Welcome to the June edition of our Learning Together Programme Newsletter. Read on for the latest important dates for your diary, upcoming learning opportunities, funding tips as well as regional and national social prescribing news we think will be of interest. 

Please remember you can get in touch, any time! We’d love to hear what sessions you’d like to see included in the programme, please email: eastengland.thrivingcommunities@nasp.info

Tom Watkins

East of England Regional Lead

Thriving Communities

Personalisation, the NHS and Young Carers paper

This paper from the Young Carers Alliance is looking to promote recognition of whole family approaches and the needs of young carers throughout NHS England’s personalisation agenda and to help inform the work of integrated care boards.

For more information

Social Prescribing & Me 
A new public campaign, Social Prescribing & Me, has been launched to raise awareness about the incredible impact social prescribing can have on people’s lives. Follow the campaign and share on social media using #SocialPrescribingAndMe. 

For more information

Volunteers week (1st -7th June) will see a week -long celebration of the indispensable contribution people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. How are you celebrating?

Art by Post: Poems for Our Planet
 Southbank Centre's project Art by Post: Poems for Our Planet is a free creative arts project, delivered in partnership with the National Academy for Social Prescribing. Participants receive six booklets through their letterbox every few weeks, which guide them through activities using poetry, creativity and nature to inspire and support their wellbeing, whilst also connecting with the living world around us. 

It is free to take part and is for anyone needing support with their wellbeing, especially those feeling lonely or isolated, or long-term health conditions. Referrers are also invited to a free monthly creative workshop to find out more about the project and to support their own wellbeing through creativity. 

 In the summer of 2023 Southbank Centre will produce a season of performance, concerts, exhibitions and talks about the climate and the health of our planet, focusing on hope, empathy and care to galvanize individual and collective action. As part of this season Southbank Centre will commission a new public art installation which will feature some of the poetry from Poems for Our Planet and platform the voices of people from all over the country.

We'd love for you to share the project with your networks. For more information about Art by Post and details on how to sign up, click here.

NHS ConfedExpo 2023

Registrations are open for NHS ConfedExpo. The event, which NHSE delivers in partnership with NHS Confederation, will once again bring together health and care leaders and their teams from across the sector and is set to be one of the most significant events in the health and care calendar, with two days of inspiring sessions, over 150 hours of engaging sessions and the opportunity to network with more than 4,000 senior leaders, clinicians, managers and their teams.

National Academy of Social Prescribing International Evidence Collaborative

Event Dates: Wednesday, 14th June, 12pm - 1pm
Click here to register 

Embedding VCSE Webinar on Embedding and Sustaining VCSE Partnerships

This webinar aims to share learning on the topic of embedding and sustaining VCSE partnerships, identifying strategies and enablers and drawing on the experience of case studies.

This webinar is likely to be of interest to people from across the NHS, local government and the VCSE sector involved in building diverse and inclusive partnerships in health and care and engaging grassroots community organisations within ICSs.

Money Guiders England Network - Reaching those reluctant to access support/services

This online workshop will focus on elements of the project that are relevant to money guiders and will invite participants to help identify barriers and offer their own ideas and solutions to enable more people to access services and support.

Green social prescribing - is being outside always good?

Event Dates: Wednesday 19th July, 12pm - 1.45pm
Click here to register 

Thriving Communities Midlands - How is Social Prescribing developing across the Midlands?

The session taking place today will refer to the whole community approach and provide examples across the Midlands.

The aim is to enable you to understand the developments of Social Prescribing. We hope you will go away better equipped to make relevant links and take up local opportunities in your area.

A session recording will be circulated very soon!

Get it Write Workshop: Writing For Funding Applications & Bids 

The ability to write compelling and successful applications for funding is a vital skill required in any organisation working for the benefit of our communities. Fundraising for our work provides the lifeblood our projects and services need to continue. Thriving Communities in the East of England has partnered with the Royal Literary fund to bring you a two-part workshop to help you elevate the applications and bids you write.

This workshop will be delivered through two linked 2-hour sessions that support you to:

• Understand the key principles of writing applications for funding.
• Explore issues of content, structure and style in writing funding applications.
• Practise skills in marshalling information, formulating ideas and expressing yourself clearly, coherently and concisely.

Event Dates: 

Part 1: Tuesday 13th June, 2pm - 4pm
                                AND
Part 2: Tuesday 20th June 2pm – 4pm
Click here to register for both sessions
                               
                                   OR 
 
Part 1: Wednesday 28th June, 10am - 12pm
                                   AND
Part 2: Wednesday 5th July 10am - 12pm
Click here to register for both sessions

Get It Write Workshop: Report Writing 

Join our workshop leaders, Anna Reynolds and  Shelley Silas, fellows of the Royal Literary Fund for these fun and engaging workshops on report writing.

These workshops will help you to learn how to write clear, concise reports that convey your message effectively and efficiently. You will be supported to:

• Explore the essential elements of writing a report.
• Understand the role of storytelling in reports
• Formulate a structured approach to report writing.
• Build skills in selecting and sequencing relevant information.
• Practise editing and proofreading.

Event Dates: 

Wednesday  14th June, 2pm - 4.30pm (Shelley Silas)
Click here to register 

                             OR

Thursday 15th June, 10am - 12.30pm (Anna Reynolds)
Click here to register 

Get It Write Workshop: Reflective Writing Practice in Social Prescribing

As social prescribing develops there is a constant and necessary requirement to critically reflect on our practise. This is an opportunity we can take to convey to those supervising, commissioning or funding our work; what we do and how and why it makes a difference. Through writing exercises and discussion, you will examine the importance of asking yourself practice-related questions, reflecting on what you think and feel and putting your learning into action as a reflective practitioner.

This 2½ hour online workshop will support you to:

• Develop an understanding of reflective writing and its benefits.
• Explore how reflective writing helps you to learn from your experience and improve your practice.
• Practise different models for approaching reflective writing in your day-to-day work.
This session is primarily aimed at Social Prescribing Link Workers, their supervisors and host organisations, however reflective practice is a critical skill for anyone working for community benefit so all are welcome.

Event Dates:
Thursday 15th June, 2pm - 4.30pm
Click here to register
                                   OR
Wednesday 21st June, 10am - 12.30pm
Click here to register

Bedfordshire's Multi-faith Networking Event 2023

The event provides a space for all faiths to come together and network whilst hearing from the PCC with the opportunity to ask questions.

Proposed outcomes:

Community Action: MK Networking Event

Mid and South Essex Living with Diabetes Day

Information and support to help manage diabetes and find out more about how to manage it can be found at this event. With talks from local healthcare professionals on medication, diet, keeping active, emotional health and more. Including a Q+A with the experts.

Networking Event and Buffet Lunch Social 

Voluntary Action Epping Forest and Grange Farm Trust are working in partnership to deliver a Community Group Networking event to enable and encourage closer working relationships within the District.

This event will provide you with a platform to promote your organisation and the work you do, facilities you may have to hire, or future planned events. You may be looking for a partner organisation to collaborate with, this event will allow you to meet other like minded community organisations.

Places are limited so please book your spaces now to avoid disappointment.
Please book by email or by calling 01992 910701

Carer Friendly Tick Award Webinars

This is a Caring Together accreditation programme that helps health, social care, education professionals and employers identify and support unpaid carers within their settings.

The programme is across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.

• Wednesday 7th June, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
• Thursday 8th June,     12.30pm - 1.30pm
• Friday 9th June,           12.30pm - 1.30pm

Spot the Signs Suicide Prevention 1 hour Webinar

Spot the Signs and Save a Life training is a fully funded 1 hour online session designed for GP's and Primary Care Network employees within Hertfordshire who work with adults.

Voluntary Norfolk

Momentum is partnering with Norfolk County Council’s Family Help and High Needs Service to explore Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCPs).

This session will be perfect for those who; already work with CYP and would like to find out more about Education, Health, and Care Plans; those who work with CYP with support needs; and those interested in how you can help CYP with additional needs.

The session will cover:
- What is an Education, Health and Care Plan and how are they used?
- Who are they for, and how can they get one?
- What support is available for children and young people who don’t meet the threshold for an EHCP?
- And an opportunity for your questions to be answered

Event Date: Monday 26th June, 11am -  12pm
Click here to have more information

Heritage Open Days 2023 - Registrations are open

Heritage Open Days will run from Friday 8 – Sunday 17 September 2023. The Norfolk HODs team are working with local heritage organisations, businesses and voluntary groups to create the programme and would be thrilled to see new venues and community groups take part this year. The (optional) theme for this year’s festival is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’.

For more information

Suffolk Culture Network 

The Suffolk Culture Network is a collective of organisations and individuals working in and around Suffolk. The group works collaboratively to ensure the continued resilience of the arts in the cultural, social, educational, environmental and economic life of the county. The network welcomes new members who would like to join.

If you are interested in joining, please drop Tom Beese an email.

Click here to find out more 

Creatives Socials & Afternoon Events

Creative Arts East is an arts and community development charity committed to bringing the very best arts and cultural activities to rural and/or under-engaged audiences across Norfolk, Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

They have been actioning a rebrand of ‘The Silver Social’ and are now launching their new ‘Creative Socials’ monthly workshops and ‘Afternoon Events’ which are live performances. These are part of the Breckland’s Arts for Health programme.

Click here to find out more

Supporting Vulnerable Young People in Southend: Indirock's Latest Endeavor
Indirock, a renowned climbing center in Southend, is thrilled to announce that they have secured funding to support vulnerable young people in the local community. Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, Indirock will be providing 30 work experience opportunities this year, specifically targeted towards young people facing challenges such as special educational needs, low income backgrounds, and probationary status.

In partnership with several local charities, Indirock aims to reach out to young individuals who can truly benefit from this opportunity. By offering work experience opportunities, Indirock aims to provide a supportive environment where these young people can gain valuable skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Click here to find out more

Collaborative community research to tackle health inequalities funding opportunity

Apply for funding to create and test collaborative models for the integration of cultural, community and natural environment assets into health and care systems.
Grants of up to £2,500,000 are available for interdisciplinary teams as part of the UKRI Mobilising community assets to tackle health inequalities programme. Applications should be led by an academic organisation but must involve representation from the community, health and other non-academic partners within the leadership team, including for example, individuals from local government, health and social care, community organisations, and particularly important, people with lived experience.

Deadline: Tuesday 11th July, 9am
Click here to find out more

Healthier Futures Fund

Apply for up to £50,000 – £100,000 pa (£100,000 – £300,000 over 3 years) for initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of local people. Through the Healthier Futures fund NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is making £2 million available to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners across the area to deliver health and wellbeing improvements for their local people and communities.

The fund opened for applications on 1st May 2023.

Deadline: 1st August 2023 (outcomes by end of November), 1st November (outcomes by end of November)
Click here to find out more

Good Life Fund 

The Good Life Fund offers grants of up to £1500 to people in our local community to help set up groups that connect people, such as book clubs, craft classes, or activities that encourage people to learn new skills.

Click here to find out more

Grants available for health and wellbeing related projects.

Grants can fund a wide range of activities, including: purchase of equipment, education and training, research, as well as general grants for health related purposes.

Click here to find out more  

Home Instead Charities

Grants of up to £1,500 are available to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations with projects that further the needs of our ageing adult population through well-being activities and programmes to prevent social isolation and loneliness.

Check here to find out more 

Household Support Fund Application Form

Southend Emergency Fund is pleased to announce that it has funding to award grants to support third sector organisations who provide assistance to vulnerable households.

The aim of the scheme is to give vulnerable households financial support and peace of mind. Households eligible to receive funding are those which have any of the following:

-People with disabilities
-People with caring responsibilities
-Pensioners

Click here to find out more 

Grants available for projects to improve nature

A new environmental improvement grant scheme is available to support small projects that will help deliver biodiversity objectives: to enhance nature by 20% by 2050 and to establish at least 1.8m trees across the county by 2030.

Eligible projects include:

- Ecological improvement – projects that aim to enhance biodiversity such as the restoration of wildflower meadows or management of trees and woodland
- Tree planting – small areas not eligible for the England Woodland Creation Offer (i.e. under one hectare)
- Hedgerow creation or management – new planting, laying and coppicing projects that fall outside the scope of the current government schemes
- Water bodies and wetlands – such as the creation or restoration of ponds, wetlands or reedbed

Projects can apply for a grant to cover 50% of the agreed costs, up to a maximum of £3,000.

The scheme is available within Hertfordshire to community-based organisations including parish and town councils, and to private landowners and land managers.

Click here for more information and to apply

Workforce Development grants 2023-24
Grants of up to £1,500 available for learning and development in voluntary and community organisations that provide adult social care in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services are funding a grant scheme for voluntary and community sector organisations that provide adult social care in Hertfordshire. 

Grants can be used to support the learning and development of the organisation’s workforce. Also, the development of the organisation's capacity to deliver training and skills to its workforce, to carers or to service users/clients to support voluntary and community organisations .

The Finnis Scott Foundation
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for UK registered charities working in the areas of horticulture and plant sciences, as well as fine art and art history. .

Transformation Grants

Bi-annual grant programme for projects taking place within a 12-month period addressing new and priority needs.

Applications are approved by an external Grants Committee, made up of Community Representatives and Trustees.

Suffolk Carers Fund

Grants for activities within communities that enable adult unpaid carers (aged 18+) who are supporting other adults, to sustain their caring role by increasing their feelings of wellbeing, choice and control.

Digital Communications Officer 

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Salary:£28,000 depending on experience
• Location: Home-based and Southbank Centre, London
  

For more information

Group Support and Outreach Worker

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary:£27,852.23per annum
• Location: Growth Areas of MK

For more information

Personalisation, the NHS and Young Carers paper

This paper from the Young Carers Alliance is looking to promote recognition of whole family approaches and the needs of young carers throughout NHS England’s personalisation agenda and to help inform the work of integrated care boards.

For more information

UK Poverty 2023: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK

UK Poverty 2023 sets out recent trends in poverty across the UK, how levels of poverty differ between groups of people and regions, and the impact it has on people’s lives. These findings can help us to understand the current situation and future prospects for poverty in the UK.

Click here to read the full report. 

Sport England’s Active Lives Adults Survey

Sport England have published the latest statistics from their annual Active Lives Adults Survey. It’s great to see that overall activity levels have bounced back to where they were before the pandemic. Read the report here, please also find attached a briefing sheet.

Best wishes,

The East of England Thriving Communities Team