Naz Community Translations - growing Arab participation - is a new social enterprise offering translation services in Westminster at reasonable rates.

A team of three:

Ms. Naziha Aarab
Prof Ahmed Aarab
Dr. Karima Lyhyaoui

provide consultancy and translation for flyers, leaflets, posters and web pages at prices ranging from £10 to £100.

For more details phone 079 6128 8562 or email naziha@nazcommunitytranslations.co.uk.

The next meeting of the Westminster Faith Exchange is on Tuesday 2nd December, 5.30pm - 7.30pm at St Martin-in-the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ.

All details for the meeting and a copy of the poster and agenda can be found on the website - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/communityandliving/faithsbeliefsandreligions/


This meeting of the Faith Exchange will look at the use of prayer in different faith traditions and will include presentations by representatives from different faiths in Westminster.

The Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Colin Barrow, will also attend the meeting. I would urge you to try and attend this meeting as there will be an opportunity to raise any issues that may be of concern to your faith community with the Leader of the Council.

The meeting will also include an Exhibition and Prize Giving for the 'My Faith, My Life' Art Competition for children and young people.

If you would like to know more about the Faith Exchange and the meeting on 2nd December, please contact Clinton Geeves on 020 7641 3247 or at cgeeves@westminster.gov.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. One in three of us will get cancer. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan. . We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support please vists us on and push for better cancer care. Visits us on http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx

We also provide free training, e learning prgrammes and access to resources for people affected by cancer as well as professionals. If you would like to know more please visit http://learnzone.macmillan.org.uk/

Open Age seeks a:

Community Development Worker
Westminster
Lunch and Coffee clubs for older people

14 hrs per week £9,904 (£24,760 pro rata)
Initial 9 month contract

Open Age is seeking candidates who are interested in positive ageing, highly organised, energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic and able to work on their own initiative to develop and deliver this exciting new project.

0208 964 1900 or
www.openage.org.uk
for an application pack

Closing date 25 November 2008.

Registered charity no. 1039520

Consultation Code of Practice Goes “Live”

November 1st was the implementation date for the new Code of Practice for HM Government consultations (to see go to: )http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/bre/consultation-guidance/page44457.html

Because of previous confusion over which organisations were or were not covered, there is now a formal “opt-in” process, and so far, almost 30 public bodies (apart from Central Government departments which have no choice!) have confirmed that they will be bound by the Code. They include the
· British Waterways
· DVLA
· Food Standards Agency
· Health & Safety Executive
· Highways Agency
· HM Revenue & Customs
· Jobcentre Plus
· Planning Inspectorate

An invitation to a one-day event to consider the review of the ‘No Secrets’ guidance

‘Safeguarding Adults’ was published on 16th October 2008 and is followed by a formal consultation period ending 31st January 2009.

The London Development Centre is holding an event to consider the proposed revised guidance on:

Thursday, November 20th, 10.00 am – 16.00 pm
Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London. WC1B 3LS

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE THE FINAL VERSION OF THE GUIDANCE, DUE TO BE PUBLISHED EARLY 2009.

To book a place contact Latifah Adams, at latifah.adams@londondevelopmentcentre.org
London Development Centre, 11–13 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN
Telephone 020730172431 Fax 020 7307 2432

There is no charge for this event and places are available to anyone with an interest in safeguarding adults.

Healthcare for London is the ten-year programme for improving health and healthcare in the capital.

Mental health is a top priority on the programme's agenda. There are three major workstreams:

co-occurring conditions
dementia
medically unexplained symptoms

On 3 December 2008 there will be a formal launch of the Healthcare for London mental health project

Healthcare for London will present the plans to improve mental health services across the capital – and ask for ideas and views on which principles should underpin the work.

Canapés will be provided.

Please note all bookings for this event will be placed on the reserve list and confirmed, if appropriate, within 2 working days.

To book a place email Stephanie.Jones@london.nhs.uk

Carnival Village is a brand new arts and business venture, and it is looking to increase the skills base of its Board.

Part and parcel of its mission will be a broad programme of performance, exhibition and educational arts provision across its two venues in Kensington and Westminster, serving local community as well as the wider public and offering rental spaces for rehearsals and meetings.

Carnival Village aims to explore and exploit the performance and entertainment as well as the craft and industrial potentials of carnival arts - and intends to be a major cultural player, nationally and internationally.

If you think that you have the right weight of experience, particularly in the arts or cultural industries - founding-partners, Ebony Steelband Trust, Mangrove Y2K, the Association of British Calypsonians, and Yaa Asantewaa Arts, would welcome your interest in bringing your expertise to supporting their exciting ambition.

Professionals with a proven track record in the areas of fundraising, customer care and marketing would be particularly attractive to the organisation at this juncture.

As a Board member you would be responsible for ensuring the good governance of Carnival Village and for overseeing its programme of activities. The Board expects to meet eight times a year, with additional sub-committee commitments.

Apply
Expressions of interest, detailing skills and experience and giving a brief personal position statement on the arts and business mission of Carnival Village and the contribution you feel you could make to the pursuit of that mission should be addressed to the address below. shabaka@carnivalvillage.org.uk

Or, by post, to
Shabaka Thompson
CEO
The Yaa Centre
Carnival Village
1 Chippenham Mews
London W9 2AN.

Encompass is teaming up with the Westminster Metropolitan Police to give 8 young people from Westminster the chance to experience the journey of a lifetime!

The Encompass ‘Journey of Understanding’ Programme
15-23 February 2009
www.encompasstrust.org/getinvolved

The ‘Journey of Understanding’ programme will bring together 24 young people (aged 17-23) from diverse backgrounds all over the world (eight from the UK and four each from Indonesia, the Palestinian Territories, Israel and the US). This unique residential programme will take place from 15-23 February 2009 at the Aberdovey Outward Bound ® centre in Wales.

Participants will engage in a combination of challenging outdoor team-building activities and discussion workshops where they are given the opportunity to express their own opinions on a range of controversial issues, and to learn about others’ perspectives, cultures and lives.

Dates
15-23 February 2009

Costs
The programme is fully funded by Encompass, and this includes transport, accommodation and food for the duration of the programme.

However, we do ask participants to raise £40 in sponsorship towards the running of the programme in order to ensure their commitment to taking part. Encompass will provide you with sponsorship forms and support.

Application process
If you would like to apply for this amazing opportunity, please complete the attached application form and return it by email to erika@encompasstrust.org

If you have any questions, please contact Erika, the Programme Manager at Encompass, on 0207 493 9739

Don’t delay, apply today! The closing date for applications is Wednesday 19 November 2008.

The Civic Opening of the London Jesus Centre is on 14 November

The London Jesus Centre is a multi-purpose church and community centre offering a wide range of activities for all sorts of people.

'Welcome' drop-in provides friendship and practical help Monday to Friday 10-12.30.

'Works' is the umbrella title for a growing range of groups and activities including free ESOL classes and English conversation, New to UK, Art & Crafts, cooking, 'Bridges' support group for parents of children with special needs, 'Pa-ma-tots' parents and pre-school children starting soon, 'Slice you bread' help with tackling money problems and IT suite.

'Word' tea room open Monday to Friday 10.30 to 4.30 for good value food and drink in a friendly atmosphere.

'Worship' variety of spiritual activities through the week with services in a listed chapel Sundays 11am and 7pm.

83 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TB
(opposite All Saints Church - entrance in Marylebone Passage)
Phone: 0845 8333 005
Fax: 0845 8333 006
Email: info@londonjesuscentre.org.uk
Web: londonjesuscentre.org.uk
Contact: Manager Rob Bentley

The Department of Health is intending to introduce a new standard contract for community and mental health services by April 2009, including those services delivered by Third Sector providers.

Download a draft version of the standard community contract

VAW's WINTER FESTIVAL & AGM 2008

Join VAW staff, trustees and members for our annual celebration of voluntary and community action in the city of Westminster.

To be celebrated at St Marks Church on the 11th December 2008 from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

The invite is open to all. Come along to find out about VAW's work over the last 12 months and our plan for the future.

Refreshments, drinks and and entertainment will be provided...

To book a place, please call us on 020 7723 1216 or email general@vawcvs.org with your request.

If you would like to enquire about becoming a VAW Trustee, please contact Sanjay Dasani on sdasani@vawcvs.org for more information.

Discover more about NHS services in your area and receive free health advice at the Healthcare for London health fairs run by Westminster Primary Care Trust.

The events will be held on:

07 November at The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU, from 12pm to 3pm

14 November at Whiteleys Shopping Centre, 151 Queensway, W2 4YN, from 10am to 8pm

Free health advice including details on how to contact a GP in the evening and weekends and how to choose a hospital that suits your needs will be available alongside tips on healthy living and healthy teeth at the Abbey Centre on 7 November and blood pressure checks, stop smoking support, advice on coping with stress and tips for healthy teeth at Whiteleys on 14 November.

The health fair is an opportunity for Westminster residents to learn more about local health plans and chat with local NHS staff. Similar events are planned for all PCTs across the capital from September to December. A London-wide consultation on the delivery of specialist stroke and major trauma care is due to be launched in the New Year.

Visit the Westminster Primary Care Trust website

Want to apply for Children in Need funding? From now on paper applications are a thing of the past. Applications can only be made online.

Children in need website

BBC Children in Need has four closing dates throughout the year:

• 15 January 2009 – awards given by then end of April 2009
• 15 April 2009 – awards given by the end of July 2009
• 15 July 2009 – awards given by the end October 2009
• 15 October 2009 – awards given by the end of January 2010

Who can apply:
Projects delivered by organizations working with disadvantaged children and young people, who must be 18 years and under, living in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

• Disadvantages experienced by children and young people include:
• Illness, distress, abuse or neglect
• Any kind of disability
• Behavioral or psychological difficulties
• Living in poverty or situations of deprivation

The application should focus on the children your project will work with and the differences that your project will make for them. You should clearly be able to demonstrate how your project will change the lives of the children involved for the better. Where possible it should take into account their views and involve them in decisions that affect them.

Want to apply, but don’t have a computer?
Drop in to the VAW Resource Room on Wednesday afternoons at 37 Chapel Street, or book a time to use computers at the Pimlico Resource Centre. Contact Razia Sattar on 020 7535 0489 or email rsattar@vawcvs.org

The Westminster City Partnership Board meets at 6 – 8pm on Wednesday 05 November 2008. What’s on the agenda?

City Partnership meeting: download an agenda

Worklessness
Job Centre Plus – new members of the Westminster City Partnership – present on worklessness in Westminster, focusing on local challenges and opportunities and the likely impact of the economic downturn.

Area renewal
A review of the management structures of area renewal work (including Local Area Renewal Partnerships) suggests saving money at management level and re-investing this in frontline services. In the longer term, the review recommends development of frontline services through external funding.

Community Network review
A review of the effectiveness of the Westminster Community Network recommends that funding continue from 2009-2011, but that external funding be sought for 2011/12 onwards.

The meeting will also discuss health inequalities, the reviews of public sector finance, and the South Westminster Renewal Partnership's Neighbourhood Plan.

Visit the Westminster City Partnership website

Progress needed to meet the Government’s pledge on children’s mental health

Primary care trusts and mental health trusts have some way to go if they are to meet the Government’s target to ensure no children or young people are inappropriately placed on adult mental health wards by 2010, according to a new report.

Download the report: Out of the Shadows?

Out Of The Shadows?, a joint report from 11 MILLION, led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, YoungMinds and Very Important Kids (VIK), says that although some authorities are making good progress, others still have some way to go.

The report follows on from 11 MILLION’s report of January 2007, Pushed Into The Shadows, which outlined the appalling treatment many children and young people with mental health problems have had to endure when placed on adult mental health wards.

Out of the Shadows? sets out the progress made so far by primary care trusts (PCTs) and mental health trusts (MHTs) in meeting the Government target, and gives advice on how children and young people should be treated if they are admitted to adult wards.

More information
www.11MILLION.org.uk
www.youngminds.org.uk

Central London CVS Network is seeking to recruit:

Central London Workforce Development Co-ordinator
£31,351(PO2) including London Weighting (pay award pending)

Developing staff and volunteers for the voluntary sector in central London

The CLCVS Network is looking for an enthusiastic, highly skilled person to promote and develop skills and learning in the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and to implement and develop the central London Workforce Development (WFD) strategy.

You must have a good knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, the learning and skills environment and the ability to develop working relationships with colleges. You will be working with existing partnerships such as the CLCVS Network and the central London ChangeUp Consortium but also be able to forge new partnerships.

This is a full-time post and will be based with the CLCVS Network team at Islington Voluntary Action Council.

More information
Visit www.clcvs.net
Email LouiseM@ivac.org.uk
Call 020 7354 6375

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Monday 01 December 2008.

The post is funded by CapacityBuilders.

The Westminster-based Kongolese Centre for Information & Advice is offering English language classes. Places are free, but limited, so call 020 8964 2777 now to book a place!

Start date: 07 November 2008
Time: 4.30-6pm

Improving your English
If English isn't your main language, you can do a course called ESOL (or English for Speakers of other Languages).

Improving your English will make it easier to:
• Talk to doctors and teachers
• Understand the laws and customs of the UK
• Do a course and get a qualification
• Help your child with homework
• Pass the Life in the UK test and become a British citizen

ESOL courses include the following topics:
• Speaking and listening
• Reading and writing
• Vocabulary
• Punctuation and grammar

The project is a part of Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities funded by the Learning Skills Council. Westminster Adult Education Services has been working in partnership with the Kongolese Centre on Developing and improving lecture space.

Contact
Kongolese Centre for Information & Advice
453 Harrow Road
London
W10 4RG

Tel: 020 89642777
Fax: 020 89645351

www.KCIA.org.uk
Kongolesecentre@hotmail.com

Registered Charity No. 1090079

New research identifying practical approaches to increase the effectiveness of local Compacts and effective local partnership working has been published today by the Commission for the Compact.

What makes a successful local Compact identifies the critical factors behind successful local Compacts.

The research finds that:

Ownership of the Compact at senior levels within local authorities is vital, not only in committing to the Compact at a strategic level but translating this commitment into action at all tiers of operation.

Linking the Compact to local decision making structures (for example, embedding Compact principles at the heart of Local Strategic Partnerships) has resulted in more effective partnership working in some areas.

Developing, maintaining and driving forward local Compacts requires support in the form of people with time, motivation and commitment. The research highlights that two approaches can achieve this: the use of a dedicated Compact Champion; and/or embedding the responsibility within a number of people’s jobs.

What makes a successful local Compact: download a copy

Age Concern Westminster is seeking to recruit a Self Directed Support Officer

£26,928-£28,500 plus 6% pension (pay review pending)
Closing date: 5pm on 11 November 2008
Visit www.acwestminster.org.uk for an application pack

An exciting opportunity to work on a ground breaking project for Age Concern Westminster to influence the local council and shape the future services for older people locally.

The key principles of this project are choice, control, flexibility and personalisation, putting older people at the heart of care planning and direction.

The main aims of the project are to provide information & support to older people and their carers on care providers and the providers of the many other services used by older people and to work closely with social workers/care managers, voluntary sector partners and local business to stimulate provision in response to the needs and demands of older people using self directed care.

This is an excellent opportunity to be a key part of system of social care that puts older people in control of the services they want, using individual budgets and direct payments.

The role is subject to reference checks, including an enhanced CRB check.

Central London CVS Network, in conjunction with NCVO's Sustainable Funding Project, is organising Getting Ready for Enterprise - a day for CEO's, senior managers and trustees who want to develop a trading idea.

If you would like to learn how to generate extra income from the services your group offers - then why not come along?

The training will take place on Wednesday 19 November at Voluntary Action Camden (the training is open to all groups in Central London). Please see the attached flyer and agenda for more information. If you would like to book a place please complete the attached booking form. If you would like more information please contact Louise Mitchell on 020 7354 6375 or by email LouiseM@ivac.org.uk

Flyer

Registration form

Agenda

What would you like Westminster to be like in twenty years? The decisions made about future policies will have an impact on how Westminster’s neighbourhood looks and feels. Westminster City Council would like to hear your views on what Westminster needs are in the future.

To help shape the future of Westminster, the council is reviewing its planning documents and developing a Local Development Framework for the next 15 to 20 years. One of the key documents in this framework is the Core Strategy. This is the document we would like your views on.

Download the Core Strategy survey

This will guide change and development in Westminster and set out planning priorities for the future. It includes plans for land uses such as homes, shops and priorities for public open space, transport, development of areas in Westminster like North Westminster, Victoria, Paddington and Tottenham Court Road alongside ways to deal with crime and security. The Core Strategy seeks to encourage great design and architecture, protecting Westminster’s unique historic buildings and places helping protect the distinctive character of our borough. The document contains ideas about ways to future proof our City’s buildings to reduce carbon emissions.

So what do you think is important for the future of Westminster? We are also interested to find out if you feel the options in this consultation document have a negative impact on communities in Westminster.

How to share your views

Download the Core Strategy survey
You don’t need to answer every section – even incomplete surveys are useful
Return your survey by email to ldf@westminster.gov.uk

If you would like a paper copy of the document or to discuss the document further please call 020 7641 2503.

Consultation dates
The consultation period has now been extended to mid November 2008.

The NJC agrees an interim increase 2.45% (plus an additional £100 a year for the lowest earners), backdated to April 2008. A final resolution has been referred to independent arbitration.

Download the interim NJC payscales for 2008/09

The story so far
This summer, the Employers’ Side of the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services made an offer of a pay increase of 2.45% (plus an additional £100 a year on spinal column points four, five and six). This figure was rejected by the unions represented local government workers, and it was agreed to refer the matter to independent arbitration.

Why an interim pay award?
Independent arbitration will take some time to reach a decision. So both employers and unions have agreed to an interim increase, based on the last pay offer from the empoyers. UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield said: “UNISON believes we have a strong case for a fairer deal for local government staff, which we are taking to ACAS for arbitration.”

Useful information

London Councils circular 7: national pay negotiations
National Joint Council for Local Government Services: 2008/09 payscales and allowances

Greater London Provincial Council: special salary arrangements for London

Low cost voluntary sector office facilities in the Paddington Green area, five minutes walk from Edgware Road tube station.

Looking for office space in north Westminster? A new scheme is offering low-cost voluntary sector facilities in the Paddington Green area.

What’s on offer?
• Well equipped modern office space, offered to rent on an ongoing basis.
• Accessible for disabled people, and offer access to a well-appointed kitchen.
• Limited parking places.

The space is not suitable for physical activities (yoga classes, for example).

Who can apply to use this space?
Available to voluntary and community groups who are, or who would like to, deliver services in north Westminster.

Interested?
For more infromation, contact James Murray on 0207 266 0828 or email jmurray@vawcvs.org

Voluntary Action Westminster is seeking to recruit a Family Outreach Worker for South Westminster Children's Centre

Children’s Centre Outreach Worker
South Westminster Children’s Centre
Hours: 17.5 hrs week
Salary: £24k pro rata plus pension
Located: Westminster, London SW1

Children’s Centres aim to break the cycle of disadvantage for the current generation of young children. The outreach workers will reach out to parents and carers of children under five and will ensure their needs are reflected in centre services.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 04 November 2008, 12 noon.

Download a job description and application form

CVs are not accepted.

What needs to happen to tackle health inequalities in Westminster? Health inequalities discussion paper seeks your views.

Westminster City Partnership is developing a new strategy to guide its work on tackling health inequalities.

As a first step, the Partnership has produced a discussion paper, outlining some of the key issues.

Download the Health Inequalities discussion paper

The paper looks at the following areas:

• Background to the strategy development
• Defining health inequalities and priorities for action
• Action to address inequalities
• Our approach to addressing health inequalities
• Your views

The final strategy will be developed in the new year.

The deadline for responses is 12 December 2008.

The Ibrahim Foundation offers grants of £500-£10,000 for projects supporting communities, families and voluntary sector organisations.

No set aims: the Ibrahim Foundation welcomes applications for any kind of work that will benefit communities. Projects focusing on the following are particularly welcome:

• Building communities
• Strengthening non-profit organisations
• Supporting families

Deadline
Apply throughout the year. Grants are awarded twice a year.

How to apply
Visit www.ibrahimfoundation.com for more information or email grants@ibrahimfoundation.com

Small grants for organisations with an income of less than £250,000. Priority is given to causes which are unpopular with public opinion and funders.

Particular priorities include help for offenders and ex-offenders, addiction, homelessness, and people experiencing domestic violence

Deadline
30 November 2008 – successful applicants will be notified by the end of February 2009.

How to apply
Visit www.woodwardcharitabletrust.org.uk for more information or call 020 7410 0330

The John Lyons Charity offers small grants of up to £5,000 for projects benefiting children and young people. No application form needed for grants of £2,000 or less.

The John Lyons Charity can fund education and training, cultural activities, sport and child care in the following ways:

• one-off small capital grants;
• one-off summer schemes; or
• pump priming funds for small projects that might develop into full grant status

Deadline
28 November 2008.

How to apply
For more information, and for details of how to apply, visit www.johnlyonscharity.org.uk

Charities and community organisations across the United Kingdom have until 12 November to bid for a share of a £2.33m funding pot to help vulnerable people reduce debt and get the right benefits and tax.

Voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives can apply.

The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) funding available for 2009/2010 is £1.05m, with another £1.28m available for 2010/2011. Up to £20,000 is available for local or neighbourhood projects, with larger sums on offer for regional or national work.

The head of HMRC's third sector team, Derek Tilstone, said:

"Many vulnerable people don't claim benefits that they are entitled to. This money will assist the people who need it most. Our aim is to ensure also that people are made aware of how they can reduce their debts and pay the right tax."

Organisations will be told if their bids have been successful by 19 January 2009.

Funding aims
Projects must contribute to one of the following aims:
• Helping to increase take-up of tax credits and other HMRC products;
• Helping more hard-to-reach and vulnerable customers to get the right entitlements and to pay the right amount of tax;
• Improving the experience of paying tax for hard-to-reach and vulnerable customers;
• Helping HMRC to gain a better understanding of customers who use the third sector.

For more information
For the funding guidance visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/vcs/guidance0809.htm