Self-Directed Support Scotland (SDSS)
News archive
Equalities and Human Rights Roadshow
Come and meet the Equality and Human Rights Commissin Legal Team Rutherglen – Town Hall – 12th August 2009 Dunfermline - Vine Venue - 20th August 2009 Skye – Aros Venue – 14th September 2009 Dumfries – Cairndale Hotel – 16th September 2009 Dundee – West Park – 27th October 2009 The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. The Commission’s Scotland Legal Team is visiting the above locations, hosting a lunch and afternoon Information Session. You will have the opportunity to find out more about the Commission, discuss how we can work together and let us know what issues are most significant to you and your service users. Who should come: The event is for advice giving organisations, as well as frontline representatives of voluntary, community and educational organisations who give advice or assistance directly to the public. If unsure whether this would be relevant to your work, feel free to contact us to discuss. Agenda: A confirmed agenda will be sent out closer to the time. We would also like to hear your suggestions on the equality issues most relevant to you. Email or phone us with your thoughts. Booking a place: This event is FREE. However, spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please email roadshow@equalityhumanrights.com if you wish to attend and they will send a booking form. For further details please contact: James Andrew on 0141 228 5917 / David Reilly on 0141 228 5967.
BBC Children In Need
The next deadline for BBC Children in Need Grants is the 15th of January 2009. More information and application forms are available from their website at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants
Voluntary Action Fund's Community Chest
In September 2008, the Voluntary Action Fund launched Community Chest, a new grant aimed at small community groups across Scotland. They are particularly keen to fund community groups from Clackmannanshire, Inverclyde and South Ayrshire. The Community Chest will provide grants of up to £1,000 to help small community groups with an income of under £25,000 fund their activities. The aim of the Community Chest is to help build the capacity of groups in Scotland to deliver their activities. Groups in receipt of a grant will also have the opportunity to attend a number of free workshops covering topics such as charity law, making successful funding applications and managing money. More information and application pack is available at www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk
Awards for All
Awards for All Scotland is supported by the Scottish Arts Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund. They award grants of between £500 and £10,000 for people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, and projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community. For more information, visit their website at www.awardsforall.org.uk.
Lloyds TSB Foundation For Scotland
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland distributes its funds to recognised charities in Scotland which are focused on improving the quality of life and creating equality of opportunity for people in Scotland. This applies particularly to those who are disadvantaged and marginalised, with particular emphasis on grassroots charities, and organisations which help those most in need become self-sufficient or improve the quality of their lives. For more information, telephone 0870 902 1201 or visit their website at www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk
Comic Relief
Comic Relief is currently carrying out a review of its UK Grants programmes and will not be accepting applications for funding until early 2009. However, up to £5000 is still available in the Mental Health small grants programme, for user-led mental health groups. The deadline for this is the 12th of December 2008. For more information see www.comicrelief.com.
Big Lottery Fund Scotland (BIG)
Over the coming months, the BIG will be looking to make significant progress in developing how they do business in the next few years. They will be conducting a formal consultation giving everyone with an interest in where Lottery funding goes an opportunity to talk to them. Although this will be a UK-wide consultation, Scotland will have its own input from the Scottish Government, ensuring that BIG’s policy directions complement the Scottish Government’s vision for the coming years and add value. The UK consultation will kick off in November 2008, and run until the spring of 2009. They will be using a range of methods to gather views including regional events as well as online channels, so everyone should be able to get their point across. One key method of communication during the consultation will be by ebulletin. Register here.
Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme
The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has confirmed that its flagship volunteering investment fund is once more open for business. The Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme (VSGS) can provide grant for up to three years for projects that attract harder to reach volunteers. The philosophy behind VSGS is simple: that with dedicated resources, organisations can develop and sustain high quality volunteering opportunities for people who need more support to get involved; and that with this extra resource of volunteers, the organisation can enrich its services. Applications for One-off small grants of 5,000 to smaller organisations are considered throughout the year. For more information, phone 01383 620 780 or see www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk .
Launch of the Independent Living in Scotland project
The Independent Living in Scotland project will be launched in Edinburgh at 5.30pm on Monday 23rd March 2009 at Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. The launch will be a Question Time debate on issues for independent living in Scotland and this will be chaired by Shereen Nanjiani.
The Independent Living in Scotland project will work with disabled people and their networks and organisations to build the capacity of the Independent Living Movement in Scotland. The project aims to ensure that the Movement is better able to influence both national and local policy and services.
If you would like to attend the event, please phone to book 0141 228 5933 or email scotlandcommunication@equalityhumanrights.com by the 18th of March.
EHRC Roadshows
The Equality and Human Rights Commission champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
* Oban - 7th November 2008 Corran Halls
* Stirling - 21st January 2009 Stirling Management Centre
* Melrose - 11th February 2009 Tweed Horizons Centre
* Inverness - 25th February 2009 Drumossie Hotel
* Aberdeen - 18th March 2009 Exhibition & Conference Centre
The Commission's Scotland Legal Team is visiting the above locations on these dates, hosting lunches and afternoon Information Sessions.
You will have the opportunity to find out more about the Commission, discuss how we can work together and let us know what issues are most significant to you and your service users.
Who should come: These events are for advice giving organisations, as well as frontline representatives of voluntary, community and educational organisations who give advice or assistance directly to the public.
If unsure whether this would be relevant to your work, feel free to contact us to discuss.
Agenda: A confirmed agenda will be sent out closer to the time. We would also like to hear your suggestions on the equality issues most relevant to you. Email or phone us with your thoughts.
Booking a place: These events are FREE. However, spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Please email Email: roadshow@equalityhumanrights.com
stating which event you wish to attend and we will send a booking form. For further details please contact: James Andrew on 0141 228 5917 or David Reilly on 0141 228 5967.
With Respect to Old Age: Caring For Older People in Scotland
Monday 17th November 2008 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh. For more information, telephone 0131 270 7083 or see www.conferences.holyrood.com/content/view/664/142
Eradicating Child Poverty in Scotland
Monday 24 November 2008 at the Radisson SAS, Glasgow
According to the recently released Scottish Households Below Average Income statistics, there are currently 210,000 children in low income households and an additional 120,000 children suffering from absolute poverty in Scotland. In 1998, both the Scottish and UK Government pledged to eradicate child poverty by 2020. While some progress has been made, we are running the risk of not being able to meet these ambitious targets. Where do we go from here? What actions can we take now to get back on track to meeting these targets and keeping up the good work undertaken so far? Phone 0131 272 2133 or see http://conferences.holyrood.com/content/view/562/142/
Social Marketing: Changing Behaviour
Thursday 27 November Edinburgh, Murrayfield
This year’s conference will develop these themes, exploring how the techniques of social marketing can be applied to a broad range of social, health and environmental issues, across all sectors and by a wide range of organisations. If your organisation is concerned with changing people’s behaviour to improve society, whether you are in the public, voluntary or private sector, this conference will give you the knowledge and tools you need to develop an effective campaign. For more information, phone 0131 272 2133 http://conferences.holyrood.com/content/view/676/142/
Transforming The Public Sector: Where Are We Now?
Friday 5 December 2008 The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh
There is an inextricable link between public sector improvement and a strong Scottish economy - and particularly in the current economic climate it’s time to review where we go next in developing our public services. But what are the challenges facing Scotland’s public sector as the reform agenda continues? How do we respond to funding within a tight financial settlement and faltering economy? What about shared services, efficiency and rationalisation? Who delivers public services and how do we focus on improving lives? What about regulation, audit and inspection? And crucially what is happening with the changed relationship between central and local government? For more information, phone 0131 272 2133 http://conferences.holyrood.com/content/view/693/142/
Contact a Family Direct Payments Workshop
A free information workshop for professionals who work with disabled children and their families at Renfrield St Stephen's Church Centre, Glasgow, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm on Thursday 11th December 2008. Deadline for bookings is Wednesday the 3rd of December. Contact Family, Criagmillar Social Enterprise & Arts Centre, 11/9 Harewood Road, Edinburgh EH16 4NT Tel: 0131 659 2930 Email: scotland.office@cafamily.org.uk
AILN AGM
Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN) AGM
15th December 2008 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm
For more information, contact Evelyn on 01294 272260 or email mail@ailn.org
www.ailn.org
The Scottish Local Government Concordat: One Year Progress Report
Monday 26 January 2009 Venue TBC
The Scottish local government Concordat agreement - signed by the Scottish Government and COSLA at the end of 2007 - was billed at the time as an historic agreement for Scotland. The new funding deal, new policies and package of other measures, was based on “respect and partnership” and aimed to set a precedent and template for all future local and central government relationships. There was also a stated aim to “substantially” enhance the role of local government and stop micro-management of service delivery by central government. The development of Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) for each Council, other reductions in bureaucracy, a major reform of inspection regimes, monitoring and reporting, Councils retaining all their efficiency savings for the first time and reducing the number of separate funding streams were all pledges in the agreement. The concordat is already impacting on the work of organisations throughout the country. It aims to benefit users of local government services and the agreement directly affects service delivery and funding provided to a range of organisations, particularly in terms of the reductions in ring-fencing and competition over resources. But one year later what has it actually achieved? Has the Scottish Government been keeping its promises? Have local authorities kept their side of the bargain? Are local communities, NGOs, charities and others feeling the benefit or not? Has it succeeded in its aims at all? Where do we go next with the Concordat and how will it develop in future? For more information, phone 0131 272 2133 http://conferences.holyrood.com/content/view/642/142/
Hammersmith and Fulham introduce care charges after winning legal case
Campaigners have failed in their legal challenge to stop Hammersmith and Fulham Council in London from charging older and disabled people for home care. The rest of the article can be found here
Source: Community Care Date: 2 Jan 09
Self Directed Support for South Lanarkshire
Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is undertaking a pilot project to encourage the setting up of an independent, user-led self directed support agency in South Lanarkshire.
SDSS hope to find out if there are people in South Lanarkshire who want to become involved in taking this forward, and have arranged a series of meetings for this purpose. The meetings are aimed at people in receipt of Direct Payments or Independent Living Fund, or those who may be thinking of accessing them. They are on the following dates:-
Monday 26 January 2009 11 am-1.30 pm South Lanarkshire Lifestyles, Neilsland Road, Fairhill, Hamilton ML3 8HJ Wednesday
28 January 2009 10.30 am-1.00 pm South Lanarkshire Lifestyles, Harry Smith Complex, Thomas Taylor Avenue, Lanark ML11 7DG
Friday 30 January 2009 11 am-1.30 pm Murray Owen Centre, 1 Liddell Grove, Murray, East Kilbride G75 9AD
A snack lunch will be provided, and personal assistants will be available if required. If you wish to attend please telephone 0870 8507795 or email sdsscotland@btinternet.com and register your interest by Friday the 23rd of January.
EHRC - Interviewees Required
Do you have a story to tell about independent living? This could relate to how you achieved independent living, or if you are being hindered such as by a lack of awareness and service providers attitude, policy, funding, environments which are not inclusive perhaps. It could be a combination of many things. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is hosting the Independent Living in Scotland project and are producing a leaflet to give to stakeholders which tells them about the project and about independent living. We’d like to include real-life examples in the leaflet to help people better understand what the issues are and how independent living benefits disabled people and society at large. If you would be willing to talk to the person who is writing the leaflet during the week commencing 5th January, please contact Heather.Fisken@equalityhumanrights.com or by writing to Heather Fisken, Equality Human Rights Commission, Optima Building, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DU before that date.
Check the links on the left for related news.
EHRC has criticised the government's delay in signing the UN disability treaty
The UK's equality body - the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - has criticised the government's delay in signing the UN disability treaty. To read the rest of the article click here
Source: BBC news website Date: 6 Jan 2009
Independent Living In Scotland
Independent Living in Scotland is a new long term project which aims to help improve the daily lives of disabled people. More information is available on the Scottish Government's website
Source: Scottish Government Date: June 2008
Freedom of Information Awareness Remains Lower in Key Groups
Research published by the Scottish Information Commissioner has revealed that, while Scottish public awareness of freedom of information (FOI) is higher than ever before, the awareness amongst particular groups. The full article can be found here.
Source: Inclusion Scotland Date: 17 Dec 08
Launch of LCiL's Your Call service
A SUPPORT service run by and for disabled people has been launched in the city. In what is being used as a national pilot scheme and thought to be a European first, the telephone network involves professional counsellors who happen to be disabled giving advice to callers. To read more,click here
Source: The Scotsman Date: 5 Dec 08
Disability Movement Leaders Published Manifesto for 2009 European Elections
European Disability Forum (EDF) made public its 2009 European Election Manifesto “Nothing about Disabled People, Without Disabled People” today, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. To read the full press release, check here
Source: Inclusion Scotland Date: 3 Dec 2008
Campaign To End Child Poverty
Every Child Matters are campaigning to end child poverty for disabled children. To find out more, click click here
Source: Campaign To End Child Poverty Date: 2008
Counting The Cost
Families with disabled children are struggling with soaring cost of living and some families are going without basic food and heating. These are the findings of Counting the Costs, a survey and report from Contact a Family, the charity for families with disabled children. To read the full Counting The Cost report, click here click here
Source: Contact A Family Date: August 2008
