Leading Government Advisor talks Big Society in the North East
Lord Wei speaks at the Community Foundation AGM
Lord Wei, the Government’s advisor on Big Society, last week gave his first speech in the North East at the annual meeting of the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
Lord Wei told the audience of community philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and civic leaders that the Big Society was about “helping people to help people to help themselves.” He argued that rather than being imposed by Government, Big Society ideas and activities should come from local people and communities, and would differ from place to place.
Lord Wei described some of the work Government is doing to support Big Society, including a programme to train community organisers across the country, schemes to support employee and community groups to take control of local services, and new types of finance for voluntary sector bodies. Lord Wei stressed that he saw the ageing population, as well as the current public sector deficit, as the driver for change. He said the economic and demographic challenges facing every country in the west required new thinking, and people to give more time to their communities.
Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, Rob Williamson, said:
“Lord Wei’s visit gave our audience a great opportunity to explore thinking on Big Society. In turn, the business, community and civic leaders who make up the membership of the Community Foundation were able to offer their valuable insights. Their experience and ideas will no doubt inform Lord Wei’s thinking as the Government’s plans develop. But the message for Lord Wei was clear: the big society is alive and well in the North East.”
You can now view all of Lord Wei’s speech in four sections on the Community Foundation website by clicking here.
Call for Applications for Northumberland Young People’s Funds
Young People from Hexham Youth Initiative who have previously been funded by the Northumberland Group Fund
Groups for Young People in Northumberland could benefit from grants available from the Northumberland Group Fund and the CNL Young People’s Fund.
The Northumberland Group Fund aims to enhance educational and employment opportunities for young people. It can award grants up to £5,000 to organisations that support young people to improve their employment skills and assist them to access further educational courses, training and/or employment.
The CNL Young Peoples Fund will support projects to help disadvantaged young people in Northumberland to overcome the barriers to a successful transition to adulthood. Most awards will be in the range £1,000 – £2,000. Some awards of up to £10,000 will be made each year.
Applications for the next round of grants from the funds can be submitted between 1 December 2010 and 15 February 2011. To apply online or to download an application form click here or for more information call 0191 222 0945.
Saving Their Energy
Children take part in drama workshops to learn about energy saving measures through the PEEPS project.
Children in schools across the North East are becoming more energy efficient through drama workshops making them more environmentally aware.
The Performing Energy Efficiency Projects in Schools (PEEPS) is currently being delivered by National Energy Action (NEA) thanks to a grant for almost £20,000from the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF).
So far the response from schools has been excellent, with one teacher commenting:
“It was a great introduction to saving energy! Very hands on. The children thoroughly enjoyed the drama work!”
For more information about LEAF whether you would like to contribute to the fund or to find out if your group is eligible for a grant click here or call Katie Wellstead on 0191 222 0945.
Million Pound Donations on the Rise
Million pound donations to charities rallied last year showing a combined value of £1.5bn, up £143m on the previous year’s figure of £1.405bn according to the Million Pound Donors Report published by Coutts.
Dr Beth Breeze, author of the report, also found in her research that most of the biggest donors are based in London but there is a strong presence in Scotland, the North East and Midlands. Areas lacking a strong regional identity, such as the South East, have fewer such donors, especially in relation to the amount of wealth held by individuals living in that region.
Breeze, who is a founding member of the University’s Centre for Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Social Justice, commented:
“Fortunately many positive conclusions can be drawn from this report, as we appear to be living in an era that is increasingly aware of the presence and value of philanthropy. The signs appear to be good for ongoing positive trends toward a greater number of major donations, and for the total value of million pound donations to increase.”
If you would like to find our more about setting up a Fund or giving to the Community Foundation click here or email Peter Storey.
Space Wanted!
The Regional Youth Work Unit is looking for space-holders to put forward their spaces for somewhereto, a key project of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad. These can be anything from existing underused spaces, to local sports halls, and less tangible spaces such as online or on screen; we’re open to all spaces available! For more information about somewhereto click here to visit the website or somewhereto_overview to download the pdf.