Thrive! Issue 33 - Oct-Nov 2016

Supporting voluntary and community action

October/November/December 2016

In this issue: The VCS Grants Prospectus Healthy City Week An interview with new Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees Life Cycle helps young people fix their bikes at St Paul’s Adventure Playground. Get inspired to change the way you travel with Life Cycle UK during Healthy City Week (p14-15).

Bristol Youth Links commissioning update Volunteer management health check Upcoming training and much more...

Contents Voscur

Support Hub

3 Editorial

21

4

New Voscur members

22-23 The Community Business Fund in Bristol

5

From little acorns to great funding applications

24

Listening to the voice of small and/ or equalities-led organisations in the provision of Bristol Youth Links services

6-7

“Shifting the mindset” - Marvin Rees opens a dialogue with the VCS

25

Bristol Youth Links Commissioning update

8

We won a ‘Voscur’! What next?

10-11 VCS Grants Prospectus

Voscur training

Voice and Influence

11-12 Bristol Compact helps resolve legal dispute - saving £500,000 of public funds

26

This is me: Dom Wood, VCSE sector advocate

12-13 Batook’s Blueprint: What has been happening with the Bristol Manifesto for Race Equality?

27

Think Local: Horfield and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Partnership

14-15 Healthy City Week Bristol: Wellbeing that doesn’t cost the earth 16 Advertorial 17

Business as usual - Bristol’s response to Brexit

18-20 Volunteer Management Health Check

Key to symbols Training

Information & Resources

Event

‘Thrive!’ is also available online as a pdf at www.voscur.org/magazine.

If you require it in another format, please get in touch on 0117 909 9949.

Disclaimer: some of the views expressed in this publication are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Voscur. Publications, events and services mentioned in Thrive! are not necessarily endorsed by Voscur.

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October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Dear Members and Friends questions we’ve been asking for

can’t survive on fresh air alone,

our State of the Sector survey,

but if we can harness the changes

and we’ll share the analysis with

outlined above – new funding

you at our AGM in November.

mechanisms, collaboration, social

The UK’s decision to leave the EU has exposed a range of social divisions. Bristol may have voted to remain overall, but 38% agreed with the national majority. That’s why we’re working locally to

So, we’ve got a new council, a

media, social enterprise – to create new opportunities, then in 2019, when we do another State of the Sector survey, we’ll be in a different shape again, but equally strong.

ensure policymakers understand

In this issue of ‘Thrive!’ we’re

this split in our communities, and

pleased to have an article from

do what they can to make it work

the Mayor, demonstrating his

for both sides.

understanding of and support for

new mayor and a new Prime

This divide is also reflected in

Minister. We’re leaving the EU,

Bristol’s top position for quality

but probably joining a devolved

of life among the country’s

regional authority. Where do

largest cities, and its ranking

we, the voluntary sector, fit into

for deprivation: 16% of Bristol

all this, and what kind of shape

residents live in the most deprived

are we in? As we enter the AGM

areas in England and 24% of local

season, reflect on last year and

children live in ‘income deprived’

look forward, it’s a good time to

families. Bristol’s prosperity is not

take stock …

equally shared.

For example, are your clients

Coupled with further cuts in the

seeking support with greater

council’s budget (£44m this year

and more complex needs? Are

and £100m by 2020), one result

you considering new funding or

is increasing expectations on the

investment mechanisms? Could

voluntary sector, where current

collaboration help you provide

pressures will increase further

better services? Has social media

as public spending falls. But this

made your job easier? Might a

also means we’re needed more

Community Interest Company

than ever, especially for the most

structure suit your objectives

disadvantaged people in our city.

more than a traditional charity

And being in demand can be a

model? These are some of the

strong position. Unfortunately we

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

Bristol’s voluntary sector. We will be continuing the conversation with him when he presents the Voscurs at our AGM. We hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Wendy Stephenson Chief Executive

www.voscur.org

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“Welcome� to our new Voscur members Breathing Fire A drama group that uses the unique

Member benefits

format of interactive theatre. www.breathingfire.co.uk/ 07971 520366

Bristol Fairtrade Network A dynamic group of people and organisations in partnership that increases understanding, support and sales for fair trade products. www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk

Gender Free DV Survivor-led campaign of male, female, elderly, children, LGTBQ+ and disabled in favour of a gender-free approach to domestic abuse. genderfreedv@yahoo.co.uk

Rose Green Sports and Leisure Centre Providing sports facilities and function rooms to the local community. http://www.rgsl.org.uk/ 0117 951 5569 Welcome also to our Associate members: Jacari Bristol; Step Together Volunteering; and Bristol Culture.

For more information on becoming a member of Voscur and the range of member benefits, visit: www.voscur.org/ about/joiningonline or call us on 0117 909 9949.

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October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

From little acorns to great funding applications “We know what our clients need – so why don’t funders understand?”

“The spark for our project everyone loved. Where did it get lost in writing the bid?”

“Our case for support is crystal clear. But which way should we approach delivery?”

For just over a year, Voscur’s Funding

more support for collaboration and

Application Review Service (FARS)

social enterprise, and increased

has been helping local organisations

information sharing with funders

with just these challenges. And it’s

to help address gaps and reduce

been very successful: from Reaching

duplication. Informed by closer

Communities to Awards for All, and

working with funders and better

People’s Health Trust to Quartet, a

communication of forthcoming funds,

range of organisations have had their

our ‘planning stage review service’ will

proposals successfully funded after

assess the viability of initial project

FARS support.

ideas on their own merit, and in the context of regional funding trends.

Why does Voscur provide a Funding Application Review Service?

This means you’ll get guidance at an early stage of proposal development about whether the basic idea makes

Simply because it provides that allimportant “second pair of eyes”. As James Brereton, Chair of Trustees at the Brigstowe Project, explains: “Even those charities with fundraising expertise in-house really benefit from an external perspective – sometimes you can be too close to the subject matter and may either make assumptions as to the funder’s knowledge or present too much

The team at the Brigstowe Project celebrate funding success with the help of FARS.

sense (aims, activities, outcomes), if there are other similar projects already happening locally and how it aligns

Is a review of complete draft applications enough?

with funders’ priorities. So a few useful

To date, FARS has been focused on the

effort when it comes to completing

final stages of the fundraising process,

application forms later on.

because that’s where organisations originally said they would like help. It’s become clear, however, that other

hours at this stage could save days of

Designed for organisations seeking public and private grants (rather than contract tenders), our ‘planning stage

detail.”

kinds of input earlier on in the funding

FARS is proud to have helped

ideas are first taking shape, would

Brigstowe at both stages of its

also be valuable. In fact a little bit of

successful Reaching Communities

guidance at the start would, in some

application. Brigstowe’s new Positive

circumstances, save quite a lot of work

For more information, visit:

Voices project will train people with

getting bids back on track later on.

www.voscur.org/fars

experience of living with HIV to provide peer support to others who have been recently diagnosed with the condition – because this is when stigma and mental health issues often have the greatest negative impact.

cycle, ideally right at the start when

That’s why Voscur is now developing a ‘planning stage review service’ as part of a broader funding support programme. This also includes improved information about new opportunities,

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

review service’ will be available from 1 October 2016.

or get in touch with us on 0117 909 9949. We look forward to helping you turn your little acorns into great funding applications.

www.voscur.org

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“Shifting the mindset”

Mayor Marvin Rees opens a dialogue with the VCS Article written by Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees.

It is a real honour to be writing in ‘Thrive!’ as the Mayor of Bristol. It seems like only yesterday I was the Networks Manager of the Black Development Agency, working closely with Voscur and Bristol City Council’s Community Development Team on the first iteration of Prevent (which we renamed ‘Building the Bridge’). Alongside this, we were supporting our members to ensure Bristol’s VCS had a voice in the Local Area Agreement discussions shaping the local authorities’ approaches at that time.

I recognise the challenges faced by the VCS over recent years.

Funding cuts and tendering processes have resulted in a number of critical service providers such as Nilaari losing staff, and others such as Hawkspring holding on to survival by their fingertips. This is not only bad for their service users. It is bad for the city.

I want to use this opportunity to open a conversation with the VCS on how the city can best work to secure its future, not merely having a thriving VCS for its own

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Marvin joins local young people at the opening of the Family Cycling Centre in Hengrove. Copyright BCC/Chris Bahn.

sake but because it is a vital provider of services and both a symbol and source of the social strength and resilience societies need.

Let me start by sharing a few principles I intend to work to: First I want to reframe the way the city assesses the value of Bristol’s VCS. Its full value cannot be captured simply by adding up the cost of the services it provides to the public. The full value is to be found in the social capital brought to communities through the local connectivity, social organisation, leadership and ownership and the evidence that people can lead themselves. It’s found in the pathways and support to employment provided by formal and informal volunteering, role modelling and mentoring provided by organisations who have at

their core a responsiveness to the opportunity and need on their streets and on the doorstep. It’s found in the extra effectiveness of services that can only be realised when the organisations and staff are personally known and trusted by the local people turning to them for support or services. And it’s realised through being the local group that is best placed to identify, understand and exploit the opportunities for the early interventions that avoid the personal tragedies and expensive interventions that come with late interventions and crisis. All this is more difficult to measure than simply adding up the costs of staff and services, but it is real and must be taken into account.

Second, I believe we must become proactive in developing the picture of the kind of VCS we want and then build tendering

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

“It seems like only yesterday I was the Networks Manager of the Black Development Agency, working closely with Voscur and Bristol City Council’s Community Development Team on the first iteration of Prevent (renamed ‘Building the Bridge’).” and grant-making strategies that deliver it. This cannot be left to a technically coherent procurement process that runs and gives us whatever it provides without a view on what Bristol’s VCS should be. We need to anticipate our future population’s size, shape, strengths and weaknesses and what demands that will place on the city for support and services.

We must take a forward view on the extent to which local government, the NHS, business and other institutions will be able to meet those demands, exploit opportunities and recognise that a thriving VCS is not an optional extra, but integral to our city’s ability to deliver. We must not, and will not, have a “VCS of the gaps” philosophy where we turn to the voluntary sector to pick up what the public and private sectors leave behind. We must hold the VCS in higher regard than that. Rather, we must have a shift in mindset that begins to see the VCS, both as a service provider and through its full role, as the first port of call and the primary means for delivering the future city we want. This makes both social and financial sense. It’s a philosophical shift that begins to see the primary role of the public sector as the servant, supporter and enabler of VCS effectiveness.

This is not a big government/small government argument. It’s part of

an argument for government that is big enough and an argument for a shift to a community-organisingbased approach to governance and meaningful community leadership.

“We must not, and will not, have a ‘VCS of the gaps’ philosophy where we turn to the voluntary sector to pick up what the public and private sectors leave behind. We must hold the VCS in higher regard than that.”

Third, I want the city to understand that supporting, driving and making space for the development of the VCS cannot, and should not, be a task for Bristol City Council alone.

It is a city responsibility. The VCS we get, as a response to unmet needs and available professional and financial support, is not only the product of decisions and non-decisions made by the council. It is a response to the city as the city works through employment practices, successful and unsuccessful public services, educational success and failure, and social cohesion. Every sector in the city gains benefits from the VCS at the very least through the services it provides to workers

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

and their family health, through the social interventions they make that provide for more stable communities and cohesive communities, and through the reduced public expenditure it facilitates. As we all benefit, so we all must take collective responsibility and coordinate collective investment in building the role and resilience of social infrastructure within which people live, the public provides services, and businesses make and sell goods and services.

Our vision for Bristol’s VCS must be a City vision, led by the VCS itself, facilitated by the mayor and developed and owned with the city’s major public and private sector place-shaping organisations. This must translate into a coordination of our grant-making, procurement and investment plans to ensure we get the outcomes we want and need.

I would welcome your responses as I start to ensure these principles are grown into our relationship, not least through the VCS Prospectus.

To contact The Mayor to share your views, visit: https://www. bristol.gov.uk/mayor/ contact-the-mayor-form

www.voscur.org

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We won a ‘Voscur’! What next?

Interested to hear what our amazing 2015 Voscur Award winners have been up to since winning their awards, we got in contact with a couple of them to find out what came next!

Borderlands Refugee Centre Volunteer Team of the Year Award winners 2015 Winning a Voscur was a truly special moment in the life of Borderlands. We were all hugely honoured and extremely excited to attend the awards ceremony, and collecting the award as a team really bonded us together.

Since then we have resumed our efforts with new enthusiasm. We embarked on a large publicity campaign to gain public votes for Borderlands which

The Home-Start team celebrate their Voscur win!

in turn secured us a grant from the Big Lottery

Home-Start Bristol

Fund. Without our incredibly committed team of

Happy, Healthy Bristol Award winners 2015

volunteers, it just wouldn’t have been possible.

We were thrilled to win a Voscur. We have shared our

Project, which aims to join our service users with

We were awarded the funds for our new Mentoring local volunteers who will help members lead

success with funders and in our newsletters that go

independent and fulfilled lives. To find out more

out to families, volunteers and supporters; it was a great vehicle to promote the work we do.

about our range of projects, visit: www.borderlands.

We have recently been awarded a three-year grant

exciting and fruitful as our last!

uk.com. We hope that our next year will be as

from Children in Need to support children across Bristol.This grant will be used to provide early intervention for young children in the most deprived areas of Bristol so that they will have a healthier lifestyle and be happier and better prepared for school.

Activities will include playing, reading, number games, crafts/messy play, cooking, walks, visiting the park and swimming. Older children will be supported in engaging with school work and activities and parents will also be encouraged to be involved and foster the learning and development of pre-school and schoolage children. To find out more about this and other

The Borderlands Team, further bonded by winning a Voscur!

projects, visit: www.homestartbristol.org.uk.

If you are reading this at the beginning of October – you have until Friday 21 October (5pm) to vote for this year’s Voscur Awards! Visit: www.voscur.org/voscurs2016

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October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Present The Role of the Sector - ‘Who Are We Now?’ Voscur’s Annual Conference and Social Impact Awards (the ‘Voscurs’) Wednesday 2 November, 4pm – 8pm, SS Great Britain.

Book your free place at: www.voscur.org/diary/voscur-agm-2016

Issue 30 October / November / December 2015 For a full list of photography credits, please visit: goo.gl/0c9Pya

www.voscur.org

Supporting Voluntary Action

9

VCS Grants Prospectus The VCS Grants Prospectus and its Bristol Impact Fund have undergone some changes in recent months.

They have now been launched and VCS organisations are working together to make applications. The main changes and important dates are described below.

Changes • Timing – the Prospectus was launched on 1 September after its approval by the council’s Cabinet in August – it was originally planned to be launched in mid-July. The effect of this change is that current grants were extended to 30 June 2017 and all new grants will commence on 1 July 2017.

• Challenges – following on from further consultation with VCS organisations, the important issue of ‘mental health’ was added to the Prospectus challenges. In addition, there were changes to the ways that digital inclusion, wellbeing and social isolation were described.

• Grants over two and four years – the council confirmed that small grants would have a twoyear duration and not include funding reductions; four-year grants would include a phased reduction of 10% in year three and 5% in year four.

• Collaboration – the forms of collaboration acceptable to the council were confirmed: joint or partnership coalitions and lead partner consortia.

• Work with children and young

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people – the council confirmed

resilience and more, visit: goo.gl/

that the Bristol Impact Fund

qNKCkp

– comprising no funds from children’s services – will focus on adults and young people aged 16+. For other work with children and young people, organisations are referred to Bristol Youth Links, whose recommissioning process has started.

2) Guided help – including telephone advice sessions for individual organisations, which may cover subjects such as impact, legal structure, monitoring/evaluation and policy development. These may be booked in advance by calling 0117 909 9949.

Voscur’s support for VCS organisations

3) In-depth advice for

Over the last months, we have

organisations interested in

provided much support to

collaborating may have started

help Bristol VCS organisations

to work together and may need

prepare for the Prospectus. This

some additional support. Voscur’s

included: briefings, a trustee

support for collaborations

network meeting, introductions to

focuses on supporting small

potential collaboration partners,

and equalities-led Bristol VCS

understanding the Prospectus

organisations working together.

impact model, and responding to changes (withdrawal of grant). In addition, we asked VCS organisations about their readiness to meet the council’s baseline standards – specific support for these will be provided during September and October.

collaborations – Bristol VCS

Funding Application Review Service – this Voscur service offers independent, informed advice to support your organisation’s fundraising. It provides constructive, timely feedback on a funding application to increase: the quality of your bid;

Voscur is here to support Bristol

your chances of success; your

VCS organisations to apply to the

confidence in explaining your

VCS Grants Prospectus, including:

proposal; and your own skills and

1) Self-help – with online tools,

learning for future bids. More

checklists and templates relating

information about this service is

to outcomes, impact, finances,

available on p5.

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Bristol Compact helps resolve legal dispute – saving £500,000 of public funds Important dates 11 August 2016 – the council’s Cabinet approved the Prospectus.

1 September 2016 – the Prospectus was launched and the application process started.

26 September 2016 – deadline for Expression of Interest for Small grants. w/c 3, 10 and 17 October 2016 – meetings with council officers for Small grants.

26 October 2016 – Small grants applications invited after discussion/meeting with council officers.

7 November 2016 – deadline for Medium and Large grant applications.

21 November 2016 – deadline for Small grant applications.

March 2017 – grant allocations to Cabinet for approval.

Advocacy and helping to resolve problems in relationships between the public sector and VCS organisations are important parts of the Bristol Compact work. Mark Hubbard, Compact Liaison Officer, describes a successfully resolved dispute and what happens next.

News was received in May that a legal dispute between Bristol City Council (BCC) and Next Link (local domestic abuse service – part of Missing Link Housing) was resolved, saving a costly legal bill of £500,000.

The dispute started in January 2015 when the contract for new services was awarded to a national organisation (Refuge). Next Link challenged that award in the High Court as it believed the tender evaluation process had been unfair.

During the legal dispute, all dialogue between the parties had ceased, except between their legal representatives. Understanding that a legal dispute would be protracted and costly (estimated to be £600,000*), I was invited to help find an alternative process and brokered a series of ‘without prejudice’ discussions between the council and the local community organisation.

Those meetings led to a repeat of part of the tender evaluation process by an independent panel. That panel reported the outcome: that the contract should be awarded to Next Link. After a cooling-off period, that contract award was confirmed and services are integrated with the other commissioned domestic abuse services in the city.

The High Court judgment (from an early stage hearing) describes in detail the following main elements of the case and recommended that there was a case to answer and it should proceed to court.

• Tender evaluation and moderation – inconsistencies in the ways that tenders were evaluated, without explanation from BCC.

1 July 2017 – new grants start.

• Disclosure of relevant information – the judgment considered “that, in this case, the Council has sought a potentially unfair advantage through its attitude to disclosure.”

For the most up-to-date

• Engagement with the court case – the judgment is critical of how BCC engaged.

information, please visit www.voscur.org/grantsprospectus

See overleaf for more...

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

www.voscur.org

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The impacts of the dispute – which lasted 18 months – are significant for the council, for VCS organisations and for the use of public funds.

• Uncertainty for service users – “I am worried I will lose [my support worker], I trust her, she understands my situation, I don’t want to have to start with someone new again” (service user).

• Uncertainty for provider – “I can’t plan for anything, I want to have a family holiday but it’s impossible with this financial insecurity” (employee); “Recruitment became almost impossible as we could only offer three-month temporary contracts” (manager).

• Use of resources – significant time was spent by BCC and Next Link officers in preparing

and engaging in every stage of this dispute; the projected total bill (£600,000) and actual bill (£100,000) could have been used differently.

• Relationship damage – both parties acknowledge that the dispute had a negative impact on their relationship, which is being addressed.

• Reputational damage – the case has been widely discussed on procurement blogs and by Bristol’s public and VCS. This affects confidence in other commissioning processes.

What happens now?

Voscur has focused on improving the VCS’s experiences of commissioning and procurement for some years. Some of the issues that VCS organisations have raised resonate with this case. Voscur believes that there is important

learning from this case that needs to be examined and addressed so that this case is not repeated.

We are in discussions with the council’s Cabinet about the most appropriate means to learn from this case – there may, for example, be a Scrutiny Inquiry Day in the coming months. We hope that an examination of what happened and what could be different will ultimately lead to processes that avoid such high cost and impact. * the costs of the out-of-court process were estimated to be £100,000 For more detail about Voscur’s involvement visit: goo.gl/bYU3ps Next Link’s press release: goo.gl/5Wa9t7 Detail of the High Court judgment (about an early stage hearing): goo.gl/0q1AL1

Batook’s Blueprint

What has been happening with the Bristol Manifesto for Race Equality?

Article written

by Alex Raikes, Strategic Director at SARI and Manifesto steering group member.

The Bristol Manifesto for Race Equality (also known as ‘Batook’s Blueprint’), written by some of the city’s most prominent members of the BME community, calls on public and private

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sector employers to “adopt this Manifesto” and commit to tackling inequality.

Its steering group has continued to work tirelessly throughout the year since its dynamic group of members won the Batook Pandya award at the Voscurs. Its overarching vision is to achieve “a city where equality of opportunity for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) is truly valued (politically, economically, socially and in access

to education), because such a city would restore hope for many, enabling them to feel understood, safe and excited about their future. It would help build strong cohesive communities that thrived and rejected injustice.”

The steering group has now been running for three years and has a diverse and progressive membership which comprises both groups and BAME individuals.

This year the Manifesto steering

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

group has finalised its first Terms of Reference to meet our vision and been involved in or led on a number of key events and activities which help to promote its aims, including a BME Communities and Mental Health and Wellbeing Event; Race Equality in Public Life dinner; Runnymede roundtable on their recent findings re race equality outcomes for authorities across England and Wales; hustings for BME communities for the Mayoral and Local Elections; and, most recently, planning activities for their ‘100 Black Men’ initiative, which wants to see better outcomes for Black men across our city.

The Manifesto has made the news on several occasions, most recently on 18 July 2016 – http:// www.bristol247.com/channel/ news-comment/features/ investigations/is-it-finally-time-forbristol-to-face-its-past – where it was cited as one of Bristol’s key initiatives for ensuring that achieving race equality is firmly on the city’s agenda and infiltrating all major arenas.

The Manifesto has also inspired our key public bodies to set up their own leaders’ group to ensure each agency delivers its own outcomes against the Manifesto action plan – this is Chaired by Bristol City Council’s Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods Alison Comley and also has senior representation from the Police, Health Trusts, Avon Fire and Rescue, UWE and Bristol University. Our local Education Department has also set up a Race

Members of the Bristol BME Manifesto steering group celebrate winning the Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion at the 2015 ‘Voscurs’, joined by Voscur staff and Batook’s daughter Meera.

Equality in Education Working Group to ensure the Manifesto aims for schools are progressed proactively too.

Ultimately, the Manifesto aims to be a ‘living and breathing’ document that is not just signed but is also truly signed up to by all those who have a part to play in making Bristol a great place for all regardless of their ethnic origin.

The Manifesto has made the news on several occasions when it has been cited as one of Bristol’s key initiatives for ensuring that achieving race equality is firmly on the city’s agenda and infiltrating all major arenas.

As well as the steering group, people can become members.

Membership of the Manifesto for Race Equality is open to anyone

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

who is motivated to achieve the Vision of the Manifesto and who uses the services or facilities within the city’s boundaries, or who lives, works or undertakes studies within the city’s boundaries. We want as many local people as possible to get involved, so if you are interested in more information about the Bristol Manifesto, visit: www. bristolbmevoice.org.uk.

Partners involved with the Manifesto: Voscur, Bristol BME Voice, Bristol City Council, SARI, Building the Bridge, The Black Police Association, Nilaari Agency, Ujima radio, Bristol Somali Media group, UWE, Black Southwest network and a range of BAME individuals.

For more information about Bristol’s Manifesto for Race Equality, email: charlene@voscur.org or call 0117 909 9949.

www.voscur.org

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Healthy City Week Bristol Wellbeing that doesn’t cost the earth

Healthy City Week (15 – 22 October 2016) is an eight-day programme of activities to inspire citizens of Bristol to achieve healthier lifestyles as part of a more sustainable future city. gala evening, community meals and a wide range of screenings and performances. Organisations involved include Bristol Community Health CIC, Voscur, Portland Centre for Integrative Medicine, Bristol City Council Public Health, Coexist and The Social Prescribing Network of Great Britain and Ireland.

Dr Trevor Thompson from Discover ways to wellbeing with a day of holistic clinics and classes at Hamilton House on Wednesday 19 October 2016.

University of Bristol’s School of Social and Community Medicine, GP at Wellspring Healthy Living

Launched last year as a new

debates and seminars will aim

Centre and co-chair of Healthy City

initiative from Bristol Green Capital

to bring together health and

Week’s steering group, said:

Partnership CIC, Healthy City Week

sustainability communities.

is the product of contributions from local organisations and individuals whose free or lowcost events, talks and workshops will explore the links between sustainable living, personal wellbeing and the health of our environment.

The programme kicks off on 15 October with a community day at the Wellspring Healthy Living Centre and Barton Hill Settlement.

There will be talks, creative workshops, health checks, and practical advice on health issues, green living and keeping homes

Bristol events will be held

to improve our health – to drive

at various venues including

less, to eat more vegetables,

Southmead, Avonmouth,

to enjoy nature, to connect

“Many of the things we can do to improve our health – to drive less, to eat more vegetables, to enjoy nature, to connect with our local community – also benefit the planet.”

warm.

Knowle, Broadmead, Barton Hill,

A Healthy City Week Hub, hosted

They will be hosting talks, cycle

by Triodos Bank, for the Walkable

Keynsham, Lockleaze and Easton. rides, taster sessions on a range

Neighbourhoods conference and

of healthy activities such as yoga

the week-long series of talks,

and holistic wellbeing, a Fairtrade

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“Many of the things we can do

with our local community – also benefit the planet. Healthy City Week throws these links into sharp relief, bringing together many perspectives on health, wellbeing and sustainability: from patients and the public to NHS clinicians, from alternative therapy practitioners to the big local health institutions, from voluntary and community groups to scientists and researchers. This year’s programme really does offer something for everyone, and shows that we can all make a difference, to our health and that of our planet.”

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Take part in talks, cycle rides, taster sessions on a range of healthy activities such as yoga and holistic wellbeing, a Fairtrade gala evening, community meals and a wide range of screenings and performances.

• The full programme is published online at: www.bristolgreencapital. org/healthycityweek • Sign up to take part in Workplace Wellbeing Week at goo.gl/mrxfjO • Host a stand or exhibition at the Bristol Royal Infirmary Heart Institute ‘Healthy City Week Expo’ on 21 October: goo.gl/O1pOKQ • Voscur together with Bristol Public Health is hosting a social prescribing workshop on 19 October at Hamilton House, for VCSE organisations. Book your place at: goo.gl/XdKxBG Healthy City Week is a Bristol Green Capital Partnership CIC initiative, sponsored by Bristol Health Partners, inspired by city-wide contributors and supported by Triodos Bank, hosts of the Healthy City Week 2016 Hub. Photos (from top, clockwise): West of England Nature Partnership explore a ‘Natural Health Service’ on 21 Oct, 6 – 8.30pm (Credit: Derek Underhay, SimplidoPhotography); Kitchen on Prescription with Portland Centre for Integrative Medicine in HCW 2015; yoga with Coexist at Hamilton House; Community Conscious, Coexist Wellbeing’s in-house outreach programme, delivering bespoke wellbeing packages.

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

www.voscur.org

15

Advertorial

Affordable Financing for Social Enterprises Whilst the three enterprises are very different in their business models, they all share the ambition to offer real solutions for tackling poverty, with a particular emphasis in these cases on offering life-changing opportunities for marginalized people. Other areas the Fund is interested to support through investment include: Supporting those with life controlling addictions • Rehabilitation and support for ex-offenders • Improving health and wellbeing • Job creation and education • Access to decent affordable accommodation • Reducing the cost of living •

“ ”

Social enterprises that are looking to grow their business and impact are invited to apply for funding and encouraged to get in touch to discuss potential areas of their activities which could benefit from investment. We are here to support you and we will do our best to be flexible.

“

” www.voscur.org 30 October / November / December 2015 October / November / December www.voscur.org 2015 Issue 30 16 16 Issue

Business as usual – Bristol’s response to Brexit Photo by paulchapmanphotos CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

On Thursday 23 June 2016 the UK voted to leave the European Union via a nationwide referendum.

Whilst nationally 52% of voters opted to leave the EU, in Bristol there was a 61.73% vote to remain.

In response to the vote, Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, has convened a city-wide ‘Brexit Response Group’, which Voscur is part of, to fully understand the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit.

This phased work aims to shape the city’s initial evidence-based response to the Government and then to play an active role in the local, regional, national and international response to Britain’s anticipated negotiated exit from the EU. The aims of the response group are: 1. To ensure a coordinated citywide response to Brexit.

2. To understand the social impact of Brexit on Bristol.

3. To understand the economic and funding impact of Brexit on Bristol.

4. To respond to the city.

5. To respond to the UK government.

6. To respond to the European Union.

During the first phase of the work, the group has been developing an ‘at a glance’ guide to Bristol’s

initial response to Brexit and areas for further consideration, to complement a formal response to the Government. This is part of a wider communications schedule which will cover a set of key campaigns as identified by the partners involved in the work.

Gathering evidence has been key to setting the objectives for the second phase of the work, which will start at the beginning of October and run until April 2017.

Key messages that will drive all of this work stem from Bristol’s commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion, to our multi-national business and education sectors, and to finding peaceful ways to challenge any form of hate crime, be it expressed in views or in actions.

“This is an initial city response to Brexit that has involved representatives from the business, voluntary, community, education

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

sectors and the city council,” says Marvin Rees. “As a diverse city with the fastest-growing economy outside of London, Bristol has a lot to contribute and a lot to feel positive about for the future.

“I would like to call on government to work with Bristol and the other Core Cities to find solutions to keep Bristol moving forward.

Together we must make sure that all our citizens benefit from any opportunities and are bestprotected from any negative impacts that follow.”

If you have any questions relating to Voscur’s involvement in this work, please contact our CEO, Wendy Stephenson, Wendy@voscur. org, 0117 909 9949.

www.voscur.org

17

VOLUNTEER BRISTOL @

Volunteer Management Health Check In 2015-16, 52% of Bristol residents said they volunteer or help out in the community at least three times a year.* For volunteer-involving organisations, having a well-thought-out volunteer programme can be the difference between a great potential volunteer that you never see again and a long-term volunteer committed to a project.

Investing time and resources into volunteering has huge benefits. One of the resources that we use at Volunteer Bristol @ Voscur is this Volunteer Management Health Check. It’s a quick way of identifying the main policies and procedures that need to be in place to demonstrate good practice, and a good tool to review and improve current practice. * Bristol City Council, Quality of Life Survey 2015-16

1 2

3

VOL BRI @

We have a fair and consistent recruitment and selection process in place which reflects the diversity of the local community and takes into account individual need.

“Volunteers are essential to our fabric and functioning so we employ a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to develop and maintain a good-quality volunteering programme. I ensure that there are systems and procedures in place for volunteers to have a positive

We have a volunteer policy in place which covers the organisation’s commitment to involving, recognising and safeguarding volunteers.

experience and to make a valuable contribution.

Our recruitment system involves liaising with farm staff to identify volunteer roles, advertising in a variety of forums, placing volunteers in appropriate areas and making sure their work is well organised.

I induct and support volunteers throughout their volunteering experience, identifying training needs and implementing personal development opportunities. I work with supervisors to resolve any issues and represent the volunteer voice in wider

We have a designated person responsible for the recruitment, training and support of volunteers and this is stated in their role description.

18 www.voscur.org

farm development. It is valuable having a person to facilitate this process, since farm staff do not have the time or resources to create a consistent experience for volunteers. Ultimately, having a person dedicated to volunteers illustrates how much we value volunteer input into the farm.”

Lizzie Spencer, Windmill Hill City Farm

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

4

We provide an inclusive environment for volunteers, and strive to recruit and empower volunteers with extra support needs.

“Being inclusive is at the heart of what we do. We have a code of conduct our volunteers agree to, which says that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, that whilst in the garden no one should use language that belittles another volunteer or their work and that everyone agrees to be supportive. This creates an atmosphere where everyone’s contributions are valued.”

Lucy Mitchell, Golden Hill Community Garden

6 7

Photo by Strelka Institute photo cc by 2.0

5

We produce clearly defined role/task descriptions for all volunteer roles, listing qualities and skills required to undertake the role.

We have established appropriate screening systems to ensure the suitability of volunteers and to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and service users.

We routinely allocate time and resources to train/induct volunteers so that they are prepared to undertake their role safely and competently in line with our policies and procedures.

“We have a Peer Mentoring Service where people living with HIV mentor people who are newly diagnosed or struggling with their diagnosis. It is absolutely essential to recruit the appropriate volunteers for this service as their role involves supporting very potentially vulnerable people. The recruitment process is quite in-depth. It involves an interview and three days of compulsory training where

Visit goo.gl/urO3Gg for volunteer management training available throughout the year. We provide Voscur members with

mentors are continually assessed in if they are ready to mentor or not. DBS checks are also essential. We have found going through

advice on volunteer management best practice,

this procedure not only ensures skilled and

and invitations to our quarterly Volunteer

dedicated individuals, but means value is

Organisers’ Forum. The VOF is a great place for

placed on the volunteers and their roles.”

peer learning and to keep up to date with what’s going on in the Bristol volunteering world.

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

Lauren Tittle, The Brigstowe Project

www.voscur.org

19

8

We routinely provide supervision, support and development opportunities to volunteers and provide feedback on how well they are doing.

9

Feedback is routinely gathered from volunteers on our management and operational performance and used to support continuous improvement.

“Our volunteers are the heart and lungs of our organisation so, to us, it is imperative that we not only create a comfortable and happy experience, but also continuously improve on this. We accomplish this by constantly gathering feedback both verbally at the end of their shift and more formally at quarterly supervisions and socials. One of BWRP’s main policies is social inclusion; we get volunteers from all walks of life involved in the project and each member of staff is aware of any unique needs they may have. We strive to encourage and nurture the goals that may come with volunteers, whether this be through teaching woodworking skills or helping them build on their self-confidence.”

Amelia Brown, Bristol Wood Recycling Project

10

We value our volunteers and acknowledge their contribution by providing references, thank you letters, birthday cards and celebration events.

“We could not deliver such a wide range of services without the support of our wonderful team of volunteers and we do our best to make sure our volunteers know how much we appreciate their time, enthusiasm and commitment. We run a number of events during the year to which volunteers are invited together with staff and trustees, including social events and an annual Volunteers Week celebration event each June. This year we hosted a tea party where volunteers were presented with certificates and veggie boxes as a ‘thank you’. We also have an in-house newsletter to share stories and successes of volunteers and are very happy to provide references and support volunteers looking to move into work or training. We hope that by providing support and showing our thanks, our volunteers will feel valued and stay with us for a while… and it seems to work!”

Helen Stone, North Bristol Advice Centre

20 www.voscur.org

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Voscur training VCS Grants Prospectus – Developing Your Impact Model Monday 10 October 2016, 12pm – 2pm This session will cover the Prospectus’ ‘how to make an impact model’ so that applicants understand what is required in the Part 2 Application Form (About the Proposal). It will help applicants develop their thoughts so that their proposal can be described to contribute to the impacts of the Prospectus.

How Can Public Data and Information Support Bristol Charities Better?

Thursday 13 October 2016, 1pm – 4pm Open Data Institute Bristol and Voscur have joined forces to see how we can support the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) across Bristol access and use public data and information in simpler ways to help organisations across a range of areas. Join us to share your opinions and experience about how data can help your organisation deliver services to your clients and what you would like to see in the future to make your jobs easier in using and interpreting data.

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Social Prescribing in Bristol – Breaking Down Barriers Wednesday 19 October 2016, 9.30am – 12.30pm As part of Healthy City Week, this workshop gives an update of social prescribing in Bristol and beyond.

There will also be discussions on ‘will a kite mark for social prescribers improve GP referrals’ and ‘cross-sector working on shared evaluation of social prescribing’.

Being a Good Trustee Thursday 20 October 2016, 6pm – 9pm Governance has never been more crucial; in challenging times, a strong board is essential to survive and thrive. Yet many trustees are unclear of their

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

duties and boundaries with staff. This course sets out trustee roles and responsibilities and suggests tools to help ensure your board leads your organisation’s impact.

Writing Small Fundraising Bids Wednesday 16 November 2016, 9.30am – 3.30pm Make it easy for funders to say “yes” to your bids.

Whether you want £200 for a community event or £2,000 for new equipment for your services, you need a strong, clear proposal. This one-day course will take you through the essentials for writing a strong bid that’s appealing to funders and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Volunteers and the Law Tuesday 22 November 2016, 9.30am – 1pm Volunteers can be a high asset to your organisation.

Join us to make sure you understand the legal implications of their work and ensure that you are operating within the correct legal framework.

Time Management Wednesday 30 November 2016, 9.30am – 3.30pm We are in a climate of doing more with less. Time is an important resource that, if managed well, will help you keep on track. This practical course will provide participants with essential tools and guidance to manage time effectively in the workplace.

Trustee Network Tuesday 6 December 2016, 6pm – 8pm The Trustee Network is open to any trustees, from the brand new to the very experienced. As well as a short presentation on a relevant topic, Trustee Network meetings offer a chance to meet other trustees and share good practice.

More information at: www.voscur.org/ events/upcoming/voscur

www.voscur.org

21

The Community Business Fund in Bristol Power to Change was set up in 2015 to help local people grow community businesses in England.

We do so by providing business advice, connecting people with relevant support providers, and providing different funding options to help community businesses become less grant-dependent.

Article written

by Jenny Sansom, Programmes Manager - South West, Power to Change

local people. Our grant will help

information ready, such as cash

purchase an environmentally

flow forecasts and a business plan.

friendly ferry boat, and provide

You’ll have two weeks to provide

training for people to become

this information, and we let all

ferry pilots and boat staff.

applicants know about this from

We were also delighted to award a grant to Windmill Hill City Farm (featured on next page) to help

early on in the process. We can be flexible if there’s a genuine reason why it’s a problem.

It’s important to us to build strong

them renovate and expand their

This autumn we’ll also be

relationships with communities

community café and develop

launching another fund, the Bright

and keep in touch well after the

their work with adults with mental

Ideas Fund, to help community

project we’ve funded is finished.

health issues.

businesses which are at ‘ideas

That’s why we make sure that grants we give out come with a package of support.

Before applying to the CBF you must understand our criteria so you can make a good decision

Our £10 million Community

about whether to apply. You must

Business Fund (CBF) aims to help

explain clearly how you meet

existing community businesses

our definition of community

who need funding of £50,000

businesses, i.e. locally rooted,

to £300,000 for a project that

community controlled, trading,

will help them achieve a more

and with a clear social benefit. Not

sustainable business model. Round

doing this was the main reason

three opens in October 2016.

that applicants were turned

We’ve recently funded our first two projects in Bristol through the CBF – Windmill Hill City Farm and The Bristol Ferry Boat Company.

Bristol Ferry Boat Company is a community benefit society

down in our last funding round.

That’s not to say those applicants

stage’ or just starting up. All Power to Change opportunities are promoted through our newsletter, so sign up and be the first to know about them!

Power to Change website: www.thepowertochange.org. uk

weren’t community businesses,

Sign up for our newsletter:

but that other applicants put this

www.thepowertochange.org.

across more strongly. Competition

uk/our-newsletter

is tough.

Details of our Community

with 900 shareholders. As well as

Projects should also be well

Business Fund:

commercial trips for commuters

developed before applying – if

www.thepowertochange.

and parties, boat trips are used

we come back to you asking for

org.uk/funding/grants/

to share Bristol’s history with

more information about your

community-business-fund

universities, school groups and

project, you’ll need to have

22 www.voscur.org

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Windmill Hill City Farm Formed in 1976 by a volunteer group of local residents determined to see a piece of inner city wasteland put to more productive use, this community farm offers educational, recreational and therapeutic activities for local people. Power to Change funding and business support will help WHCF renovate and expand the existing community café, increase trade and enable them to expand their supported work placements for adults with mental health difficulties. The café will also offer a low-cost meeting space for local community organisations and a venue for showcasing local produce. Steve Sayers, CEO, tells us more:

“I was surprised when our bid to the initial grant programme of Power to Change got knocked back with feedback saying the city farm was not a community business. As is often the case where forms and limited word-counts are involved, it is essential to describe the right things and to describe them in the right way. In writing the bid the second time, we paid greater attention to demonstrating how embedded in our community we are and the extent to which the community influences our direction. Not easy in 250 words.

“Having succeeded in the first stage of the bid, the rapidity of the subsequent stages was akin to a whirlwind. We had 14 days to complete the ‘detailed response’ stage – luckily no key staff had just gone on holiday and the project we’d developed was ‘ready to go’. That was thanks to a small grant from the Underwood Trust that had enabled us to undertake a good feasibility study on expanding our café – we had architect’s drawings, QS costs and a business plan already in place. The whole process from first application to decision took 12 weeks.

“Luck played its part in the process too. The timing of a pledge of support from the John James Bristol Foundation was perfect in helping us to demonstrate that others were behind the

“Make sure you’ve done the development of the idea before you apply.”

scheme – and a further pledge from the Underwood Trust just ahead of the final decision showed that if the P2C decision was positive all the funds would be in place.

“If you go after this funding, be prepared to be scrutinised. Having passed the detailed paper assessment, an assessor is assigned to visit and to leave no stone unturned in checking out the organisation and

the project. Expect to spend days responding to questions about everything from your legal structure to how you’ll monitor outcomes.

“Raising capital for social projects has never been easy. Power to Change offers a new source to help to realise your project. Just make sure you’ve done the development of the idea before you apply.”

Volunteers are central to the success of the farm

www.voscur.org

23

Listening to the voice of small and/ or equalities-led organisations in the provision of Bristol Youth Links services Photo by JefferyTurner CC BY 2.0

Aware of feedback from the sector over recent years, Voscur wanted to hear from small and/ or equalities-led voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations that have not previously been Bristol Youth Links (BYL) service providers and that work with children and young people (CYP) in the city. Such organisations have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and a focus group

meeting the needs of CYP, so

There needs to be better

was facilitated by Voscur in July

that they are not seen as isolated

partnership working between

2016 to gather their views. Their

entities, and building trust with

the public and VCSE sectors, with

comments and suggestions were

families by developing rapport

more trust by the public sector in

submitted by Voscur as a report

with parents/carers helps to

the value of VCSE sector services

to the BYL commissioning board

improve access to youth provision

and improved information and

to inform the commissioning

that families may not otherwise

data sharing between sectors

process in the early stages of its

consider for their CYP.

about the needs of service

development.

The need for a more diverse

Participants were asked to discuss

workforce, representative of the

their experience and knowledge

wards and communities served,

of the needs of CYP, the evidence

with the provision of culturally

to support this, the gaps in

appropriate, local services for

existing services and ways to

CYP, was recommended. It was

provide better, more appropriate

highlighted that there should

support and services for CYP.

be a greater emphasis on early

Recommendations were made by the focus group for consideration by the BYL commissioning board, based on discussions in response to the above questions.

intervention and preventative services, as currently support tends to be provided after a child or young person has been referred to an agency, when they may be at crisis point. In

The eleven recommendations

addition, more services for BME

included, for example, the use

and disabled young people are

of a ‘whole family’ approach in

required.

24 www.voscur.org

users to ensure services meet their needs. The sector has considerable data from noncommissioned services that is presently not used by statutory services in understanding needs. Shared training was suggested as a positive step in building partnership working and making better use of resources. Ring-fenced funding for spot purchasing of services as and when needed was also recommended to make services more relevant and accessible. A copy of the report is available on request from Voscur, email: asma@voscur.org.

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Bristol Youth Links commissioning update, August 2016 The current Bristol Youth Links

supported back into education,

some tough decisions to be made.

(BYL) contracts will finish in

employment or training.

Involvement of children and

2018 and Bristol City Council (BCC) is beginning the process for recommissioning. Currently BCC spends £4.2 million a year on open-access youth and play services, and targeted group, 1:1 and online services. There are seven geographical-areabased contracts and two citywide contracts aimed at children and young people aged 8-19 years (up to 25 years for young people with learning disabilities or difficulties).

Specialist services are themed on counselling services, drugs and alcohol, healthy relationships, preventing homelessness, and

A Project board has been set up to oversee the process, but at this point no decision has been made on what the level of future spend might be. The model of delivery is

young people, and youth sector providers, will be key to the design of the new contracts, whilst recognising there are limited resources to achieve this.

also not decided upon and

“The message from BCC is that it wants the process to be open and transparent, recognising there are some tough decisions to be made.”

specific services for LGBTQ+

Draft timetable

Pre-consultation engagement: September 2016 Consultation: January to March 2017

young people and for deaf

this will need to be determined

young people. Positive activities

through the analysis of children

are advertised on www.

and young people’s needs, as well

goplacesdothings.org.uk and

as engaging with young people

www.rifeguide.co.uk, along with

and youth service providers to

Award contract: August 2017

links to articles and information,

determine what the model could

Implement contract: August

advice and guidance.

look like for Bristol’s children and

Providers work with children and

young people.

Advertise tender: May to July 2017

2017 to February 2018

The consultation process will start

soft skills, such as self-confidence

in the new year. Service providers

and self-esteem, and increase

in the sector were invited to an

If you have any

their skills and knowledge. In

event in September to inform the

questions, contact

addition there is a focus on

commissioning plan before the

Asma Ahmad, Children

preventing young people falling

consultation phase.

and Young People’s

out of education, employment

The message from BCC is that it

and training, and in the last year over 600 young people were

wants the process to be open and transparent, recognising there are

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

Network Coordinator: asma@voscur.org, 0117 909 9949

www.voscur.org

Image designed by Freepik

young people to develop their

25

This is me

Dom Wood, VCSE sector advocate on the Children and Families Partnership Board Dom is Chief Executive at 1625 Independent People, which helps 16- to 25-year-olds to reboot their lives. 1625 has a number of projects in the areas of housing, life skills, confidence-building, education, training, and jobs.

What propelled you to become a VCSE sector advocate?

to support and challenge at the

advice you have ever been given?

same time. Often VCS can come

It is better to regret something you

In my first senior role in the

across as presenting the challenge

have done than regret something

voluntary sector, Voscur really

without the support alongside – it

you haven’t done – this can have a

helped me understand the sector

is important to be able to do both.

negative connotation, but I take the

and what was needed from me. In later years, I saw that there was not only a chance to influence future strategy for the better, but also to help others who were also new to

If you could pick one example of seeing, with your own eyes, lives changed by the voluntary sector in Bristol, what would it be?

positive one – take a few measured risks in life.

What makes you happy?

So many things. In work it would be

We recently had a staff conference

seeing young people’s successes;

and I was reduced to tears by the

nothing beats that. Young people

presentations from young people

deserve so much and are often

What would make the biggest difference to improving equality

who have been through the

given so little and have had the

system and are now volunteering,

hope taken away from them. Seeing

in society?

and seeing their passion and the

that come back is priceless.

If supporting people was valued

effect they have on others is

senior roles understand what was going on in the strategic world.

as much as making money. I see amazing staff out there in various types of support role, throughout the city, working as hard as anyone can, with clear values and beliefs about their work. We do not value this type of work enough, either in conversation or in salary.

indescribable.

Tell us one thing about you that

What is your favourite spot in Bristol and why?

I am related to the late Les Ames

The river between Crew’s Hole

wicketkeeper batsman of all time

and Hanham Mills – I kayak it with

and played in the bodyline tour

a quick stop at Beese’s Tea Rooms

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les _

and the Lock and Weir and it is

Ames) and I hate cricket.

people would never guess. who was, perhaps, the greatest

like being in the country with the

What do you think is the secret to being influential?

beautiful surroundings, the peace and the pint of orange and soda.

For more information

You need to make sure that you

Other modes of transport are

about our VCSE sector

available: walking or cycling it is

advocates, video

great, but nothing beats being on

updates and to get in touch:

all the papers, having an evidence-

the water.

www.voiceandinfluence.org.

based opinion and being able

What was the best piece of

uk/advocates

are respected for your knowledge and skills. This means having read

26 www.voscur.org

October / November / December 2016 Issue 33

Horfield and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Partnership The Horfield and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Partnership went out and about talking to people in the spring of this year. Below they tell us more about what they have been working on since, using the feedback that they gathered...

The three projects below are all

of £1,000 from the NP which

priorities in the Neighbourhood

supported residents to run some

Partnership Plan, which is a three-

events over the summer to bring

year plan agreed by the Horfield

people together to plan what they

and Lockleaze Neighbourhood

wanted to see happen in their

Partnership. The Neighbourhood

local park.

Partnership consists of local resident volunteers and other

Buses

representatives from key voluntary

Following complaints about the

and statutory sector agencies.

bus service from local residents,

The Partnership has funding from

we carried out a survey onilne,

the Council, and from housing

at public meetings and on the

and other developments (called

buses! We received 206 responses

section 106 or CIL) in the area and

and plan to do some further

can make decisions on how to

analysis of the results with the

spend this funding and influence

Neighbourhood Partnership Traffic

services in the area.

and Transport Group, who will be

which will go up this summer.

asking the bus companies and the

The Neighbourhood Partnership

Council’s Passenger Services team

Employment and Economy group

to respond.

will also look at other issues,

Filton Road

like the empty shops, and help

Emerson Square Emerson Square is a small park in Lockleaze, closely overlooked by housing and flats on all sides.

United Communities and LPW applied for an NP grant to enable Steve England to work with young people, who designed and constructed this noticeboard for their local park in Emerson Square

the businesses work together in

Following complaints about anti-

Neighbourhood officers and local

social behaviour and noise, we

residents spent an afternoon

spoke with nearby residents to

talking to local businesses on

find how what the issues were and

Filton Road, between the Inn on

To find out more

how widely they were shared. We

the Green and Orchard School.

about the Horfield

found that while a few residents

Most of the businesses were

and Lockleaze NP,

felt that noise levels and issues

worried about the number of

visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/

with ball games were negatively

empty shops along the street

people-communities/horfield-

affecting them, most people did

and the low footfall. They all

and-lockleaze-neighbourhood-

not. However, other issues were

welcomed ideas to brighten

partnership check out our

raised and as a result of this,

the area up and make it more

Facebook page www.facebook.

residents asked for support to

attractive to shoppers. As a result,

com/HorfieldLockeazeNP/

set up something positive with

the Neighbourhood Partnership

or contact: Caroline Hollies,

their neighbours around the park.

has funded six hanging baskets

This was helped along by a grant

for lampposts along this street,

caroline.hollies@bristol.gov.uk / 0117 922 3977.

Issue 33 October / November / December 2016

future.

www.voscur.org

27

Voscur Ltd. Royal Oak House Royal Oak Avenue Bristol BS1 4GB

Tel: 0117 909 9949 Fax: 0117 933 0501 Email: info@voscur.org Web: www.voscur.org

October 2016 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

10th

12pm – 2pm

VCS Grants Prospectus - Developing Your Impact Model

The Station

13th

1pm – 4pm

How Can Public Data and Information Support Bristol Charities Better?

Central Bristol

19th

9.30am – 12.30pm

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Social Prescribing in Bristol – Breaking Down Barriers

Hamilton House

20th

6pm – 9pm

Being a Good Trustee

St Werburghs Centre

November 2016 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

2nd

4pm – 8pm

Past, Present, Future...The Role of the Sector – Who Are We Now? Voscur’s Annual Conference and Social Impact Awards (the ‘Voscurs’)

SS Great Britain

15th

10am – 1pm

Volunteer Organisers’ Forum

Bristol Energy Hub

16th

9.30am – 3.30pm

Writing Small Fundraising Bids

The Gatehouse Centre

22nd

9.30am – 1pm

Volunteers and the Law

Southville Centre

30th

9.30am – 3.30pm

Time Management

The GreenHouse

December 2016 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

6th

6pm – 8pm

Trustee Network

Central Bristol

Keep up to date with Voscur online:

f l i x /voscur

/voscur

/voscur

/voscur

Voscur is a registered charity and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Company no. 3918210. Charity no. 1148403.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable-based inks