Dear Members - If you would like to receive a copy of this newsletter on a fortnightly basis and have an email address please let us know by emailing sue.jack@vonef.org.uk with you email information.

Vacancy - Executive Committee member - The Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Unit would like to recruit a new member to its Executive committee. If you are interested in workforce development issues, work for a smaller voluntary sector social service organisation (50 employees or less), and would like to influence the way in which the Workforce Unit supports the voluntary sector, we would like to hear from you. Please send a note of interest to vswu.admin@ccpscotland.org before 14th May.

The Guardian Charity Awards - The awards are aimed at charities delivering practical solutions to present day problems. One of last year's winners were: Fife Young Carers, supporting youngsters who look after chronically ill parents or other family members. As long as your charity is imporving social wellbeing in its broadest sence, and provided other entry criteria are met, nothing is ruled out.

Closing date: 5pm on Friday August 1, 2008. To Enter complete entry form, (availabe from VONEF) or on line at SocietyGuardian.co.uk/charityawards. For further information check out the website or contact Sue at VONEF.

Drugs and Alcohol Today Scotland - event : Tuesday 10th June 2008 - Braehead Arena, Glasgow. Tickets £35. For further information

UNCRA - A copy of "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children" is available in the VONEF reception.

ARE WE THERE YET - A report for under 12's about children's rights in Scotland is available at VONEF.

Water Rates Exemption - on 17th April the Scottish Parliament's debate on the voluntary sector resulted in a series of wins for the sector. These wins include an extension of the current exemption on water rates, a review of the concordat between local authorities and the Scottish Government and a revamped compact between the Scottish Government and the voluntary sector, promises of action on red tape, longer term contracts and a national contracts framework.

SCVO is now seeking a series of follow up meetings to ensure that there is action on all the agreements won in the debate. For the full report click here

PRESS RELEASE - Do you have M.E.?

M.E is a chronic, disabling illness affecting over 24,000 people in Scotland. There is no treatment that works for everyone. For the first time the Scottish Government is trying to assess the needs of people who suffer from this illness and their carers.

The Scottish Public Health Network and national charity, Action for M.E., have been commissioned to collect the information.

Susan Webster, Action for M.E.’s Project Coordinator, says: “We would like to hear from people who have M.E., especially those who have been diagnosed in the last two years.

“We would also like to speak to men with M.E., carers and people with M.E. from black and ethnic minorities. For those people who are well enough, we are organising an informal workshop in Cupar, Fife on Thursday 22nd May 2008.

“This is an ideal opportunity for people affected by M.E. to tell the government what they need and what services should be provided.”

To find out more, contact Susan Webster, Action for M.E., at susan.webster@afme.org.uk or telephone 0141 353 9545.

FIFE ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIP GROUP

A Steering Group consisting of representatives from Fife Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), Scottish Government and the Alcohol Drinks Industry has been established. It is envisaged that the pilot will involve implementing a range of interventions to tackle alcohol misuse. This will be in addition to and complementary to existing local projects and initiatives. It is considered that there will be benefit in delivering a multi-component approach under a single umbrella to establish a cumulative effect of such multiple interventions. Independent evaluation will be set at the start of activity.

As a first step the Group has already gathered information on local activity from Fife DAAT and analysed a brief questionnaire circulated across Fife to understand more fully the local issues and priorities. A Project Co-ordinator will be appointed/seconded for a 3 month period and will allow for scoping of the project. This should also identify the level of resource and support required to progress the project within Fife.
An update on the scoping of the project will be sent in due course. In the meantime if you wish any further information please do not hesitate to contact either Rita Keyte or Eric Corstorphine of the Fife DAAT Support Team direct at 08451 55 55 55 extension 446153. My own contact number is 01334 418702 should you wish to speak directly with me.

How has the Budget affected your Charity - Although the Chancellor has agreed transitional relief for charity gift-aid until 2011, an estimated £700 million tax relief on donations will still be unclaimed each year, money which should be going to good causes. If charities equipped themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to make the most of tax-efficient giving they could already be claiming their chare of the £700 million. The Chancellor has announced that the Government will implement a package of measure aimed at increasing take-up of Gift Aid in the long-term.

HNC Working with Communities - At Elmwood College

Are you interested in developing a career in working with people to increase their skills, confidence and personal resources? Do you want to help adults to raise their standards of achievement in literacy and numeracy? Or to work with young people to increase their personal, social or educational development. These are only some of the areas of work in community learning and development.

Community learning and development is an area of work that helps individuals and groups to tackle real issues in their lives through community action and community based learning.

HNC Working with Communities provides a recognised qualification in community learning and development that is below degree level. Studying this course can help you gain a first step on the ladder of a career in this area. It can also be suitable for those who are already working in a community organisation but would benefit from gaining the knowledge and skills to be more effective in that role. If you are employed in a community organisation you may also be able to earn while you learn.

Study modes include full time and part time options

Where does this course lead? - Successful completion of the course gives you a recognised qualification that enables you to apply for a range of jobs including community work assistants, youth workers and community project workers. You can also access year two of the Community Education Degree at the University of Dundee.

Entry requirements - Two Highers or a pass at relevant NQ course. More experienced applicants without formal qualifications will be considered

Funding is available through SAAS for full time students. You may also be eligible for help with childcare costs.

Enquiries about the course can be directed to 01334 658936 or 01334 658843
Email:jrobson@elmwood.ac.uk

Introduction to Safer Practice - 30th May 2008 - for people embarking on a career in social care, for those preparing to undertake SVQ2/3 in Health and Social Care. Should you wish to book a place on this course use the on-line booking form at blueskyconsultancy.