IN-Ren - 24 May

UK Election - 04 July 2024

Useful information from the Electoral Commission and OSCR:

Voting and Elections

Updated guidance for Scottish charities on campaigning about political issues

Voter ID needed for next election
All people voting in-person will need to show photographic ID at the polling station for the first time following the introduction of new legislation by the UK Government.   
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, older persons or disabled persons bus pass and Young Scot card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.   
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by completing a paper form.  
For more information on the election in Renfrewshire, visit the council website.

Kairos Kitchen's Refugee Festival Celebration

We would like to invite you to Kairos Kitchen's Refugee Festival Celebration on Thursday 20 June 6-8pm at the Hub, Mile End Mill, 12 Seedhill Road Paisley PA1 1JS.

This year's Refugee Festival Scotland theme is 'rise'. Join us for a jam-packed evening of food, conversation and performances that will celebrate New Scot refugees rising above! Kairos Kitchen will be cooking up a delicious vegetarian meal served up with some sides from a local restaurant.

This event is open to all, please share around your networks - everyone welcome for this exciting celebration! We are fundraising for the future of the Kairos Kitchen project, so please pay for a ticket if you can afford to.

RSVP by booking your spot on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugee-festival-celebration-tickets-886176847807

The Black Social Enterpreneurs Start Up – Scotland programme is a FREE learning programme to support Black social entrepreneurs to develop, refine and grow their business.
 
The programme, funded by PwC and delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in partnership with Dechomai, will support Black people living in Scotland who are in the early stages on working on their impact led business. Up to 10 places are available for organisations that have:

• A social or environmental purpose
• Been incorporated a couple of years, or are not yet incorporated
• A turnover of less than £15,000 a year

The programme will offer:

• 7 peer and expert learning sessions
• 3 Action Learning Sets
• The chance to network with other Black social entrepreneurs
• A celebration event in April 2025
• Access to a wider network of support through SSE and PwC

 For more information, visit our website for more information. You can access the guidance notes and the online application form.

The application deadline 1pm on Friday 26th July 2024.

If you need support with your application or have any questions, please email Viviane Moussalli, Project Coordinator ahead of the deadline on viviane.moussalli@sse.org.uk  

Path Women's Network

PATH (Scotland) - Goal Setting
A positive action initiative for Black women/Women of Colour
Time flies. Whether you achieve the goals you want for yourself … or not. We have all the time there is, but are you making the most of the time you have? It’s May already! What do you want to achieve by the end of 2024?
If you’re not sure or have been too busy to think but know that the time has gone and you don’t want it to just slip away, this course is for you. Find out more


PATH (Scotland)’s Women’s Network
A positive action initiative for Black women/Women of Colour
We all know that there are times when we are confident. We feel comfortable with ourselves, positive about our abilities and we behave assertively. But there’s so much going on and so much to do that, sometimes, that belief in ourselves disappears. So, if you’re a Black Woman/Woman of colour who wants a safe space to talk, to listen, to give and get support, to be inspired by a guest speaker and to recharge your batteries, alongside others who were doing the same, this network is for you. Find out more

Funding

Funding for Projects that Tackle the Root Causes of Social Inequality
Not-for-profit organisations working towards a just and democratic society and redressing political and social injustices can apply for grants between £1,000 and £5,000. The funding is available to causes outside the mainstream that are unlikely to receive funding from other sources. Examples of projects funded in the past include the Boaz Trust a Christian organisation serving destitute asylum seekers in Greater Manchester which received a grant of £2,000; and the Grandparents Association in Leeds which received a grant of £4,800. The funding is made through the Scurrah Wainright Charity, and the next application closing date is 14 September 2024. Find out more

People's Postcode Trust
The aim of People's Postcode Trust is to support smaller charities and good causes in the Scotland to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet. They support projects under the following categories: - Enabling participation in physical activity - Enabling participation in the arts - Preventing or reducing the impact of poverty - Supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality - Improving biodiversity and responding to the climate emergency - Improving green spaces and increasing access to the outdoors - Providing support to improve mental health (Focus on organisations that actively support specific mental health issues) The funding offered is unrestricted and therefore flexible. It can be used however it is most needed. Find out more

Funding to Support Community-Led Activities 
Grants are available to support improvement within Scotland's local communities and the wellbeing of individuals most in need. Voluntary and community-led organisations can apply for grants ranging from £20,001 to £150,000. These grants aim to facilitate both long-term initiatives and short-term activities, including those aiding community recovery from COVID-19. Funding can be used for staff costs, equipment, premises costs, overheads, building refurbishment, adaptations, and landscaping. Organizations may apply for funding up to three years to develop new projects or enhance existing services. This funding is provided through the National Lottery Community Fund's Community Led Activity programme. The deadline for applications is 12 pm on 21 August 2024. Find out more