October 2022
Welcome to our Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) monthly newsletter, packed full of the latest news and information about Tower Hamlets' diverse and thriving voluntary and community sector. The commitments made about the VCS by partners in Tower Hamlets (including the VCS themselves) can be found in the partnership VCS Strategy.
Keep reading to avoid missing out on the latest funding and training opportunities as well as links to surveys and consultations.
Black History Month 2022
A celebration of culture, demonstrating new perspectives in photography. Image by Chris Batantu
Celebrating the richness of Black history and culture
The achievements, identities and culture of black communities will be celebrated during October, as part of a diverse programme of activities supported by Tower Hamlets council for Black History Month.
Exhibitions, dance, workshops, plays and other events taking place throughout the month will showcase the richness of Black history and culture.
Community organisation Alternative Arts will present Power and Glory, a collection of dynamic and diverse contemporary black photographers exploring history and identity with a series of stunning images inspired by womanhood, carnival, courage, gender equality, climate change, survival and freedom. The show, running from 6 to 29 October at Brady Arts Centre, Whitechapel, is a celebration of black culture, demonstrating new perspectives in photography.
Young people can learn skills with Purple Moon Drama’s film sessions on the covid-recovery theme of ‘the come-back is stronger than the set-back’ and Grand Union Orchestra will be using workshops to engage young people through the life-affirming, global yet culturally specific and joyful production of music, with a variety of styles and instruments.
Get Online Week
Get Online Week is the annual digital inclusion campaign run by charity Good Things Foundation.
With nearly 1 in 5 adults lacking the most basic digital skills needed for everyday life, the campaign sees thousands of local events take place each year hosted by community organisations, from drop-in sessions to engaging with the community, giving more people the chance to find the support they need to improve their digital skills and get motivated to learn more.
In the last 14 years, the campaign has helped thousands of people to get online for the first time and improve their digital skills.
If you’re planning to hold an event for this year’s Get Online Week please fill in this form and the campaign organisers will be able give you some handy tips, leaflets and posters to use in the community, and help to promote the event online.
Please tell us about the events you are planning so we can help promote it as well: vcs@towerhamlets.gov.uk
If you a member of the Good Things Foundation's Online Centre's Network (free to join) you are eligible for free mobile data from their National Databank.
 National Hate Crime Awareness Week (8 to 15 October)
Tower Hamlets is No Place for Hate
There is no place for hate in Tower Hamlets: that is the message this Hate Crime Awareness Week (8 to 15 October).
Although the majority of people in Tower Hamlets are respectful of each other, there is a small number who target others because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability, which is known as a hate crime.
To mark the national awareness week, the council and partners are holding a number of events and activities to show that this behaviour is not welcome or tolerated in Tower Hamlets.
Apply for help with winter fuel costs
Residents living in cold, poorly insulated homes can apply for grants worth up to £25,000 to make their homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.
The grants between £5,000 and £25,000 are available from the Mayor of London’s £43million Warmer Homes programme.
The vital support comes as Londoners face an unprecedented cost of living crisis, with Ofgem now estimating bills will increase by another 40 per cent, or £800 in October for some families.
The grants are available for low-income households living in low energy efficiency homes. Including grants for measures like:
- Heat pumps
- Insulation for walls, lofts and floors
- Heating system improvements or repairs
- Draughtproofing
- Solar energy installations
Residents are advised not to use propane heaters as they are costly and increase condensation and mould. Incorrect use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said:
“It’s unacceptable that many Londoners can’t afford to keep their homes warm, instead suffering cold, damp conditions throughout winter. With the unprecedented cost of living crisis and soaring energy prices, I am particularly concerned about those on lower incomes whose energy bills are likely to take up a larger share of their outgoings.”
Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets added:
“We’re facing a climate emergency, and at the same time a financial crisis with the rising cost of living.
No-one should have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family. If we can cut energy prices for low-income households in the borough, by making their homes more energy efficient it will mean many families will not have to sacrifice living in a warm home this winter.”
 Government outlines plans to help cut energy bills for businesses and charities
Support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bill has been unveiled by the government.
- New government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as business, charities and public sector organisations cut- protecting them from rising energy costs,
- Government work with suppliers will reduce wholesale energy costs and the significant rises in bills that businesses have seen,
- This support is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households, with further measures today to strengthen support for families across the United Kingdom, including those in rentals or park homes.
LBTH Emergency Funding for VCS organisations
Voluntary and Community sector (VCS) organisations based in Tower Hamlets can apply to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for a one off Emergency Grant of up to £10,000 to deal with unforeseen circumstances that may have hindered delivery of services.
Organisations should clearly demonstrate in their application the need for the funding.
To be considered for Emergency funding VCS organisations must be in receipt of Council funding in the past year (including match funded projects, but excluding in-kind support).
The following are likely to be considered favourably for Emergency funding:
- Building repairs (for essential emergency work),
- Health and Safety equipment (which directly affects service delivery),
- Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Improvements,
- Redundancy costs arising because of council action or inaction,
- Staff salaries/ wages (to cover unforeseen medium/ long term absences),
- Winding-up costs,
Please click on the link below to find out more about the eligibility criteria for Emergency funding.
Updates on the Covid-19 pandemic October 2022
A Covid-19 booster vaccine helps to give you a longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid-19. A booster dose is currently available for everyone aged 16 and over and some children aged 12 to 15 who have had two doses of the vaccine at least three months ago. Book a Covid-19 Vaccine appointment.
Your local Public Health team in Tower Hamlets are currently making plans for the winter and are being supported by the voluntary and community organisations across the borough to help us protect the most vulnerable in the borough.
Office for National Statistics survey tests a sample of two million people every week across the country. More information about COVID-19 infection rates is available online from the Office for National Statistics.
Please check here for more updates from the Director of Public Health in Tower Hamlets.
Please email PhCov19@towerhamlets.gov.uk if you have enquiries about your activities or events.
If you need further advice, please call the council vaccination helpline on 0207 364 3030.
Funding Opportunities
The council recognises the contribution made by local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCS) in responding to help people during the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand on local VCS organisations is high, leading to pressure on both finances and staff resource.
Current local grant opportunities for the voluntary and community sector include:
Through the Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets, VCS organisations can also utilize the volunteering hub to access volunteers free of charge. Financial support is available through local, regional and national grant schemes, which can help organisations in the borough with unexpected costs, loss of income or new projects.
 Training opportunities
The council and local partners are offering VCS organisations high-quality training, workshops, courses and events to help organisations grow stronger and more resilient.
 Useful links
For information on infrastructure support to VCS organisations in Tower Hamlets, please visit Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service.
For information on volunteering opportunities in Tower Hamlets, please visit Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets.
Thank you for reading
We hope you have found this bulletin useful. Contact us for any feedback or if you would like anything to be considered for inclusion in future newsletters.
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