Engage COVID 19 Update - 31 August

Information session TOMORROW: new crisis funding available for those on prepayment meters in Renfrewshire

Home Energy Scotland (HES) is running a series of short webinars. The free, impartial energy advice service funded by Scottish Government is keen to help as many people as possible who are struggling with energy costs as a result of coronavirus.  The organisation specifically wants to share an update about crisis funding and other support available for those with prepayment meters and how your clients can access this support.

Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance (RACA) and HES have arranged a free online session on Tuesday, 1 September at 2pm. Book your free place here.

Once you have registered, Engage will email you a link to join the session that is being held using Microsoft Teams.

If you can’t make this session but are interested in exploring joint working, please contact jacqueline.mackenzie@sc.homeenergyscotland.org

Funding

The Theatre Artists Fund has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers who need urgent and critical financial support due to the impact of coronavirus on the theatre sector.

Grants are available to Armed Forces charities for projects and activities that support the mental health and wellbeing of veterans

Funding Support

Exit strategies and succession plans are not something that the third sector talks about. But right now with all that is happening perhaps the time has arrived. In this article Michael Dever (GRANTfinder Senior Information Researcher) starts by saying….

“This feature looks at the growing need for voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations to consider the future of funded projects, beyond the point at which grant money runs out. The ever evolving funding world now dictates a more business like approach to sourcing finance when embarking on projects that require financial longevity!”
 
It provides information on “why do I need an exit plan?”, “Tips for succession planning!” and case-studies.  
 
To read this article in full please click here
 

Online Events

Renfrewshire Social Enterprise Network (RenSEN) via Zoom - 12.30pm to 2.30pm 03 September 

Crowdfund Scotland
Over the coming weeks, the Crowdfund Scotland team will be running a selection of free, online events covering various aspects and benefits of crowdfunding. If you are a community group looking to raise money for a local project, a business owner wondering if crowdfunding could help you become more resilient in an ever-changing world, or anyone starting to think about funding a Christmas project, then take a look at their upcoming events and book your space!
 
01 September @ 3pm - Crowdfunding for Communities
02 September @ 3pm - Crowdfunding for Covid-19 Resilience - Businesses
10 September @ 11am - Crowdfunding for Covid-19 Resilience - Communities
16 September @ 11am - Crowdfunding for Christmas

Volunteer Blog
 

This week’s Volunteer blog is now live. This week we hear from a Yvonne Atkins, Volunteer Coordinator at Who Cares? Scotland as she explains how COVID-19 has led her volunteer teams to adapt and develop new ways of supporting care experienced people.
 
Volunteer Programme Spotlight - Who Cares? Scotland

Volunteering Opportunities

Renfrewshire Foodbank Volunteers Needed - Help with bulk uplift and distribution
 
Board Members sought to support STEAMLab Community Interest Company
 
Trustees sought to support development of new charity, ''I Was Gonnae''

   
Looking for volunteers? Sign up as an opportunity provider on our free online portal here

Volunteer Mental Health Workshops & Charter Development
 
Sign up now for this free series of workshops designed for Renfrewshire volunteer managers and co-ordinators. The workshops will focus on the benefits of a positive mental health working environment, promote inclusive practices and tackle stigma regarding mental health. The aim of the workshops is to empower volunteer managers to better support their volunteers and ultimately see a more engaged and committed volunteer team.
 
At the end of the series attendees will be invited to sign the new Renfrewshire Volunteers’ Mental Health Charter to showcase commitment to the continued improvement and development of mental health support for volunteers.
 
You should be available for all three sessions offered. The first will be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 17^th September at 11:00am, with the following sessions held weekly at the same time.
 
Sign Up Now on Eventbrite