Local Blog
Autumn Events for Ambitious Communities
New Rights, Resources and Revenues:
Autumn Events for Ambitious Communities.
Rights – Asset Transfer is at the heart of the work of the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS), who, since 2011, have built up considerable experience in asset transfer processes working with community groups, local authorities and other public bodies.
The Community Empowerment Act brings new rights for communities and places them in a central role. There are considerable new rights in terms of public and privately owned assets. We will explore these first.
Resources – Beyond the right to request an asset, there are the issues of where the money will come from to purchase it and develop it, as well as keep the many services going. This part of the event will be led by a ‘been there: done that’ facilitator, focussing on ACCESSING & SUSTAINING FUNDING: tips and practical suggestions on how to maximise your chances of successfully securing funding from both grant and non-grant sources.
Revenues- Is there a market in that gap? In the community sector we need to be enterprising on many levels. This part of the event will focus on exploring how different types of assets could become sustainable.
Event schedule: All places are Free and booked via Eventbrite. Communities will be given first preference. Agencies and Advisors are welcome where space allows.
Aberdeen – 26th October 2016- Aberdeen Arts Centre. Book Here
Oban – 10th November 2016 – The Argyllshire Gathering. Book Here
Glasgow – 16th November 2016- Maryhill Burgh Halls. Book Here
Inverness – 30th November 2016 – Eden Court. Book Here
Edinburgh – 7th December 2016 – Out of the Blue. Book Here
KDP Community Cash!
How could your group use £300? 
Our next Community Cash event will be held on Wednesday 23rd November 2016 at 6.45pm for 7pm in the Jubilee Hall, Portlethen. This event is open to community groups, projects and organisations covering the Community Council areas of Stonehaven, Newtonhill, Muchalls & Cammachmore and Portlethen. Registration for the event closes on Monday 14 November 2016.
For more information contact officesupport@kincardineshiredp.org or phone and leave a message at 01569 763 246
New Rights, Resources and Revenues workshop – Aberdeen Arts Centre
Wednesday 26th October 9.30am-3pm. This free workshop will cover the 3Rs that everyone involved in taking on an asset needs to think about. What *New Rights* do we have as communities? What *New Resources* are out there to help us in terms of funding? And, how will we bring in some *Revenue* to keep the asset sustainable?
Aimed primarily at community groups thinking about, or having newly taken on, an asset, this event is Free to attend. Maximum 2 members per group. Staff from relevant Authorities may want to attend and are welcome to sign up. For more details and to book http://www.dtascommunityownership.org.uk/events
Climate Challenge Fund is open
In 2017/18 the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) will focus on funding projects which deliver the greatest reduction in carbon emissions and support Scotland’s most deprived communities, with grants up to £150,000 per project available. For new applicants the deadline for the first stage of the application process which is an Expression of Interest is 28 October 2016. www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccfhowtoapply
Grants available to make a difference to unpaid carers
Applications for Carer Information Strategy monies now open
The Carer Information Strategy has funds available to support initiatives across the Grampian region to improve outcomes for carers. Applications to this funding stream are open to:
- third sector organisations
- community and voluntary groups
- health and social care services
You can find out further information about the fund, and how to apply by visiting
If you have an idea or project in mind that would make a difference to unpaid carers or would like more information then please contact Heather Tennant. Programme Manager – Carer Information Strategy 01224 554299 or email heathertennant@nhs.net
Tullo/Twinshiels Community Benefit Fund
A reminder to all groups in the area of Arbuthnott, Benholm and Johnshaven, Gourdon, Inverbervie, Mearns and St Cyrus Community Councils that now is the time to apply to the Tullo/Twinshiels Community Benefit Fund.
The fund is likely to be in the region of £140,000 this year, full amount will be advised once index linking has been applied.
The aim of the fund is to support projects that make a difference to life in, and seek improvement in, the local community.
We are keen to support community and voluntary organisations that are charitable, educational, philanthropic or benevolent in purpose. You do not have to be a registered charity to apply for funding but you do have to be able to demonstrate real community impetus and benefits.
You need to be a constituted group with a bank account.
The fund cannot support:
- Salary other than start up for one year only.
- Projects that are funded by the local authority or other statutory bodies.
- Projects that are funded by the local authority or other statutory bodies
- Improvements to land that is not open to the general public
- Sponsorships
- Projects promoting political activities
- Deficit or retrospective funding
Full details are in the guidelines which can be found on the MAP website www.mearnsareapartnership.org.uk and clicking the Tullo link.
It’s now even easier to apply online using the fantastic new link on the website, you can stop and start your application at any time until you finalise it – this must be before 31st January every year.
A panel comprising members of Arbuthnott, Benholm and Johnshaven, Gourdon, Inverbervie, Mearns and St Cyrus Community Councils plus one rep from MAP and KDP meet in March to award the funds.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Mearns Area Partnership, 44 High Street, Laurencekirk AB30 1XP Tel: 07984 235329 (M-F,9-5)
Community Capacity & Resilience Fund
Develop your community organisation’s capacity to tackle welfare reform and inequality with a grant of up to £5,000. The application process is simple, with a quick decision and, for successful projects, the money paid up front. 
Following a successful pilot in 2015, SCVO are pleased to announce the second round of this Scottish Government-supported funding scheme. A further £330,000 is available to distribute to innovative and creative projects which help mitigate the effects of welfare reform, combat inequality, promote social inclusion and have a preventative impact on communities.
The fund will increase the capactiy and resilience of communities and third sector organisations to provide people with the support and skills they need. Awards range from £1,000 to £5,000, with project activity expected to start and finish between January and August 2017.
Applications are invited from third sector organisations with an annual income of £200,000 or less.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 31 October 2016.
For more information visit:
http://www.scvo.org.uk/running-your-organisation/funding/capacity-resilience-fund/
If you have any questions please contact Irene Connelly on 0141 559 5027 or email capacity@scvo.org.uk.
Pigeon Saved in Johnshaven!
This Autumn’s Care and Share Newsletter includes the heart-warming story of Jonathan, a member of the Shared Lives project, saving the life of a pigeon in Johnshaven.
Shared Lives matches people with learning disabilities to community members giving them the opportunity to share time and interests with each other.
When I arrived in Johnshaven (a few months ago) there was a pigeon sitting on the doorstep.
It was really thin, it had not have enough to eat. It could not fly away.
Andy picked it up and gave it to me to hold. We went to take it to Michael in the village, because Michael looks after racing pigeons. He also has a nice rose garden. The next time I came to Johnshaven I went down to Michael with Brian and Andy. Michael told he had fed the pigeon up and gave it water. After a few weeks the pigeon was strong enough to fly. Michael loosened it again. It came from Aberdeen (it was ringed). I am glad I saved that pigeon. Jonathan
The newsletter is available to read at the bottom of the Shared Lives webpage found here.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HELPING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE?
A Volunteer Walk Leaders Training Courses is being held in Stonehaven on Thursday 6 October 2016. The course is designed to establish a group of local people (aged over 18 years) who are trained to promote and lead Health Walks on an ongoing basis.
Only one day of training is necessary but information will be provided to support development of local walks in Kincardine and Mearns for walk leaders attending the training through Paths for All and through local contacts.
A Health Walk is a short, local, low level walk which seeks to encourage and support people to become more active. A typical health walk usually lasts between 10 minutes and 1 hour.
| Date: |
Thursday 6 October 2016 |
| Time: |
9.30am to 4.30pm Registration from 9.15am onwards |
| Venue: |
McRobert Pavilion Mineralwell Park Stonehaven AB39 2RD
|
|
Cost: |
FREE including resource materials (packed lunch required) |
For booking and more information please contact:
Brenda Johns, Clerical Officer, NHS Grampian
Email: nhsg.publichealth@nhs.net
‘Support in your community’
Following on from “what does recovery mean to you,” another fantastic clip from community members
– support services and peer support available in North Aberdeenshire
Please use the youtube link below:
‘What does recovery mean to you?’
North Aberdeenshire community members speak about recovery.
Please use the youtube link below to see yet another fantastic film clip produced by Community members in recovery.
Scottish Mental Health First Aid: Young People
Aberdeen Health Village, Frederick Street,
Aberdeen AB24 5HY
Tuesday 27th Sept 2016 or Monday 28th Nov 2016
The course was developed as a mental health equivalent of physical first aid for those working, supporting or parenting 11 – 17 year olds. SMHFA/YP is an evidence learning course for adults to provide initial support; in a crisis and non-crisis situation.
We are running 2 courses in Aberdeen to meet the demand.
This course does not train you to become a counsellor or mental health professional. It is designed to teach you to better understand mental health and how it affects young people, as well as learn mental first aid skills such as:-
- How to recognise the signs of mental health problems or distress
- How to ask about mental distress
- How to provide initial support
- How to guide a young person towards appropriate professional help
The course also aims to show how mental health first aid can be applied in a crisis situation involving a range of common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, suicide and substance misuse.
This 14-hour training course is designed to increase understanding of mental health and how it affects young people. The course requires several hours of personal CPD both before and after the training day in order to complete the course requirements. The personal learning part of the course is done through the e-learning zone on the SMHFA –YP website.
The Cost is £75 per participant for the 14 hours CPD (including 1 day training). To book a place on either course please email training@thespark.org.uk or contact Emma Cameron on 07760257038 or at e.cameron@thespark.org.uk stating which course date you are interested in. 
K&M Communities 