Latest Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Booklet Now Available

The latest Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in Shropshire online resource booklet is now available.

This resource has been produced to provide a quick reference on the support available locally and can be used by individuals or professionals to help signpost. This resource is intended to provide a first point of contact overview rather than to be a full directory.

The information is organised by type of support required, this includes contact details and information of who can most benefit as well as how to access.

The 18-page booklet can be downloaded here, or obtained from the Healthy Shropshire website. 

New Report Anticipates Another Cold Winter for UK Households

A new report on a survey by Which? has revealed that an estimated 13 million households didn’t turn on their heating when it was cold last winter.

The research also found that some consumers – such as lower-income households and those aged 45-64 years old – were more likely than others to not turn the heating on when it is cold.

Emily Seymour, Which? Energy Editor, said:

“It’s hugely concerning that an estimated 13 million households have not switched the heating on when it’s cold due to fears of high energy bills.

“Our research shows that certain groups – such as lower-income households and families with children – are more likely to be left in the cold this winter."

RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, said the Which? Survey findings come as no surprise:

“As winter approaches, many people in rural areas are facing another cold one, despite Ofgem lower its price cap last week.

“People living in rural households who responded to our [RSN Cost of Living] survey earlier this year told us they were wearing more clothing, sitting underneath blankets or duvets, running their heating for shorter periods, living in fewer rooms and turning down the thermostat to try and save money. Some also described how the constant cold was affecting their physical health or mental wellbeing."

Read more about the Which? Survey here. 

Excerpted from the Rural Services Network newsroom - read the full story here.

Podcasts of Interest

Looking for a way to keep up on the latest big issues in the sector, or dive deeper into a particular issue? Check out these popular podcasts aimed at organisations like yours:

Charity Questions is a new podcast run by the Directory of Social Change where guests answer questions listeners send in about the charity sector. In their latest episode, the author of Managing without Profit, Mike Hudson, talks about how CEOs can build a robust strategy, CEO and Board relationships and sector burn-out.

Third Sector Podcast is a long-running weekly series focusing on charities and the non-profit sector. In their latest episode, Third Sector editor Emily Burt and senior multimedia reporter Lucinda Rouse are joined by Carol Botten, chief executive of the north east voluntary sector network Vonne, and Jack Chellman, chief project officer at the Global Returns Project, to understand how voluntary organisations can measure the impact of their climate work.

The Charity CEO Podcast aims to inspire, inform and deliver practical insights on the challenges facing charity and non-profit leaders. The latest episode features a discussion with Laura Kyrke-Smith Executive Director, International Rescue Committee UK.

Free Training Opportunities for VCS Organisations in September

Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, with funding from Sport England, are offering a range of FREE training courses during September.

These courses are available for individuals working in or supporting not for profit voluntary and community organisations delivering sport and physical activity across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Attendance will be booked on a first come, first serve basis, so don't miss out!

The courses have been selected based on feedback from local voluntary and community physical activity providers when asked what further support and courses they would find useful.

The easiest way to apply is online, groups can find out more information and APPLY HERE.

Courses include:

• Bid Writing for Charities & Community Groups, Online – 7^th & 14^th September, 18:00-20:00
• 1 Day First Aid, Hub on the Hill, Telford – 11^th September 2023, 09:30-16:30 with registration from 09:15
• Inclusive Activity Programme Workshop, Donnington Community Hub, Telford – 13^th September, 18:00-21:00 
• Multi-Sport Activator Course, Shrewsbury – 20^th September, 09:00-12:00
• Empowering Change through Conversation, Park Lane Centre, Telford – 21^st September, 18:00-20:00
• 1 Day First Aid, Annscroft, Shrewsbury – 22^nd September, 09:30-16:30 with registration from 09:15
• Inclusivity and Engagement for Ethnically Diverse Communities within Sport & Physical Activity, Shrewsbury – 27^th September, 18:00-20:00
• Mental Health First Aid Awareness, Online – 28^th September, 09:00-13:00

If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with amy.griffiths@energizestw.org.uk

First Aid Training

Shropshire Partners in Care is a not-for-profit organisation supporting over 250 independent adult social care providers across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Established in 2003, they exist to represent, upskill and champion local adult social care providers and their staff. They offer quality and reasonably priced First Aid training at their offices in Annscroft, Shrewsbury, primarily to Members, but also to non-Members such as schools and community groups. All First Aid Training is nationally accredited by The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB). Safeguarding Adults Awareness training is aimed at all staff and volunteers working in social care, health, housing, charities and other areas of the independent sector.

In September 2023 they have spaces available on the following courses: -

Should you be interested in booking a place on any of these courses, please contact Non-Member Bookings on 01743 860011 or email info@spic.co.uk.

Shrewsbury Group For Adults with Disabilities 

Musketeers and Maidens is a social group for adults with disabilities that meets up and takes part in activities and experiences. There is plenty of tea, the chance to chat and lots of laughter. They are looking for new members to join them!

The group meets from 12pm to 3.30pm, every Wednesday at The Grange Centre, Mount Pleasant Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 3SW

To find out more and join please ask folks to email: enquiries@community-resource.org.uk or call: 01743 360641

Download and share the flyer here!

Free Yoga and Wellbeing Sessions Available for Community Groups

Jenna Blair Yoga in Shrewsbury is delighted to have been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a range of community yoga and wellbeing sessions facilitated by their team of fully qualified teachers at zero financial cost to participants.

Jenna's mission has always been to offer the benefits of yoga to as many people as possible, so this opportunity has been received with huge gratitude.

If you know of any groups or individuals who may benefit from accessing yoga and wellbeing sessions without financial implication, either in Shrewsbury or other locations locally, get in touch! Phone 07812 596609 or email jennablair@hotmail.com

Community Radio Station Offering Free Training For VCSE Orgs Who Want to Share Their Stories

INTune Radio CIC, your local Shropshire Community Radio station, wish to feature your charity or community organisation each month to help your organisation communicate your services to a wider audience.

To take advantage of this offer, that can reach pockets of communities throughout our county, and the world, is simple.

The next training session is being held at Shropshire Chamber offices in Telford on Wednesday 6th September 11:00am till 2:00pm - they're delighted that the county’s chamber is supporting INTune Radio and assisting in enabling local charity and community organisations to produce monthly audio telling the community about their updates for free.

All you need is your laptop and a smile ready to learn. 

You will learn how to create an audio update schedule, how to record a 3 to 5 minute update, and how to send that to INTune Radio to master.

INTune Radio will take your monthly audio, master it and roll it into their schedules on their show called ’The Mag’ which airs 10 till noon each day. 

You will know the day it’s to go out giving you ample time to communicate this to your contacts and on social media.

Starting in September, the VCSA will have a regular feature on The Mag - be sure to tune in!

If we all contribute to telling our contacts, more people will learn about what you do, and why, and this can have positive implications for grants, funding, volunteers and their retention, service take up, etc

You don’t have to be a seasoned presenter, this is community radio, what your organisation will need is positive commitment to continue your audio each month to air.

Please email your name, organisation name, preferred contact email and telephone number to  info@intune-radio.co.uk to confirm you and your organisation wish to undertake training. 

To listen, click the play button on the INTune Radio website or download the app from your app store, search for ’Shropshire Community Radio’. 

VCSE Workshop: NHS England Research Engagement Network (REN) Funding Call

Thursday 7^th September 2023

You are invited to take part in a workshop where a group of partners are looking to co-develop a funding application to NHS England's Research Engagement Network (REN) funding call.  The deadline for applications is 20th September, and given its holiday time they are sending out a 'hold the date' invite for the afternoon of Thursday 7th September.

Many partners will recognise the phrase REND funding others will not have had a chance yet to engage - late last year (November 2022) VCSA organisations in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin developed a joint application with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care system via the Staffordshire and Shropshire Health and Care Research Partnership (SSHERPa).  SSHERPa brings together NHS, LA, Higher education institutions in our region to work collaboratively in health and care research.   SSHERPa aligns to Shropshire Telford and Wrekin ICS and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS and was successful in securing REND funding for these regions which they used to hold World Cafes, undertake a survey around research engagement, and to develop the concept of a research connectors database (all in a very short period of time!). 

The good news: 

The group been invited to apply for more REN funding!!  TWICE - one bid has gone in via Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent ICB (via SSHERPa & including STW partners) and this next bid will go in on behalf of SSHERPa partners via Shropshire Telford and Wrekin!

The challenge:

How do we make best use of these funds to engage with diverse communities?

At the workshop on the 7th September SSHERPa would like to share where they got to with previous funding opportunities and develop the ideas for this next funding opportunity.  For the bid, all ideas are welcome - it’s about testing approaches to engagement in health and care research, they are looking for your advice and guidance.  How do we engage with different community groups that may feel marginalised and unable to engage in health and care research?

They know capacity is a challenge, but they also know that establishing 'new networks' that tail off is not useful, so they are keen to work with partners who have community connections, and who would be interested in ensuring that local health and care research opportunities are shaped, developed and offered to a wider, diverse, more inclusive population.

This is short term funding from NHS England, to date SSHERPa have had success in securing funding that has supported our partnerships with different communities, and we're keen to continue to build upon this.  They hope you are able to join them on the 7^th September - please find below a link to book your place!

Booking link here

Hospitals Transformation Events

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (SaTH) are holding some important public engagement events around the  Hospital Transformation Programme.

• Tuesday 05 September 10:00 – 12:00  Women & Children’s Services Focus Group
• Thursday 07 September 10:00 – 12:00 Medicine and Emergency Care / Surgery, Anaesthetics and Cancer Focus Group
• Thursday 21 September Clinical Support Services Focus Group
  

Members of the project team will take members of the public through the proposals and answer any questions you may have.

If you have any queries about the planning application, please contact team@rshplanningapplication.co.uk.

FREE DSC Insight Talk: The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund

Online Thursday, 14th September 4-5pm

In partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, this insight talk will focus on the new funding initiative: The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund.

This talk will take a look at the fund, with Ruth Bamford, Funding and Relationships Manager at the National Lottery Community Fund, talking through the guidance and eligibility for the new Cost of Living fund.

After the presentation you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have.

More details on the funding initiative can be found here.

Register for this free online event here.

Carry on Canoeing

Sept 16th 6:30pm, The Quarry, Shrewsbury

A fun-filled summer’s evening on the River Severn is set to make quite a splash for a local charity.

Carry on Canoeing ­– with prizes for the best decorated canoe and best dressed canoeist – has been organised by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

It’s a chance to get dressed up, theme your canoe and paddle along the river as the sun sets.

Taking place in Shrewsbury on Saturday, September 16, it’s a two-hour event with participants setting off from the Porthill Bridge pontoon in The Quarry at 6.30pm.

If you have any questions, email fundraising@ageukstw.org.uk or speak to the team on 01743 233 123.

Tickets are priced £25 and are available through Eventbrite: Carry On Canoeing Tickets, Sat 16 Sep 2023 at 18:30 | Eventbrite

VCS Breakfast Networking Meeting

People, Planet, Pint

Sustainability Meet Up

20th September, 5:30pm The Loopy Shrew, Shrewsbury

Whether you're a sustainability professional, small business owner, community group or charity, local council/government worker, student, consultant, looking to switch careers, or anything else besides, come down and meet others interested in sustainability.

No agenda, workshops or webinars. Just chat over some nibbles and beers.

Started in Glasgow during COP26, this relaxed event brings together those with a shared passion for sustainability in all its forms.

They meet monthly to chat about what's going on in the Net Zero / Sustainability space, "network" and meet others who are interested in the industry.

They see where the conversation, and night, takes them!

Chat with other industry experts and talk directly to business owners facing the challenges you're trying to solve.

Find others who can collaborate and help you on your journey and have fun doing so.

Register free here

Next Shropshire Carers Partnership Board Roadshow

20th September 2pm - 4pm Bridgnorth Library

• Free to attend
• Run by Shropshire Carers Support Team & The Board
• Carers from all areas of the county can come along to the venue and join virtually
• Includes guest speakers
• Partner organisation updates (Health, Vol Orgs, ASC, SATH, MPFT)
• Refreshments included

The roadshow is being held to offer carers across the county an opportunity to come along and observe the Board meeting and participate as necessary.  

Download the flyer to share the invite!

Shropshire Partners in Care Annual Conference and AGM 2023

Thursday 21 September 2023 Shrewsbury Town Football Club 9am-2pm Free to attend

There will be an opportunity to meet Shropshire Partners in Care staff and Board members, and to network with other care providers.

The event will celebrate Shropshire Partners in Care’s 20th Anniversary this year, and there will be a keynote speaker from the Care Quality Commission speaking on the new Single Assessment Framework and how it will assess Local Authorities.

There will also be an opportunity for you to help shape their next 20 years and how they can better engage with their members and to tell them what services and support you need/want.

Click here to book.

Shropshire Charity Network Meeting

Thursday 21st September, 9.30-10.30am Online 

Register here

At the September event we will be joined by Lewis Hardy, from Start Tech. Lewis will be talking to us about Cyber Security in the Charity Sector, giving some recent attacks against charities examples. He will cover how we can protect ourselves and mitigate risk and give some helpful information on Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation and potential Government Funding.

In this session we will also be joined by Selina Graham. Selina will be sharing an update on the new Shropshire Community Foundation, of which she is Chair. It is very likely that you will also be familiar with Selina who was High Sheriff for Shropshire for 2022 – 2023. 

Free DBS Workshop for VCSE Orgs Delivering Sporting Activities for Children and Young People

2nd October 13:30-15:00

The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) are delivering a free workshop for clubs and organisations who provide sporting activities for children & young people in the West Midlands.

The workshop will explore how DBS can help in the safer recruitment of staff and volunteers working with children in sports and will be of value to those who take part in recruitment or who are responsible for dealing with any concerns.

The workshop is open to all clubs & organisations, big or small and from any sector.

The workshop will cover:

• The role of DBS checks in safer recruitment
• The types of DBS check available and the criteria for accessing these
• What ‘Regulated Activity’ is with children and its definition
• The DBS Update Service
• Reporting concerns to DBS that someone may be unfit to work or volunteer with children

The workshop is interactive, with a 'questions & answers' segment included.

Click here to book your place  

Small Steps Big Difference Conference

3^rd October 2023, 9.15am – 4.15pm, Shrewsbury Town Football Ground

EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion is a unique local campaign – and you can hear why people have joined in by clicking this link (4 mins).

Small Steps Big Difference takes this all a step further to practical action. It is a conference which will consider some of the issues specifically facing LGBT+ people as they age and then showcase some of the amazing work being done in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to make this a safer and more inclusive place to age well.

Come to the conference to find out more. You will hear from local organisations which have made a commitment to EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion, with contributions from: Residential care providers * GP Practice * Social Housing providers * Domiciliary Care Providers * Social Prescribing * Information & Advice services * Counselling services * and more ..

There will be opportunities for discussion around: 

• how to get started with implementing change 
• the development of a new resource which helps community and social groups to more easily understand why inclusion matters
• how to make Equality, Diversity and Inclusion a golden thread throughout organisational practice

Plus films, stalls and lunch! For more information and to book - click here: Small Steps Big Difference

The conference is organised by locally-based organisation, SAND (Safe Ageing No Discrimination CIC) and is sponsored by Coverage Care, Cruse Bereavement Support and Wrekin Housing Group

DSC Engage Conference

Online Thursday, 19th October

• Keynote speech - You'll hear from an influential figure in the sector, providing insights into the current state of policies, trends, and challenges affecting the sector
• Panel discussion - With the General Election coming in 2024, it is a key moment for the voluntary sector and policy world. You’ll hear key insights and predictions from leading figures.
• Session on communications and media strategy - Crafting compelling policy messages, media engagement, and leveraging social media are all vital for effective advocacy. This session will help you do all those more effectively.
• Session on campaigning and the law
• Case study session - showcasing successful policy advocacy efforts and the impact of those efforts on their respective causes, showing campaigning and lobbying at a local and national level.

Read more from CEO Debra Allcock Tyler, about why engaging with politicians is vital. 

Find out more and book your space on the DSC website

Free Disability Services Benefits Awareness Sessions

The Disability Services Advocacy Team are here to support with raising awareness of the different Disability Services benefits and grants. These are Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Please use the links below to download details of their upskilling sessions for external stakeholders in the months of October, November and December.

To book a place please use each of the individual links for the relevant events.

October Sessions

November Sessions

December Sessions

Could your organisation use other DWP benefits training?

Rosie Cassidy is the Partnership Support Manager for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and she is able to deliver tailored sessions to your organisation’s needs, either face-to-face or virtually.

Information sessions can include, but are not limited to:

• Overview of Universal Credit
• Brief overview of other benefits e.g. Personal Independence Payment, Employment Support Allowance etc.
• Employment services for benefit claimants
• Training and upskilling opportunities for benefit claimants
• Jobcentre Plus offer to benefit claimants
• Latest GOV.UK updates
• Escalation channels for benefits issues

If you would be interested in organising a session with Rosie, please email: rosie.cassidy@dwp.gov.uk to discuss further.

Lingen Davies: Health Engagement Coordinator

Lingen Davies Cancer Fund are looking for a Health Engagement Coordinator that will work closely with their Live Life lead, to deliver their health engagement work, with a primary focus on raising cancer awareness for early diagnosis, cancer screening and prevention.

You will be responsible for developing programmes of work throughout the region, using a range of activities and settings to effectively engage with the public. This will include making maximum use of the Lingen Davies Health Promotion Van to take engagement activities out into the community.

The role will be three or four days per week, and hours will usually be worked between 8am and 6pm to meet the needs of the organisation. However, some evening and weekend work will be required. Flexibility is expected to ensure relevant public events are attended.

To be successful, you will need exceptional organisational skills and have the initiative to manage your workload.

They welcome applications from people with lived experience and those from minority communities.

Read the full job description and apply on the Lingen Davies website. Applications close 5pm Friday, 15th September.

Please direct any queries about this role to miranda.ashwell@lingendavies.co.uk

Severn Hospice Hiring for Two Positions

Nurse Practitioner – Hospice at Home

£33,706 – £40,588 per annum depending on experience

37.5 hours per week

Community Based

If you are a caring, compassionate individual looking for a new challenge then Severn Hospice want to hear from you.

Working at Severn Hospice you are given time to care.

Caring is what they do best, and this includes caring for people in a supportive, fulfilling and friendly environment. As a Hospice at Home Nurse Practitioner you’ll be working in a highly rewarding area of nursing supporting patients in their own homes with dignity and in peace.

At Severn Hospice we offer:

• Excellent professional and personal development opportunities with our on-site skills lave and Education Team
• Regular shift patterns
• Well-being support and initiatives
• Continuation of NHS pension Scheme

If you would like to be part of something special please send your CV to HR@severnhospice.org.uk

Registered Nurse – Hospice at Home

£27,055 – £32,934 per annum depending on experience

Full time and Part Time Considered

Community Based

Are you caring and compassionate? Are you looking for a new challenge? If you are we’re the place for you.

Come and join our Hospice at Home Nurses providing specialist care to our patients in the comfort of their own homes. Caring is what we do best and at Severn Hospice your given time to care.

Working as part of our Hospice at Home team you’ll be working in a highly rewarding area of nursing, caring for patients in their own homes with dignity and in peace whilst having the full support of a multi-disciplinary team that you can call for advice and support.

Not only do we offer great care we also offer to our employees: •              Excellent professional and personal development opportunities with full access to our on-site Skills lab and Education team •              Training in general and palliative care with further development opportunities •              Regular shift patterns •              Continuation of NHS pension scheme ·              Free onsite parking ·              Well-being support and Initiatives

If you would like to be part of something special please send your CV to HR@severnhospice.org.uk

Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) Issue Tender Brief for Impact Report

Energize STW, on behalf of the wider Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP), requires a consultant with an understanding of the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) in Shropshire, and how the organisations within the sector contribute to people’s health and wellbeing, and play an important role in the cultural, economic and civic life of the county.

The purpose of the contract is to complete an Impact Report on the infrastructure support activity of the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) and will include both the impact of individual organisations and a critique of the perceived difference the Partnership creates.

A short written expression of interest is requested from interested contractors with a proposed methodology for the work including how the outputs described will be met, a break-down of costs including day rate and number of days proposed, and evidence of relevant skills and experience. The pricing specified should include all costs required to fulfil the brief.

All aspects of the project need to be completed by 31^st March 2024, excluding delivery of the briefing sessions which will be held as soon as possible after this date.

Download the full brief with all necessary information here. Submission of Expression of Interest should be sent by email to Pete Ezard pete.ezard@energizestw.org.uk by 30^th September 2023

The success of the EOI will be notified by email or phone as soon as possible after this.

Should any further background information be required please feel free to contact Pete Ezard, Chief Executive Officer, Energize STW via email: pete.ezard@energizestw.org.uk