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Following on from our recent article highlighting the DWP Barriers to Employment Initiative and their invitation to receive partnership proposals, we have heard from some organisations who would be keen to meet and discuss further. We have arranged a Zoom meeting on Monday 10th August at 2pm – 4pm, with speakers from DWP and Partnership for Procurement (P4P), and time for you to discuss various aspects of the initiative with potential partnership organisations.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is looking for new, creative, unique and innovative proposals which will be delivered by organisations working together in partnership. Proposals should be aimed at improving the life and job prospects for people facing barriers to employment. The proposed programme should state how the partnership would address and overcome the specific needs, barriers and issues, include “soft skills” to employment, and focus on one of the claimant groups. The partnership must include at least 2 (preferably more) delivery partners. The deadline for applications to Round One is Friday 21st August.

The Organised Outdoor Community Play Fund closes for applications at 11:59pm on Monday 20th July. Managed by Inspiring Scotland, the fund has been set up to support children’s health and wellbeing through outdoor play. Grants of up to £25,000 is available for eligible Scottish registered charities delivering organised outdoor play-based opportunities for children.

The Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) is open to all members of the community who would like to talk to a friendly volunteer, perhaps about their experience of shielding and isolating, or about caring for someone else.  There is no need to have a connection with the hospice to call. CALL volunteers are available open 7 days a week, 9am – 7pm, by phone: 01324 827383.

A message on volunteering in recovery, and support available for Falkirk’s local sector, from a member of our Volunteering Team, Lynsey: “As lockdown restrictions ease and more of our local third sector groups and organisations take steps to renew their valued services and activities, involving volunteers in a safe and appropriate way is a hot topic. We know that volunteers will be needed more than ever during recovery and reconnecting, and we’d like you to tell us how this will look for your organisation, and help people choose the opportunity that fits them.”

As Scotland enters a new phase of its recovery efforts and lockdown measure begin to ease, we at CVS Falkirk are also focusing on recovery and how we can best support our local third sector going forward. Our theme for this period is “Review, Revive and Thrive”: a chance to evaluate and adapt as we plan how best to go forward, how to make the “new normal” even better than what came before.

The CVS Falkirk Funding Portal is free and can be used to search for funding available in your area, during COVID-19 and beyond. The online portal is powered by Grantsonline, the UK’s most comprehensive and up to date UK grant funding information service. Once registered, users will be able to search for a range of different funding opportunities, across local and national organisations.

Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government digital access programme set up in response to COVID-19, and is now open for applications.

The programme provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are: digitally excluded, on low incomes so cannot afford to buy a device or pay for internet access, and at risk of isolation due to COVID-19 because they are in the extremely high vulnerability group or the higher risk of severe illness group. Organisations (including third sector groups) are invited to read the Connecting Scotland guidance, and submit device applications for people they support. The deadline for applications is 5pm next Sunday 28th June.