Posted by Elaine Brace, 4th May 2012.

Action for Inclusion in association with LSIS (Learning and Skills Improvement Service) have published two very comprehensive documents:

1) Apprenticeships: Aditional Learning Support Funding Guidance

2) Meeting People with Disabilities (Information and Strategies)

Both are free to download.

Posted by Roshan Bailey 26th April 2012

The Surrey Supported Employment Fund is now live with the aim of supporting people with disabilities or mental ill health to overcome the barriers to work.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Individuals who:
 have a physical, sensory, cognitive and/or learning disability, or with mental ill health; and
 are not currently employed but are wanting work; and
 are living or actively seeking work in Surrey.
Grants can also support individuals elsewhere in South-East England if they are working with an organisation which was a member of Surrey Supported Employment in 2011 and 2012 (Please see the attached list).

SIZE OF GRANTS

Grants from the Surrey Supported Employment Fund will largely be between £10 - £200. In exceptional circumstances, the Fund may consider larger awards of up to £1,000.

WHAT CAN BE FUNDED?

Items must be directly related to overcoming specific barriers to work. This could include:
 Accreditation and essential work-related membership fees;
 Specific work related training;
 Support while gaining experience and confidence through periods of voluntary work or while working fewer than 16 hours per week;
 Work equipment;
 Interview expenses;
 Other support (e.g. travel costs for the first few weeks of employment)
You will need to provide a clear breakdown of the costs. We also ask that you explain the other funding avenues which you have already tried in order to support these costs.

For full details please download these documents.
SSE Members Grant Scheme Live April 2012.doc
SSE Fund Guidance Notes.doc
SSE Fund Application Form.doc

Posted by Roshan Bailey 22nd February 2012

This report might be of interest to members and includes facts and figures that could be useful in seeking funding and contracts.

Funders urged to cut the cost of mental health problems

Funders could help to reduce the £67bn annual cost to society of mental health problems, according to a report by New Philanthropy Capital. It identifies charities and interventions that have been proven to reduce costs and improve people's lives. For full details see this link.

Posted by Richard Lamplough 20th January 2012

Funding available to organisations supporting young people and disabled people.

The Hedley Foundation supports young people, the disabled and the terminally ill. Funding is available for registered charities only and the Foundation do not give grants to individuals, nor do not support large or national appeals.

What is this funding for?
The main objective of the Trustees' grant-making is to assist and encourage development and change. It follows that most grants will be of capital or one-off nature, but the Trustees sometimes agree to help fund the introduction of new and innovative projects with a series of up to 3 annual grants.

Main objective: (currently about 70% of the Foundation's budget) Young people: their education, recreation, support, training, health and welfare,

Subsidiary objectives: Disabled people and the terminally ill: provision of specialist equipment and support for carers,

Type of Grant: Grants for specific projects only, mostly one-off, but no core revenue, salary or transport funding. The Foundation makes a limited number of recurring grants for up to three years.

How much is available? Few grants exceed £5,000 and most of them go to charities where they can make an impact.

Last year the Foundation received 1,467 applications, of which less than two-thirds were within their criteria. They made 348 grants (averaging £3,000).

Deadlines: In 2012, the Trustees will meet on the following dates:
25th January / 14th March / 16th May / 18th July /
26th September / 21st November /

For more information please visit this website.

Posted by Richard Lamplough 5th January 2011

The Speak Up Fund is run by the Community Film Unit to partially fund films for organisations and groups that are dedicated to their local communities. The Fund aspires to make high-quality film available to organisations who have either not considered it before, never had access to professional training, or been unable to justify the costs of producing their own film resources.

From the 2nd of January, The Speak Up Film Fund will be accepting applications for funding towards film-based projects across England in 2012. They are looking to offer funding of 20-50% to a range of projects throughout the year. Applications are welcomed from charities, Social Enterprises, Community Interest Companies, and any other organisations that work extensively with their local communities.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on the 2nd of March. They will review every submission, and award up to 50% match funding to successful applications based on individual merit and the nature of each proposed project. Succesful applicants will be notified throughout May and June.

For full details and to download an application form please visit this page of their website.

Posted by Jim Malpas 5th January 2011

the Britiish Dyslexic Association has launched a petition to the government requesting that all new teachers be provided with sufficient dyslexia training as part of Initial Teacher Training. They would then be able to recognise the 10 – 15% of their pupils who are at risk of the condition, and know what to do about it.

The BDA need 100,000 signatures to trigger a debate in Parliament. If you agree with the petition would you please sign it, and even more importantly, help out by passing on this request and link to everyone you know or meet who might be willing to do the same. If you could forward the link by email, twitter, facebook etc the BDA would greatly appreciate it.

Here is a link direct to the petition:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20674

Posted by Audrey Lindo 14th October 2011

I am available for work. I am a fully qualified Social Worker currently registered with the General Care Social Council, and have many years of experience working with both children and families . However, I now wish to transfer my skills to paid part time work involving housing, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence or other community based environments.

I have good communication skills, literacy and interpersonal skills; and am able to deal with diverse and complex situations. I am able to work as both part of a team and on my own initiative, organising my own caseload, meeting deadlines, compiling reports and attending meetings. I am also confident and able to interact with other organisations and professions.

I would consider various areas, but would welcome opportunities in West Sussex, Croydon and Horsham. You can download my CV by clicking here, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Michelle Town, 15th June 2011

I am available for work. I am an experienced Administrator who enjoys being involved in a wide variety of accounts and administrative tasks.  I am computer literate to a high standard in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, and am experienced in the use of company based data systems.  I work well as part of a team and on my own initiative, organising my workload and meeting tight deadlines. I have excellent customer care and interpersonal skills.

You can download my CV by clicking here and I look forward to hearing from you if you have any suitable opportunities within your organisation.

Posted by Richard Lamplough, April 21st 2011

White Lodge in Chertsey have an office for rental in their modern, fully accessible, Rendezvous building.

If you require further information please ring Terry Broom on 01932 577981 or email him by clicking here.

Posted by Tina Ames, April 21st 2011

"I've been in this senior administrative role for over three years now and am passionate about supporting people back into employment, whilst they are gaining new qualifications on the way. My current employer has not had their contracts renewed, so I am looking for a new position as my current role is redundant and have no offer of redeployment."

"Please download my CV by clicking here, and if you are interested in offering me an interview for work you may have available I look forward to hearing from you."