News from Blyth Valley CVS - 21 s1

News from CVA Blyth Valley – 13/08/10

Contents Fairshares Funding Farye - Tuesday 7 September - post your booking form now Blyth Citizens Advice Bureau – various info What’s on in Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley voluntaryskills.com – training opportunities, website search Age Concern - Vacancy Homes for Northumberland - Vacancies Blyth ReNEwables Festival 2010 - Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 August Marine Support & Training Services – Scuttlebutt news Blyth Music and Theatre Company - “Let us entertain you” by MELODIA

Funding Information Community Foundation - Grassroots Grants The Big Lottery Fund Healthy Hearts Grants Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Sport England The Co-operative Group – Community Fund

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Fairshares Funding Fayre

Our Funding Fayre this year which be held at:

Seaton Sluice Community Centre, Albert Road, Seaton Sluice Tuesday 7 September 2010 10:00 am—1:00 pm (with buffet lunch at 1 pm)

Our Funding Fayres provide a unique opportunity for local groups to meet directly with funders to discuss their projects.

There are also a series of funding related presentations planned throughout the day to help improve your funding applications and increase your chances of success.

Our Funding Fayre is completely FREE to local voluntary and community groups, at a fully accessible venue and we also include a buffet lunch and refreshments!

So if you have a good project that you are currently developing and would welcome the opportunity of discussing this with local funders then make sure you come along.

To download a booking form, please visit our website at www.cvabv.org.uk, scroll down to event / funding fayre / booking form. Further information about the funders attending can also be found on our communication page / Summer 2010 newsletter.

Please Note: The Vardy Foundation will not be attending this event as stated in our Summer 2010 newsletter.

Fairshares / CVA Blyth Valley 22 Beaconsfield Street Blyth, NE24 2DP Tel: 01670 353623 / Fax: 01670 365783 / Email: [email protected]

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Blyth Citizens Advice Bureau

People coming to the UK to settle being subject to the knowledge of English language test From this autumn, people from outside the EEA applying for a visa to join their spouse or partner who is a UK citizen, will have to prove they have a basic command of English before their application will be approved. This will apply to spouses, civil partners, unmarried couples, same-sex partner and fiancé(e)s. Currently, visa applicants only have to prove that their marriage or partnership is genuine and that they can support themselves financially. The change will apply to people applying from within the UK as well as to those applying from overseas. Applicants will need to show they can understand English at A1 level, which is the same as that required for skilled workers under Tier 2 of the points-based system. Non-EEA partners coming to the UK will need to provide evidence with their visa application that they have passed an approved English language test. Partners who apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after two years of temporary residence will still need to meet the 'knowledge of language and life in the UK test' in addition to the new basic English language requirement. Further information is available on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk and further information about the A1 standard of English for Tier 2 workers is on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Energy Rebate Scheme From June, the government is introducing the Energy Rebate Scheme. Under the scheme, electricity suppliers will be giving £80 off electricity bills to all eligible customers. This rebate is a one off for this year only. Customers will be eligible if, on 26 March, they or their partners:

 were aged 70 or over and  were receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit but not the savings credit element (those receiving both will not eligible for the rebate) and  were responsible for the electricity account where they live and were not on a discounted tariff. A discounted tariff includes energyplus care, Energy Assist, Essentials, Fresh Start, First Step Tariff, Price Promise, Spreading Warmth Tariff, StayWarm (and receiving a social discount), and WarmAssist.

A partner means a member of a couple who are married, civil partners or living together as if they were married or civil partners. The rebate does not apply to those who, on 26 March:

 were living permanently in a care home or  were in hospital getting free in-patient treatment and had been doing so for more than 52 weeks.

All eligible customers will get a letter informing them about the scheme by the end of July. The rebate will be awarded automatically to those eligible customers and will appear on the next bill received after June. Those eligible customers on prepayment meters may get a post office voucher to cash in, a top-up to their card or a cheque. Their supplier will let them know how they can claim their rebate. Customers who are not automatically eligible may receive a letter asking them to contact the Energy Rebate Scheme Claims Helpline before 31 August in order to check whether they qualify for the rebate.

If customers were eligible on 26 March, but have subsequently died, their estate will still receive the rebate. A letter will be sent to the estate of the deceased informing them of how to claim the rebate.

More information about the Scheme can be found on the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk or by calling the Energy Rebate Scheme Helpline on 0845 600 033 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm). Customers with speech or hearing difficulties can contact the Energy Rebate Scheme using the textphone on 0845 606 0285 and 0845 606 0295 (for the Welsh language).

Working Families As you may already know, Working Families runs a helpline for parents, carers and their advisers. Its helpline and website can help with maternity queries, parents or carers facing discrimination and flexible working problems. The free legal helpline covers maternity leave and pay, paternity leave and pay, parental leave, time off for dependants, discrimination, and problems in negotiating flexible working. Working Families can also advise on benefits and tax credits for families, such as maternity allowance, the Sure Start Maternity Grant and how tax credits are affected by maternity leave and having a new baby. Carers of disabled people who need help and support to combine their working hours with their caring responsibilities can also get advice on their rights. The Working Families website, www.workingfamilies.org.uk, contains information on the employment rights of families and carers, and the financial aspects of bringing up children whilst working. The tax credit estimator on the website helps families to work out what level of tax credits they could get in different situations. The helpline number is 0800 013 0313. It can be used by advisers or given out to clients. You can also e-mail for advice by sending an e-mail to [email protected] To read further information from CAB in their quarterly Bureau Bulletin - July 2010 click here.

Blyth CAB, Eric Tolhurst Centre, 3-13 Quay Road Blyth, NE24 2AS, Tel 01670 367779

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What’s on in Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley

Blyth Venues

Blyth ReNEwables Festival 2010 - Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 August

Events include:  Tall Ship  Renewable Energy Village  Boat Trips  Live Music  Green Funfair  Street Entertainment  And much, much more ……….

For more information please visit their website at:

http://www.blythrenewablesfestival.org.uk/

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 September, Blyth Battery - The Heritage Open Weekend To celebrate Heritage Open Days, we are hosting a World War Two weekend at Blyth Battery, with re-enactors, homefront displays, and military vehicles, all free of charge. We will also be offering guided tours of the Battery, and refreshments will be available in the Shelter Building and at stalls around Blyth Links, as well as the ever popular Coastline Fish and Chip Shop!

Cramlington Venues Wednesday 25 August 2010, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, Kids Crafts at East Hartford Community Centre. Cost: £1

Friday 3 September 2010. Clairvoyant Night with Scott Williams at East Hartford Community Centre. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start. Book tickets with Jean Barr on 01670 739186 or 01670 717878. Bar Open. £7 per ticket

Wednesday 15 September Supper Night at East Hartford Community Centre. £4 per head - Fish and chips, cake or gateau and game of Bingo. Bar open. Pre book by 13 September 2010 by ringing Jean Barr on 01670 739186

Friday 17 September 2010 at East Hartford Community Centre. Zumba Night 7.00pm start. All welcome.

Friday 25 September Craft Fair at East Hartford Community Centre - 12noon 4pm. Craft stalls.

Monday 4 October 2010, Pamper Night at East Hartford Community Centre. 7.00pm. The £8 ticket Includes 2 Treatments from the following: Mini makeover, hand massage, foot massage, nails filed and polished, facial, glitter tattoo, back massage.

Wednesday 13 October 2010, Supper Night at East Hartford Community Centre - to be arranged.

Monday 20 September 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Craft Night (over 18’s) at East Hartford Community Centre. Cost: £2.50

Seaton Valley Venues

Saturday 21 August 2010, 11:00 - 4:00 pm - Seaton Delaval & Holywell / Astley Park Harvest Festival A family Fun Day for the whole village – there are rides, children’s events and competitions best fill plant pots, workshops, bird boxes and pressing of apples, the air is filled with magic from Martin the magician who brings some friends of his - giants on stilts. There is a Falcon display with photo opportunities. All aboard with Marine Support Blyth along with their famous Stocks, Splat the Rat and holding competitions with their heaving lines. There is a craft village and an area dedicated for Information of ‘What’s on within the Seaton Delaval area’. Also an Exhibition area. The Police and other services will be there too. There is a chance for pampering for the ladies – nails and Henna. Learn how to bowl with expertise from the local bowling club. If you’re young or old this is a day you can’t miss – book it in your diary! The list of what’s on and what is happening is endless. There is so much to do! For further information please contact Val Ellis on 0191 237 3683 If you would like a sellers / display table for your group please contact Val 0191 237 3683 Saturday 21 August 2010 - Seghill Day Out, Coach Trip to Edinburgh For further details and to book a place please call Elsie Harvey on 0191 237 3168

28 - 30 August 2010, 11:00 am till 4:00 pm - Bottleworks 8th Art Exhibition St Paul’s Church, Beresford Road, Seaton Sluice.

Friday 10 September – Sunday 12 September, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Heritage Open Days Church of Our Lady, Seaton Delaval

Saturday 11 September, Sponsored Steeplechase, St Paul’s Church, Seaton Sluice and St Michael’s Church, New Hartley. Refreshments available.

Sunday 12 September at 10:00 am, Seghill Sponsored walk Departing from the Community Centre walking around the village which takes about 1 hour just over 3 miles. The route is push chair friendly so come on down and join us. Come in fancy dress or walk backwards the choice is yours - we just would like you to join in. All money goes towards the centre, all children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday 18 September 2010, 11:00 am—3:00 pm - Seghill Institute Pet Dog Show For further details please contact Jenny Adams on 0191 266 3426 / [email protected]

Wednesday 22 September 2010, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Macmillan Giant Coffee Morning, Astley Park Pavillion

Friday 24 September 2010, 10: am – 12:00, Macmillan Giant Coffee Morning, Seghill Community Centre

Monday 27 September 2010, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, ‘A Tour Round the Pans’ Seaton Sluice Library is hosting a photo presentation by Gordon Smith on the history of Seaton Sluice. Places are limited so book your place by telephoning Seaton Sluice Library on 0191 237 0210. Free event.

Seaton Delaval Centre - The Teen Drop In on Friday nights from 5-6pm is a great success and will continue through the school holidays with additional days during the summer recess.

Astley Park - Anyone wishing to book tennis etc please contact Val Ellis on 0191 237 3683. Birthday parties / private hire £8.00 per hour. ICT drop-in with added support at your local Community Centres in Seaton Valley. Staff from CVABV will be in attendance at Seaton Sluice—Mondays from 2:00— 3:30 pm / Seaton Delaval—Tuesdays from 1:30—3:00 pm / Seghill Community Centre on Thursdays from 10:00—11:30 am and New Hartley Community Centre on Fridays from 10:00—12:00, Cost per session is £2.00. ------Ends ------

Voluntaryskills.com

Search for training opportunities – the easy way voluntaryskills.com, a project managed by the PNE Group, is still going strong! The user friendly website is suitable for all IT skill levels, and aims to make current training opportunities easily accessible to those working in Third Sector organisations. The website includes a training database with hundreds of courses, from a wide variety of training providers, with 19 different subject areas to choose from. Also included on the website are case studies of people working in the sector, as well as news, events, vacancies, and lots of other free to download resources.

The website is part of a wider initiative to promote professional career development for those working in the voluntary and community sectors, across the North of England. The project will ideally increase the numbers of people working ‘professionally’ within the voluntary and community sectors, for the benefit of the individuals themselves and the communities they serve.

You can keep up to date with all the latest developments in our service, as well preview training courses commencing over the next two months, by subscribing to our popular e-bulletin – [email protected]. Save valuable time when searching for training opportunities by visiting our website today! www.voluntaryskills.com

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Age Concern - Vacancy

Head Of Corporate Support - Circa £37,559 plus benefits This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and dynamic professional to undertake a new pivotal and challenging role. Click here for more info.

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Homes for Northumberland - Vacancies

RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT

Resident Involvement Officer X 2 1 to be Based at Blyth / 1 to be Based Alnwick

Scale 4 (SCP 18 – 21) - Salary £17,161 – £19,126 per annum Full-time 37 hours per week - PERMANENT Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals to work in the Resident Involvement Unit at Homes For Northumberland.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and be able to work as part of a team.

They will be responsible for promoting and encouraging resident involvement, obtaining residents’ views through a variety of means such as focus groups and questionnaires, providing help, support and advice to residents associations and encouraging a genuine interest from residents in the management of their estates.

This is a highly customer focussed role and therefore excellent communication skills are essential.

For an informal discussion please contact Dawn Wright, Resident Involvement Manager on 01670 542 103 or email her on [email protected]

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the transport requirements of the role.

Application Forms and Job Descriptions are downloadable from Homes for Northumberland website www.hfn.uk.com or are available from:

Ashley Burdon, HR Assistant, Homes For Northumberland on Tel (01670) 542 013 or e-mail address: [email protected]

The closing date for this post is 12 noon Friday 27 August 2010. Interview Date to be confirmed. ------Ends ------

Blyth ReNEwables Festival 2010

Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 August

For more information and to find out what’s on please visit their website at:

http://www.blythrenewablesfestival.org.uk/

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Marine Support & Training Services

To view the latest edition of Scuttlebutt (Vol 7 – Issue 4) from Marine Support & Training Services click here.

------Ends ------Blyth Music and Theatre Company

“Let us entertain you” by MELODIA

Voices from the Blyth Music and Theatre Company.

Brings you programmes of solos, duets and small ensemble numbers to suit your occasion.

For further information, and to discuss your requirements please contact:

Maurice Dobson Tel: 01670 354348 Mobile: 0771 858 7447 Or email [email protected]

The next major production will be in March 2011 and is the hit from the Broadway and West End Musical - CHESS

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FUNDING INFORMATION

Community Foundation - Grassroots Grants Calling all not for profit, voluntary or community groups within Tyne & Wear or Northumberland - do you answer yes to the following?

 Have you been in existence for a year or more?  Do you have an average income over three years of less than £30,000 per year?  Are you working for the benefit of your local community?  Are volunteers vital to your group’s activities?  Do you have a written set of rules or constitution?  Does your group have a bank account in its own right?

If the answer to all of the above is yes, then your group may be eligible for a Grassroots Grant. You could apply for a grant of between £250 and £5,000 to support your project. Eligible activities include the purchase of equipment such as computers or kitchen facilities, costs for a local community event, small-scale training and staffing costs, local community activities and rent costs.

If you are interested in applying for a Grassroots Grant please contact:

The Community Foundation (serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland) Tel: 0191 222 0945 Or visit their website: www.communityfoundation.org.uk

Alternatively please contact one of our Capacity Building Officers at CVA Blyth Valley on 01670 353623.

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The Big Lottery Fund

Youth in Focus Programme The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has announced the launch of the new £30 million Youth in Focus fund. Partnerships led by a voluntary and community sector organisations will be able to apply for grants of between £500,000 and £1,000,000 (£1,500,000 for England- wide projects that raise national awareness) for projects that support vulnerable young people through difficultchanges in their lives.

Specifically, the programme will support projects that target:

 Young carers - Helping young people between the ages of 15 and 25 to be heard and get better access to practical advice and services, which can support their day to day lives.  Young people leaving care - Supporting young people between the ages of 15 and 25, so they get better access to education, housing, healthcare and employment advice and services.  Young people leaving youth offenders’ institutions - Helping young people between the ages of 15 and 25 to develop their life skills and get better access to services, particularly young men with learning difficulties and young women.

BIG want to fund projects that work with the young people to:

 improve confidence, skills and knowledge - so they can better deal with the life events that affect them  provide more effective support that is joined up with other services - so they can tackle challenges better

To launch the programme and to assist potential applicants Big will be holding a number of briefing events in September. For more information on the programme and on the briefing events please visit:

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_youth_focus?tab=1&

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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grants support innovative projects designed to promote heart health and to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease in specific groups or communities.

Applications are invited for grants of up to £10,000 from community groups, voluntary organisations and researchers who are spreading the healthy heart message.

There are two applications rounds per year. Applications are only accepted during January and February for the May round of grants and July and Augustfor grants awarded in November, each year.

For more information, visit:

http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy_heart_grants.htm

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Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)

Parks for People

HLF has announced the next closing date for applications to the Parks for People programme. Launched originally as a joint initiative with the Big Lottery Fund full responsibility for the programme has now passed to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Eligible organisations that own public parks and gardens (including squares, walks and promenades) can apply for grants for their regeneration. Applications must show that:  the community values the park as part of their heritage  the parks meets local social, economic and environmental needs  the park management actively involves local people

Projects must deliver all the following five outcomes:  increasing the range of audiences  conserving and improving the heritage value  increasing the range of volunteers involved  improving skills and knowledge through learning and training  improving management and maintenance

Applicants must be able to raise at least 25% project costs from their own or other sources (cash / non-cash) with at least 5% in cash from their own resources. A maximum of 50% overall grant cost (up to £500,000) is available for new buildings, new facilities or new features. Deadline: 31 August 2010

For more information and to apply please visit: http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/parksforpeople.aspx or contact HLF on 020 7591 6000 / [email protected]

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Sport England

Sustainable Investment in Communties Fund

Sport England has announced that its Sustainable Investment in Communities Fund will re-open for applications on the 26th October 2010.

Funding is available for eligible organsiations to invest in innovative projects capable of transforming the places where we play or take part in sport. Priority will be given to collaborative or consortia approach which can demonstrate the potential to grow and sustain participation in community sport.

The funding is for the development of the capital infrastructure.  This can include contributions to the costs of new build, modernisation and major fixed equipment where it is an integral part of a project  Costs of other non-fixed equipment are not covered by the fund  Applicants are required to supplement the resources available from both their own resources and other sources, including the private sector  There must be revenue funding in place which demonstrates the long term sustainability of the project  The project must be based on a site where the applicant holds ownership or long-term leasehold

Deadline: 21 December 2010

For more information please visit:

http://www.sportengland.org/funding/sustainable_facilities.aspx or contact on 08458 508 508 / [email protected]

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The Co-operative Group – Community Fund

Applications are invited for grants of between £100 and £2,000 (£500 if the applicant is a newly formed group) for projects that will find co-operative solutions to community challenges. The Co-operative Group is particularly interested in supporting locally led and run groups that can demonstrate cooperative values and principles, such as self- help, equality, democracy and concern for the community. Applications can be submitted at any time. For more information please visit:

http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/local-communities/community-fund/

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CVA Blyth Valley Tel: 01670 353623 / Email: [email protected] Website: www.cvabv.org.uk

Thom Bradley - [email protected] Pauline Blake - [email protected] Sybil Pattie - [email protected] Gina Robson - [email protected] Jill Oxnard - [email protected] Nichola Dodds - [email protected] Fiona Wardlaw - [email protected]