Time to Change grants fund - now open for applications

The Time to Change grants fund, for projects that tackle mental health discrimination, is now open for applications.

The fund is aimed at projects that change attitudes and behaviour by engaging local communities in meaningful conversations about mental health. It particularly encourages applications from projects run in partnership by one or more organisations.

The fund is now open for the first round of applications. The deadline for applications is 2pm on 30 March. Grants will be awarded in May 2012.

For full details and how to apply click here.

Inspirational annual festival celebrates changing lives through learning - Adult Learners' Week 12-18 May

The UK's largest annual festival of learning - the Adult Learner’s Week 2012 - will take place this year on the 12-18 May. The event inspires thousands of people each year to discover how learning can change their lives. Through thousands of events, Adult Learners' Week promotes the benefits of every type of learning.

The festival is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and as well as promoting education and training for adults, Adult Learners' Week celebrates the achievements of adult learners through regional and national awards.

To get involved or find out more about the events and awards being held as part of the festival visit:

http://www.alw.org.uk/  or contact: 0116 204 4200 or email alw@niace.org.uk

Flexible Support Fund Partnership Opportunities. Jobcentre Plus Devon and Cornwall District.

The aim of the Flexible Support Fund is to support Jobcentre Plus customers to progress towards and into work or work related activity before they join the Work Programme. 

The flexible support grant funding model is administered by Jobcentre Plus Districts. Grant awards will be made to local partnerships in support of Jobcentre Plus objectives and local partnership priorities and to facilitate working with partners to assist customers to overcome barriers to finding and progressing into sustainable employment.

The Application Process
Applications must be made on the appropriate form using the application guidance

Applications must be sent to caroline.topic@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk by noon on Friday 24 February 2012. If you have any application queries, please email Caroline Topic.

For more details click here:  http://bit.ly/zxxCPi

Surf Action on BBC's Saints and Scroungers

Cornwall's Surf Action project has recently received a very positive feature in BBC1's Saints and Scroungers - a programme looking at different approaches to the benefit system. The January 19th episode looked at the moving and inspiring story of combat veteran Rich Emerson and the role of Community Interest Company Surf Action in helping armed forces veterans - including amputees and those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - and their families.

Click here for more..... http://bit.ly/xakVyl

Cornwall's 1 in 4 international conference is huge success thanks to Cornwall Works 50+ ESF Convergence

Ruby Wax headlined Cornwall's 1 in 4 international mental well being and work conference - all the news here..

http://bit.ly/oENa6n

“At some point in our lives 1 in 4 of us will be affected by mental illness.  Bring 3 friends.....”  Ruby Wax

New Winter Wellness Freephone number launched!

Winter Wellness, a project to ensure that vulnerable householders in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have direct access to the advice and practical support they need to stay warm and well this winter, has launched a freephone number for those worried about their homes being cold and damp.

Householders are urged to call freephone 0800 954 1956 to speak to trained advisors for advice and access to services to help them.

For more information check out the Cornwall Council web site at: 

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=30479

Cornwall Works is recognised by the Cabinet Office

The Cornwall Works approach has been recognised as a model of good practice in a video by the Cabinet Office.

Click here to view the video on the Cabinet Office website. (Note: the page is embedded from youtube), or alternatively you can view the video below:

Gone Fishing! Helping change young lives....

Get into fishing with the Princes Trust and Seafood Cornwall Training.

A FREE training programme is being offered to young people interested in a career in the fishing industry. The three week course from the Prince's Trust will include practical experience, an introduction to basic boat handling as well as qualifications in sea survival, fire fighting, first aid, health and safety and food hygiene.

The course is available for unemployed 16-25 year olds living in Cornwall.

FREE taster day in Newlyn on 28th February. Click here for course details: http://bit.ly/y8BaTE 

Dave Meneer joins Cornwall Works 50+ find out more

Following on from Sarah’s successful summer of reporting Dave Meneer is now giving a different perspective of the 50+ innovation activities, please follow this link for the next five days http://bit.ly/sPmRZ4

Dave is a changed man after meeting up with Isabella!  And then has a blast with the past at the library.

Get involved! Personal Independence Payment consultation

Get involved and have your say. The DWP is keen to hear views from all interested parties on the second draft of the assessment criteria for Personal Independence Payment. Consultation ends 30th April 2012.

Click here for info: 

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2012/pip.shtml

Get the confidence to grow your own vegetables at home!

Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change have launched an introductory course based on growing your own food from home. This course is FREE to anyone unemployed and 19+ or working under 8 hrs per week.

In this fun and friendly environment participants will learn how to grow vegetables at home. The course lasts 5 weeks and starts on 8th February. For information and to book click here:http://bit.ly/xOkLjl 

To explore other ways in which CN4C can help with learning or employment goals go to:

STOP Loan Sharks - Find out more at the launch of the Loan Shark Initiative

Does your organisation work with people at grass roots level? Are you committed to helping protect vulnerable people in the community?

The Illegal Money Lending Team has launched a new Loan Shark initiative. To find out more about raising awareness of illegal lending as well as ensuring people in the hands of loan sharks are able to access appropriate support click here http://bit.ly/AnmUU9 or email:ailsa.guard@birmingham.gov.uk.

NEW - get direct access to a personal money adviser  from The Money Advice Service

Residents of Cornwall who need help to manage debts or pay bills can now get direct access to a personal money adviser  from The Money Advice Service.

Regular clinics run by trained MAS Adviser Tracey Simm have been set up throughout Cornwall. The Money Advice Service is a new and independent organisation which aims to help people make informed choices about their money, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Tracey will now be available for face-to-face meetings and can offer free, unbiased advice on most  financial issues from tackling debt to getting help with utility bills, legal aid and claiming benefits.

Tracey said: “We believe that the right money advice can make a real difference to people’s lives, and that when people take steps to manage their money better they can live better too".

For full details follow this link:  http://bit.ly/zxXiJV or contact: Tracey Simm on TSimm@a4e.co.uk or call 07436246056.

Do your bit and help more people enjoy sport locally!

Do you fancy giving something back to your community and taking on an exciting new challenge this year?... The Olympic-inspired Sport Makers volunteering programme could see you doing just that!

The Sport Makers programme aims to inspire over 400 people in Cornwall to get involved in volunteering, with each of them receiving training and spending at least 10 hours organising or leading sporting activities.

Be a part of something valuable this year and become a Sport Maker! Register and sign up for a workshop now at www.sportmakers.co.uk or contact the Cornwall Sports Partnership on 01872 323336 / jlawrence@cornwall.gov.uk

BBC launches search for new disabled presenters

Last chance to apply for the BBC's search for new, disabled presenting talent!

BBC Vision is launching a nationwide search for new disabled presenting talent who will be offered a unique training opportunity with the BBC.  ‘PresentAble’ will focus efforts on discovering and developing new disabled presenters.

If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for PresentAble, you can complete an application and find more information on the BBC web site. The closing date is 31st January 2012.
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/presentable.shtml

Winter Wellbeing - emergency funds to help vulnerable people this winter

Only available until March 2012

This winter the Community Energy Plus partnership will be providing emergency funds and other support to vulnerable people around Cornwall to help them stay warm and well.  This includes:

• emergency heating and heaters
• emergency fuel (coal or electric)
• advice and help with fuel bills,
• insulation, damp and mould
• emergency keep warm boxes

The aim of the Winter Wellness Fund is to reduce preventable winter deaths. Over the last three winters, 994 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are believed to have died needlessly as a result of cold homes and freezing winter weather.

Please see the attached document for full details of the scheme. http://bit.ly/yn4MZU

Applications and information for emergency funds only should be directed to:

Anthony Ball, NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly  - Tel: 01872 246906
anthony.ball@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.uk

Free Half Day Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice Training

Alcohol related Hospital admissions are rising at a rate of 9% each year, and 1 in 4 of the adult population of Cornwall are drinking alcohol at Increasing Risk levels.

This FREE training for key workers in health, employment, housing and similar sectors takes 3 hours, and will train delegates to identify the risk level of client's alcohol use, by giving the correct identification tools and the confidence to use them in their normal interaction with service users.

The training is delivered in a short 3 hour session either morning or afternoon in order to minimise disruption to service provision.

For further info and to request a booking form see the attached document http://bit.ly/zdBPBJ email: leanne.tarbox@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.ukor

Truro College secures funding for Teamwork & Leadership and Event Management higher level courses

Truro College is pleased to be able to offer these two short University level courses, accredited by the University of Plymouth free to the unemployed or economically inactive (but not NEET). This is a saving of £400 per person against the standard cost.

Teamwork and Leadership   http://bit.ly/xR4yYb
Event Management   http://bit.ly/xnkeOu

If anyone is unsure about their ability to undertake a Higher Level qualification then we recommend they attend one of our Free Higher Level Skills Days.

Further course information is available via our website www.trurocollege.ac.uk/SUCCESS but if anyone who is unemployed is interested in any of the other courses we offer there may only be funding of up to 50% i.e. £200 and subject to our availability of funding.  We also have funding for employed people.

Stemming the Tide of Youth Unemployment - Government's New Youth Contract

After axing the Future Jobs Fund which was criticised as 'outdated' and 'expensive', the Government has launched a new £1billion intervention to get young people into work and prevent them becoming NEET.

The new Youth Contract was launched in November and highlights include:

• £2,275 offered to any business willing to hire an unemployed 18- to 24-year-old
• It will provide opportunities to 500,000 unemployed people
• The scheme will run for 3 years
• The scheme will be administered by private-sector Work Programme providers and any young person taken on will have to complete the placement or be refused benefits
• Anyone rejecting a subsidised job offer will be required to undertake four weeks' mandatory work activity.

For further information and SLIM Comment click here:  www.swslim.org.uk/documents/comments/20111129_youth-contract.pdf

Adult Learners' Week Awards 2012

Cornwall Community Foundation – Clare Milne Trust Fund

There is no deadline for applications and no set form – groups just need to send in a letter of request and need.

Grants Criteria:

 Disabled projects especially those for disabled adults  

Benefit of Cornwall & Isles of Scilly  

Brussels – Sprouting ideas for work, health and well being, tis the season !

Find out what happened when Cornwall Works 50+ and Cornwall Works 50+ Cares went to the European Employment Forum and what they brought back for Cornwall.  Following this link to our Transnational Pages  http://www.cornwallworks.org.uk/cornwall-works/50-transnational-page.html

Goonhilly Space Science Park

The Government has given the go-ahead for Goonhilly Earth Station (GES) Ltd to receive £6.85m from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to re-purpose the existing antennas for use in radio astronomy research and deep space communications (missions to Mars, other planets, asteroids etc).

This is the start of establishing the Goonhilly Space Science Park comprising  a space-communications gateway, an open innovation centre, a training establishment and a re-vitalised, space-themed visitor centre - all aimed at inspiring future generations and attracting 100,000 new scientists & engineers into the growing space-sector business over the next 20 years (as contained in the UK's Space-Innovation & Growth Strategy - defined in 2010).

Parent's Newsletter

Careers South West are delighted to announce the arrival of our first e-newsletter! Aimed at parents & carers, the monthly newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest issues around careers advice and guidance and ensure you know what opportunities are available for your son or daughter.

 If you are a parent and you would like to know more about......

• the changes taking place in education
• higher education fees
• local apprenticeship vacancies
• local events that can support your child's careers choices

 .......please follow the link and sign up to receive our newsletter now!

 http://www.careerssw.org/parentsnewsletter

Cornwall Works Employment and Skills with Jobcentre Plus and the Armed Forces Event

Cornwall Works Employment and Skills Armed Forces Partnership event brought together Jobcentre Plus from across Cornwall and Devon with key organisations and charities such as British Airforce Benevolent Fund,  Hasler Company,  Careers South West, Prospects, Working Links and Surf Action.

 The purpose of the day was to raise awarness of the support available for service leavers, veterans and their families.

 Local Champions from Jobcentre Plus were introduced and stressed the importance of accessing a whole range of support quickly.  Presentations from Surf Action and Active Plus showed how you cannot eradicate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but you can achieve respite and change the state of mind to manage it.   Surf Action working with Active Plus explained how they “re-cycled” veterans and two veterans spoke of their experiences.

 Clear messages came out of the day,  to work together,  to identify veterans more easily and to keep on top of what everyone else provides.  And remember that a veteran may have had several jobs since leaving the forces but still may need support from our partners.

 The day ended with a commitment from Jobcentre Plus and Cornwall Works Hub to pull together information on what is available and to post it on the Cornwall Works web-site for all to use.

 Call the Cornwall Works Hub on 01872 355015 if you want to find out more and join us on twitter to hear when all the information is available.

Launch of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) website

 Launch of LEP website and road show change of date

 Come and tell us the issues that concern you as a business and help shape an economic strategy for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to develop its full potential.

 The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership is coming to a venue near you in December and January and wants to hear first hand from businesses of all sizes. 

 Please note that the road shows planned for Launceston, Liskeard and Saltash will now be held in January - click on our website for the new dates

What are the issues that matter to you?
What do you think our economic strategy should focus on?
What are the things that are holding your business back?
What can we do to help?
What can you personally do to make a difference?

 The road shows are taking place in a wide variety of venues, including town halls, hotels, Eden Project, National Maritime Museum and Tate St Ives.

 Find one near you!

 Our new LEP website has now been launched – to find out more, please click http://bit.ly/sLj1QD on this link  where you can also complete our survey form and tell us your priorities

 This is the first time that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have had the opportunity to create a business-led economic strategy. We want Cornish businesses to take the driving seat and join us in creating a better future for everyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Cornwall Works 50+ supports Volunteer Cornwall

Cornwall Works 50+ and 50+ Cares supported Volunteer Cornwall’s Managers Forum on Friday 18^th November at Pool Innovation Centre.  The day focused on older volunteers and tied in with the 50+ campaign running on Pirate FM to encourage more people over 50 to get involved in volunteering.

 The day was attended by Charities and organisations from across Cornwall including Cornwall Air Ambulance, Citizens Advice and Cornwall Deaf Association.  We were delighted to explain to the group how Cornwall Works 50+ innovation projects like Surf Action and Care Ambassadors are supporting people towards and into work through volunteering.

 As with all Volunteer Cornwall events you can expect the unexpected and we were not disappointed with inspirational volunteers and even a laughter workshop that explained the importance of laughing and exercise for good health and well-being.  Hearing from older volunteers and their experiences showed how being valued made all the difference.  Charities said how they had realised that if they support a person back to work they may also have helped to turn that person’s life around.

 Encourage others to volunteer – it could just change their life.

French Delegation

On Friday 11^th November, Cornwall Works 50+ and 50+ Cares welcomed a delegation from Finistère Council’s district of Lambézéllec comprising Social Workers, Inclusion Professionals and workless people facing a number of personal and social issues.  The aim of the visit was to share experiences and ways of working.

 The group heard all about Cornwall Works 50+ and our Innovation Projects such as Surf Action and Active Plus.  The French delegation asked questions for over an hour and were amazed at the level of volunteers in Cornwall and how volunteering is used as a route back to work.   They also heard form the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust and considered progressive ways of helping back to work by establishing good health.

FREE money management training - FREE qualification - FREE travel - FREE coffee!

Do you want to better manage your money?  Due to the success of our previous Money Management programmes, we are back with more FREE money management courses ‘Get Smart with your Money’, funded by Britannia, part of The Co-operative Banking Group.

WHAT DO YOU GET?
A FREE, six week course that will cover topics such as a general overview of the financial services industry, savings, pensions, financial jargon, budgeting, credit and debt, delivered in a fun and relaxed environment. You will have the opportunity to gain a free City and Guilds numeracy qualification at the end of the course. We will also provide FREE coffee, tea and cakes!  You will leave the course with your own confidential action plan that could change your life.

WHEN & WHERE?
Redruth - starting on Tuesday, 29^th November, from 10am - 1pm over 6 Tuesdays (Redruth Community Centre, Foundry Row, Chapel Street, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1AN
Truro – starting on Wednesday, 30^th November from 10am - 1pm over 6 Wednesdays (Chacewater Village Hall, Church Hill Chacewater, Truro TR4 8PZ)

Both venues have free parking and a bus stop close by.  Redruth train station is also approximately a 15 minute walk to Redruth Community Centre. We can cover travel costs of up to £5 per return journey (includes both public transport and mileage claims).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
We have 15 places available at both Redruth and Truro. This course is for anyone aged 16+ in Cornwall who wants to gain a basic understanding of money management.  You don’t have to be good with numbers because we will support you every step of the way.

HOW DO YOU BOOK?
Call the Smart Savings team on 01209 212579 or email info@smartsavings.org.uk. Spaces are limited, and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Book NOW to avoid disappointment.

Cornwall Works 50+ visits Sweden

This September representatives from Cornwall Works 50+ projects visited Sweden to meet our Swedish transnational partners.  A full report of the trip written by Helen Roddha can be read by clicking here.

Click here to find out more about our Cornwall Works 50+ and 50+ Cares transnational working.

Benefits and help for people going in to work

The Return To Work Credit is a tax-free payment of £40 per week for people that are returning to work.  It can be payable for up to 52 weeks to people that have, or have had, a health condition or disability.  It can be payable as long as:

your job is expected to last at least five weeks
you are working on average over 16 hours a week
you are earning no more than £15,000, before tax, per year
you are earning at least the National Minimum Wage
you have been getting an incapacity benefit for 13 continuous weeks or more
you have started work or will be starting work within the five-week period immediately after being entitled to a qualifying benefit

You might not qualify if you claim Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support as a lone parent in the five weeks before starting work.

Please contact your adviser or Jobcentre Plus for more details or click here for more information:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10013908

1 in 3 people in Cornwall have joined the volunteering revolution

1 in 3 people in Cornwall have joined the volunteering revolution.  That’s 144,000 people, but we still need more.  That’s why Cornwall Works 50+ are promoting volunteering in partnership with Volunteer Cornwall on local radio station Pirate FM.

So why should you volunteer?  Well, Volunteer Cornwall has confirmed that there are no shortage of volunteering opportunities – the problem overall is a shortage of volunteers.  We want to get more people volunteering, transferring skills and knowledge and progressing towards employment.


Get involved with Cornwall Works 50+ volunteering and see how just a few hours of your time can make a world of difference call 01872 355015 or 01872 265307.

LEP wins £13 million of investment for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

An innovative bid submitted by the Local Enterprise Partnership to stimulate the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and create thousands of new jobs has been awarded £13 million of investment from the Government’s flagship Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Almost 500 bids for funding were submitted from across the UK, with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly proposal one of the 119 successful bids.  The £13m RGF investment will be used to attract additional funding to create a £43m programme which will directly create or safeguard 3,200 jobs and indirectly create 2,100 jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Click here to find out more

Chris Hayes gets a taste of the Work Programme – Cornwall style!

Only a few days into his new role as DWP Director for Labour Market Strategy, and on a sunny autumn day at Gwithian Beach, Chris Hayes gets a taste of the Work Programme – Cornwall style!  Chris’s visit to Jobcentre Plus in Cornwall coincided with a pilot of new activity for the Work Programme, commissioned by Prospects Ltd and delivered by Surf Action.

Surf Action is a Community Interest Company (CIC) whose mission is to support veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), amputees and veterans’ families through surfing and beach activity. Their inspirational delivery caught the eye of Prospects who asked Surf Action to pilot a three-day residential programme for young people on the Work Programme from across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.  The idea was to build motivation, confidence and engagement, develop key employability skills and instil a sense of purpose through a series of beach related activities, including surfing. Veterans supported by Surf Action also took part, acting as mentors and role models for the young people involved – including continuous assessment, individual feedback and 1-2-1 support.

You can find out more about Surf Action by clicking here

Pictured (left to right) are Tim Cocks (Active Plus), Russ Pierre (Surf Action), Carolyn Webster (Jobcentre Plus Devon and Cornwall District), Chris Hines MBE (voluntary director, Surf Action), Chris Hayes (DWP Director for Labour Market Strategy) and Ian “Freddie” Warwick (Surf Action)

Big Lottery funding announcement for the Voluntary and Community Sector

A fund of at least £50 million to support hundreds of vital Voluntary and Community Sector projects and services in England was announced yesterday by the Big Lottery Fund.

Find out more by clicking here

Cornwall Works and the Royal Cornwall Hospital Patients Magazine

Through Cornwall Works we promote work and volunteering as one of the best ways to maintain and improve health and wellbeing.  Work or training may be the last thing on a hospital patient’s mind but the Cornwall Works Hub can make it easier for people to find the right help at the right time.

Click here to see our advert on page 10 of the NHS Volunteering Magazine

You can find out more about the Cornwall Works approach by clicking here

AskSARA

If you care for people that have difficulties with everyday tasks then you may find the AskSARA service useful.  AskSARA is a quick and easy to use on-line tool which helps you find useful advice and products to make daily living easier:

1. You choose a topic relating to health, your home or daily activities
2. You are asked some questions
3. You are given advice and product suggestions through a personalised report

You can find out more about AskSARA by clicking here

If you are a Carer looking for help to get back to work there is a range of support available that may be able to help you.  Please click here

New Work Clubs set up in Cornwall

A Work Club can make a big difference to your local community by helping local people who are out of work to gain employment.

Work Clubs provide informal, helpful and community-based support to help people get back to work.

If you want to find out more about Work Clubs, set up a Work Club, or want to join a Work Club, find out more by clicking here:

Got a great idea?

Funding is available for projects which improve the quality of life in Rural Areas.

Follow this link to the ‘Local Action in Cornwall’ website to find out more about Local Action and how you can apply for a grant.

Catch this month’s edition of the ESF Works newsletter

This month’s edition of ESF Works features an article on Cornwall’s Life Recycle project.

ESF Works is the showcase and forum for policy and practice lessons from the European Social Fund programme in England.  You can read more about ESF Works by clicking here

You can find out more about ESF Convergence in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by clicking here and you can sign up to the ESF Works Newsletter by clicking here

Active Plus recognised within the ESF at Work Publication

Active Plus is a groundbreaking new ESF Convergence initiative supported through the Cornwall Works 50+ programme.  Combat veterans are training vulnerable people aged over 50 in problem solving, team building and communication activities.  Active Plus motivates and encourages participants and volunteer course leaders to get back into work and help their community.

You can read more about Active Plus by clicking here

You can read ESF at Work by clicking here

Citizens Advice is working in partnership with Barclaycard to help people avoid falling into debt over Christmas.

Get the Top Ten Tips to avoid a Christmas hangover here.  This handy pocket-sized leaflet gives 10 top tips to help people make informed decisions when budgeting and choosing credit to help with the costs of Christmas.

Find out more by clicking here www.citizensadvice.org.uk/fsfl_projects_toptipschristmas 

'© Citizens Advice/Barclaycard'

Big Lottery Funding strengthens Fuel Poverty Services in Cornwall

A four year project to improve the quality of life for vulnerable people living in fuel poverty has been launched by Cornwall’s sustainable energy and fuel poverty charity following a grant of £430,000 by the Big Lottery Fund.

Community Energy Plus’s ‘Warm Me Up!’ Project will deliver impartial advice and support to up to 1200 targeted households to help them to reduce and manage their energy bills.

Fuel Poverty, which is defined as a household spending more than 10% of income on heating, affects almost one in five households in Cornwall – the highest rate in the South West. Low income levels, rising energy costs and the high number of homes which are reliant more expensive forms of heating, because they are not served by the mains gas network, all contribute to the county’s high number of fuel poor households.

The award from the Big Lottery Fund is enabling Community Energy Plus to appoint a dedicated fuel poverty caseworker and deliver training and resources to frontline workers, volunteers and carers who through their contact with vulnerable individuals and are uniquely positioned to identify who is at risk of fuel poverty and to open‐up access to help.

Advice will be made available to vulnerable people through a range of methods to suit each individual’s needs and will include home visits, advice surgeries, phone, post and email. The support offered will include help accessing grants for heating and energy efficiency measures, how to read meters and manage energy bills, tackling damp, mould and condensation as well as advice on how to save energy through behavioural change.

For more information contact:

Laura Tregonning

01209 614975 ext 9209 / 07976 490945

laura@cep.org.uk

Two new funds announced by the Cabinet Office

£20 million Social Action Fund opens:

The Social Action Fund which is designed to support the creation of new social action opportunities is now open for applications:

http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-8MENAX

Also, the £80 million Community First fund, which will provide small grants to community groups and local social action projects, was opened by Nick Hurd Minister for Civil Society:

http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-8MEMUX

National award for Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities

Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities, a successful European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence investment, co-financed by Jobcentre Plus/Department for Work and Pensions, has won a top national award.  The project helped people identify a route into employment based on their individual skills and aspirations.

The ESF Equal Opportunities Specialist Project Leader Award - part of the ESF Equal Opportunities and Sustainable Development Mainstreaming Leader National Awards 2011 –
was presented at a ceremony in London on 7th October.

Read more and also find out about the Clear About Carbon ESF Convergence programme which also won an award.

Citizenship for Life Celebration

Ten outstanding young people from Helston and Mullion celebrated a successful year with the Citiizenship for life programme on Friday 30^th September.

This programme offers young people a chance to experience a working environment.  Participants learn skills and boost confidence in employability possibilities. Local businesses mentor participants in teaching them about what is required of their particular field.

The next programme will start in January 2012 - contact Charlotte Chadwick for details: Charlotte.Chadwick@cornwall.gov.uk

Goonhilly News

Goonhilly Earth Station (GES) Ltd has developed the Goonhilly Space Science Park project proposal over the past three years and is eagerly awaiting the result of its July 2011 application for £6.85m from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to speed up the redevelopment of the site and help to create around 750 jobs within the next 10 years, many local to Goonhilly.

The organisation are currently asking for support to sign their petition in support of the Goonhilly Space Science Park proposal at:

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/goonhilly

And please encourage your friends and contacts to do likewise.

Local MP, Andrew George, has indicated that he will present a petition in support of the GES Ltd proposal to the Government.

Please clik here for more details on the proposal.

Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise

Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise (CWSE) are offering opportunities for anyone out of work to look at new and innovative opportunities to get back into work.

CWSE works with social enterprises like Eden Project, Real Ideas Organisation (Rio), Citizens Advice Bureau, Pentreath, ReZolve, and School for Social Entrepreneurs to provide support, training, work experience and employment opportunities to anyone out of work.  The programme runs through to December 2011 providing innovative experiences and training to inspire and support people back into work.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to improve your skills, gain confidence and work towards overcoming your difficulties around getting into work, this could be the opportunity for you.

So far, more than 1,600 people across Cornwall have benefited from this programme which provides:

• A tailor made package of support to meet your needs and help you be work ready
• Business planning for anyone wishing to become self-employed
• Work placement, work experience and training opportunities
• Funding to help overcome barriers to work
• Wage subsidies to help employers create vacancies for CWSE participants
• Post employment support for up to three months
• Regular progress reviews
  
  For more information on CWSE and to find out how we’ve helped others go to Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise, or call the Cornwall Works Hub on 01872 355015

The way Business Link helps businesses is changing

On 25th November 2011 the regional Business Link enquiry and advisory service will cease. It will be replaced by a range of business support including:

• an improved Business Link national website with essential information, support and services for businesses
• a new addition on this site from November 2011 is a 'growth and improvement' service full of information businesses need to work better and achieve growth objectives
• for start up businesses from November 2011, the Business Link website will have a new area called 'My New Business' providing tailored information and training to guide people through the process
• a search service for public sector procurement opportunities www.businesslink.gov.uk/contractsfinder
• a national mentoring network www.mentorsme.co.uk that puts your business in touch with mentoring organisations across the UK
• from 31st October 2011 a new national Business Link telephone helpline will be available. This replaces the existing regional telephone helpline and will support people in navigating the Business Link website

These changes will ensure that businesses are provided with information and links to the national, regional and local business support. From the end of November 2011, the current regional enquiry and advisory service will cease. You can find more information about these changes on the BIS website and can sign up for regular e-alerts and updates.

Click here to go to the current Business Link website to find out how Business Links helps businesses.

One in five properties in Cornwall could be eligible for free energy-saving insulation!

Community Energy Plus are offering FREE loft and cavity wall insulation for priority households, and discounts for others, on a first come, first served basis. One in five properties in Cornwall suffers from fuel poverty, and so could be eligible for the free service. Anyone not eligible for the free service could still receive help through grants.

You are likely to be eligible if there is someone living in the property who is aged 70 or over, of if you are currently receiving certain benefits. See the Community Energy Plus website to find out more.

Get a warmer home this winter and save money on heating bills. Being warm at winter means you will stay healthy, and be able to spend your money more efficiently.

Visit the Community Energy Plus website to find out more, or email alec@cep.org.uk or call 0800 512012 for more information.

Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs Autumn Sessions

The Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs is running a series of workshops throughout October and November. These could be for you if:

• you are unemployed or feel that you are not reaching your full potential
• you have an idea that could benefit your community and bring positive change
• you looking for support to get your idea started

The sessions are held in St Austell and help with travel and childcare is available.

Click here to find out more.

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