In partnership with a number of voluntary organisations and the Council, we have started planning for Black History Month 2019. This year, as part of our work, we are looking to start celebrating earlier. We are planning a programme of activities running from Windrush Day, in June, to Black History Month in October.
As part of our plans, we will be submitting a joint funding application to the Windrush Grant Programme.
Social prescribing enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services.
We are compiling an online database of social prescribing opportunities. This is in response to requests from the local community and voluntary sector, the London borough of Barking & Dagenham, and Care City (currently under the auspices of NELFT).
These are services that your organisation may already be providing or is able to provide. They are services to patients of local GPs, hospitals, and residents using Council services. There is currently no remuneration available for the delivery of such services. BDCVS will continue to lobby and work for a full cost recovery model on behalf of the local not-for-profit sector.
If you would like to be included in the database, please download this form and send to info@bdcvs.org.uk.
The Government is seeking views on plans to restrict promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). The consultation asks what you think about restricting volume-based price promotions of HFSS food and drink. Examples of such promotions are “buy one, get one free” and free refills of sugary soft drinks. It asks about restricting where HFSS food and drink is placed in stores, such as: checkouts, aisle ends and entrances. There is more information on the Department of Health website. The consultation closes on 6 April 2019.
The Government is consulting on proposals about fair access to social housing for people who serve in the Armed Forces. This consultation sets out proposals for new statutory guidance for local authorities to help members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, to access social housing.
The consultation closes on 8 March 2019.
At BDCVS, we are concerned about the disparity between different sections of the community and voluntary sector. Certain sections have not had the opportunity to flourish and develop in the same way as their peers.
To address this disparity, we have commissioned an award-winning agency called Olmec to run a training programme. Up to 30 organisations in Barking & Dagenham will learn how to set up and run a successful social enterprise.
The course is free. It is running one day a week from late January to the end of March.
The Council is looking to to map children's and young people's services in Barking & Dagenham. They are looking for details of not-for-profit agencies that deliver universal and targeted services. They are interested in services for children and young people (aged 0–18 years) and services for parents.
Contact Paula Sammon at the Council directly on 020 8227 2292 or by email paula.sammon@lbbd.gov.uk.
The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) is part of a fee the Council charges developers who build new housing developments in the borough. The money is set aside, specifically, to fund local neighbourhood projects.
Such projects include:
The whole of Barking & Dagenham is covered by the NCIL. The Council agreed this, in December 2017, to provide a balanced approach to supporting growth across the borough. The aim is to make sure no areas are left behind.
You can apply for up to £10,000 of NCIL funding. Read the NCIL campaign guidance for information about eligibility and complete the online form. At BDCVS, we have made a copy of the form to help groups, which you can complete before transferring online.
BDCVS has made representations to the Council to help improve the process. These have been incorporated into the guidance. If you think more can be done to improve the process of grant-making in the borough, let us know.
Contact us at info@bdcvs.org.uk for a one-to-one appointment for help with your application or to discuss the grant-making process.
BDCVS is working with the Council and local organisations that took part in Black History Month. We will be reviewing what went well and what can be improved.
A number of agencies have asked for the planning to start earlier.
We will kick-start the monthly planning meetings again in January for Black History Month 2019.
Do get in touch to comment on Black History Month 2018 or to register your interest in events for 2019.
BDCVS is proud to be the first organisation in Barking & Dagenham to sign the new Armed Forces Covenant.
Signing commits us to a promise of mutual support between the civilian community and the local armed forces community.
This will be reflected in our recruitment policies for staff and volunteers. We will make sure our staff and trustees have the understanding and skills to work with veterans. Our staff and trustees will support the delivery and development of services for veterans.
You can find out more about the Covenant at GOV.UK.
BDCVS is hosting a series of meetings to help support agencies and organisations to work with veterans. The aim is to increase awareness of services locally.
BDCVS is looking to bring together more organisations that work on tackling Hate Crime, Extremism and Intolerance. To support the development of a new strategy for the borough.
We would like to hear from you if:
Contact: Rita Chadha.
