Building a better future for Working together to support and strengthen local communities

Essex Councils for Voluntary Service www.EssexCVS.org.uk Contents

introduction 04 essex CVs 05 Mobilising Communities 05

Basildon, and Council for Voluntary services 06 Voluntary support Agency (BDVsA) 08 Brentwood Council for Voluntary service 10 Association of Voluntary services 12 Centre supporting Voluntary Action 14 Community Voluntary services (CCVs) 16 Council for Voluntary service 18 Community Voluntary services tendring 20 and District CVs 22 rainbow services 24 rayleigh and District Association of Voluntary services 26 southend Association of Voluntary services 28 CVs 30 Voluntary Action epping Forest 32

notes 34 Contact details 36

2 Building a better future for Essex Foreword

i was delighted to be asked to “Working together in write a foreword for this brochure. partnership to harness Councils for Voluntary Service resources, maximise (CVS) and Essex County Council have worked together for many community assets and years to serve the people of Essex, resilience and to make working together in partnership Essex one of the very to harness resources, maximise best places to live” community assets and resilience and to make Essex one of the very support to local organisations best places to live, work and visit. ensuring they have the tools This brochure has been designed and skills necessary to deliver to give greater insight into the high quality services that local Cllr Norman Hume work of CVSs who themselves people want and need. Chairman of Essex County Council are independent charities but all In current times of austerity it have the same core functions and becomes even more important CVSs for all their achievements and whose services refl ect the very that we work together to make look forward to the future and to different communities they serve. the best use of resources to continuing our strong and productive CVSs work across Essex support our local communities. partnership for the good of Essex. delivering vital infrastructure I would like to congratulate the

Uttlesford Braintree

Tendring Colchester

Harlow

Epping Forest Chelmsford

Maldon

Brentwood

Rochford Castle Point Southend- on-Sea

Thurrock

Building a better future for Essex 3 Introduction

have lived in essex all victims of crime, working with my life, and one of the vulnerable animals, helping young I many things that make people get a positive start in life, or me proud to represent our supporting elderly people or people county as police and Crime with disabilities, ordinary people Commissioner is the enduring are doing something extraordinary commitment communities have to make our county even better. to volunteering and supporting However, this level of voluntary organisations. commitment and contribution There are thousands of charitable, takes some organising – matching community and voluntary sector all those skills and interests with organisations in Essex, ranging the many varied opportunities from the grass roots to county wide on offer, and ensuring that Nick Alston CBE deliverers, and all of them provide a community and voluntary sector Police & Crime Commissioner critical service to their communities. organisations have the support for Essex Each organisation represents they need and deserve to continue even more people within it who delivering critical services to are giving their time to support communities. It is in no small causes and issues that matter to way thanks to the dedication them and improve the quality of and infrastructure provided by life for everyone who lives and CVSs that we have the thriving works here. The range of volunteer community and voluntary sector we contribution in Essex is vast, and do in Essex, and I am enormously whether it be through supporting grateful to all those involved.

4 Building a better future for Essex Essex CVS

Mission Statement of Values essex CVs (eCVs) exists to enable a collaborative • We will achieve all of the above by presenting approach to the promotion, support, development a collective voice to relevant stakeholders and voice of the VCs within greater essex, whilst and by continuously working to strengthen encouraging responsive community action and promote the VCs within essex, whilst for the benefi t of our local communities. actively supporting each other.

• Where relevant and feasible we will work collaboratively to progress opportunities for the sector, and share information and best practice for mutual benefi t.

• Building on our shared principles of equality of opportunity, cooperation and effective involvement, we will raise the profi le and importance of local community action in a fair and equitable society.

Mobilising Communities there’s a new kid on the essex VCs block and communities and organizing mutual support its called “Mobilising Communities”. it is systems. This type of work has gone through a few slipping into every presentation, it’s on every name changes—community development being agenda, and we are all talking about it like a its most recent recognisable form, but this time it best friend but what exactly does it mean? is being seen as the answer to many of the health We all know that the demand for health and and social care challenges. BUT some assume that social care services is rising to unprecedented it is an instant fi x and local people are ready and levels, and we are informed that demand will motivated to take up the challenge. That’s where outstrip supply any time soon, so how will the CVSs come in. They know their patch, their local “mobilised communities” ease the pressure. groups and the issues that present the biggest Actually it’s about good old community action, challenges within their communities. Currently it’s from the ground up, people taking control of certainly the biggest game in town but it would things within their own lives, within their own be short sighted to assume it’s the only game!

Building a better future for Essex 5 Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Services To promote, develop & facilitate a thriving, effective, sustainable & infl uential voluntary sector

£1,023,000 Assisted groups and Partnerships secure £1,023,000 new money (2013-14). 62 Assisted on average 62 groups per quarter in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. £1m Trusted Local Organisation for the Heart of managing What we do Kent and East Sussex securing £1m investment over 10 years Basildon, Billericay and £6.8million investment in the area. in a resident led Partnership. Wickford Council for Voluntary As well as securing much service (BBWCVs) was formed needed investment in our area we in 1979 as an independent have also championed a series 400 registered charity that exists to of national initiatives. As a result Recruited 400 volunteers promote, develop, support and we are currently the Trusted Local and worked with 44 groups represent a thriving, effective, Organisation for the Big Local, on suitable placements. voluntary and community sector host four Community Organisers in the borough. guided by on behalf of Locality, and manage values that promote equality two local community funding 33,950 Manage two Community Panels of opportunity, participation, panels for Community First. investing £33,950 in two wards cooperation, partnership and Much of this work is the result in Basildon. democratic involvement we of effective partnership working aim to improve the quality so our thanks are due to the many of life for all of Basildon’s partners with whom we work communities and citizens. and will continue to work to the A scan of recent annual reports benefi t of the local community. highlights the signifi cant and

important role the BBWCVS plays OUR CORE FUNDERS: in supporting local community • Basildon Borough Council and voluntary organisations in • Essex County Council the borough. It also demonstrates • Essex County Council (Public the important leadership role Health Grant) that the BBWCVS continues to provide not just locally but across Other funders: Essex, and the broader South • Locality East Local Enterprise Partnership • TCHC (ESF) area. For example, we provided a • the Big Local Secretariat for the Talent Match • Talent Match Partnership covering Essex,

6 Building a better future for Essex Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Services To promote, develop & facilitate a thriving, effective, sustainable & infl uential voluntary sector

“We provided a Secretariat for the Talent Match Partnership covering Essex, Kent and East Sussex KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Basildon District was securing £6.8million investment in the area” formed in 1974 and includes the towns of Basildon, Billericay and CASE STUDY 1 Wickford. It is the second Big Local is an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas district in Essex by around to use at least £1m to make a massive and population. It is a major lasting positive difference to their communities. it’s about player in the Thames bringing together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and Gateway region. A priority energy from individuals, groups and organisations who area for regeneration, it is want to make their area an even better place to live. recognised as the business Focusing on the Heart of Pitsea, as the Trusted Local Organisation, and economic hub of BBWCVS has worked with residents and partners to develop its fi rst South Essex. Big Local Plan for the area. We have tried to develop the plan as a way • Basildon is ranked of starting delivery so that local people can start to see the benefi ts 136th nationally and 5th quickly. In this way more and more people will get involved and we can within Essex for overall review this plan in the light of new opinions coming in as well as through deprivation. The borough understanding what is working well and what is not working so well. is ranked 2nd within Essex Engagement and consultation with our local community and for rank of extent which stakeholders has been central to the work so far. We have also indicates the proportion developed a team of resident Community Champions who of people living in have volunteered vast amounts of time to progress things. seriously deprived areas. Basildon is also ranked 2nd for both income and CASE STUDY 2 employment deprivation. BBWCVs is a partner for talent Match, a Big Lottery Funded initiative that will help local 18 to 24 year-olds who have been out of work for more than 12 months. Talent Match is a £108million investment aimed at tackling youth unemployment in 21 areas of England hardest hit by the economic downturn. It is a fi ve-year investment for young people aged 18-24 who have not been in employment, education or training for 12 months or more, and need particular support to help them into work. The investment was co-designed with young people and will continue to have young people at the heart of decision making throughout the programme. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH Christopher Evans Chief Offi cer Together with lead Talent Match partner for the South East, The Prince’s Trust, a panel of local young people and a number of local partners from across the voluntary and private sectors have The 1st Floor, The George Hurd been awarded £6.8 million to deliver local solutions for long- Centre, Audley Way, Basildon, term unemployed young people living locally. The partnership Essex, SS14 2FL aims to engage, inspire and support those who are furthest from the labour market and we are focusing on local areas with high E: [email protected] unemployment – Medway and Kent Coastal, Hastings, East Sussex T: 01268294781 Coastal, Southend, Thurrock, Harlow, Basildon and Tendring. www.bbwcvs.org.uk Charity number 802116 Company number 8028602

Building a better future for Essex 7 Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency (BDVSA) Supporting and strengthening the voluntary and community sector

78 78 organisations were assisted in the year 2013/14. 361 361 people are registered with our Volunteer Centre. 338 338 mailshots are sent on a fortnightly basis.

What we do BDVSA’s work incorporates a “BDVSA chairs the BDVsA is the infra-structure volunteer centre which assists Braintree Voluntary and organisation covering the both individuals in finding Community Sector Braintree District. the volunteering opportunities and Partnership – a forum for organisation provides one-to- organisations needing volunteers. one advice and assistance to a The volunteer centre also assists bringing together the whole range of local voluntary organisations in developing statutory and voluntary and community groups. such good practice in volunteering. sectors.” support encompasses one-off advice and longer-term casework. BDVSA plays an important role in liaising with and representing the voluntary sector at key meetings and forums. BDVSA chairs the Braintree Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership – a forum for bringing together the statutory and voluntary sectors. There are 265 stakeholders in the membership of BDVSA who receive fortnightly e-bulletins and a quarterly newsletter both of which provide information on local and national issues affecting the voluntary sector.

8 Building a better future for Essex Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency (BDVSA) Supporting and strengthening the voluntary and community sector

OUR CORE FUNDERS: • Essex County Council • Braintree District Council

KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Braintree District has a population of 147,000 which is expected to rise by 10% in the next 10 years. CASE STUDY 1 • The District is a mix of BDVsA was awarded funding from essex County Council to urban and rural areas, with support and co-ordinate a winter warmth project for those whose 62% of the population health and wellbeing was most at risk during cold weather. Using living in the urban areas its knowledge and links across the Braintree District, BDVsA of , , worked in partnership with other organisations to deliver an Braintree and Great Notley. initiative to older people most at risk during cold weather. • As the area in Essex with BDVSA provided warm packs which were delivered by Braintree the lowest GCSE attainment, Community Transport. The packs included winter warmth items, a there is an on-going need goody bag from Community Transport, energy saving advice from for policy and services to be our local Citizens Advice Bureau, a thermometer and information maintained and developed from Braintree District Council, information on bogus callers and to address the issue. doorstep safety from Essex Trading Standards and a benefi ts advice leafl et from Age UK Essex. Further work to deliver this winter initiative was carried out by the Village Agents who identifi ed isolated and vulnerable older people and organised a series of shopping trips and outings for them over the winter months. Overall, 270 people were directly assisted through this work.

CASE STUDY 2 the Volunteer Centre worked with a historical/conservation group which wanted to create a museum focussing on transport artefacts and history. The group needed volunteers with specifi c skills such as mechanical experience, welding and spray painting. BDVsA’s HOW TO GET IN TOUCH Volunteering Co-ordinator was able to fi nd volunteers with the right BDVSA, Colne House, 96 Mount skills and refer them to the historical group to assist with the project. Chambers, Road, Another health based organisation sought the Volunteer Braintree CM7 9BY Centre’s assistance in devising good practice for their volunteers. The Volunteering Co-ordinator worked with the organisation to E: [email protected] establish task descriptions for the volunteer roles and devised Volunteer Centre email: policy and procedure documents around the use of volunteers [email protected] in their work. When all the mechanisms were in place, the T: 01376 550507 organisation was ready to place their opportunities with the Volunteer Centre and suitable volunteers were found. www.bdvsa.org.uk Charity number 1147020 Company number 7831270

Building a better future for Essex 9 Brentwood Council for Voluntary Service Supporting voluntary and community action in Brentwood

60 Last year about 60 local groups received direct assistance with funding and development advice. 70 Five funding workshops were organised along with 4 networking events attracting over 70 groups targeted at developing the skill-base of the local groups. CVS Offi ce located in Town hall Brentwood by supporting voluntary What we do and community sector organisations 500,000 Brentwood CVs is a friendly to achieve the very best they Total of over £500k has been and approachable local can for their benefi ciaries”. raised for the local groups as umbrella organisation that a result of BCVS’s support. delivers professional, value for money support services for the voluntary and community sector  The CVS Team OUR CORE FUNDERS: organisations in Brentwood. • Essex County Council • Brentwood Borough Council “To make a positive difference • ECC Public Health for the community of Brentwood by supporting Other funders: voluntary and community • BIG Lottery Fund sector organisations to • Yellow Car Charitable Trust achieve the very best they can for their benefi ciaries.”  A recent networking event Information, development services, funding advice and training are being offered to about 100 voluntary and community groups working within Brentwood. We are determined to make a positive difference wherever we can, always being honest and realistic with our partners and benefi ciaries and striving to remove barriers that might inhibit access to our services. Our mission is “To make a positive difference for the community of

10 Building a better future for Essex Brentwood Council for Voluntary Service Supporting voluntary and community action in Brentwood

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS Man Have rights too • Brentwood is located in the A new group approached Brentwood CVS back in 2012 with the request London commuter belt, 20 to help them with development and funding assistance. The team worked miles (30 km) east north- with Gerald Cash, the founder and chairman of the group with training east of Charing Cross, and support and networking opportunities, as well as provided funding near the M25 motorway. service to seek fi nancial assistance to kick start the project. The project According to the 2011 was successful in receiving BIG Lottery’s “Awards for All” funding in May Census, the town had a 2014 which will help Gerald to organise an introduction event and series population of 49,463. of six training courses designed to raise awareness of male victims of • Brentwood is an affl uent domestic abuse and violence and provide training in working with them. suburban town with a small In his letter to Brentwood CVS team Gerald said: “I should like to say but expanding shopping how pleased I am with the help and guidance I have received from area and high street. Beyond Brentwood CVS. At the start of the year I embarked on setting up a this is extensive sprawling help line and related services for male victims of domestic violence. residential development I knew nothing about setting up a charity. It was hard work to say entirely surrounded by open the least, but fortunately I joined Brentwood CVS and I am extremely countryside and woodland. grateful for all the help and advice I have received as a result. • Brentwood has been In addition to the helpful staff in the offi ce, the free courses and twinned with Roth, Germany, breakfast meetings have been an invaluable source of information. since August 1978, and Networking is also benefi cial as meeting other like-minded people is with Montbazon, France, supportive and encouraging. In a materialistic country such as Britain, it since March 1994. is wonderful that so much is done without a huge cost attached which enables charities to learn how to provide a better service to those Brentwood at a glance in need, a service which would not exist without the hard work and • The health of people in devotion of the many volunteers who devote so much time and energy. Brentwood is generally better Brentwood CVS enables those who wish to help others, help others. than the England average. • Deprivation is lower than average, however about CASE STUDY 2 1,500 children live in poverty. Part of our core services we provide networking events throughout • Priorities in Brentwood the year for the voluntary and community sector in Brentwood. include reducing road injuries These have proven very poplar over the years with an increasing and deaths, improving number of attendees. Each event has a theme, with guest speakers breast feeding initiation and discussing topical community and/or national issues that affect increasing physical activity our local voluntary community in Brentwood. In addition, local in adults and children. groups also have an opportunity to promote themselves. Below are a few of our attendee’s comments on these events; • ‘First time at one of these events, brilliant opportunity HOW TO GET IN TOUCH to network and learn’ Deafblind UK Brentwood Council for Voluntary • ‘First time at this event. I was delighted at how warm and welcoming Service, Brentwood Borough everyone is. All wanting the best for our community shows in how Council, Town Hall, Ingrave Road, everyone interacts’ Essex Counselling at Home Organisation Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AY • ‘This was the fi rst meeting I have attended, it was very good and I look forward to attending again’ Family Mosaic • ‘Very well organised event—thank you very much!’ BOSP E: [email protected] • ‘I look forward to the next one! Fantastic opportunity for T: 01277 222299 us to meet—couldn’t do it without you!’ Synergy www.brentwoodcvs.org.uk Charity number 1019965

Building a better future for Essex 11 Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services Supporting the Community and Voluntary Sector

186 How many groups/organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. £1,250,000 A total of the amount of funds raised including those raised for CVS . 927 What we do of projects which bring benefi t Between August 2013 and July Castle point Association of to the local population. “With 2014 CAVS referred 927 potential Voluntary services (CAVs) was an increasing amount of public volunteers to voluntary and formed in 1994 to provide services being outsourced through community sector organisations. support and guidance to contracts CAVS have embraced voluntary and community the opportunity to create and organisations within Castle deliver services which refl ect the 178 point. From the outset we have needs of our local population.” CAVS have 178 volunteers who operated a Volunteer Centre provide the equivalent of £289,641 helping to match organisations OUR CORE FUNDERS: worth of work (based on 3hrs per and potential volunteers. • Essex County Council week, 48 weeks per year, UK median • Castle Point Borough Council wage of £11.70 calculated by the “With an increasing amount Annual Survey of Hours and of public services being Other funders: Earnings). outsourced through contracts • Castle Point & Rochford CCG • Essex Safeguarding CAVS have embraced the Adults Board opportunity to create and • Family Mosaic deliver services which refl ect • PCC Offi ce  Hadleigh Castle overlooking the needs of our local Canvey Point population.”

We have always worked closely with local statutory bodies and the community to identify and develop new services which could be delivered on a not for profi t basis. We have worked with existing voluntary sector providers to extend their schemes or, when appropriate, have formed new services as part of CAVS portfolio

12 Building a better future for Essex Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services Supporting the Community and Voluntary Sector

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS the Mickey payne Memorial Foundation is one organisation • Castle Point is a distinctive which has benefi tted from CAVS services from its inception Borough located on the through to becoming an established organisation. north bank of the Thames Thanks to being able to meet with Estuary. It has a population other like minded organisations the of 89,600 and comprises MPMF is working in partnership with a two urban areas of Canvey number of different agencies to improve Island and the mainland the lives of dementia sufferers and towns of Benfl eet, Hadleigh their families. “We were fi rst involved and Thundersley. These with CAVS on recommendation from towns have distinctively our local MP, Rebecca Harris, in 2011. different landscapes, I met up with the Development Offi cer built environments and and we discussed my ideas for the social conditions. Foundation and some suggestions were • Castle Point’s urban area made about how CAVS could help us is bound by the Thames to progress. The patience of everyone Estuary and metropolitan at CAVS has been immense, and we green belt. It benefi ts from as a Foundation say thank you to all diverse natural environment the staff involved with our journey.” including six nationally and Caroline Dearson, MPMF internationally important sites of Special Scientifi c Interest, a Special Protection CASE STUDY 2 Area and wetlands of the Befriending scheme, operated by CAVs, was awarded international importance a £5,000 donation. the grant was provided by santander designated under the which provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects that Ramsar Convention. help disadvantaged people in local communities. The Befriending Scheme was nominated by Trevor Matthews, whose mother Lilian has been using the scheme for the past six months. Trevor said “The Befriending Scheme has been a lifeline to my 93 year old mother. Her Befriender, Lynda, comes to visit every week to sit and have a chat whilst I am able to get on with things that I need to do. My mother looks forward to seeing Lynda and they have become good friends. I saw the nomination forms whilst HOW TO GET IN TOUCH Castle Point Association of visiting the Hadleigh branch of Santander Voluntary Services Ltd, The and thought of the Tyrells Centre, 39 Seamore Befriending Scheme Avenue, Thundersley, straight away. I am really Essex, SS7 4EX pleased that I have been able to be part E: offi [email protected] of helping the scheme T: 01268 638416 receive this donation”. www.castlepointavs.org.uk Charity number 1103698 Company number 4856677

Building a better future for Essex 13 Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action Connecting, developing, promoting and supporting thriving, caring communities

 Hylands House Conference Centre and Estate 325 325 member groups; worked with 317 last year. £740,000 assisted local groups to bring in £740K of funding. 47 47 charities used the Centre for CHELMSFORD CITY COUNCIL meetings, drop in, training & crisis intervention. What we do “Without your continued Chelmsford Centre supporting support we would not have Voluntary Action (CVs) is received the funding which 103 an independent charitable has allowed us to purchase 103 local businesses approached for company established in 1994 a portable hoist and fi nally pro bono support. to champion, support and get onto the water!” strengthen local charities, Hanningfi eld Sailability voluntary and community groups. OUR CORE FUNDERS: We work with local people • Chelmsford City Council and key strategic partners to • Essex County Council (public improve local neighbourhoods, health) activities or services. monitoring and evaluation. We • Essex County Council (adult Several Essex-wide charities hold regular networking and social care) are based in Chelmsford but learning events; facilitate and the majority of our work is with connect groups into local forums. smaller charities, voluntary and The Centre offers affordable  Hanningfi eld Sailability community groups - a diverse meeting space, loan of equipment, range of independent organisations a specialist library and is a conduit working to make Chelmsford a for information sharing between better place for all who live and voluntary and community groups, work here. Find out more about statutory agencies and businesses. them at: EssexConnects.org.uk Our website had 20,000 hits last We give specialist support year and, along with the Update and practical help on all newsletter and popular weekly aspects of running a voluntary e-bulletin, offers many opportunities organisation, supporting new to promote voluntary and community groups to develop, drawing up activity. The Centre also hosts a constitutions, project planning, busy Volunteering Centre brokering budgets, policies, fundraising, over 1600 enquiries a year.

14 Building a better future for Essex Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action Connecting, developing, promoting and supporting thriving, caring communities

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Chelmsford was awarded M&s visual merchandising team train local charity shops. Jubilee City Status in 2012. The Centre has developed a strong working relationship with M&S, Beyond the city centre and maximising opportunities for the voluntary sector in Chelmsford: large town of South M&S has an employee volunteering scheme but were struggling Woodham Ferrers the area to fi nd good placements. Our Volunteering Co-ordinator spoke is characterised by villages to staff about 100s of activities they could be getting involved surrounded by open with and now brokers M&S staff into local opportunities. countryside. The Centre runs groups which are a lifeline to people with • Major new housing support needs. Needing to fundraise, one group asked M&S to development will increase help run a craft stall in the High Street. Staff were fantastic, helping 169,500 population to over to train volunteers who lacked confi dence with the public. 200,000. M&S Manager offered to help a charity shop with window dressing. With • Essex County Council and over a dozen shops in Chelmsford we Anglia Ruskin University are suggested a group session. 15 charity based in the city and 30% of shop representatives attended a unique employment comes from the visual merchandising training event public sector and education. delivered by their team. Retired M&S • 2011 census refl ected marked shop mannequins are now given to us growth in population among for re-homing in local charity shops. the number of over 90 year olds which increased by 53%. This year M&S Chelmsford chose a • 13% of children are living in local charity as their Charity of the Year! poverty and local agencies report signifi cant increase in people seeking debt advice. • Chelmsford is relatively CASE STUDY 2 healthy and free from crime new conversations in health & social care. yet has pockets of deprivation With changes in the funding and delivery of local health services which, in a relatively affl uent beginning to impact on local charities, we organised a major event to area, heighten the challenges enable lead providers to recognise the voluntary sector as a key partner of sustaining support services in improving the health of local people. Thanks to support from Mid for vulnerable people. Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and Chelmsford City Council the fi rst Mid Essex Health & Wellbeing Showcase attracted 154 delegates from all sectors. Chair of ‘Who Will Care?’ Commission, Sir Thomas Hughes- Hallett, spoke and 30 charities, Healthwatch, fi ve health & social care providers, Chelmsford City and councils all exhibited. Farleigh Hospice, Broomfi eld Hospital, Stroke Association, Provide, Essex Cares and the Linden Centre stepped up to the microphone during the afternoon to share their stories of HOW TO GET IN TOUCH how local voluntary action supports their service delivery. Centre Supporting Voluntary “It really helped to start a different conversation and new relationship Action, Burgess Well House, between the voluntary sector, other sectors and commissioners.” Chelmsford CM1 1FW Chair, MeCCg We received fantastic feedback and determined to organise E: [email protected] another with more exhibitor space and open to the general T: 01245 351888 public – Mid Essex Hospitals Trust has agreed to host. www.EssexCVS.org.uk Charity number 1112483 Company number 05586169

Building a better future for Essex 15 Colchester Community Voluntary Services (CCVS) Thriving Local Communities

 A view of Colchester High Street 281 How many groups/organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. £729,000 A total of the amount of funds raised What we do “Our mission is to enable including those raised for CVS . Colchester Community Voluntary effective communities and services is an independent, voluntary action by charitable organisation which empowering and inspiring our 18,000 has been operating in the local society through our fi ve 18,000 volunteer hours generated. Colchester area since 1968. core values – Support, We work with new and established Development, Liaison, voluntary groups, members of 40 the public, businesses and the Representation and Strategic 40 businesses involved in the public sector to achieve positive Partnership Working.” Business Bank. outcomes. We act as a voice for the sector with all of these partners. independent examinations. We help people to set up new We recruit and train volunteers OUR CORE FUNDERS: voluntary or community groups, through our Volunteer Centre • Essex County Council fundraise, bid for contracts, and Time Bank project, offering • Colchester Borough Council provide and access training, and reciprocal, fl exible volunteering. plan and address any unmet We have established a Business Other funders: needs that they may have. Bank in order to generate in • Essex Community We facilitate events to provide kind and pro bono support Foundation networking opportunities, information for the voluntary sector. • Timebanking UK and showcase the value of our sector. We run a Transport scheme in • Health and Social Care We are a Centre of Excellence in Colchester and Maldon and a Volunteering Fund Essex for Community Accountancy Shopmobility scheme in Colchester. • Grassroots Services, offering payroll,  CCVS staff and volunteers taking • Cory Environmental Trust management accountancy and part in Colchester Carnival • Fowler, Smith and Jones • Waitrose • Co-operative Society • Garfi eld Weston • Essex County Council – Community Initiatives Fund • Whole Essex Community Budgets • Donations

16 Building a better future for Essex Colchester Community Voluntary Services (CCVS) Thriving Local Communities

Meeting with one of our groups  Fundraisers Network Group Meeting

KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Colchester is the most populous Borough or District in Essex and the population is expected to continue to rise by more than 30% over the next 20 years. CASE STUDY 1 • Colchester is a University Only Cowards Carry is a Community interest Company (CiC) Town supporting more formed in late 2012 to campaign for and provide weapons than 9,000 students and awareness training to secondary and primary school children. a garrison site housing Since fi rst contacting CCVS in February the project team has conducted thousands of troops. an initial health-check, helped them to develop robust safeguarding • Colchester has the policies, secure insurance and held funds whilst the group registered for highest population of adults a community bank account. Fundraising was another priority as the group with learning disabilities quickly grew. CCVS identifi ed funders, helped complete and submit their in Essex. fi rst applications. As a consequence, OCC has generated more than £8,000 • Between the 2001 and 2011 in grants and additional funds through merchandise and donations. census, the BME percentage Caroline Shearer, founder and director of Only Cowards Carry, has of the population of described the work as, “Excellent (we) couldn’t have Colchester nearly trebled. done it without their continuous help and support... • It is expected that nothing is too much and we so appreciate their time Colchester will see a and effort to (help us get to) where we are now”. signifi cant increase in the CCVS are still working with the group as they register number of 0-4 and 5-9 year as a charity and manage their growth and change. olds in the coming years.

CASE STUDY 2 Community Accounts service (CAs) – in April 2013 we were contacted by a trustee of essex Dementia Care asking if we could advise them on their fi nances. At the time, they employed a fi nance offi cer, contracted to work 20 hours a week, who also worked overtime as necessary. We assessed the fi nances, identifi ed that they needed to change some systems and calculated that CAS could provide 7 hours a month support, which would be ample to complete tasks. We began by moving all of their accounts over to Quickbooks and going back to the beginning of their HOW TO GET IN TOUCH fi nancial year. We now visit every month and complete their monthly Colchester Community book keeping, bank reconciliations, raise their sales invoices and Voluntary Services (CCVS), produce management accounts. We have established budgets, attend Winsley’s House, High Street, Trustee meetings when required and additionally act as a payroll Colchester CO1 1UG bureau. The Groups Director commented “You have helped us to set up budgets and shown us that we can work in a much smarter way. This E: [email protected] has cut our core costs and helped Essex T: 01206 505250 Dementia Care to be more self sustaining”. www.ccvs.org Charity number 1092567 Company number 4426567

Building a better future for Essex 17 Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford Working with local groups to strengthen communities

“27 years supporting the voluntary sector in Uttlesford”

CVSU Statistics for 2013/14 167 Number of groups receiving support in line with key services. 658 Number of individuals signposted What we do In addition to our main services to local services. Council for Voluntary service we are delighted to be working in Uttlesford (CVsU) is a charitable partnership to deliver an exciting company with over 27 years’ new pilot project (supported by 27 experience of supporting Big Lottery), the Uttlesford Advice Number of groups provided with the voluntary sector. Network. This project incorporates personalised funding advice. CVSU’s primary purpose is to an innovative new online referral support, advise, develop and system called Uttlesford Frontline strengthen the voluntary and which is to be rolled out to GPs and 115 community sector in Uttlesford, key frontline health and social care Number of individuals receiving as well as providing representation professionals. monthly funding bulletin. at a strategic level. www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk We are very proud of the contribution the voluntary sector OUR CORE FUNDERS: £480,000 makes to the lives of people Amount of funding secured in this • Essex County Council in Uttlesford and we work in period. • Uttlesford District Council partnership with local organisations to ensure that we have an Other income: inclusive and successful voluntary • Management 519 sector with a positive future. Organisations on Essex Connects • Project work We work with a wide range of database. • Membership groups, providing professional specialist services and advising Janice Yates – CVSU Administrator Well Being Hub, on a range of issues, including funding, governance and set up and we also have an important role in disseminating information throughout the sector. CVSU also provides a signposting service to local people through hosting and managing the online searchable directory Essex Connects. www.essexconnects.org.uk

18 Building a better future for Essex Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford Working with local groups to strengthen communities

Time Bank Volunteers  CVSU Volunteers

KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Uttlesford is a predominantly rural district in North West Essex comprising the main towns of , ARCHANT Great Dunmow, Stansted Mountfi tchet and , CASE STUDY 1 with 56 parishes. • It is geographically the CVsU in partnership with West essex Mind, has been successful in largest district in Essex. obtaining grant funding worth £338,000 which has allowed us to The population of Uttlesford purchase and extensively renovate the Old police station in great is 81, 300 (census 2011) Dunmow, to create a Well Being Hub for the local community. • 2011 Census data – 21% of CVSU manages this Hub, which not only provides accommodation Uttlesford population is over for several charities but also has meeting rooms, a café and a drop-in 65 years. 10 % of Uttlesford information service for members of the public to use. We are also able to residents are unpaid carers. host drop in sessions for other organisations not located in the Hub. • We know that at least 7,933 Purchasing the property not only gives additional security to the charities people in Uttlesford provide who work here but together we are building a true community asset unpaid care for family, for the future and retaining this historical building for public benefi t. partners and friends. The charities located in the Hub with CVSU include: West Essex Mind, Uttlesford Carers, Voluntary Sector Training, Crossroads Care East Anglia and Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services.

CASE STUDY 2 CVsU has managed to secure funding for the pilot UTTLESFORD project time Bank Uttlesford which is being delivered in partnership with Uttlesford Volunteer Centre. Time Bank is a new way to volunteer, allowing individuals HOW TO GET IN TOUCH and organisations to exchange skills and services between Kirsty Monk (Business Manager) each other. Everyone’s time is valued equally and for every Jacqueline Davies (Funding and hour of help you give, you can request an hour of help in return. Information Manager) Time Bank recognises that everyone has something to offer and builds community resilience by mobilising local people Council for Voluntary Service to help each other through volunteering and exchanging We believe Time Bank responds to the needs of our local Uttlesford Community Hub, communities. If individuals feel they are unable to exchange due to 45 Stortford Road, Great ill health or frailty, they can still receive help if Dunmow, Essex CM6 1DQ they become a Time Bank member. We are now recruiting members to Time Bank E: [email protected] and many of these are people who may not have T: 01371 878400 previously considered any form of volunteering. @CVS_uttlesford Organisations and groups can become mini time banks too! www.cvsu.org.uk Charity number 1098627 Company number 4709512

Building a better future for Essex 19 Community Voluntary Services Tendring Developing and supporting voluntary action in Tendring and empowering local people

230 How many groups/organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. £922,600 A total of the amount of funds raised including those raised for CVS. 40th In 2013 CVST celebrated its 40th anniversary.

What we do “CVS Tendring really is the Community Voluntary services heart and soul of the tendring was established in community. If anybody needs OUR CORE FUNDERS: 1973. it operates from its vibrant anything they should just • Essex County Council community information centre come to CVST!” • North East Essex Clinical in central Clacton and over 70 • Commissioning Group organisations utilise the building for meetings, training, counselling, At a meeting of the Tendring Older Other funders: presentations and day care to People’s Forum, for which CVS • Anglian Water name just a few examples. Tendring provides the secretariat, • Big Lottery CVS Tendring serves the local Kaz Day from Colne Housing said • Colchester Catalyst Charity community and voluntary sector “CVS Tendring really is the heart • Community Development by helping with funding advice, and soul of the community. If Foundation mentoring, partnership work and anybody needs anything they • Council providing information through its should just come to CVST!” newsletter, e-bulletin and website. Regular networking opportunities take place including an annual conference, trustee network events, community breakfasts and funding forums and with nearly 900 organisations on the CVS Tendring database our reach is wide. CVS Tendring promotes quality assurance for the benefi t of service users and has encouraged several local charities to gain a quality standard.

20 Building a better future for Essex Community Voluntary Services Tendring Developing and supporting voluntary action in Tendring and empowering local people

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS A small local organisation, providing day care • Tendring has the second services and outreach to isolated frail elderly people highest proportion of contacted CVs tendring and asked for help. older people in the East of The organisation was struggling with a number of issues including England with over 25% of fi nancial, governance and personnel and was facing immediate closure. CVS residents over the age of 65 Tendring worked closely with the organisation over six months, undertook (England average is 16%) an internal audit and health check assessment and over a number of • The number of people weeks, drew up a plan of action, contacted funders, arranged meetings suffering from long term with staff and trustees and managed the process to incorporation. health conditions is As a result, the charity has rebranded, is now a charitable signifi cantly greater than incorporated organisation, trustees’ liability is limited which in turn the rest of England (people has attracted new trustees, it has streamlined its activities, is more living in Pier Ward have fi nancially stable and sustainable delivering daycare facilities, lunch an 18 year shorter life and trips out over 5 days a week and is planning to extend. The charity helps to reduce loneliness and improves social interaction to expectancy than those living over 140 clients who also in another part of the region) enjoy healthy eating and • The proportion of resident participating in physical working population who are activities, some of whom unemployed in Tendring live in the most deprived ranks in the bottom 20% ward in England. of districts nationally • Tendring has the longest coastal and river frontage CASE STUDY 2 of any district in the UK CVs tendring organised a Health and Wellbeing Day for with the vast majority of organisations across north east essex to promote their services. its population living within The event brought together a wide variety of voluntary, two miles of the water. community, statutory and private organisations who were able to provide information and support to people with long term health conditions, physical or mental disabilities or those wishing to lead a more healthy lifestyle. A large scale consultation seeking views and opinions on the ‘Big Care Debate’ also took place on behalf of the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. Almost 350 people attended the event and organisations HOW TO GET IN TOUCH covering everything from diabetes to healthy eating and Community Voluntary carers support were able to publicise their activities to many Services Tendring, Community people that would not normally access these services. Information Centre, 20-22 As a result of this event organisations were able to raise their profi le Rosemary Road, Clacton-on-Sea and many visitors advised that they would increase their levels of Essex, CO15 1NZ physical activity following the event. In addition, during screening E: [email protected] an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm T: 01255 425692 was found in a 67 year old man facebook.com/cvstendring from Clacton. This intervention @cvstendring almost certainly saved his life. www.cvstendring.org.uk Charity number 1108177 Company number 5325167

Building a better future for Essex 21 Maldon and District CVS Supporting the Voluntary Sector in the Maldon District

 One to one community support for groups 43 The number of groups who received direct support from Maldon and District CVS in 2013/14. £473,292 The amount of money brought into Maldon District through support from Maldon and District CVS (2012-13).

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS: PHIL CARPENTER 13 The number of years MDCVS has What we do “The help was amazing. been providing support. Maldon and District CVs is a small It’s so supportive to know registered charity dedicated to you’re there” supporting the local voluntary 150 and community sector. Our work events and funding workshops, The number of hours of VCS aims to enable local groups to produce regular newsletters and consultancy given in 2013–14. offer consistent and high quality bulletins for our members and work services for the Maldon District in partnership with local groups and through a range of services. partners to develop the support Our services include governance available to the Maldon District. We OUR CORE FUNDERS: and good practice advice, set also host the Volunteer Centre for • ECC public health up advice, funding support, the Maldon District listing over 150 • ECC adult and social care promotion and signposting, current volunteering opportunities networking opportunities, from organisations in the district, information dissemination and and we are a founding member of  Young Carers Community Day representation. In the last twelve the Essex Connects partnership. run by a partnership led by MDCVS months we provided over 150 hours of free consultancy to the sector helping new groups to set up with constitutions and policies in place and existing groups to develop their services and access funding. In addition to one to one support we also facilitate the Mid Essex Forum with Chelmsford and Braintree CVSs to provide representation and networking for

our members, facilitate training

22 Building a better future for Essex Maldon and District CVS Supporting the Voluntary Sector in the Maldon District

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Maldon District is situated Men don’t talk face to face they talk shoulder to shoulder on the east coast of Essex In 2012 Maldon and District CVS became aware through conversations and has over 75 miles of with local organisations and people that the District was missing a project coastline, a rich maritime and providing support specifi cally for men. There was a multitude of W.I’s, agricultural heritage and has craft and knitting groups and coffee mornings which attracted women recently been named by the and gave them the opportunity to be involved with their community and Times as the best place in peer group but for men at risk of isolation fewer options were available. the countryside to live. The Maldon and District CVS undertook to research this further and district is predominantly rural in partnership with Maldon District Council identifi ed the potential and covers an area of 36,000 for a Shed project. Funding totalling over £20,000 was sought hectares. It wraps around the to bring the old mortuary building on Maldon Cemetery back in where to use and the building work was completed in May 2014. the iconic Thames Sailing The Shed project aims to enable peer support for men at risk of isolation Barges still sail and the to the south. where they can take part in practical projects in a community setting. • The District is the least It provides new friendships, mental stimulation, a sense of purpose populated in Essex with a and an increase in population of approximately feelings of wellbeing. 629000 people. As one of In 2014 the Shed project the three largest districts was recognised by the Who in Essex it is also one of the Will Care? Commission as most sparsely populated with a conduit for community under 180 residents per sq km mobilisation and plans • Maldon District is a popular are being made to enable retirement destination and

replication across Essex. it is predicted that Maldon will see one of the largest population increases (78%) in over 65s by 2030. This CASE STUDY 2 is considerably above the good practice advice in the changing Essex average of 57% and world of safeguarding. the national average of 53%. Maldon and District CVS is also a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) umbrella body. Through this service we are able to offer members of Essex CVS affordable access to quality safeguarding processes. In addition to processing DBS forms we offer advice on following good practice in regards to risk assessing staff and volunteer roles and safeguarding. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH In recent years the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has made its Maldon and District CVS, transition to the DBS and with that transition there have been many The Square, Holloway Road, changes. Maldon and District CVS has worked with local groups to keep Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4ER them up to date with the changes including the switch to one disclosure form, the introduction of the update service and changes to eligibility of E: [email protected] roles. We process over 100 checks per year and in the last year spent T: 01621 851891 nearly 100 hours supporting groups with their safeguarding needs. www.maldoncvs.org.uk Charity number 1086460 Company number 4170241

Building a better future for Essex 23 Rainbow Services Harlow Supporting Enabling Developing

 Statue ‘Solo Flight’ 60 There are almost 60 members signed up to the local Voluntary Sector Forum, and each year we deal with over 200 enquiries ranging from funding advice, governance issues, and, sadly, winding up. 200 Each year we process around 200 DBS checks for local groups and agencies. What we do outreach via our customised bus, rainbow services undertakes Offender management services, the role of infrastructure agency a Community Builder trial, as 6,000 for the Harlow area but is not a well as a new conference and Over 6,000 people used our traditional CVs, as we have no business centre which is being conference facilities last year. direct membership. Membership run as a social enterprise. We has been created through the also offer a community hub local Voluntary sector Forum. for other organisations who 14,000 the organisation was formed in share our building and facilities Over 14,000 volunteer hours are given 1999, but did not pick up the located between the town to Rainbow services over the course of a infrastructure role until 2006. centre and the local hospital. year, which if costed on minimum wage alone would double our turnover. Our mission states that our aim is to “work to alleviate the effects “Our work is guided by Rainbow Services has won small of disadvantage, deprivation, our values of fairness, business of the year twice in the and social exclusion through equity, participation and local business awards imaginative projects that support, co-operation.” enable and develop people and organisations, and which stimulate OUR CORE FUNDERS: benefi cial change in the local • Harlow District Council community”. Our work is guided  A training session in the Health • Essex County Council Resource centre by our values of fairness, equity, (infrastructure, public participation and co-operation, health for infrastructure and and services are categorised Community Builder trial) into three priority areas to ensure effective allocation of Other funders: (including specifi c project funding which is resources; they are: supporting, non infrastructure related) enabling and developing. • BBC Children in Need Rainbow delivers a number • Lloyds TSB Foundation of local projects as well as • Harlow Health Centres Trust undertaking the infrastructure • Local Foods (Big Lottery) role. Services include mobile

24 Building a better future for Essex Rainbow Services Harlow Supporting Enabling Developing

KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS CASE STUDY 1 • Though recognised as a Mimosa Matoshi, Chief Offi cer ISS (integration Support new town, the Doomsday services) iss has used rainbow services Building since Book mentions , 2006, when iss were moving from place to place due and excavations made to diffi culties in fi nding suitable accommodation. in the 70s discovered a Many of our service users are new in the country and have Roman Temple dating very little knowledge of Harlow and having a place as central as back to the 3rd century. Rainbow centre has been very helpful for our service users as it is • Harlow is a town of “fi rsts”. located near the town centre, hospital and other local facilities. The fi rst residential tower Over the years we have received great support from Rainbow staff block was built here in 1951 particularly Jackie and Kelly. I have personally received advice and and is now a listed building, support from Jackie on many occasions on matters like management and in 1955 the fi rst purpose and various policies and procedures. Kelly has helped us to submit many built health centre was developed in the town. The funding applications. The centre accommodates many other charities and town centre was the fi rst we have built great working relationships

pedestrianized shopping with each and every one of them. It is very precinct in Great Britain, and common to refer clients to and from those the then Harlow Development partners and this has been extremely Corporation also built the helpful for us and for our clients. The fi rst purpose built sport centre has a reception which is run centre in the country. mainly by volunteers and is very helpful • Harlow suffers a number of as it provides a warm and professional health inequalities which welcome for all service users of the centre. are similar to those within inner cities and the high levels of deprivation mean that there are more people CASE STUDY 2 who die from Coronary Heart Having lived in Harlow for most of their lives, Bob, susanna Disease (CHD) in Harlow than and their daughter ruby embarked on a spanish adventure the rest of Essex. Harlow also has the highest number in 2012. things didn’t go to plan and when suzanna became of priority need households poorly the family came back to Harlow but had to start again. and the highest number Living in a new area, they received a leafl et through their door of homeless people. telling them about the new Community Builder project, and asking them what concerned them about their local area, and what they cared enough about to maybe get involved. They met with Kelly Tarling (Harlow Community Builder) and talked about how they could support their elderly neighbours and become more involved in their Community. Local older residents had already identifi ed HOW TO GET IN TOUCH issues of loneliness and isolation as being their biggest challenges. The Rainbow Centre, 2 Wych With Kelly’s support, they set up an initial social Elm, Harlow, Essex CM20 1QP gathering which has now turned into a weekly social club for local residents to get together. E: [email protected] There have been a number of spin offs from this T: 01279 308150 but everyone attending feels more “connected” You can also fi nd us on and supported. Local people have started looking twitter, facebook and linkedin; out for each other again and that’s what the harlowcentre@HHRC11 Community Builder trial was and is all about. www.rainbowservices.org.uk Charity number 1077228 Company number 3826440

Building a better future for Essex 25 Rayleigh Rochford and District Association of Voluntary Services Working with the community and voluntary sector across the

 Rayleigh windmill 68 How many groups/organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. £72,931 The total amount of funds raised including those raised for CVS .

What we do “Information of training OUR CORE FUNDERS: rrAVs works with the community available is regularly shared • Essex County Council and voluntary sector organisations in order to give organisations • Rochford District Council across the rochford District, and groups the opportunity supporting them to become more to strengthen and improve sustainable to ensure they can Other funders: the skills of their staff and • Fowler Smith and Jones continue to provide services at a • Rayleigh Town Council local level for their communities. volunteers.” • ROSCA Trust This support comes in a variety of • Rotary Club of Rochford forms including advice and alerts The courses are run by a team • Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill of the funding strands available, of fantastic volunteers, offering information relating to employment almost one to one support at a law and other policy changes which very reasonable rate. The courses may affect the sector including are open to anyone aged 25 plus. legal responsibilities such as DBS RRAVS also organise food checks. Information of training parcels for families in need available is regularly shared in order and a Carol Service for the  Sarah our Volunteer Centre to give organisations and groups community at Christmas. Co-ordinator the opportunity to strengthen and improve the skills of their staff and volunteers. The team also provide face to face support to both members of the public and organisations. Information is also shared at Community Breakfasts that are regularly organised with speakers on a relevant topic. RRAVS offers a Computer Access Project that provides training for complete novices to those with very little practical experience.

26 Building a better future for Essex Rayleigh Rochford and District Association of Voluntary Services Working with the community and voluntary sector across the Rochford District

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS Offi ce volunteers are invaluable to RRAVS and we are proud to • The Rochford District has support those joining rrAVs to polish skills they may not have two main towns Rayleigh used for a period of time and to increase their confi dence in and Rochford. Although their ability. close to the urban towns Through the support they are offered by the small team and the of Benfl eet and Southend variety of activities they are involved with, experience has shown they the district is 68% rural. quickly fi nd their self belief and work effectively as part of the team This creates isolation One of these volunteers is now the Volunteer Centre Coordinator at RRAVS. issues for the most Almost all of the volunteers who joined RRAVS to improve ‘rusty’ vulnerable in particular skills during the past fi ve years has gone on to fi nd employment. and those without access to their own transport. • By 2020 the Rochford District will have the highest percentage of older people across the whole of Essex as the District has one of the longest life expectancies in the country, creating challenges for already stretched public services and compounding the need for a strong community and CASE STUDY 2 voluntary sector locally. the Computer Access Course is delivered solely by volunteers. • The Rochford District has the courses run in rayleigh and rochford towns supporting up to one Town Council and 13 10 participants at each venue. the project is now in its 8th year. Parish Councils. The current The three volunteers have population is circa 85,000. devised all of the course

Rayleigh, Rochford and District material and all have their Association for Voluntary Service own area of expertise. CAT The participants are Computer Access Training predominantly over 60s Computer Access Training is for anyone who is over 25 years of age and living in Rochford District Council area. and the feedback for the You can learn the basics of many different types of software, how to e-mail friends and family, how to browse the internet and much, much more. You don’t need to know anything about computers. tutors is exemplary.  Two 5 week informal courses (2 hour sessions) running one after the other. Please look at the courses and select the correct one for you. Learning to use email Course 1—Keeping in Contact, is the place to start if you are an absolute beginner. Course 2 – Getting more from computing, if you want to learn more . and the internet as well as You can just take Course 1 or Course 2 but if you wish to do both, please take Course 1 first. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH  Training for people in their own homes who have mobility or access problems. Note: This is not a other applications often course but is designed to assist with a difficulty on a specific aspect. It is not necessary to have attended the course but it is aimed at helping with any part of the project. opens the door to the world RRAVS  There are small fees for the Computer Courses, and Home Visits. Please ask for details. for course participants, 105a High Street particularly those with family Rayleigh, SS6 7QA overseas, as it enables For more information please: Visit RRAVS , 105a High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7QA — Mon-Thurs between 9am and 3pm E: [email protected] Phone 01268 772796 them to communicate more Visit our website: www.rravs.org.uk/lapttop regularly in a way they T: 01268 772796 Supported by Ford Britain trust never thought possible. www.rravs.org.uk Charity number 1113433 Company number 05447356

Building a better future for Essex 27 Southend Association of Voluntary Services We’re making Southend stronger

340 The number of groups and organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14. 16,640 The number of volunteer hours contributed by 80 volunteers to help us deliver our services. If paid at the national average hourly wage, this would cost us £230,000 per annum.

£676,425 The total amount of funds raised including those raised for CVS.

What we do Volunteer Centre; a Supported “We work behind the scenes sAVs is an independent charity Volunteering project (assisting to help local charities and known as a council for voluntary those with mental health issues community groups achieve service or CVs. that means we into volunteering); Turning Tides their full potential.” work behind the scenes to help community engagement project local charities and community and Southend Healthwatch. groups achieve their full potential. OUR CORE FUNDERS: We do this by:  Trust Links on our community • Southend Borough Council • supporting them with training, market stall • Southend Clinical advice and practical help Commissioning Group • helping them raise money and spend wisely Other funders: • keeping them informed about • Essex Community changes in the charity sector Foundation • bringing them together • Essex County Council to exchange ideas • The Big Lottery • representing their views to • Anglian Water Authority local government, funding • A range of Grant Making bodies and others. Trusts • Local businesses, We run a number of different individuals and legacies services, including an accredited

28 Building a better future for Essex Southend Association of Voluntary Services We’re making Southend stronger

CASE STUDY 1 KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • Around 6.4 million tourists I read in one of SAVS’ weekly information emails about grants from Essex visit Southend-on-Sea each Community Foundation, and I applied for a grant for our group. I’m delighted year to marvel at the longest to say that Breathe Easy Southend was one of only 7 organisations that pleasure pier in the world, received a grant from the Southend Fund, managed by Essex Community paddle in the sea and visit Foundation. We received a cheque for a thousand pounds which will cover one of its many attractions. our running costs for a whole year! I had no idea where to apply to for a Yet the town has pockets grant and it’s all down to SAVS information that we received it. of severe deprivation, Jan Morrison, secretary of Breathe easy southend with parts of the Kursaal, Milton and Victoria wards containing areas ranked in the top 2% of deprived areas in England, with unemployment being a major factor. • Southend has the highest percentage of residents receiving housing benefi t in Essex, and life expectancy at birth for both males and females is signifi cantly below the national average. Despite this, Southend has over 300 voluntary groups and charities working to make life better for Southend residents. CASE STUDY 2 I have experienced heart attacks and I suffer from depression, which left me virtually housebound. I heard about SAVS through a family member. I was able to volunteer in SAVS for 10 weeks with the Supported Volunteering project which HOW TO GET IN TOUCH gave me a reason to get up in the morning. I Southend Association of really enjoyed it and unlike a job, there was no pressure, so if I was ill I didn’t have to come in. Voluntary Services, 29-31 I achieved my Food Hygiene Level 1 and Level Alexandra Street, Southend On 2 certifi cates and then I did a few ‘one-off’ volunteering opportunities Sea, Essex SS1 1BW with SAVS, until I heard about the ‘Safe as Houses’ scheme with Turning Tides. On ‘Safe as Houses’, I visit older people and advise them on how E: [email protected] to keep themselves safe from crime. This gives them peace of mind. T: 01702 356000 I spend time talking to them and I love hearing their stories about facebook.com/SouthendAVS Southend. But more importantly, I know that I’m making a difference. @savs_southend Charlie neale www.savs-southend.org Charity number 1063655 Company number 03351855

Building a better future for Essex 29 Thurrock CVS Supporting voluntary and community based organisations in Thurrock

Our Vision Statement “That the voluntary and community sector (VCS) will have a fully empowered and effective role in Thurrock.”

What we do “Thurrock CVS enables the thurrock CVs is an infrastructure views of local groups to be organisation that supports represented and for them to voluntary and community based get involved and infl uence organisations in thurrock. public policy and decisions.” We do this by working behind the scenes to ensure the long- term future of essential services. and groups within the sector, Much of the work that CVS does and between local groups focuses on several key areas: and the statutory and private • Services and support; sectors. Groups can learn from • Development work; each other, establish contacts • Liaison; and work more effectively. • Representation; With government encouraging • Strategic partnerships the development of voluntary and community based groups in shaping Thurrock CVS provides support and delivering services, Thurrock in the form of funding advice, CVS enables the views of local training, access to meeting rooms groups to be represented and for and equipment, newsletters and them to get involved and infl uence specialist services. It encourages public policy and decisions. It helps HOW TO GET IN TOUCH networking between individuals many local groups to participate Thurrock CVS, The Beehive, in a wide range of partnerships West St, Grays, Essex RM17 6XP “It encourages networking – these include regeneration, neighbourhood renewal, health between individuals and T: [email protected] and social care, learning and T: 01375 389881 groups within the sector, and other government initiatives. @Thurrockcvs between local groups and the They may be sub-regional, district www.thurrockcvs.org

statutory and private sectors.” wide or neighbourhood based. Charity number 1090253 Company number 4300967

30 Building a better future for Essex Thurrock CVS Supporting voluntary and community based organisations in Thurrock

Community Hall

The Beehive offers competitive prices and is the perfect venue for your training, meetings and conferences being less than a 3 min walk Conservatory Professional from Grays Station & Bus Meeting Room Equipment Terminal (limited free parking for all room hirers.)

Use of the following equipment is FREE : projector screen, laptop, flipcharts, and a stylish PA System with roving microphones. (Free parking for all room hirers)

Training Room

Refreshments; tea & coffee only 50p per serving, with biscuits £1.00

Delicious Catering provided For all enquiries please call 01375 389885

The Beehive Resource Centre, West Street, Grays, RM17 6XP Charity number 1090253 Company number 4300967

Building a better future for Essex 31 Voluntary Action Epping Forest Promoting, developing and supporting the voluntary sector

230 How many groups/organisations assisted in the 12 months 01/04/13 to 31/03/14 – 230 groups receive weekly information bulletins and bi monthly newsletters. 32 32 VCS groups received 1-2-1 support. £150,071 A total of the amount of What we do Benefi ts Advice is the newest funds raised including those Voluntary Action epping Forest service being provided at Voluntary raised for CVS £150,071. (VAeF) is an umbrella organisation Action Epping Forest. VAEF’s providing advice, information and Coordinator visits housebound development support services residents in Epping Forest giving 2,862 to voluntary and community information on benefi ts available, 2,862 volunteer hours given to organisations in the District. assisting with the completion Voluntary Action Epping Forest Local voluntary groups are of application forms for council in 2013/14 which equates to assisted with fundraising, tax reductions, housing issues over £17,000 of work based

volunteer recruitment and regular and disability living allowance. on the minimum wage. information. Weekly e-bulletins Based in Epping, we have been and bi-monthly newsletters operational since 1993 and are OUR CORE FUNDERS: are distributed to over 250 governed by our members (around • stakeholders throughout the 200 local voluntary and community Council district providing local and national groups) through an elected • Essex County Council voluntary sector updates, events Board of Trustees. VAEF has been and training. The Epping Forest and awarded the Investors in People Other funders: Harlow Volunteer Centre hosted Bronze Award, PQASSO Level 1 • Big Lottery Fund by VAEF fi nd opportunities and and Two Ticks Disability Award. • NHS West Essex Clinical provide support to organisations Commissioning Group needing volunteers. • Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership “Local voluntary groups are • High Sheriff Award assisted with fundraising, • Jack Petchey Foundation volunteer recruitment and • The Cooperative Group • Essex Community regular information.” Foundation • Harlow Council The organisation also hosts a • Whole Essex Community number of direct services for older Budget people which include gardening, • Santander Foundation home safety, befriending • Epping Forest Town Councils and handyman services.

32 Building a better future for Essex Voluntary Action Epping Forest Promoting, developing and supporting the voluntary sector

CASE STUDY KEY DISTRICT STATISTICS • The district has an older An epping Forest voluntary organisation contacted VAeF for advice. the group concerned held a working agreement with population, with fewer than a volunteer who was building a database using information average residents in the held by them, but there was an issue around who owned 15-34 age group, higher this data. it belonged to the organisation but there was than average residents confusion because the volunteer had spent time entering in the 35-64 and 75+ age it and building the database on their own laptop. group compared to national VAEF discussed how to handle the current situation and statistics. worked on a volunteer agreement that included a section around • Epping Forest has a ‘intellectual property’ and other suggested modifi cations to reputation for being a ensure that the situation was clear for future volunteers. district of affl uence, which The local voluntary organisation was very satisfi ed with the outcome. masks the existence of deep social deprivation in some VAEF receives regular feedback for all of the events and areas. Many residents enjoy an extremely high standard services it delivers some of which are included below: of living in comparison “Without people like you helping us what would the world be to those living with high like? We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is so good levels of concentrated to know you are there (and I really MEAN that) just to know you disadvantage in parts of , , are there fi ghting my corner with me” Debden and Ongar. Quote from client of the VAEF service • The district is generally a “I want you to know that I fully appreciate what a great help healthy place to be, but there are also profound VAEF have been to me and the growing success of North health inequalities, with Weald Village Hall.” parts of the district showing Chair of the Management Committee at North Weald Village Hall almost 9 years’ difference in life expectancy, while the “This was an incredible session. Everyday language I could Essex average variation is understand and I was able to retain most of it. It also covered 6.8 years. the most important points.” “Partnership working and making strong links between voluntary, state and the not for profi t sector.” Comments from Voluntary Sector Forum on Big Lottery Funding “I just wanted to let you know that we’ll be starting work on the HOW TO GET IN TOUCH Voluntary Action Epping Forest, Park in the next couple of weeks, and with the help of the Homefi eld House, Civic Offi ces, Parish Council we’ve raised enough money to make a really High Street, Epping, Essex good start! We’ll be carrying on fundraising for more CM16 4BZ equipment, and will send you details of the opening event and other events.I’d just like to thank you massively for all E: [email protected] your help along the way!” T: 01992 564178 www.vaef.org.uk

North Weald Mums Charity number 1097376 Company number 4689779

Building a better future for Essex 33 Notes

34 Building a better future for Essex Notes Design & print: www.design-mill.co.uk Voluntary Action Epping Forest E: [email protected] T: 01992 564178 www.vaef.org.uk T: 01279 308150 www.rainbowservices.org.uk Rayleigh Rochford and District Association of Voluntary Services E: [email protected] T: 01268 772796 www.rravs.org.uk Southend Association of Voluntary Services E: [email protected] T: 01702 356000 www.savs-southend.org Thurrock CVS T: 01375 389881 www.thurrockcvs.org Community Voluntary Community Voluntary Services Tendring E: [email protected] T: 01255 425692 www.cvstendring.org.uk CVS Maldon and District E: [email protected] T: 01621 851891 www.maldoncvs.org.uk Rainbow Services Harlow Agency E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01371 878400 www.cvsu.org.uk Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford E: [email protected] T: 01206 505250 www.ccvs.org Colchester Community Voluntary Services (CCVS) www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 01245 351888 Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action E: [email protected] T: 01268 638416 www.castlepointavs.org.uk Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services www.brentwoodcvs.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 01277 222299 Brentwood Council for Voluntary Service E: [email protected] T: 01376 550507 www.bdvsa.org.uk Braintree District Voluntary Braintree District Support Agency (BDVSA) www.bbwcvs.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 01268294781 Please contact us for more information: contact us Please and Wickford Basildon, Billericay Services Council for Voluntary