Helping community buildings to recover

Image shows people and buildings, impression of building a community

Kirklees Council have provided almost £500k through the Community Buildings Recovery Grants scheme this summer, to support vital community buildings in local places across Kirklees.

Supporting local organisations

Community organisations are vital for our local economy and for people’s wellbeing – creating jobs, delivering services, connecting people in our neighbourhoods and providing activities that people and communities really value. We know this continues to be a difficult time for local organisations who were unable to open community buildings as usual for long periods of time.

The Community Buildings Recovery Grants were available for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who own or rent buildings in local places across Kirklees. They had either been legally required to close or had been significantly impacted by lockdowns and local restrictions.

What local organisations say about receiving a recovery grant

43 different local organisations have received £470,000 in total from the Community Buildings Recovery Grants fund. Here’s what a few of the organisations have told us about the difference this funding is making:

“We at Outlane Methodist church are looking forward to resuming as many of our former activities in the community as we can and making plans for going ahead with new ideas. We do not expect it to be easy but the boost given to our finances by the generous grant we have received has made such a positive difference to our situation.”

Mary Mercer, Outlane Methodist Church

“The pandemic had a devastating effect on our fundraising efforts and our income. This grant will help plug the gap in our finances so that we can resume the full services that we provide to our members and volunteers as soon as we can. As we are a base for other community groups and rent rooms to other organisations, the funding will also be of benefit to the wider community.“

Deborah Hall, Howlands (Dewsbury and District League of Friendship)

“Receiving funding from the Community Buildings Recovery grant is so helpful. After a very difficult 16 months for the charity, this funding will hasten our ability to recover, allowing us to sustain our work and services for local people in need of support. Kirklees Council have been supportive throughout the pandemic and we’re grateful to them for the information sharing, advice, ongoing support and now this funding to aid our recovery.”

John McKernaghan,The Brunswick Centre

“The pandemic had cut our income to zero, and the theatre was on the verge of closing for good. The community buildings recovery grant has changed this by giving us a much needed cash boost. Now the Show will go on!”

Bob Newton, Southgate Theatre, Honley

“OASIS values and appreciates this contribution towards the survival and reshaping of our services within our Resource Centre.”

Denzil Nurse, OASIS Care Support Services

“As we’re reliant on community groups that hire our community centre, we have had to put off work that would have greatly impacted the people who we serve through the community centre positively. The grant awarded to us by Kirklees Council will allow us to develop the community centre further, with the additional benefits that a modern, safe, accessible community centre will bring to the communities around Cleckheaton Methodist Church.’

Revd. Ray Borrett, Minister for Cleckheaton Methodist Church

 

Thank you from Kirklees Council

Cllr Cathy Scott, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council & Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy, would like to thank local organisations for supporting people’s wellbeing:

“Community organisations are incredibly important for people’s wellbeing. We wanted to make sure that community buildings can continue to be safe places for people to get together and enjoy activities as part of our recovery from Covid-19. The Community Buildings Recovery Grants have clearly mattered to the local organisations who are so fundamental for keeping people connected and safe. We’ll continue to work proudly alongside these dedicated and inspiring groups in our local places.”

 

Looking for advice or support?

Community organisations looking for support and advice can contact the council’s team via thirdsector@kirklees.gov.uk or visit the Third Sector Leaders Kirklees website at www.tslkirklees.org.uk

 

A time to say thank you: Kirklees Volunteers Week 2021

Volunteers Week 2021

Volunteers’ Week is a national event that takes place from 1st to 7th June every year. It’s a time to recognise and say thank you to volunteers who do a great job in our local communities. Over the last year even more people than ever – from all walks of life and in all our local places – have gone out of their way to help their neighbours, support each other and make a huge difference.

The coronavirus pandemic has rightly raised the profile of volunteering. More people than ever are now aware of the immense contribution that volunteers make every single day.

That is why this #VolunteersWeekKirklees is a special time to say thank you.


Be inspired

Volunteering stories online exhibition

A Year Like No Other: Pandemic Volunteering Stories

Third Sector Leaders Kirklees and Kirklees Museums & Galleries are marking the role volunteers have played locally in supporting people during the Covid-19 pandemic. They’ve created an online photographic exhibition to share the stories of some of the local people who’ve volunteered and helped out during the pandemic. The stories will eventually become part of Kirklees Council’s Museums & Galleries collection.

View the online exhibition

 


Get involved

Virtual Volunteering Fair

Kirklees Virtual Volunteers’ Fair: 8th to 10th June 2021

This Virtual Volunteers’ Fair is a chance for people to meet some of the local organisations who need help from volunteers. Different community organisations are taking part each day. It’s a great way for people to find out how to start their volunteering journey. You might want to share the link with your local networks:

Kirklees Virtual Volunteers’ Fair

 


Join in online

TSL Kirklees Volunteering will be sharing your inspirational stories on social media throughout the week – @TSLVolunteering (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

You can follow, share and join in using the hashtags #VolunteersWeekKirklees #VKW21.

 


Thank you from Kirklees Council and TSL Kirklees

Thank you“We’re hugely grateful to all the Mutual Aid Groups, volunteers and local organisations across Kirklees who have been supporting others in our communities – especially for keeping each other safe in a year like no other. We’ve been blown away by the kindness and creativity shown by so many. We just want to make sure you know that, whether you’re an organiser or volunteer, we recognise your efforts and are very grateful for the time you give in support of your neighbours, friends and community. We are proud to work alongside such inspiring people and organisations.”

Cllr Cathy Scott and Cllr Paul Davies

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet leads for working with
people in the voluntary sector during the pandemic

Cleckheaton Town Hall lit up purple

In partnership with Third Sector Leaders, Kirklees Council are lighting up Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and Cleckheaton Town Halls in purple on Tuesday 1st June 2021. to mark the start of Volunteer’s Week and to say thank you to local volunteers.

The TSL Kirklees Volunteering team have given small grants to organisations in Kirklees to use to thank their volunteers and have sent out 1,000 thank you cards.

‘Thank You’ Fund for groups run by volunteers

Volunteers Week

Kirklees Volunteers’ Week 2021

National Volunteers’ Week from 1st to 7th June is an annual event to recognise the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.  It’s an opportunity for us to recognise and say ‘thank you’ to volunteers in Kirklees.

This year the TSL Kirklees Volunteering team want to help groups in Kirklees say thank you to all their volunteers, particularly those who’ve done such incredible work over the last year, supporting people through the pandemic, either in person or from home.

Apply to our ‘Thank You’ Fund

If you are a volunteer-run project or group in Kirklees, then you can apply for a small fund to help you say ‘thank you’ to your volunteers. You will also receive a pack of free Volunteers’ Week thank you cards.  A maximum grant of £100 is available for each organisation, but we will be able to fund more groups if people only apply for what they need.

It’s up to you how you spend the money, as long as it’s on an event or item to say thank you to your volunteers.  For example, wellbeing goody bags, book vouchers, an afternoon tea delivery or tickets for an online event (please make sure any of your events are Covid-safe).

In return, we ask that you send us a photo and a quote from your volunteer group or an individual volunteer for us to share as part of our online Volunteers’ Week celebrations.

How to apply

Please complete and return the Thank You Fund application form (Doc).

The deadline for applications is Monday 24th May 2021

We aim to let you know within three working days if your application is successful. We will then ask you to invoice for the amount and payment will be made by bank transfer (we can provide a template for an invoice if necessary).

If you have any questions, please contact:
Becky Bracey, Volunteer Development Manager

Tel: 07776 588691 or email becky@tslkirklees.org.uk

TSL Kirklees Volunteering

 


 

People Helping People – 17th March 2021

The next online People Helping People local network event is on Wednesday 17th March 2021 from 10.30am to 12 noon. It’s run by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees, to help small community organisations in local places across Kirklees to get together, meet each other, share what you are doing and learn what others are doing. It is another chance to share best practice and discuss how we might be able to support each other.

Find out about funding & opportunities for working with children & young people

At this People Helping People meeting, you’ll hear from the Kirklees Council Early Years Team and a new local charity, Kirklees Youth Alliance, You can find out about the latest funding and opportunities for working with children and young people in Kirklees, including putting on holiday activities and accessing other funding, like Children in Need.

There will also be an update on the latest funding opportunities and about other support and training that’s available, including:

  • IT support from Kirklees Council
  • training on scams and how to spot and safeguard victims (from West Yorkshire Trading Standards), plus opportunities to put on a range of consumer and safety workshops for your groups
  • Co-op Local Community Funding
  • Grants for walking and cycling

How to take part

This meeting will take place online and you will receive a link that you click to join the meeting nearer the time. You do not need any special software, or to download anything or set up an account. You should just be able to click and join.

People Helping People – register on Eventbrite

 

If you have any problems or questions about accessing the meeting, please contact comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Recipes From Home cook book supporting the community

We all love a good recipe book and have probably been doing more cooking and baking at home over the last year than ever before. It’s wonderful then that our colleagues at Third Sector Leaders Kirklees have been working in partnership with community groups and One 17 Charitable Trust to produce a Recipes From Home cook book.

The book includes 30 easy-to-follow recipes for nutritious meals on a budget and is published on the Caring for Kids website.

Buy Recipes From Home

All the profits from the sale of the book on the website go to the six groups involved in cooking up the book in the first place. It can be purchased for £5. An organisation in Northern Ireland has ordered 30 books already, but even purchasing one book can make a difference.

When you place your order online, you can even make a note saying which of the six groups you’d like your contribution to go to.

The six groups are:

  • Crosland Moor Cooks (Oak Primary School)
  • Men’s Matters “Library Takeaway” group (Dalton Library)
  • A Taste of DASH
  • Home-Start Mums
  • Ravensthorpe Rosoi (Ravensthorpe Community Centre)
  • Worth Cooking – Worth Unlimited, Lowerhouses

Buy Recipes From Home

People Helping People – 27th January 2021

People Helping People network

The next online People Helping People local network event is on Wednesday 27th January 2021 from 10.30am to 12 noon. It’s run by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees, to help small community organisations in local places across Kirklees to get together, meet each other, share what you are doing and learn what others are doing. It is another chance to share best practice and discuss how we might be able to support each other.

What funding & investment do you need to thrive in 2021?

Join other community organisations to discuss your views on what funding and investment is needed to support local groups in places across Kirklees. Hear from other local organisations, share experiences, find out what funding is available now and get help to apply.

How to take part

This meeting will take place online and you will receive a link that you click to join the meeting nearer the time. You do not need any special software, or to download anything or set up an account. You should just be able to click and join.

People Helping People – register on Eventbrite

 

If you have any problems or questions about accessing the meeting, please contact comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Supporting Communities fund

Supporting people in crisis

TSL Kirklees are accepting applications from local groups

Kirklees Council have provided Third Sector Leaders Kirklees with a grant of £60,000, which is available for local groups who are supporting people in crisis or financial hardship.

This is funding from the Local Welfare Provision budget. It’s in addition to the £32,000 previously provided for emergency food supplies at the weekends during lockdown and helping local groups to continue to support people.

What the fund can be used for

The Supporting Communities fund can be used by community groups in Kirklees for:

  • Supporting people in financial hardship
  • Providing food and essential supplies
  • Set up costs and membership of food share schemes (for example, Fare Share)
  • Building financial resilience

How to apply

The application process is very simple and grants can be approved and given very quickly.

If you would like to find out more, chat through your ideas and apply please contact Bridget Hughes, Supporting Communities Lead:

Email: bridget@tslkirklees.org.uk 

Tel. 07540 434573

Supporting people in crisis – TSL Kirklees

 


Support for individuals facing financial hardship

talk message on wall saying we will get through this together

As you are supporting friends, neighbours and communities throughout the community response to Covid-19 we know that many of you will come across people and families in need of financial support.

There are many support services and organisations across Kirklees who can respond to this need, such as the Local Welfare Provision team, local hardship funds or Third Sector Leaders Kirklees.

If you are supporting someone (or know someone) who is in financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19, we recommend that you inform your local Anchor Organisation about this and ask for help.

Your Anchor Organisation should be aware of local hardship funds and how to access them. If a specific circumstance is particularly difficult, they will also be well placed to ask for help or find support where necessary.

You could also consider making a referral through the Covid-19 Community Response helpline. This should help to identify any additional support needs.

There is also financial support available through Third Sector Leaders Kirklees. You can find out more about this by emailing bridget.hughes@tslkirklees.org.uk or speak to your Anchor Organisation.

People Helping People – 12th November 2020

The next online People Helping People local network event is on Thursday 12th November 2020 from 11.30am to 12.30pm.It’s run by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees, to help small community organisations in local places across Kirklees to get together, meet each other, share what you are doing and learn what others are doing. It is another chance to share best practice and discuss how we might be able to support each other.

Supporting people through lockdown, Christmas and beyond…

Join other like-minded local organisations to discuss how we can think differently about supporting people and run covid safe activities during lockdown and beyond. Hear from other local groups, share experiences and get information, advice and support.

How to take part

This meeting will take place online and you will receive a link that you click to join the meeting nearer the time. You do not need any special software, or to download anything or set up an account. You should just be able to click and join.

People Helping People – register on Eventbrite

 

If you have any problems or questions about accessing the meeting, please contact comms@tslkirklees.org.uk

Adult Safeguarding: training to help you keep people safe

Adult Safeguarding week runs from 19th to 23rd October 2020. Third Sector Leaders Kirklees are running some important sessions for local groups and volunteers. Never before have citizens in our communities been so active in supporting vulnerable people. TSL Kirklees continue to offer new learning and awareness events to make sure we remain informed.

If you’re interested in attending a free session to learn more, or if you know a group or volunteer who might be, you can find out more and book your free place now…


Scams and Frauds Training

Delivered by the Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team at West Yorkshire Trading Standards 

Tuesday 20th October from 10am to 12 noon

This training will be relevant to staff and volunteers who are supporting vulnerable and isolated people anywhere in Kirklees. The session will provide information on Scams and Doorstep Crimes including new Covid-related scams in the local area. Illustrated with real case studies, it will also provide an overview of the role of WY Trading Standards and how you can report a concern.

The training will be hosted by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees and delivered via Zoom.

Book your free place for the scams and frauds training 


Adult Safeguarding Basics

For Community and Volunteer-led organisations anywhere in Kirklees

Thursday 22nd October from 6pm to 7pm

We all have a role to play in keeping people safe from harm and abuse. Covid has meant that more vulnerable adults are ‘invisible’ as they are unable to access their usual support services.

This short briefing for community groups and volunteer-run groups will include:

  • Measures your group can take to protect staff, volunteers and those who use your services or participate in your activities
  • Signs and indicators to look out for when you are helping ‘adults at risk’ in your community
  • What to do if you think someone may need help.

The Training will be delivered via Zoom by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees in partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Centre.

Book your free place for the safeguarding basics training