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Voluntary Sector Information Bulletin - June 2010
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| Author: John Craig-Sharples |
The new government’s civil society agenda, the ‘Big Society’, expands existing initiatives to improve society by empowering local communities. But what does this really mean to the people of Sutton and to the VCS in particular?
The Government guidelines outline a number of proposals: an expansion of existing government strategies such as support for social enterprises; strengthening local participation; devolving power from national to local levels; the creation of a ‘Big Bank’ to fund these initiatives; the creation of an annual day of celebration; and the transformation from civil to civic duty by bringing in National Citizen Service and making volunteering part of staff appraisals.
Government Announcements
Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, has confirmed that future revenue from the £200m Futurebuilders programme will be used to provide grants to stimulate the creation and development of neighbourhood groups, the stated goal of the government's Big Society concept.
Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office has announced a new community fund, Communities First, which will provide start-up funding for community groups in disadvantaged parts of the country. Further details to follow.
The Compact
Mr Hurd has said ‘The compact is an important framework for the relationship between the state and the sector at a very important time in its development. We want the sector to work more closely with the state and the compact has an important part to play in making sure that that relationship works productively.’
What’s happening locally?
The council has launched a Small Grants Scheme. Details can be found at Voluntary Sector organisations can apply for funding as and when grants become available. The maximum amount available is £10,000. Small Grants
Carers Week
Sutton Carers Centre has been named as the Mayoral Charity of the Year. Sutton Mayor, Cllr Margaret Court, nominated it as her charity at a reception at the Civic Offices on the 14th June. Carers Week
Volunteers Week
Sutton Council has launched an Employer Supported Volunteering scheme, allowing staff to take up to 2 days leave per year to volunteer in the local community. The scheme was launched during Volunteer Week (1-7th June 2010) by council staff and partners helping to paint the Citizens Advice Bureau Offices in Sutton. Volunteers week
Take Part Take Pride
This year Take Part, Take Pride week is from 12 – 18 July and there's a whole host of special events planned for this week, which culminates with Move it at the Manor in Manor Park on Sunday 18 July. Take Part Take Pride
Social Enterprise Activity
A new social enterprise has recently been launched in Sutton:
The Council is working in partnership with The Vine Project to develop a Social Enterprise Handyperson service. It is aimed at people over 60 years old and vulnerable adults over 18. The service does small repairs around the home, as well as carrying out minor adaptations and basic garden maintenance.
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