Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire Registered Charity No. 222247

Celebrating 78 years of service “Promoting and assisting voluntary and community activity in Preston” 1934-2012 serving Chorley and South Ribble since 2011

Annual Report & Accounts 2011/2012

“Working with you, for you!”

About Us…

The Trustees of the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire submit their report for the year ended 31 st March 2012.

REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE CHARITY:

Units 23-27 Guild Hall Arcade Lancaster Road Preston PR1 1HR Telephone: 01772 251108 Fax: 01772 251170 Email: [email protected] Website: www.prestoncvs.org Registered Charity No. 222247

STAFF:

Chief Officer Joan Burrows Administrative Assistant (Assisted Placement) Simon Fowler Administrative Officer (Future Jobs Fund) James Snape up to May ‘11 Administrative Officer (Future Jobs Fund) Chloe Thornton up to May ‘11 Information and Support Officer John Freeman up to May ‘11 Grants/Community Inclusion Officer Ian Ferguson Volunteering and Public Relations Officer Mark Waddington DRIVE Project Co-ordinator Janet Dand from Dec ‘11 Domestic Stella Swift

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the volunteers who have assisted us in our work: Lynn Silver, Abir Ahmed, William Dobson, Nicola Haselden, Janet Whitfield, Joan Speirs, Rose Pearse, Arron Riley, Paul Wilkins, Daniel Sullivan, David Parker, Amanda Sinclare, Michael Gardner, Eileen Bullock, Christelle Agarat, Robert Williams and Charlotte Loughran who assisted with administration and Edward, Freddie and Colin (HMP Kirkham) for their assistance with administration and event support and for their DIY skills. We acknowledge the continuing support from Remploy Primeforce (assisted staff placement) and we have welcomed being involved in assisting Age UK, formerly Age Concern Lancashire, Youth Employment Training Scheme by providing a work based placement for Bradley O’Loughlin. Since 2010 we have had a working relationship with the Lycée Privé De La Chambre De Commerce Et D’Industrie De Nîmes School of Higher Education specialising in commerce and the services by providing work experience. This year the students have been Manon Becamel, Cecile Feist and Remy Pastor. We also participated, via the University of Central Lancashire and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDP) - Unite with Business scheme when Jennifer Walsh joined our staff team working 100 hours on an agreed project.

2 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

About Us…

WHAT IS THE CVS?

The full name is the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire. The CVS exists because 78 years ago local voluntary and community organisations saw a need for an umbrella organisation which would provide support, training, development services, information and representation on behalf of the voluntary sector.

Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire (CVS) is an unincorporated voluntary association with charitable status and is governed by a Constitution.

Aims: • The provision of services to and support for other voluntary organisations in Preston and Districts

• The provision of opportunities for closer working together within the voluntary sector and with statutory authorities

• The provision of a channel through which other organisations may make representations on matters which concern the community

• The development of new ideas, strategies and organisations

• Strategic partnerships - This involves direct engagement in strategic partnership bodies with statutory and other organisations in order to participate in decision-making processes. CVS may engage themselves or enable the engagement of the local voluntary and community sector. Strategic partnerships may be sub-regional, district wide or neighbourhood. They may be cross-cutting or have a particular focus.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire supports the principle of equal opportunities in its employment practice, service delivery and through its role as advocate for the wider voluntary and community sector. The Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire’s Equality and Diversity Policy is a basis for all its work. There have been no material changes to this policy over the past year.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 3

About Us…

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2011/2012 The Charity is managed by a board of Trustees, elected from the membership together with elected officers and representatives of statutory bodies, and is collectively known as the Executive Committee. The trustees meet regularly. In addition sub-committees and advisory groups are established to support the work of the Executive Committee. PRESIDENT : The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Preston Cllr. Albert Richardson up to June ’11 Cllr. Roberta Cartwright from June ’11 VICE PRESIDENT : Mrs. M. Graham JP ELECTED TRUSTEES HONORARY OFFICERS : Chairman Mrs. W. Hogg Vice-Chairman Mr. A. Hackett Treasurer Mr. A. Patel COMMITTEE MEMBERS : Mr. T. Greaves Mrs. M. Graham JP Mrs. H. Carmichael Mrs. S. Skirvin Mr. H. Mulla JP Ms. J. Perrin (resigned Nov ’11) Ms. Z. Coupland Ms. R. Moss CO-OPTED MEMBERS : Mr. I. Member Mr. D. Harrison from Sep ’11 NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES : Lancashire County Council: County Cllr. M. Green (from Nov '11) Preston City Council: Cllr. D. Wilson Chorley Borough Council Cllr. J. Walker (from Aug ’11) South Ribble Borough Council Vacancy NHS Central Lancashire Vacancy MEMBERSHIP/AFFILIATIONS/CHARTER MARKS….. MEMBERSHIP /A FFILIATIONS : National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) * National Association of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) * formerly National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (NACVS) CHARTER MARKS : • INVESTORS IN PEOPLE recognised February 2004 post recognition reviews in February 2007 and February 2011 • NAVAJO LESBIAN AND GAY FRIENDLY ASSURANCE awarded November 2001 • PRACTICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARD FOR SMALL ORGANISATIONS (PQASSO) Achieved Levels 1 (external assessment) and Levels 2 and 3 (self assessment)

4 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” Membership of Sub Committees 2011/2012

“Last year we took the decision to amend our committee structure in view of the many issues confronting us and we established a Planning Committee to concentrate our thoughts on the years ahead; we also divided the work of the Finance and General Purposes Committee into two areas with a Finance Committee able to concentrate more clearly on the many funding issues we face leaving the rest of the work to a General Purposes Committee” Mrs. Wendy Hogg

Finance Committee General Purposes Planning Committee Committee

Mrs. W. Hogg Mr. T. Greaves Mrs. W. Hogg Ms. R. Moss Mrs. M. Graham JP Mr. A. Hackett Mr. A. Patel Mr. I. Member Mr. H. Mulla JP Officer Rep: Mrs. W. Hogg Ms. J. Perrin Joan Burrows Mrs. H. Carmichael Officer Rep: Officer Rep: Joan Burrows Joan Burrows

Policy Working PQASSO Working Group Group

Mrs. W. Hogg Mrs. W. Hogg Mrs. H. Carmichael Ms. R. Moss Ms. R. Moss Officer Reps: Officer Rep: Joan Burrows Joan Burrows Ian Ferguson

CVS representatives with the Mayor of Preston Councillor Roberta Cartwright and consort and the Chairman of Lancashire County Council Councillor Geoffrey Roper. 5

About Us…

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Executive Committee

Chairman

Chief Officer

Volunteer Service Core Service Core Service Support Team

Information and Domestic Support Officer Work Experience Placement Grants/Community Age Concern Inclusion Officer Lancashire Youth Training Service DRIVE Co-ordinator Community Wo rk Co-ordinator Based Placement/s HMP Kirkham Administrative Work Experience Assistant Placements supported by Lycée Privé De La Remploy Limited Chambre De Commerce Et D’Industrie De Administrative Nîmes Volunteer Assistants Administration supported by Volunteers Officer Future Jobs Fund

6 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” Affiliated Members - List of member organisations as at 31.03.12.

Disability First Action for Blind People Active Mediation ADHD Central Lancashire After Adoption Age UK Lancashire Age Concern Central Lancashire Al-Ansaar Welfare & Education Alcoholics Anonymous Alzheimer’s Society Central Lancashire Ashton Methodist Worship & Community Centre Barnardo’s “Include Me 2” Barnardo’s Moving On Breathe Easy, British Lung Foundation British Red Cross Society Preston Brothers Of Charity Services Cadley & Greyfriars Pact Partnership Cancer Help (Preston) Limited Caribbean Womens Forum Caritas Care Cedar House (Preston Pregnancy Counselling Centre) Central Advocacy Central Lancashire ME/CFS Support Group Civil Service Pensioners Alliance, Preston & Chorley Community Gateway Association Cottam Community Association CSV Training and Enterprise North CRUSE Lancashire - Preston, Fylde & Wyre Branch Deafway Disability Equality North West Limited Drugline Lancashire Limited East Lancashire Deaf Service Eco Structures Emmaus Preston Limited Empower Me Enterprise4all Faiths4Change Fox Street Community Friends of Preston - Preston Malayalee Inter-Cultural Association Friends of Fishwick & St. Matthews Fylde Coast Mens Support Association (F.C.M.S.A.) Galloway’s Society for the Blind George Barton Motor Neurone Disease Research Trust Girlguiding North West England Greater Deepdale Community Association Guild Initiative for Furniture Trust (GIFT 92) Gujarat Hindu Society Gujarat Muslim Welfare Society

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 7

Heartbeat Homestart Preston Ingol & Tanterton Community Trust (INTACT) Integrate (Preston & Chorley) Limited Jamaican National Association Jubilee Action Group Lancashire Community Finance (IPS) Limited Lancashire Global Education Centre Lancashire Young Homeless Project Limited L’Arche Community (Preston) Making Space Marie Curie Cancer Care Marine Cadet Corps Med-Alert Men Against Violence Merriweather Home Association Music and the MIND CIC My Home Town (UK) National Federation of Spiritual Healers (NFSH) North West Lancashire and Cumbria Ia North West Planning Aid Parkinson’s UK PAST - Parents of Autistic Spectrum (Disorders) Together Play Inclusion Project PRESCAP (Preston Community Arts Project) Preston & District Diabetes UK Voluntary Group Preston & District Dyslexia Association (PADDA) Preston & District Fibromyalgia Support Group Preston & District SCOPE Preston & South Ribble Trades Union Council Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council Preston Afghan Community Association Preston Arts Association Preston Bangladesh Association Preston Blind Bowling Club Preston Care & Repair Preston Childsplay Preston Christian Action Network Preston City Trampoline Club Preston Community Network Preston Community Transport Limited Preston Domestic Violence Services Preston HIV Support Team Preston Montserrat Association Preston Muslim Forum Preston Musical Comedy Society Preston Panthers Preston Quaker Meeting - Religious Society of Friends

8 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

Preston Samaritans Preston Serene Reflection Meditation Group (Soto Zen) Preston Sikh Cultural Association Preston Social Support Group for Deafened People Preston Standing Conference of Womens Organisations Preston Twinning Partnerships Public and Commercial Services North West & Central Lancashire PUKAR Disability Resource Centre Rainbow Relate Lancashire Roadpeace Lancashire Rosemere Cancer Foundation Royal British Legion (Preston Branch) Sahara In Preston Salvation Army Self Unlimited Seventh Day Adventist Church Shadows & Rainbows Partnership Shahbash Limited Sharing Shores Shaw Trust Employment Signposts MARC Limited Sikh Cultural Association (Preston) SMILE Preston (Self Motivation in Lasting Endorphins) Spectrum Association SPIRE - Preston Supported Housing Sri Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara St. Catherine’s Hospice (Lancashire) Limited Stonham Parkinson House Young Parent Services Support and Education on Eating Disorders (SEED) Tanterton Christian Fellowship The Foxton Centre The SPACE Centre (Friends of the Willows) The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire - Manchester and North Merseyside (PLIP) Together for Mental Wellbeing UCLAN - Student Involvement and Development Centre Victim Support Lancashire Voluntary Organisations in Social Care Education (VOISE) Workers Educational Association - North West Region Y.M.C.A. Preston Yog Seva Centre Young Lancashire

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 9

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

This could very easily become a report full of doom and gloom because of the economic climate. This is not the case - despite financial problems the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire has continued to provide our services and be a busy and enthusiastic organisation.

Beginning the report with comment on last year’s Annual General Meeting may not seem correct but I feel that our Annual General Meeting sets the tone of a vibrant organisation. Once more business was kept to a minimum so we could showcase the work of many of our members whilst Celebrating Volunteering. Certificates are awarded in recognition of their activities and several presentations are made to publicise the excellent work being done throughout Preston. The award of £25.00, in recognition of a good example of volunteering in the community, went to Preston Trampolining Club, a small but very enthusiastic group of volunteers.

On a domestic level our rounds of appraisal of trustees and staff continues. This was important as we need to ensure we comply with our Investors in People Charter Mark and also works towards our Practical Quality Assurance Standard for Small Organisations (PQASSO) standard. I try to ensure I meet regularly with volunteers and work placements on whose participation we rely. As in previous years I would like to express our thanks for the enormous contribution they make to the efficient running of the organisation.

During the year three members of staff left the CVS and we wish them all well. James and Chloe had joined us through the Future Jobs Fund initiative which was a fixed term employment programme. James secured full time employment with a local company and Chloe left to continue her search for work but with job experience now on her CV. John Freeman retired in May after over eleven years of loyal service to the CVS. We have welcomed one new member of staff. Janet Dand joined us as Delivering Recovery In Volunteering Environments (DRIVE) Project Co-ordinator in December. Her expertise is welcomed.

I would also like to express CVS’s thanks to our volunteers and team members on work experience placements who have assisted us in our work, as recorded on page two of this report. I acknowledge the continuing support from Remploy Primeforce supporting an assisted staff placement.

The Executive Committee members have as always been a great support to me and their contribution during this difficult period has been very much appreciated. We have together had to take some very difficult decisions.

My report could not be completed without thanks to our Chief Officer. The trustees ask me to commend her for the unstinting effort she makes. It has been a difficult role at many times in the past twelve months - we could not have survived without her. Thank you Joan.

The start of another year will no doubt bring us many new challenges but I am confident that with, trustees, staff and volunteers, all working together well. We will continue to flourish.

Finally my thanks for the financial support we continue to receive from Preston City Council and NHS Central Lancashire.

I commend this Annual Report to you.

Mrs. Wendy Hogg Chairman

10 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” CHIEF OFFICER’S REPORT

Welcome to the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire’s annual review of its work during 2011/2012. Throughout this report I aim to show a picture of the range of work we have undertaken and hope that it provides an understanding of the way that our services underpin those of our members. Once again this has been a very busy year.

Before I provide my report of activity I think it’s important to note that 2012 is Guild Year in Preston. This unique event, held only once every 20 years, commemorates King Henry II granting Preston the right to have a Guild Merchant in 1179, when he gave the town its royal charter (The Guild was an organisation of traders, craftsmen and merchants). This is the only Guild still celebrated in the UK. The 2012 celebration will be the first Guild in the 21 st century and the first since the granting of Preston’s city status in 2002. The Guild plays an important role in the development of Preston as the Council for Voluntary Service plays an important role supporting voluntary and community activity in the City. As the celebrations for each Preston Guild have evolved to reflect the changing face of Preston, so the CVS in Preston has evolved to embrace change and address the challenges facing the voluntary sector.

Last year, Preston Council for Voluntary Service announced on 6 th July that the charity will have a change of name and will be known as Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire. The change was brought about because on 28 th June 2011 Chorley and South Ribble Council for Voluntary Service closed. As a consequence of this action amendments to the Preston Council for Voluntary Service constitution were drafted and agreed by members at our Annual General Meeting held in June. The Charity Commission agreed to this name change and that the existing area of benefit is extended to include the districts of Chorley and South Ribble. At present the services we can offer in these districts new to us are limited as our current funding streams are pertinent to Preston alone.

CVS membership stands at 138, which includes eight members who have joined during the past year. Membership is considered by the Executive Committee, and the constitutions and rules of applicants have to comply with our own Charitable Status. However, our services and support, subject to resources aforementioned, are offered to the whole of the voluntary and community sector working in our area of benefit as many smaller and developing organisations are working hard to develop their policies and practice which will allow them to apply for membership. We are in touch with a total of 311 groups in Preston and have undertaken some ad hoc support to a small number of groups in the Chorley and South Ribble districts.

We have met our targets set out in our work plan of development, information and training.

In addition to the ‘one off’ telephone calls or enquiries, we have worked with ninety four (94) different organisations during the year on matters such as funding, management, governance and personnel issues.

We have continued to provide information to existing and new groups as well as agencies whom we work alongside within the public and private sectors. Information is regularly cascaded to groups via our weekly E-bulletin, CVS News and mailshots. Our electronic mailing list numbers 600+ whilst 500+ copies of our newsletter CVS News have been produced and circulated periodically. The newsletter continues to be the area of core CVS work which attracts

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 11 most compliments but the E-bulletin launched in January 2012 is fast being regarded as a timely and accurate source of information to the sector and others. This year we have fielded a total of 3,221 telephone calls with general enquiries for information, this figure does not include the increasing number of requests for information by email which we are starting to monitor and the increase in hits to our website: in 2009 it received 3,428 hits, in the same period in 2011 it received 4,476. It was only in 2011 that we formally started to promote our website. We have had over 7,567 visitors to the offices. We continue to update the database which informs the content of the Directory of Voluntary and Community Groups Working in Preston and this year we have been working on collating a similar database for groups working in both the Chorley and South Ribble districts. We started revision our Funding User Guide which is now in its sixth edition.

Liaising with other agencies to ensure that the views and experiences of people in voluntary organisations are taken into account remains a vital part of our work. To name but a few CVS Central Lancashire was represented on the following: Preston Strategic Partnership, Volunteering Lancashire, Lancashire Teaching NHS Foundation - Governing Council, Third Sector Lancashire, HMP Kirkham Partnership Group, Preston Twinning Partnership, the Lancashire Transforming Local Infrastructure Consortium and the Central Lancashire Community Infrastructure Levy. This year as a member of the Guild 2012 Community Procession Steering Group we have supported Preston City Council’s Guild Team to make this procession as fantastic as possible to showcase the talent, diversity and positive community spirit we have in Preston.

During the year we have offered workshops on topics which have included: PQASSO, Health Impact Assessment and Managing Volunteers and we have spent countless hours helping people locate potential funders. Forty nine people have used our Funding Advice Service and we have provided copies of our Funding User Guide to our members and wider. In addition to all our core work CVS Central Lancashire has a long history of supporting and managing projects. We continue to support the work of NHS Central Lancashire by facilitating the employment of an Evaluation Officer for the Preston local evaluation of the Target Wellbeing Programme and support the work of the Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team by the employment of a Project Worker for the Delivering Recovery In Volunteering Environments initiative in the Central Lancashire area (Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire). This latter initiative has been up and running since 1st December with a lifetime, in the first instance, of twelve months. The purpose of this project is to develop locality based non treatment alcohol interventions which will support freedom from dependence on drugs and alcohol, improvement in mental health and wellbeing, prevention of drug and alcohol related deaths to name just a few of the project criteria. The worker has made good links with Building Recoveries In Communities (BRIC), the Lancashire Users Forum, and the prison service via the therapeutic wing at HMP Wymott, Leyland and at HMP Kirkham via the recovery programme in situ there. In West Lancashire working alongside Lifeline regular user meetings have been established at the Engine Rooms in Skelmersdale.

Working alongside the Armed Forces Group Preston (AFGP) a Veterans Information Centre has been formally up and running since January 2012. Although outside of this reporting year I think I must mention that the centre was officially opened on the 10 th April and the event was well supported by representatives from both the civilian and armed forces welfare agencies. A Veterans Liaison Officer has been employed by CVS from 2 nd April and this post is funded for a

12 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” twelve month period by the Poppy Factory. The CVS will host the centre for the foreseeable future and continues to work with the AFGP towards an independent future.

National Volunteers Week takes place each year between 1 st and 7 th June and Volunteering Roadshows were held at Goosnargh Village Hall and at the Quwwatul Islam Masjid Education Centre during the week. Our systems for facilitating volunteer brokerage continue to attract attention from across the globe. Following on from the visit by the Mayor of Sochi and her delegation last year, Sochi is to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, in June this year we welcomed two students from the Kazan State Technological University. Both parties interested in volunteer recruitment and both introduced to us by the University of Central Lancashire. In January we supported the Volunteer Fair at Runshaw College, the aim to encourage 16-19 year olds and adult students to consider voluntary work and the benefits it can offer. A similar exercise was undertaken at Preston Collage and with UCLAN Students Union.

In July along with other partners we worked with Preston BME Forum and Sahara in Preston supporting their BME Capacity Building Training/Assessment Day. Surgery sessions were held for delegates resulting in eight groups being supported and follow up work is ongoing.

Another key event in July was a market place style information exhibition opened in St. Georges Shopping Centre for a six week period ending in August. The exhibition brought a wide range of information to the general public’s attention and groups were brought together promoting many services available locally. Our thanks go to Ken Williams, Manager of the Centre for freely providing the shop unit facility to us.

In November we re-established practical support for the Lancashire County Council Volunteer Service by providing accommodation for their team to hold surgeries to assist in their volunteer recruitment.

Demonstrating our entrepreneurial side we once again provided a box office service for our member group Preston Musical Comedy Society for their productions of Lights, Camera, Action II and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Over the year we have provided a minute taking and secretariat service for the Community Food Growing Group, the Preston Afghan Association and the Guild 2012 Community Procession Steering Committee.

We have continued to undertake the administration of the Public Health Tackling Health Inequalities Grant Scheme in partnership with NHS Central Lancashire and the Small Sparks Grant Scheme in partnership with Help Direct. The work includes advertising the grants in the community, distributing application packs, advising applicants, arranging the panel meetings, notifying applicants of the outcomes and monitoring and evaluation of the successful schemes. These grants enable small voluntary and community sectors groups to deliver projects in Preston, Chorley and South Ribble which help improve the health and wellbeing of the population and contribute to the costs of holding local community events benefiting culture and community cohesion. Sadly the Small Sparks Grant Scheme has now closed.

Under ad hoc pieces of work the CVS was approached by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to undertake a survey of our Preston membership, alongside groups from Chorley and South Ribble, the purpose of which will be to provide information to the Trust on

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 13 those groups which carry out healthcare related activities. From this exercise the Trust will seek to develop stronger working relationships with the sector to support healthcare to residents. The survey form was circulated at the end of the year and responses are being received.

In addition to all the aforementioned we continue to review policies and procedures for the maintenance of good practice and continue to work in line with the NAVCA Membership Quality Standards. In February 2004 the CVS was awarded the Investors in People Standard. 2007 saw our first post recognition review and we undertook our second review in 2011. We now maintain this standard up to February 2013. The last twelve months has seen CVS continue to adhere to Levels 1 and 2 of the PQASSO self assessment quality assurance system designed for voluntary organisations and work towards Level 3. This standard goes through all aspects of the organisation and asks you to check that the relevant systems are in place and to do something about it if they are not. In 2012 our organisation also achieved the Health Works Award Central Lancashire - Bronze in recognition of our commitment to improve the working environment for all employees. This award was signed by Maggi Morris, Director of Public Health, NHS Central Lancashire.

Once again our thanks must go to NHS Central Lancashire and Preston City Council for their financial assistance and to other agencies who have provided us with finances or support in kind which includes Remploy Primeforce and Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team . I acknowledge the work undertaken by Ruth Carter preparing our payroll and accounts and confirm our business remains with The Co-operative Bank plc, the Britannia Building Society, the Nationwide Building Society and the Yorkshire Building Society. I thank my work colleagues for their skilful contributions and much needed good humour throughout the year and on behalf of the staff team, I would like to thank the Executive Committee members who have given up many hours of their time and expertise to offer support, encouragement and direction to us all, in particular to our Honorary Officers, Chairman Wendy Hogg, Vice Chairman Alan Hackett and Treasurer Ahmed Patel who with their professionalism, knowledge and experiences have been excellent mentors to myself in a year of mixed fortunes.

Thank you to the volunteers who assist us in our office administration and thank you to those of you who send letters of thanks and make comment on the services and support you receive from us. They are greatly appreciated.

In conclusion, most of the groups that the CVS works with operate on a financial scale which is out of proportion to the benefits that the community receives from them. We are delighted to be able to support so much voluntary activity in our community and to promote the often unrecognised work that is going on in our midst, I acknowledge the work of our membership organisations recognising their individual commitment, dedication and professionalism in the services they provide to local people.

I commend this report to you.

Joan Burrows Chief Officer

14 CVS CVS Central Central Lancashire Lancashire “Working “Working with with you, you, for for you!” you!”

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT REPORT

The small team who have worked well together throughout the year providing administrative support are Simon Fowler who commenced in September 1999 and through the Future Jobs Fund, James Snape and Chloe Thornton who joined us in January 2012, all providing support to the Chief Officer, Core and Project Service staff. We are dependent on voluntary help with clerical duties in the office and as a consequence the volunteer team further expanded during the year thus reflecting the increasing workload in the general office.

During the year the staff team, including volunteers, attended training courses on First Aid, Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults, Marketing Workshops and Minute Taking Skills. Further short sessional training was undertaken on the use of office equipment, all hopefully enhanced their work (and life) skills.

CVS VOLUNTEERS AND PLACEMENT STUDENTS

Volunteers now play an important role in the day to day running of the CVS general office services. They work hard behind the scenes photocopying, collating, sending out mailing, filing and a whole multitude of other work to keep our services going. Some stay a few months to build on their CVs while others have been with us a few years, all of whom we are grateful to for their hard work and commitment with this sentiment in my mind our thanks go to Jan, Lynn, Robert, Abir, James, Daniel, Bill, Nicola, Amanda, Michael, Eileen, Christelle and Charlotte.

Along with volunteers the CVS takes on placement students from Age UK Youth Training Scheme and men from HMP Kirkham on community work based placements.

The new CVS year is upon us and no doubt there will be the inevitable changes within our volunteer workforce and new initiatives for them to be involved in, all to be expected when being part of such a busy developing organisation.

Members of the CVS Team, Trustees, Staff and Volunteers.

15 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH

According to the 2001 Census, the city of Preston had a population of 132,000. The approximate population in June 2010 is 135,100 and consists of a diverse population profile. Preston’s population of people from black and minority ethnic, including mixed, origins is 15.7% of this figure. Although health overall is improving nationally, there are still some glaring inequalities between Preston and the rest of the country and between different communities in the city. Preston has a considerable amount of health inequality - for instance 9 of the 22 wards are in the top 10% of the index of multiple deprivation.

Trustees, staff and volunteers at Preston CVS are updated with health information, such as health promotion campaigns and health service developments, at meetings held on a regular basis; All staff and volunteers are trained to be able to cascade the information through to the CVS membership of 138 groups, of which 42 have a direct health focus, and wider to a further 173 groups as all listed in the Directory of Voluntary and Community Groups Working in Preston. Alongside this we undertake health promotion to the general public via our window displays and information board sited within our offices. The Arcade our offices are situated in attracts excellent pedestrian footfall and we field numerous enquiries at our reception. The first health condition profiled this year was Healthy Heart. Other profiles have included Alcohol Abuse, Cervical Screening, Bowel Cancer, Depression, Allergy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Prostate Cancer Awareness to name but a few. We have also had displays for national campaigns which included Obesity, Brain Injury, Epilepsy, IDS, Immunisation, No Smoking and Myeloma.

During the period of this report NHS information has been disseminated to CVS members and others via the CVS weekly E-bulletin; the CVS News; window displays; exhibition stands inhouse and at local events, and mailshots and have included details of Control Your Condition - don’t let it control you!; Free self-management courses for adults; Feel unwell? Choose Well and the Viral Hepatitis awareness campaigns. Consultations included two surveys to help identify equality objectives for meeting the specific duties under the Equality Act, the first for general public response and the second targeted towards a particular group or individual from a protected characteristic group, as described under the Act.

By attending the Local Strategic Partnership Conference and the Health and Wellbeing Thematic Working Group we have been able to have input bringing to the table views of members and responding to requests for support. The Community Food Growing initiative is a good example. The Group is lead by Public Health and Lancashire Wildlife Trust with the task of facilitating the setting up of local food growing groups around Preston. CVS Central Lancashire was able to offer support to those groups wanting to develop a constitution and channel volunteers for individual projects through our Volunteer Service. We have worked alongside Preston Community Network in their development of a forum for Preston voluntary, community and faith sector agencies and individuals to discuss national policy and decide on ways to influence local implementation. Via this forum a health audit of voluntary sector groups was undertaken last year and results identified that, as a sector in Preston and districts, we would benefit from strengthening our knowledge and understanding of Health Impact Assessments so that we could have a greater influence and impact in policy and strategy development with our public sector partners. A training course was held in October at CVS with twenty two delegates in attendance. The course was facilitated by Hilary Dreaves from the University of Liverpool specialising in IMPACT - International Health Impact Assessment Consortium.

Following CVS’s participation in the Healthy Communities Conference last year, which covered Preston’s Healthy City status and the importance of community involvement, health literacy, Asset Based Community Development and Healthy Streets, we promoted and supported Your Mind Your World week in October. We continue to support the Health Champions initiative, having a trained health champion at the CVS who holds the Level 2 award in Understanding Health Improvement from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), by encouraging people to participate in the Health Trainers Training, access the Health Champion Grant Scheme for Central Lancashire of which CVS provides the administration and initiating a health project for whole team participation here at the CVS.

16 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

GRANTS/COMMUNITY INCLUSION OFFICER’S REPORT

The Tackling Health Inequalities (THI) and Acorn Small Grant Schemes are intended to enable community, voluntary and faith groups to access funding to help address the NHS Central Lancashire and Preston Strategic Partnership’s strategic priorities of reducing significant health inequalities, encouraging community engagement and enhancing / improving partnership working with the sector. Unfortunately, both the Acorn and Small Sparks grant programmes, which had operated during 2010-11, were discontinued during the period.

Small Sparks The fund supported projects by Intact: Yoga Club; Preston Panthers; Preston Education Group; Lancashire Deaf Service; Caritas Care - Ace Project; Fishwick Milan; Oak Tree Court Residents Association; Alexandra House Social Club; James Street Residents; Preston Musical Comedy Society; Brookhaven Community Association; Preston Muslim Forum; Red Rose Sports Club; Friends of Grimsargh Green; Preston Wheelchair Basketball Club; Rainbow Autism Group; William Young Residents Association; Preston Green Centre / Beautiful Planet; AAS (Alex and Social); Friends of Grimsargh Green; Filberts Community Association; DnB Solutions (Shotta TV); Women on the Run; Youth in Action Preston; Friends of Fishwick and St Matthews (FOFS); Carlisle House Tenants Group; Growing Avenham; Preston Roller Girls; RADA (Residents Association Deepdale Area); Central Lancashire Community Restart; Friends of Ribbleton Library Garden Club; Your Prescap; Ash Moor Group; Foxton Centre Community Cafe; Anxiety Support Group; Preston & South Ribble (North) Street Pastors.

Tackling Health Inequalities Grant Scheme Preston Round 1 The fund supported projects by Signposts MARC Ltd; Sir Tom Finney Foundation / Preston North End FC; Lancashire Young People’s Service and Foundations Hostel and the University of Central Lancashire Students Union.

Preston Round 2 The fund supported projects by Age Concern Central Lancashire; Heartbeat; Preston Domestic Violence Service; Headway Preston and Chorley; Fishwick Rangers YDS; Preston Swimming Club; Preston Panthers Disability Multi Sports Club; Cycling Projects; Foundations Residents Group (in partnership with Growing Avenham and Frenchwood Project); Friends of Fishwick and St. Matthews (FOFS) and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust - Mini Plot Pilot Project.

South Ribble Round 2 The fund supported projects by Lancashire Gujarat Health Users Forum; Cycling Projects and the South Ribble Coach Development Group.

Chorley Round 2 The fund supported projects by Saheliyaan Asian Women Forum; Genesis Care (NW) Ltd; the Lancashire Mind - Recovery Awareness and Peer Support Group; Buckshaw Youth Association and the Circle Counselling Service (part of Chorley Women’s Centre).

Acorn Small Grant Scheme The fund supported projects by Faith Morris Dancing Troupe; St. Clare’s Social Group; RAFT: Residents Association for Farringdon and Thirlmere; Preston Now and Then Photography Exhibition; Palace Shield Cricket Competition; Lancashire Wildlife Trust; Ashdale Community Association; Preston City Trampoline Club; Springfields Hockey Club; Filberts Community Association; Brookhaven Community Association; Windsor Court Community Association; Larches and Savick Community Association; Gift 92: UCLAN Confucius Institute; Royal Preston Morris Dancers; William Young Residents Association; Preston Table Tennis Association; AAS (Alexandra and Andrew Social Club); Preston Musical Comedy Society; Miller Gardens Community Group; Kitchen Sink Arts Group; Lancashire Black History Association; Your Prescap; L’Arche Preston; They Eat Culture / Lancashire Writing Hub; They Eat Culture; Seventh Day Adventist Church; Grimsargh Toddlers; Preston Guild Canal Festival; Friends of Avenham Park; Churches Together in Ribbleton.

Throughout this period the CVS also serviced the Preston Community Food Growing Steering Group and the Guild 2012 Community Procession Organising Committee.

Ian Ferguson Grants/Community Inclusion Officer

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 17

VOLUNTEERING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER’S REPORT

The Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire operates a volunteer brokerage service, combining office based, face-to-face discussions with use of the www.do-it.org.uk website in an effort to help potential volunteers find the opportunities most appropriate for their needs. The last twelve months has seen a significant increase in the numbers of people approaching the CVS for help in finding voluntary work. This is partly due to the fact that the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire now offers its service to people in Chorley and South Ribble but is, in the main, down to an increased number of recently unemployed people looking for something to occupy them while they look for work. This is demonstrated in the statistics that we collect and the increase has been dramatic, with often 100+ per week making enquiries.

The service continues a steady rate of placed volunteers with most people finding something that suits them but we have found that the number of available opportunities has declined. We know from anecdotal evidence that the main reasons for this are oversubscription, with many more volunteers making themselves available than are required, but a simple matter of lack of capacity; organisations are finding themselves busy with their day to day business and unable to dedicate time and resources to volunteer recruitment.

Overall, between 1 st April 2011 and 31 st March 2012 we have registered over 1,000 new volunteers in the Preston, Chorley and South Ribble areas and received enquiries from many times more.

Some work has also been done with various organisations wishing to recruit volunteers and we hope to increase this in the coming twelve months. At the time of writing, there were 112 distinct volunteering opportunities available across the three districts, but we want to increase these. Our aim is not only to help potential volunteers discover opportunities relevant to their needs and interests, but also to encourage organisations to involve volunteers in their services as a way of engaging with the community and of providing sustainable delivery.

We have attended various events over the period, promoting volunteering at the University of Central Lancashire, the Brockholes Visitor Centre and Goosnargh Village Hall. In my role as volunteer co- ordinator I have also given presentations to groups of people, such as The Hub in Bamber Bridge, a mental health service user forum and Preston City Council, where I addressed soon-to-be retired staff members.

The volunteer service has been supported by volunteers through 2011 and I should like to extend thanks to them all.

2011/12 has been a busy, often frustrating, but ultimately rewarding time and I hope that 2012/13 will prove equally so.

Over the last 12 months we have implemented a weekly new e-bulletin, to better inform our members, and have had much better engagement with the local press and media, appearing on BBC Radio Lancashire, working with BBC television and contributing to several stories in the Lancashire Evening Post.

Mark Waddington Volunteering and Public Relations Officer

Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire

Volunteer Service

Thinking of Volunteering?

INTERESTED? THEN WHY NOT FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES……

…… The Volunteer Service can put you in touch with a whole range of voluntary organisations-all of whom depend on volunteers to achieve their objectives.

So - why not give us a call on (01772) 251108 to arrange a one-to-one interview to discuss your interests and what volunteer opportunities there are that match these, or - just call in.

18 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” CVS PROJECTS

In addition to our core work with organisations, the CVS manages projects that have been established to address specific needs. This year these have been supporting NHS Central Lancashire and the Lancashire Drug And Alcohol Action Team (LDAAT).

DELIVERING RECOVERY IN VOLUNTEER ENVIRONMENTS (DRIVE) PROJECT WORKER’S REPORT

Recovering from Alcohol and Drug abuse is difficult. Not only has there to be a lifestyle change, but often meeting life on life’s terms is fraught with fear and anguish. It is a massive learning curve and often without support an ex addict feels that the only friend they had was the substance they misused.

The Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire based here in Preston is supporting the initiative of DRIVE and it’s ethos of being committed to finding people interesting and worthwhile employment through volunteering positions. The jobs often have training attached that offers a validated qualification. Through the journey the person develops self worth and confidence and society welcomes back a worthwhile member of the community.

The DRIVE project across Central Lancashire has developed excellent links with partnership agencies and these liaisons have highlighted the opportunities that volunteer positions bring with them. Being gradually reintegrated back into society at one’s own pace is paramount for people in early recovery and it allows them to take ownership and responsibility for their own lives.

In addition it has become clear that a whole new social network needs to be developed as mixing with old friends could lead to old habits. The project has supported ex service users into developing a theatre group. This has provided a social life, challenges and decisions that would not have been possible in the past. Strong links have been made with prison services and being able to attend the prisons and talk to the inmates has offered the project an insight to what ex offenders want. And quite simply, they want to work. The tentative steps of rehabilitation through volunteering positions is an excellent venture and is proving to be very successful.

Janet Dand Locality Worker - Service Involvement Project

LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Once again, building on a working partnership that initially started in February 2004 Lancashire County Council Volunteer Service has been working in partnership with CVS Central Lancashire since November 2011. The CVS has kindly provided the use of a room on a monthly basis to facilitate a “drop-in” service for people interested in volunteering in the community. The arrangement has been very successful in that it has enabled us to develop links with other organisations. The staff at CVS have always been very proactive in encouraging would-be volunteers to access this service. We are extremely grateful to the Trustees, Staff and Volunteers of CVS Central Lancashire for their generous support of this Lancashire County Council initiative.

Mary Donlan Volunteer Services Officer

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 19 PRESTON GUILD 2012

WHAT IS PRESTON GUILD? Taking place once every 20 years, Preston Guild is a unique celebration of heritage, people, sports, trade, arts and culture. With a history stretching back over eight hundred years to 1179 when Henry II granted a charter which empowered the Burgesses of Preston to hold a Guild Merchant, 2012 will be the first Guild since Preston was awarded city status in 2002 and the first Guild of the 21st Century. Preston is the only Guild still celebrated in the UK and as such is unique. Originally held to keep the ‘Guild Roll’ - a list of people allowed to trade in the town, known as burgesses - by the 18th Century Preston Guild had become a huge celebration. Throughout 2012 a programme of arts, culture, sporting and community events will culminate in a fantastic City Festival between 31st August and 9th September. During Guild Week the ceremony and tradition of Preston Guild that goes back 833 years will be combined with a specially commissioned celebration of sporting and cultural achievement. Preston Guild has a long history and has evolved over centuries but one thing has endured. The central focus of the Guild is always people - the people who plan it, participate in it, promote it and the people who tell their stories of the Guild to their children and grandchildren. The changing times mean that each Guild has its own identity but shares a heritage of over 800 years.

GUILD BURGESSES Originally anybody who wanted to trade in Preston, whether as a merchant, a craftsman, a market stall holder or in any other capacity, was required to be a member of the Guild Merchant. Over the centuries the nature of the membership has changed, new members could be admitted in a number of ways - by serving an apprenticeship in a trade, by being regarded for services to the Guild or as a special honour. To refresh and renew the Guild and to ensure the rights could be passed down to the next generation, a Guild Court was held. In 1542 it was agreed that this would take place every 20 years - a tradition still in place today. Only the Second World War has interrupted Preston Guild. In 1992 history was made as daughters of existing burgesses were admitted to the Guild for the first time, numbering 274 out of a total of 808. In 2012, for the first time, the Council has asked members of the public to nominate people to become an Honorary Burgess - people who they think should be honoured for their contribution to the life in Preston.

THE GUILD SCROLLS For the Guild in 2012 the Council will also send scrolls to countries that have a special significance to our city now, such as Pakistan, India, and the Caribbean, where a significant number of our community have family and strong links, China, home for a large number of University of Central Lancashire students, and the Pacific Islands who already have sporting links with Preston and who will make Preston their home for their pre-Olympic training. The Rotary Club of Preston, The Rotary Club of Preston Guild and the University of Central Lancashire are the City’s key partners in this project, using their international links to reach out across the globe.

20 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” ONCE EVERY TWENTY YEARS

CIVIC EVENTS

Traditionally, Preston Guild focuses on the first week in September following the Feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist (on 29th August). A host on ceremonial and civic events always take place throughout the year beginning with the Guild Mayor Making in May followed by proclamation during August. Guild traditions culminate in Guild Week with four spectacular processions, the Guild Courts and finally a Farewell Ceremony. These civic events are our link with the rich and unique history of Preston Guild and all those people who have celebrated it before us.

Creative Guild The chosen theme for the Guild 2012 is “Innovation and Creativity” and it is those particular traits that will be celebrated both in retrospect and in looking to the city’s future. Preston is home to a multitude of creative talent - artists, journalists, designers, and performers - and the Guild 2012 will be a unique opportunity to capture, showcase and nourish this creativity. With celebrations throughout the year the events programme will lead up to a spectacular ‘Future City’ project.

Merchant Guild From the outset, the Guild was about promoting trade and commerce. Skilled tradesmen, craftsmen and merchants were admitted to the Guild as burgesses. Being a member of the Guild allowed people to have confidence in the quality of the goods and services they received. The history of the Guild is about promoting trade in Preston and raising quality standards and this is true of the Guild today. Preston Guild is a fantastic opportunity to share Preston’s achievements and possibilities with the world.

International Guild Preston Guild, as a unique part of British heritage, has attracted visitors from far and wide throughout the centuries. What was an event of national significance in the early twentieth century, now brings Prestonians from across the globe back home for the Guild celebrations. Burgesses and ‘ordinary’ citizens of Preston return to their origins, along with many other friends and visitors, to celebrate, spectate and participate. In 2012 Preston also has the honour to be the European City of Sport (UK), extending its welcome to international athletes and welcoming friends from across Europe and the wider international community.

Peoples Guild Residents and visitors, artists and businesses, athletes and performers - everyone gets involved in Preston Guild. The Guild has a long history and has evolved over the centuries, but one thing has always remained -the central focus of the Guild is people - the people that plan it, participate in it, and promote it and the people that then tell the story of the Guild to children and grand children.

Welcome Guild Preston looks forward to welcoming many visitors to Preston during Guild year. The events programme, which will include new additions to existing Preston events and some unique and exciting artistic, sporting, cultural, trade and community programming,

Green Guild Yes - the Guild has been a long-running celebration and unique part of British heritage, but to ensure that future generations will be able to carry on the traditions on a healthy planet we are doing our best to make Preston Guild 2012 the greenest Guild yet. With a specific Guild Green Charter we will work towards a greener city, offering advice for local businesses and residents on how to improve their carbon footprint. From carbon neutral transport to recycling schemes, a sustainable events management approach and green energy to power Future City.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 21 HMP KIRKHAM CUSTODY TO WORK SCHEME

At HMP Kirkham we have a large number of selected, low risk life sentence and long term prisoners who are approaching the end of their sentences. After a thorough risk assessment, including a period of supervised community work, they become eligible for unsupervised activities in the community. This vital stage of the resettlement programme enable men to develop work routines and enhance their life and social skills in preparation for their eventual release.

The partnership with the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire, spanning ten years, has allowed us to successfully place men there for community work. The prisoners and also Kirkham’s resettlement team have always regarded these placements as positive and beneficial experiences.

We value this partnership and look forward to continued involvement with the Council for Voluntary Service based in Preston.

Phil Ryding Learning and Resettlement Manager

AGE CONCERN LANCASHIRE YOUTH TRAINING SCHEME/YOUNG APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

Part of Age Concern Training provision is to place candidates with selected employers. Working with the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire (CVS) we have placed a number of NVQ Administration candidates with them to develop the candidates’ office work experiences and skills.

Having a good working relationship with placement providers such as CVS is important for the invaluable contribution they give to our candidates. This provides our candidates with excellent work opportunities, and in gaining excellent all round and varied office work experiences.

Candidates who have worked at CVS have developed very good office skills under the guidance and support from the Chief Officer Joan Burrows. My thanks to her and her working team for all the support and assistance they have afforded to our Administration candidates and Young Apprentice who have been placed with them.

The Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire is very supportive, kind and provide a unique working environment, which encourages the candidate to develop good working relationships and communication and team building skills. They become self-confident, motivated and also they gain office-working experiences, which will be beneficial to them in their future careers.

I look forward to continued partnership with CVS in the future, with knowledge that I know the candidates will be encouraged to become the best they can be within an office environment with the help and support from the Chief Officer Joan Burrows.

Holly Nightingale Young Apprentice Business and Administration Tutor

22 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

Information Days held in St. Georges Shopping Centre 14th July to 26 th August 2011

The Mayor of Preston, Roberta Cartwright Bruce McLaren, Local Cabaret Entertainer and Consort pictured with the CVS opening the event. Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chief Officer.

Pictured above exhibitors from the voluntary and community and statutory sectors bringing many different facets of health and wellbeing together under one roof, thus enabling visitors to explore health information and seek advice, lifestyle options and support in the community.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 23 PLANNING COMMITTEE

As part of the committee structure review a decision was taken last year to establish a Planning Committee in light of the constitutional changes and the many issues confronting the CVS in these difficult economic times.

Encompassing the extension of our area of benefit we opened dialogue with the local authorities of Chorley and South Ribble, having held meetings with the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive of the Borough Council respectively. We have supported a number of organisations in these districts including the Mood Swings Chorley and South Ribble Self-help Group, Giant Veggi Patch, The Hub, Astley Village Residents Association, Leyland St. Mary’s Scouts and Eaves Green Senior Association, with work such as the development of a constitution, funding applications, equipment loan and the production of a regular newsletter. In September we met with the Chairman of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust the outcome of which was a request for us to undertake a survey of members to ascertain healthcare related activities being undertaken. This work is ongoing.

We commenced work on the major revision of our Business Plan to incorporate the changes mention above and Lancashire County Council’s decision not to fund our core work this year. In an effort to secure new funding at the December committee meeting we reviewed eight funding applications.

Our committee has worked closely with both the Finance and the General Purposes Committee in light of the many additional demands placed upon us as the reality of the challenges we face hit. We have met with colleagues from Lancaster CVS to explore areas of joint working and we are a member of the Lancashire Transforming Infrastructure Consortium who’s remit is the same.

On a positive note we have introduced two new areas of work. In December the DRIVE project which supports people in recovery and in January the Veterans Information Centre supporting Armed Forces ex serving personnel and their families.

Lastly and never least, I thank my fellow sub committee members for their support throughout the year and attention to detail.

Alan Hackett Committee Chairman

WH Y JOIN CVS CENTRAL LANCASHIRE ? “I was greatly helped by the team at Preston Council for Voluntary Service. In addition to personal advice they run some great training courses where speakers from various agencies come and pass on most useful information. The Funding User Guide is a most useful publication also. If you are a voluntary organisation, I strongly recommend that you join the CVS. (Preston HIV Support Team)

24 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

FINANCE COMMITTEE, GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE, POLICY WORKING GROUP AND PQASSO GROUP

The Executive Committee re-appointed the Committees and Working Groups in July 2011. This report will cover the work of all of these groups in 2011/2012.

The Finance Committee meets monthly. This has not been an easy year for any finance group in the Voluntary Sector because of the economic climate. Clearly the major issue facing the organisation has been to ensure the CVS continues as a viable organisation. This meant that much emphasis has had to be placed on seeking funding both from the statutory bodies and other sources.

As you will have seen from our Financial Report this has not been easy and our overall deficit is a matter of concern. Costs have been cut wherever possible and savings made. I pay sincere tribute to all our staff and volunteers whose contribution to these measures has been much appreciated.

The General Purposes Committee deals with personnel, staff contracts, premises, routine maintenance, Information Technology, the website and has had many hard decisions to take because of the financial situation. In addition changes to the opening hours of the Guild Hall has placed restrictions on the use of our meeting room (another source of revenue) and has meant that some organisations which made use of premises have been unable to do so. We regret we could not accommodate them satisfactorily.

The Policy Working Group continues to develop new policies where required, as well as reviewing and amending existing policies where necessary. Work covered include rewriting policies on Recruitment of Ex Offenders, an policy statement on Secure Storage, Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure of Information, Volunteer Handbook, Volunteering Record and a Statement on House Style. Ongoing is a Risk Assessment of Workstations and implications arising from this will have to be considered. The Business Continuity Plan is now virtually complete. A formal review of existing policies is planned.

The PQASSO group has found progress towards the end of Level 3 to be difficult. When we began Levels 1 and 2 very few problems were posed but changes in circumstances are causing difficulties. It has been decided therefore that the group should have some formal PQASSO training and this is scheduled for early July 2012. It should be noted however that the PQSSO group meetings have proved useful as brainstorming sessions over a wide range of issues facing the CVS.

My thanks to members of all these groups. Both Policy and PQASSO are faced with issues of changing legislation but cope remarkably well.

Mr. Patel, our Honorary Treasurer, provides support and advice on finance issues for which I am grateful.

Our Chief Officer supports all the groups with unfailing goodwill and enthusiasm.

Wendy Hogg Chairman

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 25

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2012 TREASURER’S REPORT

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principle accounting policies in the preparation of financial statements have been consistently applied to all the years. a) Basis of Accounting The accounts have been prepared under the historical Costs Convention and in accordance with revised version of the Accounting and Reporting for Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice, 2005 (SORP). Up until 2007 - 08 we applied SORP 2000 but the growth in size of the SORP 2005, in comparison to the SORP 2000, is largely as a result of expanded explanations in an attempt to make the guidelines more accessible and comprehensible. All income and expenditure is dealt with on an accrual basis. b) Pension and Retirement Benefit CVS Central Lancashire operates a retirement Pension scheme, from October 2005, the assets of the scheme are held and administered by the Lancashire Pension Service and managed professionally. Contributions to the scheme are determined by a qualified Actuary. The contributions to the scheme are, for the CVS as employer 11.5% and for employees between 6.5% and 6.8% of pensionable salary. The contributions made by the CVS during the financial year were charged to the income and expenditure account as they arise. c) Executive Committee Members’ Remuneration The Executive Committee Members receive no remuneration , except travelling expenses, from CVS Central Lancashire during the financial year for the valuable services provided as a member. The charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements, on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its operations, for each year which give a true and fair view on the state of affairs of the Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity at that time and to enable the trustees to ensure that any statement of account prepared by them complies with the regulations under section 42(1) of the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. d) Tangible Fixed Assets Depreciation is calculated, normally on a straight line basis, to write off the cost of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives are reviewed periodically, taking into account normal wear and tear. Full year depreciation is being charged for an asset purchased at any time during the year. The following rates are being used : Estimated useful lives % Years Rate IT Equipment 4 25 Office Equipment 8 12.5 Fixtures and Fittings 12½ 8

26 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 2 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE, SURPLUS AND DEFICIT a) Income for the year ended 31st March, 2012 has decreased by £77,481 to £104,759 compared with £182,240 in 2010/11, a decrease of 42.52%. b) Expenditure during the financial year has decreased by £23,582 to £149,698 compared with £173,280 in 2010/11, a decrease of 13.61%. c) There was a deficit of £44,939 for the year compared with a surplus of £8,960 in 2010/11. d) Investment income and interest received during the financial year was £336 compared with £290 in 2010/11.

3 FULL ANNUAL ACCOUNTS a) The summary of Financial Statement does not contain sufficient information to give a full understanding of the results and state of affairs of the CVS Central Lancashire. Copies of the full audited financial statements can be obtained, free of charge, by contacting our Chief Officer. b) We recognise that our staff and volunteers are our assets. 2011 / 2012 has not been an easy year. CVS’s good performance is due to their skill, dedication and hard work. Their true professionalism and dedication have delivered excellent service. For future years we have set ourselves challenging targets and we will strive to ensure improvements are instigated. It is my pleasure to thank all our staff and volunteers on behalf of the Trustees. On a personal level, l would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, especially the Chairman, Mrs. W. Hogg and members of the Finance Committee for giving their time, expertise, help, suggestions and for support during the year. My special thanks is due to Joan Burrows for her support, hard work, dedication and provision of an excellent service to the Executive Committee throughout the year. Thanks are also extended to Ruth Carter who has provided professional book keeping services throughout the year. Our thanks are also extended to all members for their continuing support. c) CVS Central Lancashire is committed to making a valuable contribution to society and taking an active role in the community through initiatives. Last but not least I must emphasise the importance of working in harmony with all our partners in ensuring that the excellent services provided continues.

Mr. Ahmed Patel Honorary Treasurer

SUNSHINE CHILDREN’S CENTRE (FORMERLY SURE START FISHWICK AND ST. MATTHEWS)

CVS Central Lancashire (formerly Preston CVS) has held Lead Organisation status for this Sure Start programme since 2001. The programme received Children’s Centre accreditation in Summer 2008 hence a change of name chosen by members of the parents forum. The accreditation gave recognition of the fact that the programme was providing the full range of services to meet the Core offer for Children’s Centres. A Children’s Centre building has been established at Brockholes Wood School since November 2008.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 27

28 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 29 What COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CENTRAL LANCASHIRE did in 2011/2012

• Undertook core services and provided networking opportunities for members and others

• Supported forty five (45) voluntary/community organisations with development work

• Assisted forty nine (49) individuals/groups with funding advice via FunderFinder

• Supported two (2) group to work towards achieving Charitable Status

• Continued to expand our Library resource

• Made media presentations for two (2) local radio stations

• Made presentations about our work to twenty three (23) agencies

• Supported twenty five (25) local events

• Provided CVS promotional/information stands at nine (9) local events

• Facilitated the continuing work of the Volunteer Service

• Facilitated a Celebrating Volunteers Event

• Organised three (3) events in partnership with other agencies

• Organised fifteen (15) training events

• Facilitated two (2) consultations

• Produced weekly E-bulletins with a total circulation figure of 600 plus

• Responded to requests for information from ß Telephone: 4265 ß Visitors: 7557 ß Email: monitoring system to be implemented

• Provided the administration for the ACORN Grants Scheme and Tackling Health Inequalities Grant Scheme in partnership with Preston City Council and NHS Central Lancashire

• Provided the administration for the Small Sparks Grant Scheme in partnership with Help Direct

• Facilitated the appointment of Voluntary Sector representatives to local committees

• Continued to update the database for the Directory of Local Voluntary Organisations working in Preston and a start up database for the districts of Chorley and South Ribble

• Continued to update the Funding User Guide and published a revised edition

• Continued to develop the CVS Central Lancashire Website

30 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

• Supported The Rotary Club of Preston with their Youth Speaks event

• Were involved in the review of Health Services by consultation with voluntary organisations and statutory agencies

• Continued in the development of a Business Plan

• Continued to hold lead responsibility in the Sunshine Children’s Centre formerly known as Sure Start Fishwick and St. Matthews

• Provided administrative support to five (5) schemes/partnerships

• Provided secretariat services to three (3) groups/initiatives

• Provided Recruitment and Selection assistance to one (1) organisations

• Loaned office equipment to five (5) voluntary/community groups

• Provided meeting room resources for fifty eight (58) voluntary/community groups and other agencies

• Provided surgery accommodation for one (1) agencies

• Attended membership AGMs and Events

• Provided fund holding services for five (5) agencies

• Support the development of the Lancashire Tackling Local Infrastructure Consortium by participating in meetings/groups

• Continued to implement Levels One and Two of the Practical Quality Assurance Standard for Small Organisations (PQASSO) and work towards Level Three

• Continued to implement the Investors in People Standard and achieved a post recognition review maintaining the standard up to February 2013

• Continued to implement the Bronze accreditation of Healthy Workplace Award

CVS members attending our AGM 2011. 31 What COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CENTRAL LANCASHIRE plans to do in 2012/2013

The CVS will:

• Continue to provide support and information to the Voluntary Sector, CVS members and others

• Continue to undertake and review Core Services in the light of the views of affiliated members and the current economic climate

• Continue to explore the feasibility of establishing a Voluntary Sector Resource Centre/Preston Hub in partnership with other local agencies

• Establish a project to provide further development support for voluntary and community organisations

• Continue to respond to local consultations

• Continue to update the Directory of Local Voluntary and Community Organisations working in Preston and publish a revised edition

• Continue to update the database of Voluntary and Community Organisations working in the districts of Chorley and South Ribble

• Continue to update the Funding User Guide and publish a revised edition

• Continue to implement the Investors In People Standard, the NAVCA membership standard and the NAVAJO standard

• Continue to implement PQASSO Levels One and Two and work towards achieving Level Three

• Catalogue and expand our library resource

• Continue to investigate the need/or not to provide publications in a range of locally used languages

• Investigate the production of CVS publications in other formats i.e. tape, Braille

• Continue to facilitate networking opportunities between voluntary, statutory and private sector representatives

• Continue to be involved in reviews of the local health and social care services - by consultation with voluntary organisations and statutory agencies

• Explore funding to enable continuation of the work of the Volunteer Service and to investigate the employment of further specialist staff

32 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” • Continue to purchase equipment to enable improved administration systems and meeting room facilities

• Facilitate a Celebrating Volunteering Event

• Facilitate a Voluntary/Community Sector Reception

• Continue to support local events

• Produce at least two (2) Newsletters

• Continue to produce a weekly E-bulletin for members and others

• Continue to update our Business Plan

• Explore funding to enable the employment of officers to strengthen the support already provided to the sector

• Continue to hold lead responsibility for the Sunshine Children’s Centre formerly known as Sure Start Fishwick and St. Matthews

• Continue to further develop partnerships with Age UK Youth Training and the HMP Prison Service

• Produce a training programme for 2013 tailored to the needs of our members

• Continue to support the work of the Lancashire CVS Association (Company Limited by Guarantee)

• Continue to support the work of the Lancashire Transforming Local Infrastructure Consortium

• Work towards the Silver accreditation of the Healthy Workplace Award

Members of the CVS Admin Team at Work in the General Office. 33

Celebrating Volunteers Day Tuesday 7th June 2011

Each year, the first week in June has now traditionally become the time to acknowledge and celebrate the work that volunteers do throughout the year.

In Preston, the Council for Voluntary Service held a celebratory event on the 7th June to say thank you to all of our volunteers locally.

Fifty seven community and voluntary organisations attended and received Volunteers’ Week certificates from the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Roberta Cartwright and a number of volunteers spoke about their experience of volunteering and what it has meant to them.

34 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” Celebrating Volunteers Day Tuesday 7th June 2011

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 35

ARMED FORCES GROUP PRESTON ADVICE CENTRE

On 30 th January this year a Military Covenant between Preston City Council and the military community was signed in The Minster. Preston City is one of the first local authorities in the country to take the initiative and the Covenant reflects the esteem in which the public holds the armed forces, the gratitude of the public for sacrifices made and is a statement of support for the military community.

A decision was made by Preston City Council to express its support to the military in a tangible form by opening in the City Centre an Advice Centre (“One Stop Shop”) for all serving members of the armed forces and veterans. The Centre does not provide a counselling service itself but will provide a signposting service where those who seek help can be directed to a very wide range of services, some of them specific to service personnel. It is anticipated that much of the business to be handled by the Centre will relate to housing, employment and financial matters.

A fulltime Veterans’ Liaison Officer has been appointed to manage the Centre . Sharon Austin ex RAF sergeant recently “demobbed” after completing 22 years loyal service, joined the team in April. The position being funded by the Poppy Factory Sharon will be supported, in her work by a team of trained volunteers. Start up funding has been provided by Lancashire County Council and the Royal British Legion with further funding from other sources under consideration.

The grand opening of the advice centre was held on Tuesday 10 th April 2012 and was conducted by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth (the advice centre’s Patron), the Mayor of Preston Councillor Roberta Cartwright and Colonel (Rtd) Bernard Stam TD. The event was well supported with representatives from public, private and the voluntary sectors together with civilian and armed forces welfare agencies all willing to provide assistance to the local armed forces and veteran community.

Since the opening the office has dealt with a variety of enquiries from ex-servicemen and women on various topics ranging from veteran badges to pension and housing enquiries. As word spreads of this new facility the office continues to get busier with telephone and drop in queries happening on a more frequent basis. The future aspiration of the organisation is to have its own website where enquiries can be directed as well as useful information posted periodically to make this valuable service more accessible.

The Armed Forces Group Preston wishes to thank Joan Burrows and the staff of the CVS for their unwavering and continued support.

Steve Allen AFGP Secretary

Sharon Austin with Red 6 after her 36 CVS CVS Central Central Lancashire Lancashire “Working “Working w ithwith you, you, for for you!” you!” flight with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows

Photographs from the opening of the Armed Forces Group Preston Advice Centre conducted by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, the Mayor of Preston and Colonel (Rtd) Bernard Stam TD and supported by representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors together with civilian and armed forces welfare agencies. The team at CVS Central Lancashire worked closely with the local armed forces to arrange the event and welcome guests.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 37

CVS CENTRAL LANCASHIRE - OUR OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Preston CVS was premises took place based at Princes over the weekend of th th Building, 50/52 the 16 and 17 of Lancaster Road for February and the office over 7 years but on the was open for business 18 th of February 2008 as usual on the 18 th we moved to spanking February 2008. The new premises in the formal opening event Guild Hall Arcade. was held on 3 rd March

with the Mayor of The move was Preston, Cllr. Christine prompted by the Abrams and consort, developers of the 1. Cllr. Norman Abrams, Tithebarn project, the Chairman of Preston Tithebarn Lancashire County Partnership via Council, County Grosvenor and Lend Councillor Wendy Lease, wishing to take Dwyer and Sir Tom over our premises at Finney doing the Princes Building to use honours by cutting the as an information office ribbon. Approximately for the project. 150 invited guests witnessed the opening. The CVS has moved into three units in the The full address of the

Arcade which had been CVS is: vacant for two years 2. after Farm Foods Council for Voluntary relocated to Strand Service Central Road. The new premises provide an Lancashire enhanced open-plan Units 23/27 office facility for staff Guild Hall Arcade and volunteers, Lancaster Road together with a Preston conference suite which can comfortably PR1 1HR accommodate up to 50

people depending on Index of photographs the room configuration. 3. on this page. The new facilities also allow two meetings to NB. Due to the closure of the Guild Hall 1. Main Entrance be accommodated at from 8pm each evening and all day on 2. General Office the same time. Sundays Preston City Council have 3. Conference Suite kindly reinstated to CVS use of a meeting The transfer to the new room in Princes Building in the evenings and on Sundays.

38 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”

WHAT IS A CVS?

A Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) is formed and run by local voluntary and community groups

CVS’s exist to promote and develop the effectiveness of voluntary action, by:- ß providing support services such as information, advice and training ß identifying new needs and developing initiatives for meeting them ß promoting partnership between statutory and voluntary sectors in the delivery of welfare and other services ß supporting innovation, accountability and good practice in local services ß encouraging local groups and organisations to put forward their views on local and national policies and decisions that affect them ß creating and promoting fora and channels used by government and other bodies to consult the community ß providing these supports in a special way and with particular values; working with people, groups and communities in a flexible, open way and challenging inequality.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

ß To be a member of CVS Central Lancashire an organisation must:- ß have a constitution or list of rules to ensure the group works in a democratic way ß agree to abide by the CVS Equality and Diversity Policy ß have appropriate financial safeguards in place ß be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the CVS ß be approved for membership by the CVS Management Committee

MEMBER BENEFITS

It's £10 to join the CVS Central Lancashire, and involves no more than having a written aim or constitution, which complies with our own Charitable Status, a demonstration of sound financial practices, details of any management committee and an Annual Report if available. The benefits are well worth it!

1. Free directory of voluntary sector organisations * in the Preston area, an invaluable aid to creating partnerships and avoiding duplication of effort.

2. Free newsletter giving information and an opportunity to contribute and highlight your organisation.

3. Free information on anything from setting up a charity to getting funding.

4. Free information sheets and use of an extensive resource library of books and reports relevant to the voluntary sector.

5. Free up to the minute relevant information mailed to your organisation.

6. Free meeting room available for small unfunded groups and a cost charge for others.

7. Free Funding User Guide, an invaluable aid to funding in the districts of Preston *, Lancashire and the North West region.

* Striving to provide detail pertinent to the districts of Chorley and South Ribble.

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!” 39

CVS CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you for you”

Supporting Preston Guild 2012

BE A PRESTON GUILDER

Guilders are people who choose to sign up and offer their time, energy and skills becoming a Guilder, you will help the local community of Preston, its surrounding area and its visitors.

You will make friends, learn new skills and be a vital part of this unique Guild experience ensuring it becomes the most successful Guild ever.

Don’t delay - we need your help now! Sign up at www.prestonguild2012.com/volunteering

40 CVS Central Lancashire “Working with you, for you!”