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Amber Valley Association for Mental Health Ltd launch as Amber Trust



Following wide consultation with staff, people that AVAMH supports and external stakeholders we worked with Think Solutions, a corporate branding company, to develop a new name and logo.

Overwhelmingly people felt our new brand should reflect the organisation in a professional way whilst still retaining some links with our Amber roots.

On Friday 29th February 2008 we invited external stakeholders and the people we support to join us for a celebratory event as we launched our new name.

Amber Trust

The very foundation of Amber Trust, some thirty years ago, was based on a belief that people living with mental health conditions should be able to live in the community and not face the prospect of life in a hospital. Our deep rooted commitment to supporting people in the community has continued as we have grown and developed over the years. Our services are now delivered in peoples own homes or in individual accommodation that we provide; demonstrating our commitment to real supported living - people living where they choose and with whom they choose.

Our ongoing commitment to involvement in the organisation - particularly of the people we support; and our ongoing commitment in providing person centred services, ensures that the person is central in planning the support they need.

In an ever changing environment our organisational planning process ensures that the views of the people we support, all of our staff and trustees and stakeholders influence our future direction and keeps our work relevant and well informed.

If you would like any information on Amber trust then please email info@ambertrust.co.uk , or visit the website: www.ambertrust.co.uk

March 2008
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SDVSMHF Business Plan is launched

 During 2007 members of SDVSMHF has been working with other stakeholders to develop our Business Plan 2007 – 2010. The plan has been informed by the results of our extensive “Fit For Purpose” research project that was undertaken in 2006 – 2007. We consulted on a draft plan with a range of stakeholders at a special event in July 2007 and the plan was further refined after this consultation.

You can now download the final version of the Business Plan HERE

The Business Plan is supported by a detailed Action Plan, which will be updated annually. The 2007 – 2008 Action Plan is contained within the final Business Plan.
December 2007
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Voluntary sector representation on the South Mental Health Forum

We recently invited voluntary sector organisations to nominate prospective voluntary sector representatives to sit on the above Forum following the merger of Amber Valley and Erewash Locality Mental Health Forums after PCT re-organisation this year.

Three nominations were recieved. As all three nominees were current representatives on the previous Forums who already have the support of the Forum membership we discussed with them the best approach to resolving the need to reduce the number of representatives to two without the need for a costly election.

Following this discussion it has been agreed that Kathy Kozlowski, Amber Valley Association for Mental Health and Jean Eckman, British Red Cross will be the representatives. The third nominee Lynn Orchard, Erewash Mental Health Association will work alongside Kathy and Jean as a deputy to ensure we always have representation at meetings. Lynn will also remain on the Voluntary Sector Strategy Group to feed in organisations’ issues to commissioners at that level.

You may contact Kathy or Jean (details below) if you have any items of concern you would like them to raise at South Forum meetings, and they will feed back to SDVSMHF members through the regular written updates. If you do not regularly receive these, and would like further information on joining the Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum, please contact us about becoming a member by email here info@sdvsmhf.org.uk

Kathy Kozlowski, Amber Valley Association for Mental Health Ltd

 Suite 4a, East Mill
Bridgefoot
Belper
Derbyshire
DE56 2UA

Telephone 01773 599599
E-mail kathyk@avamh.co.uk

Jean Eckman, British Red Cross

 Heanor Health Centre
Wilmot Street
Heanor
Derbyshire
DE75 7EF

Telephone: 01773 718798
E-mail: Jeckman@redcross.org.uk
December 2007
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South Derbyshire Mental Health Association hold first screening of "Oneinfour"

 The film made by Bank House had its first screening at Sharpes Pottery to an audience of invited guests on World Mental Health Day. The film was then shown again during an exhibition and sale of crafts in the kiln.

The film is our attempt to showcase the work we do here at Bank House; to let other agencies know of the service; to give potential new members an insight before they visit (we all know how hard it can be to walk through the door for a first visit); and hopefully to dispel some of the myths that still surround mental illness.

We would like to thank the groups who allowed their sessions to be filmed, the staff and volunteers who happily carried on regardless of the camera lurking around every corner!

A special thanks must be expressed to those individuals who bravely told their own unique stories of their mental illness. Their courage and generosity in sharing such personal thoughts is awe-inspiring.

Copies of the film are now available, one per organisation free of charge - extra copies can be ordered at £8 per copy. For your free copy and to order extras please contact Denise Shillabeer at Bank House on email at: deniseshillabeer@btconnect.com, or telephone Bank House on 01283 222881.
October 2007
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TTHE CROFT LEARNING AND RESOURCE CENTRE

Newsletter August 2007

Confidence Building Courses

In conjunction with Amber Valley CVS (www.avcvs.org.uk) and South East Derbyshire College (www.sedc.ac.uk) the above courses will be starting on Tuesday 9th October running simultaneously at The Croft and at AVCVS and will run for 6 weeks. Owing to its popularity, the courses are now fully booked but there is a possibility that they will be repeated when the first ones have finished. Please contact The Croft for further details.

College Provision

Please note that provision for Independent Living Skills, Art, the Creative and Expressive Group and Digital Photography will re-commence in the second week in September. Days and times are on the “Groups and Activities” attachment (download here ). Please contact us if you have new referrals who could benefit.

New Carer’s Group

Initiated specifically for people caring for others who have mental health related problems, the group will run monthly commencing on Tues 2nd October from 2pm to 4pm at The Croft. Please download the flyer here

If you would like further information then please call the Croft on: 01773 513508 or email: thecroft@rethink.org

 Green Health Partnership

New service Developments - Green Schools and Green Health Enterprise
The Green Health Partnership has recently been successful in acquiring new funding to launch two new services. The first service will be known as Green Schools and will provide opportunities for children to come to Green Health to participate in conservation and environmental arts. A main focus of the service will be to work with children who have been excluded from mainstream education and children who are experiencing mental health problems. The service will begin in January 2008 and is funded for a three year period by the Big Lottery Fund.

The second new service is to provide opportunities for adults to participate in Social Enterprise. Currently Green Health provides two Social Enterprise services – Derby Lodge café and Horsepool Hill Commemorative Woodland service. The main aims of the services are to provide volunteer opportunities and the skills and experiences to move into paid employment. These services began in April 2007 and have been funded for a three year period by Derbyshire Social Services and Derbyshire PCT, and it is Green Health’s intention to develop additional Social Enterprise services during this period.

If you would like to know more about these services please contact Shaun Hallam on 01623 510992 or email: shaun.hallam@rethink.org
September 2007
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Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire World Mental Health Day Event - 12 October 2007

Free drop-in Event held in Chesterfield town centre to raise awareness of local support and services relating to mental health and to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about mental health problems. Day included a play titled 'Hideaway' and a free lunch.

Based on the experiences of the cast, and others, the play presented some of the issues that anyone undergoing mental health problems may face. After the play there was an opportunity to discuss issues raised with the cast.

In addition, throughout the day information on mental health issues and local services were available to pick up from several information stalls and individuals were present to answer any questions. Free Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Reiki sessions were also available during the event for anyone attending.

It is estimated that the Event was attended by approximately 200 people over the day. The Event also provided an excellent networking opportunity for voluntary and statutory sector organisations who attended. The Event received coverage on Hallam FM.

This 12 October Event was a partnership Event involving on the Steering Group local statutory and voluntary sector organisations including Derbyshire County PCT, Rethink, Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield Association of Self-Help (NEDCASH), Turning Point, Alzheimer's Society, Shaw Trust, Making Space and North Derbyshire Forum for Mental Health Carers. Other organisations involved with the Steering Group included Chesterfield College, Derbyshire County Council Adult Education Department, Chesterfield 50+ and North Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

Mental Health Awareness Training Course
As a follow-up to World Mental Health Day 2007 a free training day for organisations is being delivered by Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust in partnership with the voluntary and statutory sector organisations on the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire World Mental Health Day Steering Group. The training session will target specific organisations - this relates to the Steering Group's aim of getting mental health on to key organisations agendas.

Library
There was a display and stand with information relating to mental health in the main Library in Chesterfield Town Centre during the week of World Mental Health Day.

Chesterfield Market
The Chesterfield Health Visitors have a stall on Chesterfield Market every 2 weeks on a Thursday - the stall had information on mental health on it during the week of World Mental Health Day.

Health Bus
Derbyshire County PCT's Big Blue Health Bus which covers Chesterfield has had information on it in relation to mental health during the week of World Mental Health Day.

Chinese community
As part of their World Mental Health Day 2007 activities the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Steering Group are aiming in partnership with the local Chesterfield Chinese Association to send out information in Chinese on mental health to the local Chinese community to build on work around mental health with the community at the end of 2006. Regarding this the World Mental Health Day theme for 2007 relates to Culture and Diversity.

Next steps
The aim is that organisations involved with the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire World Mental Health Day Steering Group continue to work together post World Mental Health Day around the issues of mental health awareness and to tackle stigma. As well as the organisations on the Event Steering Group it is hoped to include other organisations from both the voluntary sector and the statutory sector.

For further information please contact:

Michael Davie, Health Improvement Officer
Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust
Trust Headquarters
Scarsdale
Nightingale Close
Off Newbold Road
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 7PF
Tel: 01246-514033
Fax: 01246-514158
michael.davie@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk

October 2007
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IT’S GOOD TO TALK!

SDVSMHF recently hosted two consultation meetings to allow members to hear and comment on new proposals that will have a big impact on their work.

Firstly, we welcomed David Pitt from Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust to tell us more about the Trust’s application to become a Foundation Trust – this is a new type of NHS organisation which will allow the Trust to enjoy a greater level of freedom from day to day central government controls whilst at the same time involving local people as members of the organisation.

This will enable local people to have a greater say in the type of service that the Trust provides. From a voluntary sector point of view, it is important to stay in touch with developments so that we can ensure that our own services continue to work in a complementary way to Trust services. In fact, the new status will allow the Trust to sub-contract work to other agencies where they can deliver an effective service, and this may allow us greater opportunities for partnership working with the Trust in future.

The public consultation on the proposed status ended at the beginning of February. If everything is in order, the new organisation could be in place as early as July of this year. We will keep you informed.






















“…and the swingometer says …..” David Pitt analyses support for Trust Foundation status at the recent meeting with the voluntary sector

The second consultation meeting saw Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust presenting the draft mental health strategy, the “Derbyshire Vision and Strategic Direction for Adult Mental Health 2007 – 2017” as part of the formal consultation before the document is finalised. Ruth Sargent and Sue Ryan from the mental health commissioning team gave an overview of the strategy and answered a long list of questions from the floor. You can read a summary of the discussion here soon.























Double Vision? – Ruth Sargent and Sue Ryan explain the finer points of strategic thinking to a packed audience of service providers.

The strategy is probably the most important document for voluntary sector providers locally in that any service developments for the next ten years will need to demonstrate that they fit with the strategy, and the underpinning action plans, which are yet to be developed.

There are two key sections, Summary of local strategic intention and Strategic Objectives.

These are supported by a list of priorities which cover:
    1. Improving current services, processes and infrastructure
    2. Developing services where there are unacceptable gaps
    3. Improving/modernizing commissioning processes
The consultation period on the draft strategy continues until the end of April 2007. You can download the draft strategy HEREand a form to enable you to submit a written response HERE

Please take the time to read and comment on this document. The future of your service may well depend upon it!

February 2007
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MAKING SPACE FAMILY SUPPORT WORKERS - CONTACT DETAILS



Anne Emberton has replaced Lynn Mynett as the Making Space Family Support Worker Co-ordinator, Anne would like to let everyone know the up to date contact details for all eight Family Support Workers. They will be delighted to provide a first class service to first class people, namely family members, friends, informal carers of someone who experiences severe mental health problems and is between the ages of 18 and 65 years.

The support will provide a negotiated length of involvement to enable carers to be better equipped to emotionally cope, time to consider choices for the way forward in many areas which may include leisure, learning and perhaps work opportunities. Providing information, opportunities to attend Carer Support Groups and contribute to meetings which consider improving mental health provision.

It is anticipated that referrals for the Family Support Worker (FSW) to be involved in supporting individual carers, will come from all areas of statutory service specifically Community Mental Health Teams, voluntary sector and self referrals. The best route is through the Care Co-ordinator of the person they care for, as this validates this new service. Everyone wants greater recognition for the enormous contribution families play in supporting people with severe mental health issues. However, if you have any problem accessing the service through the Care Co-ordinator, you should not be deterred in any way from referring yourself.

CONTACT DETAILS OF FAMILY SUPPORT WORKERS:

Co-ordinator for the Family Support Service
 Anne Emberton
Derwnt House, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5JG
01629 55592


HIGH PEAKS & DALES
Hannah Punchard
CMHT, Wye House, Newholme Hospital, Baslow Road, Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1AD
01629 761600

.......................................

CHESTERFIELD
Crystie Smith
CMHT Brimington Clinic, Church Street, Brimington, Derbyshire S43 1JG
01246 555360

......................................

NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE
Heather Sewell
CMHT, Killamarsh Clinic, Parkside Shoppiing Centre, KIllamarsh, Sheffield S21 1FY
0114 247 4886

.......................................

DERBYSHIRE DALES & SOUTH DERBY
Lincoln Mignott
CMHT Derbyshire Dales & South Derby , Bankgate, 13-14 Rink Drive, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 8JL
01283 219118

.......................................

AMBER VALLEY
Bongani Ndlovu
CMHT Amber Valley, 2nd Floor - North Mill, Bridgefoot, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1YD
01773 826040

.......................................

EREWASH
Mary Brown
CMHT EREWASH, Brooklands, Park avenue, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5DH
0115 9308696
........................................

DERBY CITY + BME
Kuljit Tambur
CMHT, St James', House Mansfield Road, Derby DE1 3AD
01332 547990

.........................................

DERBY CITY
Maxine Smith
CMHT, St James' House, Mansfield Road, Derby, DE1 3AD
01332 547990
January 2007
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World Mental Health Day Celebrations in Derby

The Market Place in Derby was awash with colour and alive with sound on Saturday 7th October as local organisations celebrated World Mental Health Day and raised awareness of mental health issues with members of the Derby public.

The event was organised by Derby City Mental Health Forum, with Mick Walsh in particular playing a leading role in encouraging everyone to work together to make the event possible. In an interview with the Derby Evening Telegraph on Friday, Mick said that he wants to change people’s perceptions of mental illness and he noted that between the agencies involved, the city is a national leader for care of people with mental health problems.

To read a full copy of the article Click Here









Above, Mick Walsh
Left, Market Place - Derby










Right, Wendy Beer & Sinead Dalton - Derbyshire Mind






Most of those agencies were present on Saturday, with Derby City Primary Care Trust and Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust being joined by carer organisations, user organisations, and voluntary sector organisations, including Alzheimer’s Society, Derby Millennium Network, Derbyshire Mind, Erewash Mental Health Association, Derbyshire Carers Forum, Derbyshire Housing Aid, Derby Depression Club and many others.















Left, Elaine Jackson - Patient & Public Involvement Forum
Right, Jean Bailey - Alzheimer's Society

“Reaching out to a new audience”





The stalls were very busy, with Saturday shoppers pausing to gather information on mental health issues, to listen to the band or watch the belly dancers!




The event on Saturday was the first of many activities which are taking place in Derbyshire in and around World Mental Health Day on 10th October.


Right, Mike Shewan and Judith Forrest,
Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust
October 2006
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Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust Stakeholder Engagement Group

Derbyshire MHS Trust has recently convened a new group that is designed to improve communication and information flow between The Trust and its various stakeholder organisations representing service users, carers and voluntary sector providers.

This group has replaced the patient and public involvement group, and is a reflection of the improved communication required by the Trust with as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, recognising that some of these people receive services provided by partner agencies in the voluntary sector as well as The Trust itself.

There is an open invitation to voluntary sector organisations to attend the group meetings, providing that these stay within manageable proportions, and this will be reviewed if it becomes problematic!

Carers and service users are invited through their representative agencies across the county.

The Trust is seriously committed to making this group a success, and this is reflected by the fact that Chief Executive Mike Shewan chairs the group whenever possible.

Topics for discussion are chosen by the membership and there will be a key theme at each meeting.

Further meetings for 2006 will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St James’ House Derby on:

September 6th, 2.00 - 4.00pm Bramble House, Kingsway, Derby
** NOTE CHANGE OF DATE **
October 26th
December 21st.

 If you would like to attend a meeting or be added to the mailing list, please contact Mark Thaxter, Head of Communications and Patient and Public Involvement at Derbyshire MHS Trust on 01332 362221 x 3335, or email

mark.thaxter@derbysmhservices.nhs.uk

July 2006
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Stress Relief Sessions for Carers and Ex-Carers

North Derbyshire Forum for Mental Health Carers

Offers free stress relief sessions

Come and experience some TLC from experienced therapists offering massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki

Plus

An opportunity to talk to the ‘making space’ family support workers

No need to make an appointment, just drop in for personal, friendly, confidential support on emotional and practical issues

There are now 6 groups to choose from in different parts of North Derbyshire each month

1st Wednesday: morning at Clay Cross
Clay Cross Community Centre 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. with buffet lunch
Therapist Jeannette Barcock
For more information ring John on 01246 269065

2nd Monday afternoon at Dronfield
(this group is being launched on May 8th)
Shaun Hadley Room, Civic Hall, Civic Centre
2 p.m. till 4 p.m.
Therapist Francesca Flynn
For more information ring Audrey on 01246 414030

2nd Tuesday afternoon at Matlock
Ernest Bailey House, New St
2.30 p.m. till 4.30 p.m.
Therapist Daniela Forrest
For more information ring Greta on 01629 734564

3rd Wednesday afternoon at Chesterfield
Miners Welfare Building Ashgate Rd, Garden Room
2 p.m. till 4 p.m.
Therapist Daniela Forrest
For more information ring Malcolm on 01246 220686

3rd Thursday morning at Buxton
Grapevine Café Market Sq (this venue and time may change)
10 a.m. till 12 noon
Therapist Beryl Thompson from Buxton healing and Reiki Centre
for update and information ring Linda on 01298 23980

3rd Friday morning at Bolsover
Kitchencroft, Oxcroft Rd
10 a.m. till 12 noon
Therapist Pauline Nunn
For more information ring Darrel on 01246 827904

These support groups offer stress relieving techniques, a free massage and refreshments (including healthy options) travelling costs can be claimed.

The person you care for can come with you and benefit too if you wish, or respite care can be arranged through crossroads. Ring 01246 557541 or 01629 812664. General enquiries re carers forum 01629 584402 / 581251

Please make full use of this new respite service to safeguard your own health. People caring for all ages and ex carers are welcome.
March 2006
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2006 Annual General Meeting

The Forum held its 5th Annual General Meeting in The Bridge Centre at Langley Mill on Tuesday 18th July 2006.

Despite the sultry weather (or maybe because of it) there was a record attendance of Forum members, perhaps attracted by the wonderful light buffet and supply of cold drinks!




















The Buffet supplied by The Bridge Centre


Eight member organisations added to the colourful display with interactive information and leaflets about their services.














Jean Eckman of Red Cross administers a little “voluntary sector” aid


Presentations from four members of the Forum – Amber Valley Association for Mental Health, Red Cross Community Support Services, P3 Social Inclusion charity and Trevayler Rehabilitation Care Home (2Care) supplemented the usual business of every Annual General Meeting. It was refreshing to hear more details of just some of the inclusive and innovative work the sector is delivering to people with mental health problems in Derbyshire.



















Outgoing Chair Wendy Beer addresses the audience


A new Executive Committee was elected for the next twelve months. Existing committee members Mark Simms (P3), Dale Wilkins (P3), Jean Eckman (British Red Cross), Dorothy Lane (Amber Valley Association for Mental Health) and Tracey Fowler (Erewash Mental Health Association) will be joined by Christine Lawrence (Trevayler), Alvar Thomas (Derbyshire Mind) and Claire Winfield (Amber Valley Association for Mental Health.) This means that the committee will achieve full capacity of eight members for the first time and we look forward to a productive year’s work together.

The meeting also received presentations on the Annual Report, Accounts and Work Programme for the organisation.

The meeting ended with a presentation and vote of thanks to Wendy Beer of Derbyshire Mind, who is standing down as Chair of the organisation following five years’ dedicated service to the organisation to the Forum.





















Perusing the displays (Trevayler and P3 feature)

The next meetings of the Forum are as follows:

 5 September 2006 Managers’ Forum at
The Bridge, Langley Mill
contact mark.simms@p3charity.org

10 October 2006 General Forum at
Erewash Mental Health Association, Long Eaton
contact jo.birkett@sdvsmhf.org.uk

Anyone who would like to receive a copy of the 2005-6 Annual Report, Accounts or Work Programme can
contact jo.birkett@sdvsmhf.org.uk

July 2006
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Derbyshire Patients' Council Allowance Campaign

Press release from Derbyshire Patients Council April 2005

Derbyshire Patients Council is delighted with the news that the down rating of benefits for inpatients is to end.

Gordon Brown announced in his budget statement that from April 2005 anyone entering hospital will receive their full entitlement to benefits. The new rules will apply to existing patients already in hospital for more then 52 weeks from April 2006.

We have been advised that this would not have happened had it not been for the determined and relentless campaigning work carried out by Council members and sympathetic colleagues in other organisations.

The regulations surrounding the abolition of down rating have yet to be published and DPC will watch closely for any issues that may arise and keep you informed.

DPC hopes that our example inspires other to realise that a germ of an idea can grow until it eventually influences and changes Government Policy.

Congratulations to all our members and supporters.

THANK YOU!

If you would like any further information then please contact Derbyshire Patients Council on email at:

pcdo@dmas.wanadoo.co.uk

Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum would like to add our congratulations to all at Derbyshire Patients Council who worked so hard on this successful campaign.

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COMIC RELIEF UK Grants Guidelines 2005-2008

The guidelines for Comic Relief’s UK Grants Programme have just been announced, and mental health is one of six key priorities. As in previous rounds, only organisations led by people with mental health problems are eligible.

There are two main programmes around mental health – advocacy and campaigning, and small grants for user-led mental health groups. This latter category would particularly suit self-help networks and organisations supporting self-help groups.

Below are the relevant extracts from the new guidelines, which can be found in full at www.comicrelief.com

A. Advocacy and campaigning
Who can apply?

We welcome applications from community and voluntary organisations who are led by people who have mental health problems. By this we mean where over 50% of people running the organisation have direct experience of mental health problems. If this is not the case, we will be looking for a firm commitment to involving users in running the projects, and moving towards becoming a user-led organisation.

It is likely that we will make grants in this part of the programme to larger, more established mental health organisations. Small, local user-led groups are more likely to be funded under the small grants programme.

What we will fund

  • Independent advocacy services.
  • Campaigning for better services at regional and national level, and work to highlight inequalities in the mental health system.
  • Social enterprises (businesses with mainly social aims, whose profits are invested in the community) and other community-based projects run by people who have mental health problems that work to include people in their local economies and communities.

    What we want to achieve

    You will need to show how your work will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

  • Greater involvement of people who have mental health problems in decisions that affect their lives.
  • A reduction in discrimination and stigma
  • More inclusive and accessible mental health services and organisations, in particular for people from black and minority ethnic communities who often miss out.

    B. Small grants for user-led mental health groups

    Who can apply?

    We accept applications only from user-led groups for this part of the mental health programme. Groups must have an income of less than £150,000 a year, and we will give priority to those with less than £50,000 a year.

    What we will fund

  • Running or core costs
  • Training for organisational development, financial management or help with planning. What we want to achieve

    You will need to show how your work will achieve the following outcome.


    Timetable for main grants over £5000

    There will be four grant-making cycles for 2005-2006. We will announce the deadlines for funding cycles in 2007-2008 towards the end of 2006.

    Cycle Application deadline

    Cycle 1 - 9 September 2005
    Cycle 2 - 13 January 2006
    Cycle 3 - 5 May 2006
    Cycle 4 - 8 September 2006

    Final decision
    For grants over £5000, you should have a decision within five months of each application deadline.
    There is no need to rush your application. We will make sure we have funding available for every cycle.
    Remember, you can apply for a small grant at any time.
    		•
    July 2005.
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    P3 the social inclusion charity

    UK CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2005

    P3 the social inclusion charity won the overall Charity of the Year 2005 award at the Sixth Annual UK Charity Awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on the evening of Thursday 22nd September.

    The UK Charity Awards, organised by Charity Times magazine, has 16 award categories including Charity of the Year, Best Practice, Lifetime Achievement, Best New Charity and Volunteer of the Year. This year's winners included stories of personal courage, dedication and achievement in every field of not-for-profit endeavour. P3 was also highly commended in the Best Practice award category. This recognised the organisation’s continuous drive to achieve excellence and that the charity has demonstrated the best professional practices, governance and internal standards that the sector as a whole should emulate.

    When presenting the Charity of the Year award to P3, host of the ceremony, entertainer Dominic Holland, said that P3 is ‘the organisation that, above all others, the judges believe has consistently delivered outstanding service to its beneficiaries, promoted and raised its cause, has been clear in its goals and strategy, and has demonstrated excellence all round.’’

    Accepting the prestigious award, Chief Executive, Martin Kinsella said: “This is a tribute to the staff, trustees and service users of P3 and to all of the agencies both voluntary and statutory who we work in partnership with to in order to best provide our services. At the heart of P3, there is a strong desire to make a positive difference to the lives of each and every one of our service users. As an organisation we understand, what we do, why we do it and what good it does and we use this knowledge to keep moving forward. We are 100% focused on achieving positive outcomes for our service users, that is why the charity exists. To be recognised as UK Charity of the Year by a judging panel comprising of the leading figures in the UK charity sector is a great boost to the entire organisation.’’



    Pictured accepting the UK Charity of the Year Award – Martin Kinsella, Chief Executive of P3 (Centre)



    P3’s senior management team (left to Right) – Sonai Homer,Sean Wimhurst, Martin Kinsella, Dale Wilkins , Jo Summers, Jezza Murtazza, taking the photos was Mark Simms.

    UK Charity Awards 2005

    Charity Times hosted the 6th annual UK Charity Awards Gala dinner and presentations, which took place on 22nd September 2005 in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London.

    The Charity of the Year award was sponsored by Ansvar Insurance Ltd.

    The evening took the format of a gala dinner, followed by presentation of the awards by celebrity host entertainer Dominic Holland. Attended by some 750 individuals working in and around the sector, it is the largest awards ceremony in the charity calendar, endorsed and supported by leading suppliers to the sector, charity sector membership organisations, celebrities, politicians and royalty alike.

    Designed to recognise and reward excellence in the management and co-ordination of all the charitable activities, the UK Charity Awards incorporate the whole range of charitable work from investment, fundraising and campaigning through to use of technology and the application of sound business principles. In addition, recognition is afforded to those professional service companies working most creatively and effectively within the sector.

    The UK Charity Awards are designed to recognise and reward excellence in the management and co-ordination of all charitable activities. This aim is enforced by the make-up of the judging panel, which represents the leading figures in the UK charity sector, and thus ensures the highest possible standards are set for the largest awards ceremony in the charity calendar.

    The overall objectives of the Awards are threefold:
    1. To honour the outstanding professionals in the many and varied fields of charity management
    2. To support continuing professional development and contribute towards raising the standards of charity management
    3. To promote and raise the profile of the charity sector
    October 2005.
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    'Access All Ages' Campaign Training

    Derbyshire Mind, The Walbrook Group and SDVSMHF pooled resources to welcome key officers from National Mind to Derby on 7th February to deliver training on campaigning, which particularly focussed on Mind’s Access all Ages campaign.

    The Access all Ages campaign was launched in Autumn 2005 by National Mind to improve support and treatment for people who experience mental distress later in life. As mental health problems can affect any of us at any time of life we should in theory be treated on the basis of our need, not our age. National Mind believes that this is not necessarily the case and that the mental health needs of people in later life have been neglected and misrepresented. The campaign aims to ensure that mental health needs in later life are met, not marginalised. A range of methods of tackling this are being used by Mind’s Campaign team, one of which is to offer training to people about campaigning.

    The well attended event gave delegates the basic skills and knowledge to campaign effectively on older people’s mental health in their locality. People learnt about the key findings of the campaign, golden rules of campaigning, working with MPs & the press and how to develop a local action plan.

    Several areas for campaigning were highlighted – Older People’s Day Services, Transport in Rural Areas and Networking for Change.

    The Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum will use the knowledge gained to work more closely with Derbyshire Mental Health Services Trust to look at ways of delivering better day care for older people with mental health problems in Derby.

    Particular thanks to Sinead Dalton at Derbyshire Mind and Ross Leather at Walbrook Group for organising the Event.
    February 2006
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    Progress on the Implementation of Full Cost Recovery

    Following on from our recent training on Full Cost Recovery (see article below), you may be interested to read about a new review from the National Audit Office on the implementation of Full Cost Recovery for voluntary and community organisations by our statutory partners.

    You can read their press release     HERE and download the full review from the National audit Office website HERE

    Fully recovered?

    The Forum recently hosted a series of joint training sessions with local commissioners to look at the theory of Full Cost Recovery (FCR) and examine ways of working towards FCR in mental health contracts.

    The three training sessions were run by Angela Kerry at the rather swish (but very hot and sticky!) computer centre at Alfreton Library. (Not a bad venue if you need to use a computer suite at only £50 for a full day’s rental.)

    The training was based around the acevo model of Full Cost Recovery, as cascaded down to the voluntary sector thanks to NACVA and a Big Lottery grant! Locally, it was jointly funded by Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum, Derbyshire County and Derby City PCTs and CSIP (Care Services Improvement Partnership). As a result of this trainees received free copies of the acevo Full Cost Recovery toolkit, which consists of a CD Rom and Book. Of course, other FCR toolkits are available!

    Trainees also received an intensive day’s training, plenty of practical exercises and time to practice using the toolkit on the computers.

    Twenty one voluntary sector managers and five commissioners (from four different statutory agencies) took part. During the courses some major issues were debated.

      • There was total agreement that in principle Full Cost Recovery should always be allowed for in new mental health contracts (this view is now being fed into the mental health planning system).

      • Commissioners were relieved to know that applying Full Cost Recovery to existing work did not necessarily mean having to find huge amounts of money to fill gaps, but that service re-negotiation could be much more flexible, with revised outputs, innovative packaging of discreet projects and diversification of income sources.

      • Providers were challenged to look at all the services they currently provide and ask themselves if these are within the scope of existing service level agreements.

    There is no easy solution to the principle of Full Cost Recovery, but from these sessions there is a growing awareness that it makes sense for sustainable service delivery, and that providers and commissioners can work together to achieve this over time.

    A flavour of the feedback received:

     “Good to do [the training] with commissioners present as it led to really good discussion.”

    “Well presented comparison with paper & electronic models useful – balanced perspective of provider/purchaser position very useful.”

    “I began with very little understanding of FCR and now have a much better knowledge and understanding.”
    March 2007
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    Contracting For Services

    During the most recent Voluntary Sector Co-ordination and Overview Group meeting, we discussed the support required to equip mental health organisations to successfully engage in the growing requirement for both new and existing services to be let through a tendering and contracting process. This means that even if your organisation is not wishing to pursue new service options, you may be faced in the near future with the necessity of having to tender for the continuation of your existing service.

    We would like to hear from our members about whether you feel that you are receiving enough training and support in this area already, either through CVS or other training providers. Alternatively, we wish to establish whether there is enough interest for us to provide training specifically in this area to our members.

    Please can you let me know whether you would be interested in receiving training in this area, and approximately how many members of staff/volunteers/committee members might attend.

    I would appreciate some indication of your response by the 30th April 2006.

    Please contact me at     angela.kerry@sdvsmhf.org.uk

    March 2006
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    Service Level Agreements (SLAa) & Service Monitoring

    Report from Roger Kerry Mental Health Liaison Worker, North Derbyshire Voluntary Action - June 2005

    David Gardner of the Mental Health Commissioning Team raised the issue of SLAs and the monitoring of voluntary sector services at the Voluntary Sector Co-ordination and Overview Group (VSCOG).

    The current situation is confused. SLAs differ widely between PCT areas and over time. The information requested from groups is also not standardised. This means that it is rarely used.

    It was decided to form a VSCOG sub-group to look at the information that could usefully be collected on a PCT and Derbyshire-wide basis and to consider current SLAs, with a view to standardising them across the county.

    Myself, David Gardner, Graham Brunt (of the Federation) and Angela Kerry (my counterpart in South Derbyshire), have been meeting with other voluntary sector colleagues to consider current SLAs and the information requested from groups.

    There are obvious advantages to groups in having clear agreements, and advantages to the commissioners in having information in a useable form for the future planning of services. It is however important that SLAs are not too restrictive, so as to stifle the adaptability and innovation of the voluntary sector, which is one of its strengths. It is also vital that any monitoring requirements do not put too much of a burden on groups who may well not have the time or resources for complex administrative tasks . Finally we must ensure that the information collected is used in a constructive way by commissioners and the voluntary sector.

    We are preparing a draft SLA and monitoring form, which will be circulated to the groups on the project database for comments. If any other groups have SLAs for the delivery of mental health services with Social Services or with Primary Care Trusts please let me know at NDVA and I will be able to send a copy of our draft when it is completed. I would welcome any comments which I can feed into the process on your behalf.

    Roger Kerry
    Mental Health Liaison Worker, NDVA email     ndvamentalhealth@btconnect.com
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    New Website!

    Erewash Mental Health Assoction have released a new website.

    There is a link to the new site on our links page or alternatively please click on the link below! The site contains news and information on the work the Association and its groups carries out.

    www.breakthru.org.uk


    March 2006
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    News update March 2006

    Compact Quarterly

    A Compact Commissioner will head up an independent body to make the Compact work, following an agreement between the Compact Working Group and the Government at the Compact Annual Meeting.

    Government is looking for more evidence that the Compact is working in everyday dealings between public sector bodies and the voluntary sector. The feeling is that, despite the Compact forming an agreement regarding the way the two sectors should work together, there is still a long way to go to achieving compliance.

    You can read more about the latest developments, along with a progress report on the BME Compact Code five years on from formation, and good practice examples of where the Compact IS working well, in the latest issue of Compact Quarterly.

    Please contact     angela.kerry@sdvsmhf.org.uk if you would like a copy.

    Working with the Voluntary Sector

     The House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts has just released their 32nd report about working with the voluntary sector.

    The report highlights some of the ongoing frustrations that we in the sector feel about working with statutory bodies, stating that “where good practice exists, it has tended to be as a result of individual initiative rather than a well thought through or cohesive strategy.”

    Committee chair Edward Leigh is quoted as saying that "the government's aim of working more closely with the voluntary sector in the delivery of public services is not being pursued with sufficient vigour and purpose".

    The Home Office Minister, Paul Coggins, has responded by promising a "comprehensive cross-Government action plan for increasing the sector’s delivery of public services" this spring.

    The full report can be downloaded here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk /pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmpubacc/717/717.pdf

    March 2006
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    Voluntary Sector Developments in Derby City

    Networking

    The current Health and Social Care Forum run by Derby CVS and Voluntary Sector Liaison meeting with the City Council will be replaced with two new Forums –

    * The Forum for Adults and Older People

    * The Forum for Children and Young People

    The Adults and Older People Forum will continue to be held at Derby CVS and the next planned meeting is on Tuesday 9th May 2006 at 2 p.m.

    It is hoped that the Forum for Children and Younger People will become part of the Children’s Network.

    Some concerns were expressed that the new Forums do not lose sight of the mental health issues across communities and we will continue to maintain strong links with Derby CVS to ensure that relevant information is shared between the two groups.

    If you would like more information on the above meetings please contact Kath Cawdell at Derby CVS -     kcawdell@cvsderby.co.uk

    Commissioning

    A new model for commissioning from the Voluntary and Community sector is being developed by Derby City Council, with input from Central and Greater Derby PCTs, Derby CVS, Southern Derbyshire Voluntary Sector Mental health Forum and Derby Millennium Network.

    A particular issue is the gradual move towards tendering for all services as opposed to grant funding. The City Council is currently consulting on this - Social Care funding mechanisms – Grants and Contracts. This consultation will run until Thursday 8th June 2006.

    If you have not received the information yet on this consultation, please ask for a copy of the materials from jo.birkett@sdvsmhf.org.uk. Comments should be returned to Katy Wing at Derby City Council on katy.wing@derby.gov.uk

    April 2006
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    Derbyshire Funding Information Service

    Helping to find funding for your voluntary or community group

    If you are a voluntary organisation, charity or community group, Derbyshire 4 funding is a new, free service to help you search for sources of funding for your organisation, venture or project.

    Derbyshire 4 Funding is an online database containing details of over 4,300 funding schemes and information on over 4,500 trust funds. This information is continuously researched and updated, and has a number of useful features for the local fundraiser. These include:

      * A dedicated “Local Support” section useful to those wanting to know about local grant makers and support organisations

      * The latest published information on national government, trust and lottery funding

      * An easy to use print function for detailed grant information

      * Advice on how to write successful funding applications provided by Funder Finder

      * Free online access to the Funder Finder list of trusts

      * An A-Z guide to funding jargon

    Derbyshire 4 Funding has been set up as a partnership project between voluntary sector umbrella bodies in Derbyshire (for example your local CVS and the Rural Community Council) and funded through ChangeUp, the government initiative to improve the quality of support that frontline voluntary and community groups can access.

    Please click on the link to go the the site.

    derbyshire4funding.info

    June 2007
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    Derby City Council Course (Routes)

    ‘Routes’ is a course run by Derby City Council Adult Learning Service. If is designed for young adults aged 16-25 who are experiencing or recovering from mental ill health. The course aims to promote and develop personal qualities such as confidence, improved self esteem, positive thinking and motivation in young people who have become disengaged from society due to circumstance which have affected their mental wellbeing.

    The course runs for two mornings per week over ten weeks (3 hours per session). A theory and social activity session takes place each week: theory may involve group discussion about building of self esteem, positive thinking or how to overcome personal barriers: barriers: social activities include snooker, bowling, visits to colleges / careers advice centres. We also visit a music studio and have been able to obtain free tickets to theatre productions.

    The ethos of the course is very much upon creating a feeling of no pressures, demands or expectations and to provide the environment and the staff to allow personal issues to be discussed in a confidential and safe setting.

    The groups are normally small allowing an intimacy and bonding to form between group members. This is felt to be an imperative aspect of the course as by sharing their experiences with other who are able to empathise, the young people feel less isolated, less of a minority and therefore better able to cope with their personal issues.

    I have run the course for just over a year now and find it challenging and rewarding.

    I have a fantastic support worker who works alongside me, and is able to offer additional support to any group members: this also allows me to work on a one to one basis with individuals when necessary.

    We run three courses a year and are always keen to invite new members. For additional information please contact the Derby City Council Adult Learning Service at the ‘The Rycote Centre’ on 01332 717924.

    There are also two other courses designed for people experiencing mental health difficulties:-

    Getting On
    For adults aged over 25 (This is very similar to Routes but obviously aimed at an older age group). Please contact Derby City Council ALS on 0133 706845

    Positive Steps
    This course is aimed at those ready to begin training / education / looking for work but need support / skills and advice to do so. Please contact Derby City Council ALS on 0113 717924.


    Extract from “Voice at the Mill”
    NIMHE East Midlands Development Centre Newsletter
    Issue 4: May/August 2005
    The full Newsletter is available online at www.nimhe-em.org.uk


    February 2005
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    Derbyshire Mind to deliver an initiative called “The Enjoying Derby Project”

     Derbyshire Mind is to be part of an exciting new programme which aims to fight growing mental health discrimination in England.

    Moving people, a partnership of Mind, Rethink, Mental Health Media and Institute of Psychiatry, has been awarded the record sum of £18 million from The Big Lottery Fund Well-being programme (£16m) and Comic Relief (£2m) to fund a nationwide anti-stigma campaign. This is the largest amount of money ever invested in England to fight discrimination.

    The four-year programme will include TV advertising, projects focusing on mental and physical wellbeing, and deliver training and education programmes to students and healthcare professionals, among others.

    As part of this programme, Derbyshire Mind will deliver an initiative called “The Enjoying Derby Project”

    The Enjoying Derby project will provide a programme of guided walks in and around the City of Derby for people experiencing or recovering from mild to moderate mental health problems and some people living with longer term conditions.

    The programme of walks will be developed and facilitated by a part-time paid Co-ordinator employed by Derbyshire Mind, working with partner agencies in Health, The City Council and the local voluntary sector. The programme content will be heavily influenced by mental health service users and our partner organisations.

    The type of walks will include:

      • Heritage Walks – taking in places of historical interest
      • Cultural Awareness Walks – visiting different places of worship
      • Quiz Walks – exercise for mind and body
      • Memory Lane – combination of traditional outing for tea and nostalgia
      • Sports History – Football and Cricket history combined with a tour of local venues.

    The essence of this project is to use the “resource” of Derby itself to provide low-cost exercise and stimulation for a larger number of people who live there. There are numerous parks and heritage trails in and around the city, without necessitating the use of expensive transport to take people “into the countryside” to walk.

    Derbyshire Mind has already secured the interest of some local partners and we are keen to hear from any agency who would like to be part of this new venture.

    Each partner organisation will be asked to contribute staff time in promoting, booking and managing the programme. There will be some financial support available to our partners to support their involvement.

    If you would like to get involved or learn more about Enjoying Derby, then please email:

    Wendy Beer, Derbyshire Mind Or Angela Kerry , SDVSMHF

    August 2007
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    Annual General Meeting

    The Forum held its Annual General Meeting in the Main Hall at Kingsway on Tuesday 19 July 2005.



    A good attendance of 28 members attended the event, where they elected the Executive Committee of the Forum for the next twelve months. Existing committee members Wendy Beer (Derbyshire Mind), Mark Simms (P3), Dale Wilkins (P3), Jean Eckman (British Red Cross) and Dorothy Lane (Amber Valley Association for Mental Health) will be joined by new member Tracey Fowler (Erewash Mental Health Association).

    The meeting also received presentations on the Annual Report, Accounts and Work Programme for the organisation.

    Once the formal business of the meeting was concluded, members enjoyed an informative and lively presentation on “Recovery Approaches to Service Delivery” from three of Derbyshire’s approved recovery trainers – Muriel Townley, Derrick Shearer and Steph Carter.

    The next meetings of the Forum are as follows:

    6 September 2005 Managers’ Forum, contact     mark.simms@p3charity.org

    18 October 2005 General Forum, contact jo.birkett@sdvsmhf.org.uk

    Anyone who would like to receive a copy of the Annual Report, Accounts or Work Programme can contact jo.birkett@sdvsmhf.org.uk
    July 2005.
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    Erewash Mental Health Association Awarded Investors In People standard

    Erewash Mental Health Association are delighted to announce that on the 18th November 2004 they achieved the Investors In People standard



  • Pictured Manager Tracey Fowler, Chairperson Valerie Barker, and Deputy Manager Lynn Orchard receiving the Investors In People plaque, along with EMQC's Chairman Stuart Almond and Derbyshire LSC's Bev Hunt.

    Deputy Manager Lynn Orchard says "Achieving this recognition really underlines the team unity within the Association. I am very proud of the continuous support given from staff, volunteers, members and board members."

    On 28th October 2004, members of staff, the board and volunteers underwent interviews with the Investors In People invigilator. The end of the day review was extremely positive and the invigilator fed back that everyone was very enthusiastic and dedicated to the progression of the Association.

    Staff feel that they are continually encouraged to achieve their full potential. Within supervisions staff are provided with the opportunity to feedback on training they have received and are able to say what training they feel would be beneficial to them in the future. Staff are constantly provided with reassurance and support, knowing they can talk openly about any problems they feel they are facing. They know they are praised for their achievements and are encouraged to succeed. Support Worker, Shaneen Malcherek says, "I think staff get on really well and that there is a sense of equality within the workplace, as we are all given the same opportunities. I know that I can express myself freely if I have any concerns,"

    On 17th February 2005, Manager Tracey Fowler, Chairperson Valerie Barker and Deputy Manager Lynn Orchard attended an apex breakfast at Brimington, Chesterfield, where they were presented with a plaque (see picture above).

    Overall everyone is immensely proud that they achieved this recognition and this certainly reflects the workforce's positive, enthusiastic outlook on the Association, as a whole. Board member Peter Davison said, "It was a great achievement and a real step forward for the charity,"

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    BEST COMPANIES IN THE UK AWARDS 2005



  • Derbyshire based charity, P3 has recently been voted the best organisation to work for in the Midlands and fifth best organisation to work for in the UK. The awards presented by the Sunday Times were held on Thursday 3 March 2005 in London. Collecting the award on behalf of P3, Martin Kinsella, Chief Executive said: "It is the charity's common goals and the employee's unified vision which has encouraged such a harmonious working environment. I am tremendously proud of the achievements of this organisation." The charity provides a range of services to people who experience mental health problems, homeless and criminal justice issues and employs 130 staff over 10 sites.

    As an employer and service provider, P3, the social inclusion charity, has recently experienced tremendous change. Looking at the Times survey now it is hard to believe that the company lacked a contract of employment guaranteeing basic rights until a new management team took over two years ago.

    Today, staff are passionate about their work and feel inspired by the firm's philosophy of egalitarianism, in which its service users are seen as equal partners, to the extent that they even participate in interviewing potential new staff members.

    Support worker, Elaine Weare says: "I was interviewed by four people, one of whom was a service user. They promote equality here and service users are there right from the beginning, including the recruitment of staff."

    In fact, 86% of staff surveyed say they would miss the organisation if they left, 84% say it makes a positive difference to the work and 83% love working for the Derbyshire based charity.

    According to Mark Simms, Director of Services, new employees are hired on the basis of their passion and their principles. "We pick people because they have passion for what we are doing - they believe it, live it, do it." This passion can be measured in the survey, where 84% of staff say their manager cares about how satisfied they are in their work and 86% are proud to work for P3. Staff also praise communication and training - everyone does a mandatory course that must be completed in their first six months.

    According to the survey, 86% of employees say they laugh a lot with their colleagues, 88% say their teams are fun to work with and 80% say that working with one another gives them a buzz.

    One employee says: "Support is amazing. Crises rarely happen, but when they do, it shows the calibre of P3 as an organisation, because everyone chips in."

    The Times survey also reflects the workforce's attitude as a whole. Eighty six per cent say they are proud to work for it.

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    Green Health Project Branches Out

    A conservation project which supports people with mental ill-health is behind a new scheme giving people the chance to plant commemorative trees and cultivate a new woodland. The Green Health Partnership, based at Derbyshire County Council-run Shipley Country Park, is an award-winning project which involves people recovering their mental health in a range of environmental conservation activities including hedge-laying, footpath maintenance and reforestation programmes.



    Partners in Grime - (left to right) Mark Roberts Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust; Den Phillips, Green Health Partnership; Tim Dowdell, Derbyshire County Council Social Services; John Brandon, Derbyshire County Council Countryside Services Manager; John Brandon, Volunteer Green Health Partnership


    Green Health is managed by national mental health charity Rethink and involves input from the county council’s social care and countryside services.

    The new project was officially launched on 30th January, with an inaugural tree-planting ceremony on Horsepool Hill Community Woodland in Shipley Country Park, near Heanor.

    Under the new scheme people will be able to celebrate a special occasion or commemorate a loved one by planting a native tree in the new woodland, which will eventually become a natural extension of the long established beech wood in Shipley Country Park.

    The cost of planting a commemorative tree will be £50 which will include the aftercare of the tree by Green Health service users and workers, a certificate, a location map, a newsletter and entry in the Book of Dedications.

    People will also be able to choose to have native wild flowers planted around their tree, a country park bench, installed with a dedication of choice or a bird, bat or bug box installed to promote local wildlife.

    People visiting the project to plant a tree from the Easter holidays onwards will also be able to visit a new tea room which will be run by the Green Health Partnership at Derby Lodge, a small gate house in the country park near the Mapperley car park and the new Horsepool Hilll woodland. The partnership is now working on refurbishing the tea room, which will create more opportunities for people recovering their mental ill health, and also provide a welcome stop for people before or after they have planted their trees.



    Digging for Victory - volunteers and staff from Green Health witness the planting of the first tree by Councillors Walter Burrows and Dave Allen.


    The tree planting project was launched by Derbyshire County Council chair, Councillor Walter Burrows and cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults Councillor Dave Allen. Councillor Allen said: “The county council has been supportive of the Green Health Partnership and its work with people with mental ill health since it set up.

    “The benefits to people who have taken part in training and work experience are obvious and it is a very positive project."

    “We are delighted that the partnership is adding another string to its bow and the new scheme will not only provide an excellent opportunity for the public to get involved but also create new avenues for the service users and develop new woodland.

    “The added benefit will be the refurbishment of the tea rooms and I’m sure the whole project will be a great success.”

     To find out more about planting a commemorative tree contact Den Phillips at Rethink/The Green Health Partnership on 0115 930 7430 or e-mail     den.phillips@rethink.org

    February 2007
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    Good News - Bank House IT suite!
    South Derbyshire Mental Health Association will soon be opening a brand new IT suite at Bank House.

    We have been granted funds from The Radio Derby Money Mountain Appeal and The Lloyds TSB Foundation to provide two PCs, Internet access, printers, digital cameras and software as well as new desks, chairs and shelving. The equipment will be available for groups and individual members use to provide training, facilitate projects, produce information leaflets and other publicity materials and of course for fun.



    Pictured is Les Green, Activities coordinator receiving a cheque from Radio Derby Money Mountain.

    For more information please ring Bank House on 01283 222881 or email:

    bankhouse@sdmha.freeserve.co.uk
    Countdown to Filling your Trustee Vacancies

    Annoucement from the Charity Commision - 19th July 2005

    Trustees have been telling us for some time about the difficulties they have finding and keeping new trustees. Today, in partnership with TimeBank - the volunteer charity - we begin the first stage of a campaign to recruit more trustees for charities. Six weeks from now, we will launch the 'Get on Board' campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of trusteeship. We hope to help increase both the quantity and quality of trustees and will direct people interested in becoming trustees to the website     www.do-it.org.uk
    where charities can advertise vacancies.

    If you have trustee vacancies that you need to fill we would like to encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. To post your vacancies on www.do-it.org.uk get in touch with your local volunteer bureau.

    Find the one nearest to you at
    www.volunteeringengland.org.uk
    and give the team there your vacancy details.

    Traditionally, many charity boards have relied on word of mouth to fill trustee vacancies. This type of recruitment has its place, but it's not the best way to encourage a wide range of people to apply. The 'Get on Board' campaign launches on 23 August. We hope it will help you fill your vacancies with committed and enthusiastic people from diverse backgrounds.

    Today, we also launched our latest findings about trusteeship. The Commission has published the report 'Start as you mean to go on', which examines trustee recruitment, selection and induction. For more information on this - or the trustee campaign - please see our website:

    www.charitycommision.gov.uk

    Geraldine Peacock, Chair
    Andrew Hind, Chief Executive
    Charity Commission
    19 July 2005
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