Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 363 | 10th October 2014

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS BLOG: visiting an enterprising women's prison

Joe Gardham went to HMP Askham Grange recently to visit our member Together Women, and also meet a relatively new company who are setting up call centres in prisons across England. Joe reports back on the inspirational way Together Women are helping residents prepare for release by supporting them to set up their own businesses whilst still serving their sentences. Census Data Group already have call centres in ten prisons, and have the commitment from another 17 prison governors - an innovative resettlement scheme which could have a significant impact on reducing reoffending. Read Joe's blog here

CLINKS EVENT: tackling inequality across the justice system

Clinks is hosting a half day seminar, ‘Tackling Inequality within the Criminal Justice System’ [26th November 2014, London, free]. Together with a range of equalities groups we will explore successful approaches to achieving change on equality issues within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in the current political and financial climate. Topics covered will include: challenges faced by equalities groups and how they overcome them; the issues that could be raised and addressed with potential Tier 1 providers; and tips and recommendations for others trying to raise and address equality issues within the CJS. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS REQUEST: last chance to tell us your story

Over 100 organisations have completed our State of the Sector survey, but it will be closing very soon so make sure you do not miss this opportunity to tell your story. The information you submit is very valuable as it provides us with evidence of what is happening to the voluntary sector and the service users you support; this evidence strengthens our case when we lobby decision makers on your behalf. To fill the survey out, you will need to hand information about your organisation’s finances, staffing, number of beneficiaries and strategy. Please help us build up our evidence base, fill out the survey here

CLINKS GUEST BLOG: negotiating with the private sector

As part of Clinks’ Ministry of Justice funded programme of work to support the voluntary sector working in the Criminal Justice System through the challenges of the coming year and beyond, Mike Harvey, a Director at Candour Collaborations, has written a series of blogs covering the different stages of a negotiation, things you should consider, and key points to keep in mind throughout the negotiation process. The first in the series starts with the most fundamental, but often overlooked fact: 'When you agree a contract you don’t get what your organisation deserves, you get what you negotiate!" Read Mike's blog here

CLINKS GUEST BLOG: who cares about CRCs?

Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) are central to the reforms underpinning the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) programme, but it’s not always obvious to supply chain partners what the impact of these organisations could be. Emily Jolley, until recently Director of ACEVO Solutions, looks at the role of CRCs and poses some questions about the impact they will have on the Criminal Justice System. Read Emily's guest blog here

ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: change of name and join us on Facebook

The Arts Alliance has changed its name to the 'National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice'. Kate Davey explains: "After discussion with our Steering Group and stakeholders, we have changed our name from the Arts Alliance to make what we do even clearer to outside parties and to avoid confusion with other organisations. We will continue as before with the four main strands of our work: conducting and commissioning research into the impact of arts in the Criminal Justice System, policy-influencing, publicising the work of organisations and individuals within the sector, and encouraging good practice. To coincide with our name change, and as part of an Arts Council England funded project, we also have a new, easily navigable website, which you can see here and you can also now join us on Facebook".

COMMISSIONING: housing difficult clients in Bedford

Bedford Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of housing related support services for single homeless people who have housing related support needs. This is likely to include people who have one or more of the following issues: a history of repeat homelessness; difficult or challenging behaviour; substance misuse issues; and a history of offending. The million pound contract has a deadline of 21st October for submitting expressions of interest. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: helping young people get a business idea off the ground

Shell LiveWIRE Innovation Awards are available to new UK business owners aged 16-30 who have an innovative business idea and require funding to help bring their enterprise plans to life. A monthly prize of £2,000 will be awarded to the young entrepreneur with the most innovative business ideas. Applicants may enter as a sole trader, partnership or limited company. The deadline for entries is midnight on the last day of each month. The next closing date is 31st October 2014. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: small grants for organisations in London

Grants of up to £20,000 are available for organisations in Greater London that advance citizenship or community development. Advancing community development involves creating opportunities for the community to learn new skills and, by enabling people to act together, helps further social inclusion and equality. The Postcode Trust is looking for projects that engage local communities and leave a positive long term impact beyond the duration of funding. Priority will be given to projects that are focused on improving life for disadvantaged groups and encouraging their inclusion within society. The deadline for applications is 7th November. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: homelessness symposium

Cymorth Cymru are hosting 'UK Homelessness Symposium' [17th October, Cardiff, from £95] to bring together speakers and delegates from across the UK to discuss policy, practice and innovation in homelessness provision and prevention. Tying in with the new Housing (Wales) Act, there will be a focus on homelessness prevention, given the new duty on local authorities to prevent homelessness. The event will also include practical sessions looking at best practice in both preventing and dealing with homelessness. Follow proceedings on Twitter with #ukhomelessness2014 and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: combating isolation for adults with learning disabilities

'Adults with learning disabilities living in the community: combating isolation and supporting well-being and resilience' is a Lemos&Crane event [20th November, London, from £222] for practitioners working with adults with learning disabilities that will bring together leading experts, front-line practitioners and innovative professionals to consider how adults with learning disabilities living in the community can be supported to combat isolation, harassment and abuse and build long-term resilience and well-being. Speakers and delegates will include people with learning disabilities as well as support staff, managers and policy makers. Find out more and book here

CLINKS PARTNER'S CONFERENCE: young and homeless

Homeless Link is hosting a one day 'Young and homeless conference' [19th November, London, from £175] to look at how to prevent youth homelessness alongside approaches to housing, health and employment support that can really make a difference. Half of young people using homeless services in England are under 25. Without the right support, they are at greater risk of developing complex problems and becoming homeless again in later life. Find out more and book your place here

NON-MEMBER'S EVENTS & TRAINING

'Justice and Rehabilitation Partnership Event' | 27th October, Bolton, free | Email for details

PUBLICATION: how art makes a difference in prison

"In 2013, I was sentenced to just over a year in custody. For some inmates this would be considered ‘a shower and a shave’, but to me it was a terrifying and life-changing prospect. It’s a strangely numbing experience; a process of detachment from loved ones, society, and from normal life. Once the fear eased, it became a constant battle to find a meaning or variation in each day, some way of coping – ultimately, a distraction from feeling your life tick away. I believe the opportunities to see and create art while in prison cannot be deemed a luxury; they should be seen as an inalienable right, and a tool for rehabilitation. I have seen first-hand its considerable power, and I feel I have a duty to share that message." Read the impact art had on a prisoner in the National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice blog here

PUBLICATION: prisoners' views on education

Prisoners' Education Trust's latest report, Brain Cells, is the third edition in a bi-annual series of analysis of prisoners' views on education. In the report’s foreword, the Rt Hon Lord Harry Woolf, writes: "It is essential that all prisoners, but especially those serving significant sentences are encouraged to make as constructive use as is possible of periods spent in custody. Learning can be the most constructive way to do this. It can help prisoners cope with imprisonment, maintain well-being and achieve the skills that will assist them to lead a lawful and useful life after release." Read the report here

OPPORTUNITY: connect with young people doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award

Do you currently work with volunteers aged 14+, or are you interested in engaging them with your organisation? Whether you are looking for practical volunteers, fundraisers or campaigners engaged in social action The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) want to hear from you! Young people doing their DofE are looking for opportunities and the Award team can help you connect with them. To find out more, email abigail.saunders@dofe.org

OPPORTUNITY: shape health service commissioning in London

Do you or someone you care for have experience of using the justice system? If so come and help the NHS shape how health services are commissioned and delivered across London’s justice system. In exchange for your participation, NHS England London Regional Team will: train and support you to take part; offer on-going supervision to help manage this work; and pay travel and out of pocket expenses. For more information or to take part email v.giovanni@inspirit-training.org.uk

OPPPORTUNITY: promote your good practice with BAME young people

The Youth Justice Board (YJB) would like to identify examples of programmes of work being delivered by voluntary sector organisations that have improved the outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) young people. Specifically they are looking at programmes/interventions in establishments to address behaviour management issues. They would also welcome submissions more generally in regards to specific programmes delivered in the community for BAME young people. Find out more and submit your examples of good practice here

GOVERNANCE: reforming social investment by charities

'Social Investment by Charities - The Law Commission's Recommendations' summarises the Law Commission's recommendations concerning social investment by charities following the April 2014 consultation on the subject. Although the current law governing social investment by charities, in particular charity trustees' powers and duties, generally permits charities to make social investments, the Commission acknowledges issues, including: uncertainty as to the adequacy of trustee powers; misconception that charity trustees have a duty to maximise financial returns when making a social investment; misconceptions about the type of social investments that a charity can make. Read the report here

CAMPAIGN: world homeless day is today!!

Cymorth Cymru's #LifeBeginsatHome campaign, launched on World Homeless Day, highlights the reasons why people may face difficulty in maintaining a stable home, and raises awareness of the many services in Wales that are available to help. Having a stable home plays a crucial role in enabling people to lead independent, successful lives, and contribute positively to society. However, for many people and for many reasons, maintaining a safe, secure home is not always possible without help. Find out how you can get involved here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Member’s vacancies this week include: a Programme Coordinator with Music in Detention [Portsmouth], an Administrative Assistant with User Voice [London], a Finance Coordinator [Doncaster], an Assistant Support Worker, a Support Worker and a Temporary Support Worker with Changing Lives [The Fells], an Advice and Information Officer with the Prison Reform Trust [London]. For more information about these vacancies and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Started your festive shopping yet? If you're doing any online, get free cashback on your purchases. Last year Light Lunch readers reported saving hundreds on their Christmas shopping! It also works for utilities, insurance etc. - free money, what's not to like?! Details
  • Tip of the week II: The free TicketySplit tool crunches thousands of advance & walk-on train ticket combos to check if you can split and save. This can save lots of money, especially over longer or more complicated journeys. Details
  • Tip of the week III: For £99 two people can stay at The Metropole Hotel in Powys (usual price £237). Deal includes 6 course tasting menu, glass of champagne, breakfast and use of facilities. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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Clinks

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