Date: 21st June 2021

Welcome to our weekly e-bulletin.

We are open to the public on an appointments basis so please contact us before coming to the hub to make an appointment.

Some of our projects and services remain temporarily suspended until later in the year as follows:  Free public access use of our computers/internet  hire of our meeting/training rooms  Community Defibrillators Project

News Getting Connected Project - we provide one-to-one supported appointments to assist people:  Complete a range of application forms  carry out online job searches and apply for jobs online  update Universal Credit e-journals  create or update CV’s We also offer additional FREE Basic Computer Skills learning sessions. These short sessions cover all the things you need to know to use computers in your day to day life. The sessions are friendly and informal allowing you to learn at your own pace. We also offer Free Money Matters sessions to assist you manage your household income using your new IT skills. We offer an iPad and free internet dongle loan scheme for those without internet enabled devices. Contact: 01387 269161 or email [email protected]

Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme  Do you need a deposit to rent a private rented sector tenancy in ?  Are you on a low wage or receive means tested benefits and live in Dumfries and Galloway? Then the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme may be able to assist you! Contact: 01387 269161 or email [email protected]

Winter Warmth for Older People Project– please contact us for a registration form. Closing date to register is 1st Sept 2021. We provide free briquettes and kindling for older people in D & G who rely on open fires/multi-fuel stoves as their main source of heating. To be eligible for the service people need to be:  over 60 years of age  not in paid work and have no other household member in paid work  in receipt of a means-tested benefit or have extenuating circumstances e.g. long term health conditions. Contact: 01387 269161 or email [email protected]

SPRING Social Prescribing Project can help to address social, emotional and practical needs by supporting and connecting people to sources of support and opportunities available in their local community. People who experience social isolation, low mood, mild depression, long term conditions, pain management or physical inactivity may benefit from this social prescribing so if you or someone you know would like to be referred to us please contact 01387 269161 or email [email protected]

Dumfries and Galloway Advocacy Service is very pleased to welcome their Service Manager, Libby Ong to the team. Libby will be based in the Dumfries office and will cover the whole region. Dumfries and Galloway Advocacy Service delivers independent one to one and collective advocacy across the region. They support people with issues around their mental health including tribunals and communications with mental health teams, learning disability, physical disability, NHS and Local Authority issues such as communication with GP’s and Acute and Community Hospitals, Social Work, Child Protection, Children’s Hearings, Adults with Incapacity, Guardianship, Carers Issues, Autistic Spectrum, Older Person’s Issues, Adult Support and Protection and much more. An Independent Advocate works on a one to one basis with the client, or collectively with groups, to find solutions to their issues and helps them to understand the options that are available to them while protecting their rights and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. To get in touch or make a referral you can telephone them on 01387 247237 or email: [email protected] or message them through their website: www.dgadvocacy.co.uk

Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for people to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, and cadets. Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. This year’s Armed Forces Day activities begin on Monday 21 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a morale boost for the those who are currently on active duty and their families. The UK Armed Forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers, providing security, and countering terrorism. To find out more about what activities our Armed Forces are involved in see: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk https://www.army.mod.uk/ https://www.raf.mod.uk/

New Van for Food Sharing The Kelloholm Development Trust has been able to buy a new van, thanks to support from Upper Nithsdale Community Trust and funding from Whiteside Hill Covid Emergency Fund, Robertson Trust, and Foundation ’s Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund. The new wheels will support the collection, delivery and distribution of food in the , Kelloholm and Sanquhar areas and enhance the work of the Community Food Sharing in Upper Nithsdale Project. The van will be primarily used for carrying food and associated health and well-being activity packs/ equipment but it will also be a resource for the communities of Upper Nithsdale. The van isn’t for hire but will be available to appropriate and eligible community groups.

Contract Opportunity Springholm Primary Outdoor Nursery Lease Dumfries and Galloway Council are seeking to lease the premises to an experienced provider of Early Learning and Childcare with the appropriate qualifications and experience to support high quality play experiences for children with a focus on STEM in outdoor environments and which supports children’s curiosity, creativity, and problem solving. The provider will be expected to work in close partnership with the primary school and adhere to all criteria set out in Funding Follows the Child and The National standard for Early Learning and Childcare. To register your interest in this opportunity or to find out more go to https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Access/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fAu thority%2fNotice_PubView.aspx%3fID%3dMAR410403&ID=MAR410403

Carers Guide to Fire Safety leaflet shared on behalf of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to download a copy go to http://thirdsectordumgal.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2021/06/Carers-Guide-Fire-Safety-leaflet_v1.2-DIGITAL-1.pdf

Events Get into summer - FREE activities for children and young people find ideas to get out and about, connect with your friends and make new ones. There are lots of free things happening across Dumfries and Galloway, so take a look and find out what’s happening near you. For more information go to https://youthenquiryservice.org/whats-on Summer Outdoor Events at the Crichton They’re excited to be working with partners and promoters to bring you a brilliant programme of outdoor events at The Crichton. The programme includes a busy schedule of Summer Garden events, family-friendly theatre shows, pop-up opera and of course, the Doonhame Festival. By running their events outdoors this summer, they aim to minimise risks and keep everyone as safe as they can. Please have fun and stay safe. For more information go to https://www.crichton.co.uk/event/summer- garden/

Training Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway Training Programme 2021 Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway has released a new batch of training events free to organisations, groups, and volunteers within the region. The programme runs until December and covers subjects within funding; volunteering; governance; and outcomes, evaluation and monitoring. For more information go to http://thirdsectordumgal.org.uk/

Surveys and Consultations Dumfries and Galloway Council Have you used their adult and child protection social work services? If so, they would like to invite you to take part in this anonymous survey to gather your thoughts and feelings on your recent experience especially on the different ways of working during the Covid-19 pandemic. They would like to invite you to take part in a survey to gather your thoughts and feelings on your recent experience with Children and Families Social Work Services; especially on the different ways of working during the Covid 19 pandemic. To take part go to https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ChildrenandFamiliesCommunicationandEngage mentfeedbacksurvey/ Adults' experience of Adult, Support and Protection during the Covid 19 pandemic. To take part go to https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AdultsExperienceofAdultSupportandProtectionS urvey/ For more information about Public Protection please visit their website www.DGPPP.org.uk

Dynamically Different Dumfries Following a busy year of community conversations and digital workshops, the Dynamically Different Dumfries team is keen to share with you the many great ideas that they have heard so far. Importantly, they want to check with you that they are on the right track and if anything is missing before the draft Dumfries Town Centre Vision and Action Plan is finalised. Stay up to date about the Dynamically Different Dumfries project by signing up to the Dynamically Different Dumfries newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/m4a6a2_copy To help you give your feedback to the following questions, please view the exhibition boards either in person at one of the display locations around Dumfries town centre, or online. To view the exhibition boards online, or to complete this survey online, please visit: https://www.lovedumfries.co.uk/dynamic-dumfries/

Local Place Plan Regulations consultation The Scottish Government have begun consulting around the preparation, content, submission and registration of Local Place Plans - a new type of community-led plan. For more information and to take part go to https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and- communities/local-place-plan-regulations/

Your Police survey wants to know and understand the views of Scotland’s diverse communities. Your Police 2021-22 is now live on their Engagement Hub (Citizen Space) and Police Scotland is inviting anyone living in Scotland to take part. The survey is open all year and asks about your experiences of feeling safe in your community and what you think about the police. The survey also aims to help Police Scotland understand more about your experiences of interacting with the police service. Young people, and those who support them, are encouraged take part and to share the opportunity with anyone in their community – friends, family, neighbours; get them involved! 150 Young Scot Rewards points are on offer for taking part (more details at the end of the survey when you submit your response). For more information and to take part go to https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2021-2022/

Publications and reports Ambitious strategy for the future of the South of Scotland to be considered by Councils and SOSE ahead of summer consultation The time is now for the South of Scotland as the region takes a key step towards having its first ever Regional Economic Strategy (RES) with a summer consultation planned on a draft strategy which sets out a compelling vision and priorities for the region. The draft document has been shaped by analysis, evidence and extensive engagement on behalf of the new South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP). The REP, which brings together key partners from across the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, first met virtually in September and agreed that its immediate focus needed to be the development of a South of Scotland wide economic strategy. That strategy would shape the region’s future economic direction to set out a clear, collective, and compelling vision focussed on long term outcomes. Between February and March, significant engagement took place with those who live, work, and operate across the South via themed discussions, direct interviews, surveys, and online drop-in sessions to help shape the strategy. Just under 1000 people contributed their thoughts. Following this, work has taken place to bring together information into a draft strategy and to make it available for public consultation ahead of being finalised which is planned for September. The draft Strategy identifies six themes with a clear set of priorities under each. The themes are:● Skilled and ambitious people ● Innovative and enterprising ● Rewarding and fair work ● Cultural and creative excellence ● Green and sustainable economy ●Thriving and distinct communities If fully endorsed by SOSE, SBC and D&G Council, the consultation will be launched early July where there will be the opportunity for everyone to give their views. For more information go to https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/news/components-folder/filtered- listing-panel/ambitious-strategy-for-the-future-of-the-south-of-scotland-to-be- considered-by-councils-and-sose-ahead-of-summer-consultation

Funding 2021 SURF Awards Launched SURF’s annual awards process is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government. It is open to all community regeneration projects in Scotland that are currently in place or that have been completed within two years of the closing date. The purpose of the SURF Awards is:● To recognise and reward best practice and innovation in community regeneration; ● To promote and disseminate best practice across Scotland as means of sharing knowledge and experience, and thereby enhancing future policy and practice; ● To highlight the role that regeneration projects have in improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities. The SURF Awards has been running since 1998. It provides an opportunity for regeneration projects of all sizes to demonstrate value to funders and partners, support team-building and develop a national profile. SURF Award winners also receive additional show case opportunities through SURF activities throughout the following year. For more information go to https://www.surf.scot/surf-awards/

New Social Enterprise Loan The Catalyst Fund is a new type of social investment offering loans through a flexible, revenue-based repayment model. The fund is run by FirstPort, Scotland’s agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise. The fund is open all year round to ambitious social enterprises looking for social investment of over £50,000 to help them start and grow their business. Enterprises must have the potential to deliver significant social impact but are unable to access existing social investment products. For example, start-ups with significant set up costs or scale up costs that need more time to generate income before paying back their loans. The Catalyst Fund offers a flexible repayment model, this means that you begin to pay back a loan only when you have begun to generate revenue. The monthly repayment amount will be based on the revenue you have earned; on good trading months you will pay back more, on months where trading revenue is lower, you will pay back less. A model like this gives your social enterprise the time and flexibility it needs to grow at a pace that matches your ambitions. If you are interested in applying for the Catalyst Fund, the first step is to attend an information webinar on Thursday 24th June @ 3pm. For more information and to register for the webinar go to https://www.firstport.org.uk/social- investment/the-catalyst-fund/

10,000 Voices in Action - Round 2 voting begins for funding Organisations across Dumfries and Galloway are asking for votes to win part of £60,000 for projects that meet the priorities identified by young people within their ward area. For more information go to https://dga.communitychoices.scot/budgets

Life Changes Trust since the Trust began, they have funded work across five priority areas, so that people affected by dementia and young people with care experience can say: ● I live in a place that suits me and my needs ● I am able to be as independent as possible ● I get the help I need when I need it ● I feel safe, listened to, valued and respected ● I am empowered to do the things that are important to me. In their final years, they will continue to invest in these priority areas while also focussing on: ● the rights of their beneficiaries; ● the relationships of our beneficiaries; and ● the influence of our beneficiaries. For more information go to https://www.lifechangestrust.org.uk/funding- opportunities

Action Earth 2021 is open for applications now! We are currently living in a global climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. In Scotland we need to change how we view and use the world around us. A nature-rich future is our best response. In 2021 Volunteering Matters Action Earth is offering grants to help local communities to respond to climate change. Funded by NatureScot, these grants support volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in practical outdoor activities. Any group of volunteers are able to apply for Volunteering Matters Action Earth grants of between £50-250 to run environmental activities in Scotland’s green spaces. This could include creating or improving community gardens, wildflower meadows, ponds, woodlands or other wildlife habitats. In 2021 we are also offering a limited number of Action Earth Enhanced Grants up to £500 for projects which can demonstrate a significant health impact through working with people who have defined health or social needs. These grants are available to projects where a minimum of 50% of the volunteers involved will have defined health issues. Action Earth grant funding is provided by NatureScot. For more information go to https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/action-earth/

#ShiftThePower Scotland Comic Relief Fund supports organisations with passionate people to make meaningful change in their communities. The fund is now open to grassroots organisations and charities with an income of £400,000 or less whose work fits one of two strategic themes: Gender Justice – contributing to gender equality by reducing violence and discrimination based on gender and sexuality alongside increased opportunity, empowerment, and understanding for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ community. A Safe Place to Be – supporting people who have experienced homelessness or have been forced from their homes in order to live safely. This includes enabling people who have faced or are facing homelessness to resolve their situation and get support as well as supporting those who have been forced from their homes to build a new life, free from conflict, persecution, or trafficking. Groups to be supported are those affected by homelessness, including refugees and asylum seekers. The fund closing date is 20 August 2021 at 12pm. The fund is delivered by Corra Foundation working as an intermediary partner with Comic Relief in Scotland. For more information go to https://www.corra.scot/grants/revision-of-shiftthepower-scotland-comic-relief- fund/

Get into Summer This summer the Scottish Government is providing £20m to create opportunities for children and young people to socialise, play & reconnect. It will particularly benefit youngsters from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays. For more information go to https://www.gov.scot/news/get-into-summer/

Trust Awards The Trust awards educational grants to the benefit of those aged 21 or under who are in a situation of disadvantage and/or have additional support needs. Grants have previously been awarded for school trips; Bus passes; books and equipment; equipment for a special education need; and a wide range of other activities. Grants are also available for organisations and groups working with eligible young people. The Trust prioritises applications from Edinburgh and the Lothians, but funding for applications elsewhere in Scotland is possible in exceptional circumstances. The next deadline for applications is 30 July 2021. For more information go to https://www.wssociety.co.uk/charities/jwt/

Jobs SANQUHAR ENTERPRISE COMPANY Development Officer Vacancy. Sanquhar Enterprise Company is a community-led charity seeking its first part- time employee. Their aims are the advancement of citizenship and community development, provision of recreational facilities and the relief of those in need. The board of SEC request applications from those who have experience working with local community groups and funding bodies; excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrate good teamwork; good IT and social media skills; the ability to work with a variety of people and organisations; an inclusive approach. The post will focus on the development and implementation of projects and the long-term sustainability of the company. Closing date: 5th July 2021. For further information and an application form, please contact Kenneth McLean, Pollock & McLean, 61 High Street, Sanquhar. DG4 6DT. Telephone 01659 50241.

SHAX Dumfries SHOP SUPERVISOR VACANCY JUNE 2021 Job Summary The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of our town centre shop, working with our staff, volunteers and job placement trainees. Key tasks are to grow sales and promote our services. Base The post will be based at our new town centre shop in Dumfries. Accountability. The post is accountable to the Board of Trustees through the Social Enterprise Manager. Hours and Rate of Pay The post is 30 hours per week, Mondays to Saturdays over 5 days. The salary is £14,820 per annum (Real Living Wage, £9.50 per hour) This is a fixed-term, 1 year post with the possibility of extension. A PVG check is required for this post. A minimum of one relevant work reference is required. How to Apply Send your CV and a covering letter stating your experience for this role to: [email protected] or by post to: Joyce Harkness SHAX Merrick House Bankend Road, The Crichton Dumfries DG1 4TA Closing date is: Monday 28th June 2021

Volunteering Opportunities the hub – your community action centre is a local charity based in Dumfries that develops and delivers a range of social inclusion projects. We are an Investing in Volunteers accredited organisation and our volunteers are much valued team members. Current Volunteering Opportunities!

Telephone Befriender • Interested in helping older people who may be feeling isolated or lonely? • Enjoy chatting to people over the phone? • Have good communication skills? • Have knowledge and understanding of older peoples issues? • Like finding out what local sources of support and assistance are available? • Can you spare a few hours on a regular basis? If so then we have an interesting volunteering opportunity with our Winter Warmth for Older People Project. There may be potential for some home based volunteering. For more information contact: Karen on 01387 269191/07434 366128 email [email protected]

Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme Assistant • Interested in helping people on low incomes find a home to rent in Dumfries and Galloway? • Enjoy carrying out online research and finding out information? • Have good communication skills? • Experienced at using Microsoft packages and Windows 10? • Can you spare a few hours on a regular basis? If so then we have an interesting volunteering opportunity with our Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme that assists people in housing need find a home in the private rented sector. For more information contact Karen on 01387 269191/07434 366128 email [email protected]

Getting Connected Project Assistant • Experienced at completing a range of online application forms? • Experienced at updating ‘e’ forms and ‘e’ journals? • Experienced at creating and updating CV’s? • Friendly, patient and approachable? • Experienced at using computers and Windows 10? • Can you spare a few hours on a regular basis? If so then we have an interesting volunteering opportunity with our Getting Connected Project that assists people without internets enabled devices complete online forms/applications. For more information contact Dawn on 01387 269161/07434 366120 email [email protected]

SPRING Social Prescribing Project Assistant • Interested in supporting people to take up activities in their local community? • Interested in supporting people to make positive health choices? • Can you provide regular contact and a non-judgmental listening ear? • Are you a friendly, approachable person? • Are you able to motivate people to improve their health and wellbeing? • Do you have great people skills and a non-judgemental approach? • Can you spare a few hours on a regular basis? If so then we have an interesting volunteering opportunity with our SPRING Social Prescribing Project that supports people self-manage long term health conditions. For more information contact Dawn on 01387 269161/07434 366125 email [email protected]

Volunteers receive out of pocket travel expenses; a full induction and have an allocated member of staff to provide ongoing support and coaching.

We have implemented Covid-19 safety measures including PPE, floor and desk standing screens, hand sanitiser units. We operate an appointments system with intercom door entry to manage footfall to ensure social distancing for the safety of our staff, volunteers and the Public.

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PRIVACY NOTICE You can view our Privacy Notice at www.thehubdg.org.uk The Hub Dumfries and Galloway (t/a the hub – your community action centre) is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You can ask us to remove and delete your data from our records at any time by contacting us at [email protected] the hub - your community action centre 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries DG1 2RL Tel: 01387 269161 Email: [email protected] www.thehubdg.org.uk the hub – your community action centre provides affordable, accessible co-working space and development support for non-profit distributing groups and organisations. Meeting/training rooms and hot desking facilities are also available. We develop and deliver a range of projects and services that assist people and local communities. Working together - making a difference!

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