News
This is where we’ll post third sector news and important updates that are useful for your organisation.
New employment and skills advice for parents in Essex
Recovery Support Worker – Phoenix Futures
£21,548.24 per annum (Full time) Fixed term until 31st December 2022
Recovery Support Worker
Harlow, Essex
The Role
The successful candidate(s) will work alongside EPUT, CRG, the Police and Full Circle to support vulnerable individuals, including young people into treatment/services in a bid to divert them from reoffending or custody, this will also include completing DRR/ATR assessments and ensuring high quality reports to assist the Court in imposing appropriate disposals for those with alcohol and/or drug misuse issues. The role is based in the community within criminal justice settings, however there is also the flexibility and currently hybrid working, with some tasks being carried out whilst working from home.
You can learn more about the service on this short video.
About You
To join us as a Recovery Support Worker, you will need:
-Experience of working with individuals of all ages in a therapeutic/supportive role.
– An understanding of the complex issues presented by individuals within the criminal justice setting.
– A desire to work in collaboration with health providers, the police, youth services, mental health & substance misuse organisations.
– Experience of the substance misuse sector or related field.
An NVQ Level 3 in Care (DANOS accredited) or equivalent, or the willingness to work towards an agreed number of modules within your probationary period would be beneficial to your application. Knowledge of DANOS would also be an advantage.
About Us
Phoenix Futures Group is a charity with over 50 years’ experience and a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment.
Our values are what define us and ensure we work to the highest standards. We believe in being the best, we are passionate about recovery, we value our history and use it to inform our future.
We work with local authorities, other charities and service providers across the country to deliver innovative programmes and projects that change lives for the better, setting people on the path to health and emotional well-being.
We provide a diverse range of services, our expertise in psychosocial treatment and support is the common thread that runs through everything we do. People need psychological interventions, social support, meaningful use of time, sense of purpose and a place of safety to sustain their recovery. At our core, we support people, families and communities to recover from drug and alcohol dependency.
In partnership with EPUT and CRG, we are now looking for a Recovery Support Worker to help deliver our Essex Health & Justice Service. This role operates on a 1 year fixed term contract, working 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks).
Your Rewards
– Salary of £21,548.24 per annum pro rata
– 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days)
– Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance
– Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities
– Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system
– Phoenix rewards, new employee benefits platform, you’ll have access to amazing savings on groceries, high-street shopping, home & garden, the latest tech, holidays, household bills and much more.
This is a great opportunity for a professional with experience of working in the field of drug and/or alcohol treatment to join our charity and put their expertise and experience to good use, helping support the Essex Health & Justice Service in Harlow.
We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team.
We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity.
It is a condition of employment that your vaccination status is recorded where necessary.
So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Recovery Support Worker, please apply today.
Grants available for Essex charities
A fund set up by Essex County Council is offering grants to local charities and community groups to help support their work.
Essex Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation, has already channelled £1.4 million into local communities and is calling for new applications.
This year, voluntary organisations in Essex (not Southend and Thurrock) can apply for funding of between £500 to £7,500 towards their core operating costs, projects or capital items.
The Fund can support activities that help unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people with the environment, provide a community resource or those that help young people to explore culture and heritage.
Cllr Eddie Johnson, Chairman of Essex County Council, said, “Essex has a diverse range of voluntary and community organisations that do so much to improve the lives of local people and make their communities a better place to live.
“The impact that their work has is immeasurable and I am so pleased that the grants we award annually help to further their work.”
Among the charitable activities that have received funding in previous years are a virtual classroom for people with learning disabilities, a horticultural project for people with mental health issues and support for young carers.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: ““The decision-making panel has a particular interest this year in supporting smaller voluntary organisations, projects that are working in deprived communities or organisations that are led by members of the community.
“There is a short application form on our website, but our friendly grants team are on hand to help on 01245 356018 if you have any questions.”
The deadline to submit an application is 5pm on Friday 4 March 2022. To apply, click here.
Uttlesford Foodbank Advocacy and Campaigns Office
Uttlesford Foodbank Advocacy and Campaigns Officer
Uttlesford Foodbank is committed to working with the Trussell Trust to develop an influencing strategy to help end the need for foodbanks and we are looking for someone who is equally committed to advocate for ending poverty and food insecurity.
This new part-time position will be home based (20 hours a week) with local travel and occasional further UK travel. The position will be for an initial one-year period, subject to extension up to three years.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering the Uttlesford Foodbank Campaign for Change strategy alongside our volunteer campaigning team.
Reporting to the Foodbank Project Coordinator and supported by the Trussell Trust’s Organising and Local Mobilisation (OLM) team.
Responsibilities
- To develop and implement the local Campaign for Change strategy.
- To explore and understand local factors that are bringing people to need the foodbank’s support.
- Identify and address the local drivers of poverty with the appropriate organisations and encourage the establishment of a district poverty and food insecurity alliance group.
- Provide guidance for the volunteer campaign team, developing the campaign skills and capacity of the volunteer team.
- To ensure Uttlesford Foodbank social media reflects the messages from the Uttlesford Foodbank local campaign for change strategy.
- To work with the OLM team and engage with the training and support on offer.
- To support clients to share and tell their stories which can be used to support the campaign for change.
- To establish a database of members of the community who are interested in being involved with local campaign activities.
- To manage expenditure of the campaigns budget liaising with the Uttlesford Foodbank Coordinator.
Personal Specification
We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and committed individual who has experience of campaigning and advocacy work as well as managing and working with volunteers. Your attention to detail will enable you to see projects through to completion whilst focusing on the overall vision. You will be able to work independently and communicate your ideas clearly to the wider team. Ability to develop networks and good relationships within our community. Good IT skills across MS Office and an understanding of social media are essential.
Application Information
For a full job description please click here.
To apply for this position, please email info@uttlesford.foodbank.org.uk the following:
- a CV(maximum two pages)
- a Covering Letter telling us about your experience and how this relates to the personal specification (maximum two pages)
- Please submit your application no later than Friday 11th February. We reserve the right to close early or extend this date depending on the number of applicants.
Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date for applications.
Uttlesford Foodbank is committed to achieve greater diversity and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.
Applications are now open for the next round of the Aviva Community Fund until 1 February
Applications are open all year, with quarterly funding rounds for eligible charities. Funding is available for fresh ideas looking to secure up to £50,000. Plus, our Knowledge Library, Facebook Group and volunteer opportunities are available to all.
Submissions for round 1 close at 23.59 on 1 February When applying, you’ll see our new eligibility requirements – check these closely to make sure your idea meets the new criteria.
Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility. You can use this time to look through the support and resources on offer to help you prepare and make the most of your campaign.
All Crowdfunder pages go live on 1 March. Causes can share projects with their networks of supporters to raise public donations.
Apply here.
Project Coordinator – Namaste Dementia Care Project – St Clare Hospice
Location: St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9JX
Salary: £21,901 – £25,399 per annum FTE (depending on experience).
Hours: Part time, 22.5 hours per week
Overview of role
St Clare Hospice is a charity that provides specialist palliative care to patients and families in West Essex and the East Hertfordshire borders. Since 2017 the organisation has had an external focus and seeks to engage with and support local people wherever it can.
We are seeking a new member of staff who is experienced in supporting people, working with individuals and community groups and has operated in a service delivery environment. You will be an integral part of the community engagement and involvement team in delivering innovative projects and creating opportunities for local people in our catchment area.
Our Namaste Care Dementia Project has only been operating for a around a year, but has already seen high levels of engagement and has been well received, you will join us at a point where we can consolidate the work to date and establish the project the next phase of the project that seeks to positively influence the lives of people living with dementia, their carer and colleagues working in this field.
Please read the job description (link below) for further details.
If you would you like to help to develop Hospice services then we would like to hear from you.
In return for your commitment we offer a full induction into your role, a competitive salary and benefits package, company sick pay scheme and contributory pension scheme.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Sally Muylders, Community Engagement Manager, on 07398714405 or email sally.muylders@stclarehospice.org.uk
How to apply
You need to complete a St Clare Hospice Application Form and submit with a cover letter stating why you feel you are suitable for this role (in particular, explaining how you fulfil the requirements set out in the Person Specification).
Please note: Your CV will not be accepted by itself and the application form must be fully completed.
Send your application by email: hr@stclarehospice.org.uk
Key dates:
Closing date: Sunday 20th of February 2022
Interview date: Friday 25th of February 2022
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Key documents
JD Project Coordinator – Namaste Dementia Project – Jan 22
Application Form DBS – May 2021
Employment Details – Project Coordinator
If you are unable to download the documents or print the application form and would like to receive an application pack, or if you require any assistance regarding the application process, please telephone the HR Team, on 01279 773744.
Please state clearly which vacancy you are applying for.
St Clare Hospice is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Employment offers may be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
A note to agencies
We understand that agencies do search for opportunities to work with organisations such as ourselves. However, we request that you do not contact us in relation to the vacancies advertised above. We respond to enquiries from individuals seeking employment directly.
Colchester’s Strategic Partnership Announces Borough’s Winter Resilience Campaign
Colchester’s strategic partnership, One Colchester launched its 2021-22 Winter Resilience campaign to help those in need stay safe, warm, well and connected this winter.
Thanks to partnership working, funding and community spirit, this project continues to provide advice and support through the One Colchester initiative delivering roadshows in the community and distributing winter packs to those affected by the cold weather, including families on low incomes, people living with long-term health conditions or at risk of social isolation,
A Winter Resilience Steering Group, chaired by Community360, who co-delivers the project, brings together representatives from the public and voluntary sector to facilitate more action over the coming months.
Tracy Rudling, Chief Executive Officer of Community360 said: “We are delighted to be working once again with key partners who provide much needed help and support when things get tough during the winter months. This also includes funding local projects and conducting outreach across the borough. We are still facing challenging levels of inequalities across North-East Essex as a result of the pandemic. That’s why it is crucial that we continue working together with partners to support our communities.”
She added: “We also have the welcome addition of our new Community Hub in Long Wyre Street which has recently opened its’ doors. A huge asset to the town as well as an important focal point for our communities this winter. The COVID-19 lockdown forced the Hub to pause its usual activities and we had to adapt to support our communities in new ways. It is fantastic our wonderful staff can once again welcome the people of Colchester, a welcoming space and access point for a wide range of activities, programs, services, social and wellbeing activities.”
The Winter Packs, a crucial part of the campaign will include a guide to local support services ranging from Colchester Borough Council’s Emergency Heater Scheme to social groups, and contain practical items, such as clothing, basic refreshments, a torch, blanket and flask and will be distributed to those identified as being in need by partnership members. In addition, this year the packs will provide help and support to encourage people to stay safe but to try and maintain some form of physical activity and to maintain a healthy mind. A dedicated supply of packs will be held at the Hub and will also be held at Colchester Hospital for staff to distribute to patients who would benefit from the packs when they are discharged.
Pam Donnelly, Colchester Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Customer and Relationships, said: “Winter is always a tough time, but for the second year running the pandemic will make the colder months even more challenging for many in our communities.
“Colchester has a fantastic community spirit – exemplified by this campaign and the excellent partnership working that will make a significant difference by providing much-needed help for some of our most isolated and vulnerable residents.”
This winter has also seen the creation of six neighbourhoods, Colchester South, Central and North and Tendring West, East and South all of which will have a Live Well Neighbourhood Team which is able to support individuals and communities with whole population, urgent care, ongoing care and high needs in a joined-up way. The aim of the neighbourhood’s team is to break down barriers and to work more closely together to focus on the improved health outcomes for local people.
Emma Strivens is Associate Director for North East Essex Mental Health and Senior Reporting Officer for the Neighbourhood Model (North East Essex Alliance) she said:
“We are delighted to announce that the first neighbourhood, Colchester Central has been launched which sees a collaboration between the local voluntary sector, communities, leaders, boroughs and health and social care.
The opening of the One Colchester Hub comes at a crucial time to this project, with a Community Connector working from the premises. Community360 is an important part of the Neighbourhood Leadership Team and will be on hand to support this new and exciting way of working.”
Cllr Beverly Oxford, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “With winter approaching it is important residents keep warm and look after themselves. Our ongoing partnership work and funding continues to support this excellent winter resilience project, offering free support for our residents to stay well and warm this winter.”
Pam Green, Chief Operating Officer at the North East Essex CCG said:
“Keeping the residents of Colchester and the surrounding areas warm and safe during the winter is essential to avoid people becoming unnecessarily unwell. C360 are essential partners with the NHS and this is just one of the amazing projects we do together. Connecting with people in their own homes and communities is so much more than just the winter packs that C360 can provide when they see the need. Brilliant work and thank you to all the volunteers and staff that make this happen.”
The Winter Resilience project has been funded by North East Essex Alliance and supported by donations in kind from the COOP and Waitrose. More sponsors are expected to be announced shortly.
For further information log onto: https://www.community360.org.uk/winterresilience/
£1m Arts and Cultural Fund opens for applications
Our new £1 million fund set up to support Essex’s art and culture sector has opened for applications today (Tuesday 4th January). The Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund will offer artists and cultural organisations grants from £2,500 to £30,000 to deliver projects.
It will support projects across the creative sectors and is open to individual artists, co-operatives, community groups, charities, community interest companies, social enterprises, private and public organisations.
Since the fund was announced, over 100 artists and cultural organisations have expressed an interest. Applications can now be made at the Explore Essex website.
Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts Heritage and Culture, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response from the artistic and cultural community since we first announced the launch of this new fund, as demonstrated by the sheer number of expressions of interest we have received.
“The Arts and Cultural Fund is open to all and will support the diverse and vibrant communities we have in the county, from grassroots community groups to large organisations. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to apply as a thriving creative sector is part of a strong economy and one which will rejuvenate our high streets.”
Applications can be made until Monday 28th February with the successful grant submissions being announced at the end of March.
Apply for funding to set up a fridge
Co-op is working in partnership with Hubbub to offer funding to local groups for 100 Community Fridges across the UK.
Successful groups will receive:
- £4,000 funding
- support to set up a fridge
- membership to Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network
Who can apply
Community groups that:
- have not yet set up a Community Fridge
- are not for profit
- will set up their fridge in the next 6 months
- will run the fridge for at least 3 years
- have a group bank account – money cannot be paid into personal accounts
We’ll consider applications:
- from groups that will make sure their fridge is open to everyone
- not be used to provide emergency food
- in areas that do not already have a Community Fridge or food project within 2 miles
- from groups who plan to organise food related activities like cooking workshops or food growing
Find out more about who can apply and what you can spend the money on in this Community Fridge funding criteria.
How to apply
- Fill in the form to apply for funding.
- Save at any time by using the ‘Save’ button.
- Complete your application by midnight on 1 February 2022.
What you’ll need to apply
- A description of your group and what it does
- Details about why you want to set up a Community Fridge and where (if you already have a proposed location)
If you’re successful
We’ll let you know if you’re successful by 28 February 2022.
You’ll need to agree to the Hubbub Community Fridge Network (CFN) terms and conditions.
You’ll receive the funding in 2 payments:
- £3,000 when you submit your signed Letter of Agreement (LOA) and bank information.
- £1,000 a year after you have launched your fridge.