Author: Julie

COVID-19 COMMUNITY BUILDINGS and VILLAGE HALLS

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We have also been working alongside our umbrella body ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) as part of a national steering group to produce guidance for the reopening of community buildings post COVID-19 closure. The latest versions of these guides can be downloaded below:

Information Sheet – Re-opening Village and Community Halls post COVID-19 closure updated 20/07/20

Sample COVID-19 Risk Assessment for re-opening Village and Community Halls updated 20/07/20

Sample Risk Assessment for Hirers updated 20/07/20

On 30th June the Government released their ‘Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities’ document which can be accessed here

This guidance has been produced to support organisations to consider their legal responsibilities under Health and Safety Law and the Health Protection legislation. It outlines the current thinking on managing the safe reopening of community buildings for specific activities.

Contact Us
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s circumstances with us, or would like to talk through any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you have been working directly with our Village Hall Advisor Janice McColm  you can contact them in the usual ways or email info@teesvalleyruralaction.co.uk and your enquiry will be directed to a member of the team.

East Cleveland Villages Big Local – Next Steps and Plan moving forward

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A big Hello to you from Jeanette and Kevin,             

We have been asked by East Cleveland Villages Big Local to work with people living in the partnership area to help develop the next plan. We want to introduce ourselves and get your permission for some two-way communication.

Jeanette has worked in the East Cleveland Area previously and is delighted to be back. She has 35+ years of experience in Community Development and has been a volunteer in her own communities since the age of 14. A Scot by birth she has been settled in the North East for the past 18 years. Kevin has worked in International Development and in Community roles in Teesside over the past 15 years. He has a passion for resident led projects and loves to see increased confidence when local people get involved.

Big Local, was launched in 2010, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and managed by Local Trust, whose aim was and is to support YOU, to lead on creating lasting change in YOUR communities. The vision was to bring together local people with talent, ambitions, skills and energy who want to make their area an even better place to live. There is support for areas to also work with a range of partners, groups and organisations who can help you put your plans into action.

There have been a couple of plans since 2013 and you will no doubt remember such as the Klondike Cycle Race which takes in the 11 Big Local Areas, the Routes to Employment which is funded by East Cleveland Big Local and the Scarecrow Festival which has also received financial support. There has been a whopping £133,645.50 granted to local community groups/developments across the 11 areas over the last 3 or 4 years including local Brownie and Guide Groups, Allotments, Village Notice Boards, Luncheon clubs and different seasonal events.

However, it is now time to develop your final plan and colleagues from Social Enterprise Acumen and Tees Valley Rural Action have already started this process by finding out what local areas want. Following this we want to be in contact with local people who want to work with us helping to guide us in the development and direction of this plan.
We know you have been active in your community and would like your permission to make direct contact with you.

Please click here on the link to fill out your contact details and answer the 4 questions.

We look forward to working with you
Jeanette and Kevin

CoVid 19 VCSE online community

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VONNE and the North East Local Infrastructure Organisations have set up an online community via Knowledge Hub to provide a platform for VCSE organisations to communicate with each other and share information and resources as we work through these challenging times.  If you would like to join the group please request to join via the group web address: https://khub.net/group/ne-vcse-sector-supporting-each-other-in-responding-to-the-covid-outbreak  you will also have to register on the website so that other members can see who you are.

We hope this will be a useful resource for organisations to use to communicate with each other during this time.  The group has a library where you can share useful documents, a forum where you can talk to each other, a blog, events page and an ideas page.  We have set up some initial library and forum categories but please feel free to add your own.  VONNE and the LIOs will also be continuing their own mailings and keeping their websites up to date with guidance and information.

Coronavirus – advice for voluntary and community sector organisations

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This information is intended to help decide what steps you as an individual, your community or organisation may need to take in light of the spread of the covid-19 virus.

We’ll make every effort to keep this information up to date as possible.

Last updated 17th March 2020.

In these unprecedented times we understand these updates are daily and would like to reassure you our aim is to provide information as we receive it, but hope you understand we may not be able to do this in the time frame needed due to staffing and home working arrangements.

Currently our offices are open, this is likely to change, and we will be asking you to leave telephone messages with a short message/contact details so we can return your call with the answer to your question.

We are using digital technologies to enable us to work. Holding virtual staff meetings using Zoom, and encouraging staff, where able, to volunteer in their local communities by looking out for their neighbours or by joining one of the Covid-19 Mutual Aid groups.

What is the coronavirus? 

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. This strain, covid-19, is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in January 2020.

What are the symptoms? 

The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has covid-19 infection:

  • A cough
  • A high temperature
  • Shortness of breath

If you are worried about symptoms, please call NHS 111 or go to the NHS 111 coronavirus advice website. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.

The latest advice and developments on the covid-19 situation can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Full Fact has generated a fact check page to help dispel any false information about the virus.

What’s the best way to prevent the spread of covid-19? 

  • Wash your hands often with soap (or soap substitutes) and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This is particularly important after taking public transport.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. You can download a ’Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ poster (PDF, 940KB) for your workplace from the NHS.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Follow Government advice is to reduce social contact including working from home where possible.

Resources

Key up-to-date information from the government: 

Sector-specific guidance 

Risk management 

Travel advice 

Support for other groups

Diabetes UK has an information page for people living with diabetes

Asthma UK has a blog post with advice for people with asthma

The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with health problems

The National Eczema Society has offered advice on handwashing techniques for people with eczema and other skin conditions

SignHealth has created British Sign Language (BSL) videos to help deaf BSL users either working in charities or receiving support

Carers UK has produced recommendations for those with caring responsibilities

Housing Justice has issued advice to homeless shelters

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Primary Immunodeficiency UK and the Mental Health Foundation have all issued advice and support.

Stay up to date

Keep up to date with the latest public information and advice regarding the virus at gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public, and for more specific advice for the VCSE sector, here are some more useful resources:

The Small Charities Coalition is monitoring the situation and updates will be posted with the relevant date and time at smallcharities.org.uk/insurance-and-risk.

NCVO has also published further useful information including:

  • updates on sick leave and reducing social contact in line with the government’s current recommendations
  • updates on holding events, board meetings and AGMs
  • additions to contingency planning and how insurance will be impacted
  • a new section on what to expect from funders

Take part in VE celebrations

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Take part in VE celebrations

The Armed Forces Charity have been in touch and would like to include rural communities in the celebration of VE Day. 

8th – 10th May 2020 will see the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.  There will be many celebrations being undertaken in villages and community halls.

If you would like any information or like to spread the word to your communities please click below to download an information file. Download Here

Please be kind enough to register your involvement by going to the VE Day 75 Website – www.veday75.org as soon as possible or by no later than 1st May 2020.

Registering enables them to keep in touch with you, update you on progress, and inform the media of your participation nearer the time, as well as letting local people know what is happening in their area.  The website also has lots of top tips, and downloads for you to use and share along with up and coming press releases for you to edit.

 

 

National Village Hall Census Launched

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Following on from a highly successful Village Halls’ Week that involved over 700 village halls from across the country, actively engaged 18 MP’s and attracted coverage from Countryfile, national Newspapers and resulted in #villagehallsweek trending on Twitter. ACRE has now launched its national survey of village halls, following up on the last survey carried out 10 years ago.

ACRE carried out national surveys in 1988, 1998 and 2009 these all paved the way for essential license changes, informing policy and securing the recent £3m improvement grant fund.

ACRE will use the data collected to help secure funding for halls, to ensure that advice and information adapts to the challenges facing volunteer hall committees and that the ACRE Network can continue to provide the very best support.

ACRE wants to encourage all kinds of community buildings that provide facilities for their communities to take part. Not just traditional village halls but community centres, sports pavilions, church halls, churches providing community use, community centres, WI halls and community pubs providing meeting rooms.

ACRE’s Deborah Clarke commented ”Whilst it’s essential for us to have the hard data as evidence to support our work the information collected will paint a picture of the social and economic impact on communities of having a hall in their community and it provides a detailed look at social change over time. We are extremely grateful to all the hall committees that give their time to manage village halls and will take the time to complete this survey”

Too find out more the Survey has a dedicated page on the ACRE website.

Survey instructions it is advisable to read these before starting the process.

Copy of the questions to view ahead of completing the survey you may like to discuss this with your committee members

Please allow around an hour to complete the survey

This is the link to complete the survey on-line.

Please share this message with any community facility in your area so we can get the as many responses as possible.

#BigLocalCommunityConversations …… still time to have your say……

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EAST CLEVELAND RESIDENTS HAVE YOUR SAY AT YOUR VILLAGE’S #BIGLOCALCOMMUNITYCONVERSATIONS

Residents and local businesses are being encouraged to share their ideas on how they would like to improve opportunities and facilities within eleven villages in East Cleveland.

#BigLocalConversations have already taken place in Liverton, New Skelton, Charltons, Boosbeck and Loftus with further conversations due to take place in Easington, Lingdale, Skinningrove and Liverton Mines.

East Cleveland Big Local Villages, Tees Valley Rural Action and Social Enterprise Acumen are working in partnership to host a series of conversations to bring together local talent, skills, energy, individuals, groups and organisations who want to make a difference in the community where they live.

Rita Lawson, CEO of Tees Valley Rural Action, the Locally Trusted Organisation providing support and guidance to the East Cleveland Villages Big Local and managing the funds on their behalf, commented: “East Cleveland’s Big Local programme is now half way through its 10 years and following a refresh of the Partnership, under the leadership of their new Chair, Linda White from Carlin How, they are now looking to put together an action plan for the remaining five years.

“We are hoping to generate new ideas and fresh thinking to help us to improve opportunities instead of focusing on many of the same ideas on how we can spend the funds. This is about engaging with the 11 villages that make up the East Cleveland Big Local area and looking at how to challenge the status quo and come together more closely to make a lasting change in their villages. It is also about harnessing the skills and enthusiasm of individuals who would not ordinarily get involved in such initiatives so that there is a legacy of community champions in the eleven villages of East Cleveland.”

Social entrepreneur Kate Welch OBE and CEO of Social Enterprise Acumen CIC commented: “We’re keen to hear people’s views on why they love to live where they live, what ideas they have to make it an even better place and how they can help to make their ideas a reality.”

Back in 2012, £1m was awarded for 10 years to help to make a lasting difference to each of the eleven villages in the East Cleveland Big Local area. Villages include Boosbeck, Carlin How, Charltons, Dunsdale, Easington, Lingdale, Liverton Mines, Loftus, Margrove Park, New Skelton and Skinningrove.

East Cleveland Villages Big Local funding currently has five priorities, improving access to employment and services, encouraging enterprise, further business development in the area, promote tourism and bring communities together so they live healthier lifestyles and ensure all families and individuals have support for their needs within their local community. However, these are subject to change following the report as a result of each of the #BigLocalConversations.

At the heart of The National Lottery’s Big Local is to empower local people, help them to become more resilient and dynamic where people and communities flourish by making decisions on what is best for them and the area in which they live.

For further information on East Cleveland Villages Big Local visit www.ecvbiglocal.co.uk or Social Enterprise Acumen visit www.socialenterpriseacumen.co.uk

Big Local Conversations will take place on the following dates, times and locations across East Cleveland.

If you have missed your date don’t worry Kate and the team would love to hear from you and you can still be involved using the contacts above.

• Liverton                Wed 22 Jan, 3-6pm                       Liverton Village Hall
• New Skelton        Thurs 23 Jan, 3-6pm                     Hollybush Activity Centre
• Charltons              Wed 29 Jan, 3:30pm-6.30pm     Charltons Village Hall
• Boosbeck              Thurs 30 Jan, 3-5:45pm               Boosbeck Village Hall
• Carlin How            Tues 4 Feb, 3-6pm                        Carlin How Village Hall
• Margrove Park     Wed 5 Feb, 3-6pm                         Margrove Village Hall
• Easington              Thurs 6 Feb, 3-6pm                      Easington Community Centre
• Skinningrove        Tues 11 Feb, 3-6pm                        Skinningrove Village Hall
• Lingdale                 Thurs 13 Feb, 4-6:30pm               Lingdale Village Hall
• Dunsdale               Thurs 25 Feb, 3-6pm                    Baby Moon, Dunsdale
• Loftus                     Tues 28 Feb, 3-6pm                      Venue TBC
• Final Event            TBC to take place at the beginning of March 2020

    

Velo29 Events Sponsored by East Cleveland Villages BIG Local Bring to You The 4th Klondike Grand Prix

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The 4th Klondike Grand Prix, an Elite Race on a Circuit and the opening round of the HSBC Spring Cup!

Velo29 Events Sponsored by ‘East Cleveland Villages BIG Local’ a lottery funded group of 11 Villages in East Cleveland to develop, support and create a lasting legacy to the people of East Cleveland.

All the biggest teams and riders will descend upon Guisborough on the 19th April 2020 for this now well established early season classic. The circuit is one of attrition, it favours the strong rider, not really a climbers circuit despite the 3 significant hills on each of the 3 main laps.

The Elite race will start at 12:00 prompt and rollout through to Dunsdale. The flag will drop as we turn right to Sandy Lane (Errington woods) and the racing will start immediately, the riders will turn right through New Marske, onto the A174, we join the main circuit at 4 Lane ends, it’s over 100 miles to complete the circuit the riders will do 3 laps, then one small lap, then return home from Boosbeck, Margrove Park, Charltons, Slapewath back to Guisborough via Whitby Road for the nail biting finish!

The finish line will be at Westgate Guisborough in front of Sunnyfield House where huge crowds will gather to enjoy the excitement. A great race for Elite riders to take part in and for the crowds to enjoy.

Keep in touch with all the developments over at Velo29 Events and East Cleveland Villages BIG Local

             

 

TVRA Launch Village Hall Tool Kit for #Villagehallsweek 2020

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Thanks to the The National Lottery Community Fund, TVRA are proud to present the launch of the Tees Valley Village Hall Tool Kit during #villagehallsweek

Village halls are often the only public space/facility available to the community in rural areas, many of whom are socially isolated due to lack of public transport and face ever decreasing local services.  Village halls can provide a vital space for the delivery of services, as well as a space for many cultural, recreational and social activities. Without our army of volunteers these vital community spaces would not survive.

Village halls are generally managed by wonderful volunteers who, although committed to providing a well maintained and a well used facility, often require support around the minefield that is rules and regulations. This includes an awareness of the laws pertaining to public buildings, to name just a few; data protection, health & safety and  financial management, these ensure sustainability in an ever changing and increasingly complex and challenging world. Many rural village halls work in isolation, only utilising resources which are available in their own communities.

Over the last 12 months staff at TVRA have been compiling a resource register and an easy to read tool kit to support those first steps for new and refresh for established volunteers, a copy of which will be given to each rural village hall at our annual conference to help increase the availability of assets, expertise and resources enabling village halls management committees and community groups using the halls to tackle these issues in a more proactive way, bringing people together and building stronger relationships in and across communities.

Our Village Hall Tool Kit will be added to and updated on a regular basis, when we launch new fact sheets, which you can add to your kit and keep this useful resource up to date.

For those village halls who are not attending this years action packed conference, don’t worry we will be visiting to deliverer them to you direct over the coming months.

Feel free to invite us along to your up and coming meetings.  Thanks to our friends at County Print, Middlesbrough for all their fabulous service, support and help with the design/print.

 

 

#VillageHallsWeek 2020 its here

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Defra and MPs will meet communities awarded funds from the Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund to Kick off Village Halls Week 2020

Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) run the annual campaign Village Halls Week which celebrates the community spaces at the heart of rural communities. This year promises to be extra special as the week kick starts in the House of Commons.

London may not seem like the natural setting for a rural celebration, but numerous village halls will make their way into the capitol to meet Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Defra’s Rural Minister and their MPs.

The halls taking part have all been successful in receiving awards from The Treasury, Defra and ACRE’s £3m Village Halls Improvement Grant Fund which was launched in April 2019 by ACRE, Lord Gardiner and Robert Jenrick MP, previously Exchequer Secretary at The Treasury. The grant exists to helps older halls with repairs and improvements, meaning they may continue to serve their communities and avoid facing closure.

Village Halls Week is a national campaign which celebrates the services provided by halls and the volunteers making it possible. Many halls provide a space for shops, cafes, pop up pubs, nurseries and doctors. They are an essential part of rural life. Village Halls Week ran for the first time in 2018 and this year 650 halls are due to take part in the campaign.

There are 10,000 village halls and other community buildings in England’s rural communities, providing a hub for public events, social activities and other vital services such as hosting a post office.  With rural areas seeing diminishing services and social facilities village halls play a key huge part in bringing communities together and tackling social isolation.

Tees Valley Rural Action currently supports in excess of 70 rural village halls across the region, who we are encouraging to join in this year’s celebrations.   We are hosting our own Village Halls Conference on Thursday 23rd January Emmanuel Church Hall, Saltburn, where over 50 village halls volunteers and/or representatives will enjoy an action-packed agenda.  This is our 3rd year of holding a village halls conference and to mark this we are doing a poetry competition, a role-play by trustees titled “Meetings, Blooming Meetings!” and presenting the Village Halls Toolkit thanks to funding from Big Lottery Community Fund. Every Tees Valley village hall will receive a free copy to take away.

Rita Lawson CEO, “Village halls and community buildings are the nucleus of any community providing a venue for social, professional and educational activities.  All of these buildings are run on a daily basis by willing and enthusiastic volunteers and without them these vital facilities would be lost.  It is good to have this conference as we can bring together as many of the village hall volunteers as possible to celebrate what I term as ‘jewels in the crown’ which continue to thrive for the next generation who will benefit from them.”