Welcome to the latest Covid-19 & Third Sector Update
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LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
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VOLUNTEERING
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SERVICE UPDATES
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PREMISES & TECHNOLOGY
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FUNDING
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TRAINING & LEARNING
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RESEARCH & BLOGS
LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
Shielding: There has been some important guidance issued to people who are currently shielding in the form of a letter. From 26 April, the Government expect that people on the shielding list who are currently at Level 4 will be able to return to the workplace, if they cannot work from home. College and university students and young people at school should also be able to return at this time. This is because, from this date, all areas now in Level 4 should move down to Level 3 or lower. This could, of course, be subject to change. See the website for more details on the updated information. Please note that the letter, which is called a ‘shielding notification’, will be used by people to give to their employer that you cannot go into the workplace (similar to a fit note) so it is important that people keep the letter safe. SHIELDING
Scottish Government: The social enterprise action plan has just been published. It sets out how the Government will take action over the next three years to: ● Work across government, and with national agencies, to create the conditions, opportunities and investment necessary for social enterprises to fully realise their potential. ● Develop the national ecosystem of support for social enterprises, ensuring that it remains fit-for-purpose and world-leading. ● Work closely with sector partners to support the recovery from the Covid crisis whilst also looking to raise ambitions, grow capacity, spur innovation, and ensure the sector is ready to seize opportunities. ● Develop a third sector equalities baseline to ensure that all activity supported by the Third Sector Unit is calibrated to tackling the barriers faced by people with protected characteristics. With a focus on social enterprise as the first action area. ACTION PLAN
Scottish Government: The Scottish Government is now officially in the pre-election period, in the run up to the elections on 6 May. This means there will be less information coming from the Government, although public health information will continue to be forthcoming.
VOLUNTEERING
Inspiring Volunteering Awards 2021: Nominations are now open. Who do you think deserves recognition for their efforts to make East Lothian a stronger, fairer and healthier place? If you’re thinking of nominating for the Awards but aren’t sure what to do, email us at iva@volunteereastlothian.org.uk or call 01875 615 423 to chat about what’s involved. WEBPAGE
SERVICE UPDATES
MYPAS:MYPAS is able to accept referrals for young people (12-18 years old) struggling with their mental health and their families for Family Counselling. We know that how families interact can affect the wellbeing of young people. Family counselling aims to help support all family members with the hope of leading to improved relationships and an improvement in the young person’s mental health. Family Counselling sessions are for 1.5 hours and take place every 2 weeks. They last, on average, for 12 sessions. Family Counselling at MYPAS is free, independent and confidential. Information will not be shared outside the family without their permission unless there is a concern for someone’s safety or wellbeing. At present, due to the current restrictions, all sessions will be offered remotely via zoom or telephone. Referrals can be made by a supportive adult e.g. guidance teacher but young people and their families can also refer themselves (self-referral). Referrals can be made by phone, letter, email or MYPAS Referral Form. When making a referral on behalf of a young person we will ask that the young person is aware of and consents to the referral. Contact Details: 0131 454 0757 (main office)enquiries@mypas.co.ukwww.mypas.co.uk
SURF: the community regeneration organisation, has produced a manifesto with 10 key recommendations for the next Scottish Government, centred on the interlinked themes of climate change, land use, transport and place-based collaboration. It calls for more action on green jobs for young people, brownfield first development, and retrofitting older buildings. 2021 Manifesto for Community Regeneration.
The Poverty Alliance launched its manifesto in advance of the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May –A Scotland For All of Us.
Carers of East Lothian:The Connections for Life project aims to promote effective communication around the subject of suicide and to increase carers’ confidence in their ability to cope during this difficult time. We will be running small group training sessions and providing one-to-one support from a dedicated Carer Support Worker. If you would like to refer yourself – or someone else – to the Connections for Life project please call on 0131 665 0135 or complete online referral form. You can also download a Connections for Life Flyer if you wish to share this information with others.
Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ): Improving the Cancer Journey is a MacMillan funded service that provides non-medical support for anyone over the age of 16 affected by cancer (this includes family members and carers). Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and can affect many aspects of people’s lives, from money worries to physical or emotional concerns. The appointment with the Improving the Cancer Journey practitioner gives a person the time and space to discuss their concerns and think about what matters to them. The service is here to help people access the right support at any point on their cancer journey. To refer a person can either phone or email their contact details to Tel no: 07977307286 / 07929784315 Email:loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.ukDue to covid restrictions appointments are currently via telephone or ‘Near me’ and times offered flexibly Monday to Friday ICJ MORE INFORMATION
WAEML: provides information, support and accommodation to women (including trans-women), children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. If you can commit to upholding the rights of women, children and young people, this may be the job for you. 1 x Women’s Support Workers 35 hours Job Ref: WSW-1 This post attracts a Salary up to £23,310 per annum (pro rota) (Salary scale: £21,559 to £23,310 per annum pro rota)
We have 1 x Full Time vacancies for experienced support workers. You will work using a multi-agency, trauma informed approach and your case load will include individual and group work support. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years work experience. Membership of the PVG scheme is an essential requirement and you should be qualified to a minimum of SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care.JOB INFO
PREMISES & TECHNOLOGY
Digital: Digital for Good is a Scottish volunteer community joining digital expertise with charities in a network aligned for openness, action and impact. Book nowfor this month’s informal meet up on Thursday 25th March at 6 pm. Hear about current projects and discover opportunities to volunteer. Charities can attend to request help with their most pressing digital challenges.
FUNDING
Social Enterprise:A new round of Firstport’s Build It Programme is currently open for applications. Build It is for those who have tried and tested a social enterprise idea and want to turn it into their full-time job. Up to £20k is available to fund a single salary – with awards being made four times per year. The next deadline will be 8th April 2021 at 12 noon.BUILD IT
Digital Funding:SCVO is working in partnership withEdinburgh & Lothians Health Foundationon the Connecting Communities Fund. This programme can provide small grants of up to £5,000 for projects being delivered in City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian or West Lothian. The support given through the Fund will enable organisations to address digital exclusion in their areas through upskilling and the purchase of devices and/or connectivity. The ultimate aim is to help local communities achieve better health outcomes. You can find out further information and apply at ELHF
Rural: Do you have a well used core path in your community, which could benefit from new gates, improved surfacing, drainage or signage? Perhaps you would like to create a new path, which would provide a valuable off-road community link or enhance access to a well loved view point? If so, Nature Scot has re-launched the Improving Public Access Fund (IPA) to help deliver your proposals. The fund is open to community associations, public-private partnerships, NGOs, private companies, organisations in charge of tourist and recreational development, as well as individual farmers, groups of farmers, crofters and other land managers. Applicants must apply directly via Nature Scot, but the CNPA Recreation and Access Team is available to answer any questions on the suitability of your path proposal. Please contact us at outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk For further details, please read the attached IPA overview document or visit the Rural Payments site directly here PUBLIC ACCESS Applications are open now and must be submitted by 30th June 2021. Successful applicants will be expected to start the construction phase early 2022 and complete all works by December 2022.
The New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project: will offer grants to groups and organisations to extend existing work, or to start new projects by, with and to help people seeking safety in Scotland. Applications are invited from groups and organisations working to support the integration of people seeking sanctuary across Scotland, as long as they meet the priorities of the New Scots strategy and its themes, either by expanding existing good practice or developing new and innovative ways to help people with refugee status and those seeking protection. REFUGEE INTEGRATION
TRAINING & LEARNING
Macmillan:Flyer to training that they are offering to people affected by cancer.FLYER
