Covid-19 & 3rd Sector Update 13/01/2022

Training & Events
Written By Gordon Scott

  • LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

  • SERVICE UPDATES

  • HR

  • FUNDING

  • TRAINING & EVENTS

  • RESEARCH & BLOGS

 

LOCAL & NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 


Covid: Large outdoor events can resume without physical distancing or capacity limits from 00:01 on Monday 17 January, following a review of all measures in place to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). MORE INFO
 
Prioritisation of social care support: Scottish ministers and COSLA are asking all public, private and voluntary sector services to make social care support a national priority, to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Everyone can contribute - either by releasing staff who can help in this effort or by supporting carers leave for family and friends who might need it. They have released a joint statement which says ‘In order to protect life and limb services, keep schools open and protect the vulnerable, local authorities and local partners are going to have to prioritise what they deliver in the weeks ahead. That may mean some services being closed for a period or operating on reduced hours or service levels. This will free up resources to make sure we can deliver essential services protecting our most vulnerable friends and family. This will only be done where it is absolutely necessary and the recent changes to self-isolation rules should help us keep disruption to a minimum. Where changes are required, those decisions will be made by frontline partners, taking account of available resources and pressures, and guided by our 4 harms framework. There are many services that contribute to wellbeing and quality of life in a wider sense and we will not lose sight of their value. As soon as demands and resources allow, we should aim to bring any affected services back to normal operation.’  You can see the full statement here: STATEMENT
 
Self-isolation if you have coronavirus – current guidance: If you have symptoms, you should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test. If you test positive, you should self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. If you've had a positive PCR or LFD test result but no symptoms, you should self-isolate for 10 days from the date of your test. You may go on to develop symptoms over the next few days, but you don't need a confirmatory PCR test, unless advised by a clinician, and you don't need to re-start your isolation period. If you develop any of the main symptoms of coronavirus and you are concerned, or your symptoms are worsening, phone 111 or speak to your GP. In an emergency phone 999. NHS INFORM
 


SERVICE UPDATES 


Public Health Scotland (PHS) has launched a new online public health learning hub to support those working in our public services.
The Introduction to Public Health learning hub will allow those working in local government, NHS, third sector and community-based organisations to learn more about factors that influence health. It will also provide guidance on how to embed health and wellbeing into professional roles to ultimately improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
The new hub is an evidence-informed resource with examples of real-life practice to engage learners, including talking heads, animations and reflective activities.
Further information and access to the learning hub is available via the links below.

From January 2022, PHS will be hosting a series of live online learning sessions to focus on helping people to consider what public health means for them in their job role. These learning events will be promoted nearer the time on PHS social media channels (e.g. Twitter and Instagram) and on the PHS Virtual Learning Environment.

North Berwick Coastal Community Connections is recruiting for a Compassionate Neighbours Coordinator The deadline for applications is Thursday 27th January, 4pm.

Women's Aid East and Midlothian We have two vacancies for experienced domestic abuse support workers. We are looking for feminists with a minimum of 2 years work experience in a similar field who will work using a multi-agency and trauma informed approach. If you are passionate about upholding the rights of women, children and young people, this may be the job for you.
Domestic Abuse Support Workers x 2 | Women's Aid East & MidLothian % (womensaideml.org)

ScotSpirit holiday voucher scheme now open The ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme is focused on supporting individuals and families who have been particularly adversely affected by the impact of the pandemic, while at the same time providing financial support to the Scottish tourism sector. The Scheme is funded by Scottish Government and forms part of the Scottish tourism pandemic recovery programme. The scheme enables unpaid carers to enjoy a 2-3-night subsidised overnight break or day out in Scotland. The scheme offers a contribution towards an overnight stay in a bed and breakfast, camping/ holiday park, guest house, hotel or hostel or day visit activities in Scotland.
ScotSpirit holiday voucher scheme now open (coel.org.uk)

People Know How
Have a unique opportunity for an Office Manager to join the People Know How team. You will be responsible for ensuring effective and efficient administration and finance processes, managing buildings and spaces, along with supporting the Chief Executive and Board to ensure People Know How continues to deliver the most productive and impactful difference to communities aligned to the strategy, vision, mission and values. This post closes at 12pm on Friday 14 January, with interviews held on 18 January.
Work with us | People Know How


HR 


Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme: The UK government is reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, due to the sharp rise in UK COVID cases. Here’s what you need to know:

  • If you’re a UK-based company with fewer than 250 employees, you can claim back up to two weeks’ SSP per employee for COVID-related sickness absences.

  • You can claim for any period of COVID-related absence starting on or after 21st December 2021, as long as you’ve paid SSP.

  • However, the claims portal will not go live until mid-January.

More information will be available here in due course: SSP REBATE
New year, new jobs. January is a time when many employers look to recruit new staff. Acas has advice that can help: Acas hiring advice You may also find their free to download templates valuable:


TRAINING & EVENTS 
 

Carers of East Lothian - Coping With Life as a Carer Course Supportive online course for carers exploring a range of topics related to coping with your role as a carer. During the course:

  • Understanding the impact that caring can have on mental health and how caring can play a role in stress, anxiety and depression

  • Understanding the connection between trigger situations, thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms and behavioural reactions

  • Understanding why it's important to take time for yourself - planning time and activities to include this

  • Learning skills to cope with unpleasant physical sensations associated with stress and anxiety, including mindfulness and relaxation

This group will run weekly via Zoom for 10 weeks from Monday 31st January, 10-11am. Please note that it is entirely up to you how many sessions you would like to attend. If you would like to find out more, please email Counselling Service Manager, Lydia, at lydia@coel.org.uk.

Volunteering matters, YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot and are delighted to announce the further dates for highly successful Youth VIP training.
If you would like to learn more about how to make your organisation more, young people friendly then join us for a highly immersive and interactive online workshop with lots of practical takeaways!
Funded by The Scottish Government, this training is for anyone interested in improving youth participation in organisations. Youth workers, volunteer managers, board members and everyone in-between are welcome! Book here: https://get-the-gen.appointedd.com

Domestic Abuse and Migrant Women with No Recourse to Public Funds: The closing date for applications has been extended to Monday 17th January 2022, you must complete the application form in full with approval from your line manager. FLYER

Protecting Children and Young People with Disabilities 2nd & 3rd March 2022. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 1st February 2022, you must complete the application form in full with approval from your line manager. FLYER

Scottish Rural Parliament Events - Midlothian & East Lothian: These are designed to bring the SRP to Midlothian/East Lothian and gain each area’s views directly. This is part of the consultation/survey process which feeds dynamically into SG/policy on an ongoing basis and will culminate in the next SRP, in 2023.


Understanding Hate Crime: The Scottish Community Safety Network say that in Scotland today, hate crime is increasing. ‘We know that these types of crimes do not only affect the individual but can have a pervasive impact on entire communities. We also know that we have a lot further to go to adequately address this issue in Scotland. With this in mind, we need to continue to work together to better our understanding of hate crime and improve this national picture. This event will be an opportunity to learn more about hate crime with inputs from those on the front line in communities as well as some of the latest research.’ BOOKING

Free Health and Safety Training: As noted in previous bulletins, Glasgow CVS has received funding to provide FREE health and safety training to third sector organisations across Scotland. This is a great opportunity to upskill staff in this area. The upcoming courses are:


Glasgow CVS provides a very useful H&S fortnightly bulleting. You can sign up here: GCVS H&S

Community Wealth Building and social enterprise: this free event from Social Enterprise Scotland looks at community wealth building. Community wealth building is a new people-centred approach to local economic development, which redirects wealth back into the local economy, and places control and benefits into the hands of local people.At this webinar we'll look at the policy and practical process of Community Wealth Building with The Scottish Government Community Wealth Building team and other speakers tbc. What exactly is Community Wealth Building? How can your social enterprise and local community get involved and benefit? Book your free places now - and please share and promote the event to your colleagues and contacts. BOOKING


FUNDING 


East Lothian Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund
Grants up to £25,000 are available for local, grassroot community activity that meets the overarching national ambitions for the fund and the local priority areas TSI staff are able to help you at each stage of the application.
Deadline: 21 January 2022
https://www.volunteereastlothian.org.uk/latest-news/launch-of-27883273nbspeast-lothian-communities-mental-health-and-wellbeing-fund

Scottish Recovery Consortium (SRC) Recovery Seed Fund: The aim of this fund is to support new & unconstituted Lived Experience recovery groups/organisations with an initial award of up to £5000 to support with start-up & running costs.  Additional support will also be given to develop these groups /organisations to become sustainable, skilled and independent groups/organisations. RECOVERY SEED FUND

The Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund has received fresh funds to help families across Scotland who are trapped in poverty and need urgent help. Small cash grants are available so that families can meet their basic needs such as food, heating, clothing and bedding. Full details of how to apply can be found at https://www.aberlour.org.uk/service_category/urgent-assistance-fund/
 

RESEARCH & BLOGS 


East and Midlothian Rural Priorities Survey
Tyne Esk LEADER have distributed EU structural funds across the majority of East and Midlothian. Future funds are by no means confirmed, but should they come through, they will help LEADER carry on investing in rural East and Midlothian in a new, improved way.
This survey is a chance for you to identify what you feel are the big issues for you, your family, your neighbours and your community. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Lothian_Rural_Survey

Free period products Survey
The consultation closes on January 28th 2022. https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/policy-partnerships/free-sanitary-products

Gordon Scott
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