eNews 5 Sept 2005

Contents

1. Review of Public Administration final deadline
2. eConsultation on Review of Public Administration
3. Politicians to back Enough is Enough campaign
4. Seminar Postponed
5. Older People's Policy Forum
6. The smokefree debate
7. Making Local Business Your Business
8. Community relations training
9. Childcare voucher scheme
10. Have you shared your passion yet?
11. Suicide Prevention Campaign launch
12. Charities combine forces to 'Walk the Talk'
13. Exchange training for youth workers
14. All dolled up
15. Web Highlights
16. Make Your Move - new jobs this week on communityni.org
17. Community NI Diary
18. Membership
19. Subscribe to eNews
20. Feedback

1. Review of Public Administration final deadline

30 September 2005 is the final closing date for the consultation on how Northern Ireland public services and local government are to be organised in future. NICVA is currently preparing a draft response which will be available on the NICVA website from the middle of this week.

We are asking for members' comments on the draft before it goes to the NICVA Executive meeting on 28 September. On the big question of how many councils, it looks like the Review Team's initial suggestion of seven is the best option. From an equality point of view this would give the most even spread of wealth across councils measured by the rates base. NICVA is also welcoming the simplifications in health and education structures. The biggest challenge for the voluntary and community sector will be the proposed introduction of community planning, which will co-ordinate all the service provision in the council area and involve others beyond the statutory sector in drawing up the plans. NICVA welcomes this and urges that the voluntary and community sector is given its place in the new structures.

For further information please contact Frances McCandless

There is also an ongoing eConsultation on RPA - see next item.

2. eConsultation on Review of Public Administration

Time is fast running out for you to have your say on the Review of Public Administration, as the consultation closes on 30 September 2005. This is your last chance to do so as decisions will be taken by ministers at the turn of the year.

NICVA's econsultation has been given a new home on the Community NI website

The information already posted to the old consultation page will still be taken into account in putting together the final response, and all those who contribute will be sent a copy of this. The RPA team are keen to receive all submissions, however brief, and details of how to do so can be found at www.rpani.gov.uk

3. Politicians to back Enough is Enough campaign

Political parties will be voicing their support for the Enough is Enough campaign in support of a better anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland. Where better to hold it than an old poor house? Clifton House in Belfast is the venue for this event at 9.30am on 19 September 2005.

All NICVA members are welcome to attend but please let us know if you plan to come because we will begin with tea/coffee. Cathy Breslin

Enough is Enough is the latest voluntary and community sector campaign for an effective anti-poverty strategy. There are numerous ways in which your organisation can get involved, such as signing an open letter to Jeff Rooker, the Minister of State with responsibility for the poverty strategy, attending a demonstration at Castle Buildings or contacting your elected representatives.

Find out more at the Enough is Enough campaign pages or enoughisenough@nicva.org.

4. Seminar Postponed

Unfortunately, NICVA has had to postpone its 'Got an Appointment' seminar which was due to be held on 27 September 2005. Appointments made by DHSSPS are currently on hold due to the Review of Public Administration, however this event will be rescheduled in the New Year when the future of the relevant bodies is made clear. Apologies for the inconvenience.

5. Older People's Policy Forum

The Older People's Policy Forum meets on Thursday 8 September 2005 at 11.00am at NICVA. Items for discussion include the Ageing in an Inclusive Society strategy and the Review of Public Administration. To register to attend, please contact Cathy Breslin on 028 9087 7777 or Cathy Breslin

Please note that the Women's Policy Forum which was scheduled for Wednesday 7 September has been postponed until further notice.

6. The smokefree debate

The Health Promotion Agency is facilitating a half-day seminar on Tuesday 20 September 2005. Aimed at public health and environmental health professionals from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, policymakers, employers and union representatives, it aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of the issues around smokefree legislation, including:

• the health risks of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS);
• the extent to which ETS can be controlled by ventilation and air-conditioning systems;
• how legislation might impact on health inequalities;
• the impact of smokefree legislation on business, in particular the hospitality industry, and on the economy;
• social and legislative issues around protecting the workforce.

It also seeks to provide an opportunity for a diverse audience to discuss and debate the benefits of smokefree legislation.

Registration forms and a full programme can be downloaded from the Smokefree Northern Ireland website www.smokefreenorthernireland.com.

7. Making Local Business Your Business

Making Local Business Your Business is a one day course that covers everything fundraisers need to know in order to generate increased donations from local employees and employers through Payroll Giving. The course also gives practical guidance about implementing a Payroll Giving scheme and about maximising the relationship to yield additional corporate support.

The course takes place at the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast from 10.00am to 4.30pm on 13 September 2005 and costs £40 (£30 for individual members of the Institute of Fundraising). The course is one of a series of professional development and networking initiatives for fundraisers available in the region and beyond, coordinated by the Institute of Fundraising.

For more information and alternative dates and venues visit www.payrollgivinggrants.org.uk or call 0845 602 6786.

8. Community relations training

Are you interested in communities and do you want to discuss the issues that affect us in Northern Ireland? If so, then these courses from Ulster People's college will be of interest.

Certificate in Community Relations

This course provides an opportunity for those involved in various forms of cross-community contact, community relations work and reconciliation projects in Northern Ireland to study community divisions and to acquire knowledge and skills to help them become more effective in their work. It will also be suitable for anyone with a general interest in this area.

Certificate in Community Development

This course provides an opportunity for those involved in community organisations and in community development practice to examine the theory of community development and the process of change within communities. In addition the course focuses on increasing knowledge and skills in areas such as: funding applications, managing groups, leadership and policy development, and communication and negotiation skills.

Both courses are accredited by University of Ulster and run on one day a week from October to June.

For further information and an application form contact Tracey Cunningham on 028 9033 0131 or tcunningham@upclearn.org.

9. Childcare voucher scheme

Employers For Childcare, a registered charity set up to assist parents by encouraging employers to invest in childcare, is introducing reduced membership fees for not-for-profit organisations who would like to implement a childcare voucher scheme.

Childcare vouchers are an easy way to help working parents save on registered childcare costs through tax exemptions. Employers also make savings on National Insurance Contributions.

For more information please contact Patricia Murray at Employers For Childcare on Freephone 0800 028 3008 or visit www.employersforchildcare.org.

10. Have you shared your passion yet?

There are just four months remaining in the Year of the Volunteer 2005, giving you time to take part and share your passion for volunteering if you haven't already done so:

Why not put your volunteering stories onto the BBC Northern Ireland website at www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/volunteer. You can also download the Year of the Volunteer screensaver, order volunteer badges, and enter the volunteering photo competition. BBC Northern Ireland is still keen to hear about potential volunteering news stories, especially under the remaining themes.

You can also contact Fidelma at Volunteer Development Agency if you have a volunteering story that would make an interesting feature article for regional or local press, fidelma@volunteering-ni.org . If you are organising an event to celebrate the Year, publicise it by emailing to: hazel@volunteering-ni.org.

You could also register your volunteering opportunities with your local volunteer bureau on 0800 052 2212 and email the details to Volunteer Development Agency to post on the BBC Northern Ireland website, hazel@volunteering-ni.org.

11. Suicide Prevention Campaign launch

You are invited to join the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) at 11.00am on Thursday 8 September 2005 for the launch of its campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention.

At the launch NICCY will reveal how it will be encouraging young people to deliver personal messages to the Minister for Health, and contribute to an artwork exhibition dealing with issues around suicide and self harm in NICCY's offices in late October.

Please contact Faye asap on 028 9031 1616 or faye@niccy.org if you would like to attend.

To find out more about the campaign call Sharon on 028 90 316396 or Sharon@niccy.org.

12. Charities combine forces to 'Walk the Talk'

The Lagan Tow Path will be the venue for a Sponsored Walk to help raise funds for Belfast Central Mission (BCM) and the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) on Saturday 17 September 2005.

The two local charities have enjoyed a strong relationship for over 25 years and this Walk is the latest event which will celebrate their cross-community ideals.

The Walk begins at 10.00am from Cutter's Wharf, Stranmillis and finishes at the Island Centre in Lisburn, ten miles away.

If you would like to 'Walk the Talk' contact either Lorna or Nicky at BCM on 028 9024 1917, or Margaret at SVP on 028 9035 1561.

13. Exchange training for youth workers

Causeway, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is organising a training and information day on 28 September 2005. This workshop is aimed at youth workers and leaders, and includes a series of practical activities which will provide an insight into good practice in Causeway youth exchanges. Participants will be given advice on developing a programme of activities, and will find out how to submit a funding application for an exchange.

For more information, contact Marie Ouellet or Holly Prynn, marie.ouellet@britishcouncil.org or holly.prynn@britishcouncil.org.

14. All dolled up

Belfast Exposed Gallery is exhibiting a series of photographs exploring the relationship between silicone dolls and their owners. Still Lovers by Elena Dorfman will also be the first exhibition to platform a new bespoke audio interpretative system funded by Adapt NI and developed by Belfast Exposed and the Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queens University.

The exhibition runs from 3 September to 14 October 2005.

15. Web Highlights

Community NI - children in the headlines

New law helps children with special needs. Legislation in operation from 1 September means that children with a disability or special need have an increased right to be educated in a mainstream school.

Schools delve into Protestant faith. A new multi-media resource has been launched by NICIE to help children in integrated education to explore Christianity from a Protestant perspective while Catholic children are receiving sacramental preparation.

Protect children from violence. Communities and parents need to protect their children from becoming involved in sectarian strife says NICCY.

NICVA

Enough is Enough. It's time for your organisation to get involved in the sector's campaign for a better anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland. Take a look at seven activities that need your participation. Or send consultation responses and resources to the campaign pages of the website. Last week we received a response from the Institute of Public Health and press releases from two political parties, the SDLP and Sinn Fein.

Link ceremonies begin. The regional presentations are taking place this Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate NI businesses who have supported charity work in the past year. Check the site on Thursday and Friday morning to see the pictures of both events.

eConsultation on Northern Ireland's councils. Public administration is due for a shake up and NICVA would like to know your views about the councils so we can respond to the Review of Public Administration consultation. Send an opinion to the forum.

Duplicate email problem. We apologise to those of you who have been receiving duplicate emails from NICVA. The problem has now been resolved. Visit the site for an explanation of what was behind the fault and how it was resolved.

16. Make Your Move - new jobs this week on communityni.org

1. Advice Service Manager at North Belfast Advice Partnership. Salary: £19, 824
2. Senior Community Safety Warden at Belfast City Council.
3. Project Coordinator at Wicklow Working Together

17. Community NI Diary

NICVA's successful Community Diary now has a new home on the Community NI Web Portal.

Submit details of your upcoming events in the Events Calendar.

Simply follow the Submit an Event link to the right of the page, enter the details, and we'll do the rest.

18. Membership

NICVA membership is open to all voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland.

To find out more contact Frances McAtamney on 028 9087 7777, Frances Mcatamneyor visit the Membership Pages

19. Subscribe to eNews

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