SCVS Networker - March 2016

thenetworker The newsletter for Sutton’s Voluntary and Community Sector

In this issue:

Funding Special - Sutton Soup, Local Giving in Sutton, funds you may not have heard of and updates from some local grants schemes

March 2016

In this issue Pages 3-4 - A look forward Susanna Bennett shares her thoughts on the year ahead Page 5 - news A look at the work of Ted Gates MBE Page 6 - news Merton and Sutton Mediation and National Citizen Service Page 7 - Healthwatch Sutton A new fun from Healthwatch Pages 8-9 - Funding Local Giving and Sutton Soup Pages 10-11 - Funding Lots of grants and funds to look into

Susanna’s column Welcome to a special Spring edition of the Networker and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Easter break.

With the new financial year nearly here, it’s a good time to think about your finances, and about where your income is going to come from for the next twelve months.

We take a look at some of the grant schemes that gave out funding last year, as well as take a look at some of the plans for furture ways of funding in Sutton - from the innovative Sutton Soup, to a new Local Giving Scheme.

On pages 10-11 you can also see a roundup of a number of funds you may not have heard of, but which you may want to take a look at...

This edition we also take a look at the fantastic contribution Ted Gates MBE made to the voluntary sector in Sutton over the last 20 years. Ted sadly passed away in February of this year, and we know he will be very sorely missed.

Susanna Bennett Chief Executive SCVS

Pages 12-13 - Funding Updates on grants given out in 2015 Pages 14-15 - What’s On Autism Awareness Week and What’s On in Sutton

Cover pic: - Daffodils—springtime in Sutton

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news

A few thoughts on the year ahead It’s nearly the end of the financial year, - what improvements could be made to their services, information, access, engagement and and time to look ahead at what the networks? next one may bring. SCVS Chief Executive Susanna Bennett takes a Getting the house in order …

It’s not been a great year for the reputation of look forward...

As we move closer to the new financial year in April 2016 I think many of us feel nervous about what the future might hold for our organisations.

But do not despair - recent reports from NCVO confirm the challenges but also suggest some of the possible solutions!

The Road Ahead analyses our changing operating environment and identifies key themes for 2016/17.

Still a shrinking state …

The report emphasises that cuts are set to continue until at least 2019/20 and that the biggest changes are in local government.

“Even if councils stopped filling in potholes, maintaining parks, closed all children’s centres, libraries, museums, leisure centres and turned off every street light they will not have saved enough money to plug the financial black hole they face by 2020. “Lord Porter, Chair, Local Government Association.

In the face of this preventative and specialist services will be vulnerable, as councils are forced to focus on their statutory obligations. The services that do remain are likely to be commissioned through a smaller number of larger contracts, coupled with an expectation on providers to reduce their unit costs.

The main message here is that charities most likely to buck the trend are those that have stronger relationships with local politicians and commissioners, or are working in partnerships that can deliver services at scale.

Playing digital catch-up …

NCVO encourages charities to consider not only their creaking hardware, but some of the opportunities and efficiencies on offer: making better use of data to target services, campaigns and bids; rethinking working patterns and volunteering; using online communication, collaboration and storage tools; using open software, which can reduce costs; and enabling staff to use their own devices, social media and networks.

Plus charities need to think about the implications for their beneficiaries and supporters

charities with aggressive fundraising, excessive pay for senior staff and controversial campaigning all being criticised and public trust at an all-time low. Whilst the main implications are for larger organisations, smaller ones should also anticipate greater scrutiny from funders and donors and so should put their houses in order so that they can be transparent about all their activities.

Navigating Change: An analysis of financial trends for small and medium-sized charities outlines the key findings from a research project commissioned by Lloyds Bank Foundation and carried out by NCVO. This will probably resonate with most of you as it highlights the financial challenges and changes facing smaller charities since the financial crash in 2008.

• Small and medium-sized charities lost more income proportionally than larger charities Since the financial crisis small and medium-sized charities have lost up to 44% of their income from local and national government and increases in income from individuals have been insufficient to offset these losses.

• Smaller charities experienced higher income volatility than larger charities Organisations with less than £1m a year have been particularly affected by insecure income, probably due to dependency on single sources of funding. For charities with income of between £100k-£500k in 2008, one quarter had moved into a lower income band by 2013.

• Government funding has failed to create a level playing field Government funding has shifted radically towards competitive commissioning and contract models which favour larger, national charities at the expense of smaller, local ones.

• Patterns of income generation and spending changed following government funding cuts.

Between 2008/09 and 2012/13 small and mediumsized organisations increased their earned income through fundraising and charitable trading by up to 60%. They decreased their overall spending and, in general, increased the amount that they

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news spent on generating funds. Charities in the  income band £100k–£500k also nearly halved the proportion of their spending that went towards staff costs.

(NCVO have commented that this cutting back on infrastructure and staffing means that small charities are losing the capacity to diversify or fundraise, and it seems that the number of funding bids is down as there are not enough staff to write them!). 

The other important area highlighted by the Funding Conference and echoed in the Road Ahead report is partnership – working together to be able to deliver bigger contracts.



Make the most of digital technology – within your organisation and for those who use your services. Superhighways are a voluntary sector ICT support provider who can help you with this: www.superhighways.org.uk

The report makes the following Recommendations: 

Public commissioning has to be reformed to ensure resources can reach small and medium-sized charities



Funders, both independent and public, need to take steps to reduce the volatility of small and medium-sized charities’ income



Funders, both independent and public, need to support charities to build their capacity 

So what can we do in 2016/17?  Campaign for the recommendations in the Navigating Change Report! 

A coalition of national charities has set up the Grants for Good Campaign www.dsc.org.uk/grants-for-good-2 to make the case for the grant funding of voluntary organisations. Please join this important campaign and help promote it locally!

Be really good at demonstrating your impact (the case for the change you make). I went to the NCVO Funding Conference in February and this was identified as the most important thing a charity can do to improve its fundraising prospects. SCVS can help you with this – contact Razia (razia@suttoncvs.org.uk) or Hilary (hilary@suttoncvs.org.uk)

Review your governance, make sure you are following best practice in all areas and can stand up to any scrutiny. SCVS has just done this using the NCVO Governance Wheel which was a really great tool. If you need more support SCVS runs Trustee Roles and Responsibility training courses covering all the essentials of governance several times a year. Visit the What’s on page of our website to find out what courses are coming up.

NCVO Governance Wheel

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news

Ted Gates MBE It is with great sadness that we are letting you know that Ted Gates passed away on Monday 1 February; he had been unwell for some time.

Many of you will have known Ted well through his involvement with a large number of voluntary organisations including SCILL, Shopmobility, SCVS, Sutton Volunteer Centre and Healthwatch Sutton.

Since the early 1990's he was a familiar face across the community in Sutton setting up organisations, chairing them, promoting the voluntary sector and volunteering, campaigning to improve the local NHS, and working tirelessly to improve services and access for people with disabilities.

Ted was born in Lambeth in 1935 into a poor but happy family. He grew up in the area and after the outbreak of World War Two, lived through the blitz, the family sometimes sleeping nearby underground stations but more often staying at home, sheltering under the stairs. One night they decided to sleep in the crypt of a local church which proved very lucky as their home was blown up by a German bomb!

The family was rehomed in West Norwood, which no doubt gave rise to Ted’s lifelong passion for the local Crystal Palace football club. In the 1970s and 80s he worked for a haulage company, then as a transport manager, before travelling round the world for bank J.P. Morgan. After returning from a trip to Ecuador, Ted was diagnosed with the crippling Guillan Barre syndrome, but this didn’t stop him and he set about working for charities and voluntary organisations in Sutton. His commercial background and first hand experience of disability was much in demand to help set up a number of disability schemes in the borough, and he successfully lobbied the council to set up a shopmobility scheme in Sutton.

Over the years, he has worked with a myriad of local charities as a trustee, board, member, Chairman or in an advisory capacity including; Sutton Shopmobility, Sutton CVS, Sutton Volunteer Bureau, Banstead Mobility Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation, Sutton Town

Ted Gates MBE

Centre Management, Sutton Disability Liaison Forum, Epsom & St Helier Access and Equality Group, Sutton Community Transport, Sutton Disabled Trust Fund, SW London Community Trust Access Group, Sutton Centre for Independent Living, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Trust, MSW Health Authority, St. Andrew’s Church, SCILL and Healthwatch Sutton.

He was also a keen fundraiser, raising an estimated £200,000 for local organisations through various activities including four wheelchair half marathons.

In 2001 he was awarded an extremely well deserved MBE for 'services to Disabled People in Surrey', and he was also awarded the ‘Londoner for the Year Award’ for Sutton.

Through his work he contributed to making Sutton a better place and improving the lives of local residents, and will be greatly missed.

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news

Merton and Sutton Mediation

groups, to bring local people together for the benefit of their community.

As with many organisations, the last two or three years have been very challenging for Merton and Sutton Mediation (MSM). Unfortunately, we are now in a financial position where it will be difficult for us to continue offering our current level of service. It is for this reason that the Trustees of MSM have had to take the decision to Merton and Sutton Mediation was set up in 2003 wind up MSM from 31 March 2016. to provide community mediation services and MSM is proud of its achievements. In training for residents of Merton and Sutton. In particular it is leaving a legacy of professional over 10 years, we have handled around 1000 community mediation in the local area by working referrals from local partners, including police and with and handing over to Confidential and Local social housing providers in both boroughs, and Mediation (CALM), a community mediation have supported over 2000 local residents and organisation who work across several London their families to resolve their disputes positively. boroughs, with offices in Hammersmith.

We have trained over a hundred local people When MSM cease to operate as an as volunteer mediators, who have worked with organisation, CALM Mediation are planning to the paid members of staff to provide the service, offer a service to our existing clients, continuing many of them volunteering for more than five to use local mediators. CALM are also interested years. in developing local project work where possible.

We have also delivered training in managing For more information about CALM, please conflict positively to workplace managers, midday contact the Director: supervisors in schools, police and housing officers Corinne Rechais, CALM, Unit 10, Berghem Mews, and many others.

Blythe Road, London W14 0HN We have been involved in community projects infocalm@calmmediation.org, 020 7603 4014 in partnership with local community and faith www.calmmediation.org

We are sad to have to announce the closure of a group many of you will have worked with in the past - Merton and Sutton Mediation. They take a look back at some of their achievements over the past 13 years.

National Citizen Service

organisations such as Sutton Voice, Sutton Community Farm, Sutton Housing Partnership, Sutton Libraries, Age UK Sutton, Sutton Ecology Centre and Carshalton Lavender to name but a few.

Working closely with their community partner, NCS participants will learn about the This year, over 700 Sutton teens will be working organisation and the value of volunteering and with 60 community partners hoping to make a social action. Activities this summer include: a positive difference in the borough. youth-led health and wellbeing event – with NCS is a government-funded programme support from local Housing Associations – and a which helps young people build skills for work day of crop harvesting with Carshalton Lavender. and life and is also an opportunity for them to In Greater London and Surrey, NCS is meet new people and connect with their local delivered by The Challenge which is country’s area. largest provider of NCS. Since 2009, 70,000 Following an action-packed stay at an outdoor young people have taken part in NCS with over centre and a week spent learning a new skill in a 5,000 community partners benefitting from this university-style setting, participating young social action programme. people will team up to run community campaigns For more information about the programme, for local charities and community organisations. visit www.ncsthechallenge.org, or come along to In Sutton, local teens will be partnered with our next Children and Young People’s Forum.

SCVS is supporting the National Citizen Service (NCS) - a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for young people aged 16 – 17 which takes place during the summer holidays. Read on to find out more...

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Heal

Funding opportunity Would you like to hold an event/activity for your local group or community? We are offering grants up to £750 to run one-off events or activities with local people.

The NHS in south west London, and Surrey Downs, is working with Healthwatch Sutton to speak to local people about what they think of local health services. They would particularly like to speak to people who do not normally share their views about local health services (seldom heard communities).

What can the money be used for?

We would like to fund activities and events that would be enjoyable for Sutton residents.

Examples could include: dinner dances; pottery classes; fun days; drop in sessions; afternoon tea etc. The local NHS would attend these events/activities and spend part of the time talking to people local health services.

Who can apply for the funding?

Local groups and voluntary sector organisations who work with or support;  Older people  Younger people  People with physical and/or learning disabilities,  People with mental health conditions  Transgender people  LGBQ communities  Pregnant women/new mums  People from different races and of different religions  Carers  Socio-economically deprived communities  Working population

When does the activity need to be held?

All events/activities need to be held by the end of 2016

How to apply Please complete a short application form which explains: what activity you would like to run; who you will be inviting/reaching; when the activity is going to take place and how best you think NHS staff could engage with people at the event.

For application forms and further information please contact: Sara Thomas sara@suttoncvs.org.uk or Pam Howe pam@suttoncvs.org.uk or call 0208 6419540

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funding Volunteer Centre

Local Giving – a new way of funding Sutton’s voluntary sector?

Southwark. These are supported by London’s Have you heard of Local Giving?

Giving Network (London Funders) which is Funded by the Sutton Community providing resources and sharing good practice.

Fund and the City Bridge Trust, SCVS is working to develop a Local Giving So why is this Local Giving model needed in Scheme in Sutton, which would provide Sutton? a way for businesses to get more closely Community Need involved with the local voluntary High levels of deprivation in certain wards sector.

(Rosehill, St Helier and the Wrythe); significant Across the country Local Giving Schemes are building partnerships between the voluntary, public and business sectors. These schemes encourage businesses and residents to become more involved with their communities and help support vulnerable residents. The schemes also increase donations - of time, support in kind and money to fund projects in priority areas of need.

Successful examples of Local Giving Schemes are already running in Islington, Hackney and Kingston, and further schemes are being developed in other boroughs such as Barnet and

health inequalities e.g. women in the most affluent wards live on average 8 years longer than those in the most deprived ; 16% of young people live in poverty; and there is increasing isolation amongst older people.

Changing Population The Office for National Statistics estimate that by 2022 the number of young people (0 to 19) will increase by 17.5%, and older people (65+) by 20.8%. Sutton is becoming more diverse with a 21% increase in the Black and Ethnic Minority population since 2001.

Funding Reductions VCOs are experiencing a significant increase in demand for services + substantial funding reductions. A recent report (A financial sustainability review of the voluntary sector, NCVO, July 2015) highlights that small/medium charities experienced a 38% cut in their income from government sources between 2007/8 and 2012/13.

SCVS is working towards launching a Local Giving Scheme in Sutton—Sutton Giving, in September, and is also developing a long term strategy (2016-19) with income generation targets. We are also working on developing relationships with local businesses and identifying champions within the business community.

To find out more about the scheme and our plans, please contact Susanna at SCVS on 020 8644 2867, or email her at susanna@suttoncvs.org.uk.

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funding

A delicious new soup Have you heard of Sutton Soup? The first soup will take place next month, and offers a fun and different evening for £5, helping good community projects get started. With food, refreshments, entertainment and voting.

Sutton Soup is a socially-focused crowdfunding project, in which members of the community pay a small donation in return for a bowl of soup and the right to vote for one of four local good causes, pitching to win the prize fund. The winning pitch gets to take away ALL the money donated on the night.

You might be wondering 'what is Sutton Soup?' Well, it's what is known as a 'community micro-finance project' for the people of Sutton based on the very successful Detroit Soup model.

The basic aim is to create funding for local community projects - bringing people together along the way.

So what happens is: we meet, everyone donates what they can afford to the kitty (suggested donation £5), we eat, all the organisations with a case to put forward make their pitch, we vote for the one we like best and the winner gets the cash. They have to come back at the next Soup and tell us all how their plan went.

Sutton Soup is a Dragons Den for local good causes in which you are the Dragon.

Sutton Soup would like to invite you to their next soup, at St Nicholas Church on Thursday 21st April, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

To book your tickets for April’s Sutton Soup please visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/suttonsoup-9828223328 To find out more about Sutton Soup visit the website at www.suttonsoup.org.uk or email adminteam@suttonsoup.org.ukPlease note:

£5 for food, musical entertainment and a vote to choose which of 4 community projects get some funding.

1.

Eat some delicious home made soup and bread whilst chatting to people about the projects.

2.

Listen to 4 people give a quick passionate pitch on a community project that needs funding.

3.

4.

Sutton Soup will be held in the beautiful venue of St. Nicholas Church but it is NOT a religious event. We welcome people of all faiths (and those Vote for your favourite project – and the one with none!). Nor are we aligned to any political with the most votes gets ALL the donated party. All are welcome whatever their views/ money. background and we are hoping that Sutton Soup Enjoy our pianist until the winner is will reflect the vibrant and diverse population of announced.

Sutton.

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funding

Money, money, money...

The Yapp Charitable Trust Money - one thing that all charities The trust offers grants to registered charities and voluntary organisations could do with a total annual expenditure of less than with more of, but something that is not £40,000, who are undertaking work with their that easy to come by...

However, there are loads of funds out there you can apply for - it’s just knowing where to look and then writing that perfect bid. This edition we’ve pulled together a host of funding opportunities you may not have heard of - have a look through and see what you could apply for. priority groups which include elderly people, young people aged 5–25 and people with physical impairments, learning difficulties or mental Love Your Yew health challenges, social welfare project or education and learning projects.

Find out more

Funding for Leagues Scheme Small grants of up to £400 to cover the costs of essential maintenance work and inspection of yew tress on land owned by a not for profit organisation or church.

Find out more

Henry Smith Charity The Henry Smith Charity is a large grant making charity that makes grants totalling approximately £25 million each year to up to 1,000 organisations and charities throughout the UK for initiatives and projects that address social inequality and economic disadvantage.

Find out more

Living Wandle Landscape The HLF Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme (LWLPS) is looking to release some money to fund new projects in Spring 2016. It is likely that the total sum available will be £60,000, from this, a variety of smaller projects will be funded. The deadline for applications to this fund has been extended to 13th April.

Find out more

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Grants between £350 and £1,000 are available for football leagues (outside of the National League System or below Step W4 in the Women’s Pyramid of Football) for the purchase of equipment that assists in the administration of the league.

Find out more

Hospital Saturday Fund The Hospital Saturday Fund will award grants to individuals with a medical condition or disability or registered health charities such as hospitals, hospices, medical organisations who are in need of grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training.

Find out more

Peter Cruddas Foundation The Foundation awards grants for organisations that help disadvantaged or disengaged young people get a better education.

Find out more

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funding E-on Energy Action Fund

FreeSport

Local community centres that need to improve their energy efficiency and schools or charities looking to add a spark to the area through energy education, can all apply for funding.

Find out more

FreeSport funds sports clubs, youth groups and community organisations that provide free sport activities for Londoners. Grants of up to £1,500 available. FreeSport grants are awarded to approximately 150 different organisations across London twice a year. These grants are for projects to run during the summer (July to October) and the winter (January to April).

Find out more

Bailey Thomas Charitable Fund

Foyle Foundation

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund is a grant making registered charity which was established primarily to aid the research into learning disability and to aid the care and relief of those affected by learning disability by making grants to voluntary organisations working in this field.

Find out more

The Foundation's Small Grants Scheme is designed to support smaller charities in the UK, with an annual turnover of less than £100,000 per annum. They will award grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work.

Find out more

New Beginnings Fund This fund will support local groups working to welcome refugees and asylum seekers into their local communities, through existing or new services.

The fund is particularly interested in groups who are working to get their local communities involved in volunteering and supporting their work to promote integration and welcome new arrivals. Deadline 29th March 2016.

Find out more

Community Trees Fund This grant fund is open to community groups, both formal and ad hoc, within the United Kingdom. Please ensure that children under the age of 16 are included in the planting project.

They will fund up to 4 fruit trees (but no more than that) on semi-vigorous, vigorous and very vigorous rootstocks.

Find out more

The Discovery Foundation

Previously known as the Santander Foundation, the Discovery Foundation offers funding to support local charities, community interest companies and credit unions that are helping disadvantaged people locally across the UK. £5,000 is available and forms can be picked up at any Santander branch or downloaded online.

Find out more

Bags of Help The second round of funding for the Tesco Bags of Help scheme will open for applications on 18 April 2016. Bags of Help is administered by Groundwork and funded by Tesco customers from the proceeds of the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags.

Find out more

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funding

Pro-active Sutton Physical Activity and Sports Development Fund In December 2014 SCVS was asked to administer the Pro Active Sutton Physical Activity and Sports Development Fund. We take a look at one of the projects helped by the fund.

The Physical Activity and Sports Development Fund was a grants funding programme, financed by Sutton Council and Public Health to support projects that improved the take up and maintenance of physical activity and sport by Sutton residents.

Community sports clubs and groups and voluntary and community groups that provide (or could provide) sport and physical activities to benefit Sutton residents were encouraged to apply for grants up to a maximum of £1,000.

16 grants were awarded totalling £15,280 to a groups offering a wide range of activities such as Yoga, upskill staff to deliver sports activities, tennis sessions, exercise classes for people with cardiovascular disease, chair based exercises, line dancing, running-club sessions.

Age UK Sutton received £1,000 from the fund to deliver Nordic Walking Sessions in Manor Park and provided a case study to demonstrate the benefits of this project: Mrs A is 66 years old. She was recently widowed and was suffering from depression when we first met her. After the death of her husband she had become the sole carer for her adult son who has learning difficulties, epilepsy and who is prone to fits.

As a result he cannot be left alone for long periods. Mrs A was becoming lonely. She had stopped taking part in outside activities and hobbies she once enjoyed.

Mrs A was receiving some support from Sutton Carers Centre who referred her to Age UK Sutton as they knew we had a number of social activities which might appeal to her.

After a full assessment of her needs and current situation we discovered that Mrs A previously liked to knit but since the start of her depression found it difficult to concentrate. We

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also knew that she only had a few hours a week when her son was with his personal assistant to get out and that she wanted to be nearby.

We suggested Nordic Walking as an idea for her to get out in the open air and help her to make new friends. Another advantage was that the group met near to Sutton College where her son attended a class with his PA, so Mrs A was reassured that she would be nearby if needed.

Mrs A reported to us that after attending the group for 10 weeks she no longer needs to take medication for depression and has made new

friends. She also reported that not only did she feel a real boost in confidence but that a long term shoulder problem had also cleared up!

Mrs A said ‘Nordic Walking has improved my flexibility and I have made some good friends, thank you.’

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funding

The James Trust At the end of last year the James Trust offered grants to enhance the life chances of adults and young adults with a learning disability and/or mental health issues, living in the London Borough of Sutton.

The James Trust was the vision of the late Richard James, a lifelong resident of the London Borough of Sutton who remained in his parents' Sutton home until his death. As a young man Richard studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, and was at one time a window designer for the Gorringes department store in Buckingham Palace Road, London which closed in the 1960s.

For many years he ran a Puppet Theatre, designing and making his own puppets and delivering shows all over the area. He was a lifelong Opera enthusiast and Friend of the English National Opera, travelling across the UK and Europe to see performances, gaining him a wide circle of friends.

As far back as the 1960s Richard conceived the idea of using and sharing his family home as a safe and comfortable environment for people with learning disability who would benefit from independent living. For over 30 years he was part of the Sutton Adult Placement Scheme a fostering

programme, now called the Shared Lives Scheme, sharing his home with David Hunt who had both a learning disability and mental health problems.

He set up the James Trust prior to his death in 2007. The Trust continued to support David, in Richard's home, until David's untimely death in 2014. The house was then sold and the Trust now focusses on giving both large and small grants to organisations who provide life chances for those who have a learning disability* and who live within the London Borough of Sutton.

The Awards given in January 2016 were: Sutton Mencap - £140,000 for the Circles of Support Project. This is a group of people who meet together on a regular basis to help somebody accomplish their personal goals in life.

The Change Foundation - £149,840 for the Sutton Futures Project which will engage with residents and give them access to expert coach mentors and will participate in sport and arts projects.

Roundabout - £52,545 to run “dramatherapy in the community” project for adults with learning disabilities They are in negotiations with a fourth applicant.

Sutton Community Fund deadline approaching The Sutton Community Fund awards grants of between £300 and £10,000 to projects that benefit Sutton's residents. Grants awarded must be used within 1 year. Applications are now being accepted for the next round of grants.

The application process is quite straight forward but it is important that you read the guidance notes before applying, and please make sure that you have all the documents listed on the checklist.

The next deadline is 5pm, Monday 4th April 2016.

Find out more

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what’s on

Get Autism Aware It’s nearly time for World Autism Awareness Week 2016. This year the week will run from Saturday 2nd April to Friday 8th April. Sutton Council’s Dominique Sydamah tells us what it’s all about, and how you can help in Sutton.

friendly place’ to live in. In times of austerity, it is imperative that we make the best use of resources that currently exist and seek to obtain new ones when the opportunities arise.

The implementation of the Suttons Adult Autism Framework is based on the 9 objectives to mirror the requirements of the Autism Statutory Guidance. Each objectives has its’ own work stream as follows:

On 2nd April every year, the global autism community celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with fundraising and awareness raising events. This follows a unanimous declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to designate this day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

Autism is a lifelong disability which impacts on how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. Around 700,000 people in the UK have autism. There is lots of information and guidance available on Autism— you can find out more about autism, and about World Autism Awareness Day on the National Autistic Society’s website at www.autism.org.uk or on the Autism Speaks website at www.autismspeaks.org.

1. Training, raising awareness & understanding 2. Identification, assessment diagnosis and service provision 3. Transition planning to adult services 4. Leadership planning 5. Preventative support and safeguarding 6. Reasonable adjustments and Equality 7. Complex Challenging Needs 8. Employment 9. Criminal Justice

What is happening in Sutton?

In Sutton, the Adult Autism Strategy Steering Group provides oversight and steer in the implementation of the Sutton Autism Strategy Framework. This group consists of local champions and interested stakeholders working together to make Sutton an ‘autism aware and

Our aim is to make Sutton an ‘autism aware and friendly’ place to live in. Our success will be judged by people with autism having better access to mainstream services, where they feel valued; respected; and supported in the community.

We are looking for people to join us and help to achieve our aim. We recognise we are not there yet, but we are committed to work and support this work so that we make a difference.

If you can spare an hour or so every three months, please come and join us.

If you would like to know more about the Sutton Autism Strategy Steering Group, please contact; Dominique Sydamah Head of Health Service Development London Borough of Sutton: Email: dominique.sydamah@sutton.gov.uk.

Tel: 020 8770 6816.

For More information from the council about autism, please look at the following pages on their website: Sutton Council Autism information Sutton Autism Strategy Framework

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contact us thenetworker The Networker is the magazine of :

Apr – May 2016 Wallington Farmers Market Saturday 9th April, 9am-1pm Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Wallington Get along to the borough’s oldest farmers market and buy fresh, local produce direct from the producers. www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk

South West London Question Time Monday 11th April, 7.15pm The Secombe Theatre, Sutton Do you feel strongly about an issue that you want to raise with your mayoral candidates? Are you undecided about whom to vote for in May’s mayoral election? www.suttontheatres.co.uk

Knights, Damsels and Dragons afternoon Sunday 24th April, 2-5pm Honeywood Museum, Carshalton Fly the flag for St. George’s Day and come to Honeywood to hunt the dragons. Lots of fun with themed crafts, trails and more. Come dressed as a Knight or Princess for the occasion for a small prize www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk

The Sue Robson Fund charity event Sunday 1st May Carshalton Athletic FC The family and friends of Sue Robson are raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity in her name - Sue Robson fund – and have already secured an impressive £4669!

They are now organising a May 1st Charity Event at Carshalton Athletic FC - a great excuse to all get together for an evening to remember and to raise more money for The Brain Tumour Charity (all proceeds will go to the Sue Robson Fund).

The evening will kick off at 7.30pm, tickets are £22 and will get you a hot buffet dinner, live entertainment and access to an exclusive charity auction.

Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector (SCVS) Granfers Community Centre, 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton SM1 3AA

020 8644 2867 info@suttoncvs.org.uk @SuttonCVS facebook.com/suttoncvs www.suttoncvs.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1063129

Chief Executive: Susanna Bennett Communications and Admin: Claire Avery Jackie Parr Development Team Razia Sattar Hilary Chisnall Accountancy Services: Glory Sivaraja Laura Corney Creative Payroll Solutions Ltd (CPS): Karen Adorjan Tina Green Grove House Project Jon Ward Healthwatch Sutton Pete Flavell Pam Howe Sara Thomas

Find out more and book tickets

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Payroll that stacks up

Get CPS to manage your payroll and see how much time you could save Focus on service delivery - getting us to sort out your payroll means that you can concentrate on what’s important for your organisation Comply with current legislation - we make sure that pay is calculated correctly, and HMRC have all the correct up to date PAYE information for your organisation No need to purchase specialist software or train staff - we are specialists in payroll and up to date with all the latest legislation

Contact us today: t: 020 8644 2867 e: creativepayroll@suttoncvs.org.uk w. www.cpspayroll.co.uk