.5 hrs/week
£28k+ depending on qualifications and experience
.
Vacancies & Voluntary Opportunities (dorsetyouth.com)
.
opportunities for young people
**Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club
If you your youth club is local to Weymouth and you would like to try something different with your young people Mark at Weymouth ABC as been in touch and said youth groups are more than welcome to come down to the club and try out a boxing session. To find out more please visit the website http://www.weymouthabc.co.uk/?... or make contact on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/group...
** A monthly Youth Open Mic night in Bridport
Starts on Monday 19th February! Then every third Monday of the month at Tortilla Cantina (nachos available, yum!) Young people aged 12-18years, any style, any genre, all abilities welcome! If you play an instrument, sing, have a band etc then we want to hear you!
Full PA and sound provided by Elijah Gravity-Drive. Please spread the word to any budding young musicians you know!
YOUTH CLUB SUPPORT
**Connecting Youth Services to their Local McDonalds.
With the support of BBC Children in Need, McDonald's have linked with over 70 projects around the UK working with young people.
Support from the restaurant could include:
• Marketing/signposting for your project within the restaurant
• Delivering youth work activities in the restaurant and connecting with new young people
• Work experience opportunities and employability skills training
• Restaurant delivering activities and initiatives such as business challenges, mentoring, coaching and sponsorship
If you are interested in taking part, please complete the form.
**Youth Work Training days
Bookings are still open for the next Youth Work Training day, we have lots of exciting workshops on offer to help your skill your youth work. To book and find out more visit our Eventbrite page