Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 388 | 1st May 2015

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS CASE STUDY: mentoring service for young women

Our latest case study follows Nicole’s progress with a Pecan mentor, overcoming multiple health challenges and other barriers to set and achieve her own goals for her life. Pecan’s Moving On programme is a one-to-one mentoring service supporting women aged 18-25 through the transition from prison into the community, and for up to a year after their release. Nicole's mentor said: "I cannot believe that every week, twice a week, Nicole travels alone to counselling and to volunteering. Either of these activities and the travel itself was unthinkable when I first worked with her." Download the case study here

CLINKS NEWS: latest volunteering newsletter published

Justice Involving Volunteers in Europe (JIVE) has published its latest newsletter. Highlights of this edition include: a project encouraging reading within prisons in Portugal, the experiences of a volunteer mentor supporting an ex-offender in Hungary, volunteering within Sardinian prisons in Italy, an interview with a Probation Officer in Romania, and an overview of the recent JIVE partnership meeting in Bremen, Germany. Download 'Newsletter 6' here

CLINKS VACANCY: Communications intern

Clinks has an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to gain communications experience working for a small but national infrastructure charity. The Membership & Communications Intern will work with the wider communications team to monitor and increase the impact of Clinks’ communications activity, and in turn support a vibrant and vital voluntary sector in criminal justice. A primary aspect of the role will be to carry out a variety of membership and database administration tasks, and the successful candidate will also be able to develop their own communications interests where relevant. Find out more here 

CLINKS NEWS: new Chair for arts in criminal justice alliance

The National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice (NAACJ) is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative leader as its new Chair. The NAACJ is a dynamic membership association for providers of arts activities with offenders and ex-offenders in prisons and community settings. As Chair, you will oversee the delivery of a new large-scale project, Inspiring Futures, which aims to bring about a step-change in the reach and credibility of arts in criminal justice through a coordinated set of projects dovetailed with high-profile research conducted by the University of Cambridge. You will bring knowledge of either arts and/or criminal justice, and strong skills in multi-agency working, governance and communications. Please note this role is voluntary, with travel and other expenses reimbursed. A commitment of at least two days a month to the role and attendance at regular meetings in central London is required. Please click here for more information

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: office space sought in London

Spark Inside is a small youth justice charity on the move! Hannah Pittaway, Office Manager, explains: "We are looking for office space in central London from late May - early June 2015. Our preferred locations are Kings Cross, Waterloo, Victoria or anywhere near a main national rail station. We would ideally like to be hosted by a large company or charity with our own private office space. We're looking for a minimum of 1000 square feet (or space for 8 desks), and access to our own meeting room. If you have space, or know of anyone who might have, please get in touch with hannah@sparkinside.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new MD for offender employment social enterprise

Kate Markey is Blue Sky’s new Managing Director, starting her role on 20th April 2015. Kate replaces Mick May, founder of Blue Sky, who said: “It’s hard to remember now, but my original idea of a company where you had to have a criminal record to work there was thought by many to be eccentric at best. But now it’s a reality that has transformed the lives of thousands. That was only possible because of an extraordinary bunch of colleagues. And now I leave Blue Sky in extremely capable hands – with a new partner, a new leader and an existing team whom I am sure together will blaze a trail to the future as Blue Sky reaches new heights.” Find out more about Kate's appointment and the work of Blue Sky here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: offender employment charity seeks your support

I Do Matter (IDM) Foundation has entered the Virgin Media 'Pitch to Rich' competition and is looking for support to get through the first round. IDM Foundation seeks to be a catalyst for change for young people, ex offenders and those at risk of offending. It provides support around training, employment, life skills, entrepreneurship and housing advice. To vote you simply fill in your contact details. Vote for IDM and find out more about their work here 

FUNDING: community projects in Notting Hill

Notting Hill Housing Trust's Aylesbury Community Grants Programme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support local voluntary groups to run community based events and projects in the Aylesbury Estate area. Applicants must specify how their project will meet one of the following criteria: Inspire local residents to see their local area as a place where all people can get on well together; Increase contact with hard to reach community groups through community activities and projects; Increase opportunities for resident involvement in the local neighbourhood; Capture Aylesbury's local history; or Trial local social enterprise initiatives to benefit Aylesbury residents. The deadline for applications is 13th May, find out more here 

FUNDING: community safety in Northumberland

Grants are available to individual organisations or partnerships in Northumbria providing support to victims of crime to help them cope and recover. Applications are particularly welcome from organisations working with: victims of domestic and sexual abuse; young people under 18; victims of hate crime; or victims with mental health needs and those at risk of abuse or harm. Grants are available to cover any innovative costs relating to work which builds the capacity and maximises the potential of organisations working to support victims of crime. The deadline for applications is 17th May; find out more here 

FUNDING: crime reduction in County Durham

Grants of up to £20,000 are available for projects in County Durham aimed at reducing the incidence of crime and improving community confidence and safety. Funding can be used to cover a range of costs, including: capital equipment, communication materials, activity materials & costs, salary contribution, session workers, room hire, and volunteer costs. The deadline for applications is 20th May; find out more here

FUNDING: for community supported projects in the Test Valley

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for public art projects and for proposals to construct, renovate or alter local community buildings and recreational equipment in Test Valley. Evidence of wider community support for the project will be required – this support could take the form of community consultation results, petitions, social media campaigns or the inclusion of the project within community plans. The deadline for applications is 22nd May; find out more here

FUNDING: support for early stage social enterprises

The Corporate Social Venturing Challenge helps early-stage social enterprises, charities and other organisations to obtain investment to boost their operations. The initiative targets innovative and disruptive enterprises that are using digital technology to help solve social issues for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. The sponsor intends to invest up to £50,000 each in 10 enterprises. Coupled with the funding, awardees will have the opportunity to work with leading corporate partners offering a mix of skills and expertise in addition to a range of other support offerings. The deadline for applications is 25th May; find out more here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: support and resettlement for homeless people

'Empowering homeless people to make resilient and lasting life changes' is a Lemos&Crane conference [20th May, London, from £185] on new and emerging approaches to support and resettlement of homeless and ex-homeless people. This conference will look at new ways of going beyond accommodation, training and jobs and bringing in other approaches to enhancing well-being, increasing community involvement and enjoying a fuller, more varied, contemporary life. Find out more and book your place here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: forgiveness and compassion

'Forgiveness and Compassion: Is there a difference?', The Forgiveness Project's Annual Lecture [23rd June, London, £15], will feature a keynote speech by Karen Armstrong, one of the world’s most thought-provoking and original public thinkers on the role of religion in historical and contemporary life. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Yasmin Yar Mulbocus, formerly a member of a radical Islamist organisation; Bjørn Magnus Jacobsen Ihler, a survivor of the July 2011 right-wing extremist attacks in Norway; and chaired by Sarfraz Manzoor, journalist, broadcaster and author. Find out more and book here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: restorative justice in informal settings

Restorative Solutions are running their 'Foundation Training' [3rd June, Newbury, £120], which aims to enable participants to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively practice restorative approaches in an informal setting. On completion of this training, participants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of restorative justice; the ability to identify and practice appropriate restorative approaches in an informal setting; and recognise when a matter needs to be referred on for a full restorative justice meeting. Find out more and book your place here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: supporting clients with sexual convictions

Circles UK is delivering training [2nd June, Birmingham and 23rd June, London, from £99] to raise confidence and competence in delivering support services to clients with sexual convictions. Aimed at staff members whose primary role does not involve working with sexually harmful behaviour, this one-day course aims to provide a safe space to explore any concerns or anxieties staff members may have and, through increased knowledge and use of practical case examples, ensure that attendees feel able to deliver their service to this client group effectively. Download the flyer here 

NON-MEMBER'S EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Perrie Lectures: Older prisoners' | 12th June, Newbold Revel, from £30 | Details

PUBLICATION: priorities for the next Justice Secretary

Stephen O'Connell, President of the Prison Governors' Association, has set out his three priorities for the new Justice Secretary as part of Russell Webster's blog series. Stephen calls for a reduction in demand for prison places, allowing NOMS to implement its existing programmes with no more system change, and a fresh approach to drug related crime. Stephen advises: "We cannot go on thinking we can imprison our way to a safer society, not only is it poor value for money for the taxpayer, it also fails to recognise the evidence already available that there are better and more cost effective ways to protect the public and reduce reoffending." Read the full blog post here 

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

A Chief Executive with Changing Tunes [Bristol], Project Workers with Nacro [Essex], Administrators [HMP Stoke Heath and HMP Bedford] and a Caseworker (SOS Gangs Project) [London] with the St Giles Trust, a Support Assistant with Foundation [Kirklees], a Fundraising Manager with User Voice [London], a Refuge Project Worker [Halton], a Domestic Violence Advisor, an Education Officer and a Training Officer [Blackburn] with Changing Lives, a Veteran Support Worker with the Northern Learning Trust [North East England], Volunteer Mentors for Offenders with Pact [East Sussex and Kent], an Operations Manager with Yorkshire and Humberside Circles of Support and Accountability [York], a Caseworker with Community Links [Batley], 2 x Young and Successful Peer Mentors with Derventio Housing Trust [Ilkeston] and a Finance Manager and an Operational Support Administrator with POPS [Manchester]. View these and other vacancies here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: For £109 two people can stay overnight in the 4 star Oxford Hotel. Deal includes 3 course dinner, bottle of wine and English breakfast. Details 
  • Tip of the week II: The 3-AA-Rosette Design House Restaurant, Halifax, is offering a 7-course tasting dinner for two for £49. Details 
  • Tip of the week III: Get 15% discount at Homebase this weekend, no voucher required.

EXTRA INFORMATION

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Contact Us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 7383 0966

 

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