0-25 VCS Forum Newsletter -1st February 2024
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:
** 0-25 VCS Forum - free training - Young Carers Awareness and Identification - Wednesday 28th February - 10am-midday - online via Zoom **
Outline: To support professionals to increase their confidence in identifying a young carer, including how to support them and what support is available. Who are young carers and what do they do. The impact of caring on a young person. What support young carers might need from professionals. The wider support offer for young carers.
This training aims to create a confident workforce - being able to identify and support young carers. Increase practical skills and awareness of how to support young carers. Book your place here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/...
** If you are involved in any way in supporting adolescents and/or children then this is for you……. Join us for an inspiring 1-day Zoom conference on Thursday, February 8th, 2024 as part of National Children’s Mental Health Week. Over seven thought-provoking sessions, our experts will present real-life scenarios and offer invaluable tips and techniques to empower the journey towards mental resilience of today’s young minds. Much of what you will glean may well be pertinent to you and other adults too.
- It is the perfect occasion to delve into strategies for nurturing a growth mindset in positive mental health and in support of the ‘firefighting’ regime currently and necessarily in place. It's a pivotal time for us to stand by the younger generations as they prepare to shape their future—a future that will impact us all.
- Meet Our experts: 🌟 Richard Curtis: CEO, National Network of Mental Health Leads. 🌟 Rachela Leonello: Founder and Lead Trainer, School Wellbeing Alliance. 🌟 Stephen Hopkins: Accredited Coach, Mentor and Counsellor. 🌟 Nick Barker, Strategist and Accredited Coach. 🌟 Ian Jefferis: Young Minds Coaching. 🌟 Nicola Edwards: Neuro-divergency expert and Mental Health Accredited Coach and Trainer.
This conference is your opportunity to be at the forefront of fostering mental resilience. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more resilient future. Reserve your place today.
[Registration link:] https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqceusqzgsH9WwWkuNXLfEaSS-QeOdNTZR
Questions?: ian@youngmindscoaching.org
https://dorsetyouth.com/0-25-v...
**You are invited to join The Alcohol Education Trust for a celebration day on the 5th February here at PiP! (Pavilion in the Park, St John Way, Dorchester, DT1 2FG) On the day, you will be able to meet our trustees and key staff and find out about everything we do at the Alcohol Education Trust - from our local community outreach to our support for young people across the country to stay safe around alcohol and other substances. The day will run from 10am - 3pm with speeches at midday and refreshments will be available throughout.
Importantly, on the day, we will be revealing the exciting new name for The Alcohol Education Trust which will reflect how much our work and remit has expanded, as well as our brand new website and pilot drug education programme.
If you would like to join us, please let us know via kate@alcoholeducationtrust.org
**Dorset Innovation Hub is holding its Summit on 18 June 2024 at the Dorset Museum, Dorchester.They are very keen to welcome patient and public involvement representatives and colleagues from the voluntary & community sector at the event. This is a FREE event exploring innovation in health and care
The Dorset Innovation Hub’s inaugural Summit takes place on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at the Dorset Museum, Dorchester. The event is for anyone seeking to adopt and spread proven innovation in health and care; including voluntary & community sector, charities, health and care professionals, decision makers and influencers of NHS & social care services, academia, local authority staff, and industry.
Participate in a range of interactive workshops, explore stands and network with colleagues who are working to improve the adoption of proven innovation. A copy of the full agenda and booking available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-innovation-hub-summit-june-2024-tickets-631388388667
** The Shine Project’s Wellbeing 2024 – 28th March 2024 - As a charity who supports young people with their physical and mental health, we understand the challenges that you may face reaching the young people who most need your support. Introducing Wellbeing 2024 - Connecting communities to create a culture of positive physical and mental health for young people in Dorset. Wellbeing 2024 gives you the opportunity to engage with local schools and young people signposting them to your organisation, whilst giving the young people an opportunity to familiarise themselves with your team reducing barriers to access. This whole day event is designed to promote healthy behaviours and connect young people and schools to support services using interactive stands, workshops and speakers. If you have any questions please email either anne@shineproject.org.uk or liz@shineproject.org.uk and we would be happy to talk to you.
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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)
**A woman advocating for travellers in Dorset has been recognised in the New Years Honours list - Betty Smith-Billington, chair of Dorset traveller advocacy group Kushti Bok, said it is a "great honour" to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the gypsy and traveller community. We pass on huge congratulations for a very well deserved award on behalf of the 0-25 VCS Forum.
**The Healthy Movers programme, designed by the Youth Sport Trust, sets to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and throughout the rest of Dorset following its local pilot in 2021-2022.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Youth Sport Trust, Public Health Dorset, Active Dorset and BCP and Dorset Councils Early Years colleagues, aimed at nurturing physical literacy, social, and emotional development in two to five-year-olds. The aim of the programme is to help support children gain a better start in life, creating healthy and active learners.
To support the roll out, Public Health Dorset has funded this local programme which includes an Early Years Physical Activity Officer role, hosted and supported by Active Dorset. This officer will play a crucial role in training early years practitioners and families with the necessary resources and training.
In addition, a collection of free digital resources has been created to facilitate continuous engagement with the programme beyond formal settings, enabling participation at home.
Healthy Movers Programme launches in Dorset - Public Health Dorset - Dorset Council
**NSPCC Learning has published a learning from case reviews briefing on family reunification based on a sample of case reviews published between 2016 and 2023 where returning children home from care was a key factor. The briefing highlights: the need for a thorough assessment of risk, protective factors and parental capacity; clear preparations for the return; and sharing information with other agencies. Learning also includes the need to continue to monitor the child’s safety and wellbeing before, during and after the return. Read the briefing: Returning children home from care: learning from case reviews
**Ofsted
has published a report examining provision for children with complex needs in children’s homes in England. The report explores the broad use of the term ‘complex needs’ in placement decisions; challenges for local authorities in finding homes for children with complex needs; and why some children’s homes may be unable to support the needs of these children. The research involved a survey of local authorities and children’s home providers across England, followed by 10 case studies. Findings include: staff use the term ‘children with complex needs’ to describe children who have multiple needs of different types; 91% of local authorities that responded said they frequently have difficulty in finding suitable homes for children with complex needs; and most local authorities reported that children with complex needs are frequently placed out of area. Read the press release: Children with complex needs can wait years for a stable home Read the report: How local authorities and children’s homes can achieve stability and permanence for children with complex needs
**The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has launched a five year evaluation of family help and social care reform programmes in the UK. The evaluation aims to influence national strategy on how best to meet the needs of families and children. Read the news story: Evaluation of transformational reforms to family help and children’s social care begins
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**Dorset Council are tendering for providers for our Children and Young People Advocacy and Independent Visitors Services. The tender is published here: The Provision of Advocacy and Independent Visitor Services for Children and Young People Once logged on you can read the specification and other tender documents. If you are interested to find out more, take the following steps (if not already taken):
· register with ProContract on Supplying the South West ensuring you’ve selected to receive notifications
· read the ProContract help and guidance, the index is on the left
· read doing business with Dorset Council, including top tips for tendering
Expression of Interest Window - 05/01/2024 - 09/02/2024
** Community Wellbeing & Mental Health Fund
Opens 8th January - Closes midday 1st March
We are working in partnership with Community Action Network (CAN) to distribute funding from NHS Dorset to support adults in Dorset.
The Fund will support 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
Two strands of grants are available:
- Grants of up to £10,000 for a 6 to 12 month grant period
- Grants of up to £80,000 for a 2 year grant period - for groups established more than 2 years
Information events:
- Thursday 25th January, 10am - 12.30pm, at Charlton Down Village Hall, Sherren Avenue, Dorchester, DT2 9UA - link to register
- Monday 29th January, 1pm - 3.30pm, at Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Wimborne, BH21 3AP - link to register
- Tuesday 6th February, 10am - 12.30pm, ONLINE - link to register
(session will be recorded and available from CAN)
CAN are offering enhanced support for groups applying to this programme; to check if groups are funding ready, to provide advice on your proposal and how it fits with Fund priorities, and to help with specific areas where additional guidance may be helpful e.g. how to measure outcomes.
To access 1 to 1 support from CAN please contact grantsupport@can100.org / 01202 466130
For the full Fund Guidance please CLICK HERE
** The Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust is a modest grant-making charity that awards a limited number of grants in the UK to support young adults with a learning disability after they reach normal school leaving age, so that they may gain the skills to help them live a more independent life.
** The Thomas Wall Trust Grants for Registered Charities - Revenue grants of up to £5,000 are available to UK registered charities that are developing communication skills for disadvantaged adults aged 18 and over so that they can improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience and life-chances. Application deadline: MONDAY 29th APRIL 2024. Thomas Wall Trust | Thomas Wall Trust
** The Data Protection Officere (DPO) Centre Charity and Community Fund – Grants of up to £10,000 are available to enable UK charities, voluntary groups and not-for profits organisations to access DPO data protection advice and consultancy services. Application deadline – Sunday 31st March 2024 - Charity Support Fund | DPO Centre
** The Thistle Trust – Small grants, generally under £3,000, are available for UK registered charities for arts projects, with particular preference given to help young people from all backgrounds to have access to the arts. Applications may be made in writing at any time - Charity overview, THE THISTLE TRUST - 1091327, Register of Charities - The Charity Commission
** The Screwfix Foundation (Spring 2024 grants round) Capital grants of up to £5,000 are available to local and national charities and not-for-profit organisations, including Community Interest Companies (CICs), across the UK to fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for people in need. Screwfix Foundation | Screwfix Short Deadline - Saturday 10th February
** Funding for grassroots sports projects announced - On 27 January, the government announced £93 million of funding for more than 1,100 sport projects that will go towards new pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights.
The Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is investing over £320 million between 2021 and 2025 to improve facilities in the UK. The programme provides funding to make essential facility improvements, so that communities have a high-quality pitch to play on. A full list of the facilities to benefit was published today.
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*** Full details of all of the above can be found here: Funding Homepage (dorsetyouth.com)
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**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
**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
**The UK Trauma Council (UKTC), a project of Anna Freud, has produced a short animation to support children and young people affected by trauma after war and conflict. The UKTC has also produced toolkits for professionals working in the UK with children and young people who have sought refuge and asylum, often as a result of war and conflict. Watch the animation: Childhood trauma, war and conflict Access the resources: Childhood trauma, war, migration and asylum
**The Coram Group have produced a toolkit to help primary schools support children’s mental wellbeing. The toolkit contains resources and activities which aim to help children: connect with others; be active; take notice (mindfulness); learn and create; and give to others. Access the toolkit: Coram launches free wellbeing toolkit for primary school children
**Pan Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership - January 2024 Newsletter - PDSCP JANUARY 2024 – Discover your essential news and training links inside (mailchi.mp)
** Public consultation on Children and Young People’s Gender Services NHS England is seeking views on the process for making referrals into the Children and Young People's Gender Service and the process for managing the national waiting list. The 90 day public consultation closes on 6th March, so share your views soon - Referral pathway for specialist service for children and young people with gender incongruence - NHS England - Citizen Space
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**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
**Youth Worker required at Ferndown Youth Centre (Riffs) - Part Time 6hrs a week- £11.62 per hour- Closing date for applications: 15 February 2024 - Ferndown Town Council is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Youth Worker to join our popular youth facility, Ferndown Youth Centre (Riffs). This is an opportunity to work 6 hours across two evenings a week, with additional day/evening sessions during school holidays - find out more here: Youth Worker at Ferndown Youth Centre (Riffs) (dorsetyouth.com)
**Youth Worker required for Ups & Downs SouthWest in Sherborne- Part time 4hrs a fortnight- £15.97ph. The Sherborne Youth Worker will oversee the organisation, management, and delivery of our once-per-fortnight youth club sessions for young people (age ten plus) who have Down Syndrome. This post is funded by Children in Need, and part of the conditions include sourcing and working with external providers to offer stimulating, interesting and educational activities for our young people. Find out more here: Youth Worker Ups & Downs South West
** 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
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Vacancies & Voluntary Opportunities (dorsetyouth.com)
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opportunities for young people
**Chesil Pride Event- If you work with young people that would like to be part of Chesil Pride, they are looking at having local organisations and young people involved in the development of the event.
The vision: By 2025 – Chesil Youth Pride to be more youth led, youth councils, groups and held by community partners.
Date: Saturday 29th June
Venue: Weymouth College
Start time: 1pm
Parade: Approx 4-4:30 from College to Pavilion.
Event end and dispersal: 6pm.
Age range: 0-25.
Theme: Intersectionality
To be involved please email dawn.henderson@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
**FREE Ukulele Lesson for 10-16 year olds- Top Club Littlemoor have partnered with Creative Chaos and Abri Community Grants to provided a FREE 8 week course for young people to learn the Ukulele. The First session starts on 7th February, please note the prioroty will be give to those who are tenants living in Abri housing. To book a young person on please email dorsetbushcraft@outlook.com
YOUTH CLUB SUPPORT
**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
**Youth Work Training days- We are excited to tell you that our next youth work training day is now live on Eventbrite for you to book your place. Take a look at the poster below to see the amazing training sessions that we have available this time.