News

South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) is consulting on its draft Equality Outcomes for 2021-25. These outcomes cover how SEStran intends to help make specific improvements around equalities, and in removing barriers to equality. The deadline for consultation responses is Tuesday 9th March.

Stirling Speakers (part of ToastMasters) has announced the first dates of their free 2021 courses, with the first course beginning Wednesday 3rd March. The second course starts on Wednesday 5th May. Each course has 4 interactive group sessions, all taking place weekly 7pm – 9pm via Zoom. The courses feature a structured programme to help participants develop their confidence and public speaking abilities, amongst other skills.

Giving World helps third sector organisations and groups access free essential products, by working with businesses to redirect their end-of-line, surplus and discontinued stock to communities across the UK. They have a wide range of products available, including clothing for adults and children, toiletries, baby products, toys, bedding, kitchen equipment and other household items, books, crafts and ambient foods.

Scams Action is a Citizens Advice Scotland service providing free, confidential and impartial advice to those who are worried about online scams, or who may have been scammed. The service is available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm by phone: 0808 250 5050, or via web chat.

In partnership with Falkirk Council’s Fairer Falkirk team, and the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team, our team at CVS Falkirk will hold 3 online Community Choices information sessions, which will include a short presentation on the Community Choices initiative, and the opportunity to speak with the Falkirk Council and CVS Falkirk teams about the support they can provide. Sessions take place on Tuesday 23rd February, 1:30 – 2:30pm (Wards 1, 2, 3), Tuesday 23rd February, 6 – 7pm (Wards 4, 5, 6) and Thursday 25th February, 10-11am (Wards 7, 8, 9).

Youth Scotland has launched the Youth Scotland Winter Fund. The fund is open to Youth Scotland members, who can now apply for £500 – £5,000 to support children, young people and families in their youth group in immediate need. The fund can be used for food, clothes, fuel, toiletries, and basic household essentials.  There are no deadlines and applications will be reviewed on a regular basis.

The next Tuesday “Care with Confidence” sessions from Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre have been announced. As before, sessions take place via Zoom, 10:30am – 12pm: “Dementia – Encouraging Engagement” on Tuesday 23rd February; “Bowel Cancer Awareness” on Tuesday 2nd March; “Love Food – Hate Waste” on Tuesday 9th March.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) is working with their partners to understand more about the experiences of individuals, families and the wider community in relation to alcohol and drug harm across the area. They have launched an online survey, open to anyone aged 16 years old and over who lives or works in the Forth Valley area.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre’s Lip-Reading Class with Jill Bradshaw has now returned, taking place via Zoom on Friday mornings, 10:30am – 12pm. There is currently operating a waiting list, and has taster sessions available for anyone interested in joining. They are also looking to start a new Tinnitus Support Group, which will cover hints and tips to manage the condition, and are currently trying to establish suitable times and dates.