Bulletin 119

Do you have a piece of land in urgent need of some attention? Do you come into the same tired décor every day and wish it could be ‘spruced’ up a bit? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘yes’ then we might be able to help you.

Some of these tasks would require a lot of time and effort, not to mention sheer manpower! Registering such a task as a Team Challenge with Volunteer Centre Fife would mean your organisation could reap the rewards of a day of volunteering by employees of a local business.

Previous Team Challenges completed include: gardening, conservation work, painting and decorating, fundraising and even writing marketing strategies!

To find out more why not visit the Employer-Supported Volunteering section of our website at http://www.volunteeringfife.org/vol-esv.htm and click on some the Team Challenges that have taken place so far.

If you would like to register a Team Challenge please contact Stephen Adamson on 01383 732136

or email Stephen.adamson@volunteeringfife.org

· Training

Volunteer Centre Fife Training Programme

Course 5: Supporting and Supervising Skills

Wednesday, 22 nd February 2012 – 9.30 – 3.30 pm

Volunteer Centre Fife, 10 St Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy KY1 1ET

To book a place or for more information, please contact Carol on 01592 645542 or email carol.burns@volunteeringfife.org

IncludeME - Preparation Course

Four Friday evenings - 17th & 24th February and 9th & 16th March

from 6.00 - 8.00pm at Hope Park and Martyrs Church cafe, St Andrews

The course is free and coffee/tea & biscuits will be served. We do not offer expenses for attendance at the course, but if anyone is interested in joining us please contact includeME beforehand for more information about Citizen Advocacy by e-mail: contact@includeme.org.uk or tel: 01334 656242.

· Volunteer Skills on Offer

Please don’t keep volunteers hanging around!

Increasing numbers of volunteers are telling us that there can sometimes be quite a delay before they hear from the organisations we have passed their contact details to. We appreciate that everyone is very busy, but in order to keep volunteers interested it would be good if you could get in touch with them as soon as possible, even if just to explain that there may be a delay before you can meet them.

Multi-media Volunteer looking for office experience

A young man in North East Fife has completed a course which included word processing, spreadsheets, databases and web design and

is looking for some experience in an office setting. Please contact cupar@volunteeringfife.org if you can make use of his skills.

Needing to update your training materials?

A highly-experienced IT volunteer is offering his skills to help organisations devise training materials using IT, video and PPT. If you

would like more information please contact Linda Butcher on 01592 645544 or e-mail kirkcaldy@volunteeringfife.org

Looking for some imaginative input?

A gentleman from the East Neuk area with over 30 years of experience writing stories for children’s comics and children’s books is offering his services to local organisations. He would happy to write short stories for your organisation, perhaps for fundraising or awareness-raising purposes? If you are interested, contact the Cupar office on 01334 659134, or email cupar@volunteeringfife.org

In need of some IT support?

An expert in IT from St Andrews is looking to lend his skills to a local project. He particularly specialises in database or software development and application diagnostics. He doesn’t drive so would prefer to be within close proximity to St Andrews by public transport. If you are interested, contact the Cupar office on 01334 659134.

Massage Therapist

A qualified massage therapist living in St Andrews is looking to use her skills in a local worthy organisation. She doesn’t drive so the location would need to be on a main bus route from St Andrews. If you are interested, call the Cupar office on 01334 659134.

Need some help with your finances?

A finance and banking student from St Andrews would like to offer his expertise to a local organisation. He can help with basic accountancy, financial research or data analysis. If you are interested, contact Volunteer Centre Fife in Cupar on 01334 659134.

Students looking to volunteer

The Student Volunteering Service (SVS) at St Andrews University are looking for a wide range of opportunities to offer students throughout the next academic year. Could you use a team of volunteers to complete a conservation project? Are you looking for a few individuals to help out with your children’s group? Regardless of the work needing done, or the skills/experience needed to complete it, the SVS could help!

If you are based in St Andrews or in the surrounding area, and you think you have opportunities which might suit student volunteers, please contact Sarah at Volunteer Centre Fife Cupar office on 01334 659134.

Young volunteers keen to get involved

Does your organisation involve young volunteers? Not sure how they would fit in? Wonder what they could do?

Due to an increase in the number of people taking university places and a decrease in opportunities for paid work, many young people are turning to volunteering to gain experience or to give something back to their communities. Young people can bring a fresh, new approach, enthusiasm and energy to your organisation, so consider giving them a chance.

· Volunteer Recruitment

Please see below a small selection of recent volunteer opportunities. For a complete list of current opportunities please visit our website www.volunteeringfife.org

Outreach Assistant, Scottish Church Heritage Research NEW

SCHR's Outreach programme includes giving talks to local history societies, other specialist groups and interested people. A volunteer is needed to help in a variety of ways including contacts, preparation, organising themed exhibitions and preparing accompanying notes. Another possibility is to organise oral history sessions/awareness groups. The role would be adjusted to suit the individual's interest and skills. Contact Edwina or Kari on 01334 844822 or office@scottishchurches.org.uk

Falkland Centre for Stewardship

Monday Conservation Volunteers

A chance to work with other volunteers and staff on a variety of woodland tasks. Right now we are concentrating on repairing and making safe the Forest of Falkland after the recent bad storms. If you are able to help then please contact Sam Docherty our Woodland Ranger on 01337 858838 or sam@centreforstewardship.org.uk

Families First

I nterested in volunteering with children?

Families First St Andrews (FFSA) is a charitable organisation which works with children and young people aged 5 – 16 years in North East Fife who are on the edge of social exclusion due to a variety of reasons. At present they are seeking members of the local community who can offer 2 hours a week, early morning or early evening, to support a child by either driving them to their destination, working in the breakfast clubs or offering direct befriending support. They are holding a series of Volunteer Information Meetings at the Rose Lane Centre, St Andrews for anyone interested in find out more:

Thursday 23 rd February 2012 (confirm attendance by 20 th)

Thursday 29 th March 2012 (confirm attendance by 26 th)

Thursday 26 th April 2012 (confirm attendance by 23 rd)

Thursday 31 st May 2012 (confirm attendance by 28 th)

Thursday 28 th June 2012 (confirm attendance by 25 th)

Thursday 26 th July 2012 (confirm attendance by 23 rd)

Thursday 30 th August 2012 (confirm attendance by 27 th)

Please contact Jane or Sharon on: 01334 473259 or at ffadministrator@talktalk.netif you wish to attend

Car Drivers - Fife Society for the Blind

Fife Society for the Blind is seeking volunteer car drivers who particularly enjoy swimming to help support a small group of visually- impaired swimmers who meet up every Tuesday at Bowhill swimming pool. Our Female and Male blind and partially-sighted swimmers enjoy a one-hour swim but they need transport to get there and a bit of support when they’re in the pool. Sometimes, they go for a coffee and chat afterwards when time allows.

We offer Sight Awareness and Sighted Guide training so that you’re equipped to do the job and a mileage rate is paid too. You can make such a difference to the quality of someone’s life by being part of it for even for a short time.

Please contact Liz Reid - Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01592 644979 or email liz.reid@fsbinsight.co.uk

Charity Shop seeks Volunteers

Save the Children Charity Shop, 241 High Street, Kirkcaldy is needing volunteers. Good experience for work, a chance to get out of the house and do something worthwhile while helping to raise funds. For more information please contact Linda, Volunteer Centre Fife Kirkcaldy office, tel: 01592 645544, Kirkcaldy@volunteeringfife.org

Fife Independent Disability Network - Treasurer

Is there anyone out there with experience of Sage 50 Accounts who would like to volunteer two or three hours each week at our office in Kirkcaldy? With all the other work our treasurer has to do, his time is becoming limited and he could do with some assistance.

If interested please contact the FIDN office manager on 01592 203993 or e-mail: muriel.macgregor@fidn.co.uk

Literacy Volunteer, LEAD Scotland

A volunteer is required to support a dyslexic learner in North East Fife with preparing assignments, spelling and grammar for an OU course. Time commitment - once a week, for possibly a couple of hours. Contact Dawn Robb drobb@lead.org.uk

for more information.

Treasurer - Yes-u-are

‘Yes-u-are’ is a not-for-profit organisation with a Christian ethos.

They are in the process of purchasing and upgrading a substantial building in central Dunfermline for the purpose of creating and space for prayer, the arts, and a community cafe. Their aims are to help others who are disadvantaged, to help get them back to work, and also to provide a space for worship, prayer, the arts and exhibitions.

They are urgently looking for a new treasurer to manage the finances of a project running into several £100,000s, who agrees with their ethos, is intrigued by their vision, and who is experienced in managing substantial financial projects.

If you can help please contact Stephen Adamson on 01383 732136 or e-mail stephen.adamson@volunteeringfife.org

Age Concern Glenrothes

Do you have a few hours a week to spare? Could you share your skills and experience with us? Do you want to learn new skills? Do you want to meet new people and help older people at the same time?

Castle Furniture Project – Board Members

Castle provides the opportunity for worthwhile work for individuals with enduring mental illness, helping them to regain confidence and skills. They also help to relieve poverty by collecting and redistributing furniture and furnishing, including white goods.

They are currently looking for new members to join their board. All skills are welcome but in particular anyone with a background in HR or Marketing.

Contact Silv on 01334 654445 or silv@cfproject.org.uk

Bield Housing Association – Social Activity Assistants/Drivers

Social Activity Assistants help older people with Dementia take part in social activities in their Flexi Care Projects during evenings and weekends. Volunteers build good relationships with service users and assist with the planning and organising of activities; help prepare communal areas for activities, e.g. setting up equipment, preparing food and refreshments etc. and

work within the Association’s policies and procedures

If you have 1-2 hours to spare on a weekdays/weekends and have a full driving licence, you could join the team of volunteers. Training relevant to the role will be provided and support will be given. Out-of-pocket expenses paid.

Fife Flexi Care Projects in Glenrothes, Dunfermline, Buckhaven, Lochgelly and Methil.

SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network)

SIGN are looking for volunteers to help raise awareness of SIGN's work and patient involvement opportunities within their own communities/locality.

Further information can be found by accessing the following link:- http://www.sign.ac.uk/patients/index.html

If you would like to find out more about patient and public involvement at SIGN, please contact Karen Graham, Patient Involvement Officer, by phoning her on0131 623 4740 or by emailing her at karen.graham2@nhs.net

Voluntary Arts Ambassador

Voluntary Arts Scotland is currently recruiting people with a passion for arts and crafts to help support and promote culture in their local area.

As a Voluntary Arts Ambassador you’ll be the link between Local Authorities, voluntary sector agencies, Community Planning and local arts and crafts groups.

More information from www.vascotland.org.uk or contact Carol Stobie on tel: 0131 225 9790 or email: carol@vascotland.org.uk

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland

Are you passionate about clothes? Our shops in Leven and Cupar need volunteers to help in the stockroom, sorting and preparing clothes and on our shop floor helping to display and sell goods to customers.

If you could spare a few hours per week you could make a real difference. To find out more please contact our Cupar shop on: 01334 653970 or Leven Shop on 01333 425319

Home-Start Kirkcaldy

Home-Start offers support to families with at least one child under the age of 5. Volunteers come from all walks of life and are usually parents themselves. They are carefully selected for their friendliness, practical approach and understanding. Our volunteers attend a Preparation Course and are then matched with a family. Ongoing training is provided and they receive support from a Co-ordinator throughout their visiting. If you would like to find out more please contact Eleanor Thomson.

Furniture Plus

Various volunteer opportunities exist at Furniture Plus, from hands-on roles in the Operations Department, to assisting in the Sales Department or helping out with admin. For more information visit their website www.furnitureplus.org.uk/volunteering.html

· Funding

Time to Live – funding available

Time to Live is a new funding stream for carers in Fife to help with the costs of taking a break from caring. It can provide assistance with a range of costs associated with short breaks such as transport, accommodation, leisure activities or supported holidays. This funding is part of the Short Breaks Fund, administered by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the National Carer Organisations and the Scottish Government. CVS Fife is managing the fund locally with help from Fife Carers Centre, Crossroads Fife Central and Crossroads Dunfermline.

We are aiming to publicise this funding as widely as possible so a broad cross-section of individual carers can have the opportunity to make an application for funding. We are aware that many voluntary organisations work directly with carers; additionally, many organisations will have volunteers and members of staff who are carrying out a caring role. More information - on the aims of the Time to Live scheme, eligibility criteria and the application process - is available on the CVS Fife website: www.cvsfife.org/ttl. Applications now being accepted, with the deadline for final applications being 30 September 2012.

Community Spaces Scotland

The Community Spaces Scotland scheme from the Big Lottery Fund provides grants of up to £250,000 to community rejuvenation projects, such as improving village halls or creating a community garden. To check if your group is eligible go to www.big-lotteryfund.org.uk/community spaces . There’s £9 million waiting to be claimed!

Funding Scotland

Funding Scotland is a new organisation which aims to make applying for funding in Scotland quicker and easier. They do this by providing an online platform for organisations seeking funding and organisations offering funding to work more efficiently.

Operating as a social enterprise, all income generated by Funding Scotland is reinvested into the operation and the continuous improvement of their services.

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme

The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one-off donations towards providing practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children, the elderly, and adults and children with disabilities, living in the local communities around Tesco stores in the UK. For more information email Michelina Filocco, tel 845 612 3575 or visit the website.

The Peter Vardy Charitable Fund

The Peter Vardy Charitable Fund was launched operating as a means of distributing 10% of their annual profits to worthwhile causes in the communities where they operate across Scotland (Aberdeen, Motherwell, Perth, Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh). The grants are aimed at supporting youth-focused charities that could use some additional help.

There is no set limit on the amount of funding you can apply for. The fund aims to get back to any application within a maximum of 1 month.

· Information

Fife Gingerbread invites you to:

Kirkcaldy & Armadale Teen Parent Projects Launch NEW

Friday 24 th February 2012

10.00 – 12.00 (Registration/tea & coffee from 9.30)

12.00 – 1.00 Networking Lunch

YWCA Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy

with Guest Speaker , Sue Palmer

RSVP by Friday 17 th February to info@fifegingerbread.org.uk 01333 303124

SCIO Information Sessions NEW

A SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) is a new legal form for registered Scottish charities.

It might well be the ideal legal vehicle for your organisation.

Why not take a morning to find out for yourself?

A Choice Of Three Sessions:

at the Albany Learning and Conference Centre

Ashley St, Glasgow

Friday 9th March 2012, Wednesday 11th April 2012 OR Tuesday 8th May 2012

All are morning sessions 9.30am - 12.30pm, followed by a networking lunch

COSTS: Only £52 for one delegate, £90 for two

Contact John Robertson on 0141 332 2444 or john.robertson@gcvs.org.uk

Equalities Participation Network (EPN) – Diversity Week

Working togetherto create communities that celebrate diversityby actively practising and promoting dignity, respect and inclusiveness

Fife Council and partners (Fife Constabulary, NHS Fife, and Scotland’s Colleges Fife) are planning to celebrate Diversity Week from 12 th March to 18 th March and are calling on you to make it a success.

Diversity Week is an opportunity to challenge perceptions and explore diversity through a range of activities and events and is part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about equality and diversity issues in Fife. The week will provide an opportunity for organisations of whatever size to organise an event or activity which relates to one or more of the equality strands or protected characteristics (age, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or belief). The idea is that EPN members organise the event or activity and we (the Equalities Unit) will publicise it in a week-long programme and on Fifedirect.

Whether you are an individual, part of a community group or larger organisation, Diversity Week is an opportunity for you to be part of the celebration of Fife’s rich and diverse culture. Everyone can contribute to making this week a success and there are many different ways in which you can contribute. If you have difficulty in deciding what you could do then please get in touch, we may be able to help.

More information by visiting http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/publications/index.cfm?fuseaction=publication.pop&pubid=1ED08609-9AF7-6571-B5C71E38D6D2521B

or by contacting: enquiry.equalities@fife.gov.uk

Redevelopment of Gillespie Centre, Dunfermline

Would your organisation be interested in the facilities?

There is a proposal to develop the Gillespie Centre, Chapel Street, Dunfermline with the aim of providing services and support for the Community in a specifically-designed environment for a more effective delivery of services in the future. The hope is that the project, which will include a café, will be completed in early summer 2012 once the internal renovation funding has been approved by Grant Providers.

They are now at the stage of attempting to identify interested users of the Centre. The concept is that the Centre will provide flexible, short-term accommodation booked for ad hoc periods or regular commitments to avoid the need for stakeholders to incur the cost involved in setting up and maintaining their own premises. The Centre would be overseen by a Manager and would be manned during its opening hours by Centre Staff. It is too early to predict pricing tariffs but as the service will not be designed to generate profit but to cover the basic cost of running the Centre, it is anticipated that booking charges will be below comparative market rates.

If this proposal is of interest please contact Edward Christie, Secretary, Dunfermline Oasis Trust on mailto: echristie@ross.connel.co.uk

Safe Space

Support Group for Non-Abusing Parents
This group is for non-abusing parents, who have children that have been sexually abused.
A typical six week programme would cover:
*Information on the effects of sexual abuse
*Raising awareness about the effects of sexual abuse and abusers
* Dealing with anger
* Looking after yourself

Justice Support Service
Offers support services to male and female survivors of sexual abuse. We understand that making the decision to report childhood sexual abuse can be very difficult. We hope that by providing support and information relating to disclosure and the criminal justice process people will feel encouraged and empowered to take that step.

Justice support can offer you:
*General support through the criminal justice process with a volunteer Justice Support Worker.
*A safe and confidential place to talk
*Help in understanding the complexities of the Scottish legal system
* Support and guidance for parents whose children are going through the criminal justice system.

Every Monday, a Justice Support volunteer will be available, from 12pm-2pm. Contact can be made by telephone or face-to-face. Follow-up appointments will be arranged between the Justice Support worker and the client.

Other activities provided by Safe Spare include Drumming for Healing and a Creative Writing Group. For more information or to find out about future courses visit http://www.safe-space.co.uk or contact 01383 739084 and ask to speak to Maureen.
Email: contact@safe-space.co.uk

Safe Space New office times:
Monday - 10am-4pm
Tuesday - 10am-4pm
Wednesday - 10am-4pm
Thursday - 10am-4pm
Friday - CLOSED
Evening appointments are also available.

Tools with a Mission

Based from a warehouse in Rosyth, but operating across Scotland, Tools With A Mission (TWAM) are looking for donations of old, broken or unused carpentry, welding or mechanical tools as well as computer parts. We refurbish these and send them to African countries in order to help people gain skills, find employment and ultimately serve their community. We welcome donations from anyone, anywhere and can usually arrange a pick-up.

If you think you might have tools to donate to this amazing project, please contact Stephen Adamson in our Dunfermline office on 01383 732136 or email stephen.adamson@volunteeringfife.org

Public Liability Insurance for smaller organisations

Public liability insurance for small voluntary organisations and community groups at reasonable rates has been developed by Zurich Insurance in collaboration with sector support umbrella NAVCA and charity specialists Tennyson Insurance. Go to Third Sector news item or Tennyson Insurance.

Care Commission Recruiting New Members

The Care Commission is looking for people who use care services – or have a relative who does – to get involved in its Involving People Group (IPG). The IPG also involves informal carers who voice opinions and give advice on policies and procedures. To find out more call 0845 603 0890 or visit www.carecommission.com

Fire Risk Assessment (from Castle Furniture Project)

Fire Risk Assessment Is Now Law

All non-domestic properties must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and subsequently, Fire Safety Training, relevant to the premises. This includes:

Offices and Shops, Premises that provide care, including care homes and hospitals, pubs, clubs and restaurants, educational premises, Leisure Centres, Community Halls and premises, Places of Worship, houses of multiple occupancy (HMO), hotels and hostels, factories and warehouses, industrial units.

Please call Drew today on 01334 654445 or email: enquiries@cfproject.org.uk to arrange a visit.

SAMH EVERGREEN – Plant Sale

Vast array of bedding plants, plus plants for borders and containers. Hanging baskets to order. We are open 9.00 to 4.30 from Monday to Friday. The Allotments, Barnet Crescent, Kirkcaldy.

· Organisations – here to help you enhance your service

Offices to rent - LinkLiving

LinkLiving have two offices to rent at West Bridge Mill – one on the ground floor and one on the 3 rd floor. There is car parking and a lift. For further information please contact Angela Johnston, Finance Officer, LinkLiving Ltd, West Bridge Mill, Bridge Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1TE. Telephone: 01592 644048 Fax: 01592 644671.

Rooms available to rent

Safe Space has rooms available to rent, at St Margaret's House, 9 St Margaret Street, Dunfermline KY12 7PE.

There is a private car park, for approximately 11 vehicles and disabled access to the building.

If you would like more information contact 01383 739084 or email: contact@safe-space.co.uk

Via the Bulletin we are happy to publicise events, requests for volunteers, training you might be offering or needing. Just send details to cupar@volunteeringfife.org

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