14 Days left to nominate – RCVDA Volunteer Awards 2016
RCVDA Volunteer Awards 2016
The Marquee Westfield Farm,
The Green, Dormanstown, Redcar TS10 5NA
Thursday 14th July 1 pm – 4 pm
Just a reminder that the closing date for nominations is fast approaching!
Following the huge success of last year’s Volunteer Awards we are once again presenting the awards followed by Afternoon Tea in the marquee in beautiful setting of Westfield Farm.
CATEGORIES
There are 8 categories this year and once again we have not included a generic “Adult Volunteer” category so nominators will have to think about which category best suits their volunteer/team. You can find the electronic nomination form on our website www.rcvda.org.uk simply complete and press submit by: Tuesday 31st May 2016.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
A volunteer who has “gone the extra mile” this year – this could be by the amount of time they have dedicated to their particular project or the difference they have made to the lives of their service users.
YOUNG VOLUNTEER/TEAM (under 21)
Do you know a young volunteer/team who has exemplified all that is good in our young people i.e. by representation, inter- generational initiatives, involvement in their community.
COMMUNITY SAFETY CHAMPION/TEAM
We are looking for a person/team in your community who makes your neighbourhood a ‘safer place to be’ e.g. neighbourhood watch, campaigning for facilities.
HEALTH & WELLBEING CHAMPION/TEAM
This individual/team would have had a direct effect on the physical/mental health or lifestyle of residents of Redcar & Cleveland. Examples could include befriending, sports clubs, health support groups, etc.
INNOVATION AWARD
An individual or group which has demonstrated innovative approaches or enterprise in tackling an issue within their community.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION/TEAM
This individual/team would have had a direct effect on the appearance of your community. Examples could include Litter picking, conservation or gardening etc.
RCVDA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A person who has dedicated years of effective service to the community/project they are passionate about.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD
A group/team who has dedicated years of effective service to the community/project they are passionate about.
YOUR NOMINATION
Please give some time to writing a pen portrait of your nomination. The judges can only make a decision based on what you write so the more detail of the qualities of your volunteer/team the better chance they have of winning the award.
A few tips for writing a winning nomination:
- Take time to identify the award category that are relevant to your nominee’s contribution
- Say something about who the volunteer is
- Say something about what the volunteer/group does
- Tell us what makes them stand out and give an example to illustrate this
- Focus on the difference they have made to their community/your organisation/local people
All nominated volunteers will receive a certificate and those shortlisted (and their nominator) will receive an invitation to the event.
Please submit nominations to RCVDA by Tuesday 31st May 2016
Good luck everyone!
Trish
Volunteer Coordinator Role
Action for Blind People is recruiting for a Volunteer Coordinator with good communication and problem solving skills to lead their volunteering team based in Middlesbrough, covering the North East area.
The role is permanent, is 3 days per week, and has a salary of £22,439 pro rata.
For further details and to apply take a look at their website here.
Surviving or Thriving?
Is your organisation Surviving or Thriving?
VONNE has launched their latest survey Surviving or Thriving for 2016 and are asking organisations for help in taking part.
This survey tracks the state of the North East’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector, having been carried out at regular intervals since 2009. It asks about your organisation’s funding, resources, services, staffing levels and challenges identified in the future. The findings provide valuable, up-to-date intelligence on the state of the sector and are widely used by influential stakeholders, policymakers and funders.
This survey closes at 4pm on 10th June 2016.
Take the survey
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SurvivingorThriving2016
Mind Connect Courses
Kim Peacock, Gateway Worker for Living Life Service, Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind writes:
“I wanted to let you know about a range of courses we have been running within the community in Redcar & Cleveland (and Middlesbrough) providing a range of self-help strategies and coping techniques in small, friendly groups. The courses are free to all aged 18 and over, feedback from those that have attended previously has been excellent.
Examples of courses include:
- Building Confidence and Self Esteem
- Stress Busting
- Mindfulness and Relaxation
- Improving Your Sleep
- Depression and Anxiety Awareness
I will be hosting some drop-in sessions at The Old Coop Building in Loftus on Wednesday 18th and 25th May from 9:30am-1:30pm to raise awareness and interest of courses and other support available in the area. The sessions will be ongoing and we will also be hosting these in other locations, details to follow (and suggestions gratefully accepted).”
For further information then please contact Kim on 01642 217399 or e-mail kim.peacock@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk
Asset Transfers: Opportunity or Liability?
Property Workshop and Advice Clinic
Wednesday 13th July 2016 10am-4pm
Community Foundation, Philanthropy House, Woodbine Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1DD
Charities and community groups are increasingly choosing to take on asset transfers from local authorities as a means of acquiring property. However without proper management, any property is at risk of becoming a liability, with unforeseen costs and unexpected problems putting strain on organisations which are often already overworked.
This training is designed to give a jargon free, accessible introduction and overview of how to make asset transfers a success:
- How taking on an asset can benefit your organisation
- How to engage with local authorities
- Business planning to assess the viability and sustainability of taking on community buildings
- Legal structures and governance issues to consider when considering taking on community buildings
- Identifying ‘hidden’ hazards or responsibilities: what are you ACTUALLY taking on
- Common mistakes and how to deal with them
- Lessons from others
Property Advice Clinic 2-4pm
The half day training session will be followed by a property advice clinic to give you the chance to have a 20 minute session with one of our advisers, on an individual basis. The clinic will have one lawyer and one property adviser. Spaces are limited.
Booking
Please fill in the booking form here
Cleveland Fire Brigade – FREE Safety Presentations
Andrew Bright, Learn and Live Coordinator with Cleveland Fire Brigade is offering to deliver FREE safety presentations to community groups across the Cleveland area.
Both sessions last for a maximum of one hour and there are no costs involved in booking the sessions. The sessions can be delivered during the day or on an evening subject to his availability.
The Home Fire Safety session gives groups an overview of the key risks in the home that may result in a fire incident. The session examines escape strategies and how to respond if a fire incident occurs. The session can be tailored to a broad range of audiences across a scale of needs and learning abilities.
The Road Safety session looks at the key risks to injury and loss of life on the road known nationally as the ‘Fatal Four’.
If you require more information or wish to book a session they can contact Andrew by email or on 07725 956570.
Gardeners Get Together – Friday 20th May
Pop along to Westfield Farm between 10am and 12pm on Friday 20th May to enjoy a cuppa and a piece of cake, partake in a raffle, and to peruse Bedding, Vegetable and Tomato Plants which are all available to buy at fantastic prices.
Everyone is welcome!
(Westfield Farm Tenant Resource Centre, The Green, Dormanstown, Redcar, TS10 5NA)
RSPB Volunteer Open Day – 8th June
Staff and Volunteers will be on hand to chat about the benefits of Volunteering at Saltholme on Wednesday 8th June between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Why not pop along to find out more.