FOCUS: WEST DUNBAR TONSHIRE Autumn / Winter Edition 2018
wdcvs
West Dunbartonshire
2
Bringing back FOCUS
3
Case Study: VC Befriend
4
Introduction to a world online.
5
Megan’s Ambassador story
6
Free and flexible Voices Scotland workshops
7
WD sector census 2018
8-9
Emergency first aid for voluntary sector
10-11
Photovoice: Raising awareness of dementia
12-13
A day out at the fitba’
14
In brief: Universal Credit rollout
15
Toe-to-toe is a footcare
16-17
Celebrating Trustees
18
Meet the Manager - Investing in Volunteers
19
In Brief: Report on Poverty in Scotland 2018
20-21
Bringing back FOCUS West Dunbartonshire! Focus Magazine was first launched in 2006 curated by the team at West Dunbartonshire Community & Volunteering Services - featuring local news for volunteers and charities. It quickly expanded, becoming Focus Scotland in 2011, and covering the latest news & information for the sector - until it’s last publication in June 2016.
Now we’re bringing Focus back in a new bi-annual format and returning to it’s original roots - celebrating volunteers and the voluntary sector here in West Dunbartonshire.
Volunteering in West Dunbartonshire
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Stepping into another year of health walks!
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‘No place for hate’ in Scotland
Produced by WDCVS
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Winter Edition 2018
How to get involved:
0141 280 0886
If you have a story or event you’d
focus@wdcvs.com
like to share please get in touch at:
www.wdcvs.com
focus@wdcvs.com
Jessie & Lorraine’s story
VC Befriend
Jessie was referred to the befriending service by a local Lorraine had experienced some challenges in her own
health care professional. Living alone and with no direct life and had been attending a local support organisafamily, she had lived with limited social contact for a tion. Keen to give back, she was interested in getting
number of years. This was made more complicated by involved in a form of community activity that would
Jessie’s complex health conditions including a pulmo- help her meet people and reduce her own feelings of nary embolism and Guillain Barre Syndrome.
isolation and also build her confidence.
‘I found out about the service from one of the ‘I liked the idea of helping people. I didn’t have anyone Occupational Therapy girls when I came out of hospital; for company myself so it has worked both ways since I
when she mentioned it, I thought it could be something was partnered with Jesse. I feel it has helped me a lot
for me. It was coming up for winter and I thought it and my confidence has come on leaps and bounds. It’s
would be nice to have a friend. The service paid me a nice to take a wee drive to Helensburgh and sit with
visit and a couple of weeks later, I met Lorraine.’
quote-left We were really shy at first
and we didn’t do a lot of talking but now we never shut up. It’s just been great.
a coffee or a wee bite to eat. The befriending service has helped me take my first step in taking up support
work and I’ve filled in forms for an ILA learning account
and want to get myself onto a manual handling course. I’ve been volunteering for over a year now. At first I was
apprehensive but my fears were eased through the training, support and matching.’
Activities Shared through the Befriending Experience. ‘I don’t drive now but I know that when Lorraine comes
• Shopping
We walk a lot too and it’s good to take exercise again.
• Day-trips and outings
on Wednesday if I need shopping we can go together. Recently we walked around Christie Park twice. I’m a lot more active now.’
• Lunch-dates
• Walking and chatting
globe www.wdcvs.com/wellbeing/befriending
3
Introduction to a world online.
A volunteer-led initiative aimed at increasing rolled out across West Dunbartonshire
digital skills within the older community is supported by BT and SCVO through their being rolled out to retirement communities Digital Participation Charter Fund.
across West Dunbartonshire.
Volunteers support residents to set up their
‘Get on I.T.’ is helping older people in West email addresses and get safely surfing the
Dunbartonshire to connect with family web. Some of the residents who took part
& friends online and explore a wealth of in the pilot had never been online before
resources including online shopping, enter- and were able to connect with family living
tainment and access to local services and abroad, enjoy music & memories from their
support.
younger years and discover online shopping.
Volunteer Digital Skills tutors are helping ‘Get on I.T.’ is seeking volunteer Digital remove the barriers that stop older residents Skills Tutors to support its expansion
get online, while reducing isolation and build- across Clydebank, Dumbarton, Renton ing their confidence in their IT abilities.
The project, piloted in Bield Retirement Housing Alexandria last year, is now being
and Alexandria. Full training is provided but a basic confidence in getting online is beneficial.
Get involved! Call WDCVS on 0141 941 0886 or email volunteering@wdcvs.com
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Megan’s Ambassador story
The Year of Young People 2018 is a Scottish govern- Some events I’ve been involved in so far include ment initiative to widen the platform for participation becoming a member of #YSThree, a group recruited
and co-design for young people in Scotland aged 8-26. to help aid Young Scot develop their own strategic
Young people derived six key themes which have been planning. With this, I’ve been to various meetings in the foundations for every YOYP event – they include: my own local area, to Visit Scotland and the Scottish
education, participation; culture; health and well- Government in Edinburgh. I’ve also had the pleasure of
being; discrimination; enterprise and re-generation. speaking at events locally and nationally - contributing
Even the logo and brand development have been to the year’s themes.
co-designed by young people – so, the year really is all
about having young people influence and participate in decision making.
I am greatful to have developed my own confidence
and leadership skills, alongside helping other young
people become involved in new experiences. YOYP
The Year was created to celebrate young people and has been a great opportunity for young people to
include them at the very heart of decision making. enhance their skills, making a valuable contribution to
This was made possible by the recruitment of young the year and build their own personal development. volunteers to take on the role of either a Communic18 member or a YOYP Ambassador.
Despite the year coming to a close in a couple of
months, there is still so much time to make the most
As an Ambassador my role is to make sure young out of the year. Even at that, 2018 won’t be the end of people in West Dunbartonshire are represented at the Year of Young People. national events and are getting the most out of the year
- having their successes recognised or getting involved in local events or nationally.
There are many ways you can get involved in YOYP
including following the #YOYP2018 hashtag on twitter
or contacting your local Ambassador.
Megan McSharry, YOYP Ambassador for West Dunbartonshire 5
Free and flexible Voices Scotland workshops
The Scottish Health Council is delivering Voices each workshop can be tailored to the needs of indiScotland workshops across Scotland with members of viduals, groups or organisations. the public, community groups and staff working across
health and social care.
The Scottish Health Council particularly welcomes
working with members of the public and staff together
Voices Scotland aims to provide you and your commu- to encourage sharing decision making and to increase nity with the knowledge, skills and confidence to have understanding of all perspectives.
your voices heard in the shaping of local and national
health and social care services. These workshops can
support people, groups and communities to explore issues that are important to them.
Voices Scotland was first developed and delivered by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, who continue to work with the Scottish Health Council
to improve and refine the approach. You can find
The workshops focus on any topic related to health, more information on the Voices Scotland website: social care or the wellbeing of your community, and www.chss.org.uk/voices-scotland/
For more information or if you are interested in a workshop, please get in touch: Lorna McILreavy, Scottish Health Council Local Officer 0141 429 754 6
lorna.mcilreavy@scottishhealthcouncil.org
WD Sector Census 2018 WD sector census 2018 WD Sector Census 2018 WD Sector Census 2018
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the annual sector census this year. Work is is ongoing analysing allcomments ofof the you provided and comments you shared ncere thanks to everyone who contributed toinformation the sector census year. Work ongoing analysing the information you provided and comments you of the information you provided andall you annual shared and a full report willthis be published before theshared end of and a full report will be published before the end of the year. Some of the main headlines Work is ongoing analysing all of the information you provided and comments you shared and a full report will be published before the end of the year. Some of the main headlines the year. Some of the main headlines are illustrated below. illustrated below. nd a full are report will be published are illustrated below. before the end of the year. Some of the main headlines Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed the census annual sector census this year. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the annualto sector this year. Work is ongoing analysing all
e illustrated below.
Registered RegisteredCharities Charities Registered Charities
31% 31%
911 911 active 911organisations active
31%
Volunteer Hours Volunteer Hours 4/10 per week Volunteer Hours per week per week
3.5/10 3.5/10 6.5/10 6.5/10
5/10
£24.9m £24.9m £24.9m
39200 39200 39200
active organisations organisations
5/10
Annual AnnualValue Value Annual Value
11%
11% 11% Employ Staff
Employ Staff
Employ Staff
Sector Sector Sector SectorSector SectorIncome Income Income Income Income Income
4/10 4/10 6/10 6/10
6/10
48%
48% 48%
See reducing See reducing loneliness and See reducing loneliness and isolation as Top 5 Activities loneliness and isolation as Top 5 Activities key aim Community Development key aim Community Development isolation as Top 5 Activities Health & Wellbeing Health & Wellbeing Community Development Sport key aim Sport Health & Wellbeing Social Care Social Care Children & Families Sport Children & Families Social Care Children & Families
45% 45%
45%
accessed accessed funding external funding accessedexternal
external funding
28%
28% 28% 22% 22% 50% 50% Increased Decreased Static 22% Increased50% Decreased Static
reased Decreased Static
Annual AnnualIncome Income Annual Income
£62.7m £62.7m £62.7m
21%
34% 34%
21% 21%
Issues with Issues with 34%future planning Issues withfuture planning
future planning
Actively Activelyfundraise fundraise Actively fundraise ToTo access the full report please visit www.wdcvs.com access the full report please visit www.wdcvs.com For more information:
To access the full report please visit www.wdcvs.com wdcvs.com/briefing 0141 941 0886
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Emergency first aid medkit for voluntary sector organisations 8 top tips for dealing with injuries and illness at work! 1 Pressure stops bleeding
2 It’s as easy as ABC
The best way to stop bleeding is to apply firm, direct pressure directly over the wound. Severe bleeds can be life threatening so be sure to act quick. Remember if there is glass or a sharp object embedded in the wound NEVER remove them!
When someone is unconscious, keep their airway open. If they are breathing, put them into the recovery position. Circulation is paramount so whatever you do; keep the casualty’s circulation systems working.
3 Water cools burns
4 Tilt forward for a nosebleed
Cooling a burn quickly is vital to prevent further damage to tissue. Cool a burn with cool running water!
Stop a nosebleed by pinching the soft part of the nose for a minimum of 10 minutes and lean forwards, not backwards!
5 CPR - press to the beat
6 Who you gonna call?... 112
Not sure how fast to press when giving CPR? Press to the beat of ‘Staying Alive’, ‘Nelly the Elephant’ or ‘500 Miles’. If you are unable or unwilling to do rescue breaths then do continuous chest compressions until further medical help arrives
Emergency abroad? Dial 112, the common emergency number, which will connect you directly to the local emergency services in nearly all European countries as well as the USA, India and more.
7 Know where to find an AED
8 Keep your skills up to date
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) deliver an electrical shock to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest and using one can save lives!
First aid guidance is updated regularly based on the latest scientific research. Yet many of us still treat injuries using advise passed down through the generations.
AEDs are found in many public places – shops, railway stations, airports, gyms, schools, colleges etc. Know where to find one and follow the automated voice prompts.
Keep your knowledge current - re-sit your first aid training regularly. An ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ qualification is valid for 3 years.
First aid training for West Dunbartonshire charities Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) 6 hrs. Meets the legal requirement of having trained and qualified First
Aiders in the workplace. Covers what action to take in an emergency; responsibilities and reporting; recovery position; CPR; controlling
bleeding; choking; minor burns; basic hygiene; seizures and shock. 8
Prices from £65 (with small charity discount) | Valid for 3 years
Are you health and safety compliant? Health & Safety Requirements:
plus
Organisations with no staff:
Organisation with employees have a legal duty to Volunteer only organisations are not bound by these
register with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and regulations but it is advisable to follow this guidance to make an assessment of their first aid needs.
meet your ‘Duty of Care’ - a common law duty to take
How much first aid provision you need will depend on
reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others.
the size of the organisation and what type of activities Simply this means you could face legal liability if you
you run.
have not taken reasonable actions to prevent a situa-
As a minimum, you must provide at least one first aid box and display a notice that tells staff:
tion that causes harm to another person - physically,
mentally or economically.
Remember: If your organisation owns or is responsible
•
The location of the first aid box;
•
Who the first aider or appointed person is; and
•
Where the first aider or appointed person can be Working with others: found.
for a premises it is your responsibility to make sure that the building is safe to use.
Working in partnership can cause confusion over who
Employers are also responsible for ensuring that first is responsible for health and safety; and there can be
aid kits are kept fully stocked and within date.
conflicting policies.
Appointed Persons:
It is useful, when planning joint activity, to agree which
Organisations also require an appointed person. A qualification is not needed but this person should have basic first aid knowledge and the skills required to take
organisation has ultimate responsibility for health and
safety, how policies will be implemented and where responsibility lies if faced with a complaint.
charge in an emergency situation.
First Aid qualifications remain valid for 3 years and
employers must allow any appointed persons the opportunity to re-qualify.
Remember: You may require multiple appointed
persons to cover different shift patterns, multiple locations as well as staff holidays / absence.
For more information: wdcvs.com/firstaid 0141 941 0886
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RAISING AWARENESS OF DEMENTIA Local residents living with dementia and their carers took part in our Photovoice project, capturing images to help raise awareness and make West Dunbartonshire a Dementia Friendly community to live, work and volunteer in. Below are a selection of the images that were captured.
WORKING HANDS
RUSTING WELD Still holding it together
WOODEN CORTEX Sometimes I feel as if I have knots in my mind that I need to untangle to find answers.
TECHNIQUES COVERED What do we see? Perceiving images: Linking images: Composition: Lines: Rule of thirds: Make use of repetition: Dominant lines: Negative space: A frame within a frame: Angle: Direction of subject: Light and shade in a photo: Lighting & Reflectors: Studio Lighting & Portraits.
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SANDSTONE The grass is like another life form surviving against the stone.
UNNECESSARY RESTRICTIONS. There is a lot I can still do on my own, I don’t need others to restrict my life.
DETERIORATING TREE ON A HAZY DAY. There is still focus within the tree.
WALKING INTO THE LIGHT.
NEVER FORGET.
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A day out at the fitba’ A special partnership between the VC Befriend Scheme and Dumbarton Football Club is addressing isolation and loneliness in a new way - through football.
quote-left
We, at Dumbarton Football Club, are privileged to
enjoy the support of so many within the local area. It is our strong wish to strengthen our ties with the
community and, in so doing, help improve the physical and mental well-being of the population. We aim
to stimulate interest in sport, promote inclusivity and
strengthen community spirit by widening opportunities to enjoy the match day experience.
Research has shown that almost a fifth of people in the
UK say that they are always or often lonely. Loneliness
and social isolation have a profound effect on health, being worse for us than obesity and physical inactivity
and carrying the same risk of an early death as smoking
fifteen cigarettes a day.
We are determined to make a real difference where
we can and therefore, in conjunction with the excellent work done by West Dunbartonshire CVS, we want to
extend a welcome to those who are experiencing loneliness by providing tickets for them to attend matches
at the C & G Systems Stadium. Our hope is that they will enjoy the experience, reap the health benefits and
become part of the Dumbarton Football Club family.
Dr Neil MacKay, Director, Dumbarton Football Club
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Graham, Andy and Ann on a visit to Dumbarton Football Club to watch Dumbarton play Montrose. The first of a season of ‘matchdays-meet ups’ took place I went in to buy a pie and she said “£1.95”, I said “for a in September and Ann shares her story.
My name is Ann McLean (71) and I would never have
dreamt that I would go to Dumbarton Football Ground to watch a match. I didn’t even know where it was!
Growing up I never had any interest in Football, but when I got invited along recently I thought I would like
pie I could have got 4 in Iceland for a £1”. But I really
enjoyed it, it’s was all part of the experience. Next time I’ll get the Bovril to go along with it.
Next time it would be good if we could organize a bus
so we could take more people along and get to meet
even more people.
a day out and a wee change to going to Glasgow or
Clydebank. I’ve been on trips out with Oakbank, and sometimes I just go to Clydebank myself or up to
Glasgow to meet my sister.
This was the first time I’ve had a trip to a football match, and I was enjoying it so much I didn’t know who I was
clapping for. The atmosphere was fantastic. It was a
great day and Dumbarton won 2-1. I even bought a Dumbarton FC teddy bear as a wee souvenir - I’d love to go back!
The setting for the stadium is fantastic; and the Castle
is somewhere that I have never visited as I really don’t like heights.
I really appreciate that we were give a free ticket to go. I was picked up and we went along to meet the others
at the stadium. There were some lovely and very helpful people there and the crowd made us all feel very welcome.
Dumbarton beat Montrose 2-1
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in brief: Universal Credit rollout - Summarised for the third sector and local community by WDCVS.
Universal Credit (UC) will be fully rolled out in West From examining local authorities that have already
Dunbartonshire on November 28th 2018. This is a switched to Full Service Universal Credit, WDCVS radical change to the current benefit system which believes the upcoming changes present many
presents many challenges to both organisations potential issues to claimants. One of the key issues
and individuals.
The new benefit is a single monthly payment given
to those eligible who could be in or out of work.
UC combines: Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits, Income Support, Working Tax Credits, Incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income-related
Employment and Support Allowance. The change
aims to simplify the current benefits system, reduce administration costs and provide greater
incentives to work by ensuring that people are
better off in employment than on benefits.
being that UC is an entirely online claims process.
According to the Scottish Household Survey, only 76% of households in West Dunbartonshire have internet access. As only 54% of claimants
in full service areas were able to register their
claim online completely unassisted, access to
a computer and relevant IT skills are a barrier
to people effectively claiming Universal Credit.
Another issue with UC is the harsh sanctions in
place for claimants adjudged to have not met the conditions they agreed to when first claiming
Universal Credit which means their benefits can
The rollout of Universal Credit began in West be stopped or cut for a period of time. Dunbartonshire in 2015 for single person households and in November the benefit is moving to
a full service rollout. This change is likely to affect at least 13,200 people in the locality – 8,400 of
which are currently claiming benefits that will roll
into UC and 4,800 who are in work and in receipt
of working tax credits. Full rollout involves all new and transferring claimants of the above benefits
except families with three children or more.
There is also a delay in receiving initial payments
of around 5-6 weeks meaning some claimants will
be waiting until after Christmas to receive their
first payment. This is obviously a critical period for families in regards to budgeting and as such there
is a danger of claimants building up debt or rent
arrears at this time. Advance payments of up to
100% are available to mitigate the impact of this
delay; however this money needs to be paid back.
Two of the key features of Universal Credit are that Therefore, it is strongly advised that claimants
claimants are paid monthly and that rent payments only request the amount they need to see them are given to individuals for them to pay their own through to their first scheduled UC payment. rent independently. The Scottish Government
offers the choice to claimants that they can request fortnightly payments to help with their budgeting
and also gives the option for their rent payments to go directly to their landlord in order to avoid the issue of rent arrears.
In Brief:
Further information about the switch to Universal
Credit, including how individuals can claim UC and overcome the challenges the changes bring
about is available in the WDCVS Universal Credit Briefing Report.
Bringing you the latest updates on Policy & Reports,
14 summarised for the Third Sector by WDCVS.
For more information: wdcvs.com/briefing 0141 941 0886
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOOT CARE ASSISTANT What is toe-to-to? Toe-to-toe is a footcare service for those who have
Support your local community by helping to provide a much needed footcare service.
difficulty caring for their own feet - we can help West Dunbartonshire Community & Volunteering
with toe nail trimming, hard skin removal and Services are looking for volunteers to provide toe-
basic footcare advice.
The toe-to-toe service is delivered by trained
nail clipping and general foot care advice to at our foot clinic in Clydebank.
volunteers and we ask that you please leave a We are recruiting volunteers who can spare 3 small donation (suggested ÂŁ10 per appointment) hours per week, Monday -Friday. to help cover the costs of materials, equipment
and training.
Appointments: West Dunbartonshire residents who have
difficulty cutting their own toe nails are eligible for a 30 appointment at our foot clinic at:
Volunteers will be working alongside the NHS
podiatry team, they will be trained and super-
vised for a period before working with clients of
the service. The podiatry team will deliver a short training course to volunteers and a certificate will
be issued on successful completion.
Arcadia Business Centre, Miller Lane, Clydebank, No prior experience needed but excellent commuG81 1UJ.
nication skills and good hand to eye coordination
Spaces are limited so please call in advance to
are required.
make an appointment.
Book an appointment or enquire about volunteering on: 0141 280 0129
taking care of your feet is an important step in keeping healthy, active and reducing your risk of falling. 15
Celebrating Trustees Trustees’ Week: 12-16 November 2018 Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about the charity’s work. Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.
My name is Megan Harrison and I’m the secretary of the though and they will only ever take a tenant to court as Faifley Housing Association’s Management Committee. a last resort.
The committee makes decisions about what the housing association should be doing and how this should
be done.
We have an excellent team and I enjoy working with both the staff and committee. We’re a small housing
association covering around 380 houses so you get to
I first joined the Housing Association Committee over know each person involved and what they do. There’s
10 years ago. As a tenant, I was concerned about the always something new to learn. You get to know the issues I was seeing in my neighbourhood. I wanted to ins and outs of the organisation, where the money’s
understand how a housing association works and what coming from and where it’s going to. We can’t always they are doing to support their tenants.
please everyone, but we do what we can.
In my role I can make sure the housing association is
treating people well. The association does a good job
16
Megan Harrison, Chairperson of Faifley Housing Association
We caught up with Christina MacIntyre, a trustee with the disability group Phoenix Wrap, based in Dumbarton, to learn a little about what being a Trustee means to her.
“I like to think if I can be a trustee then anyone can. I’m If we didn’t have volunteers across West Dunbartonshire
a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 6. My Husband becoming trustees, groups such as ours would not be
died 3 years ago, so being involved with the group is there for the people who need them. So much would a lifeline for me. Previously I wouldn’t go out unless my likely fall apart without volunteers. family was there to take me. At the group we all have a
good laugh together; all the girls enjoy the social side of things.
The most difficult part of being a trustee is knowing how to do things correctly and for the best interest of
the group. Taking the first steps when you are unsure
I originally joined a group with a similar purpose and what it all involves. It’s good to have help and support was with them for nearly 12 years. I joined because of from the other trustees in our new group.
my disabilities. Towards the end of my time there we
had some problems and felt a fresh outlook and new ideas was needed, so I helped create a new group
called Phoenix Wrap and I’ve been with them for 18 months now.
When we started Phoenix Wrap I took on the role of
chairperson; I knew a fair amount about community
groups but to be honest, I’m still getting my head
around what to do - it’s a big learning curve for all of us.
We’ve had support from West Dunbartonshire CVS, advice on funding and policies, and we’re looking at what training we can get to help us with our roles as trustees, to help us nourish the group.
We are very open in the way we run the group, we want the group to know everything that we are doing around
any funding we receive or money we have in the bank.
We see it as a positive way to run our group.
None of us had ever totally led a group before, but we You need people to come forward and volunteer in
decided to just jump in and support each other to pick their local groups, even through difficult times to things up as we went along.
A large part of the purpose of the group is promoting self-help, because we all have disabilities and small social circles; for quite of few of us we don’t really see
make sure they exist. Everyone needs help to manage
things sometimes, even if they have been doing it for
years - it’s too easy to become complacent and a bit of support can make all the difference.
anybody out with the group days. We’ve been looking Being involved in a community group is a great way into mindfulness to help with the challenges of every- to meet others, and also try things that you might not
day life, looking at how our sleep patterns affect us and normally have the opportunity to try. We all get along other activity levels.
Being Chair gives me something meaningful to do at
and have a laugh - that’s what is important in our group;
everyone is made to feel welcome.
home; whether I’m researching activities for the group If you are thinking about getting involved with a group, to do or looking into how to be a better chairperson!
my advice is give it a go - it’ll be worth it.
17
Meet the Manager Investing in Volunteers I am Allana Fotheringham and I am the new
Investing in Volunteers Manager for Scotland. I started this role with Volunteer Scotland in
September 2018, but I am actually not that
“new”, I have worked with Volunteer Scotland for 14 years. I starting out my career with the
Disclosure Services, moving on to project work and for the last three years I have been
an Investing in Volunteers assessor working with the team to develop the Investing in
Volunteers Award in Scotland.
I am excited to be in this role, I truly believe
in the Investing in Volunteers Award and that large to small organisations/groups but still
it is “so much more than just an award”, it is meet the standard, and finally the best part
designed as a development tool for organisa- is getting the chance to speak to volunteers, tions to develop their volunteer programme, hearing their stories and seeing the real
demonstrate best practice in volunteer difference that organisations and volunteerinvolvement, management, leadership and ing make to their communities.
highlighting the amazing contribution volunteers make in Scotland. Simply it makes for a
great volunteer experience.
We have a great team of assessors across
Scotland and I look forward to continue working with everyone here as well as on the UK
Investing in Volunteers is the only quality panel to deliver and develop the Investing in standard and development tool for volun- Volunteers programme. teering in Scotland.
As an assessor I love learning about the work
voluntary organisations do, seeing how different each volunteer programme can be from
Kind Regards Allana Fotheringham,
Investing in Volunteers Manager
globe iiv.investinginvolunteers.org.uk 18
in brief: Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Report on Poverty in Scotland 2018 - Summarised for the third sector and local community by WDCVS.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) recently suitable support to keep people in employment published their annual report on poverty which given complex situations such as disability. The
sets out the latest figures in Scotland. It particularly UK Access to Work Fund currently offers grants
focuses on the impact that both disability and the to help cover the costs of practical support in the
gender pay gap have on child poverty rates in the workplace such as specialised equipment or help country.
There are 230,000 children in Scotland currently living in relative poverty. This number has been
rising since 2010 and with the continued rollout of
Universal Credit these levels look set to increase
with transport with the aim helping more disabled
parents stay in employment. It is vital that awareness of this scheme is increased to help as many
people as possible and reduce avoidable exit from the labour market.
with policies such as the two-child limit on tax cred- Another factor causing child poverty the report
its and inadequate work allowances pushing more addresses is the gender pay gap. In order for people (particularly lone parents) towards poverty. employment to become a more reliable route out
The 2017 Child Poverty (Scotland) Act sets out to of poverty, more action on flexible working and
reduce the figures to 10% relative poverty and 5% childcare is needed. Childcare entitlements under
absolute poverty by 2030. There are duties on the Universal Credit are becoming more generous
Scottish Government, local authorities and health which is part of the solution however it is yet to be boards to demonstrate they are contributing to determined whether the Scottish Government’s meeting these levels.
In the coming months, the Scottish Government is
launching two strategies that are aiming to tackle
child poverty rates. Firstly, they are developing
expanded offer of free childcare to three and
four-year-olds will transform the women’s labour
market participation enough to reduce child
poverty and reduce the gender pay gap.
an action plan to halve the disability employment Other commitments that have been made to
gap. Secondly, they will be publishing an action tackle child poverty include a new Best Start Grant
plan on the gender pay gap before the end of the for low-income families, a family income supple-
year.
It is important to note that 90,000 of impoverished
children in Scotland have a person with a disability
ment being introduced by 2022 targeted on reducing child poverty and also a pledge to have
core disability payments rise in line with inflation.
in their family. The JRF report states that in order For further information, the full Poverty in Scotland
for the disability employment gap to be halved, 2018 report is available on the Joseph Rowntree
both the UK and Scottish governments must Foundation website. reduce the risks of working by ensuring there is
In Brief:
Bringing you the latest updates on Policy & Reports, summarised for the Third Sector by WDCVS.
For more information: wdcvs.com/briefing 0141 941 0886
19
The benefits of Volunteering in West Dunbartonshire. Local Volunteer Jim Slack on how he’s kept active in retirement through volunteering.
quote-left I’m Jim Slack , age 61 from Dumbarton, I’m married After a few months of volunteering with CVS I contacted with 2 kids, both of whom have moved out, and I’m a the Chief Constables office and offered my time to
volunteer!
I used to work as a Police Officer with Strathclyde Police
for 30 years before retiring in 2005, and then I joined the MOD in 2006; retiring from there in 2015. When I
retired I decided to take up some volunteering.
volunteer with them. I didn’t want to put on a uniform
again; I didn’t want to become a special constable in
West Dunbartonshire and roaming about the streets, not in my 60’s. There would be difficulties around me
volunteering in the office, but I was offered a position with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteer group, one of
My first volunteering role was a charity called Missing which is based in Dumbarton. People, which is a national charity; this was brought
about from my time as a Police Officer where I worked
in the Family Protection Unit in Clydebank Police Office.
The unit had dealings with charity Missing People from time to time and I got to know them through that and
then I started a bit of volunteering with them when I
retired.
They put me in touch with Craig Brown who is a local coordinator for the PSYV and I began with them. It’s
a bit like a youth club, but they also help out at vari-
ous events like the Scottish Open, The Great Scottish
Swim and similar events. The kids go along and have a smashing time, and the PSYV is now flourishing all
over Scotland; there’s now one in Clydebank, Dunoon
After I retired I wanted to get out and get some exer- & Oban and there are several in Glasgow and in cise, I went to see WDCVS and explained this and I Edinburgh. Everywhere from Shetland to Dumfries started as a support volunteer on the Canal Litter Pick. there’s a PSYV group operating, and it’s only just been
I’ve now been volunteering on the Canal Litter Pick for going for around 2-3 years.
3 years. It’s great companionship and it gets me out and about and gives me a purpose I suppose. I enjoy
doing it; it’s good fun.
I love the experiences I’ve had volunteering, it definitely is the way to go if you don’t want to sit around
the house and you want to keep active. After spend-
I would think the people that I support enjoy it too, and ing 40 years working it’s also an opportunity to give
you make friends. I believe they get something from it. something back to the community, and feel a certain amount of pride too.
20
21
Stepping into another year of health walks!
Looking for something to keep you active Project coordinator Daren Borzynski said,
over the winter months? Planning a New “We have now reached over 600 hundred
Years resolution? Why not consider joining walks in 4 years which has only been made
one of the many local walking groups in West possible by the efforts of the volunteer walk Dunbartonshire.
Health Walks West Dunbartonshire are just
leaders and the walkers that return every
week to participate�
one of the well-established groups offering A seasonal mobility scooter friendly walk weekly volunteer led walks. A wellbeing is also organized from April until the end
project of West Dunbartonshire Community & of September in Clydebank with scoot-
Volunteering Services, with the aim of increas- ers supplied via local organization Clyde ing the awareness of the benefits of being Shopmobility. physically active as well as encourage more
people to become active and stay active through walking and Strength & Balance.
Currently on offer are a range of walks in
Alexandria, Dumbarton, Old Kilpatrick to Bowling and Clydebank. With more walks planned for other areas and including walks
leaving from local Health Centers, they hope
to create walks that are local and easily acces-
sible to all. 22
Health Walks are free and open to anyone
that wants to take their first step towards a
more active and healthier lifestyle.
Please feel free to contact local coordinator Daren Borzynski on 0141 941 0886 if you would like more information on how to take
part or if you are interested in becoming a trained walk leader.
‘No place for hate’ in Scotland
The
Scottish
Government
has
launched
a
campaign
to
encour-
a g e t h o s e w h o h a v e w i t n e s s e d h at e c r i m e t o s p e a k o u t a n d re p o rt i t .
Latest figures show that in the last year there If you witness a hate crime call your local were over 5,300 charges of hate crime police on 101, or in an emergency always call
reported in Scotland, with many other inci- 999.
dents not being reported to the police.
Third Party Reporting: Many people, for a
In Scotland, the law recognises hate crimes variety of reasons, do not want to get in touch
as motivated by prejudice based on race, reli- with the police in person. Third party report-
gion, sexual orientation, transgender identity ing allows residents to tell the police about and disability. Hate crime can be verbal or an incident without contacting them directly. physical, is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Through a series of attention grabbing letters, the campaign speaks directly to witnesses
of hate crime by using emotive language to highlight the different forms hate crime takes
and encourages everyone to report hate
crime if they see it.
Hate crime has hugely damaging effects on
victims, their families and communities and we all must play our part to challenge it. Don’t
You can use a third party reporting centre if
you are a victim of crime or if you are a witness.
Across West Dunbartonshire, there are a
number of community and third sector organ-
isations that can take a report and forward it to the police, including West Dunbartonshire
CVS, where a range of staff and volunteers have been trained to assist you.
To use this service please contact the WDCVS LinkUp desk on 0141 280 0129.
assume someone else will report it.
23
All things West Dunbartonshire, a place to find and share!
All Things West Dunbartonshire A place to ďŹ nd and share!
events
volunteers
projects
things
Link Up West Dunbartonshire is a new online tool for promoting organisations, groups or projects that you are part of and will allow you to see what others in the community have to offer. Creating a profile will let you join or comment on projects and ideas, or add your own. You will also be able to add events, things, skills or spaces that you have or need. Link up is also a tool for finding local volunteering opportunities and promoting your skills as a volunteer! Sharing the things that we have and things we need can help make projects and ideas come to life; it also gives everyone the opportunity to find out about and get involved in all the great things that are happening here. You can join Link Up now and it’s all totally free! globe www.linkupwestdunbartonshire.org