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NAVCA and Directory of Social Change Urge Government to Preserve Funding (27/08/10)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s structural reform plan suggests the amount of lottery money earmarked for the Big Lottery Fund should drop from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. Read more: Preserve lottery funding

Funding Sources (27/08/10)

Details of various trusts and other funding sources from Bradford CVS newsletter. Read more: Centre Forward funding

'Public Service Cuts in West Yorkshire: The Impact on the BME Third Sector (27/08/10)

A Stakeholder Meeting with the chief executives, elected representatives and councils leaders of Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. More details: public cuts stakeholders meeting

Kirklees Domestic Violence Awareness Week (27/08/10)

A special week is being held in September to raise awareness of Domestic Violence and to encourage those suffering from it to seek support. The event is being organised by Kirklees Council working in partnership with the NHS, Police, Probation Service, Kirklees College and the Pennine Domestic Violence Group and will run from September 27. More details: Domestic violence week

'On The Money - Financial Capability 2011 and Beyond' (27/08/10)

At this free conference you can hear key speakers from HM Treasury and the Financial Inclusion Taskforce set out the current thinking of the Government on financial capability and where that and financial inclusion fits into the Big Society. As well as the chance to share best practice and network with others involved in this area of work. More details: Financial capability

Denby Dale Poetry Day (27/08/10)

Sheffield’s leading community arts organisation Art in the Park will host Denby Dale’s very first Poetry Day on Sunday 19th September at Wither Wood. Art in the Park will invite people from the local area to work with professional poets to explore the natural beauty of Denby Dale through poetry at this free outdoor event. More details: Denby Dale Poetry Day

Vacancy - Lawrence Batley Theatre (27/08/10)

Are you passionate about the arts? Would you like to contribute to the cultural life of the area? Lawrence Batley Theatre is looking for a Head of Community Engagement. More details: Head of Community Engagement

Vacancy - Pay & Employment Rights Service (27/08/10)

PERS provides advice, literature and training on rights at work and homeworking. It is looking for a Homeworking Development Worker who will work closely with the Homeworking Team in supporting individuals wanting to work from home or start their own business. More info: PERS Advert

Huddersfield Harambee Association - Board Members Needed (27/08/10)

Huddersfield Harambee Association aims to develop, facilitate and promote projects and services of a community, social or educational nature, with the object of improving the quality and enjoyment of life for members, children and families. It is hoping to recruit new board members to help continue its work. Find out more: Harambee

Internet Advertising Bureau Publishes Free Guide to Help Not-For-Profits Become More Visible Online (27/08/10)

The Internet Advertising Bureau, the trade body for digital marketing, has launched a free guide to help not-for-profit organisations make their websites easier to find. More details: free guide to help get visible

VAK Database - Fill in the form and get chance to win £250! for your organisation (27/08/10)

VAK is currently upgrading its database, the new database will be used to keep you all up to date with information about what’s happening locally and nationally, to publicise training opportunities, to contribute to knowledge about the shape & size of the VCS in Kirklees and to help VAK monitor the effectiveness of its work. Send your Data Collection Form back by the end of October and your organisation could win £250 in a prize draw. The forms will be sent out shortly or download a copy here: Data collection form

Upland Report (27/08/10)

The government’s rural watchdog has called for a new strategy to revitalise England’s upland communities. The Commission for Rural Communities said the English uplands underpinned a wealth of natural and cultural assets. But they were failing to realise their potential – despite their ability to support a low carbon future and green economy. Read more: Upland Report

Kirklees Chief Executive Forum (20/08/10)

ACEVO and VAK are working in partnership to deliver the second Third Sector Leaders Network Forum. Join them for a networking lunch, followed by discussions led by ACEVO & VAK on the state of the sector and an inspirational speaker on third sector leadership. More details: Kirklees Chief Executive Forum

Community Leadership Courses at Northern College (20/08/10)

Third sector organisations who employ at least 1 member of staff may qualify for 60% discount on these courses at Northern College. Find out more: Community Leadership Courses 

'Mental Health First Aid' (20/08/10)

To promote mental health in and out of the workplace, Community Links is delivering Mental Health First Aid training throughout Yorkshire & the Humber. Find out about the next course in Kirklees: Mental Health First Aid

Free Energy Training to Help You Save Money (20/08/10)

Does your community centre have a high energy bill & need to save money? Would you like free support for environmental improvements? Are you concerned about climate change and want to make a difference? Find out how you can: Energy Training

A Chance to Practice Your Spanish (20/08/10)

A new group has been set up for anyone in Huddersfield who is learning Spanish and wants to practice their language skills. The idea came from a group of people who were teaching themselves online but felt they were missing out on practicing with other people. Find out more: Bar Time Spanish

Government Enlists Voluntary Sector Chiefs to Red Tape Taskforce (20/08/10)

The Office for Civil Society is today launching the Big Society Deregulation Taskforce to examine how red tape and bureaucracy can be reduced for charities and community organisations. Read more: red tape taskforce

Small Charities Bear the Brunt of Cuts Despite Big Society Pledge (17/08/10)

You are invited to the WORLD PREMIER of the VAK Productions, ‘The Space to Make Things Happen’ & highlights from the ‘I love my community centre’ event. A host of well-known faces – as you’ve never seen them before! More info: Small charities bear the brunt of cuts

VAK Productions Premier - 'The Space to Make Things Happen' (17/08/10)

You are invited to the WORLD PREMIER of the VAK Productions, ‘The Space to Make Things Happen’ & highlights from the ‘I love my community centre’ event. A host of well-known faces – as you’ve never seen them before! More info: World Premier

Altogether Better - 'Meditation & Relaxation (17/08/10)

This course is ideal for those new to meditation or those who have already experienced a meditative state. It would suit anyone who wants to learn simple methods to help them & others relax. More details: Meditation Leaflet

Consultation - Health White Paper (17/08/10)

The White Paper on Health has the potential to create one of the biggest changes to the structure and function of the NHS since its creation in1948. The event will give you the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes through the White Paper. More details: Consultation

Proposal to Catch Benefit Cheats Stigmatises At-Risk Families, says CPAG (17/08/10)

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has accused the government of further stigmatising vulnerable families by proposing to use credit-rating agencies to help catch people cheating the benefit system. Read more: Proposal to catch benefit cheats

Government Resurrects CWDC Early Years Graduate Scheme (17/08/10)

The government has relaunched a pilot scheme to attract top graduates to the early years workforce, under the banner of New Leaders in Early Years. Read more: early years graduate scheme

Government Clarifies Ban on Every Child Matters (17/08/10)

The Department for Education (DfE) has moved to allay fears that a ban on the use of the phrase Every Child Matters in the new government signals a shift in policy for children and young people. Read more: ban on Every Child Matters

NCB - Library & Information Service (17/08/10)

The UK’s most comprehensive information resource on children and young people. Find out more: NCB resources

Leading Charity Offers Free Database to Small Charities & Community Groups (17/08/10)

Lasa a leading strategic provider of knowledge, support and resources to third sector and government bodies is offering an Advice & information Management System database (AIMS Free) to all small community groups & third sector organisations across the UK. Find out more: AIMS

Help for Clients with Money Problems (17/08/10)

Kirklees CAB is offering to money management sessions to anyone living or working in Kirklees. It can offer 1 -1 sessions or group sessions for clients or front line workers. Find out more: money problems

Stroke Support Group (09/08/10)

Details of a support group for people who have suffered a stroke and their carers. Find out more: Stroke Support Group

A Third of Charities Have No Reserves, According to NCVO (09/08/10)

The figures have raised fears that drastic cuts in state grants and contracts could result in the closure of many organisations. Read more: charities have no reserves

'Listen to the Silence of Women' (09/08/10)

 A health and well being event was held at the Salfia Centre, Scouthill, Dewsbury.  The event brought together health experts and health service providers to deliver an educational and entertaining day for women of all ages. Find out more: Health Well Being event

'Improving Young People's Money Skills' (09/08/10)

There has never been a more important time to support young people in dealing with the economic challenges and financial uncertainties facing them. West Yorkshire Financial Capability Forum brings together organisations who have an interest in improving people’s confidence and skills so that they can avoid a financial crisis. Find out about next meeting: Financial capability

'Commissioning Third Sector Services for Children & Young People' (09/08/10)

This is an exciting opportunity to debate commissioning in these turbulent times and to think creatively about ways forward. Find out more: Commissioning conference

Youth Community Action Programme Axed (09/08/10)

The government has announced it is to scrap the Youth Community Action programme (vschools), which aims to encourage all 14- to 19-year-olds to take part in volunteering. Read more: programme to be axed

Hughes Seeks Clarification on Dormant Account Funds (09/08/10)

The deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes, is urging ministers to clarify whether money from dormant bank accounts is still destined for new youth facilities. Find out more: Hughes seeks clarification

Careers Advice has Little Effect on Young People after the Age of 16 (09/08/10)

The provision of careers education and information, advice and guidance (IAG) has little effect on the decisions that young people make at the age of 16, a Department for Education research report has found. Read more: Careers advice

Public Transport Seen as Unsafe by Young People (09/08/10)

The majority of young people feel unsafe on public transport, according to a survey by NCB and the British Youth Council. Read more: Public transport

Schools Struggle to Find Money for Extended Services (09/08/10)

Schools are struggling to fund a full programme of extended services despite pressure from parents and pupils to run more activities, according to a study. Read more: Schools struggle to find money

Vacancy - Lorna Young Foundation (09/08/10)

The LYF is a small, dynamic charity that supports small holder farmers in developing countries to realise greater value for what they produce. This post will support the growth of the organisation and its ability to run successful programmes. Find out more: LYF Bookkeeper

Vacancy - Lawrence Batley Theatre (09/08/10)

LBT presents a dynamic professional programme of live performance, film & events. It requires a full-time Hospitality Assistant, find out more: Hospitality Assistant

Vacancy - Lawrence Batley Theatre (09/08/10)

Are you passionate about the arts? Would you like to contribute to the cultural life of the area? LBT in Huddersfield is seeking new Board Members for the next exciting stage in its development. Find out more: LBT Board

Report says Charities Should Beware the Fate of Housing Associations (09/08/10)

The report says housing associations have lost their independence and their role as campaigning organisations has diminished as a result of assuming responsibility for housing provision and the need to respond to government targets and demands. Read more: Beware the fate of housing asso

Orange Calls for 'Mobile Volunteering' Ideas (09/08/10)

Orange will ask its customers to suggest ways in which people could use their mobile phones to help charities. Find out more: Orange

Big Lottery Fund Announces 50 Areas That Can Apply for New Big Lottery Money (30/07/10)

The Big Lottery Fund has announced the 50 areas where community groups will be able to apply for funding from its new £200m funding stream, Big Local. Read more: Big Lottery Fund

Office for Civil Society cuts £11m from Capacitybuilders, v & the Commission for the Compact (30/07/10)

The Office for Civil Society will cut £11m from its 2010/11 budget by reducing its funding for Capacitybuilders, the Commission for the Compact and the youth volunteering charity v. Read more: Office for Civil Society cuts

Kirklees Creative Summit (30/07/10)

An essential conference for all those involved in the arts and creative economy in Kirklees. Find out more: Kirklees Creative Summit

Venue Needed fo Enterprise Course (30/07/10)

The Prince’s Trust is looking for a venue to host its 4-day ‘Explore Enterprise’ course, think you can help? Find out how: Venue needed

'Futures North' (30/07/10)

Futures North looks beyond the ‘Big Society’, bringing together some of the key people and the ideas that offer practical solutions enabling communities to tackle today’s problems, and create a greener, fairer and happier future. Find out more: Futures North

Improve Your Practice with One-Day Training Courses from NCB (30/07/10)

NCB’s innovative professional development programme is specially designed for early years and playwork professionals at every stage of their career. Find out more: Improve your practice

Cuts will 'Decimate' Connexions (30/07/10)

Universal advice and guidance for young people in England is being "decimated" as Connexions services brace themselves for cuts of at least 20 per cent, an investigation has revealed. Find out more: Cuts will decimate

v Fears 90 Jobs will go after £8m Schools Volunteering Programme is Abolished (30/07/10)

The youth volunteering charity says Department for Education's decision to cut vschools is 'complete folly' and won't save much money. Read more: V fears

Youth Services Told to Improve (30/07/10)

Local authorities are failing to utilise and support the voluntary sector in delivering effective youth services, says an Ofsted evaluation. Read more: Youth services

Vacancy - West Yorkshire Learning Consortium (30/07/10)

WYLC is looking for an Administrator to support the effective management of WYLC projects and contracts. More details: Vacancy at WYLC

Vacancies - National Children's Centre (30/07/10)

NCC aims to help children, young people and families in need. Due to expansion within its education projects supporting 14-19 year olds, it currently has vacancies for a number of positions. More details: NCC Vacancies

Research Finds Little Evidence That Public Services run by Third Sector are Better for Users (30/07/10)

There is little independent evidence to suggest that public services commissioned from voluntary sector organisations are better for users, according to a review by the Third Sector Research Centre. Read more: little evidence

Social Enterprises Back in Demand for 'Future Jobs Fund Style' Placements (30/07/10)

Social enterprises are set to be back in demand to support the long term unemployed following George Osbourne’s announcement to scrap the Future Jobs Fund scheme. Read more: Social Enterprises

Charities Will Not Lose Music Licensing Exemption Before September (30/07/10)

Plans to remove the exemption for charities from music licensing charges will not be implemented until September at the earliest, after protests from voluntary sector organisations. Read more: music licensing exemption

Training for Childrens Emotional Well-Being (23/07/10)

The purpose of this programme is to enable and encourage creative responses to supporting and communicating with children & young people who are facing challenges to their emotional well-being. Find out more about this training programme at Northorpe Hall Trust: Northorpe Hall Training Programme

vschools need you! (23/07/10)

vschools is a national programme designed to increase the breathe and diversity of community action opportunities available to 14-16 year olds both in school and the wider community. It is looking for organisations & charities to offer volunteering and community action opportunities for young people. More details: vschools kirklees

NCVYS Young Partners Award (23/07/10)

The NCVYS Young Partners Award is a celebration of young people’s involvement in decision making within VCS youth organisations. It provides an opportunity for such organisations & projects to demonstrate what young people and adults can achieve. Find out more: NCVYS

'Big Society in the North' (23/07/10)

A movement is starting to grow that’s concerned with ensuring that the ‘Big Society’ agenda is translated into real benefits to communities and not just a way of sugaring the pill of funding cuts.  An initial meeting is taking place in Sheffield on 27 July to launch ‘Big Society in the North’. Find out more: Big Society in the North

Pickles Outlines Plans to Abolish Government Offices (23/07/10)

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has announced the Government's intention in principle to abolish the remaining eight Government Offices for the Regions across England. Read more: Government Offices

Artists in Mind (23/07/10)

Artists in Mind are holding their AGM on 29 July, following the meeting there will be an exhibition, films & live poetry. More details: AIM

Youth Projects Lose Out on Dormant Bank Account Funds (23/07/10)

Dormant bank account assets will no longer be earmarked for young people's projects and will instead be used to fund the coalition government's broader big society agenda. More details: dormant bank account funds

Suga Brown Newsletter (23/07/09)

The latest news from Suga Brown, Huddersfield based urban art company. Read more: Suga Brown

School Healthy Eating Initiatives Only Work if Continued at Home (23/07/10)

Anti-obesity programmes in English schools are not having a lasting impact on children's health because they are failing to engage with children's families, a report has found. Read more: School healthy eating initiatives

Funding for Projects Affecting Children & Young People to be Slashed (23/07/10)

The government has announced cuts of at least £169.5m to capital funding for a range of projects affecting children and young people, including money for youth facilities, new playgrounds and improved social work IT systems. Read more: Funding for projects to be slashed

Restorative Justice Key to Cutting Youth Reoffending, says Landmark Study (23/07/10)

A landmark report has called for the introduction of restorative justice across England and Wales to halve the current number of juveniles in custody. Read more: Restorative justice

David Cameron Announces Support for Community Groups in 4 Areas (23/07/10)

David Cameron has announced plans to give charities and voluntary groups access to advice from civil servants to help them run local projects and services as part of his big society agenda. Read more: David Cameron announces support

Charities can be 'Cack-handed' in Their Lobbying (23/07/10)

Speaking at a Media Trust panel discussion yesterday, Charles Walker, the MP for Broxbourne, said: "Charities often write to MPs asking us to write to ministers to express their disquiet. They assume their concerns must be our concerns. That’s almost bullying, to be honest. Read more: Cackhanded

Big Lottery Fund Share of Good Cause Money will be Reduced to 40% (16/07/10)

The voluntary and community sector’s share of lottery ‘good cause’ money will be reduced from 50 per cent to 40 per cent in September, the government has confirmed. Read more: good cause money reduced

'Cousin Marriage & Genetic Disorders in Diverse Communities' (16/07/10)

Infant Mortality rates in Kirklees are the second highest in Yorkshire and Humber, and significantly above the national average. One of the principal causes of infant deaths is congenital abnormality, which can be a consequence of first cousin marriage. First cousin marriage is particularly prevalent in some communities of Pakistani heritage. The NHS has commissioned a free day-long course to help improve our knowledge, skills and confidence in this area. Find out more: Infant Mortality

Homeworking Success - Celebration Event (16/07/10)

Meet successful homeworkers, take part in workshops and get information & guidance on homeworking. More info: homeworking success

Health & Well-Being Event (16/07/10)

A great opportunity for women to learn and gain a better understanding of health issues and concerns that may affect them. Attendance at the event is a proactive step for women to take towards understanding the health of their mind and body. Find out more: Health Well Being

Loughton Calls for Overhaul of Local Authority Youth Services (16/07/10)

Speaking to delegates at the Association of Directors of Children’s Services' annual conference, Tim Loughton said councils need to think "more imaginatively" about youth provision in the tough economic climate. Read more: overhaul of youth services

Public Should be Trained to Deal With Anti-Social Behaviour (16/07/10)

Residents, youth workers, volunteers and public sector workers should play a greater role in tackling anti-social behaviour and local policing, according to a report by the Royal Society of Arts. Read more: Public should be trained

Health Secretary Promises Opportunities for Voluntary Sector in NHS Shake-up (16/07/10)

The voluntary sector will be at the heart of the government’s plans to reform the NHS, health secretary Andrew Lansley told delegates at Acevo’s health and social care conference yesterday. Read more: opportunities for voluntary sector

Government Will Consider Compact When Making Cuts (16/07/10)

Francis Maude, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, has written to ministerial colleagues asking them to consider the Compact when making cuts, according to Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society. Read more: Government will consider Compact

McDonalds Confirmed as Volunteer Coordinator for London 2012 Olympics (16/07/10)

McDonalds will be responsible for recruiting and training the 70,000 volunteers needed to run the 2012 Olympic Games, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games has confirmed. Read more: McDonalds

What's Going On With Voluntary Action Kirklees? (08/07/10)

VAK is going through some upheaval at the moment. Long planned changes in the way Kirklees Council funds local independent support for community & voluntary organisations have been shelved and the council funding that has previously been available to VAK is no longer available. This has left VAK in an uncertain situation, find out more: VAK statement

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude to Chair Government Committee on thew Big Society (08/07/10)

A new big society committee of ministers from all departments with remits affecting the voluntary sector will meet for the first time later this month. Read more: government committee on the big society

New Programme from Batley TV (08/07/10)

The new programme from Batley TV is now available online with news and stories from the town. More info: Batley TV

Interim Results of Volunteer Rights Inquiry Reveals 'Shocking Stories' (08/07/10)

A report by a panel set up by Volunteering England, to examine the treatment of volunteers has revealed cases of verbal abuse and sexual harassment. Read more: Volunteer Rights Inquiry

Voluntary Sector Can Expect Imminent Cuts of £100m, says NAVCA (08/07/10)

More than £100m is likely to be slashed from voluntary sector funding over the next few weeks after cuts to council budgets, local umbrella body Navca has warned. Read more: Voluntary sector can expect imminent cuts

Voluntary Action Wakefield District's Shock Funding Cut (08/07/10)

Staff and Trustees at Voluntary Action Wakefield District (VAWD) were stunned to be told by Wakefield Council that the majority of their funding would be cut with immediate effect. Read more: Voluntary Action Wakefield District

EcoTeams Training to be Rearranged (08/07/10)

EcoTeams is the world’s biggest community-based environmental programme. Read more about plans to rearrange an EcoTeams event in West Yorkshire: Ecoteams training postponed

Tai Chi for Everyone (08/07/10)

The Altogether Better project has teamed up with James Lucas, a qualified Tai Chi Instructor, to develop a free course for people who would like to develop exercise sessions in their community. Find out more: Tai Chi

Free Advice about Social Media (08/07/10)

The next Huddersfield Social Media Surgery is on Monday 19th July at The Media Centre, Huddersfield. Members of voluntary organisations are welcome to drop-in for free, informal advice about using social media. For more details please visit: Social media surgery

Safeguarding Briefings (08/07/10)

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board & Development Team are pleased to announce the next events in a series of safeguarding briefings. Find out more: KSCB Networking 2010

Council of Europe Assembly Votes to Ban Use of Mosquito Dispersal Devices (08/07/10)

Councils are set to be banned from using Mosquito devices to disperse young people, following a landmark ruling by the Council of Europe's parliamentary assembly. Read more: Mosquito dispersal devices

Does Someone You Love Abuse Drugs and/or Alcohol? (08/07/10)

GASPED has a 24 hour confidential help offering free support to families encountering drug problems with their children. Find out more about their services: GASPED

Social Enterprises Need More Support to Implement the Big Society (08/07/10)

Growing the Big Society, produced by think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research North, says plans to involve more social enterprises in the delivery of public services are likely to be hampered by the March 2011 "funding cliff-edge" and by the move towards larger contracts that are beyond the reach of smaller organisations. Read more: the big society

Women's Resource Centre (08/07/10)

WRC has set up this FREE online national network by women, for women to create a safe space where women from all groups, large and small can discuss things in a private arena. Find out more: Women Resource Centre

"Local Politicians Need to Enter a New Age of Creativity" (08/07/10)

Kevin Howell, former Deputy-Leader of Birmingham City Council, believes that we need to look at differently in response to the current funding crisis. Kevin will be taking part in the Huddersfield Salon open debate next Tuesday at Huddersfield Media Centre at 6.30pm. Read more of his thoughts: New Age of Creativity

KFTRA Takes on New Role (08/07/10)

Kirklees Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations has been awarded funding to provide tenant Participation activities for all council estates in Kirklees. More info: KFTRA takes on new role

VAK Services Slashed! (02/07/10)

Kirklees Council has cancelled the tendering process for infrastructure support to voluntary & community organisations across Kirklees. VAK and a consortium of organisations including fit4funding, WYCAS, Fresh Horizons, The Pay & Employment Rights Service, Artimedia & Electroville, had been waiting to hear if their bid for funding, that would have guaranteed infrastructure support to the sector for the next 3 years, had been successful. Instead we have been informed that the money is now no longer available. This decision will leave voluntary & community sector support in Kirklees in tatters and throws the spotlight on the Council’s previous commitments to supporting the voluntary & community sector.

The council has indicated that it will continue to provide support using its own staff.

Director of VAK, Val Johnson concludes, “We know that times are hard and cuts are inevitable, but front line community organisations need independent support. Kirklees is on its way to becoming one of the few councils in the country that does not provide independent services or an independent Volunteer Centre to help maintain vital local community action.”

Organisations & groups who have received help & support from VAK and the other organisations involved in the consortium are being asked to offer support by contacting council leader Cllr. Khan to express their views on the decision.

Please express any comments or concerns you have to:

mehboob.khan@kirklees.gov.uk  or kimiyo.rickett@kirklees.gov.uk

Do You Need Nudging into Altruism? (25/06/10)

Citizens can be "nudged" into doing good works such as giving to charity or volunteering, according to research by academics at Manchester and Southampton universities. Read more: Nudged to altruism

Last Chance to Apply for Level 3 Volunteer Management Bursaries (25/06/10)

Capacity Builders is offering volunteer managers across England a final opportunity to apply for a bursary to pay for an approved Level 3 skills development package ahead of the closing date on 30 June. Find out more: Volunteer Management Programme

ACEVO Launches 'Cuts Watch' Website (25/06/10)

Third sector chief executives body ACEVO has launched a website designed to monitor public sector cuts to third sector organisations. Find out more: Acevo launches Cuts Watch website

Huddersfield Faith Trail (25/06/10)

Five places of worship in Huddersfield have opened their doors to welcome visitors who wish to find out more about these fascinating places on a 1.5 mile trail around the town centre. More info: Huddersfield Faith Trail

Kirklees Funding Roadshows (23/06/10)

Kirklees Council Grants Officers Group has organised two free one-stop events where groups can find out what funds are available and get help in making their funding applications. Find out more: Kirklees Funding Roadshows

Sources of Funding (23/06/10)

A list of funding opportunities for local organisations in West Yorkshire. Read more: Sources of funding

fit4funding Local Newsletter (23/06/10)

Funding newsletter from fit4funding contains lots of information about funding for organisations from West Yorkshire. Read more: f4f local

Want to Know More About Personalisation? (23/06/10)

A series of free workshops have been arranged for Carers to help explain changes in personal care and how they will affect them and the people they care for. Find out more: PPF carers training

'Sick Note to Fit Note' (23/06/10)

From the 6th April 2010, ‘Fit Notes’ replaced ‘Sick Notes’. The new fit notes are designed to lower employee absence rates and support employees return to work by numerous methods. This seminar will present an overview of the new fit notes and how they are designed to benefit both employee and you as an employer. Find out more: FREE LUNCHTIME SEMINAR

Refugee Week (23/06/10)

Various events are happening across Kirklees as part of Refugee Week 2010, find out more: World Cup

Community Futures (23/06/10)

Subsidised training courses at Trafford Hall, north of Chester in the Cheshire countryside. Helping communities boost resilience in the face of climate change. More details: Trafford Hall envt courses

'The Post Election Landscape & the VCS' (23/06/10)

The Policy context in which the voluntary sector operates is changing radically; new Coalition priorities around public spending cuts, the 'Big Society', localism, and payment by results will have major implications for the sector. The Regional Forum is holding these free events to explore the consequences for the Voluntary & Community Sector. Find out more: The Post Election Landscape

'Understanding & Developing Non-Violent Social Movements (23/06/10)

Nonviolent Social Movements are a dynamic and important way in which we can organise to halt injustice, change our society and build the energy for a better world. Join an innovative and new weekend summer school at Leeds Metropolitan University. More details: Summer School NVSM

'The Fear Factor' - Photography Exhibition (23/06/10)

Residents of Almondbury, Golcar, Milnsbridge, Paddock & Taylor Hill took part in the project. In using documentary photography, personal text and in constructing images the group have created a body of work that explores their stories of neighbourhoods across Huddersfield. Find out more: Community Dark invite

Ministers Halt Child Abuse Vetting Scheme (23/06/10)

Registration with the Vetting & Barring Scheme will be halted to allow the Government to remodel the scheme. The Government said it recognizes that many businesses, community groups and individuals see the current scheme as disproportionate and overtly burdensome, an that it unduly infringes on civil liberties. Read more: Child abuse vetting scheme

givingworldonline (23/06/10)

Giving World Online is a not for profit, free, simple scheme, offering organisations the chance to pass on surplus goods to people in need. Find out more: Giving World Online

Age Concern Calderdale & Kirklees (23/06/10)

Are currently looking for volunteers to assist with two projects in Kirklees, one to encourage older and younger people to share childhood memories/experiences in the locality of Denby Dale/Kirkburton and the other to support older people to be more active and to introduce them to healthy eating, this project is Kirklees wide.

To find out more please contact Susan Cromack on 01484 535994 or e mail susan.cromack@acck.org.uk

Facilities Management Service (23/06/10)

Fresh Horizons are offering a Facilities Management Service that builds your community building into a focal point of the community. It can increase your occupancy levels, manage your bookings and offers a remote access system and a dedicated phone point to resolve problems. Find out more: Fresh Horizons Facilities Management

Freedom Personal Safety (23/06/10)

Freedom Personal Safety is a social enterprise established to help women & children increase awareness of their personal safety & understand what they can do to protect themselves. Find out more: Freedom Personal Safety

Funding for Out of School Activities (21/05/10)

Following a successful pilot project in Dewsbury last year, a major Department for Children Schools and Familiesfunded programme is being rolled out throughout Kirklees providing £1.55 million for activities to be developed byschools in partnership with local pupils and services.More details: Out of School Activities

Fancy Saving up to £170 on your Buildings Energy Bills? (21/05/10)

Voluntary Action Kirklees and Kirklees Council have joined together to develop a new project called EcoTeams. We are holding an EcoTeams team leader workshop on the 25th June at the Voluntary Action Kirklees. Find out more: Eco Teams

Huddersfield 'Town of Sanctuary' (21/05/10)

Huddersfield Town of Sanctuary is part of the National City of Sanctuary movement. It is aiming to create a network of local people, community groups & supporting organisations who promise to welcome and include people seeking sanctuary. Find out about the launch event: Sanctuary

'Community Assets Matter' (21/05/10)

An introductory 2 day workshop aimed at all levels of advisers and community anchors involved in advising front line staff & organisations on managing & running community centres. More details: Community Assets Matter & Sheffield BOOKING FORM

Training Opportunities from Northern College (21/05/10)

Northern College is offering a 60% discount on some of its courses, find out more: Northern College

Free Sustainability Workshops (21/05/10)

Charity Bank is organising a series of free workshops for VCS organisations who want to learn more about sustainability & funding sources other than public grants & donations. Find out more: CBld Workshop

Community Buildings Total Sustainability Event (21/05/10)

Part of the Community Cascade project this training will cover Commissioning, Environmental Sustainability & Community Cohesion. More details: Community Cascade

Frontline Services at Risk as New Ministers Seek to Identify Cuts (21/05/10)

Impending cuts are certain to damage frontline children's services and lead to job losses, sector leaders have warned. Read more: Frontline services

No Sign of Fund for Young People (21/05/10)

Millions of pounds worth of unclaimed assets pledged in 2008 to develop new youth facilities are still no closer to being made available. Read more: Unclaimed assets

Cameron & Clegg Set Out 'Big Society' Policy Ideas (21/05/10)

At a round table event in the Cabinet Room in Number 10 David Cameron & Nick Clegg outlined their proposals for a Big Society and a national citizen service. Read more: Big Society

Help - Volunteers Wanted for Telephone Survey (21/05/10)

Voluntary Action Calderdale is looking for 10 groups to take part in a piece of West Yorkshire wide research. The research will include questions about the effects competition & collaboration are having on the VCS as the public purse tightens. More info: VCS survey

NAVCA Opens Merger Talks with NCVO and Others (21/05/10)

The national umbrella body for local Councils for Voluntary Service has
initiated the talks in light of the prospect of drastic public spending
cuts decimating its income. More info: NAVCA

Participation Training in Leeds (14/05/10)

Participation Works is offering a range of training courses in Leeds for all those involved in work with young people. More details: Participation Training

'Young People, the Arts & Social Inclusion' (14/05/10)

Artsplan, the training and publications arm of Artswork, the national youth arts development agency, is pleased to announce it will be delivering the 6-day accredited course 'Young People, the Arts and Social Inclusion’ at Kala Sangam in Bradford. More details: Youth Arts Accredited Training

'Tempted to Go Green' (14/05/10)

You are invited to the launch of an interactive web resource that aims to develop essential computer skills as well as raising awareness of important environmental issues. More details: Tempted to Go Green

Women's Unity 'Sports & Fun Day' (14/05/10)

Ansaar Organisation invites you to its 5th Annual Ladies Only Unity Fun & Sports Day. The event is packed full of fun activities. More details: Ansaar

'Improve Your Health & Well-Being with Relaxation & Meditation' (14/05/10)

This course is free to anybody who would like to learn meditation and relaxation techniques with a view to running their own sessions with community groups & organisations. More details: Meditation Leaflet

Treasures Revealed in Kirklees (14/05/10)

From May 29 – June 6, places of worship across Kirklees will be opening their doors and welcoming visitors, offering a fascinating insight into the many rich & diverse faith communities in the area. Find out more: Treasures

VKON-K Emotional Well-Being Network (14/05/10)

A new network of voluntary and community sector organisations supporting children and young people’s emotional well-being and mental health in Kirklees. Find out more: EW network letter & VYON EW Network

Gove Sets Out His Stall in New Department for Education (14/05/10)

The Education Secretary Michael Gove has set out his stall to civil servants working in the newly created Department for Education. Find out more: Department for Education

What a Tory-Lib Pact Could Mean for Children's & Youth Policy (14/05/10)

There will have been plenty of horse-trading around the best measures to revive the economy and repair the political system. But what about the two parties' respective plans for children, young people and families? Find out more: Comment LibCon

Work Placements Needed (14/05/10)

A4e is working in partnership on the Government funded Job Centre Plus Support Contract, aimed at getting unemployed people back into work. One aspect of this provision is that each client is placed in a four week work placement. This is an entirely unpaid placement and there is no expectation or obligation on the employer to offer a permanent position. Find out how you can help: Work Placements needed

Explain 'Big Society' or Cynicism Will Kill It, Government is Warned (14/05/10)

Matthew Scott, director of the coalition, whose members include local infrastructure body Navca, volunteering charity BTCV and Community Matters, which represents community organisations, said there were widespread fears that big society was a codeword for "big cuts". Read more: Big society

More Than One-Third of Charity Applications for Grants were Ineligible (06/05/10)

More than 361,000 grant applications, out of a pool of almost a million, did not meet the criteria of the UK grantmakers concerned, the DSC reported. Read more: More than one

Kirklees Council Environment Grant Scheme (06/05/10)

Community & voluntary groups with ideas to improve the local environment are invited to submit applications to this popular grant scheme. More details: Environment Grants

Financial Capability Training (06/05/10)

Kirklees Citizens Advice is offering free, innovative financial capability training for clients and front-line workers in Kirklees. Find out more: CAB

Newsome Grapevine (06/05/10)

Find out how residents and community groups are using new technologies to share information about Newsome – and how you can do it too. More info: grapevine

Charity Advice Site Launches 'The Archers' for the Voluntary Sector (06/05/10)

Charity and social enterprise advice website KnowHow NonProfit has launched an animated docudrama on life in the voluntary sector. Find out more: VCS Archers

New Alliance in Yorkshire & The Humber (06/05/10)

The alliance will seek to ensure that front line VCS organisations get the best training, information and funding advice they need to be successful. More details: New Alliance

Experiences of the Housing Crisis Wanted (06/05/10)

To take into account the Easter holidays and the next Bank Holiday
weekend the Regional Forum has extended the deadline for the third VCS
Confidence Survey. More info: Experiences of the housing crisis wanted

Unite Launches Campaign to Fight Stress in the Voluntary Sector (06/05/10)

The union, which has 60,000 members in the not-for-profit sector, said its research suggested nine out of 10 voluntary sector workers felt their wellbeing was being undermined by the financial problems facing charities. Find out more: Unite launches campaign

Funding for Holiday Activities for Young People (12/04/10)

This fund is now open, voluntary & community sector organisations can now apply for funding to run open access holiday schemes. More details: Summer Holiday Activities

Grants to £75K for Feasibility Studies - Community Buildings (12/04/10)

The grants are up to 75k for Third Sector organisations who want to develop project plans for new or refurbished “community anchor” buildings. The deadline for the next round of grants under the Communitybuilders programme is the end of May. More details: Grants for Feasibility Studies

Poll Reveals Half of People Against Groups of Parents Running Schools (12/04/10)

Only four per cent of the public want to see private companies or religious organisations running state-funded schools. Only five per cent think it would be a good idea for groups of parents to be given the power to run state-funded schools. Read more: parents running schools

Local Land & Local Food (12/04/10)

Kirklees Environmental Partnership is currently involved in trying to assess the potential to develop local sustainable food systems such as community gardens, allotments, small holdings, community-supported agricultural schemes and land trusts. Find out how you can help: Local land and local food

Has Managing Absence Become Easier? (26/03/10)

From 6th April the medical certificate or “sick note” will be replaced by a “fit note”. What changes will the ‘Fit Note’ bring? Find out: Managing absence

fit4funding West Yorkshire Newsletter (26/03/10)

Local newsletter from fit4funding, full of funding information & training. More details: f4f Local

Local Charities & Voluntary Groups Should Benefit from Supermarket Tax (26/03/10)

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman says companies that "suck the life out of communities" should give something back. Read more: supermarket tax

£1m Fund to Help Faith Groups Have Their Voices Heard (26/03/10)

Communities Secretary John Denham has unveiled a £1m fund to help faith groups get their voices heard by Government and public bodies and help play their part delivering public services. Read more: 1million fund

VAT on Bulk Mail Threatens to Bring Big Rise in Postal Costs (26/03/10)

Charities that send out bulk mail could see a large rise in their postage costs after an announcement in the Budget that the standard rate of VAT must now be paid on many postal services. More details: postal costs

'How to Deal with Dyslexia' (26/03/10)

The National Children’s Centre is organising a course aimed at employees to assist them with dyslexia across core skill areas in the workplace. More details: How to deal with Dyslexia

Why Not Become a Volunteer (26/03/10)

You could get involved in Kirklees Walking Initiatives and help lead/assist short health walks in the Denby Dale & Kirkburton area. Find out more: Why not volunteer

Charity Websites do not Make Best Use of Technology, says Report (26/03/10)

Charity websites are poor campaigning tools and often fail to use the most effective web technologies, according to a new report. Read more: Charity websites

Safety in the Kitchen Campaign (26/03/10)

In order to raise the profile of safety in the kitchen, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a Safe and Healthy Cooking Competition. More details: WEST YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE

Want to Make a Difference to Policing in West Yorkshire? (26/03/10)

Could you use your skills & experience to support the development of local policing in West Yorkshire? Find out how: West Yorkshire Police

Office of the Third Sector Launches Programme to Help Communities Buy Pubs (26/03/10)

The programme, expected to support 50 communities through the process of taking pubs into community ownership, is being administered by a charity that supports the development of social enterprise in rural communities. Find out more: help communities buy pubs

JustGiving Waives Fee for Amateur Sports Clubs (21/03/10)

JustGiving, the fundraising website, is to waive its £180 annual membership fee for community sports clubs. More details: JustGiving

West Yorkshire Learning Consortium (21/03/10)

A chance to find out about innovative learning projects or become a trustee & make a contribution to the delivery of high quality learning opportunities. More info: Join the WYLC

Survival Growth & Development Workshops (21/03/10)

Business Link Yorkshire is offering a free workshop programme for existing social enterprises to help their businesses grow. Find out more: Centre Forward 74

'Understanding Gangs & Gang Behaviour' (21/03/10)

There is significant evidence to suggest that gang involvement and associated criminal activity is increasing and widening beyond the inner city areas most typically associated with gang culture.Find more on this one day course: Understanding Gangs and Gang Behaviour

Guide Launched to Aid Community Organisation Commissioning (21/03/10)

A guide aimed at encouraging community organisations to get involved in commissioning to improve outcomes for children and young people has been published by a partnership of community sector umbrella organisations. More details: Guide launched

Food Production & Security (21/03/10)

Kirklees Council Policy Team has produced a review of national policy/guidance on food production/security. Read more: Food production and food security

All Three Parties Would Consider Offering Smaller Public Sector Contracts (21/03/10)

Representatives of all three main political parties have told third sector leaders they would think again about the use of very large public service contracts, such as those offered by the Department for Work and Pensions. Read more: smaller contracts

The People's Millions (12/03/10)

This is your chance to win up to £50,000 to improve your local area. Come up with a new & original idea and you could be on ITV this November, competing for viewer’s votes. More info: The People's Millions

O2 offers young people grants for community work (12/03/10)

Mobile phone giant O2 has launched a £5m programme offering cash-in-hand grants for young people to make a difference in their local communities. The programme, Think Big, will enable 13-25 year olds to apply for a £300 grant to fund projects aimed at addressing local issues identified by the young people themselves. More details: O2 funding

Challenging Extremism Forum (12/03/10)

The Challenging Extremism Forum will be an open meeting which aims to develop effective strategies for tackling violent extremism across Kirklees. More details: Extremism

'Community Interaction Skills' (12/03/10)

This four day course has been devised especially for those who need particular skills to establish good inter-personal relations and the ability to avoid or minimise the occurrence of potentially difficult or dangerous situations. More details: Neighbourhood Training

'Mental Health First Aid' (12/03/10)

This 2 day course is for front line staff, people who work one to one with clients, people with little or no knowledge of mental illness who support or deal with the public. More details: MH First Aid

Participants sought for Empowerment Roundtable (12/03/10)

The Regional Forum is holding this event on 30 March in Leeds. The aim is to bring together people who work and volunteer in the voluntary & community sector to share what makes successful empowerment practice & to examine new & creative ways of enabling people to participate in decision making. More details: Empowerment

Multi Faith event (12/03/10)

A multi-faith event will take place in Huddersfield on Saturday following the tragic death of shopkeeper Gurmail Singh, a highly respected member of the local community. The gathering is to show solidarity in condemning the murder and to express sympathy to the Singh family, and to all those affected by the recent events, on behalf of all the community. More details: Multi Faith Event

New Public Health Training Programme (12/03/10)

Details of NHS Kirklees Public Health Training Programme for March – October 2010: PH Training

Halabja - 22nd Anniversary Memorial Service (12/03/10)

The Halabja poison gas attack occurred happened between 16–18 March 1998. This procession & service will remember those killed & injured as a result. More details: halabja

KRASACC (12/03/10)

Join KRASACC for their Annual General Meeting on 25 March. More details: KRASACC AGM

Viewpoint CIC wants your views (12/03/10)

Social enterprises in Yorkshire & the Humber are being invited to have their say on future funding in the region. Find out how you can have your say: Viewpoint

Children & Young People's LSPB - a new era (12/03/10)

The Children and Young People's Local Public Service Board has been renamed The Children's Trust.  The Children's Trust will be formally established on 1 April 2010. More details: Children and Young People

BBC criticised for closing youth creativity website (12/03/10)

The BBC has been criticised for its decision to close BBC Blast, a network dedicated to encouraging creativity in young people. Read more: BBC criticised

NVQ Level 1 - Sports & Recreation (12/03/10)

Communities United is offering 16-19 year olds the opportunity to achieve an NVQ in Sport & Recreation. Find out more: Communities Utd

Green Communities Programme (12/03/10)

Help your community to stop wasting energy and money today. The Green Communities programme from the Energy Saving Trust can show you how. More details: Green Communities

Huddersfield Pakistani Community Alliance Newsletter (12/03/10)

The latest news & events from Huddersfield Pakistani Community Alliance: HPCA Newsletter

Angela Smith: Charities are not there to deliver services on the cheap (12/03/10)

The Government does not regard the third sector as a way to deliver public services "on the cheap", according to Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector. Smith was speaking at a mass meeting organised by the Unite union at the Houses of Parliament yesterday. Read more: Angela Smith

'Now it's Personal' (26/02/10)

A seminar for the VCS on person-centred approaches to services for children, young people and families. More details: Now its personal

Big Chat (26/02/10)

Join Big Lottery Fund’s BIG chat on 16 March. Sir Clive Booth, the Chair of Big Lottery Fund and chairs of BIG’s decision making committees will be taking part in this live web chat. More details: Big Chat

Kirklees Council Supported Volunteering Introduction & Showcase Event (26/02/10)

Kirklees Council will introduce & showcase its Supported Volunteering project at this event at Brian Jackson House on 15 March. More details: Supported Volunteering

GASPED Drop-in (26/02/10)

Is someone you love or care about drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs? Find out how GASPED can help at its drop-in in Dewsbury. More details: GASPED

Introduction to Islam & the Muslim Culture (26/02/10)

Would your organisation benefit from information regarding Islam & the Muslim culture? Aksaa Ltd is offering sessions specifically tailored for your organisation. Find out more: Islam

LGA Fears Safeguarding Proposals May Be Unworkable (26/02/10)

In its response to the consultation on the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance the LGA fears increased demand on child protection services and continuing problems recruiting children's social workers present "significant concern about the ability of the revised guide to impact on practice locally and secure real improvements in safeguarding practice". Read more: safeguarding proposals may be unworkable

Peer Education Project (26/02/10)

This course will focus on alcohol & young people and will provide the skills & confidence to enable young people aged 16-19 to deliver alcohol training to other young people. More details: Peer Education

Management Development Programme (26/02/10)

A free Management Development Programme has been offered to Kirklees Council and its partners through FPM Training. It’s for manager of frontline workers who work with young people. Find out more: Management Development Programme & Personal Participant Registration Form

 

Regional Forum Produces Briefing on City Regions (26/02/10)

The briefing explains the concept and rationale which underlie City
regions and how they are developing in Yorkshire and the Humber. It
considers why they are important and what the implications are for the
voluntary and community sector (VCS). Read more: City Regions

Further Delays for Charitable Incorporated Organisation (26/02/10)

The launch of the charitable incorporated organisation - a new legal form for charities - has been delayed again. It is now not expected to become available until late this year or early 2011. Find out more: charitable incorporated organisation

West Yorkshire Financial Capability Forum (26/02/10)

There’s never been a more important time to help clients, customers and service users with financial matters. This forum has been established to support good practice. Find out more: WYFCF Leaflet

NHS Kirklees is on the move (26/02/10)

NHS Kirklees is currently moving to new premises on Bradley Business Park. More details: moving doc

Charities Recruiting Migrants as Volunteers (19/02/10)

Chris Hedges, a civil servant at the UK Border Agency, told a meeting of the England Volunteering Development Council this week that the Government would be able to allocate money from the European Integration Fund, to organisations creating volunteering opportunities for migrants. Read more: migrants as volunteers

Guidance for Voluntary Groups from NCVO (19/02/10)

As the end of one funding year approaches and a new one begins, voluntary and community organisations are understandably nervous about possible changes to the funding they get from public bodies. NCVO have put together a resource sheet that may help. Find out more: Guidance from NCVO

'Customer Service Skills' (19/02/10)

Kirklees Community Campus is offering two Level One OCN accredited Customer Service Skills courses at Deighton and Ravensthorpe in the coming weeks under the Skills for Jobs programme. More details about the course content, times and dates can be found at http://kirkleescommunitycampus.blogspot.com For more information contact 01484 431400.

Asian Cooking Sessions (19/02/10)

The Altogether Better project has developed a new & exciting training opportunity for Community Health Champions. It has recruited a tutor to run a six week course that will concentrate on cooking healthy Asian food. Find out more: Healthy Asian Cooking Course

Green Events in Clecky & Hecky (19/02/10)

Kirklees Markets on behalf of the Spen Valley Area Committee are organising two green themed outdoor event days in Cleckheaton & Heckmondwike. Find out how you can get involved: Green events

'Fairtrade Fortnight' Events (19/02/10)

Fairtrade Fortnight starts on 22 February, find out what’s going on in Kirklees: Fairtrade Fortnight Events 2010

Polish Information Event (19/02/10)

Kirklees Council Safer Stronger Communities, Community Cohesion Project Officer is organising a Polish Information Event in partnership with the Polish Parish. They are seeking representatives to come & give advice on the day. More details: Polish Information Event

Play Policy for Kirklees - Visioning Workshop (19/02/10)

Kirklees Council have commissioned an independent company (Mapalim) to undertake a review of the Kirklees Framework for Play and to create a council wide, cross cutting play policy. Read more: Play Policy for Kirklees

Leadership Development Programme (19/02/10)

The Children’s Workforce Development Council will be offering an additional 150 fully funded places on the Leadership Development Programme. More details: Leadership

NYA is to Test Out You Registration (19/02/10)

The youth work sector is considering a registration scheme for professional youth workers to boost their status and safeguard the profession. More details: youth work registration

Health & Social Care Needs of Lesbians & Bisexual Women (19/02/10)

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield need your help to find out about the health & social care needs of women who identify as lesbian or bisexual. Find out more: LB Healthcare

New Web Pages Help Third Sector (19/02/10)

Red tape can make life difficult. These pages from the Office of the Third Sector are intended to help people that run third sector organisations by:
* highlighting recent and ongoing changes and initiatives that are
  intended to make life easier for them and
* providing links to where more detailed information can be found.

Find out more: New web pages

'KnowHow NonProfit' Website (19/02/10)

KnowHow NonProfit is a Lottery funded website that is a free resource
and an online community made up of over 2,000 members. Funded by the
lottery it has been built to help you and your member organisations in
your work. Take a look: Knowhow Nonprofit

UNITE Organises Day of Lobbying (19/02/10)

Trade union Unite has organised a day of political lobbying over what it sees as the debilitating effects of the "short-term contract culture" on voluntary sector staff. Find out more: Unite

More Detail needed on Tory Proposals, says Co-operatives UK (19/02/10)

The umbrella body for cooperatives in the UK has said more detail is needed before it will decide whether to back Conservative proposals to allow public sector workers to form independent cooperatives to provide public services. Read more: Tory proposals

Awards for All (12/02/10)

With over 591 Awards for All grants distributed in the region last year, the small grants programme continues to be a success. More details: Awards for All

'Well-being and the Whole Child' (12/02/10)

Kirklees Council Children & Young People’s Service are willing to fund a place at this conference. More details: Well Being and the Whole Child

'Developing Policies' (12/02/10)

Free training from the Pay & Employment Rights Service. It focuses on the written statement of employment particulars and developing effective, workable employment policies that ensure your organisation is operating within the law and is following best practice. More details: Free Training from PERS

A Board Meeting of NHS Kirklees (12/02/10)

This meeting is held in public, which means you Are able to observe how the Board reaches its decisions and listen to the debate. There will be opportunities for members of the public to make comments and ask questions. More details: NHS Board Meeting

'Maximising the Potential of the Third Sector' (12/02/10)

Join UnLtd and Social Enterprise Yorkshire & Humber for an interactive and inspirational networking event for leaders and change makers working across the Third Sector. More details: UnLtd & UnLtd booking form

'My Voice, My Choice' (12/02/10)

This conference, being organised by Kirklees Womens Alliance, will focus on forced/arranged marriage, domestic violence & honour based violence and how communities can be supported to end violence against women & children. More details: KWA Newsletter

'Spirit' (12/02/10)

Be amazed as fire-breathing dragons take to the streets in Dewsbury: More details: Spirit e-flyer

'Emergency First Aid' (12/02/10)

This free course will teach basic first aid techniques and how to deal with various accidents & emergencies. More details: Emergency First Aid

'Response to Recession' (12/02/10)

Business Link Yorkshire is offering a two day workshop programme for existing social enterprises to help your business grow. More details: Recession event

Local Media Coverage for Council, Community & Voluntary Organisations (12/02/10)

The Huddersfield Examiner is planning a series of features on the good work that goes on locally, including within Kirklees Council and local voluntary organisations. Information for the Examiner is being co-ordinated centrally by the council's press office, which is now on the look-out for potential stories - and the more ideas the better. Contact: PressAndMedia@kirklees.gov.uk

LAA Lead Officers Conference (12/02/10)

In January lead officers from across the Kirklees Partnership attended a Conference at the Galpharm Stadium. Please find below a link to the conference summary, which is now available for download.  It includes the programme for the day, information on the presentations, links and evaluation comments. Find out more: Lead Officers Conference

Swine Flu Update (12/02/10)

The latest briefing on Swine Flu from NHS Kirklees. Details: Swine Flu update

Kirklees Older Peoples Network - Newsletter (12/02/10)

Packed full of news and information, here’s the latest edition of this popular newsletter. More details: KOP NEWSLETTER

More Sanctions in Prospect for Street Fundraisers (12/02/10)

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association is planning to adopt a 'penalty points' system that would allow it to impose fines and other sanctions on charities and fundraising agencies that broke its rules on face-to-face fundraising. Read more: More sanctions

Creating Communities Conference (10/02/10)

Twitter? Facebook? Blogging? You Tube? We're all wondering about them - This major conference, sponsored by Voluntary Action Kirklees, will help you find the best way to make current technologies work for you. More details: VAK conference

Capital Funding for Social Enterprises (05/02/10)

Information on a one-off capital funding opportunity for up to £450K from the Social Investment Business (formerly Future Builders). It has a quick turnaround  scheme ideal if you have a project ready to go and just need the cash ti fund it. More details: Social Enterprise Investment Fund

Getting Your Voice Heard: How to Influence Policies That Affect You & Your Community (05/02/10)

An informal and practical event for small groups and grassroots organisations in West Yorkshire. Primarily aimed at BME, Refugee, Rural and Faith groups, though all other groups are welcome to join. The event aims to help groups understand the importance of policy and the effect that it can have on organisations and communities. More details: Voice heard

Do you Need to Know How to Cost Your Services for Personalisation? (05/02/10)

This free one day course, brought to you by ACEVO will help prepare you for the changes individual budgets will bring to the sector. Tuesday 23 February 2010 - 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield. More details: CivicPartnership

Have You Ever Thought About Partnering Up With Another Organisation for a One-Off Project or on a Longer Term Basis? (05/02/10)

Do you know all the issues you need to think through or the different models ‘out there’? This free 2 part training course will help you navigate your way through this challenging and exciting way of working.  Adrian Ashton is a prominent trainer and authority on all forms of social enterprise, co-operatives, charities and other models of third sector working.  He’ll be leading the 2 half day sessions at The Media Centre, Huddersfield on 4th and 11th March. More details: Collaborations & BOOKING FORM

Are You Looking into Becoming a Social Enterprise? (05/02/10)

This free half day workshop, brought to you by the Social Enterprise Support Centre will help you think about the key issues you need to cover to operate the good governance in your business. Wednesday 24 February 2010.  1.30 pm to 4.00 pm at Brian Jackson House Huddersfield. More details: Civic Partnership

ACEVO Modernisation Conference - 'Different Times...Different Challenges - Be Prepared' (05/02/10)

2010 is set to be a year of political, economic and social change. Coming through a recession with inevitable public sector spending cuts and a General Election in sight, third sector leaders must be ready to adapt to a new reality. As third sector leaders, what are the challenges we will face? How should we respond and who should we influence? Conference details: Modernisation Conference

'Up Close & Personal' (05/02/10)

A seminar for the VCS on person-centred approaches to services for children & young people. More details: Up Close and Personal

Using Your Vote to Tackle Race Inequality (05/02/10)

This event is for leaders from BME and refugee organisations in the region and will focus on strategic campaigning related to the general elections in May. More details: Tackle Race Inequality

'Diversity - Making it Real' (05/02/10)

 “You don’t need to know about diversity do you?” This introductory course will help Development Workers to explore their role in addressing diversity issues in their work with individuals, groups & communities. Find out more: NAVCA Diversity

'Better Health at Work' (05/02/10)

The Better Health at Work team in conjunction with NHS Kirklees is offering a programme of 6 free workshops to help you to manage stress, anxiety or depression. Find out more: BHAWstress

'Choices for the Future' (05/02/10)

This conference is for nextstep providers and the wider IAG network, Jobcentre Plus and LSC colleagues. The aim is to inform and share ideas to build on achievements and develop for the future. More info: IAG Conference Invitation & IAG

'A New Era for Local Democracy: The Challenge for Officers of Statutory & Voluntary Organisations' (05/02/10)

The workshop aims to give officers a better understanding of current developments affecting local communities and the issues and challenges involved in local leadership, democracy and community empowerment. More details: Neighbourhood Training

Civic Partnership Questionnaire (05/02/10)

The Civic Partnership is an action research project which is exploring the barriers to effective joint working between the public sector and voluntary sectors in Kirklees. If you have received, are receiving, or aim to receive funds from the public sector to deliver services to local people in Kirklees, we need to hear your views. Find out more: Civic Partnership Questionnaire

IPPR Survey of Community Organisations (05/02/10)

The Institute for Public Policy Research is launching a new project looking at local-level work to tackle poverty, discrimination and disadvantage, improve job opportunities and protect the environment. As part of our project, we would like to find out more about the work currently being done by local organisations across the UK. Find out more about the survey: survey of community organisations

Guide to Rural Network Support (05/02/10)

This new guide gives rural voluntary & community organisations and those working with them a clear introduction to rural networks in Yorkshire & the Humber. It outlines what each of the networks aims to achieve and how they will support and improve the representation of rural VCS organisations. More info: Rural Networks

Volunteer Centres Swamped by Surge in Enquiries (05/02/10)

Volunteer Centres are facing "crisis points" as demand for volunteering placements increases and funding is cut or remains at the same level, according to a report from Volunteering England. Read more: Volunteer Centres swamped

Media Trust Offers Grants for Digital Media Projects (01/02/10)

The Media Trust has opened a new £250,000 grants programme to fund charities that run digital media projects for people from disadvantaged and isolated communities.

The Mayor's Local Food Awards (01/02/10)

The Mayor’s Local Food Awards are a celebration of the amazing work that local businesses, community groups, schools and individuals are doing in supporting, promoting & producing local produce. More details: Local Food

West Yorkshire Rural Access to Opportunities Programme (01/02/10)

Grants from 2 pools of funding that aim to support projects which will improve access to employment and training. More details: West Yorkshire Rural Access

New website Will Showcase Charity Projects in Need of Donations (01/02/10)

The website, which is called See the Difference, has been set up in the hope of raising nearly £500m for charities in its first five years. Charities can upload videos to the site for free but will be charged 5 per cent commission on donations made by its users. More details: New website

Youth Workforce Report Reveals Gender Pay Gaps (29/01/10)

A new report on the state of the workforce, which shows at least six million people in England work or volunteer with young people, has revealed a gender pay gap among youth workers and careers advisers. Read more: Youth workforce report

The Child Death Review Process (29/01/10)

The purpose of this awareness session is to give practitioners and managers information about the Child Death Review Process, their role within this and how it fits both locally & nationally. Find out more: The Child Death Review

Evaluation Reports on Impact of Early ChangeUp Investment (29/01/10)

Findings from the independent evaluation of ChangeUp show how the programme’s early focus on partnerships and greater collaboration contributed to a significant distance in the way that the third sector support services are organised. Read more: Evaluation reports

Charities Should Campaign Less, says Oliver Letwin (29/01/10)

Some voluntary organisations spend too much of their resources on campaigning and not enough on service provision, according to Oliver Letwin, the author of the Conservative Party’s forthcoming election manifesto. Read more: Charities should campaign less

Introduction to Islam (29/01/10)

This course is designed to increase your knowledge of Islam and help you to promote equal opportunities & equal access in service provision. More details: Introduction to Islam-Huddersfield

West Yorkshire Police Community Trust Small Grants (22/01/10)

WY Police Community Trust Small Grants Round for 2010 has now opened. Community groups around West Yorkshire have the chance to apply for grants of up to £500 each from the Trust. Applications are sort from community and voluntary groups as well as charities and other non-profitable organisations that can make a positive difference to their communities. More info: Guidelines & Application Form

Sharp Rise in Donations to Community Foundations (22/01/10)

Philanthropists donated £33.5m more to community foundations in 2008/09 than they did the previous year, according to figures released yesterday. More details: Sharp rise in donations

Nursery Food Campaign Asks Parents to Expose Poor Practice (22/01/10)

Parents are being encouraged to go undercover to check up on the standard of food in their local nurseries, as part of a new campaign to improve nutritional standards. More details: Nursery food campaign

Nearly Half of all Young Black People Left Unemployed (22/01/10)

The recession has left almost half of young black people unemployed, according to a study. Analysis by the think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, shows the rate of unemployment for this group of young people has risen from 35 per cent before the downturn, to 48 per cent. More detail: young black people left unemployed

Exciting Opportunities for Young People & The Wildlife Trust - Partners Needed (22/01/10)

Sheffield Wildlife Trust is in the process of developing a project with 13-25 year olds in the East Peak Area. We are looking to run this project in Denby Dale & Kirkburton but also Farnley Tyas, Highburton, Flockton, Emley, Shelley, Shepley, Thurstonland, Upper Denby, Skelmanthorpe and Clayton West. We would be very interested to hear from organisations who would be willing to partner with us to deliver this work. More details: Exciting Opportunities

Ofsted Praises Use of Creative Learning (22/01/10)

Creative approaches to learning have a positive impact on pupils' personal development and preparation for life beyond school, according to research from Ofsted. Read more: Ofsted praises creative learning

Graduate Internships (22/01/10)

Graduates Yorkshire are the local experts in graduate recruitment and their internship scheme is an easy way to get fresh talent into your organisation. Find out more: Graduate Internships

West Yorkshire Homeworking Unit (22/01/10)

West Yorkshire Homeworking Unit, part of the Pay & Employment Rights Service, works with people who are either doing paid work from home or are looking for such work. More info: homeworking information

Small Charities Think Large Ones are Bad for the Sector (22/01/10)

The majority of people working in small charities believe large charities have a negative impact on the sector, figures from a survey carried out for Third Sector have indicated. Read more: Small charities

'Keeping Your Community Building Going' (18/01/10)

Help & advice for those responsible for running community buildings, including raising money (fit4funding, Big Lottery) and energy efficiency advice. More details: Keeping Your Community Building Going

Developing an Enterprising Kirklees - Trading Models for Social Enterprise (18/01/10)

Have you got a good idea that might suit a social enterprise model? Or are you a community organisation looking to trade. Find out more: Civic Partnership

Full Body & the Voice - 'Hypothermia' (18/01/10)

Critically acclaimed and inspirational  Full Body & The Voice is back at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield with the world première of it’s latest production HYPOTHERMIA between 3rd and 6th February. More details: Hypo

Mental Health First Aid Training (18/01/10)

To promote mental health in & out of the workplace, Community Links is delivering Mental Health First Aid training throughout Yorkshire & the Humber. Check out the dates locally: Kirklees flyer for Community Links & Community Links April

Three Projects - One Issue: Improving the Commissioning Environment for the VCS (18/01/10)

Three different projects, all designed to put the sector in a better position to get contracts, have been running in West Yorkshire. Come & find out what impact they've had, what lessons have been learned and give us your ideas about what should happen next. More info: event

TSNLA Call for Case Studies from Third Sector Providers (18/01/10)

The TSNLA is working on a toolkit aimed at those who will be commissioning learning provision. It requires case studies that show how effective voluntary, community and faith groups are at delivering targeted learning to specific groups as well as examples of social enterprise learning initiatives. More details: Call to learning providers

'Budgeting & Cash Flow for a Fast Changing Environment (17/01/10)

Is one of your priorities for 2010 to develop strong financial management? Then this course could be for you, find out more: CivicPartnership

Kirklees Environmental Partnership AGM (17/01/10)

Here's the programme for Kirklees Environmental Partnership's AGM which will be held at Brian Jackson House on 29 January. More details: AGM Kirklees Environment Partnership

Invitation to Batley TV Open Day (17/01/10)

Batley TV is an exciting new way to find out what's going on in your local community. Coming soon to a computer screen near you, Batley TV has been set up by local arts group Amada Arts, who will be producing a monthly internet broadcast promoting community groups, events and activities in & around Batley. Find out more: Batley TV

Kirklees Disability Rights Network AGM (17/01/10)

This year's AGM will include a discussion on developing a user led disability organisation in Kirklees. More details: kdrn invite

Are We Training Enough Creatives - Or Too Many? (17/01/10)

Are degrees in the creative arts a passport to the future or just conning the kids? Come & join the debate at Cafe Ollo on 26 January. More details: Salon Jan10

Talks Held to Finalise Government's Youth Volunteering Scheme (17/01/10)

Youth volunteering charity v said the new scheme, to be called the Student Community Action Programme, will ask all 14 to 16-year-old students to complete 50 hours of community service before they turn 19. It is intended to be in place by April. Read more: youth volunteering

ITV Fixers (17/01/10)

ITV Fixers is a major media campaign supporting young people (aged 16 - 25) to take action on any issue they feel strongly about – raising awareness and changing things for the better. It is a charity funded project backed by ITV aimed at giving young people a voice. More info: ITV Fixers

Union Calls for Youth Work to be Statutory as Cuts Begin to Bite (17/01/10)

The political parties must commit to making youth services statutory in order to protect them from the stinging impact of local authority cuts, the leader of the Community and Youth Workers' Union (CYWU) has urged. More details: Union call for youth services

Need More Staff But Can't Afford It? (17/01/10)

Future Jobs Fund could be the answer. FJF offers you £6,500 financial help to employ staff to take up new jobs that last for 6 months or longer. Find out more: FJF Flyer VAK

'Spot the Black MP' (17/01/10)

The need to urgently address the systematic under-presentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in democratic institutions is imperative. This programme will enable 25 dynamic individuals from BME communities to shadow senior Members of Parliament. More details: Spot the black MP

A Business Case for CD - Request for Evidence (17/01/10)

CDF is embarking upon work to develop and advocate a persuasive business case for community development in order to influence public service providers to invest in community development. It is looking for evidence to build it's case, to find out how you can help: CDF

BBC Children in Need Launches Funding Scheme (12/01/10)

BBC Children in Need has launched a small grants programme. The grants, of £10,000 or less per year for a maximum of three years, aim to encourage those who may never have considered applying to BBC Children in Need to send in an application.More details: BBC Children in Need

Santander to Raise Cash for Local Charities (12/01/10)

The Spanish retail and commercial bank Santander is asking its customers in the UK to vote for the local charities they think should receive funding to mark the rebranding of Abbey and Bradford & Bingley to Santander. More details: cash for local charities

Helping Older People to Move More Often (12/01/10)

A training programme suitable for people interested in promoting and/or
delivering activity sessions particularly to frailer older people. Do you care for, support or work with people in particular frailer older people on a paid or voluntary basis? Would you like to help people improve their well being and quality of life? More details: Moving more often

'Introduction to Volunteering' (12/01/10)

Volunteering Kirklees is running workshops to help people find out more about volunteering. The free half-day workshops are intended to be an informative introduction to volunteering and what it’s like to be a volunteer. More details: Volunteering Workshops

Employment Law (12/01/10)

Would you know if you were breaking the law? This OCN accredited courses will tell you. More details: PERS

Stress Management Courses (12/01/10)

Are you a stressed employee or a manager concerned about managing stress, anxiety or depression amongst your staff members? Here are 2 sets of workshops that you may find useful: DO YOU SUFFER FROm STRESS & Stress Management

'Working Effectively with Groups' (12/01/10)

This programme is for anyone who delivers work or facilitates workshops within the education and arts sector. More details: Proper Job

'Viva the VCS' (12/01/10)

Here’s a reminder about an event later this month to celebrate the work of the children, young people & families voluntary & community sector in Yorkshire & the Humber. More details: Viva the VCS eflyer- final & booking form

'Understanding Gangs & Gang Behaviour' (12/01/10)

This course aims to develop practitioners:

• knowledge and understanding of the issues experienced by young people affected by gangs
• knowledge and understanding of how gang activity impacts on families and the wider community
• ability to identify and engage with young people who are involved or at risk of being involved in gang culture.

Further details: Understanding Gangs

Evaluating Youth Arts Projects (12/01/10)

Details of training run by Artsplan, the largest provider of specialist youth arts training courses in the UK. More details: Evaluating Youth Arts Projects

LBT Creative Opportunites for Children & Young People (12/01/10)

LBT Youth Theatre offers weekly drama workshops, theatre trips, performance projects, holiday activities, playwriting workshops, technical workshops, and other specialist workshops to young people aged 6 and over. Further details: LBT CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Volunteering Opportunities for Young People in Latin America & Africa (12/01/10)

Everything’s Possible gives young people the opportunity to undertake voluntary placements abroad free of charge. More details: Black Butterfly

LBT Creative Activities for Adults (12/01/10)

Lawrence Batley Theatre has a variety of creative activities available for adults in 2010. Find out more: LBT CREATIVE ACTIVITIES Adults

Open Call for Monologues for LBT's 'Write Now' Festival (12/01/10)

Lawrence Batley Theatre are inviting playwrights from the Kirklees area to submit monologues for the 2010 Write Now Festival (12th – 14th March at LBT). The festival, now in its third year, is an exciting platform for the talented writers who attend LBT’s playwriting groups as well as other aspiring writers in the area. More info: ONE VOICE

A Labour Victory 'Would Be Better for the Voluntary Sector' (12/01/10)

Third Sector and nfpSynergy survey finds greater support among charity professionals for Labour than for the Conservatives and LibDems. More details: A Labour victory

'The Importance of Business & Strategic Planning in a Changing Environment' (21/12/09)

Increasingly VCO’s need business plans to guide their future development and to make the case for future funding investment. This free one day course introduces a business planning framework, demystifies the jargon and gives participants a tool kit to help them analyse their own organisation and agree how to move forward. More details: Making it Personal

'Establishing the Evidence of Need , Impact Awareness & Research Methodologics' (21/12/09)

This free one day training course will help organisations preparing for tenders or grants prove they’ve researched needs, have thought how activities will meet those needs and can describe how the impact of their activity can be demonstrated. More details: Making it Personal

Commissioning Opportunities from KC Community Liaison (21.12.09)

Community Liaison has some specific gaps in community provision that it would like to fill across the Valleys, Denby Dale and Kirkburton and Huddersfield South.More details: CL Commissioning Requirements

Big Lottery Fund Announces New Youth Programme (21/12/09)

The Big Lottery Fund has announced that it will spend at least £30m next year on projects that support young people. More details: Big Lottery Fund

Development Fund to Pay for Work Experience Placements (21/12/09)

The Government is asking third sector organisations to bid for a share of up to £10m to raise the aspirations of disadvantaged young people. More details: Development Fund

The Mayor's Local Food Awards (21/12/09)

The Mayor’s Local Food Awards are a celebration of the amazing work that local businesses, community groups, schools and individuals are doing in supporting, promoting & producing local produce. More details: Mayors Awards

Funding Suggestions (21/12/09)

A couple of suggestions for funding supplied by David Whitteron of West Yorkshire Police. More details: Funding suggestions

Free Introduction to the Internet (21/12/09)

Crosland Moor Learning Centre is running courses for those who want to learn more about the internet. More details: UK Online 2009

'Keeping It Legal' (21/12/09)

In this course we will examine the rights and responsibilities given to both employers and employees by law and by contract and how these fundamental rights might be improved upon to benefit your organisation. More details: PERS

Pensioners Advice Fair (21/12/09)

Shahid Malik’s office are organising a pensioners advice fair in Dewsbury in February next year. If you would like a stall at the event you can find details here: PENSIONERS ADVICE FAIR

HOOT - What's On in the New Year (21/12/09)

Find out what’s on offer at HOOT in 2010, a range of creative opportunities for people with mental health needs. More details: HOOT New Year

WomenCentre Kirklees - What's New in the New Year (21/10/09)

Courses for the new year at WomenCentre Kirklees. More details: WomenCentre

Introduction to Islam (21/12/09)

This course is designed to increase your knowledge of Islam and help you to promote equal opportunities & equal access in service provision. More details: Introduction to Islam

The LAB Project (21/12/09)

TheLAB Project isa two-week intensive course in community arts training that uses drama as a means to access creativity and build self-esteem. More details: The LAB Project

BME Media Traineeships (21/12/09)

The traineeships are offered by the FPS as part of a Screen Yorkshire initiative. All applicants must be from a Black or Minority Ethnic community and have right to work/ train in the UK. Also must be resident in the Yorkshire region as the scheme is funded by Yorkshire Forward. More details: BME Media Traineeships

'Supporting Children & Young People's Groups' (21/12/09)

Details of a full day seminar for Development Workers providing support to groups working with children and young people. Full details: seminar for dev workers

Are You Over 50? (21/12/09)

St Aidan’s school in Skelmanthorpe is looking for volunteers to help with their Intergenerational Project. Find out more:inter gen Leaflet

Swine Flu Update (21/12/09)

The latest edition of the Flu Update for third sector organizations, provides the latest news from the Department of Health about the prevention and management of seasonal & pandemic flu. More details: Swine Flu Update

What's New on Migration (21/12/09)

Deatils of resources & information available on Migration Yorkshire's website: Migration

Volunteer Rights Inquiry (21/12/09)

There is growing interest in the subject of volunteer 'rights', especially in whether volunteers should have formal legal rights like employees do. Volunteering England has created an independent Volunteer Rights Inquiry. Find out more: Volunteer Rights Inquiry

Huddersfield, Your Town, Your Ideas, Our Future (21/12/09)

Huddersfield North and South localities have been offered a bespoke session on the above date to enable local residents to feed in their views to help shape the future plan for Huddersfield Town Centre. Find out more: Huddersfield Town Centre

Slimmed-down Compact is Published (21/12/09)

The new version of the agreement, which sets out how public and third sector organisations should treat each other, is 22 pages long, compared with more than 160 in the old version and its five codes of practice. More details: Slimmed down Compact

Regional Forum - Quarterly Confidence Survey (21/12/09)

The survey assesses expectations within the third sector over the next 3 and 12 months. More details: Regional Forum

The FINE Project (03/12/09)

The FINE (Food Initiative and Nutrition Education) Project is delivering two types of free training around healthy eating, for professionals and volunteers. Find out more: FINE

Salon Debate (03/12/09)

The next Salon debate will take place in Café Ollo at The Media Centre on Tuesday 8th December. This month it’s asking ‘who, and what, are our prisons for?’ This promises to be a lively and provocative debate, more details: Salon Dec 09 Prisons

VAK Training Courses in January 2010 (03/12/09)

Details of the training courses available at VAK early in the New Year: Training courses at VAK

Promoting Local Food & Drink (27/11/09)

The Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Julie Stewart-Turner, has chosen as her theme for the year to promote local food production and the benefits of eating food grown close to home. Find out more about the Local Food Awards: Local Food

Media Trust Sets up Digital Media Support Scheme (27/11/09)

The Media Trust has set up a scheme that will give £500 to projects that support disadvantaged and isolated communities using digital media. More info: Media Trust

Reducing Inequalities Grants Scheme (27/11/09)

The new “Reducing Inequalities (RI) Grants Scheme” is being launched this week as part of the Council’s commitment to reducing inequalities and creating an atmosphere of fairness and opportunity for all. It aims to encourage voluntary and community organisations to develop and enhance their role within the community by developing new groups and allowing existing groups to do more. More info: Community Grants Criteria & Grants additional information

Carers Rights Day (27/11/09)

The Nerve Centre is holding a carers information day, find out more about your rights as a carer and enjoy some therapies. More details: carers day 2009

Healthy Eating - Key Message Training (27/11/09)

Another chance to gain ideas of fun & simple activities you can do with community & voluntary groups to pass on key information to those who you work with. More info: Healthy Eating Leaflet

Youth Project to Benefit From Antisocial Behaviour Fund (27/11/09)

Youth projects will be among a raft of schemes to benefit from a £10m package of extra funding to help councils combat antisocial behaviour. More details: Youth projects

West Yorkshire Police - Explorers Programme (27/11/09)

West Yorkshire Police are launching the 2010 Explorer Programme. The Explorers is a 20 week voluntary programme for 16-18 year olds that enables young people to get an insight into 21st century policing. More details: West Yorkshire Police

West Yorkshire Rural Transport Partnership (27/11/09)

The Partnership is a mechanism for rural people to express their views about their transport, achieved through Stakeholder meetings in each of the 5 Districts. Members are encouraged to take a pro-active role in identifying transport problems and working in partnership to find solutions. Our next district meeting for Kirklees will be on Monday 14th December 2009, 1400-1700, Huddersfield Town Hall. More details: WY Rural Transport Part

Calling all Budding Chefs (27/11/09)

Would you like to make a difference by designing a winning recipe that will promote Safe and Healthy Cooking and Fire Safety in the home? Then create a stir and take part in the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service - Safety Central, Safe and Healthy Cooking competition. More details: Calling all budding chefs

Message in a Bottle (27/11/09)

The Lions Clubs are promoting this Emergency Information Scheme, which encourages people to store emergency information such as details of allergies or medical conditions in a plastic bottle in their fridge. More details: Message in a bottle

Community Payback (27/11/09)

West Yorkshire Probation is looking for organisations that are prepared to offer placements for offenders doing compulsory unpaid work, known as Community Payback. More details: Community Payback

Baby Boomers Hate Emotional Campaigns (20/11/09)

People from the ‘baby boom' generation hate requests by charities for £3 a month and do not respond to emotional campaigns. Read more: Baby boomers

Equality Impact Assessment Seminar (20/11/09)

Do you

...work for an LIO or organisation that provides support to other organisations?

…want to influence the decision-making processes in relation to equality and diversity in your Local Area Agreement (LAA) and local strategic partnership (LSP)?

…Support local organisations involved in work around equalities and diversity?

Then this seminar might be for you: New event: Equality Impact Assessment Seminar 

'How the Region Works' (20/11/09)

This session, run by the Regional Forum, will help de-mystify the region and the new governance arrangements, explain jargon and clarify how it all works. More details: How the region works

'Beat The Burglar' (20/11/09)

Kirklees South Crime Reduction Department and the Neighbourhood Policing Team have arranged a number of ‘Information Events’ where people can come along & discuss various ways to protect property & lesson chances of becoming a victim. Find out more: BEAT THE BURGLAR

"Doctor, doctor.....I feel a little queer" (20/11/09)

In connection with World Aids Day, Kirklees LGBT Community Network has organised a unique question & answer session with professionals from Kirklees Health & Social Care Services. More info: Kirklees LGBT Health Meeting

Carers Rights Day (20/11/09)

FREE help, advice & information for carers, events in Dewsbury & Huddersfield organised by Kirklees Council. More details: Invite Dews & Invite Hudds

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board - Lunchtime Briefings (20/11/09)

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board has announced the launch of a series of lunchtime briefings on a range of child protection issues. More details: Safeguarding

Kirklees Providers Briefing (20/11/09)

This briefing session is to update partners, including VCS learning providers about where Kirklees Council is in relation to the closure of the Learning & Skills Council and to share what the local priorities are for 14-19 age group. More details: Kirklees Provider Briefing

Government Consults on Children's Trust Plans (20/11/09)

The government is consulting on new regulations for children's trusts and Children and Young People's Plans. More details: Government consults

One-Third of Police Chiefs 'Oppose Restorative Justice' (20/11/09)

One-third of chief constables in England and Wales are opposed to the use of restorative justice, it has been claimed. Read more: Justice

JobCentre Plus - Directory of Support (20/11/09)

A useful directory of support available to those aiming to return to the job market and improve their employability. Read more: Kirklees Provision Directory

Pay & Employment Rights Service (20/11/09)

The Pay & Employment Rights Services has secured funding to enable it to offers services in Kirklees once again. More details: PERS

Huddersfield Recycle (20/11/09)

Huddersfield Recycle is part of a national grassroots organisation of people who are giving and receiving free unwanted items in their immediate communities. Local charities, non-profit groups and communities are encouraged to join. Find out more: HuddersfieldRecycle

'First Steps to Sustainability' (13/11/09)

Fit4funding and Charity Bank are running the last 2 of their free workshops "First steps to sustainability". The workshop looks at a diverse range of funding sources from grants to contracts, from individual giving to trading and considers the pro's and cons of each. More details: First steps flyer

Do You Want to Know More About Pensions? (13/11/09)

The staff at Voluntary Action Kirklees has a visiting speaker from the Pensions Advisory Trust coming to a staff meeting on 24 November. If you work on a paid or unpaid basis in the Community & Voluntary Sector and would like to join them, find out how: Pensions flyer

It's OK to Rattle Tins for Charity (13/11/09)

Restricting charity collectors from rattling their tins is "absurd and wrong", according to Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector. Read more: Charity tins

'Moving More Often' - Volunteer Trainers Wanted (13/11/09)

A Council-run scheme to encourage older people to be more active is looking for volunteers to help spread the Moving More Often message. More info: Moving More Often

'I Love My Community Centre' (13/11/09)

VAK & Kirklees Council Community Buildings are promoting a campaign to celebrate, promote and support community buildings in Kirklees. Find out more: I love my Community Centre

Information Unit Launches Social Networking Guide (13/11/09)

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) is launching a social networking guide to help children's professionals communicate effectively with young people online. Find out more: Social networking guide

Teenagers are Using Cannabis Less but Drinking More (13/11/09)

Teenagers across Europe are using cannabis less but are more likely to binge drink, according to latest data from drug addiction monitoring experts. Read more: Using cannabis less but drinking more

Study Shows That Bullying Harms School Performance (13/11/09)

Young people who have been bullied do significantly worse at school than those who have not, according to government research. Read more: bullying harms school performance

New Compact is a 'Clear Improvement' (13/11/09)

More than 60 per cent of respondents to the consultation on the draft new Compact think it is a "clear improvement" on the current version, according to Compact Voice. Read more: New Compact

Charities Will Run State Services Under Tories (13/11/09)

Third sector organisations with a track record of success would be funded by the state to expand successful social programmes under a Conservative government, according to David Cameron. Read more: Charities will run state services

New Debt Counselling Centre Opens (13/11/09)

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new dedicated debt counselling centre in Huddersfield, that ‘s part of an ever increasing network of centres set up by the national debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP). More information: New debt counselling centre

Professional Associations Brainstorm Ideas to Boost Charity Board Volunteering (06/11/09)

Including information about board-level volunteering on professional associations' websites was among the ideas generated during a meeting of major professional associations last week. Read more: charity board volunteering

Tory Minister Francis Maude Gives Credit to Labour's Third Sector Record (06/11/09)

Speaking at chief executives body Acevo's annual conference in London yesterday, Maude pledged that any incoming Conservative government would not immediately dismantle everything the Labour Government had done. Read more: Tory gives credit to Labour

Kirklees Sustainable Community Strategy (06/11/09)

The Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) sets out the strategic direction and long term vision for Kirklees. It is a strategy to promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area. Read more: SCS presentation

Words, Pictures, Print (06/11/09)

Need help with your publicity? Find out how you can get help producing flyers, leaflets, posters & newsletters. More info: words pictures print

Do You Need Help Putting Together a Budget? (06/11/09)

West Yorkshire Community Accounting Service is running a Finance ‘Drop-in Surgery in Huddersfield at the end of the month. More details: WYCAS Drop in flyer

Youth Parliament Asks Government to Respond to Voting Age Issue (06/11/09)

The UK Youth Parliament asked the government to respond to the issue of lowering the voting age to 16 as part of an historic debate in the House of Commons last week. More details: Youth Parliament

'Better Health at Work' (06/11/09)

Looking after yourself and your team – a valuable opportunity to share information and meet with local support agencies and hear some inspirational guest speakers (NB. the deadline has been extended). More details: Better Health at work

The LAB Project (06/11/09)

The Lab Project is a two-week intensive course in community arts training that uses drama as a means to access creativity and build self-esteem. More details: The LAB Project

Neuro Linguistic Programming Workshops (06/11/09)

Proper Job Training is again offering workshops to help people run their lives more effectively and communicate with others with more precision. More details: NLP

'Is It Time For a Radical Response to Immigration?' (06/11/09)

Do you think mass immigration should be halted immediately? Or do you think immigration is good for the economy and all borders/restrictions should be lifted? Come & join in what should be a lively debate. More details: radical response to immigration

Public Health Training (06/11/09)

If you have a role in promoting health, these courses are available to you. More details: PH training programme 2009-10

Getting Across the Healthy Eating Message (06/11/09)

Details of courses based around the key healthy eating messages, delivered over one day. Organised as part of the Kirklees FINE Project. More details: Healthy Lifestyle & Key message FINE

City Regions Workshops (06/11/09)

Yorkshire and Humber Community Development Network and the Regional
Forum have joined forces to offer 4 half day events around the region to
get community development practitioners up to speed with changes in the
region and what it means for your practice. Find out more: City Regions Workshops

WARNING!

These websites will seriously improve your fundraising success: WARNING

Funding for Term Time Activities for Disabled Children & Young People (06/11/09)

VCS organisations running / wanting to run term time activities for or including disabled children and young people in Kirklees can apply to the Kirklees Aiming High for Disabled Children Short Breaks developments for funding now. More details: Disabled Commissioning Poster

Win Free Website & Digital Strategy (06/11/09)

Digital communications agency Precedent Communications is offering £30,000-worth of its services as a competition prize for charities. The prize includes a new website, web training and a complete digital strategy. More info: win free website and digital strategy

Innovation Vouchers (06/11/09)

The Innovation Vouchers Scheme makes it possible for 'SMEs' in our region to win vouchers worth £3,000. The vouchers can be 'spent' at Yorkshire's universities and other academic institutions, purchasing knowledge and expertise which will help the businesses to innovate, compete and succeed. Find out more: Innovation Vouchers

Self Care Week (30/10/09)

The Week aims to raise awareness of the information and resources available to help the public and especially those with a long term condition take control of their own health and wellbeing. More details: Self Care Wk Info Pack

Kirklees LINk Annual Review and Workshop on Practical Arrangements (30/10/09)

It’s now a year since the LINk was established and it’s having an open space events to mark the anniversary. Workshops are also taking place to discuss changing its constitution. More details: Kirklees LINk

SITA Funding (30/10/09)

SITA are inviting local groups to apply for funding of up to £50,000 to make improvements to community facilities to community facilities and historic buildings within a 3 mile radius of their Diamond Street site at Hillhouse, Huddersfield. More info: SITA Trust - Enhancing Communities Programme

Communities Together - Ideas & Funding Workshop (30/10/09)

This workshop offers you the chance to discuss ideas for possible projects that promote good practice to further community cohesion in Kirklees. Funding and help with applications is available. More details: Communities Together

Inter Faith Week (30/10/09)

A week long festival of performances, workshops, dialogue and debate organised by Kirklees Faiths Forum, with help from the rich and diverse faith communities of Kirklees. More details: Inter Faith Week

Capacity Building Courses (30/10/09)

One day capacity building accredited courses, organised by West Yorkshire Learning Consortium (WYLC), a chance to accumulate credit and achieve NOCN qualifications. More info: Events

Employers Win Battle for Level 2 Qualification (30/10/09)

A new qualification to enter the children's workforce is under development, after concerns from childcare employers that standards had been set too high. Read more: Level 2 qualification

Charity Commission Publishes Constitution for Small Charities (30/10/09)

The 700-word constitution is aimed at charities that don't own any property or employ any staff and expect their annual income to remain below the £5,000 threshold for registering with the commission. More details: Constitution for small charities

Charities 'Should Get Angry a Bit More' (30/10/09)

Charities should consider being more angry and more outspoken in their communications, delegates at the International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands have been told. Read more: Charities

Do You Run a Community Building? (30/10/09)

Bradford Environmental Action Trust (BEAT) has recently launched a new programme of support for community centres across West Yorkshire and the South Pennines.  BEAT will be holding several events across the region to demonstrate real practical ways of saving energy, and help community centres understand and manage their energy and water use. More details: BEAT

Free HR Advice & Support to VCS Groups in West Yorkshire (30/10/09)

Details of the free service offered by the Pays & Employment Rights Service (PERS) to voluntary & community sector organisations across West Yorkshire. More info: Free HR Advice

Volunteering Levels Almost Unchanged in England (30/10/09)

Volunteering levels have remained almost static over the past year in England, according to the Communities and Local Government department's latest citizenship survey, which was published yesterday. Read more: Volunteering levels

Meeting the Challenge of the New Equality Bill (23/10/09)

The Equality Bill sets out a new foundation requiring all public authorities, businesses and third sector organisations to adapt their services & working practices. This event will provide delegates with an update on the progress of the Bill and a chance to look at ways of taking forward equality & diversity issues in their own organisations. More details: EQUALITY FORUM EVENT

Your Heritage Needs You (23/10/09)

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants have helped communities from across Yorkshire & the Humber to share what they find special about their past. Kirklees has been identified as one of the areas that have received far fewer HLF grants, despite its rich history. Find out more: Kirklees Funding Workshop

Children More Likely to be Killed on the Road in Poor Areas (23/10/09)

Children from the most deprived areas are four times more likely to be killed or injured on the roads than those from the least deprived areas, a report by MPs has found. Read more: Children more likely to be killed

Kirklees Safeguarding Board Annual Report (23/10/09)

Kirklees Safeguarding Board’s Annual Report is now available on their website: Annual Report

Councils Should Control Youth Unemployment Benefits (23/10/09)

Benefits for out-of-work young people should be decided by councils at a local level, according to a report out today. Read more: youth unemployment benefits

Personalisation in Health & Social Care (23/10/09)

This at a glance briefing, produced by SCIE (the Social Care Institute for Excellence) examines the implications of the personalisation agenda for voluntary / third sector service providers - particularly service managers. Read more: Personalisation

Revised Compact 'Ignores the Needs of Small Groups' (23/10/09)

Community Sector Coalition says rewritten agreement is not fit for purpose. Organisations representing small charities have major concerns about the revised Compact and fear the agreement could struggle to survive. Read more: Revised Compact

Grant Funding Information (16/10/09)

A booklet outlining funding opportunities for voluntary and community organisations in Kirklees. Read: Grant funding information

Safe & Sound - Children's Workforce Common Induction Standards (16/10/09)

This course, accredited through Open College, looks at best practice in safeguarding and promoting a child’s welfare by considering a range of issues. More details: Safe and Sound

Ensuring the Publics Voice is Heard on Health & Social Care (16/10/09)

A succession of avoidable scandals in Health & Social Care has raised significant issues about the ability of our consultative machinery in time. Is it because the Government keeps chopping & changing this machinery? Find out more about a seminar for all those involved in implementing Local Involvement Networks: LINks

Petitions in Practice (16/10/09)

Find out the 6 reasons you should take petitions seriously and attend this conference in Manchester: Six Reasons

Financial Crisis Delays Youth Sector Funding (16/10/09)

A senior Whitehall official has admitted that the possible hundreds of millions of pounds the government pledged to invest in the youth sector using money from unclaimed assets will not be made available in the foreseeable future. Read more: youth sector funding

NEET Young People - Research Report (16/10/09)

This navca report is described as very useful & informative, with evidence that could be used when submitting bids or for representatives who may sit on NEET thematic boards. More info: NEET Young People

goodmoves (16/10/09)

The only online recruitment website that is run by the third sector. Find out how to advert your job vacancies: Goodmoves

TrusteeWorks ServiceLaunches to Recruit Charity Board Members (16/10/09)

A bespoke trustee recruitment & governance consultancy service is being launched this week by volunteering charity REACH and third sector recruitment consultancy Prospectus. More details: TrusteeWorks service

Business Link Services for VCS Organisations (16/10/09)

Business Link in the Yorkshire & the Humber Region does not only support private sector businesses with advice, funding & support. Voluntary & Community organisations, Social Enterprises and Social Firms also qualify for Business Link services. Find out more: Business Link Services

New Technology Has Created a Generation of'Digital Natives' (16/10/09)

Digital technologies such as the internet and mobile phones have led young people to live ‘hybrid lives’ in which the distinction between the online and offline worlds is blurred, according to research. Read more: Digital Natives

Homophobia Deters LGB People From Working With Children (16/10/09)

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people & staff still face high levels of homophobic bullying both inside and outside of school, a report by the Government’s equality watchdog has warned. Read more: Homophobia deters LGB people

Social Enterprises 'Miss Out on Millions' (16/10/09)

Social businesses are missing out on tens of millions of pounds because they do not have the structures in place to receive investment, according to top investment professionals at a round table set up by sustainable finance organisation Uksif. Find out more: Social enterprises

Think Before You Ask For Corporate Donations (09/10/09)

The number of charities making ill-considered and unsophisticated requests for money from businesses has increased in the past few months. Read more: Corporate donations

Embedding the Play Strategy (09/10/09)

Play England have published draft strategic planning guidance on Embedding the Play Strategy to assist local decision makers to put children’s play at the heart of their local communities. Read more details: Embedding the Play Strategy

Lifeline Offers Targeted Groupwork (09/10/09)

Lifeline young person’s service are very pleased to announce that they are now able to deliver targeted groupwork to at risk groups of young people. More details: Lifeline advert

Charities Act 2006 - update (09/10/09)

An overview of the implementation of the Charities Act 2006 from the Charity Law & Regulation Team @ the Office of the Third Sector. Read more: Charities Act 2006

Councils Should Set Voluntary Sector Funding Sooner Rather Than Later (02/10/09)

Local authorities should fix their voluntary sector grants at the start of their budget cycles, according to the vice president of the Local Government Association. More details: voluntary sector funding

Tories Pledge Fundemental Shift in Charities Link With State (02/10/09)

The Conservatives will pledge to ‘shift the fundamentals’ of the relationship between charities and the state when they gather for their conference in Manchester next week. More details: Tories pledge fundamental shift in charities

Charities Hestitate to Take up Modernisation Fund Business Advice (25/09/09)

One of the key funds in the Government’s £40.5m recession action plan has not yet been fully taken up by sector organisations. Find out more: Modernisation Fund

Stop Hate UK - Helpline Staff (25/09/09)

Stop Hate UK is looking for sessional staff to support its 24-hour helpline & electronic reporting systems. More details: Stop Hate vacancies

Flexible New Deal (25/09/09)

Serco invite you to an event to find out how you could be involved in the Government’s new flagship employment initiative to support long-term unemployed people into sustainable work. More details: Flexible New Deal

WY Safeguarding Children Consortium Procedures Updated (25/09/09)

The updated version of the consortium’s Safeguarding Children procedures manual is now available on their websites. More details: Safeguarding Board

What Do You Think About Anti-Social Behaviour? (25/09/09)

Vicky Heap, a research student at University of Huddersfield is looking for members of community groups in the Dewsbury East & Spen areas to take part in focus group discussions. More details: Focus Group

Charity Shops Face Crisis as Recession Hits Stock Levels (25/09/09)

Declining levels of clothes donations and shortages of volunteers have led to the biggest crisis for charity shops in the past 20 years. Find out more: Charity shops face crisis

Searching for the Right Partner? The NCVO Can Help (25/09/09)

Umbrella body NCVO uses its Fundraising Central website to set up a match-making agency for charities wanting to collaborate. More details: Searching for the right partner

Model Memorandum & Articles for Charitable Companies was 'Shamefully' Late (25/09/09)

The Charity Commission has been criticised for failing to amend its model memorandum & articles for charitable companies until little more than a week before new guidance is due to be implemented. More details: Model memorandum and articles

Want to Make a Difference to Policing in West Yorkshire? (25/09/09)

Can you use your skills & experience to support the development of local policing in West Yorkshire? West Yorkshire Police Authority are looking to recruit a new Independent Member. More details: Police Advert

Calderdale Cares Expands into Kirklees (21/09/09)

A Calderdale based organisation that provides volunteering opportunities for company employees is expanding their service to cover Kirklees. More details: Calderdale Cares expands

The Big Lottery Fund (21/09/09)

The Big Lottery Fund has published 2 documents following its major consultation on its future funding strategy. Find out more: Big thinking

Communities Together - Funding Criteria Amended (21/09/09)

This is not a new fund but the criterion for the scheme has been amended. See details: CTF Grants Criteria

Funding Opportunities (21/09/09)

This leaflet has been designed to provide an overview of the current funding opportunities available within Kirklees Council and Voluntary Action Kirklees. More details: Grant funding in Kirklees

'Awareness of Child Abuse & Neglect' - E-Learning Package (21/09/09)

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board has also just launched this course, which is for anyone who would like to know more about the signs & symptoms of child abuse. More details: E-Learning Live

The Charity Bank in the North - Workshop Programme (21/09/09)

This workshop programme is part of the Charity Bank in the North Investment Readiness Programme, funded by Yorkshire Forward. More details: First steps to sus

Stop Hate UK Receives Funding for Fight Against Hate Crime (21/09/09)

Stop Hate UK has been awarded funding to develop their vital work against Hate Crime and discrimination. More details: Victims Fund Hate Crime

Party Conferences, Not the best Way to Lobby MPs (21/09/09)

Only about one in ten MPs think party conferences are a useful way for charities to lobby them, a face to face meeting at Westminster works best. Read more: Party conferences

Chestnut Centre (21/09/09)

Do you have any meetings or training courses coming up & can’t find space to run them? Then why not book space at the Chestnut Centre at a competitive price. More details: CC Roomdetails

WomenCentre - Volunteers & Garden Tools Wanted (21/09/09)

As part of its SHEcotherapy project, which aims to boost women’s mental health & wellbeing, WomenCentre is looking for volunteers to help run the project and good quality garden tools to help with the next stage of the project. More details: WomenCentre

'Speak Out' About Health & Social Care (21/09/09)

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health & social care in England. It is seeking to expand it’s Speak Out Network, which supports small & often unheard communities to have a voice in the regulatory process. Find out how you can get involved: SpeakOut

Social Networking a Threat to Education (21/09/09)

Social networking is threatening to reduce young people’s chances of doing well at school, according to latest research. Find out more: Threat to education

Online Resource for Out-Of-School Clubs Launched (21/09/09)

A childcare professional and an internet consultant have set up an online information service on how to setup & run out-of-school clubs. Find out more: Online resource

Charities Offered Free Wireless Internet Connection (21/09/09)

Fifty community groups & 500 charities will be offered the chance to receive free wireless connection to the internet. Find out how you could be one of them: wireless internet

Stop Hate Crime (21/09/09)

A unique national campaign has been launched aimed at raising awareness of Hate Crime and protecting people with mental health problems. Find out more: Mental Health

Charities Have Least Secure Websites (21/08/09)

Charities are more likely to have poor website security than other organisations, according to the results of an annual survey published this week. More details: Charities websites

Office & Meeting Space Available (28/08/09)

Longley & Lowerhouses Community Church has office & meeting room space available for hire. For more details contact Chris Hawley on 01484 300210 or email llcc@ntlbusiness.com

Consultation Launched on Code of Good Governance (28/08/09)

The steering group responsible for the code of governance for the voluntary & community sector has launched a consultation on the updated version of the code. Find out more: Consultation launched

Contract Opportunity (28/08/09)

Are you interested in supplying practical services for a corporate company that successfully supplies local authorities & other public sector bodies? Find out more: Contract opportunity

Targeted Support Fund Grant Recipients Named (28/08/09)

The Government has named the 558 third sector organisations in England that will receive grants of up to £40,000 as part of the Government’s recession action plan. More details: Targeted Support Fund

The Social Audit Network (SAN) Conference (28/08/09)

This conference will bring together experience practitioners of social accounting and social reporting from around the world to share understanding and to grapple with some of the key questions facing the social economy sector. More details: SAN Conf

CommunityMEDIAmatters (21/08/09)

Beaumont Street Studios’ Media Matters course has been designed to give organisations the tools to get their message out locally, regionally & nationally. More details: media matters

Furniture & Household Items Wanted (21/08/09)

SHAP (Single Homeless Accommodation Project) have set up a recycling scheme that enables young people to access free furniture and other household goods. The success of the scheme depends on the amount of goods donated. So if you think you can help, find out more: SHAP

Communitybuilders Fund Will Open in September (21/08/09)

The Communitybuilders fund will provide loans & grants to help community-based organisations in England that boost interest in local democracy and improve community cohesion. More details: Communitybuilders fund

New Mix Mediabox Fund for Youth-Led Projects (21/08/09)

Communications charity the Media Trust has opened a new £1.2m fund for charities and community groups to set up youth-led media projects. More details: media matters

Trusts & Foundations Will Maintain Grants (21/08/09)

Britain’s trusts & foundations are maintaining current levels of grant-giving even if it means spending their endowments, according to a report published by the Charity Commission. Read more: Trusts and foundations

Community Liaison Development Grants 2009/10 (21/08/09)

Kirklees Council Community Liaison is inviting you to express an interest in applying for a Development Grant to further your organisation/activities. More details: Development Grants 2009

Looking for Sources of Funding? (21/08/09)

Organisations in Kirklees can now search for funding opportunities through a new free of charge search facility available on Kirklees Council’s website. More details: Kirklees4Funding Flyer

'Real Help Now' - Directory of Practical Help During Recession (21/08/09)

‘Real Help Now’ is a directory of practical help for people and businesses during the recession has been produced by Kirklees Council and two ‘Real Help Now’ events will be held in September. More details: Real Help Now

Sub Contractors Wanted for Flexible New Deal Scheme (21/08/09)

As part of the Flexible New Deal Phase 2 in the West Yorkshire region Serco Welfare to Work Division is keen to speak to a wide range of partners both to discuss needs within the area and to see what opportunities there may be for sub-contracting with existing providers. More details: Sub contractors wanted

Charities Wanted for Community Shares Project (21/08/09)

A research project looking at how community organisations can raise money by issuing shares and bonds to the public is looking for five organisations to act as case studies. Find out more: Community shares project

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Kirklees LGBT Community Network News (07/08/09)

Kirklees Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Network have launched a new newsletter. Read the first edition: Summer newsletter

A Society for All Ages : Government Ageing Strategy Consultation (07/08/09)

Building a society for all ages develops the Government’s 2005 ageing strategy. It aims to give people the tools and encouragement they need to prepare more effectively for later life and to access the right support when they need it. The draft strategy sets out a programme of actions and seeks the public’s views on these by 12 October. Find out more: Building a society for all ages

Real Help Now for Over 60s (07/08/09)

The Department for Work & Pensions has published a new consumer guidReturn to tope for people aged 60 and over aimed at providing information during the economic downturn. It covers a range of areas including: pensions and benefits, help with fuel bills, dealing with money problems and skills and learning. More details: Real help for over 60s

Emergency NHS Swine Flu Plans Could Weaken Child Protection (07/08/09)

Contingency plans to cope with the swine flu pandemic look set to compromise safeguarding measures aimed at protecting vulnerable children. Read more: NHS swine flu plans

Job Satisfaction is Highest in the Voluntary Sector (07/08/09)

Voluntary sector workers have greater job satisfaction and security than workers in other sectors, according to a new survey. Read more: Job satisfaction

Lifeline Kirklees - Targeted Groupwork (07/08/09)

Lifeline young person’s service are very pleased to announce that they are now able to deliver targeted groupwork to at risk groups of young people. Find out more: Lifeline advert

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Futurebuilders England - 0% Interest for up to Five Years (07/08/09)

Futurebuilders England is offering 0% interest loans, for up to five years, through the Office of the Third Sector’s Modernisation Fund. Loans from between £30,000 and £500,000 are available. More details: Futurebuilders

Northorpe Hall - 500 Year Old Barn for Hire (31/07/09)

The refurbishment of the 500 year old barn at Northorpe Hall is now complete and it is available to hire from Sept. 1st 2009. Ideal for larger meetings or small conferences. More details: Northorpe Hall

Options Create Centre (27/07/09)

Serendipity Arts & North Kirklees PHAB join together to open their doors to become the newest arts centre in town called Options Create Centre. More details: Serendipity

Management Training Opportunities in the VCS (27/07/09)

Details of 4 one day training sessions for managers organised by West Yorkshire Learning Consortium. More details and booking form: booking form

A Community Foundation for Kirklees - Consultation Sessions (27/07/09)

Community Foundations raise money from local people, businesses and public bodies to strengthen local communities, creating opportunities and tackling issues of disadvantage and exclusion. Consultations sessions are being organised to seek your views on establishing a community foundation in Kirklees. More details: KCF

Full Cost Solutions - a New Service from ACEVO (27/07/09)

Full Cost Solutions is a new service designed to help you fully cost your projects. The package incorporates various training opportunities, website resources, one-to-one support, tools and publications that are tailored specifically to you and your organisation’s needs. Find out more: Full Cost Recovery

Postcards from the Park (27/07/09)

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have again joined forces with GreenSpace to re-launch the Postcards from the Park photo competition for the third year. £1,000 in Jessops vouchers is up for grabs for the lucky overall winner. More details: postcardsfromthepark

'Think Beyond Fundraising in Recession', Govt. Taskforce Urges (27/07/09)

Charities must think beyond fundraising and seek new ways of working with the private sector during the recession, a Government-commissioned report has urged. Read more: Beyond fundraising

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BT Community Connections (27/07/09)

BT Community Connections is an award scheme which enables community & charitable groups to get online and make use of information & communication technology. Groups can apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband connection. More details: BT Community Connections

New 'Eco Shop' Uses Profits to Fund Free Therapy Sessions (20/07/09)

Sustainable Kirklees offer an eco shop, complimentary therapy clinic and health & environment workshops. All profits are challenged to provide low cost or free therapy appointments. Find out more: Eco Shop

Standard CRB Checks to Cost Less (20/07/09)

The Criminal Records Bureau is to cut the price of Standard disclosures from 1 October, but the price of enhanced checks will remain the same. Find out more: CRB checks

Healthy Weight for Kirklees - Kirklees Healthy Weight Network (20/07/09)

Kirklees Healthy Weight Network forms the foundation for health professionals and partners to share best Practice, access current information and support each other and the delivery of the Kirklees Obesity Programme. Find our more: Healthy Weight 4 Kirklees

Help with IT Support for VCS Organisations (20/07/09)

MPCS, a small business based in Hipperholme, is offering affordable & friendly support with IT problems to VCS organisations. More details: IT Flyer

Anchor Staying Put - 'Handy Person Service' (20/07/09)

The Handy Person Service helps support people to continue to live in their own homes. More details: Handy Person Service

CAB Outreach Service (20/07/09)

Citizens Advice Bureau is now offering an outreach service in Skelmanthorpe & Denby Dale. More details: Denby Dale outreach

Town Centre Office Space Available (20/07/09)

Voluntary Action Kirklees has office space available to let in its Huddersfield Offices. Contact Susan Thompson for more details 01484 518457 or susan.thompson@voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk

Increasing BME Involvement in Representative & Management Structures (20/07/09)

The Pakistan & Kashmir Welfare Association is delivering a civic engagement project to increase participation of the South Asian community in civic structures. Find out how you can help: PKWA

Swine Flu Pandemic - Advice & Guidance for VCS Organisations (20/07/09)

VCS organisations can be a great help in limiting the spread of swine flu by reinforcing basic messages among local communities and neighbourhoods. More information: Swine flu

Kirklees Poetry/Arts Trail (20/07/09)

The basic idea of the trail is for the ordinary people of Kirklees to add their work to a store of similar works that can get displayed in Libraries, Town Halls & other public buildings. Find out more: KIRKLEES POETRY

'Domestic Violence Conference' (20/07/09)

Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board is organising this event at the Galpharm Stadium on 7 October. More details: DV Conference Event

Key Fund Yorkshire (20/07/09)

Key Fund Yorkshire has money available NOW to support the development and growth of social enterprises across the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber. More info: Key Fund

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Big Challenge '09 (20/06/09)

If you are 16-25 and passionate about making your community a better place to live then you need to visit the Big Challenge website: BC 09 poster

Participation/Empowerment News (22/06/09)

Contains details of events organised by Yorkshire & the Humber Empowerment Partnership and others. More details: Participation

Community Organisations 'Not Trusted' with Property (22/06/09)

More than half of local authorities are reluctant to transfer land & buildings to community organisations because they are afraid they will be mismanaged. Read more: Community organisations

Lights, Camera, Action (22/06/09)

Would you like a FREE short, snappy film about you organisation and what it does? VAK’s communityMEDIAmatters programme is offering the chance to have a short film made FREE of charge. More details: Free Film

Communities United - Sessional Activity Leaders (22/06/09)

Communities United Project is charity that undertakes community led initiatives utilizing the popularity of sport as a means of engaging young people in positive activities. It currently has vacancies for sessional activity leaders, more details: Lead Staff & Assis Staff

The Active Older People Network Event (22/06/09)

This year the network is hosting the Move with Me conference and is a celebration of the successes of the network, its partners, members and volunteers. More details: Network Event

How Are You Coping With The Recession (22/06/09)

VAN & Kirklees Council are organising a workshop to look at the impact of the recession locally. The CBI and the Charity Commission have produced a guide to surviving the recession. Find out more about both: RESPONDING TO THE RECESSION & CBI and Charity Commission

Free Guide to Funding & Finance Opportunities (22/06/09)

Funding Central is launched today. The website is a free guide that gives access to thousands of funding & finance opportunities. Visit the site: Funding Central

The Victims Fund - Hate Crime Section (22/06/09)

The Home Office is pleased to announce the launch of the hate crime section of the Victims Fund for 2009/10. The Government is investing £250,000 in projects and services run by third sector organisations that develop support for victims of hate crime. Find out more: The Victims Fund

Community Foundations to Distribute Comic Relief Funds (22/06/09)

Community Foundations across the country are inviting applications for grants up to £10,000 from a fund of over £5m that they are distributing on behalf of Comic Relief. More info: Comic Relief

The Sheila McKechnie Awards 2009 (22/06/09)

These awards are for individuals who show passion, tenacity and potential to create change for the better. Award winners receive access to a programme of support to help them take their campaign to the next level. Find out more: Sheila McKechnie Awards

On The Road in a Campervan - NHS Kirklees Consultation (22/06/09)

To NHS Kirklees, it’s really important what local residents think about the services they plan and pay for. So they’re hitting the road this summer in a Comments Campervan to seek people’s views. Watch out for the campervan at an event near you, more details: NHS Kirklees

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Does Kirklees Need a Community Foundation? (19/06/09)

This consultation is about whether a Community Foundation should be established in Kirklees. Community Foundations aim to regenerate local communities through effective & tax efficient charitable giving. The consultation is being carried out by a steering group set up to explore the potential to establish a Community Foundation in Kirklees. Find out more & have your say: KCF Consultation Document

Ofsted: Councils Must Do More to Support Young Carers (12/06/09)

Councils are not doing enough to support children who care for disabled parents, Ofsted said in a report. Read more: Ofsted

Practitioner-Led Research (12/06/09)

The Children’s Workforce Development Council would like to commission up to 60 Practitioner-Led Research projects across England. It wants to hear from people who work with children & young people or from groups of children & young people who use these services. Find out more: PLR 2009-10

Support to Recovery (12/06/09)

If you have experience of working in a mental health service, can work as a member of a team and can demonstrate a positive & enabling attitude towards services users, then this might be the job for you. More details: Support to Recovery

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Intergenerational Work (05/06/09)

Kirklees Council is putting together an initial proposal for some additional funding to do more inter-generational work. If your organisation already does, or would be interested in doing, this kind of work, Laura Caunce would like to speak to you. Contact Laura on 01484 225111 or email Laura

Village SOS (05/06/09)

Village SOS is an exciting new initiative from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and the BBC. It is searching for six UK villages with a great business idea and six enterprising individuals to act as Village Champions and help them achieve their ambitions. The resulting activities will be filmed for a new TV series. More details: Village SOS

Project/Office Space Available (01/06/09)

First floor accommodation available in Birkby. Village Children, a new project offering ‘childcare with a difference’ have use of St. John’s Vicarage, Birkby and are offering the first floor accommodation to any interested organisation/group. For more details: Projectoffice space

Poll Suggests Good Times for Charity Shops (01/06/09)

More people are buying from and giving to charity shops than before the recession, a poll has suggested. Read more: charity shops

Charities Urged to Hold Local Government to Account (01/06/09)

The Office of the Third Sector has urged charities to use the new Comprehensive Area Assessment system to hold local government to account. Under the new system all local authorities will be assessed on their ‘participation in volunteering’ and how well they create an ‘environment for a thriving third sector’. Read more: Charities urged

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Dementia Website Relaunched (01/06/09)

The Department of Health Care Networks dementia website has been redesigned. It will be updated regularly and will soon carry more good practice case examples from health & care across England. Find out more: DH Care Networks

Strategy Outlines Ambitions for Bigger & More Integrated Workforce (01/06/09)

Social care employers will be handed a £1500 subsidy to take on young unemployed social care trainees under a workforce strategy for the sector unveiled last month. Find out more: DH Care Networks

'The Duty to Involve: Making It Work' (01/06/09)

This guide, produced by the Community Development Foundation, is CDF’s perspective on how authorities can prepare and act in order to meet their statutory responsibilities regarding the duty to involve. The guides focuses on the processes and structures for involvement, provides advice on some of the issues & challenges, it also includes suggestions for action. Read more: Duty to Involve

Real Help Now (01/06/09)

Grants & bursaries available to voluntary & community groups to help them respond to the recession. Find out more: REAL HELP Now

UK's First 'Community to Community' Fairtrade Coffee Launched (22/05/09)

The Oromo Coffee Company, mentioned in a previous VAK Bulletin has recently launched its business. Oromo is the first ever 'community to community' coffee trading compant in the UK. Find out more: Oromo Coffee

Northorpe Hall (22/05/09)

Northorpe Hall is growing & changing, new funding means that the Mirfield based organisations can deliver even more support to Kirklees young people facing life’s tougher challenges and it’s also refurbishing it’s premises to creat great spaces for meetings & events. More info: Northorpe Hall

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WYLC Website Launch (22/05/09)

The West Yorkshire Learning Consortium has just launched its new website. The site offers information on funding, projects, news and events relating to learning & skills in West Yorkshire. Visit the site: WYLC

EHRC Strategic Funding Programme 2009/10 (22/05/09)

The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced the launch of its new Strategic Funding Programme & will be running a series of workshops across our region to inform interested applicants about the funding criteria and processes. More info: grants surgeries letter grants surgeries reply slip

Recipes for Effective Community Representation (17/04/09)

Two recent events around improving community representation brought together a diverse selection of delegates who explored what ingredients were needed to increase the effectiveness of community representation and different models being used around the country. Find out more: community representation

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Get involved in LINk (06/02/09)

The Local Involvement Network is a network of people and organisations sharing their interests, pooling their skills and influencing their health and social care services. LINk is looking for people to get involved in taking an active role in the network. Read more: LINk

Are you on KINFO? (23/01/09)

If you are receiving this bulletin it means you are already on the VAK database. Kirklees Council also have a larger database of voluntary & community organisations which can be accessed via the council's website. Find out more about what the database can be used for and how you can get your details onto it: Kinfo promotion

Are You Enjoying the VAK Bulletins? (16/01/09)

We have had lots of positive feedback from those of you who are receiving VAK bulletins by email, thank you for your comments. At present the VAK Bulletin goes out to around 500 people, we want to increase this circulation, find out how you can help: Are you enjoying the VAK bulletins

New Third Sector Skills Body (31/10/08)

The Government recently announced plans to create a new third sector skills body which will identify and address skills gaps and shortages for charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and other third sector organisations. It will pull together the work of the sector skills councils to open up learning opportunities for third sector paid staff and voluntary staff. Read more: New third sector skills body

What are Local Area Agreements? (16/10/08)

This information leaflet explains how local area agreements (LAAs) work and why and how third sector organisations should engage with them. It is now in an updated second edition which includes information on multi-area agreements (MAAs). There is also a companion leaflet, which is aimed at citizens who are engaged in community action. Get both the leaflet on the navca website: Publications

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