Outside the Box is expanding their Permission to Dream project, a mental health peer support project which works with small groups of people, enabling them to support each other. They are looking to start 3 new groups across the Falkirk district for people living with mental health issues, who are also former carers, adoptive parents, or young people. The main aim of all groups is to reduce participants’ social isolation and loneliness by supporting them to build or increase their social support networks.
News
ACOSVO Bursary Memberships Available
ACOSVO has announced that it will be utilising its reserves to offer a limited number of free memberships for both ACOSVO and the Chairs Network Scotland. This offer is available to both current and non-members of ACOSVO whose income has been significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is part of ACOSVO’s commitment to providing the best support they can to sector leaders during this time. Bursary decisions will be based on need and availability of ACOSVO funds and reserves.
Youth Scotland Survey: How COVID-19 Affects Youth Groups
Youth Scotland is keen to find out how COVID-19 and the current lockdown are affecting community-based youth groups, and have set up a short online survey to capture people’s views. The survey asks youth workers and managers about their training needs, challenges and concerns for the future when reopening the groups, but Youth Scotland also wants to know about the success stories from the sector.
PETAL Free Counselling and Bereavement Support
PETAL provides free counselling and bereavement support to those affected by murder and suicide in Scotland. They have recently received funding to extend their services to those affected by COVID-19 deaths. They are continuing to offer these services via telephone and online appointments in place of face to face meetings during the current pandemic. Their support is available to anyone aged over 12 years old in Scotland.
Diabetes Scotland Zoom Mindfulness and Yoga Sessions
Diabetes Scotland is continuing to offer online guided mindfulness and seated yoga sessions for people with diabetes, as a way to lower stress levels, which can affect blood sugar levels. Two hour-long sessions take place via Zoom per week, on Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 3pm.
Local Action to Tackle COVID-19 Food Insecurity in Scotland: A Report
The Poverty and Inequality Commission has published a report on local action to tackle food insecurity in Scotland during COVID-19, after the recent consultation period. The consultation, carried out by the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU), involved a variety of community groups, organisations and projects across Scotland. The Commission states that, “it is clear that the role played by community organisations in helping people weather the storm is vital.”
Scottish Government COVID-19 Framework for Decision Making
Scottish Government has recently published the COVID-19 Framework for Decision-Making, outlining the approach and principles for the country to move out of the current lockdown. This is a 4 phase approach to carefully and gradually move to a new normal.
Volunteer Friendly Award: Support in Falkirk
The Volunteer Friendly Award is a simple, user-friendly quality standard designed to support, recognise and reward groups in Scotland who involve volunteers. It is designed to help organisations and groups develop and follow best practice techniques when it comes to recruiting, utilising and supporting volunteers. CVS Falkirk is available to support anyone looking to begin the process post COVID-19 and work towards their own Volunteer Friendly Award.
Lead Scotland Free Zoom Training: Using the Internet Safely
Lead Scotland is hosting classes on Zoom over the next few weeks to help people to use the internet confidently and safely during COVID-19: Tuesday 2nd June at 3pm, Saturday 20th June at 11am, and Tuesday 30th June at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, including volunteers. These webinars will cover ways you can help support others to be safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and answer any questions you might have. Participants only need to attend one webinar, as each one will give the same advice.
Teapot Trust Resources for Groups, Families and Volunteers
Teapot Trust is a charity providing art therapy to support the mental health of children and young people with long-term conditions. As part of their efforts to move their art therapy services online during COVID-19, they have developed a suite of original resources on their website to keep children creatively occupied and calm at home and support mental wellbeing. These resources aim to not only be helpful to organisations (including their volunteers), but also families at home during this challenging time.
