VCSA Member Feature: PEGS

A Shropshire based social enterprise is shining a light on a formerly-hidden type of domestic abuse.

Michelle John – founding director of PEGS - began offering support to parents, carers and guardians experiencing Child to Parent Abuse just over two years ago, helping more than 2,000 individuals in that time.

The organisation has also trained frontline professionals across the UK (including police officers, charity volunteers, and social workers); consulted on the development of regional and national policy and frameworks; helped write the Home Office CPA guidance for the Domestic Abuse Bill document; launched a DWP-backed Employer Covenant; and raised awareness through print, radio, broadcast, digital and social media.

Michelle explains:

“CPA impacts at least 3% of UK households – probably more, yet the true prevalence and impact is unknown due to a history of under-reporting and lack of research. We now have dedicated researchers and campaigners who are helping to highlight the issue – but there is a long way to go before CPA is known about, and understood, on the same scale as intimate partner domestic abuse.

It has a profound impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole – with parents being verbally or physically attacked, some every single day; being forced to reduce their hours or give up work; experiencing financial abuse, coercion, control and even sexual abuse. Roughly every 19 days in England and Wales, a parent dies at the hands of their child.

We support any parent being impacted by CPA (regardless of the age of their child, including adult offspring), while working alongside other organisations who directly support the children. We always listen to, believe, and empower parents who share their experiences with us – providing safe spaces for them to share what’s going on behind closed doors.”

And PEGS is growing - they have just received a £300,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the growth of their work. The money will help PEGS to open a new hub, take on additional staff, and to support an increase in services such as calls, drop-ins, advocacy, workshops and programmes.

As part of their mission, PEGS is set to host the first-ever Child to Parent Abuse Awareness Day this autumn (Friday 14^th October) – they’re inviting individuals and organisations to help spread the message by hosting an event, posting on social media, or sharing information with their colleagues or friends. 

Anyone who’d like to host an event can email PEGS to receive a resources pack. If the event will be open to the public, PEGS will share the details on their website and across their social media. You can also download a graphic here that you can share on social media to raise awareness for CPA Awareness Day..

To find out more about the social enterprise, which supports parents across the UK and has its headquarters in Shrewsbury, simply visit their website or search PEGS Support across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Interested in having your organisation's stories of success featured in the VCSA newsletter, website or social media? We want to hear from you! Email us

Charity Commission Proposes 16 Extra Questions to Annual Return 

The Charity Commission is running a consultation on its proposed new approach to the annual return, and a new set of questions it plans to include. These changes would come into effect from 1 January 2023.

The Commission is proposing to implement a maximum of 16 new questions around themes including financial governance, charity operations and structure and employees and volunteers. Its questions aim to collect additional data in relation to specific risks to ensure greater accountability and transparency across the sector. 

For instance, charities will be asked whether 70% or more of their total income depends on one income stream and whether a quarter or more comes from donations to determine whether they have exceeded certain thresholds. 

Read the full story on Civil Society news.

In a recent blog post, the NCVO is urging all charities to provide their feedback on the Charity Commission's consultation about the additional questions. You can do so here, and this consultation is also listed in our roundup of Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities (below).

New NPC Research:

Full Cost Recovery in VCSE Contracts

New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) have produced new research conducted in partnership with Kent County Council on the benefits of full cost recovery contracts, and the risks of not delivering contracts on this basis.

Through their research they found practical tweaks which could help providers make good decisions around full cost recovery within the traditional commissioning model, especially around how overheads are budgeted for. Tight budgets mean difficult strategic choices will still remain, so they recommend a collaborative approach to navigating these.

Ultimately councils and voluntary groups across Britain share the same goal of ensuring that people in their communities enjoy excellent services. The NPC hope this research helps commissioners and providers to work together to achieve that.

Download the full report here.

Shrewsbury Is Being Transformed Into a Giant Community-wide Game!

VCSE organisations in Shrewsbury have an incredible opportunity to get involved in this community-wide game. With benefits for health and wellbeing and community-building, this is a perfect event to promote to many of your service beneficiaries!

From 29 June to 10 August, join your community team to earn points, get active and win prizes in this free, fun, 6-week walking and cycling game.

Let’s boost physical and mental health

Being physically active improves physical and mental health and boosts mood, immunity and relieves stress. Beat the Street helps you remain active even after the game.

On your marks… Grab your cards

You will be given a card to use along with the map on the reverse of this leaflet. Use the card to play the game and collect those all-important points.

Get set… Register for prizes and more

Register your card at beatthestreet.me/shrewsbury to win prizes, track scores, join our health survey to earn extra points, and get the latest information about the game.

Go! Find your local Beat Box

1. Explore your local area, finding Beat Boxes using the map.
2. Hover your card at the contactless Beat Box until it beeps and flashes.
3. Visit 2 Beat Boxes within an hour and collect 10 points for each Beat Box – this is 20 points for the journey.
4. Carry on your journey. Score 10 points for each extra Box you visit.

Be COVID-19 safe while Playing Beat the Street

• Beat the Street Beat Boxes are contactless so it’s a perfect way to exercise and have fun with friends outdoors.
• Don’t touch cards belonging to others
• Wash your hands after playing!

Every week there is a new ‘Go’ challenge to keep you busy, active and having fun. Keep your eyes peeled for Go Play, Go Travel, Go Wild, Go Active, Go Explore and Go Celebrate – visit the website at beatthestreet.me/shrewsbury to see what’s on.

Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities

The VCSA newsletter will now contain a regular feature highlighting current open surveys and engagement opportunities that are relevant for VCSE organisations and their beneficiaries.

Flyers/materials for distribution will be made available for download as well as any relevant links. If you have engagement opportunities to share/list here please email Sarah Hampson, VCS Insight and Engagement Officer at Shropshire Council to have it included in an upcoming newsletter.

Live Well Telford: Telford & Wrekin are developing an Aging Well Strategy to help plan for the future. They want to reach out to as many people over the age of 50 as we can, to hear their views on growing older. The survey is only three questions. Closing 23rd June

• Survey link

SaTH Breast Screening Mobile Unit Temporary Service Change: The Trust is proposing a temporary service change to the Breast Screen mobile service to Market Drayton and Bridgnorth to help them catch up screening appointments following the pandemic. It is proposed that temporarily their breast screening service is centralised to the main hospital sites. This will allow them to make the most efficient use of all available capacity in terms of staffing and resources.  The proposed change in service is temporary and they plan to return with the mobile screening unit to Market Drayton and Bridgnorth in Spring 2025. Closing 24th June

• Registration link for public workshop 24th June 6pm

Cambrian Heritage Railways Survey: Cambrian Heritage Railways are inviting local organisations and residents to complete the following survey, which includes asking for support for the reopening of the railway between Gobowen and Oswestry. Closing 24th June

• Survey link

Family Information Needs Survey: The Family Information Service is keen to make sure that the information it provides, and the way in which it's provided, meets the ever-changing needs of families in Shropshire. Closing 24th June

• Survey link
• Need alternative format, email or phone 0345 678 9000
• Post feedback to: Feedback and Insight team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire. SY2 6ND

Victim Support: LGBT+ Support Services: Victim Support West Mercia want to gain a greater understanding of the visibility of victim / survivor support services in the LGBTQI+ communities in the region. They are also very interested in understanding any additional barriers/challenges to accessing such services; and/or reporting to the police. They would appreciate sharing of the survey with your beneficiaries as well as any feedback from the VCSE. Closing 30th June

• Survey link

Coton Hill House service reconfiguration: consultation is designed to obtain the views of local residents and all stakeholders prior to making the planning application in summer 2022 for change of use of Coton Hill House, from a residential home to a supported housing scheme. Closing 30th June

• Survey link
• Send feedback via email
• Post feedback to: Feedback and Insight team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire. SY2 6ND

Housing allocations policy revisions: Have your say on draft revisions to Shropshire Council's Housing Allocations policy. Closing 3rd July

• Download full draft revisions
• Send feedback via email

Libraries strategy 2022-2027: Provide your feedback on the draft strategy, which describes the changes the Library Service will make to be at the forefront of the council’s future relationship with its residents, and how the service will work in partnership with others to deliver the county’s priorities. Closing 3rd August

• Survey link
• Download executive summary
• Download full draft strategy
• Download FAQs

Charities Commission Annual Return Consultation: A consultation on its proposed new approach to the annual return, and a new set of up to 16 questions it plans to include. These changes would come into effect from 1 January 2023. Closing 1st September

• Survey link

Healthwatch: 999 and ambulance services feedback. Healthwatch want to understand how the current strains on the ambulance service are impacting people’s health and lives. No closing date

• Survey link

Healthwatch: Accessible Information Standard survey as part of the 'Your Care, Your Way' campaign. Closing date TBD

• Survey link
• Healthwatch Your Care, Your Way website
• NHS Accessible Information Standard information leaflet (accessible version)
• Healthwatch campaign information leaflet (accessible version)
• Accessible Information Standard video (accessible)

Shropshire Refugee Week 

19th - 26th June

Shropshire Supports Refugees and local partners have joined together to create a huge programme of events and activities in celebration and support of local refugees.

These include:

• Ukranian Street Food taster at Belle Vue Gardens
• Syrian Coffee and Henna Mehndi at Riverside Shopping Centre
• Book talks on Jewish refugee experiences in Britain at the University Centre Shrewsbury Guildhall
• Clay workshops in Madeley and Shrewsbury
• and much more!

Visit their website for the full list of events and please do what you can to spread the word via your networks!

Telford & Wrekin Armed Forces Family Fun Day

Saturday 25 June

Come down to Broadoaks Playing Field, Donnington on Saturday 25 June 10.30am - 4pm and join in the fun and celebrations for Armed Forces Day.  

Telford & Wrekin Council have a Family Fun Day planned with music from the Bluebird Belles, sporting activities for children including basketball and boxing and military vehicles on display. 

There will also be 1940s School activities, a local World War Two re-enactment group, the Calm Café on the Road, activities from Armed Forces Covenant members, arts and crafts and lots more!

Click here for more information.

In The Café with SAND (Safe Ageing No Discrimination)

22nd June 2 – 4pm at Palmers Café in Shrewsbury 

This is a regular monthly get-together with a theme for the over-50s who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi or Trans.  It’s a chance to chat, share information and talk about things that affect LGBT people as we age.

Come along for a warm welcome and interesting conversations. Joining them In The Café is one of the many ways that SAND would welcome your involvement. Be part of creating a better experience for LGBT+ people as we age. 

The theme for the next get-together is: "Thinking about getting some support to be able to continue living in your own home?"

This month SAND have invited a Care Service Manager to come to In The Cafe. Come and meet Karen from Radfield, the first domiciliary care service in Shropshire to sign-up to making their service more inclusive of the needs of LGBT+ people. Bring your thoughts and questions.

Visit their website for more details and a map or please email Fran Jackson or ring 01743 590023.

Telford and Wrekin at its Best 

July 6th 9:30am - 2:30pm at Meeting Point House in Telford

Come join the Telford and Wrekin Unlocking Potential Alliance for an event that they hope will inspire you, encourage you and help build on the strength of your knowledge and work within the borough.  

A full-day event to talk and share progress from the work of the Unlocking Potential Alliance and Lloyds Bank Foundation People and Communities; the opportunity to help shape and influence the next steps of the work; and to ascertain the role we all play in enabling the unlocking of potential for those living and working in the borough by sharing successes, work being undertaken and further opportunities.   

The event will include a light network breakfast and lunch followed by opportunities to understand other ways to engage, benefit and be involved in areas of Lloyds Bank Foundation work within the borough.   

This event is open to all: those familiar to the work of the alliance; those new to the work and want to learn more or those who want to be engaged in its development.  

More detail and a link to register for this exciting event can be found on their Eventbrite page. 

The Procurement Bill: A Voluntary Sector Response 

Online - 12th July 10.30-11.30

The Lloyds Foundation for England and Wales in partnership with the NCVO is hosting an online discussion on the Procurement Bill.

The Procurement Bill sets out the proposed new rules that will shape how government at all levels ‘buys’ public services. If you are involved in public service delivery, the new rules will affect you. They are being introduced now that we no longer have to follow EU procurement laws.

The Bill, published in May, proposes some changes to the rules which Lloyds Bank Foundation think could be helpful for charities. Yet they think the Bill doesn’t reach its potential and that there are a number of areas where it could be strengthened to increase small charities’ ability to access funding alongside improving the public services that people access.

If you’re keen to find out more about the Bill and discuss what needs to change, join the Lloyds Bank Foundation for a session they're hosting in partnership with NCVO on 12^th July from 10:30 – 11:30.

You can find out more and register to attend on their Eventbrite site.

Tackling Food Insecurity in South West Shropshire - 

Community Project Coordinator

 Are you passionate about making a difference, making society fairer and working for an organisation that values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination? 

This exciting role will involve working with communities in South West Shropshire to develop sustainable community-led solutions to reduce health inequalities by focussing on food insecurity.

The post is funded by the Health Foundation and Local Government Association until September 2024 as part of the Shaping Places for Healthier Lives Program. The project is a partnership between Citizens Advice Shropshire, Shropshire Council, Public Health.

They encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Fixed-term contract until 30^th September 2024.

Part-time 30 hours per week.

Salary £24,920 pro-rata (Actual £20,205)

To start as soon as possible.

The post will be subject to a DBS check.

Closing date:            12 midday Monday 4^th July 2022

Interviews:               11^th/13^th July 2022

For more information and to apply visit the Citizens Advice Shropshire website.

Multiple Opportunities:

Shropshire Mental Health Support

Paid roles:

Shropshire Mental Health Support is a multi-award winning charity based in Abbey Foregate. They support people living in Shropshire with their mental health needs. Due to demand and increase in the services they deliver, Shropshire Mental Health Support has some exciting opportunities for experienced staff who are committed, reliable and passionate about supporting people with their mental health.

If you have experience of working and supporting people within the mental health sector, if you have an insight into service provision and are passionate and dedicated to supporting people with a truly person-centred approach, then they would like to hear from you.

They have several vacancies for permanent and relief support staff to cover various hours throughout the week, both in existing services and new services they are starting soon.

For further information/discussion, to find out more, and to obtain an application form, please email Heather or email Katie or phone 01743 368647

Volunteer Opportunities:

Shropshire Mental Health Support is also looking for volunteers! Do you have some experience of working with people who live with poor mental health? Volunteering with Shropshire Mental Health Support can help you gain more understanding, to widen your experience and to find out about their person-centred approach.

Volunteer posts in Shrewsbury include:

• Telephone support service
• Various support groups
• Walking groups
• Calmer Café

If you are interested, please contact Shropshire Mental Health Support on 01743 368647

Trustee/Treasurer Needed: Tennis Shropshire

Tennis Shropshire would like to recruit an accountant to join the Committee of Trustees of Tennis Shropshire, acting as Treasurer for the organisation and providing financial and commercial leadership to the Trustees and to the organisation generally. If you have an accountancy qualification, an interest in community sport and a wish to contribute to the health and wellbeing of your community then this could be the role for you.

Tennis Shropshire is a registered charity, affiliated to the LTA and is run by the Committee of Trustees
made up of volunteers from across Shropshire who share a common goal of supporting and promoting
participation in tennis across the county.

Tennis Shropshire is opening a community tennis centre, funded through a combination of grant and
loan funding, and has also recently registered for VAT. The County has also become a registered charity and is required to comply with the governance requirements of both the Charities Commission and the LTA. Accordingly the County would like to appoint an experienced accountant to replace our long-serving treasurer who has decided to step down after a number of years of service.

The treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation fully complies with charity
accounting and the financial aspects of the wider governance requirements. They will also be
responsible for liaising with the LTA, other funders and sponsors, for filing annual accounts, for
drafting an annual budget which supports the delivery of the County’s strategic plan and for providing
reports to the Trustees on expenditure against budget and other financial matters. They will also be
responsible for raising and paying invoices and will provide financial leadership to the Trustees
generally, as well as acting as a member of the Committee of Trustees.

In addition to an accountancy qualification an interest in tennis would be an advantage but is not
essential. Nor is it essential to live in Shropshire although some in person attendance at Trustee and
other ad hoc meetings will be required. Time commitment to the role is anticipated as being around
24 days per annum, and an honorarium of £1,300 will be paid to the successful candidate who will
also have the opportunity to attend major national tennis events.

For an informal chat please email Fiona Jones, Tennis Shropshire Chair or phone 07549 045885.

Download a Trustee Recruitment Pack here. To apply for the position please email Fiona Jones with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the post. Closing date for applications is 30th June 2022.

Would You Like to Volunteer for Newport’s Emerging Community Theatre Company?

Moonstruck Astronaut community theatre company is seeking volunteers to join their team and help them succeed in filling the gap in supporting local children’s creative development.

There are multiple volunteering roles available, including:

• fundraising and grants applications
• social media and digital marketing
• marketing and PR
• drama workshop assistants
• photography and filming

Volunteers must be 16+ and there is no upper age limit.

To find out more about Moostruck Astronaut, you can:

• Watch their one-minute film here!
• Visit their website
• Visit their Facebook page
• Visit the Volunteer Telford website

Moonstruck Astronaut is based in Newport, Shropshire. Their mission is to bring the local community of Newport, Shropshire together through theatre projects and foster friendship, self-expression, belonging and confidence, first with primary-school age children, then extending to young people and adults in time. They run a Youth Theatre in Newport and outdoor Drama in the Forest workshops at Wrekin Forest School. 

You are also welcome to email Hannah de Quincey, Artistic Director, or phone her on 07961 050961.

They aim to facilitate as many offers of volunteer support as possible, including but not exclusively:

• ESOL
• Befriending
• Interpreting and Translation (Do you speak Pashto, Dari, Ukrainian or Russian? You are especially needed!)
• Tutor of school age children 
• Fund raising
• Other Services, such as counselling and youth work
• Coordinating, collecting and sorting donated items
• Local area orientation 
• Social Media

Shropshire Supports Refugees is now partnering with Shropshire Infrastructure Partnerships, due to the huge increase in demand for services and the corresponding need for volunteers. A SIP team member will be assisting us in coordinating our volunteers and processing their DSB checks.

Click here to make contact with Duncan at SIP, and please also contact the SSR admin so that they can list you on their system too.