Lee Brockhurst Village Hall benefits from Community Asset grant

Thanks to a grant of £6,500 from the Community Asset Pilot Grant Scheme from Shropshire Council, Lee Brockhurst Village Hall is putting the finishing touches on its large renovation project that has saved the much-used community building from collapse, according to its Trustees.

Lee Brockhurst is a small, somewhat isolated, but tightly knit, community in North Shropshire. “The Hall was probably two years from collapse before Covid hit” said Dave Proctor, one of the Hall’s Trustees and its Treasurer.

But to lose the hall would mean losing the heart of the Lee Brockhurst community. The hall serves as the central gathering place for everything from Women’s Institute meetings to youth band practice, children’s Scouting events to whist evenings run for the elderly. Additionally, village events are held there monthly, such as quiz evenings and skittles. The hall also serves as the local polling station.

Just as the Hall itself brings the community of Lee Brockhurst together, so, too, has its renovation. When Michael Green, Trustee and Chairperson, began raising money for repairs, the whole community pitched in with the fundraising and work effort.

While Mike and Dave applied for public and private grants, community members also contributed to the effort in their own ways. One village child raised £120 baking cookies to sell to help with the rebuild, while other community members gave direct or in-kind donations. Several villages helped to install the new kitchen, bought with Covid recovery funds. One local farmer volunteered to remove the soil and debris following the installation of the new foundation.

The funds from the Community Asset grant will provide for a local business to finish off the three-year community effort by decorating the high walls and ceiling of the newly renovated building, providing a fresh new look to the revitalised community space. “It looks absolutely brilliant down there,” says Dave Proctor.

A small development of new housing has recently been constructed in the village and Dave says that several new residents have already asked about when the Hall will re-open. Some have even dedicated time to the renovation efforts.

“It’s been a community effort to do this,” says Dave. “And it means we’ve got our future secured.”

Grants totalling more than £140,000 were awarded to community groups across Shropshire to boost their recovery from the pandemic as part of the council’s government-funded ARG programme.

The design of the pilot grant scheme to benefit community assets is thanks in large part to a VCSA-led discussion with voluntary and community partners to make recommendations about the best ways to target the ARG funds. 

Reminder: Adults with learning disabilities entitled to annual health check

Shropshire Council's Community Partnerships Team wants to remind everyone that adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability are entitled to an annual health check.  

Annual health checks are important – even if the person does not feel unwell.

GP practices will invite patients on their learning disability register to an annual health screening. Check if you are on your GP’s Learning Disability register by contacting your GP Practice.

Further information on annual health checks for adults with a learning disability and what they entail can be found on Shropshire Council’s Adults with a Learning Disability web page.

Latest 'Donor Pulse' report looks at how the cost of living crisis could impact charitable giving

The seventh edition of 'Donor Pulse' - a quarterly report issued by Enthuse, has been released. 

The study looks at the current financial position of the public and how this has changed over the last six months. It covers the main drivers behind how people are feeling financially, and how different changes are affecting different income groups. It then examines how people’s financial situation is impacting on their ability to give to charity, and how this varies across the UK.

Finally the report looks in more detail about how the public is feeling about the future, and how
ready they are to move on and start planning ahead again or whether concerns around Covid
are stopping them from committing to longer term activities. It also looks at what is holding people back from planning and whether the public see Covid or the cost of living as a bigger concern.

The research examines how people are feeling about taking part in fundraising events and campaigns, the types of events they want to engage with, and what helps them to drive their fundraising when participating.

Download the full 30-page report here. The report's five key takeaways can be found on page 28.

Book your stall for Oswestry CultureFest 2022

Oswestry CultureFest will be held on Saturday 10 September 2022 in Cae Glas Park.  It celebrates the wide cultural diversity in Oswestry and the surrounding area - not only ‘mainstream’ culture but diversity which is less often celebrated such as alternative lifestyles, disability, sexual orientation, faiths and beliefs, ethnicity and age.

The day is about highlighting some of the local minority cultures, enhancing their day-to-day visibility and inclusion - celebrating differences as a positive contribution to Oswestry’s vibrant community.  

The whole event is free to the public.

Arts Connection is looking for local organisations and groups to run information stalls and activities to present themselves to the public, with a focus on their equality, diversity, inclusivity, anti-discrimination, human rights and anti-hate crime work.

Stalls are free but a donation to Arts Connection would be much appreciated and would help in organising the event again.  

Stalls will be prioritised to Oswestry-based groups, and the first to book. A variety of groups and organisations are already confirming that they intend to be there.  

Arts Connection will then send you confirmation of your booking. Closer to the date you will receive a poster for promotion, details on setting up and so forth. The day is likely to run from 10am to 3pm (excluding set up and take down).  

Click here to complete your stall booking form.

Survey: Shrewsbury Castle Conservation Management Plan

Shropshire Council, on behalf of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, have commissioned Arrol Architects and TDR Heritage to produce an updated Conservation Management Plan for Shrewsbury Castle and grounds by Autumn 2022. 

As members of the voluntary and community sector, you are invited to give your views on the significance of the Castle and how your organisations use and value it. They are also keen to understand any issues that you think they should consider or initiatives we should be aware of.

Input is being collected via a short online survey which should only take 10 minutes to complete. The deadline for responses is 5pm on 27^th May 2022. 

You can also email TDR Heritage with any information, comments or questions. Including letting them know if you need the survey in a different format.

What is a Conservation Management Plan? 

The purpose of the Conservation Management Plan is to better understand the site in its entirety, informing how it can best be cared for and sustained for future generations to enjoy. The aim is that it will be a usable, practical document to guide both day to day management and longer-term planning. 

In particular it will: 

1. Detail the history and development of the site  
2. Explain the historic, cultural and natural significance of the site including the Castle, grounds, Laura’s Tower and Soldiers of Shropshire Museum  
3. Identify issues or vulnerabilities that may affect site management  
4. Identify gaps in knowledge which need to be addressed 
5. Develop usable and informative policies or ‘principles’ to help guide future management and development 
6. Identify and prioritise any necessary repair works 
7. Set priorities for enhancing physical and intellectual access to the Castle and its collections 
8. Set out any opportunities to enhance the site as a visitor attraction, including interpretation.  

Why now? 

The existing Conservation Management Plan was written in 2001 and needs updating to reflect evolving repair, maintenance and management requirements.  However, reviewing it now also provides the opportunity to consider how the Castle can support current priorities for the town as set out in The Shrewsbury Big Town Plan and county-wide strategies such as the Local Plan, Growth Strategy and emerging Cultural Strategy for Shropshire.  

Free online workshop: celebrating pride

19th May 12:00-1:00pm

Free online NPC event - 

The cost of living crisis: can charities be the only safety net?

6th June 2022, 2:30-4pm

The cost of living crisis is becoming a reality for nearly everyone that the charity sector supports.

After having come through the Covid-19 pandemic, many in the sector are justifiably concerned for the resilience of organisations NPC research suggested was already stretched thin before the pandemic began. With a dangerous potential combination of increased demand, reduced access to volunteers, inflationary pressures on income and reduced donations, it is unclear whether organisations around the country will weather the shock this time.

This event will explore:

• What role charities are currently playing in our society.
• What the deeper causes of this shift is.
• What role we think they should be playing.

At this event participants will hear perspectives on the current crisis, what wider changes we need to see for charities to be able to continue to serve their communities, and what role charities have in bringing those changes about. Speakers include, Sumi Rabindrakumar, Head of Policy and Research at The Trussell Trust.

 Click here to book your free place.

To watch previous NPC events visit their YouTube Channel.

Next Generation Sustainable Living Family Fair 

This event is taking place on Saturday 28th May from 11am - 4pm at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. 

The event will feature a Sustainable Living exhibition of over 20 different charities, groups and organisations from across Shropshire and lots of family fun, children's activities, a dog show and a full day of live music and dance performance. It's completely free!

This is a good opportunity to network with other food-related charities and social enterprises.

Check out the event page for more information.

Two positions: Energize

Marketing and Communications Officer

Location: Hybrid, working within the office in Shrewsbury and from home.

Hours: Full time (37 hours per week). The post has flexible working, with some evenings and occasional weekend work, but it is intended for the role to be mainly delivered during weekdays, office hours.

Salary: £23,721 - £27,603 depending on experience

Contract: Fixed Term to March 2027

Job closes on 11.59pm on Monday 16th May 2022.

Full job details and application form are available on their website.

Empowering Communities Manager (Community Engagement Manager)

Location: Hybrid, working within the office in Shrewsbury and from home.

Hours: Full time (37 hours per week). The post has flexible working, with some evenings and occasional weekend work, but it is intended for the role to be mainly delivered during weekdays, office hours.

Salary: £29,651 to £33,709 depending on experience

Job closes on 11.59pm on Monday 16th May 2022.

Full job details and application form are available on their website.

Three positions: Qube

Finance Officer – Part-time 22.5 hours per week

Qube need a detail focused, organised, approachable Finance Officer to support the financial operation and administration of Qube. You’ll be a qualified or part qualified bookkeeper (AAT, ICB or IAB), or be able to demonstrate that you’ve built up equivalent work experience.

This is a part time permanent employment contract and the 22.5 hours can be worked flexibly.

Please visit the Qube website for a recruitment pack and application form (please note CVs will not be accepted).  Closing Date:  19^th May, 2022

Social Prescribing Community Development Officer – Part-time 22.5 hrs per week

Social prescribing is a non-medical ‘prescription’ which supports people to make positive changes to their lives. This post will support voluntary and community groups across north Shropshire, to become more involved with social prescribing.  This will involve working closely with the Voluntary sector and Health/Public sectors to provide information and advice, networking opportunities and the development of services where gaps are identified.

The successful applicant will have experience of working within the voluntary sector and a good knowledge of voluntary sector structures, policies and procedures. 

This is a 2 year fixed term contract with the option for a further year dependant on funding

Please visit the Qube website for a recruitment pack and application form (please note CVs will not be accepted).  Closing Date:  19^th May, 2022

Community Transport Assistant – Part-time 30 hrs per week

Qube has operated a Dial-a-Ride and Community Car Service for 30 years serving the local community. You will need experience of working in a transport or logistics office environment, and knowledge of the local Oswestry area.  Previous experience of working with volunteers is preferred but not essential.  You will need strong IT skills and be willing to drive a minibus when necessary

This is a part time permanent employment contract

Please visit the Qube website for a recruitment pack and application form (please note CVs will not be accepted).  Closing Date:  19^th May, 2022

Three positions: Big Solar Co-op

Big Solar Co-op are currently recruiting for 3 new roles delivering Big Solar Co-op in Birmingham, Stroud and Shropshire & Telford.

Working together with local community partners in each area they are looking for Big Solar Co-op Local Coordinators to join their team. Each role is part-time at £24k (pro rata) and on a fixed term contract basis for 1 year.

These roles are focused on finding new solar sites, working with local volunteers and site owners to design solar schemes, and then getting them built through Big Solar Co-op’s 100% co-operatively-owned structure.

For more details and to apply follow these links:

Big Solar Co-op local coordinator (Stroud)

Big Solar Co-op local coordinator (Shropshire & Telford)

Big Solar Co-op local coordinator (Birmingham)

Two positions: Telford and Wrekin CVS

Media Assistant

Salary: £5,094 per annum (FTE: £18,341 per annum): 10 hours per week: Permanent contract

Download now: the full job advert, job description, application form and privacy notice. Closing date for applications is Friday, 20th May at 3pm.

For an informal discussion, please email Laura Thorogood, Carers Service Manager.

Telford Autism Hub Team Assistant (Children 0 – 16 years)

Salary: £9,170 per annum, 18 hours per week: Temporary contract until 31 March 2024

Download now: the full job advert, job description, and application form. Closing date for applications is Friday, 13th May at 3pm.

For an informal discussion email Julie Collins (Children’s Service Manager) or phone on 01952
457439.

Volunteer Opportunity:

Remap Shropshire

Do you like to work with your hands or do DIY? Remap Shropshire and Mid-Wales are looking for volunteers to help support the work of this entirely volunteer-led organisation. 

Remap is a national charity which produces aids and equipment for people with disabilities/difficulties where there are no suitable alternatives. This service is provided free of charge and is delivered entirely by volunteers. Our volunteers are experienced engineers/craftsmen/DIYers with a wide variety of skills. Each piece of equipment is tailor-made to suit the specific needs of one individual and is for their personal use only.

We usually work with or referred by health professionals like Occupational Therapists to ensure that the equipment meets the needs of each person but self-referrals are welcome. The service is free but donations are always appreciated and go towards the cost of materials and travel.

Applications from prospective volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit their website. You can also email Shropshire Chairman John Graham or phone him on 07807 113285. 

Not interested in volunteering yourself, but know someone who might be, or who could benefit from their services? Download their printable leaflet.

Image: Rupert's standing table, courtesy of Remap. To learn more about how Remap helped Rupert, check out his story here.

Grants to support Great Big Green Week 2022

Small and medium grants are available to support activities for the Great Big Green week 24th Sept - 2nd Oct.

Our Great Big Green Week Community Fund supports community groups to organise local events, activities and festivals during the Great Big Green Week 2022. These should engage the local community and celebrate action and progress being made on climate change.

Small grants range from £200 - £500 and medium grants from £500-£5,000.

Full fund details and application information are available on the Great Big Green Week Community Fund website.

Applications are due by 30th June 2022.

Grant Funding for Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities & Food) 2022 Programme

Shropshire Council invite applications from local schools, voluntary and community organisations and childcare providers to apply for grant funding, to run exciting and high-quality programmes of activity, during the summer and winter school holidays 2022.

Applicants will need to commit to delivering a programme of activity during both the Summer and Winter school holidays. One Application Form is to be submitted, to cover both holiday periods and one grant will be awarded.

We want to commission a rich and diverse programme of activities delivered by organisations from the private, voluntary and public sector that respond to local need, draws in the wider community and is delivered in a variety of ways.

The programmes of activity will need to take place during Monday 25^th July to Friday 2^nd September 2022 (summer school holiday) AND Monday 19^th to Friday 23^rd December 2022 (first week of the Christmas school holiday) for children and young people aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for HAF.

Please ensure you have read the Guidance Notes and Criteria before filling in an Application Form. Guidance notes and link to online Application Form can be found here

If you have any questions about the Guidance Notes and Criteria or require assistance to complete an Application Form, please email the Shropshire HAF Co-Ordinator. If you have not applied for HAF funding previously, please contact the HAF Co-Ordinator before making an application, to discuss your HAF programme.

The deadline for applications is: 9am Tuesday 17^th May.

More information about the Shropshire HAF programme, its purpose and its background can be found on the HAF website.