WANSBECK CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Annual Review 2009–2010 WANSBECK CVS Contents WCVS Main Office-107&109Station Road, List of Employability Funders 9 Projects Volunteering 8 Re:Action 7 Project Accounting 6 for Community DevelopmentProjects All Acting Project 5 Chief The Executives Chairs Report Report 1 2 Wansbeck CVS Annual Review2009–2010 3–5 WANSBECK CVS 1 One of our training rooms in WCVS main offices main in WCVS rooms training our of One

services available to them. Our staff will Our staff available to them. services and support to provide practical continue groups and voluntary advice to community look to improve will We organisations. between organisations and communication of the work that was started develop some Partnership, in with the Local Strategic and Community particular our Voluntary Sector Network. times ahead for There will be challenging but we will strive to maintain the sector, service and where possible improve the CVS provides. Wansbeck I would like Finally and no less importantly that & trustees for the way to thank the staff on track they all worked to get things back and support after the loss of Sheila, their help is very much appreciated. Mike Goodman Mike

Throughout these challenges Wansbeck Throughout these challenges Wansbeck CVS will continue to take positive action to ensure that our communities have our may bring some new challenges but we also hope some new opportunities. Council, whilst the demands on services The expectation that continue to increase. there will be a general election in May 2010, resources. The voluntary and community resources. sector in Northumberland faces a 20% cut in its annual grant from Northumberland County organisations and other sectors, 2010/2011 organisations and other sectors, 2010/2011 will bring new challenges with reduced We have seen a relatively smooth transition We to working with the new unitary authority, but like other voluntary and community continue to be delivered to our organisations and communities who need them. within the area. Whilst Sheila will be sorely within the area. Whilst Sheila the services missed, we are determined that CVS by Wansbeck and expertise offered membership and the community, but for her membership and the community, developments contribution to so many other main Post Office to what it is today. She was today. main Post Office to what it is Wansbeck responsible for not only growing service to its CVS to provide an enhanced within that time had grown and strengthened within that time had grown and CVS from its humble beginnings Wansbeck Ashington’s sharing a portacabin behind McGuckin in February 2010. Sheila had McGuckin in February 2010. 14 years and been Chief Executive for over I start my report on a sad note, with the I start my report on a sad note, Sheila sudden death of our Chief Executive, The Chair’s The Report Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 CVS Wansbeck Acting Chief Executive’s Report

to access volunteering with the support of a “buddy” volunteer.

Our Employability Department has continued to grow and as well as delivery as a sub contractor on a number of DWP programmes, we have also developed our Positive Steps into Employment Programme to meet the needs of those not eligible to join mainstream employability programmes.

Anne Lyall The development of the Older Peoples Forum in the area, has seen membership increases of 75% during the current year and the older people continue to campaign on There is no doubt that Sheila’s sudden death behalf of residents living in the area. The has left a large gap not only in Wansbeck group has representation on a number of CVS but within the sector as a whole. National and regional bodies. Despite the shock we suffered, staff have given a steely determination and commitment Our transition to working with the new to ensure that the work we undertake will Northumberland County Council has enabled continue and improve the way Sheila would us to build new relations with a number of have expected. officers and continue to promote the work of the voluntary and community sector. Building Our Community Development Team have and establishing new relationships is never continued to embrace the changes that easy, but we hope to continue to use our came about as a result of the new authority, representative roles to raise the profile and including our role as a host to four of concerns of all voluntary and community the Community Forums, which replaced groups in the area. the CAP’s, and we continue to work with local communities to participate in their As the sector faces cuts from both public WANSBECK CVS WANSBECK development. Our project development sector grants and a reduction in grant services continue to be very much in giving from some funders, we will face new demand, and this is valued highly by our challenges and new opportunities . We users. We intend to invest further resources must try and shape these opportunities to develop our services to support existing to promote and support the voluntary and and emerging groups next year. community action that will help our members and communities through the tough times We have seen the impact that Volunteering ahead. Partnership working will be more Northumberland has had in it’s development important than ever but we need to hold onto throughout Northumberland. Staff are the values that inspire us to promote social based in the north and west of the county justice. as well as the south east. We have seen an 11.7% increase in the number of people Finally, I would like to say a big thank you volunteering and a 150% increase in the to all our funders, volunteers and staff who number of organisations registering with have worked so hard over the past year. I us. Our Supported Volunteering Project, would like to say thank you to the Board of working in partnership with Northumberland Trustees, in particular Mike Goodman, who Mental Health Trust, has enabled people with has been a tremendous support to me over severe and enduring mental health problems the last few months.

2 Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 Community Development Projects

The year 2009/10 brought significant to establish the new community forums changes to the operations of Wansbeck CVS across the former Wansbeck area. Community Development Department. Funding Advice & Project Development These changes were driven by the launch and service direction of the new single local As a core activity of Wansbeck CVS this authority for Northumberland and impacted section of the Community Development on projects such as the Voluntary and Department worked with a large number of Community Sector Network and the links we voluntary and community groups. had developed with the Wansbeck Initiative During the past year we have held 172 Partnership and its locality bodies know as funding advice sessions and 3 funding the CAPs. (Community Area Partnerships) awareness events, with 148 participants from 87 groups attending. We have also assisted

With the end of the district councils, the PROJECTS & SERVICES Northumberland Strategic Partnership took 60 groups with funding applications which on the role of the Local Strategic Partnership led to £2.5m raised for local community and and the new county council had already voluntary groups. One successful funding planned to replace the Community Area application was Ashington ‘Evergreens’ group Partnerships in the former Wansbeck District who approached us for help gaining funds with new Community Forums. Wansbeck to celebrate their 30 year anniversary. The CVS was well placed to work with the county money was spent on an outing to council to help establish the new forums Gardens and concluded with a fish and chip as an administrative host and work with supper at Seahouses; Katy Byrne (Chair) local communities to participate in their said “Days out like this are hard to organise development.

Other areas of the Community Development Department delivered significant project outcomes including the funding advice and project development which saw a growth in demand for its services.

The Lottery funded Fair Shares project continues to meet demand and help build capacity for the voluntary and community sector in East Ashington.

An Eco-Lodge legacy project is also Ashington ‘Evergreens’ group on an outing being researched with two sites under consideration for development in East Ashington. One of these sites is on land at and can be expensive and many of the group North Seaton Colliery which has been leased are over 70 years old and would not have to the community association by ONE North been able to make the trip to Alnwick alone.” East, the regional development agency. Local voluntary and community groups The project concluded its work at the end are kept updated on the latest funding of March 2010 after kick starting a number opportunities and information by receiving of new initiatives, including the first ever our quarterly newsletter, this is distributed to Participatory Budgeting Project (Wansbeck over 350 groups. You Decide) in Northumberland and helping 24 new groups in the area were supported

Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 3 Community Development Projects

on governance, management and planning, communities of Ellington, Lynemouth and and support and guidance. We also held Linton and have two representatives on the 3 training events with participants from 38 area partnership board. groups attending. The Eco–Lodge venture is a legacy As well as supporting groups with the project being developed with funds from afore mentioned activities we have also East Ashington Fair Shares and the Local helped advise and support management Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI). Some committees, assisted with policy and key features of the Eco–Lodge are: procedure writing and the preparation of business plans. Eco–friendly construction. Renewable energy. Investing in Communities Project Environmental Learning and relaxation. Accommodation. The Investing in Communities Project Solar water heating. supported and developed a number of new Employment for local people. initiatives associated with the former district Locally owned and managed. of Wansbeck and new the county council for Sustainability. Northumberland. East Ashington Fair Shares Project The Wansbeck Voluntary and Community (Capacity Building) Sector Network reached an impasse when the county council created the South East The project is based in East Ashington, Northumberland Area Partnership and plans the work of the team has concentrated on were prepared to create a new Voluntary building the capacity of the voluntary and and Community Sector Network to cover this community sector in the area. newly designated area. New Community Forums were also established and the six Significant elements of the work this year Community Area Partnerships in Wansbeck have been delivered at neighbourhood level, quickly adopted this new status with concentrating on helping local people feel Wansbeck CVS becoming host for four of positive about getting involved in the wide them. range of activities being developed in the area. We have achieved this through the The project was involved in supporting the following activities: PROJECTS & SERVICES development of the new Community Forums by acting as the administrative host and Networking events — The project organised by carrying out community engagement and delivered two networking events: activities which included neighbourhood “Community Involvement Day” — which walkabouts to identify areas for improvement. was held in April 2009 at Hirst Welfare We participated in Community Action Centre. Over 300 community members Weeks organised by Northumbria Police attended and gained access to an extensive and other public sector partners to tackle range of local community groups who were neighbourhood management issues. on hand to showcase their activities and attract new participants including Fair Following the formation of the new county Shares funded partners. council and the South East Area Partnership, Wansbeck CVS and CVA agreed Community days — A hugely successful to work together to form a South East community day in Hirst Park in August 2009 Northumberland Community Network. The was organised. Despite inclement weather network also incorporates the former mining over 500 local residents attended, enjoying

4 Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 Community Development Projects

diverse activities such as African drumming Project Development — The project has sessions, Indian head massage, healthy food been successful in helping grass roots workshops, bird box making, mini golf and groups such as The Warriors Bowling Club, amusement rides. The Veterans and Elders, The Salvation Army, Ashington Art Group and the Brownies East Ashington Forum — The project has access funding for equipment and activities. actively supported the East Ashington Forum In January 2010 the team were contacted throughout the year attending meetings and by a resident of East Ashington with regard signposting groups and individuals. to setting up a disability forum. Working with this resident, we have successfully assisted Addressing Training needs — In building capacity in the voluntary & community sector in setting up a management committee, in East Ashington and to meet the needs of provided guidance in the development of their constitution, facilitated training around

the groups and individuals we organised PROJECTS & SERVICES and facilitated two first aid courses and child roles and responsibilities, advised on good protection training. Local groups benefiting practice and provided funding advice. The from this support included Low Vision Action team will continue to work closely with the Group, Hirst Welfare, Women’s Health disability forum as it develops. Advice Centre and Ashington Credit Union. “Friendly educated service, your help was invaluable” Organisational Health Checks — The project has carried out Health Checks with Pauline Mitcheley – Brownies all East Ashington Groups registered with Wansbeck CVS. The checks are carried “Ashington Art Group are more than grateful out on a one to one basis and help identify for your help in getting us funding, also for the development and operating needs of the publicity by posters and leaflets” organisation, ensure legal obligations are being met and help promote good practice Ted Taylor - Ashington Art Group throughout the sector. Accounting For All Project The Accounting For All Project has completed keeping and preparation of annual accounts another busy year. It has continued to help including help and support with petty cash and support small voluntary and community records and reconciliation statements. groups with all aspects of finance and book keeping. Wansbeck CVS now operate payroll services which is available to groups at a small cost In the last year we have supported a total including completion of year end payroll of 24 voluntary and community groups and reports and submissions. delivered more than 60 support sessions. Groups that have accessed our service We continue to provide advice and guidance have gained a better knowledge and to groups on how to set up cash books and understanding of financial procedures and monitor budgets which is paramount for financial controls. The service offered also group development helped groups to build their capacity.

The project was able to offer advice, information and practical support with book

Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 5 Re:Action Project On the way shopping.

In 2009/2010, the project adopted its new There is also representation on local logos for Re:Action independent living and voluntary organisations in the area also for the Wansbeck Forum for Older People that Wansbeck CVS hosts. The forum took part in two consultations members attended an event around the The project has continued to provide a government’s consultation on Building a service and relevant information to 93 Society for all Ages. They also took part in older people. Our volunteers are the heart a housing consultation for older people, this and soul of the service, and through the included thinking about the perfect house for transferrable skills gained, three volunteers an older person and the problems you face have moved into employment and one has within your home when you get older. returned to further education. The project helps to alleviate loneliness suffered through The Forum had speakers on a number living alone and one of our users said ““It is of subjects including Wansbeck Homes great to go out on these trips to do shopping who came and gave a talk on anti social first hand. If it wasn’t for these trips I would behaviour, Help the Aged on legacy and wills. be sitting at home alone” Northumbria Police provided information PROJECTS & SERVICES and around keeping safe within the home The project received an award during Carers and bogus callers. The forum also hosted a Week in June 2009 for supporting unpaid meeting at the new Age Concern building, carers. This award had been nominated by this allowed members to find out more about two shopping clients who access the service the activities and service they provide. with the person the care for. Our nominee said “ It is the best thing that has happened for us and we look forward to it so much. It is a day out for us as a couple together, meeting people and having lunch, Fantastic!”

Wansbeck Forum for Older People has grown significantly over the past year and has representation on regional and national organisations including Older Person Advisory Group–Change Agents, Years Ahead and National Pension Convention. 6 Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 Volunteering Northumberland

Volunteering Northumberland provides a presentation on volunteers and the law. full volunteer centre service for the county Feedback from the event indicated that by offering a range of support and advice delegates particularly appreciated that to potential volunteers and to organisations session, along with the opportunity to that involve volunteers in providing services. network throughout the day. These include: Volunteers and their awards Brokerage, informing volunteers of suitable local opportunities.

Working with organisations to develop opportunities that help them undertake their work.

Marketing volunteering to a wider VOLUNTEER CENTRE audience.

This enables Wansbeck CVS to meet one of its key aims, namely that of encouraging Our Partners in Supported Volunteering people to become involved in their project provides opportunities for those with community as volunteers. complex mental health issues to access During the year we continued to develop volunteering with one-to-one support from a our services, especially in the rural part of buddy; this project has gone from strength to the county. There had not been a volunteer strength. At the end of the year one of the centre in these areas for a number of years, clients began volunteering independently, a but despite this we were able to register notable milestone for the project. Funding over 700 new volunteers and 55 new was secured during the year from the NCC’s organisations from across the county in Working Neighbourhoods Fund to continue 2009/10. this work until March 2011.

A significant achievement was the securing Finally, we have been coming to terms with of Big Lottery funding to cover two thirds of the new Unitary Authority and its associated the project costs until the end of June 2012. structures. As a county-wide activity we When combined with previously obtained have been trying to raise our profile within Capacity Builders funding we have now the three Areas into which the county has achieved financial security up to March 2011. been divided, especially in the rural areas where we are endeavouring to cover well Our annual “ Thank You” event for our over 1,000 square miles with two outreach volunteers was held at Longhirst Hall in June. development workers. It is particularly This was attended by over 200 people and important that we take advantage of the those who received awards are pictured existence of Community Forums to help opposite. This annual event brings together spread our message and invite others to a raft of voluntary organisations who are able assist us in doing so. to network as well as say “Thanks” to the hard work and dedication of their volunteers.

Our conference for volunteer involving organisations was held in March, 45 organisations attended and received a

Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 7 Employability Projects

Employability team on a team build, Longhirst Hall 32 jobs. Examples of some of the training that was funded are fork lift truck reach and counter balance, pest control and off- shore work. The majority of the jobs were retail, admin, construction, care work and a magistrate’s court assistant.

One young man, Tony Kindley who is profoundly deaf, achieved his first job since having supportive work placements at the new Asda superstore in Ashington. This was a huge achievement and Wansbeck CVS, the Jobcentre and A4e all worked very closely with Tony to secure his employment.

The employability team runs three programmes providing local people in the community the opportunity to find employment, develop skills, and gain qualifications which in turn will improve their quality of life.

New Deal programme is sub-contracted to Wansbeck CVS from A4e. This is a government run, 13 week mandatory programme for local people who are on Jobseekers Allowance and provides them with work placements, jobsearch and employability and soft skills. EMPLOYABILITY From April 2009 the New Deal programme worked with 280 people from Morpeth, Ashington and Jobcentres. 67 gained employment and 43 gained qualifications in I.T., Basic Food Hygiene or First Aid. Work placements for these Former client Tony Kindley receiving an award at Alnwick gardens. Alnwick at award an Kindley receiving Tony client Former people are sourced from the voluntary and community, private and public sectors. Positive Steps Forward was funded ESF Horizons is delivered by Wansbeck through Working Neighbourhoods Fund and CVS as a sub-contractor from A4e. It is came to an end in September 2009. This a voluntary programme available to local programme was developed to work with local unemployed people. The programme helps people in the community to provide basic individuals by removing the barriers which skills support to people below entry level 1, are preventing them gaining employment, in numeracy and literacy. It also provided it can also provide funding for training to people the opportunity to develop I.T. and improve their skills. From April 2009 the employability skills. We were able to secure ESF Horizons programme worked with 90 further funding to develop this project until new starts from the local area, and achieved March 2012.

8 Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 List of Funders April 2009 to March 2010

Big Lottery Fund – Basis 1 Couple by Sean Henry - Newbiggin by the Sea

Big Lottery Fund – Basis 2

Capacity Builders

Christ’s Hospital in Sherburn

Community Foundation from their “Big Lottery Fund” Fair Shares Programme

Department for Work and Pensions – A4e FUNDERS

Deprived Area Fund

The Hadrian Trust

The Joicey Trust Ashington I & II Memorial, War World

Northumberland County Council

Northern Rock Foundation

Northumberland Care Trust

The Rothley Trust Swans on QEII Lake, Ashington

Safer Stronger Communities and Community Cohesion Fund

The Sir James Knott Trust

Working Neighbourhoods Fund

Yorkshire & Clydesdale Bank Foundation

Wansbeck CVS Annual Review 2009–2010 9