Trees for life

Following our first Conservation Day of 2014 last week, with 14 folk collecting a bumper crop of Scots pine cones at Dundreggan Conservation Estate, it's the time of year for aspen root collection again.
 

We'll be visiting some interesting sites, new and old, on the Conservation Days in February. It promises to be a good year for flowering for aspen, the last was 1996, so we'll be looking for flower buds; we may well have additional days to collect flowering cuttings for identifying the sex of the trees.

 

We've got the Peoples Millions film crew returning on February the 14th to shoot some more film at Dundreggan following our successful bid for the £50,000. Share your love for the forest on Valentines Day!

We have also launched our Trees for Life Awards celebrating the wonderful contribution that our volunteers and volunteer group leaders have made to our work over the last 25 years. If you have volunteered with us and would like to nominate someone for the award please visit our website.
 

Upcoming dates February:
 

Wednesday 5th - Aspen root collection in Kilmorack & Aigas area, Strathglass.

 

Friday 14th - Nursery tasks (& filming ... or not if you don't have an urge to star on the silver screen) at Dundreggan

 

Wednesday 19th - Aspen root collection in the Cannich area

 

The Torridon trip has been moved back to March 14th to 17th.
 

Lastly, there is another opportunity to see the inspirational film 'Project Wild Thing' at Eden Court Feb 7th at 8.15pm.

We hope that you can join us this month. Please let us know in advance if you would like to take part in the Conservation Days, by calling 01309 691292 or emailingkirsty@treesforlife.org.uk
 

Tuesday 4thFebruary 2014. To be eligible an applicant must be a SSE Customer

The fund is time limited and applications must be made by Tuesday 4^thFebruary 2014. To be eligible an applicant must be a SSE Customer and fit two of the criteria relating to Priority Assistance Fund, for example:

·         Income less than £16,200

·         In receipt of a means tested benefit

·         Spending more than 10% of income on fuel bills

·         Vulnerability in the household

Highland Council Customer Income Maximisation Team will complete the form on behalf of the customer as a benefit check must be undertaken. If you think have any suitable customers who may potentially benefit from this scheme please do not hesitate to contact the team on Tel: 0800 090 1004 oremail: income.maximisation@highland.gov.uk

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/allied-health-professions/aac-learning-and-development-fund.aspx

NHS Education for Scotland are pleased to announce that the
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Learning and
Development Fund is opening today.  The AAC Learning and Development
Fund is a means by which NES is providing financial support to
individuals and groups who work with and/or support individuals who use
AAC, to access relevant learning and development opportunities.

Applications are welcome from individuals / groups working with
individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in
health, social care, education, voluntary organisations, or any other
sector.

The application form and guidance notes can be accessed via the NES
website:
http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/allied-health-professions/aac-learning-and-development-fund.aspx

The Application Form should be completed collaboratively by the
applicant and their Line Manager. Line Manager support is an essential
requirement of the application process. This form has two sections and
should be completed as follows:

Section A: To be completed collaboratively by the applicant and their
Line Manager
Section B: To be completed by the applicant's Line Manager

The closing date for applications is Monday 3rd March 2014.

Cabinet Secretary Public Engagement Events 2014 - Dingwall - Friday 31st January 2014

The Scottish Government is hosting a public discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs on Friday evening (31^st) in the National hotel, Dingwall. This will be an opportunity for members of the public to have their questions answered on the Government’s case for independence. 

On 18th September this year, the people of Scotland are being invited to take part in a referendum on the question ‘Should Scotland be an independent country’?  The Scottish Government recently published Scotland’s Future, setting out its case for independence.  Scottish Government Ministers are hosting discussions in communities across the country to talk about Scotland’s Future.   This is your chance to ask questions about the issues that are important to you.

Next Event:

Friday 31^st January, National Hotel, High Street Dingwall, IV15 9HA

(Doors open from 6:30pm for a 7pm start)

Hosted by:

Richard Lochhead MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment

Register for the event now:

By Email – ScotFuture@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

By phone - 0300 244 2114

One Public Sector Scotland Expo 2014: Creative Thinking - New Partnerships - Practical Delivery

One Public Sector Scotland Expo 2014: Creative Thinking - New Partnerships - Practical Delivery Thu 19th Jun 2014 Edinburgh Corn Exchange What is the EXPO? Conference-Exhibition -Master Classes - Networking What happens at the EXPO? Keynote speaker: John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Scottish Government Over 1000 delegates in the first two years Over 70 exhibitors in the first two years Free to attend for public sector delegates Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities Master class themes will include: Customer Care - Revenue Generation - Public Digital and the Digital Public - Skills and Training - Data led Transformation - Work Flexibility and Integration - Social Media, Web and Digital Dialogue - Low Carbon: High Savings How can you join in the EXPO? Get in touch with Angus to discuss further. This event is FREE to attend for the Public and Third Sector. Register your interest to be the first to find out how to book. Keep up to date as the programme develops & register your interest. Contact Jane for more Info T:0131 556 1500   Share your knowledge and expertise by hosting a masterclass. Contact Angus to discuss T: 0131 556 1500 Hear more about sponsoring/exhibiting at the event. Get in touch with Angus T: 0131 556 1500   Please note that bookings for this event will open in Spring 2014. Register your interest in attending with Jane to be kept up to date.  T: 0131 556 1500 E: jwilson@mackayhannah.com

Thu 19th Jun 2014 Edinburgh Corn Exchange What is the EXPO? Conference-Exhibition -Master Classes - Networking What happens at the EXPO? Keynote speaker: John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Scottish Government Over 1000 delegates in the first two years Over 70 exhibitors in the first two years Free to attend for public sector delegates Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities Master class themes will include: Customer Care - Revenue Generation - Public Digital and the Digital Public - Skills and Training - Data led Transformation - Work Flexibility and Integration - Social Media, Web and Digital Dialogue - Low Carbon: High Savings How can you join in the EXPO? Get in touch with Angus to discuss further. This event is FREE to attend for the Public and Third Sector. Register your interest to be the first to find out how to book. Keep up to date as the programme develops & register your interest. Contact Jane for more Info T:0131 556 1500   Share your knowledge and expertise by hosting a masterclass. Contact Angus to discuss T: 0131 556 1500 Hear more about sponsoring/exhibiting at the event. Get in touch with Angus T: 0131 556 1500   Please note that bookings for this event will open in Spring 2014. Register your interest in attending with Jane to be kept up to date.  T: 0131 556 1500 E: jwilson@mackayhannah.com

Inverness Half Marathon LAST MINUTE DEAL -

The Inverness 1/2 Marathon is taking place on the 9th of March and has done for the past 2 years. The supporting Charity this year is the Highland Hospice and last year was the Archie Foundation.

The magazine contains all the information competitors will need for the day including the routes, times and is a handbook they will need for the whole day.  It is available for them to view online following a link - please find attached at the bottom of this email a link to last year's edition. Last year the event had 3250 competitors and is said to be even more this year - so as you can see it's not only brilliant opportunity to advertise your business but also a great way to show support to the local charity event.

So as you can see it's not only a brilliant way to show support to  the event and also promote your services to the 3000+ people who are coming to this area and to all the charities attending.

The rates this year are as follows:

Maximum Exposure - (Full page plus active link to website) - £235

Medium Exposure - (Half page plus active link to website) - £140

Low Exposure (Quarter page plus active link to website) - £100

Foyle Foundation Small Grants Programme

Foyle Foundation Small Grants Programme

Small Grants Scheme

Our Small Grants Scheme is designed to support smaller charities in the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Please note we are not able to support individuals.

Applications are welcomed from charities that have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 per annum. Larger or national charities will normally not be considered under this scheme. Nor will the Scheme generally support charities that are able consistently to generate operational surpluses or which have been able to build up unrestricted reserves to a level equivalent to three months turnover.

If applying on behalf of a state school please refer to the state schools webpage.

Please note that competition for funding is intense and we receive many more applications that we are able to fund.

How much can you apply for?

We plan to make one year 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. If you cannot demonstrate this, your application will be declined. Please note that demonstrating ongoing sustainability is also important, particularly if you have recently lost local authority or other regular funding. No multi-year funding awards will be made.

Other Information

There are no deadlines for submission. Applications will be received at all times but it may take up to four months to obtain a decision from Trustees. Please apply well in advance of your requirements.

All applications will be acknowledged, usually by email. All declined applications will also be informed by email. Usually we will not send declination letters.

How to Apply

1. Applicants should complete the Small Grants Scheme Application Form;

2. A signed copy of your latest audited or independently examined annual accounts must be supplied.

Please send your application to:
The Foyle Foundation
Rugby Chambers
2 Rugby Street
London WC1N 3QU

Applications are acknowledged by email or by post within two weeks of receipt. If you do not receive this acknowledgement, please contact The Foundation to confirm safe receipt of your request.

Guidelines for Grants to Organisations.http://bit.ly/1nd1gvm

http://bit.ly/1nd1gvm

(Revised 2013)

The Ironmongers’ Company wishes to support projects that provide opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Grants are only given to registered charities. Projects must meet all of the following criteria:

• For children and young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged
• Consist of educational activities that develop learning, motivation and skills
• Have clear aims and objectives to be met within a planned timescale
• Are within the UK

The Company is particularly interested in enabling primary age children to develop a strong foundation for the future. Projects could, for example, support special educational needs, address behavioural problems or promote citizenship, parenting or life skills. Preference will be given to projects piloting new approaches where the outcomes will be disseminated to a wider audience.

Grants

• Grants range from a few hundred pounds up to around £10,000. The average grant awarded is £4,000.
• Grants must be spent within twelve months from the date of the award.
• Recipients are expected to submit a written evaluation report within three months from completion of the project.
• The Company’s support should make a recognisable difference, therefore preference will be given to requests where the grant would cover a significant element of the cost and to those from smaller organisations.

Exclusions

• Large projects towards which a contribution from the Company would have limited impact.
• General appeals or circulars.
• Replacement of statutory funds.
• General running costs. (A reasonable proportion of overheads will be accepted as part of project costs).
• Counselling and therapy.
• Course fees for professionals.
• Medical research.
• Fundraising events and sponsorship.
• Projects that begin before the date of the relevant Committee meeting (see below).
• Building work.
• Holidays

Application Procedure

1. The Company’s Grant Application Summary sheet must be completed. Please click here to download
2. A description of the project of no more than three A4 pages, typed on one side of each sheet, should be provided. Please use the following headings:
   
   • aims and objectives of the organisation;
   • how the need for the work has been identified;
   • why the project is the best way to address this need;
   • the anticipated outcomes and the methods by which the success of the project will be evaluated;
   • a full breakdown of the costs involved, explaining how the figures have been calculated.
3. If your organisation's most recent audited accounts are notavailable on the Charity Commission's online register, please enclose a copy. There is no need to send any other supporting documents. We will request them if we need them.
4. Completed applications should be sent to the Charities Assistant at the address below. The Appeals Committee meets twice a year in March and October. The deadlines for receipt of applications are 31 December and 31 July respectively. Please note that applications are not accepted by email.

Ironmongers’ Hall
Barbican
London EC2Y 8AA

T: 020 7776 2311

Thomas Betton’s Charity for Pensions & Relief in Need:
Reg. Charity No. 219153-9

The Ironmongers’ Foundation: Reg. Charity No. 219153-10

http://bit.ly/1f7AwIn.QUAKER HOUSING TRUST.

http://bit.ly/1f7AwIn
QUAKER HOUSING TRUST IS A CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECTS CAN GET ADVICE, SUPPORT, LOANS OR GRANTS THAT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND ELSEWHERE. AND THE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH FRIENDS CAN EXPRESS PRACTICAL SOCIAL WITNESS THROUGH HOUSING. BUT MOST OF ALL WE EXIST TO SUPPORT THE CREATION OF HOMES FOR PEOPLE OF ANY AGE, WHEN THEY ARE VULNERABLE AT POINTS OF TRANSITION IN THEIR LIVES. WITHOUT A HOME IT IS DIFFICULT TO REALISE THAT OF GOD WITHIN ONESELF.

http://www.gatherscotland.org.uk/

http://www.gatherscotland.org.uk/

The Gathering

www.gatherscotland.org.uk

The Gathering 2014 is extra special because it’s our 10th birthday. That’s 10 fantastic years of connecting, inspiring and showcasing Scotland’s third sector. We want you to join us in making The Gathering 2014 the 

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-parliament-backs-forced-marriage-bill-1-3278858

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-parliament-backs-forced-marriage-bill-1-3278858

Scottish Parliament backs forced marriage bill

www.scotsman.com

FORCED marriage is to become a criminal offence in Scotland, after Holyrood gave the go ahead for Westminster legislation on the iss

http://www.thirdforcenews.org.uk/2014/01/wheelchair-users-creates-tripadvisor-site-for-disability-access/

Wheelchair users creates TripAdvisor site for disability access

www.thirdforcenews.org.uk

A NEW website set up by a Scottish wheelchair user will offer reviews of the disability access o

http://www.thirdforcenews.org.uk/2014/01/scots-are-unaware-of-help-available-for-fuel-poverty/

Scots are unaware of help available for fuel poverty

MORE has to be done to publicise the financial help available to those struggling with rising fuel costs according to a national charity.

A Turn2us survey of 1,091 benefit claimants with an annual household income of £40,000 or less, showed one in three Scots have been forced to cut back on spending on food or skip meals to pay their energy bills.

The research, carried out to coincide with the launch of its third annual fuel poverty campaign, also found 43% would risk endangering their health and wellbeing by not using heating in their homes rather than checking what support is available.

The charity’s campaign, Mind the Gap, highlights free tools and information showing people how to check welfare benefits entitlement, search for grants and schemes to help with bills, get help to improve energy efficiency and check energy tariffs.

Only 40% of those asked said they were aware of grants and schemes offered by energy companies and as little as 6% said they would consider checking for support in the form of charitable grants.

Alison Taylor, director of Turn2us added many people are experiencing stress and ill health as they struggle with the growing gap between the costs of their bills and what they can afford to pay.

“Our research shows that more needs to be done to help raise awareness of the financial support and help available to manage energy bills,” she said.

“With our Mind the Gap campaign we have brought together a number of free Turn2us tools and information all in one place to help people in financial need maximise their income and manage their energy costs.”

The average annual shortfall between energy bills and what people can afford to pay has increased by almost £200 to £438 over the last 10 years and one in three people admit to having relied on the financial support of family and friends in the past.

Keeping Children Safe - CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING COURSE

Getting it Right in Child Protection: An introduction

This short course is a basic introduction to Practice Guidance and Child Protection for all staff, including volunteers, who have any contact with children and families.  The course is provided in a range of locations and is open to early year’s workers, sports and leisure groups, religious groups etc. free of charge.

Thurs 13^th Feb 2014    Portree Council Chambers, Tigh Na Sqire, Portree, Isle of Skye    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Fri 14^th Feb 2014    Broadford Village Hall, Broadford, Isle of Skye    12.30pm – 3.30pm

Wed 19^th Feb 2014    Kirkside, 1 Manse Road, Nairn    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Thurs 27^th Feb 2014    Caol Youth Centre, Caol, Fort William    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Mon 3^rd Mar 2014    CVG, Telford House, Williamson St, Wick    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Tue 4^th Mar 2014    The Park Hotel, Thurso, Caithness    10.00am – 1.00pm

Wed 12^th Mar 2014    Education Centre, 13 Castle Street, Dingwall    5.45pm – 8.45pm

Mon 17^th Mar 2014    Brora Community Centre, Johnstone Place, Brora, Sutherland    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Tue 25^th Mar 2014    Charleston Academy (Assembly Hall), Inverness    6.30pm – 9.30pm

Please book online via our website at http://www.kcs-highland.org.uk/courses.asp.

If you do not have internet access call Dawn Lawless on 07547 390 105.

Any other enquiries please email:  highlandkcs@gmail.com

Big Energy Saving Week

Big Energy Saving Week will take place from 27-31 January 2014. Citizens Advice Scotland is working with Citizens Advice (England & Wales) on this campaign to ensure that consumers are able to manage their fuel bills; by spreading awareness of methods to save money and energy, signposting consumers to information and helping those experiencing problems to access support.

If you want to know how you can benefit from the campaign, please see our ten top tips below!

You can also find out about how to check you are on the most suitable tarriff, find out how to switch if you are not, and how to contact your energy supplier on the Big Energy Saving week website: www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk

Please note that the information website is hosted by our collegues at Citizens Advice (England and Wales) and may link to English and Welsh content. Please make sure the information you are reading applies to Scotland.

Ten top tips to help you check, switch and insulate:-

1.  Check your bills carefully and read your meter regularly.  This will allow you to check how much energy you use and make sure you’re paying the right amount.

2.  Talk to your supplier if you think your bill is wrong or if you have problems paying.  They’ll be able to give you advice about available support or talk you through repayment options.

3.  If money is tight, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.  They can check to see if you are getting the benefits you are entitled to, or if you can get help paying your bills.

4.  Make sure that you’re on the cheapest tariff.  Check with your supplier and use an accredited switching website to see who’s offering the best deal.  Tariffs are changing in 2014 so it is important that you are aware of your current deal and any changes your supplier is planning.

5.  Most energy suppliers offer fixed price tariffs, where the price of a unit of energy will stay the same for the length of the deal.  These can work out cheaper in the long term and make it easier to budget – although you might need to pay by direct debit and your bills will still go up if you use more energy.

6.  If you use a pre-payment meter, remember that standing charges will be added daily – even when you aren’t using energy.  Check how much they are and keep your meter topped up even during warm weather to avoid unexpected charges.

7.  If you use heating oil as your main fuel, buy before winter and see if there are any local oil buying clubs you can join.  If not, you might want to start your own.

8.  Make your home energy efficient – insulate lofts and walls, double glaze or use thick curtains to keep the heat in, and get your boiler serviced or replaced to ensure it is energy efficient.  There are schemes to help with this.

9.  Save money and energy – don’t leave appliances on standby or leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.  Fix leaking taps and always turn off the light when you leave a room.

10.  Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £250 a year on household energy bills.  Visit the Energy Saving Trust home energy check at hec.est.org.uk.  Use this check to get a full report with details of your home’s energy use and the savings you could make.

Depending on where you live, Big Energy Saving Week may be coming to a town near you..

For more information, visit www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk

Reach 4 Reality is a small Christian voluntary organisation

Reach 4 Reality is a small Christian voluntary organisation which seeks to improve outcomes for young people, living in the Highland area, who have social and communication challenges such as autism.

Reach 4 Reality organises activity days and weekends for up to 4 young people at a time, accessing various outdoor activity centres in Highland. Volunteers work alongside young people, in a ratio of one-to-one, to support the young people on activities to develop their confidence and social skills within a holistic view of health and wellbeing. 

This is a wonderful volunteering opportunity for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, shares or is comfortable within a Christian ethos and would like to make a difference to the wellbeing of young people with social and communication challenges. Training is provided to volunteers and they can become part of a small ethos-based organisation which takes the same care and interest in the volunteers as in the young people accessing the service.

The time commitment is not great. It is recognised that volunteers cannot commit to each weekend and so dates are shared in advance so that people can choose dates they are available. There is usually one weekend away per month and some activity days throughout the year. It is hoped to offer an annual activity week.

If activity weekends are not for you, but you would like to support the work in some way, we are keen to recruit new members to the Board. The Board holds one two-hour meeting every 6 to 8 weeks.

If you are interested, please contact the Project Coordinator, Sylvia Longbottom

Phone: 01463 239563 or 07796905339

Email: sylvialongbottom@reach4reality.org.uk