Welcome to the January edition of our newsletter, with new resources, funding opportunities, resources to support your practice and much more.

News

Intersectionality blog
We have been working with the HEAR network on our blog, ‘Intersectionality and Social Prescribing – in practice‘. This gives some great examples of best practice for link workers to help support their practice out in their communities.

Valuing strong communities: The Mark Carney Reith Lectures
Martin Brookes, chief executive of London Plus describes in his latest blog how Mark Carney’s Reith lectures can enhance our understanding of strong communities as a value in society.

Funding

Masonic Charitable Foundation- Funding to Support Vulnerable Older People
Local and national charities in England and Wales can apply for grants of between £500 – £15,000 for projects lasting up to three years that support vulnerable and disadvantaged people over 50. To be eligible the charity needs to have an annual income of below £500,000 per year.
The large grants programme will re-open for applications between the 1st February and the 31st March 2021.

A B Charitable Trust – Funding for Projects that Combat Abuse and Violation of Human Rights (UK)
UK-registered charities that work towards combating abuse and violations of human rights can apply for grants of up to £20,000. Applications are particularly welcomed from charities working to support migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Deadline: 31st January 2021.

Reports

New Report on BAME voluntary organisations
The Ubele Initiative has published a new report, Impact of Covid-19 on the BAME community and voluntary sector: A follow up, which suggests a national infrastructure body would help ensure BAME voluntary organisations can offer a “strong voice” for the sector.

Resources

Support available if you’re affected by Covid-19
Find out what support the government and other organisations are offering individuals affected by Covid-19. For example, if they’re out of work, need to get food, or want to take care of their mental health.

Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities
Friends Families and Travellers have created a directory for voluntary sector organisations working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in your area. They also have a helpline number, which is 01273 234 777 and they are open Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

Information tool for people with no recourse to public funds
This tool, created in partnership between the NRPF Network and COMPAS, gives information about where migrant families can get help with housing and financial support when they have no recourse to public funds. You can use this tool if you are a person needing help, adviser, or local authority practitioner considering an application for social services support.

Mind: Supporting mental health during Covid-19 
Mind have published information to help people experiencing mental health problems during the coronavirus pandemic or if their usual ways of supporting their mental health have been affected by coronavirus. They also have an advice page with tips on getting medication, accessing online therapy and using care services, and other ways to access treatment and support for mental health.

NHS Volunteers Service
The NHS Volunteers Service provide a telephone ‘check in and chat’ if someone has mental health issues and are feeling isolated due to shielding, have a long term condition, are self- isolating or have caring responsibilities. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) or visit the website.

LawWorks Covid-19 Resources for Small Charities
LawWorks have created a page containing Covid-19 specific guidance for small not for profit organisations who are looking for financial advice during the pandemic.