Care and support services

On 11 February the Council made a decision not to award the Care and Support contracts. At the same meeting the Council agreed to:

• review how it carries out tendering and produce a ‘lessons learned’ report
• consult with service providers, service users and advocacy organisations on issues raised about Direct Payments
• prepare a Commissioning Strategy

A Review Board has been established to take this work forward.

Ella Simpson (EVOC) has agreed to act as an advisor and “critical friend” to Review Board and to join the working group who are preparing the commissioning strategy. The aim of this involvement is to ensure that there is maximum consultation, due consideration give to the impact of changes on service users and their carers, clarity regarding timescale, principles and practice of any changes and agreement on how commissioning should be done in the future. As the work progresses there will be opportunities to comment and consider the draft commissioning strategy, direct payments and the consultation and communication principles and practices.

Ella, on behalf of the Compact Partnership, has written a paper “An Edinburgh Approach to Strategic Commissioning”. 

Shulah Allan has been commissioned as an independent facilitator to conduct a review with the people who use the Care and Support Services and also to engage independent advocacy organisations, and the organisations providing the services with the review.

The review has 3 elements:

1. Information and views on how service users were communicated with and consulted are being sought
2. Shulah will also be working with people taking part in the review to identify the principles and practices that should be used in the future to ensure that the people who use the services can be informed consulted and be engaged in future Council programmes which mean change for them.
3. Gathering Service Users comments on the new Commissioning Strategy and on Direct Payments.

A series of meetings are being set up for people who use services, and for family groups, and then with the Providers to get their views, not everyone will want to do this by coming to a meeting. So a dedicated email account has been set up for people to contact Shulah directly. It is also hoped that access by phone can be organised.

Provider Organisations will shortly be receiving a letter inviting them to pass on information to their service users about the opportunities there are for people to take part.

Early meetings have already been held with the Independent Advocacy organisations operating in the city and with some invited service users. The purpose of this was to tell them about the review, and to get their advice on engagement so far, and how it should be in the future, and on the timescale for setting the rates for Direct Payments. The Advocacy groups will be kept up to date with progress and will be a central route with and for people who use services during the review.

It is planned for the review to be conducted over the early summer, and a report will be prepared following this.

Ella and Shulah will be working closely on this to ensure that there is maximum consultation and agreement on future practice.
 

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All neighbourhoods

Pilotlight Scotland – Change Leadership ‘Lunch Bite’ Workshops

Pilotlight Scotland has helped over 30 Scottish charities and social enterprises since 2007 and we now have additional capacity to work with more charities and social enterprises in Central Scotland, Tayside, Fife and North East Scotland.

We offer a uniquely managed capacity-building process, exploring all aspects of your organisation and giving you the skills to develop a strategic business plan…and it won’t cost you a penny because we are funded by donations from our business partners.

To have a closer look at the ‘Pilotlight Process’ please see 'How Pilotlight Works' .

We are also expanding our service offerings and have teamed up with Jan Roberts Consulting to put together a series of three hands-on workshops tackling the difficult but very relevant issue of change leadership.

‘Lunch Bites’ sessions will:
• use a dynamic mix of facilitated teaching and group work so that you can relate the learning directly to your organisation
• equip you with not only the theory but also the tangible tools to help you ease the process of organisational change.
• introduce you to the dynamic network of business people and third sector organisations that we work with.

Sessions will be delivered at Thorn House, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR from 12-2.30pm by Jan Roberts Consulting on Pilotlight Scotland's behalf between 20 May and 29 June. Jan Roberts has kindly offered a Third Sector rate of £40 per session. Lunch will of course be included!

For more information about either the Lunch Bites or to have a chat about what Pilotlight Scotland offers please email Sam James or ring her on 0131 2432768.

Vacancy: Fundraising Manager at LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing

The LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing is a unique organisation that works to promote the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic, skilled and committed Fundraising Manager to help ensure the organisation has the financial resources to continue to grow and expand its operations.

As the Fundraising Manager, you will develop and maximise trusts, foundations, public sector and corporate income, devise and implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy, develop and submit applications and reports to funders and grant making bodies.

Please visit the website, call 0131 523 1100 or email to receive an application pack.

Closing date is 5pm on  Monday 14 June and interviews will take place on Monday 21 June.

Festival Radio Project

Think your group has what it takes to be the next radio superstars? This is a unique opportunity for your community group to become radio reporters for a week.

The backdrop for this exciting project is the Edinburgh Fringe. Participants will have the opportunity to be part of the press for the week, interview the stars, produce radio features and have them made available for broadcast on radio networks and via the internet.

Groups will receive training in how to plan a radio package and podcast, interview techniques and the use of recording and audio editing equipment. These techniques will enable them to produce their own material by the end of the week and take part in a mock broadcast.

The project is suitable for everyone aged 13 years and above and groups with all levels of ability are welcome. Suggested group size is normally 14 people or less, but this can be tailored to meet your needs.

Suggested Programme (This can be tailored to suit your group’s needs.)

• Day 1- Introduction to interview techniques, recording and editing
• Day 2- Putting a podcast/ radio package together/ Vox-pops - gathering audience views
• Day 3- Attending festival shows and interviewing audience, cast and crew members
• Day 4- Attending shows, more interviews and reviews, editing and programme production
• Day 5- Preparation and presentation of mock broadcast, review and evaluation

Participants will gain:

• Communication and team building skills
• New technical editing and production skills
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• The opportunity to be involved in the Edinburgh Festival and explore new art forms.

The course is held in a fully accessible venue and in the heart of the festival. Alternatively Media Education can come to you!
Dates

Available dates are:

• 2 - 6 August
• 9 - 13 August
• 16- 20 August
• 23 - 27 August.
• Other dates may be available.

If you would like to find out more or get a quote for your project, please contact us on 0131 313 8900 or by email.

Festival Radio Project has also been run at many other festivals and events. Please get in touch with Media Education on 0131 662 8844 if you'd like to talk about a bespoke project.

Poverty Alliance events calendar

Please see the following details of current events being organised by the Poverty Alliance this month. Please note that all events are free and can be booked by going to the Poverty Alliance website.

Responding to the Recession: Are we doing enough?
Part of the Alliance's activities for the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, this seminar will look at how we are responding to the impact of the recession and what more needs to be done. The seminar will also give provide an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the new European approach to addressing poverty. Glasgow, 25 May

The Scottish Living Wage Campaign: 'The Road to A Living Wage Scotland' 
Increasing numbers of employers in Scotland are becoming living wage employers recognising that paying their employees a living wage is good for business, good for workers and good for the economy. Living wage campaigns are gaining increasing prominence across the UK taking inspiration from the successes of London, Glasgow and Oxford. Living wage has also featured as an issue in the 2010 election campaign. This conference will look at how the campaign is developing in Scotland and what more needs to be done to secure a living wage for Scottish workers.  Glasgow, 27 May

Funding available from Social Enterprise Edinburgh

There is some funded support available again for 2010-11 through Social Enterprise Edinburgh, for organisations and people who want to develop their enterprises.

For details about the funding and how to apply, please contact Ruari Wilson on 0131 659 4747. 

Building Social Capital, Reducing Health Inequalities - Invitation to Tender

The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is seeking provision of services to Build Social Capital and Reduce Health Inequalities in eight communities across Edinburgh (Muirhouse/ Granton/ Pilton; Wester Hailes; South Edinburgh; Gorgie/ Dalry/ Stenhouse/ Saughton; Leith; Craigentinny/ Restalrig/ Lochend; Broomhouse/Sighthill; and (city wide) Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.)

A single provider is being sought in each of the communities to improve health, well-being and resilience of local people.

Monies from Fairer Scotland Fund, the Health Improvement Fund and the Social Justice Fund totaling £360,000 have been made available. CEC is looking to identify a preferred bidder for each community through a process of open tendering. Each community will be treated as a separate lot in the tender with funding of up to £45,000 for each lot.

The time limit for receipt of completed tenders is 8 June 2010 at 12.00 noon. Please Note this is a single stage tender process where Tenderers are required to fill in and return all documentation requested in Schedule 2 of the Invitation to Tender documentation. Further information on the specifications for this tender can be found online.

In the first instance any queries or information sought on the tendering documentation should be directed to our supplier support team on 0131 529 4265 or 0131 469 3823.

Further assistance if necessary can be sought from Elizabeth Macaulay on 0131 469 3537.

Delivering Capital Growth:  consultation event

Please see this invitation to attend a consultation event which will focus on the City of Edinburgh Council's Delivering Capital Growth document , which is part of CEC's Achieving Excellence programme. Delivering Capital Growth focuses on the future physical development of the city and pulls together a number of existing strategies. It will be of particular interest to NPs where development is proposed.

The event takes place on Wednesday 26 May from 6:30pm to 8;00pm in the Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. The consultation deadline is 25 June.

Should you wish to attend the event, please contact Donald Burgess, Partnership Development Officer, on 0131 529 5396.

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City centre

Future Literary Quarter at the heart of the Old Town

Scottish Book Trust is the leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing in Scotland.

We’re planning to redevelop Sandeman House and Trinity Apse (just off the Royal Mile) into literary venues where we would host a programme of events, readings and workshops.

Come and find out more at this open meeting on Monday 24 May 2010 at 6pm, at Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close (by John Knox House), 55 High Street, EH1 1SR.

There will be an opportunity to visit Trinity Apse, currently used as the Brass Rubbing Centre, as well as give feedback on Scottish Book Trust’s plans.

For more details ring 0131 524 0160.

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Leith

Leith Neighbourhood Partnership have arranged with Planning Aid for Scotland for the provision of Energy Planning Training for Leith residents. This will be for a full day on Saturday, 5 June 2010. There is no charge for Leith Residents who wish to take part.

The programme will be as follows:

• Introduction to Planning Aid for Scotland
• Presentation on the planning system
• Details on the process for the Biomass Plant Application.
• Networking Lunch
• Biomass Case Study
• Workshops
• Conclusions and next steps

Leith's Community Councils are collecting names and contact details of people who wish to take part. However, you may also email Loraine Duckworth, Partnership Development Officer, if you would like a place on the training course. Please note that there are a limited number of places which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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Liberton and Gilmerton

South Edinburgh Volunteers’ Showcase

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week at a local level Volunteer Centre South Edinburgh is hosting a Volunteers’ Showcase. Come along and find out how volunteering in your local area can benefit both you and your community. A variety of local volunteer involving organisations will be represented at the event, with information, recruitment and fundraising stalls manned by volunteers and staff from the following projects:

• Libertus, Arts South Edinburgh
• Teens+
• South Edinburgh Healthy Living Initiative (SEHLI)
• Edinburgh Garden Share Scheme (Care and Repair)
• Friends of St Katherine’s Park
• Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
• Positive Futures
• Accelerate (Volunteer Centre Edinburgh youth project)
• Working for Families.

Tuesday 1 June at 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Faith Mission, 548 Gilmerton Road, EH17 7JD

Open Day and Plant Sale
Come and get to know Scotland’s first organic allotment site on the Bridgend Allotment Open Day and Plant Sale.

• Various fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants for sale or exchange.
• Bring your own plants and swap them!
• Refreshments available.
• Music, crafts and activities for all ages.

Entrance FREE — all welcome.

Saturday May 22 from 11am to 4pm, at Bridgend Allotments Community Health Project, 41 Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4TE (Lothian Buses 21, 24, 33, 38, 49)

For further information please call 0131 664 9559.

Bridgend Allotments Community Health Inclusion Project

You are warmly invited to participate in this event whose purpose is to assess the value of the project’s activities and services. We want to show you what we have done in the past and provide space for us to discuss how we can work together in the future!

To enable us to do this we want you to think about two questions: 

1. As a result of engaging with BACHIP what has changed for you and/or your organisation?

2. How do you know this?

And we also want you to bring an idea that we can work together on in the future- it can be as creative as you like!

Our project is now four years old! During this time we have worked with numerous individuals and organisations to help address health inequalities through gardening and the growing of food.

We would like to see this work continue for many more years, and your input will help us to achieve this.

We promise you will have a great afternoon! We need to be able to prove the benefits of our work and we need your help to do this ….and we want to think about new initiatives we can work together in the future.

Tuesday 8 June from  2 to 4pm at the Bridgend Allotments, 41 Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4TE.

Please let us know if you will be able to attend. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Rob Ford, Project Manager, on 07789 650878.

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Portobello and Craigmillar

Craigmillar and Portobello Volunteers’ Showcase

Volunteer Centre Craigmillar are taking over the John Maxwell Gallery at ARTSPACE to host the Craigmillar and Portobello Volunteers’ Showcase. With stalls and activities, the event is the place to find out about the rewards of volunteering, to thank existing volunteers for their work in the local community, and for organisations to find out how they can attract new volunteers. The following local organisations will be holding stalls at the event:

• Community Ability Network (CAN)
• Craigmillar Books for Babies
• Stitch, knit and natter group (Craigmillar Community Arts)
• Craigmillar Community First Aid Advocates (British Red Cross)
• Portobello Toy Library
• Bingham and District 50+
• Edinburgh Garden Share Scheme (Care and Repair)
• Accelerate (Volunteer Centre Edinburgh youth project)
• Niddrie Media Project (Community Renewal)

At both Showcase events Carole Mayberry from Volunteer Centre Edinburgh’s Neighbourhood team will also be holding a stall with information about all local volunteering opportunities currently advertised through the Volunteer Centre, how to apply and where to get support. For more information please contact Helen Ewing on 07504 733 986.

Thursday 3 June from 11:30pm to 3:30pm, at the John Maxwell Gallery at ARTSPACE, Harewood Road, EH16 4NT.

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South Central

South Edinburgh Volunteers’ Showcase

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week at a local level Volunteer Centre South Edinburgh is hosting a Volunteers’ Showcase. Come along and find out how volunteering in your local area can benefit both you and your community. A variety of local volunteer involving organisations will be represented at the event, with information, recruitment and fundraising stalls manned by volunteers and staff from the following projects:

• Libertus, Arts South Edinburgh
• Teens+
• South Edinburgh Healthy Living Initiative (SEHLI)
• Edinburgh Garden Share Scheme (Care and Repair)
• Friends of St Katherine’s Park
• Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
• Positive Futures
• Accelerate (Volunteer Centre Edinburgh youth project)
• Working for Families.

Tuesday 1 June at 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Faith Mission, 548 Gilmerton Road, EH17 7JD

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South West

HELP NEEDED! Volunteering Opportunity at WHALE Arts Agency

WHALE Arts Agency is a registered charity and voluntary arts organisation in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh that strives to enable all people living in Wester Hailes and the surrounding area (classed as an area of deprivation) to participate in and learn about the arts, harnessing the benefit for personal and community development.

WHALE owns a fantastic multi-functional and custom-built building which has workshop space, a performance area, IT suites and offices.

The building is surrounded by banks of grass landscaped in an amphitheatre style and an area divided up into plots for planting and containing seating, designed as a communal greenspace for the locals and users of WHALE to enjoy the sunshine and each other's company.

This space at the back of the arts centre has become overgrown and we need a team of volunteers to give up a few hours of their time to lick it into shape. Jobs will include litter removal, vegetation cut back, tree planting and ground preparation for a wildflower patch and other native plants and shrubs.

Please contact Katriona if you would like to help.

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EVOC Briefing Note

As is well known, the funding that EVOC receives from City of Edinburgh Council has been reduced significantly from the first of April this year. We are therefore examining how we maintain valuable and valued services for the voluntary sector whilst at the same time adapting to a smaller budget. In doing so, we are taking the opportunity to review our organisational structure to ensure that EVOC makes the very best use of available resources, both financial and human, in supporting the voluntary sector.

This briefing note sets out how this will affect service delivery for our members and others and offers re-assurance for the future.

How long will the review take?
We hope to complete the review and the transition to a new structure by the end of June.

What does this mean for continuity of services?
All our existing services will continue unchanged until a new structure is in place. Thereafter, some services may be delivered in a different way. A few of the things we do may be wound down as funding changes But we remain committed to ensuring that the sector has effective, professional and relevant support, especially when so many other organisations are also having to adapt to change and reduced funding.

Will my contact staff member at EVOC stay the same?
Not necessarily, but we will keep members and wider sector informed if any changes. We will ensure that where staff or remits change, there is an orderly transition.

If I am concerned about what this review might mean for my organisation, who do I speak to?
You can speak to your usual contact or to the Director, Ella Simpson.

How will I know what is happening?
This bulletin is the first of a series of briefing notes that we will be issuing throughout the change process to ensure that service users are kept informed of progress.

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Send us your news

The deadline for the next issue of Voluntary Sector Forum News is 5pm Monday 14 June. Please send your news to Julia and also please ensure that you include the following information:

• a contact name and details for your news item - if this is not yourself, please specify or it will be your name published
• which section/s your news belongs in, eg one or more neighbourhoods (which ones?) or all neighbourhoods

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