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THIRD SECTOR LEADERSHIPGlen Besley of Trans-Innov8 looks at how we could strengthen our leadership / 14
MEET OSCAROSCAR Birmingham supports people affected by Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia disorders / 10
SOCKS AND CHOCSPC Ian Northcott (Busking Bobby) and colleagues collect and distribute winter wear and treats for homeless people/ 9
FUND-RAISING FOR SMALL CHARITIESRaisemore fundraising support is helping charities find the extra funds they need / 8
FREE HANDYPERSON SERVICE Age UK Birmingham offers free Handyfix service in four Birmingham wards / 7
TIME FOR A TEAM CHALLENGECommunity action volunteering for the business sector / 12
all things voluntary & community in Birmingham
December 2013 & January 2014 232
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Do you want to raise your organisation’s profile without spending a penny?The BVSC Third Sector Database is the most comprehensive listing of third sector organisations in Birmingham. It’s the first port of call for anyone searching for third sector organisations and service providers.
There are many benefits to registering on the database. Not only will you improve your internet presence, you can also:
■ Apply to join the Third Sector Assembly networks (for more information visit www.assembly3.org.uk)
■ Subscribe to update magazine – BVSC’s free monthly publication, for and about the sector in Birmingham
■ Apply to become a BVSC member ■ Access mapping data – detailed information about the size and scope of the third sector in Birmingham.
So why not register today? It’s absolutely free and will only take about 15 minutes of your time. Sign up online and put your organisation in the spotlight!
BVSC Third Sector [email protected] | 0121 678 8830
www.bvscthirdsectordatabase.org
MEET @ THE BONDBook a meeting room for your next event – 10% discount for charities and non-profit organisations.
WORK @ THE BONDRent flexible and affordable offices, studios and hot desks in our attractive, refurbished Victorian buildings.
EAT @ THE BONDEnjoy eating and drinking in our on-site Café, alongside The Grand Union Canal in Digbeth, Birmingham.
CELEBRATE @ THE BONDWith the Christmas season approaching, come and party in one of our impressive events spaces.
Call Charlotte on 0121 766 7400 for further informationThe Bond Company180-182 Fazeley Street | Birmingham B5 5SE [email protected]
OFFICE & CONFERENCE FACILITIES
TWO OF OUR MAIN ROOMS – WATERSIDE AND THE BOARDROOM – ARE LICENSED FOR WEDDINGS
AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONIES
[3]
Time for a Team Challenge: community action volunteering
12
Leadership in third sector organisations, with Glen Besley
14
Meet OSCAR, the charity for Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia
10
December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update
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Update is published ten times each year by BVSC
© BVSC 2013All rights reserved
Editorial, advertising and subscriptions
Helen Cobain0121 678 8830
Design Cuthbert Design
www.cuthbertdesign.com
Printing Pinstripe Print Group
www.pinstripegroup.co.uk
DistributionPA Publishing Co.
01527 540909
Circulation 1,400 (November 2013)
Cover photo © Fjona Hill /
www.fjonahill.com
Views and opinions expressed in Update are those of the individual
authors and not necessarily those of BVSC. BVSC is in no
way responsible for and does not endorse goods or services
supplied by organisations which advertise in Update.
Birmingham Voluntary Service Council Ltd (BVSC) is a registered
charity (no. 218795) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 421688).
Looking ahead to 2014This month’s Spotlight features local organisation OSCAR who provide advice, support and counselling services to people affected by Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia. Read about their work on page 10.
One year on and Team Challenge Birmingham explain how corporate teams can leave a lasting legacy for host organisations by carrying out large scale projects that organisations don’t always always have the time or resources to tackle themselves (page 12).
We’re now planning ahead to the new Update year, so if your organisation has an interesting story to tell and would benefit from being featured in a future edition of Update please email us at [email protected].
And finally, if you’re still deciding what charities or campaigns to support during the festive season, please consider donating to Busking Bobby’s ‘Socks and Chocs’ campaign for the Homeless - details on page 9.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2014!
Helen Cobain / [email protected]
Update is available in PDF format at www.bvsc.org/update-magazine
If you would like a large type version call 0121 643 4343 or email [email protected]
NEWS
FEATURES
FEATURES
SECTOR ADVERTS 2, 16
PLUS...
Socks and Chocs with PC Ian Northcott, the Busking Bobby
9
How can small charities raise more funds? Raisemore.
8
www.bvsc.org
World AIDS Day 2013 4
Boost for cycling with Centro 4
ChangeKitchen’s makeover 5
Step Up To Serve 6
CAW Foundation 6
Women’s experience in work 6
Planning Birmingham’s future 7
Creating futures for craft 7
Campaigning on the lobbying Bill with NAVCA
5
CAMPAIGNINGFree handyperson service from Age UK Birmingham
7
OLDER PEOPLEMatthew Poole appointed as BVSC’s programme manager
5
BVSC
SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
PRACTICE VOLUNTEERING
if you’re still deciding what charities or campaigns to support during the festive season, please consider donating to Busking Bobby’s ‘Socks and Chocs’ campaign.”
[4] update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014
NEWS
World AIDS Day provides the opportunity to show our support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those people who have already died with this virus.
The first World AIDS Day, was also the first global health day, and was held on 1 December 1988.
Between 1981 and 2007 more than 25 million people died with HIV. There are now approximately 34 million people living with HIV in the world, and 75,000 of these live in the United Kingdom. Currently approximately 1,600 people are living with HIV access treatment in Birmingham.
Though there is currently no vaccine and no cure for HIV, treatment has advanced to the point where individuals can now expect to lead a long and fulfilling life.
Sadly, our communities responses have not made the same gains and the stigma that this condition brings still contributes to the early deaths of many people.
On Sunday 1 December there will be a celebratory gathering in Birmingham Cathedral. The event will start at 7pm.
World AIDS Day Birmingham: worldaidsdaybirmingham.org.uk
West Midlands Transport Authority, Centro, is offering a range of cycling activities as part of the Smart Network, Smarter Choices project. These include:
■ Adult cycle training (from learning to ride to improving confidence for riding on roads)
■ Adult cycle maintenance sessions (four sessions of two hours; introduction to your bike; punctures; brakes; and gears)
■ ‘Dr Bike’ – safety checks and advice on any repairs that might be needed
■ Led rides – including special ‘Santa rides’ for Christmas
■ Ride leader training
■ Cycle instructor training.
These activities are delivered on behalf of Centro and the West Midlands local authorities by BikeRight. They can be offered free to organisations that are based on or close to (within 1km) of the following corridors in Birmingham and Solihull:
■ Airport and NEC corridor (A45 Coventry Road)
■ South Birmingham Technology corridor (A38 Bristol Road and A441 Pershore Road)
■ Warwick Road corridor (A41 south)
■ North Solihull Regeneration corridor (A452 Chester Road )
■ Walsall Road corridor (A34 north)
Time to talk, time to test: World AIDS day 2013HEALTH
Boost for cycling in Birmingham from CentroTRANSPORT
Centro also provides reconditioned bikes or public transport passes to people who have been unemployed and are starting a job, through the WorkWise project.
Book courses online: www.bikeright.co.uk/westmidlands / www.networkwestmidlands.com/workwise
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Centro provides
reconditioned bikes to
people who have been
unemployed and are
starting a job, through the
WorkWise project.”
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December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update [5]
NEWS
ChangeKitchenChangeKitchen’s base, the old Fireside Building in Pershore Street, Birmingham, has been transformed with amazing painted murals on all sides courtesy of the EyeCandy Festival organised by Fused Magazine.
The venue plays host to ChangeKitchen’s regular pop-up restaurant nights where you can sample healthy vegetarian dishes, prepared by Change Kitchen's award winning team headed by Birgit Kehrer. The ‘pop-ups’ are buffet events where you can choose either two courses (£15 per person) or three courses (£17.50 per person).
And there’s just time to book for one of the special Christmas events being held on 5 December from 12 noon to 10pm and 13 December from 6pm to 10pm. More information is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Birgit Kehrer, ChangeKitchen: www.facebook.com/ChangeKitchen @changekitchen /
www.changekitchen.co.uk / [email protected]
BVSC welcomes Matthew Poole who joined the BVSC team as programme manager in October. Matthew was previously at the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and brings with him a range of skills and experiences relating to funding and strategic Big Lottery initiatives. Before working at BIG, Matthew worked for RegenWM and before that Tamworth Borough Council.
At BVSC Matthew will be working on the Ageing Better Big Lottery funding bid, aimed at reducing isolation amongst older people. He will also be responsible for BVSC's work with Birmingham City Council and Health projects.
Matthew said: “I’m really looking forward to working for BVSC, having worked at BIG for over five years. I’m excited about getting stuck into service delivery and making a massive impact with the cash we will hopefully be awarded.”
Outside of work, Matthew is the proud dad of two young children – two year old Olivia and seven week old Theo – and co-ordinates a voluntary youth club.
Matthew Poole, BVSC: 0121 678 8825 / [email protected]
Following a debate on the lobbying Bill (the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill) in the House of Lords in November, a six week pause was agreed before beginning the report stage which has now been set to take place on 16 and 18 December.
As well as the pause the Government prevented a rebellion by:
■ Agreeing to raise the regulatory threshold – although we do now know what this will be raised to.
■ Agreeing to consider raising the new constituency spending threshold.
■ Agreeing to consult widely to address the whole range of concerns that have been raised.
■ Acknowledging problems with the definition in the PPERA 2000 legislation.
■ Agreeing to produce a report before Committee stage for peers to scrutinise.
NAVCA has worked with the coalition of charities and campaigning organisations opposing this bill to make sure that the effect of the bill on smaller charities is recognised and expressed. They are particularly concerned that lowering the reporting threshold to £5,000 (in England) will mean a lot of small charities get caught in this red
Matthew Poole, BVSC’s new programme managerBVSC
tape – especially as all organisations involved in joint campaigns are jointly responsible for reporting every penny spent by every organisation.
To help the campaign NAVCA are asking organisations to:
■ Contact you MP or any members of the Lords you know to be friendly towards the voluntary sector and ask them to oppose this bill. This is especially important if they are members of the Coalition Government (Liberal Democrats or Conservatives). NAVCA has a briefing to help you.
■ Send NAVCA examples of campaigns that have supported local communities that would be made difficult under this legislation.
Barney Mynott, NAVCA: [email protected]
Campaigning on the lobbying BillCAMPAIGNS
NAVCA has worked with the coalition of charities and campaigning organisations opposing this bill to make sure that the effect of the bill on smaller charities is recognised and expressed.”
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I’m really looking forward to working for BVSC, having worked at BIG for over five years.”
[6] update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014
NEWS
Project 28-40 Business in the Community initiative, Opportunity Now, is launching an exciting new project to gather the stories of women’s experiences in work, with a particular focus on women aged 28-40 (but including women of all ages).
They want to hear from up to 100,000 women – a survey of unprecedented scale, this will be the first of its kind. Project 28-40 is about listening to what women have to say and taking action to change the status quo.
Women at the top are under-represented. There is still a gender pay gap. Yet there is no shortage of talented, ambitious women in the UK & Ireland.
The survey addresses some big questions: what is important to women, what are their ambitions and how do they make choices in life? How effective is the current level of support and career development opportunities for women in work? What impact does workplace culture have on their careers? And what influences some women to leave their employer or leave the workforce altogether?
Your responses will be used to more accurately diagnose why women are not being promoted at the same rate as men during this critical phase for career development. Focus groups will then explore themes that emerge, seeking the reactions of younger women, older women, men and business leaders.
Who should respond?
■ Women aged 28-40 whether or not they are still working
■ Women under 28 who are currently working
■ Women over 40 who would like to describe their experiences during this phase of their career
■ Men – we are seeking the responses of 1,000 men, to provide a direct comparison between male and female experiences of career development The survey closes on
Sunday 15 December.
Project 28-40: www.project2840.com
A new campaign was launched on 21 November to encourage more young people to get involved with helping others. Step Up To Serve calls for adults across the UK to sign up and volunteer to help double the level of participation of young people in helping others.
HRH The Prince of Wales is the royal patron of Step Up To Serve, which is being supported by the prime minister, deputy prime minister and leader of the opposition, all of whom have pledged personal commitments to the campaign.
Step Up To Serve will expand existing opportunities for young people, encourage new ones and help overcome the barriers that stop young people getting involved. It will encourage 1.7 million more young people aged 10 to 20 to make helping others a habit for life.
Increasing the proportion of young people involved from 29% to 50% would add almost 90 million hours of voluntary work per year, worth almost £700 million to the UK economy.
With a fifth of young people aged 16 to 24 currently unemployed in the UK, increasing involvement in helping others can help tackle this growing concern. Evidence from the Confederation of British Industry
The CAW Foundation opened its doors to charities and good causes that are looking for financial support for work with young people and deprived communities.
The CAW Foundation was founded 15 months ago and has spent that time finding its feet as a new fundraising organisation.
They say there have been ups and downs along the way but the team has thoroughly enjoyed the challenges faced, the people they’ve met and the fun that has been had – splashing in mud, dressing up in onesies, walking along canal footpaths and making t-shirts to sell.
Rob Langley-Swain, founder of the CAW Foundation, is driven by the work of inspiring the people and organisations that tirelessly do great stuff for the benefit of young people in the UK and beyond and is proud of the Foundation’s achievements this year. They have already raised almost £15,000.
“I always hoped that the CAW Foundation would become a group of creative people who work together to raise money to distribute to charities and good causes that needed an extra boost of funds. This time last year I never imagined we’d have achieved so much in our first year and got so many people on-board with a shared vision to make a difference and change the futures of young people.
“We have a long way to go. There isn’t a fixed end in sight for the CAW Foundation. Each year we hope to build on our previous success, broaden our reach and increase our fundraising total with the help of new supporters and volunteers. Our ambition is that our impact will be targeted, measurable and long lasting!”
If you would like to get involved get in touch now.
CAW Foundation: [email protected]
Funding to help young peopleFUNDING
(CBI) shows that helping others can develop optimism, determination and emotional intelligence – skills which are key to employability.
On launching the campaign, prime minister, David Cameron, said: “I want to see more volunteering, more philanthropy and more of the Big Society – people stepping up and taking part. National Citizen Service is a vital part of the campaign the Prince of Wales is launching today. It has been a massive success, with more than 40,000 young people getting involved, making a difference and giving something back to their community.
“This kind of service is above party politics. I want to make sure that this government and every future government is encouraging volunteering and service amongst young people. That’s what National Citizen Service achieves.”
Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Opposition said: “I want to see volunteering in the service of others become an accepted and central part of the experience of growing up in Britain. It helps young people build new skills and it’s a great way for them to meet new people and help others in their community.”
Step Up To Serve: www.stepuptoserve.org.uk
Encouraging young volunteersYOUNG PEOPLE
Increasing the proportion
of young people
involved from 29% to 50%
would add almost 90
million hours of voluntary
work per year, worth almost
£700 million to the UK
economy.”
Each year we hope to
build on our previous success,
broaden our reach and
increase our fundraising
total with the help of new supporters
and volunteers.”
December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update [7]
NEWS
Age UK Birmingham’s handyperson service, Handyfix, is available free of charge in Erdington, Stockland Green, Kingstanding and Oscott until the end of March 2014 – thanks to financial support from the NHS.
In these wards, people over the age of 50 can get handyperson jobs around the house carried out by the Handyfix service at no cost. The service is available citywide and costs £40 per hour in other parts of Birmingham.
All the work is carried out by highly trained, reliable and trustworthy, in-house Handyfix team said Age UK Birmingham. Jobs they will tackle include:
■ Most basic odd jobs around the house
■ Small repair
■ Safety – locks, doors, window locks, door chains, key safes
■ Disabled adaptations
Cat Hayward, chief executive of Age UK Birmingham, said: “Age UK Birmingham wants to make sure that those who are eligible take advantage of this free Handyfix service if they live in these particular areas. We’re delighted to be working with the Birmingham NHS Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group to help improve the daily lives of those over 50.
“As a known brand they can be reassured that the Age UK Birmingham’s Handyfix person they’re letting in their house is safe, reliable and trustworthy. This is for the jobs that to some may seem small but to others can make a huge difference. We also think this will be popular with the family, friends and carers of older people – and give them peace of mind that the work is done by someone trustworthy and friendly who will turn up when they’re supposed to. And for those outside these wards the cost is just £40 for an hour’s work.”
Handyfix, Age UK Birmingham: 0121 437 0033 extension 1003 / www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/our-services
Making Moves: Creating Futures for Craft is an exhibition of contemporary craft produced by makers, graduates and community participants following nine regional craft residencies.
Making Moves connects makers with communities, provides support and experience for new makers and forms networks between local authorities, education and industry.
This exhibition of contemporary craft showcases the results of nine maker’s residencies across the West Midlands. Between October 2011 and July 2012, mid-career makers of various disciplines were placed in non-traditional venues including a hospital, a park visitor centre and an empty shop. Through comments, photographs and the objects that they made, you can find out how inspired the participating craftspeople were by
Free handyperson service from Age UKOLDER PEOPLE
their residencies in the different venues and how the community groups responded to the makers.
Making Moves is a craft development initiative involving four regional partnerships, led by Staffordshire County Council and Craftspace.
Visit the exhibition at the following venues:
■ The Library of Birmingham Foyer (21 November to 12 December)
■ mac, Birmingham (14 December to 2 February).
Making Moves: www.makingmoves.org
Planning Birmingham’s futureFollowing the launch of the Standing up for Birmingham campaign, Birmingham City Council is inviting individuals and organisations to an event being held at The Library of Birmingham on 9 December from 10am to 2pm. Those attending will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas on the following:
■ How communities, local groups and local organisations already deliver services differently
■ How can Birmingham build on the wealth of existing community activity?
■ How can the Council encourage and support more community activity?
■ What are the challenges?
■ What needs to happen?
If you would like to contribute please confirm your attendance sending an email to the address below.
Email: [email protected]
Creating futures for craftTHE ARTS
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[8] update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014
SPOTLIGHT
One of the biggest barriers charities face in their fund-raising efforts is not just how they’re perceived, but how they compete on a level playing field.Larger organisations have more resources, probably more time, and almost always more money to devote to their fund-raising.
There is a company, based right here in Birmingham, which helps charities overcome this obstacle. Raisemore is a complete fundraising support service which operates on a pay by results basis, enabling charities to benefit from their professional support without taking on additional overheads or unnecessary risk.
With headquarters in Fort Dunlop, this team of expert marketers and fundraisers are supporting charities from all over the UK with various levels of activity and campaigns from text giving, to trust fund strategies, social media, direct mail, legacy giving and more.
The Raisemore team have had recent success supporting Northamptonshire based PDT for Cancer Cure, a small charity which aims to provide photodynamic therapy equipment to hospitals and surgeries throughout the UK – for the treatment of various cancers, including skin cancer. PDT for Cancer Cure was able to provide a new £15,000 unit to the Royal Cornwall Hospital thanks to the support from Raisemore.
Claire Healy, managing director of Raisemore, said often the biggest challenges faced by small charities was the ability to compete in a market where major charities had, “...huge budgets and much louder voices.”
“What we have been able to do in Birmingham is put together a team, based at the heart of the country, which combines decades of experience in the fundraising world as well as partnering with the best third party providers to ensure we can help charitable organisations meet their fundraising goals – whatever their size.”
Claire added: “We provide a total support package which is
based on a paid by results system which means there is no barrier to entry and it’s affordable for any size of not-for-profit organisation. Birmingham is a natural home for us; we are close to all motorway and air networks and can easily service all parts of the UK whilst using the base to roll out our marketing and development plans for the company.”
Another new and exciting cause the Raisemore team are supporting is for the Desert Rats Association, who are hoping to raise more than £40,000 to help create a new museum of WWII artefacts and keep the memories of the Desert Rats veterans alive for generations to come.
The inspiration for the museum has come from Rodney Scott, chair of the Desert Rats Association, who has travelled far and wide to build-up such an impressive collection for the site. Rodney said, “Our main objective is to provide an educational museum that will give the younger generations a lifelike experience of what the brave veterans faced.
“Already, we’ve had a lot of interest in the museum from local schools and governing bodies and we hope that the partnership with Raisemore will boost our plans to educate past, present and most importantly future generations.”
Raisemore have recently launched a new website and would relish the opportunity of meeting with any not-for-profit organisation that needs support in generating additional funds.
Raisemore: www.raisemore.co.uk
Photo: PDT for Cancer Cure open their latest PDT centre at The Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. Left to right are Bill and Barbara Loryman of PDT for Cancer Cure with Dr Sandra Campbell of The Royal Cornwall Hospital Dermatology Department and Dr Alison Curnow of University of Exeter Medical School.
How can smaller charities raise more?
What we have been able to do in Birmingham is put
together a team, based at the heart of
the country, which combines decades
of experience in the fundraising world as
well as partnering with the best third
party providers to ensure we can
help charitable organisations meet
their fundraising goals – whatever
their size.”
[9]December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update
SPOTLIGHT
For the last three years singer-songwriter PC Ian Northcott (aka Busking Bobby) and his colleagues have collected donations of socks, hats, gloves, sleeping bags and chocolate to brighten the festive season for those who live on our cities’ streets. Their the campaign has grown from strength to strength. Last year they collected more than 1,500 pairs of socks, 900 large boxes of chocolates, 270 hats and pairs of gloves, 60 sleeping bags and 10 duvets. These were delivered to Coventry Cyrenians, Birmingham Christmas Mission and Wolverhampton Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen – where some of the
group members helped prepare dinner on Christmas morning. Gifts were also distributed directly to the homeless on the streets.
Donations for the 2013 campaign have already started to flood in. Local schools donated their lost property which has been converted to cash at Cash4Clothes to buy socks. V Festival donated sleeping bags, Tesco and Cadbury gave more sleeping bags and chocolate.
The kind hearted cop, who undertakes his charitable work in his own time, said: “I was in the army a long time ago and when we were out on exercises they’d make us put on a clean pair of socks every morning. It makes you feel good, and when I became interested in homeless issues I thought, what can I do to help? It’s got to be socks!
“We are delighted with the response so far, but we are still urging people to donate so that we can help even more people who are less fortunate than ourselves.
“Christmas can be a particularly isolating time for many homeless people leaving them feeling very lonely and depressed, so we aim to bring them gifts that are both practical and a festive treat.”
Ian has taken to YouTube with a song he has penned dedicated to the homeless and their plight. He has recorded his version of Pleasure which can be viewed on YouTube (see below) and invited other musicians to record their own version of the song and post it. So far, 10 alternative versions have been posted.
The PC from Bromsgrove is no stranger to performing having joined buskers in Birmingham city centre while on patrol to perform Oasis’ Wonderwall as a crowd gathered to cheer him on.
“I’ve got to know a few of the city’s buskers and have joined them before to play. We are always looking for ways to break down barriers between the police and the public and this was certainly one of them.” Ian said, after performing for just a few minutes.
Donations of socks and chocs can be made at The Good Shepherd (Wolverhampton), Coventry Cyrenians, Birmingham City Mission or SIFA Fireside (Birmingham).
Socks and Chocs: www.socksandchocs.co.uk / www.facebook.com/sockschocs / @buskingbobby | Listen to Pleasure by PC
Ian Northcott: http://youtu.be/_xOd8mzL2x8
[10] update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014
SPOTLIGHT
OSCAR Birmingham’s mission is to educate, support and provide relevant information through sign posting and advocacy. Through our work with partners we will raise public awareness of these conditions.
Sickle Cell Anaemia Sickle Cell Anaemia is a genetic (inherited) blood disorder in which red blood cells, that carry oxygen around the body, develop abnormally.
In the main, Sickle Cell affects people from Africa, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia. Currently there are about 15,000 people living with this condition in the UK.
Those who are carriers of the trait/gene have a one in four chance of passing it on to any children they may have.
Rather than being round and flexible, the sickle red blood cells become shaped like a crescent (or sickle). These abnormal red blood cells can then clog sections of blood vessels leading to episodes of pain which can be severe. An episode such as this is called a sickle cell crisis, also known as a vaso-occlusive crisis.
They can last from a few minutes to several months, though, on average, most last five to seven days.
“One woman told me the pain she experienced in a crisis was like someone smashing a hammer down on the back of her hand. That was how she described it,” explained Madge Milligan-Green, CEO of OSCAR Birmingham, from the charity’s small base in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
The abnormal blood cells have a shorter life-span and are not replaced as quickly as normal; this leads to a shortage of red blood cells, called anaemia. Symptoms of anaemia include tiredness and breathlessness; especially after exercise.
Symptoms of sickle cell anaemia can have a significant impact
on quality of life. This is a life limiting serious illness for which there is no cure at present
Potential complications can be life-threatening. They include:
■ Stroke – where the supply of blood to the brain becomes blocked
■ Acute chest syndrome – where the lungs suddenly lose their ability to breathe in oxygen; often as a result of infection
■ Increased vulnerability to infection
■ Pulmonary hypertension – where the blood pressure inside the blood vessels that run from the heart to the lungs becomes dangerously high.
However, following improvements in preventative treatment, many complications associated with sickle cell anaemia can be avoided and most people with the condition live much longer than previously.
ThalassaemiaThalassaemia is the name given to a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the body’s ability to create red blood cells. There are two main forms of the condition, known as Alpha Thalassaemia and Beta thalassaemia (BTM).
BTM is the most common and severe form of the condition in the UK. It is estimated there are 1,000 people in the UK living with BTM and
OSCAR Birmingham is one of the oldest registered charities
and voluntary organisations in Birmingham. It was established to provide advice, support and
counselling to individuals, families and carers affected by the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia disorders,
which disproportionately affects BME communities.
One woman told me the
pain she experienced
in a crisis was like someone
smashing a hammer down on the back of her hand. That
was how she described it.”
AboveMeet the team. Left to right are Hobby Rahman (project officer),
Barbara Gordon, PA to Madge
Milligan-Green, Leon Small (client
support worker) and Madge Milligan-
Green (CEO)
December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update [11]
SPOTLIGHT
most cases are found in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and, in particular, South Asian ancestry. Eight out of 10 babies born with BTM in the UK have parents of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi ancestry.
In cases of Thalassaemia, the bone does not produce haemoglobin, causing anaemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. If your body does not receive enough oxygen, you will feel tired, breathless, drowsy and faint. The most serious types of Thalassaemia can cause other complications, including organ damage, restricted growth, liver disease, heart failure and death.
OSCAR Birmingham, The Organisation for Sickle Cell Anaemia
Relief and Thalassaemia Support, aims to support individuals and their families affected by Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Disorders. The team provides a needs-oriented and client-led service to families and individuals living with Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Disorders.
OSCAR has been working away quietly behind the scenes since 1974, educating and supporting those affected by this life-limiting condition, their family and friends and the wider community.
It’s generally known as a Black condition, which can affect one in four West Africans and one in 10 African Caribbeans , but more research has revealed it can affect much larger
populations including Italians, Irish, Cypriots and Ethiopians.
Madge Milligan-Green is determined to get the message out there, not just to the sufferers themselves, but to those whose lives are also affected by the condition.
She has been in post as CEO for almost two years and is intent on raising OSCAR’s profile while trying to raise funds in an increasingly harsh economic climate. She calls OSCAR ‘a big small’ organisation seeking to work city wide for those who need this service.
As a charity we continually fund raise and encourage charitable giving, sponsorship and volunteering. We are members of localgiving.com, and encourage the public to donate online.
Over the past 12 months we have taken part in a number of community events to raise awareness of the conditions. This included a joint event with the Rotary Club of Birmingham, in June, where our newest patron – Wil Johnson, aka Dom from Emmerdale – was our special guest on the evening.
“We’re setting ourselves a target of raising £100,000. It sounds a huge amount but this could be achieved by 10,000 people donating just £10 each.”
It’s clear Madge Milligan-Green, whose small team includes her PA Barbara Gordon Hobby Rahman, Project Officer and Leon Small, Client Support Worker, is determined to both fund raise and get the message out.
As a charity running for almost 40 years, OSCAR is proving to be one of the great survivors of the voluntary sector.
OSCAR Birmingham: 0121 212 9209 / [email protected] / www.oscarbirmingham.org.uk /
www.facebook.com/oscarbham / @OSCARBirmingham
We’re setting ourselves a target of raising £100,000. It sounds a huge amount but this could be achieved by 10,000 people donating just £10 each.”
Patron Wil Johnson, aka Dom from Emmerdale, with OSCAR’s CEO, Madge Milligan-Green
update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014[12]
VOLUNTEERING
‘Team Challenge Birmingham is a programme of fully facilitated community action volunteering for the business sector. It is based on a model called Involve developed by Volunteer Centre Southwark in response to concerns about corporate team volunteering.
There will always be a place for well-targeted, well-managed and well-resourced team building days for corporate employees that leave a lasting positive impact in the community. But many charities, particularly small community organisations don’t have the capacity to support a team of corporate volunteers, which can result in poor quality work, inappropriate materials being used or even the team failing to turn up. Team Challenge Birmingham aimed to address this by providing a framework for small organisations to capitalise on opportunities to bring in well-resourced teams of up to 30 people to do one day of manual projects. On average, Team Challenge supplies over 100 hours of free labour to an organisation in one day so it’s important that
this labour is properly instructed and equipped and understands which tasks need to be done and why.
We’re pleased to communicate that 100% of Team Challenges have met or exceeded the expectations of community organisations and have challenged many of the assumptions held about corporate volunteer teams. By providing a project coordinator to see the Challenge through from inception to delivery to evaluation, a higher level of customer satisfaction is achieved for all – no half finished jobs, no sloppy paintwork, no budget carpentry work.
Of course there are deeper, more meaningful, even more valuable ways that corporates and other skilled professionals can get involved in the voluntary sector but practical action offers a fantastic starting point to expose the work of many smaller organisations operating in the city. We hope that by raising the awareness of companies and staff to what activity is underway and what can be achieved – not just be giving financially – through a fun day out of the office is a great way to introduce them to becoming further involved locally. We need to
Hampton by Hilton employees from across the globe come together as part of the “Hampton Helps” week to help Friends of Walkers Heath Park in Kings Norton to clear a car park, build a table tennis plinth and create an innovative plant feature.
[13]December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update
VOLUNTEERING
continue to forge cross-sector links, sharing expertise and knowledge, resources and manpower to create a stronger and more united city better able to support its citizens.
The first Team Challenge took place back in June 2012 on a typical summer’s day of torrential rain at St Paul’s Community Development Trust in Balsall Heath. Bringing a team of 30 volunteers in to make over the youth base gave St Paul’s the final impetus to carry out repairs on their roof. Likewise, Ladywood Family Centre were able to find budget to get their ceiling painted once the rest of the room had been made over to such a high standard.
With other organisations, Team Challenge has been able to make spaces more useful and encourage new or renewed activity. For example, Women’s Help Centre in Handsworth run an allotment but the mammoth task of initial weeding was preventing volunteers from becoming involved at all – one day of hard digging and some substantial raised beds
meant that the women from the centre felt able to take ownership of the plot and maintain it themselves.
We also undertook a Taster Challenge with a smaller team at Birmingham Women’s Hospital in April 2013. We worked alongside Women’s Hospital volunteers to renovate the maternity garden. This influx of activity gave the volunteer co-ordinator more clout as she requested funding for garden furniture and plants from the hospital, who were able to oblige.
We are always on the look out for new projects, if you have a practical project to complete and would be interested in receiving a team, please get in touch with Alison Sheffield at BVSC.
Alison Sheffield, Team Challenge, BVSC: [email protected]
When HALOW (Birmingham) and Lend Lease got together...
11 volunteers from Lend Lease donated a total of 66 hours to refurbish the HALOW (Birmingham) children’s space at HMP Birmingham.
HALOW (Birmingham) is a help and advice line for offenders’ wives, partners and families. The visitor centre at HMP Birmingham, Winson Green, welcomes families and supports them with advice, a friendly ear and children’s facilities. The importance of sustaining family ties during imprisonment is now widely recognised, as evident in a recent Ministry of Justice Report on a one-year follow-up of ex-prisoners that showed, “the odds of reoffending were 39% higher for prisoners who had not received visits compared to those who had.”
A team from Lend Lease selected a Team Challenge with HALOW due to their links to the criminal justice sector. The Lend Lease volunteer team arrived at HALOW, full of enthusiasm, to make over the children’s space.
While a small number got to work on painting the walls, others made the most of the dry weather and re-painted the outside space window frames and built a ramp to facilitate access to the outside area.
Meanwhile, two team members used their woodworking skills to create an exciting seating unit and another volunteer learnt how to use a sewing machine to create some cushions. The final touches were some animal murals to brighten the space and some ‘camo’ netting to make it into a real life jungle!
The team co-operated really well, supporting each other to overcome challenges and achieve a fantastic result for the charity.
The impact
■ 86% of volunteers attended the project to become more involved in the community and this Challenge changed the image many had of volunteering.
■ 100% of the volunteers felt that their overall experience had been ‘excellent’.
The volunteers felt that they had used some of the following skills during their challenge:
■ 71% team work
■ 100% communication
■ 71% following instruction.
■ 100% felt they had an ‘excellent’ opportunity to interact with their colleagues.
■ 100% of volunteers felt they had made a difference to the host organisation and would consider attending a Team Challenge again.
Hundreds of children and families will be directly impacted by this project.
HighlightsFor the volunteers, highlights included: “Painting the lion”, “Seeing the prisoners’ families seeing the work getting done” and “All of it!”. HALOW (Birmingham) said they, “...would like to give them all a big thank you for all they have done and for giving up their time for us. They were absolutely great.” The attitude of the volunteers and the quality of the work completed was “excellent.”
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[14] update 232 / December 2013 & January 2014
PRACTICE
The success of organisations in the third sector depends on good leadership. Leaders are responsible for creating the vision of the organisation’s future possibilities, clarify its mission and develop effective strategies to achieve the mission. All organisations benefit from committing to a strategy that describes the value they intend to produce, the means it will rely on to produce that value and how it aims to sustain itself in the future (Moore, 2000).
Good leadership in the third sector, according to Hopkins (2010), is particularly vital due to the complex and dynamic third sector environment. Despite similarities in the qualities required by leaders in third sectors to those of other sectors, Hopkins (2010) notes there are distinct skills and behaviours needed to be successful in the third sector because of its multiple stakeholder relationships and general complexity that is qualitatively different from the public and private sectors.
Organisations in this sector pursue a variety of goals such as educational, health, cultural, religious, philanthropic, etc (Werther and Berman, 2001). Their aim is to serve the public good by not seeking to maximise profits. Surpluses are reinvested in the organisation rather than distributed to corporate owners. Most leaders of third sector organisations can respond with confidence about day-to-day activities their organisations perform e.g. providing shelter for the homeless, dealing with community mental health issues etc. Whilst this understanding is essential in order
to substantiate their existence, the success of the organisation is widely down to the leadership having a clear understanding of:
■ Why anyone should care about the organisation?
■ What is the purpose of their organisation?
■ How the organisation is going to go about achieving its purpose?
Having a clearly defined strategic approach helps leaders to better communicate the goals, scope and direction of their organisation to staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, donors and other constituents.
Werther and Berman (2001) cite selecting the leadership of the organisation as being the single most important decision of the board. Due to lack of funds within this sector, leaders are sometimes selected based on finding anyone willing to take the job or giving it to someone who helped create the organisation or interested persons (Werther and Berman, 2001). Whilst this individual may be full of enthusiasm their lack of or limited strategic leadership competences could have negative impact in securing the strategic health of the organisation.
Good leadership of third sector organisations also rests with the board. In addition to selecting the leadership, Werther and Berman (2001) emphasise that the board has responsibility for evaluating the performance of the organisation and must manage the composition of the board by deciding who stays, who goes and who should bring needed talents to the board. They also suggest the board must maintain ongoing dialogue with the leadership and provide help when needed whilst allowing latitude for the leadership to lead, manage and administer the affairs of the organisation.
Hopkins (2000) cites a particular demand for leadership and management skills among organisations in the third sector. Green (2009) notes lack of leadership as one of the top five constraints facing the voluntary and community sector. Clarke (2007) finds leadership skills
and strategic forward planning among the top ten skills gaps in voluntary sector organisations. An Institute for Public Policy Research (2009) paper states the third sector needs to improve its skills in key leadership competencies such as strategic thinking, influencing and negotiating and communication and interpersonal skills whilst Hailey and James (2004) discovers there is increasing deficit in leadership abilities because of rapid turnover of managers in the sector.
A review by Dame Mary Marsh, commissioned by the Cabinet Office to look at skills and leadership in the sector, recommended strengthening governance, attracting and developing leaders as the top two of the eight themes the sector needs to address.
According to MacWilliam (2010) leaders play a major part in the organisation’s success or failure. Good leaders must be able to:
■ Quickly unite a team or organisation around new or revised goals in a fast changing environment taking on board strongly held views amongst funders, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, donors and other constituents in developing strategy.
■ Develop innovative teams who can quickly take advantage of new opportunities, preserve team spirit and optimism in times of resource scarcity.
In the review carried out by Dame Mary Marsh, it states this is a critical time for organisations that need to develop their skills and leadership to enable them to deal with challenges and respond to opportunities. Bearing in mind the significance of the duties carried out by third sector organisations, it is vital to develop and sustain a pipeline of third sector leaders equipped with the skills to lead effectively into the 21st century. The Marsh Review recommends skill-sharing, sharing of best practice and development of graduate schemes as ways in which the sector can make use of existing potential and develop people.
Glen Besley of business consultancy firm, Trans-Innov8, examines
how leadership might be strengthened in the third sector. Leadership in third sector organisations
Good leadership
in the third sector is
particularly vital due to
the complex and dynamic
third sector environment.”
[15]December 2013 & January 2014 / 232 update
PRACTICE
Future programmes to develop senior managers and chief executives will need to take less of a scattergun approach. These programmes must not only be sustainable but must be formal and structured to fill the skills gaps, which currently exist in the sector.
Managers & Team LeadersTrans-Innov8, a local training provider, has secured funding to help improve skills gap of managers in third sector organisations. This particular level of funding is to support new or aspiring leaders within this sector. Delegates can choose to complete one of the following programmes.
Leadership in third sector organisations
1. Clark (2007a), Voluntary Sector Skills Survey, London: NCVO
2. Green, H. (2009), State of the Sector Panel Survey, Cabinet Office
3. Hailey, J. & James, R. (2004) Trees die from the top, International Perspectives on NGO Leadership Development, Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organisations, 15 (4) 343-353
4. Hopkins, L. (2000), Mapping the Third Sector: A context for social leadership. A report prepared for Clore Social Leadership Programme. Available at www.theworkfoundation.com/Assets/Docs/Mapping%20the%20Third%20Sector.pdf
5. MacWilliam, I. (2010), Stages of team development. Available at: www.kowhownonprofit.org/people/teams/effectiveteam/stages/ ?searchterm=stages%20of%20development
6. Marsh, M. (2013), The Skills & Leadership Review. Available at: http://leadingsocial.org.uk/about
7. Rimmer, A (2013). Leadership and skills review calls for graduate training scheme for the voluntary sector. Third Sector. Available at: www.thridsector.co.uk/Management/article/1182570/Leadership-skills-review-callsgraduate-training-scheme-voluntary-sector
8. Moore M H. (2000). Managing for Value: Organizational Strategy in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Governmental Organizations. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. 29 (suppl 1), 183-208
9. Werther, W.B. & Berman, E.M. Third Sector Management: The Art of Managing Nonprofit Organizations. USA: Georgetown University Press. p3-27 & p28-38
Leadership Development Levels 2 or 3This programme is fully accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).
Diploma in Business Administration Levels 2 or 3 (Accredited by City and Guilds)Both these qualifications combine innovative design with a strong focus on workplace performance. This in turn delivers better quality personnel with higher levels of competency.
Glen Besley, Trans-Innov8: 07901 978727 / [email protected] / www.trans-innov8.com | Trans-Innov8 works in partnership with Track Training: www.tracktraining.co.uk
Tuesday 10 December 20139.00am to 1.00pm
Employing People and Data Protection, E-mail, the Internet and Social Media – How to Comply with the Law and Manage Disputes
This course covers two important and growing areas: how to comply with data protection law, and how to avoid and manage disputes arising from employees using email, internet and social media.
£55.00
Tuesday 14 January 20149.00am to 10.00am
Recent Developments in Employment Law
Get up to date with important changes, including those relating to holiday entitlement during periods of sick leave, whistle blowing, compromise agreements (renamed settlement agreements), tribunal fees for employees, compensation for unfair dismissal claims, and auto-enrolment into pension schemes.
£20.00
Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 January 20149.30am to 3.00pm (both days)
Intensive HR Management and Employment Law Skills
Are you new to managing employees and HR, or need a refresher? This two day course will cover key elements of HR and employment law, including managing recruitment, disputes, discrimination, flexible working, time off, sickness absence and dismissals.
£160.00
Thursday 6 February 20149.30am to 3.00pm
Improve your HR Management: Managing Employment Disputes, Sickness Absence, and Poor Performers
Employment disputes, sickness absence and poor performance can damage an organisation. This session will show you how to manage cases more efficiently and effectively, and to achieve a good result every time.
The trainer will explain how to resolve employment disputes early on, how to make your disciplinary and grievance processes work for your organisation, and how to manage staff on sick leave and poor performers effectively, encouraging them back to work and full performance where possible, but making dismissals where appropriate.
£95.00
Monday 17 February 2014
Commercial Skills Masterclasses for Public Service Delivery (Day 1)
A masterclass programme to build the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector’s commercial skills for public service delivery. Early booking is advised!
The masterclass programme is designed and delivered by a cross-sector partnership, ACEVO, AVANTA, Capita, Ingeus, NAVCA, NCVO, Serco and Social Enterprise UK. Funded by the Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office with pro-bono support from our private sector partners.
£25.00
Tuesday 18 February 2014
Commercial Skills Masterclasses for Public Service Delivery (Day 2)
See above.
£25.00
Tuesday 4 March 20149.30am to 15.00pm
Volunteers – Managing, Motivating and the Law
Volunteers are a valuable resource. This session will teach you how to manage your volunteers effectively, how to motivate and reduce turnover, best practice regarding documentation and training, and your legal duties, including volunteers’ rights.
£97.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS OR TRAINING COURSES:www.bvsc.org/bvsc-eventswww.bvsc.org/bvsc-training-courses
TRAINING COURSES
