What Future for Scotland's Public Services

Do you have strong views on the quality of public services in Scotland?

Are you involved in an organisation which believes it knows how public services, or a particular public service could be improved?

If so contact the "Better Public Services Forum" : email to mailto:Annabel.Stobie@scvo.org.uk post them on the Forum website at http://www.scvo.org.uk/bpsf or by surface mail to: Alison Elliot, Better Public Services Forum, c/o SCVO, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB

The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005

Did you know about this act? For a full copy of the Act and who is responsible visit http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2005/20050001.htm

Or The Breastfeeding in Scotland website: http://how.scot.nhs.uk/breastfeed

Water and Waste Water Charges Exemption Scheme Extension

The Scottish Executive have agreed to extend the Scheme until 31st March 2010.

This will mean there will be no charges payable for water and waste water services for those who are already exempt until April 2010. If you require further information contact Scottish Water's Customer Helpline on 0845 602 8855.

LINKED - Magazine - from the LINK Centre for Deafened People - If you would like access to a copy call into VONEF or visit http://www.linkdp.org where you can find the current issue along with all back issues.

Access Holiday Cash - (excerpt from Fife Independent Disability Network Newsletter)

"If the gloomy winter days have seemed even gloomier because you cannot afford to book a holiday, it may not be too late to get help with financing. Government grants and charitable funds are available, particularly for families on benefits, but it is up to your to get searching."

For further reading and information contact mailto:Sue.Jack@vonef.org.uk who can copy the article for you.

Information seminar on "What Your Trustees Need to Know"

Is your organisation a registered charity? Are you up to date with the new Charity Legislation launched in April 2006. Want to know more? Then book a place on one of the following seminars by calling 01592 414588

Wednesday 28th June 6pm - 8pm - Rothes Halls, Glenrothes
Thursday 29th June 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm - City Chambers, Dunfermline
Friday 30th June 9.30 am - 12.30 pm - Volunteer House, Crossgate, Cupar.

Courses in Facilitation

Various seminars are being offered at around £100 in facilitation. For example: "From Colleague to Manager"; "Dealing with conflict"; How to deal with complaints"; Dealing with difficult people". If you would like further information on times, venues and costs, please contact mailto:Sue.Jack@vonef.org.uk

Mental Health First Aid Training - 2 day course : Thursday 29th June 2006 and Friday 30th June 2006 - 09.30am to 4.30 pm at the Dean Ppark Hotel, Kirkcaldy. For further information contact Shirley Ballingall 01592 226486