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In this week's edition...
- CLINKS NEWS: Covid-19 updates
- CLINKS BLOG: RR3 SIG on Covid-19
- CLINKS EVENTS: online meetings and hang outs
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: government Covid-19 documents
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: research fellowships on women in the criminal justice system
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: supporting prisoners and families
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: magazine and virtual exhibition
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: future of prison mental health care
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: in-cell learning packs
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: mental health support for young people
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: improving data collection
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: friends and families of prisoners
- VOLUNTARY SECTOR NEWS: impact of Covid-19 on charities
- FUNDING: children affected by domestic abuse
- FUNDING: young people at risk of youth violence
- FUNDING: arts, health and medical welfare
- FUNDING: Covid-19 loan schemes
- NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS AND TRAINING
- FEATURED VACANCY: CEO
- CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES
- TIPS OF THE WEEK
- EXTRA INFORMATION
CLINKS NEWS: Covid-19 updates
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has published its report on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on charities, after receiving evidence from over 70 charities, including Clinks. The Committee shares concerns that the £750 million support from the government is not enough to prevent charities from closing and the lack of transparency in allocating funds means deserving organisations will lose out. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has made additions to its Q&A page for friends and families of prisoners including answers on how families are informed if a prisoner tests positive for Covid-19. Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show: 386 prisoners have tested positive across 74 prisons; 433 prison staff have tested positive across 67 prisons; and 15 Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) staff have tested positive. Read more updates here
CLINKS BLOG: RR3 SIG on Covid-19
At the meeting on 30th April, the group discussed the possible implications of findings of an interim assessment of the strategies implemented in prison in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The assessment suggests that the approach taken by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to limit infections in the estate has largely been successful in preventing an ‘explosive outbreak’ of Covid-19 in prisons. The group feels the government’s Covid-19 population management strategy for prisons indicates a possible shift away from a focus on early release. They also discussed ways to improve how they work with officials to make sure the voluntary sector and the government can support each other to improve outcomes at this difficult time. Read more here
CLINKS EVENTS: online meetings and hang outs
During this challenging time, we are hosting online meetings and virtual hang outs [11th-21st May | online | free] to bring voluntary organisations together to share experiences, updates and challenges. Our criminal justice network meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the impact on and responses of services working within the criminal justice system during the Covid-19 pandemic. They will also include a policy update from Clinks. Our members hang outs are an informal space to chat, share your experiences and stay connected. Browse our upcoming events and register here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: government Covid-19 documents
Howard League and Prison Reform Trust have published key documents giving further information on the government’s response to coronavirus in prisons. Lawyers for the organisations wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice last month, threatening legal action. They have now been granted permission to publish the government’s reply. The documents reveal the government was warned in late March that as many as 3,500 people in prison could die during the pandemic. This is in stark contrast to updated advice published a month later, which estimated 100 people would die. Howard League and Prison Reform Trust have since written another letter to the Secretary of State, warning that the current conditions - said to have been containing the virus so far - are unsustainable in the medium to longer term. Read more here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: research fellowships on women in the criminal justice system
The deadline for applications to the Griffins Society Research fellowship programme for 2020-21 is approaching. Just two fellowships are available this year: the first is for research proposals on any aspect of the treatment of women in prison; the second is for proposals that focus on the impact on black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) young or adult women, within any part of the criminal justice system. The Griffins Society particularly welcomes applications from BAME practitioners. The deadline to apply is noon on Friday 29th May. To express an interest in applying, please e-mail the Director Chris Leeson Chris.Leeson@thegriffinssociety.org
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: supporting prisoners and families
Spurgeons Children’s Charity, which provides family support and services from visitors’ centres at prisons across the country, is collaborating with prisons and their partners to put in place a broad programme of help for prisoners and loved ones who are struggling to cope without prison visits. Their support includes: letter writing packs provided for both prisoners and their children to help keep in touch, including writing paper, colouring sheets and envelopes; a children’s resource pack including a selection of activities, worksheets and child-friendly information about coronavirus and other topics; and self-study parenting packs to help continue the learning prisoners have already started but has had to be postponed until the resumption of prison visits. Read more here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: magazine and virtual exhibition
The summer issue of The View Magazine, a magazine by and for women in prison and those serving community sentences, contains recipes by 2017 Bake Off winner Ruby Tandoh with ingredients that women can buy in the prison canteen, as well as exercises to combat stress and anxiety, art, prose, poetry and case studies directly from women prisoners. It has been made possible by British artists including: Anish Kapoor, Fiona Graham McKay and Conrad Shawcross who donated artworks for auction. Their works can be viewed online now and a virtual exhibition and auction will begin on 21st May. The first 20 Clinks members who subscribe receive 20% discount (£16 a year for four issues instead of £20) by entering code: 3f4gum. View the artworks here and subscribe here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: future of prison mental health care
The Centre for Mental Health has launched a call for evidence for a NHS England/Improvement commissioned review to guide the future of prison mental health care in England. Since this review was commissioned, the nation was struck by the Covid-19 outbreak. Covid-19 poses significant problems in a prison environment, including a significant mental health challenge in an already challenging environment, for those who reside and those who work in prisons. The review will also address how such crises should be managed. The Centre for Mental Health will review the literature, run a number of consultation events/webinars across England and conduct telephone interviews, but is also seeking written evidence (no more than 1000 words) which can be submitted by email. More information can be found here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: in-cell learning packs
In response to Covid-19, Junction 42 has created an in-cell Creative Arts curriculum, and is producing and distributing creative packs to prisons across the country. Each pack focuses on a different technique including quilling cards, sketching, pad art, photo-frame making, calligraphy cards and match-stick modelling. There are six different skills packs already developed, with another five in the pipeline; allowing prisons to sign up individuals to the curriculum, and participants to receive a different pack each week. Please be aware, it will take 5 working days from the point of ordering for packs to be sent out. If you are interested in purchasing or finding out more, please contact info@junction42.org. View images of the packs, finished projects and a breakdown of the contents for security purposes here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: mental health support for young people
The Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All) International Institute in partnership with the FRED youth-led campaign are proud to launch the "You are not Alone" project in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The project provides free food, PPE and a helpline with a particular focus on young people whose mental health has been affected in Southwark. Tailored information, free games, classes and resources are also included on the project website. The helpline (0333 332 4050) is open 10am-10pm Monday to Sunday. RJ4All’s team of young volunteers are able to speak about any concerns or difficulties young people have and to offer mental health support and practical advice. See more here
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: improving data collection
Read The Traveller Movement’s latest blog about improving data collection of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (GRT) across the criminal justice system. Good data is a vital component in addressing GRT disproportionality in the criminal justice system, improve health outcomes, and making a case for change. Read more here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: friends and families of prisoners
Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has made further additions to its Q&A page on Gov.uk for friends and families of prisoners. The additions include answers to new FAQs including questions relating to the continued supply of medication and how families are informed if a prisoner tests positive for Covid-19. Around 60% of cells now have in-cell telephony, and there are contingency measures in place to ensure prisoners can maintain contact with their family via other means. See the full Q&A here
VOLUNTARY SECTOR NEWS: impact of Covid-19 on charities
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has published its report on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on charities. The Committee found that the £750 million support package from the government is not enough to meet the voluntary sector’s needs. Clinks raised concerns to the Committee about this funding being restricted to charities responding directly to Covid-19. The Committee has taken this concern on board and recommended that additional funding be secured for voluntary organisations facing financial pressures, even if they are not directly involved in the frontline response to Covid-19. The Committee also shares the sector’s concerns about the transparency of the funding and has recommended that the government publish clear and comprehensive guidance about funding criteria and how to apply. Read the report here
FUNDING: children affected by domestic abuse
Northumbria PCC has announced £120,000 funding for local charities, voluntary and community groups and social enterprises in Northumbria who provide support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Groups can apply for capital or resource funding for projects that focus on: provision during the Covid-19 crisis and in a period of recovery designed to intervene early to help children and young people who have been directly or indirectly affected; innovative ways to deliver support and provide access to services at this time within the social distancing guidelines; spend that meets a new need that has emerged as part of the current Covid-19 crisis and must help to sustain and enhance existing valuable work and support recovery. Apply before 22nd May here
FUNDING: young people at risk of youth violence
The Youth Endowment Fund’s Covid-19 grant round is now open, providing £6.5m to fund and evaluate work which supports vulnerable young people at risk of youth violence, and can be delivered whilst adhering to UK government social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines. The average grant size will be £50,000. Find out more and apply before 3rd June here
FUNDING: arts, health and medical welfare
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust has grants available in the range of £500-£5,000 for UK Registered Charities operating in the fields of the advancement of the arts, health and medical welfare and environmental protection or improvement. The majority of the Trust’s grants are single grants over a one-year period. The Trustees will consider applications for core costs or projects, and they also consider applications for matched funding. Find out more and apply before 18th June here
FUNDING: Covid-19 loan schemes
The government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan available is £50,000. The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is also available from the government to help small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million. More charities can access this scheme since a restriction was recently lifted. Registered charities now do not need to show that half their income comes from trading to be eligible. Find out more here and here
NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS AND TRAINING
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Funding the charity sector in a time of increased need and economic decline | 15th May | online | free | Details
FEATURED VACANCY: CEO
Nepacs is seeking an experienced, values-based CEO [£55000 circa (dependent on experience), full time, Durham] who is excited by the opportunity to lead the organisation into its future development. The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following: have previously gained Board level leadership experience within the voluntary sector and have a good understanding of criminal justice issues; passionate about what Nepacs stands for and demonstrably able to connect with the organisation; being an outward facing leader; experienced at winning commissioned services, understanding complex funding streams and maintaining relationships with stakeholder groups; determined and resilient; and possess a strong political antenna, with the ability to build “influencing” relationships. Find out more and apply before 29th May here
CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES
Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Peer Advisor and Placement Coordinator with St. Giles Trust [Yorkshire], Research and Evaluation Lead with Changing Lives [Gateshead], Lecturer in Maths 50% with Weston College [HMP Coldingley], Engager Worker with Imagine Independence [Liverpool], Finance Manager with The IARS International Institute [London], Criminal Justice Recovery Coordinator with Humankind [Newcastle], Chair of the Management Board with Recoop [Bournemouth]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here
TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Tip I: Hanging flower pots in assorted colours. Details
- Tip II: Three issues of National Geographic Traveller for £1. Details
- Tip III: BBQ grill mats up to 84% off. Details
EXTRA INFORMATION
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