TSA News Online Issue Twenty Two - West Cheshire Together

TSA News Online
NEWS FROM TSA
TSA NEWS ONLINE
TSA News Online is our regular (approximately every
3 to 4 weeks) information bulletin. It features articles
on a range of topics and interests and links to further
information and resources.
An Alert Tab on each news item enables you to see what
deadlines or timescales are involved in events, training
and responses to consultations etc.
A RED Tab means that a response is needed within
two weeks. An AMBER Tab means there is a longer
timescale (up to 3 months). A BLUE Tab means no
deadline or timescale in operation or the item is just
for information only. You can access the different sections
in the newsletter quickly by clicking on the hyperlinks
in the CONTENTS box on this page. To give feedback
on TSA News Online or to include any information on your
group or organisation in a TSA News Online issue– contact
Anne Lancaster or telephone 07801 015261.
Issue 22: 14 th March
2013
CONTENTS …in this
issue……..
News from the
Networks
News from
Organisations
News
News from the Third Sector
Locality News Focus on
Ellesmere Port & Neston
News From the
Public Sector
Local Consultations
National Consultations
Policy Updates
Volunteering
Children, Young People &
Families
Education/Skills/Training
Disability & Health Issues
Housing Issues
Energy & Fuel Poverty
Funding Updates
Resources
STOP PRESS
Contact Details

TSA NEWS
TSA WEBSITE
The TSA website can be found on www.tsa-cheshirewest.org.uk. It is
currently being upgraded and improved. It has details of the TSA
Management Group meetings and representatives, key policy documents and
information on consultations and a range of other information including a
Contact Form to raise issues or ask questions.
NEWS FROM THE NETWORKS
EPNAVCO (ELLESMERE PORT & NESTON ASSOCIATION OF
VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS)
NETWORK MEETING 21 ST MARCH
The next Ellesmere Port VCFS Network meeting is on Thursday 21 st March at
West Cheshire College (new campus) from 2pm. It will include news from
EPNAVCO on training and ongoing projects plus a round up of news and
events in the local voluntary sector. Further information from Chris Anelay or
Tel: 0151-356-7358.
EPNAVCO FREE TRAINING ON AUTISM & AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS
History
Impairments (Triad)
Impact
Alternative View
On Wednesday 27th March 2013 at Stanney Grange Community Centre - 9.30
am to 12.30pm. E-mail joan@epnavco.org.ukor ring 0151-356-7358 for a
booking form. Priority is given to organisations working in Ellesmere Port
and Neston but if you are interested and do not work in these areas places
may still be available.
CHESTER VCFS NETWORK
CHESTER VOLUNTARY ACTION - MAKING CHOICES PROJECT
Chester Voluntary Action are running a short-term ESF project aiming to
provide 19-25 year olds with training and volunteer placements to enhance

employability skills.
For more information click here or contact 01244 323527 for more details
VOLUNTEERING
VOLUNTEERING FOCUS
Local Library Tour
March 2013
Thinking about volunteering?
What opportunities are there?
What are the benefits?
Do you run a local group?
Can we help promote your volunteer roles?
Would you like some advice and support?
A member of our team will be available to talk about local
opportunities and support on the following dates:
Mon 4 March, 3-5pm, Barnton Library
Mon 11 March, 2-4pm, Sandiway Library
Mon 18 March, 3-5pm, Weaverham Library
Mon 25 March, 2-4pm, Northwich Library

CHESTER VOLUNTEER FAIR – SAVE THE DATE
The next Chester Volunteer Fair will be held at the Wesley Church Centre,
John Street, Chester on 14 th May from 10 – 2 pm. Further information from
Clare Harrison at the Volunteer Centre and more details will be published in
TSA News Online nearer the date.
CHESTER VCFS NETWORK MEETING
The next Chester VCFS Network meeting is on Thursday 21 st March at The
Quaker Meeting House, Quaker Meeting House, Union Walk, off Frodsham St,
Chester CH1 3LF from 10-12 noon (Coffee/tea/registration from 9.30am). It
will include an overview of the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation
structure plus a round up of news and events in the voluntary sector.
Further details from enquiries@chesterva.org.uk or ring 01244 323527.
Please confirm your attendance by 18 th March.
LEARNING TOGETHER CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON (LTCW)
NEWSLETTER AND TRAINING CALENDAR
The latest Newsletter and Training Calendar from Learning Together Cheshire
and Warrington.............
Newsletter January 2013 - February 2013 (Tagged PDF document 1.1MB)
Click on the link above to download the newsletter
Training Calendar February 2013 to May 2013 (Tagged PDF document
372KB)
Click on the link above to download the newsletter - Click on the link above to
download the training calendar. Please forward on to colleagues if you find
the information useful or contact Simon at Learning Together for further
details on courses etc.
CURRENT LTCW TRAINING COURSES
CRB Service Changes—Are You Up to Date?
Date: Thursday 11th April 2013
Time: 9.30am—1.00pm
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham Street, Chester
A half day course for anyone involved in carrying out Criminal Records Bureau
checks.

Aims of the course
• To inform participants about the new Disclosure and Barring service
• To provide up to date information about the new rules and regulations
around criminal checks
Cost
The course cost is £20 per person. Learning Together Members operating in
West Cheshire may be eligible for a bursary through Cheshire West and
Chester Council (the cost will then be £10).
_________________________________________________
FIRE MARSHALL COURSE
Date: Monday 8th April
Time: Either 9.00- 12.00 or 1.00- 4.00
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham Street, Chester .
We are running 2 half day sessions. Please specify which session you would
like when booking.
Cost
The course cost is £25 per person. Learning Together Members operating in
West Cheshire may be eligible for a bursary through Cheshire West and
Chester Council (the cost will then be £10).
Booking
To book a place on either course contact clare@learning-together for a
booking form or for more information call 01244 320528
VOLUNTARY ARTS NETWORK (VAN)
NEW FLAMENCO CLASS IN CHESTER - RUNNING FROM 21 MARCH 2013 AND
AIMED AT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Christine Stockton has been running a flamenco class for adults with
disabilities for some years. Her SCOPE class is full and she has been asked to
run an extra class. Starting Thursday 21 March 2013, there will be a new
weekly Flamenco class for adults with disabilities at New Scene, Newton
Lane, Chester CH2 2HH, from 12 noon to 12.50pm.
There will be a warm up, dancing to great music and sometimes
performances. Refreshments available to purchase after the class and this
provides an opportunity to eat/drink and socialise. £3.50 per person, pay on
the door, carers free.

Wear well fitting shoes or boots - with a chunky heel - no stilettos. Ring Chris
on Chester 383293 or ring or text on 07933209587. Or email:
stockton.christine@googlemail.com
ARTS FUNDING INFORMATION
Concertina makes grants to charitable bodies which provide musical
entertainment and related activities for the elderly. The charity is particular
keen to support smaller organisations which might otherwise find it difficult
to gain funding. Read more at www.concertinamusic.org.uk
Deadline for current funding opportunties - 30 April 2013.
ELLESMERE PORT MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY
'Whistle Down the Wind'
20th to 23rd March 2013
At Ellesmere Port Civic Hall
Box Office: 0151 339 4390 or online at
www.ellesmereportmusicaltheatre.co.uk
INTERACT YOUTH THEATRE - PREMIERE OF THE NEW PLAY ―DON‘T FEED THE
ANIMALS‖
InterACT Youth Theatre, will be performing at Neston Community and Youth
Centre, Burton Road, Neston CH64 9RE on Saturday 16th March at 7.30pm
and Sunday 17th March at 4pm and 7pm, as part of National Theatre
Connections – a nationwide celebration of new plays for young people.
Connections is produced by the National Theatre and supported by a number
of individuals, trusts and foundations.
Each year new plays are commissioned for and about young people from
some of the best contemporary playwrights, for performance by schools and
youth theatres all over the UK and Ireland, making Connections one of the
world‘s largest celebrations of youth theatre. InterACT Youth Theatre will be
performing 'Don't Feed the Animals' by Jemma Kennedy. Sparks Circus is
failing. The owners have been forced to sell their star attraction Tiny the
elephant and a rival circus is poaching their artistes. With a busy bank holiday
weekend approaching, it‘s down to acrobatic twins Zack and Missy to fill the
house and stop their family business from going under. When a local gang of
bored youths volunteers to help them, the twins are faced with the task of
training an un-trainable mob in circus skills.

The company of young people aged 11-17, is directed by local professional
actors Samantha Giblin and Natasha Symms. The NC&YC is converted into a
studio theatre for the production which will transfer the The Lowry, Salford
Quays, on the 12th May. It is a fabulous experience for the young people to
work with professional practitioners in professional venues. A director from
the National Theatre will visit the company to write a report on the show and
support the transfer to The Lowry.
To book now to see 'Don't Feed the Animals' – contact the box office: 0151
336 4302 or interactyouththeatre@gmail.com . Tickets are £5 or £3
concessions.
For further information, contact Samanthan Giblin 0151 336 4302 or for more
information about National Theatre Connections visit
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/connections.
CHESHIRE CHORD COMPANY'S 20TH BIRTHDAY SHOW ON 22ND JUNE
Cheshire Chord Company are the current National Champions with the Ladies
Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS), and have been National
Champions six times. They are also the winners of the 2013 Majestic Open
Choir Festival. The 20 th Birthday show will be at venue is Parr Hall,
Warrington WA1 1BL and tickets cost £15 or £10 for concessions. They can be
obtained from Judie on 07985 953283 or by email
judiedadswell2000@yahoo.com Guests on the evening include:
Direct from the USA "Metropolis" - international Quartet Medallists
The Mix - LABBS Champion Quartet
Miss-Demeanour - LABBS Champion Quartet and Sweet Adeline Medallists
Hosted by Cheshire Chord Company - LABBS Champion Chorus
Plus, Warrington Schools' Orchestra Band
The MC is comedian Janice Connolly from Phoenix Nights
TIP TOP PRODUCTIONS NEED VOLUNTEERS
The Vicar of Dibley – Set Painters
Our production of The Vicar of Dibley already looks set to play to full houses
this April. Rehearsals are well underway with an excellent cast. But we are
looking for volunteers to help with decorating the set. It will involve some
wallpapering and painting. So if you‘re interested or would like to offer your
help please contact andrewr@tiptopproductions.co.uk.

CHESTER MUSIC SOCIETY CHOIR
Music For Rest and Contemplation
SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2013 | 7.30 PM | CHESTER CATHEDRAL
With Soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music, Philip Rushforth
(Organ) and Liverpool Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble. Graham Jordan Ellis
(Conductor)
Tickets: £13 (Nave: numbered, reserved): £7 (Aisles, unreserved, restricted
view).
Reduced prices available. Telephone 0845 241 7868
ARTISTS PROJECT EARTH (APE) FUNDING
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from organisations working:­
•To prevent the causes of climate change
•To defend communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate
change
•To support and build resilience for communities affected by natural disasters
These are broad topics and may include, among other things, projects that:­
•Create awareness of the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change
•Create political and social awareness of the need for rapid change and
preparedness
•Lead to the adoption of low carbon technologies and lifestyles
•Prepare vulnerable communities and ecosystems for climate impacts
•Protect ecosystems at risk from climate change
APE has created a new category for funding called 'Inspiring Change' where
we are looking for projects that can make a real difference in the world:
projects that show how artistic creativity can come to the aid of our
beleaguered planet. We will give priority to applications that:
• Combine creative ideas such as art/theatre/music and activism
• Ideas for new methods of public participation in creating a more just and
sustainable world
• Projects that inspire positive changes in people, organisations, businesses

and policy-makers.
• Projects that provide solutions to environmental problems.
• Projects that create green jobs for young people.
Find out more on http://www.apeuk.org/apply-funding
FREE SUPPORT FOR EVENT ORGANISERS
Cheshire West + Chester‘s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are offering free
support to those organising events in the West Cheshire area, through a ‗drop
in‘ style workshop:
Date: 18 th March 2013
Time: 2-5:30pm
Venue: St Mary‘s Centre, St Mary‘s Hill, Chester
The SAG is made up of Local Emergency Services + key Council departments.
During this session those looking to run events, both large and small, will be
able to get advice from experts in a wide range of relevant areas, such as: ­
- Licensing
- Health and Safety
- Traffic Management Highways
- Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service
- Cheshire Constabulary
- Joint Cheshire Emergency Planning Team.
Event organisers will be given advice + support on topics such as requesting
a road closure, writing a risk assessment, or compiling an event plan.
Refreshments will be provided. Please contact 01244 976741 - as soon as
possible if you have not booked a place yet and would like to see if there are
still places.
Cheshire West and Chester Council‘s events team also offer a range of
resources via an online planning event guide, which includes useful
information to consider when planning an event, as well as Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs), templates, and checklists. The guide can be found on
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/arts and click on Running an Event.
CHAWREC/BME NETWORK
BANGLADESHI INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS SUNDAY 7 TH APRIL
Chester and West Cheshire Bangladeshi Association are holding an event to
celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of Independence and National Day of the
People‘s Republic of Bangladesh. There will be a buffet, entertainment and
special guests including the Lord Mayor of Chester, Assistant High

Commissioner of Manchester and Members of Parliament. The event will be
held on Sunday 7th April 2013 (12.00 – 5.00pm) at University of Chester,
Molloy Hall CH1 4BJ. For more information please contact 0784 505 96 72.
CHAWREC/UNITY CENTRE
PARLIAMENTARY TRAINING
On the 7th May we will be holding a Parliamentary Training Session 1:00­
5:00pm, this is an ideal opportunity for individuals and groups to find out
about parliament and how to influence it. Some of the topics that will be
discussed are:
Parliament – what it is and what it does
How a law is made and how to influence the process
How to engage effectively
Keep it local / make it national
Select Committees
The session will be conducted by the Parliament Outreach Service and you
must book a place in advance as we are expecting high demand. Please book
by calling 01244 400730 or e-mailing
office@chawrec.org.uk. Unfortunately the poster advertising the event
wasn't available in time to be sent with this newsletter but as soon as we
have it, we will share on facebook and twitter and also include it in next
month's edition of CHWAREC‘s newsletter.
EUROPEAN WEEK AGAINST RACISM – 16 TH
– 24 TH
MARCH
European Week against Racism runs from the 16th to 24th March, with the
theme of "Who says we don't fit together." You can go
to www.unitedagainstracism.orgto find out more and download posters,
leaflets, pictures etc. Also, if you do want some material please pop in to The
Unity Centre where we have a selection of posters and leaflets that you are
more than welcome to take!
HATE CRIME EVENTS
As part of European Week against Racism CHAWREC is organising an event to
discuss issues regarding Race Hate Crime on Tuesday 19th March, and

holding two sessions, one at 2-5pm and again at 6-9pm.
You can download a poster advertising the Race Hate Crime Event here (click
on the link) and please share this with your contacts. If you want an A3/A4
colour poster or some flyers then please get in touch!
To book a place at the discussion events please contact 01244 400730 or e-
mail office@chawrec.org.uk.
NEWS FROM ORGANISATIONS
LOCAL HEALTHWATCH NEWS
Cheshire Centre for Independent Living (CCIL) has recently been awarded the
new Local Healthwatch Cheshire West & Chester Contract on behalf of a
consortium of local third sector organisations. The consortium brings
together:
Age UK Cheshire
Cheshire Centre for Independent Living (Lead Organisation)
Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race Equality Centre
Chester Voluntary Action
DIAL House Chester

Youth Federation
The aim of Healthwatch Cheshire West is to become the influential and
effective voice of the public giving citizens and communities a stronger voice
to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided
within their locality. Healthwatch Cheshire West will cover both the West
Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group area (previously West Cheshire PCT)
and the Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group area (covering parts of
Winsford, etc.). More news and information will be coming out shortly. In
the meantime if you want to know more or are interested in being involved
you should should contact healthwatchcwac@cheshirecil.org or ‗CW&C
Healthwatch‘, Sension House, Denton Drive, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7LU.
CHESTER DISABILITY ACCESS GROUP
The latest issue of the Access Groups e-Newsletter is now available. If you
want to find out more contact access.group@dialhousechester.org.uk or
accessactiongroup@gmail.com.
DISABLED ROWING CLUB WANTS MEMBERS
The Chester Grosvenor Rowing Club is looking for disabled people (or people
with health conditions) to try a new accessible, rowing club. This is part of
the Rowability scheme. If anyone is interested in trying it out (regardless of
ability or age) please contact Lizzie Stevens at DIAL House on 01244 345655
or l.stevens@dialhousechester.org.uk
CVSS DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER WORKSHOP – FRIDAY 19 TH APRIL
2013 AT QUAKER MEETING HOUSE CHESTER
Chester CSVSS are facilitating a workshop on Dissociative Identity Disorder
which is being delivered by Carolyn Spring from PODS (Positive Outcomes for
Dissociative Survivors). Carolyn herself has a diagnosis of D.I.D. If you are
interested in what will no doubt be an interesting insight into the condition
then please contact Jo Robinson at jo.csvss@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01244

317 922 for more information and a booking form (bookings and payments
need to be received by 29th March at the latest).
Find out more about Chester Sexual Violence Support Service (CSVSS) on
www.csvss.org.uk.
NEWS FROM THE THIRD SECTOR
NEWS FROM VOLUNTARY SECTOR NORTH WEST (VSNW)
VSNW PUTS CASE FOR EXTENSION TO TRANSFORMING LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
SCHEME
VSNW Chief Executive Richard Caulfield has written to Nick Hurd – the Civil
Society Minister, asking for Transforming Local Infrastructure partnerships to
be given additional time to more effectively use the funding given. Richard
argued in his letter that there is a strong case to push back the deadline for
spending the money until March next year. This may encourage further
working together, sharing of ideas and more efficient use of the funds
available. Third Sector have run an article on this which included a response
from the Cabinet Office. You can read the letter here.
NCVO RESOURCES - MEMBERS' QUICK GUIDE NO. 6
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has produced a
useful Quick Guide to Equality and diversity. It explains issues relating to
common questions such as:
What is Equality and Diversity?
Why does it matter?
And gives Top Tips for trustees, information on the Equality Act and how to
follow and use the Public Sector Equality Duty (useful knowledge for
commissioning purposes.
You can download the guide by clicking on here Equality and Diversity.
Find out more about NCVO and its services on the website on

www.ncvo.org.uk
NCVO Photo Guide
NCVO is running its annual Photographic competition for members and you
can find out more about this on the website (see above for link). They have
also produced a photo guide - photos are a great way to demonstrate and
publicise your work and the issues your service users
face. PhotoVoice recently ran two training days to give members practical
advice, and to help build their confidence and skills in the technical and
ethical use of digital photography. A seven point guide and three free videos
from the training are now available.
CHILD ACCIDENT PREVENTION TRUST (CAPT) - CHILD SAFETY WEEK THEME
REVEALED
CAPT have revealed their theme for Child Safety Week 2013 - Be a safety hero
- and there's lots of ways you can encourage your organisations and groups
to get involved. Make a note of the date - Monday 24 to Sunday 30 June 2013
- and visit the CAPT website by clicking here to find out more.
GIVE GUIDE – GOOD IDEAS FOR GIVING YOUR TIME
Sometimes in life we have the motivation, but not the means – that‘s why the
organisation Give More have created the Give Guide, a varied and innovative
directory of the ways that people can help good causes. Many of which are
somewhat unorthodox...
For example, have you ever considered micro-volunteering from your desk
during lunchtime? Been sponsored to work out? Dined at a social enterprise
restaurant? Would you give while you shop or consider a charitable wedding
list? There is certainly plenty here to inspire the charitable-at-heart.
Aside from the creativity of these ideas though (which sit alongside tried and
tested ways of making a difference, like giving to charity shops and regular
volunteering), there is a real and practical role for such ingenuity in keeping
the sector afloat and effective.
Mobilising resources, tapping into untapped sources of income and leveraging
the free time of the general public – this is what the Give Guide aims to do,

and it really is more important than ever in light of discouraging statistics
emerging from the UK Giving report that launched the Back Britain‘s Charities
campaign.
Of course, there needs to be a pick-up in charitable donations after the recent
20% slump uncovered by the report, but it also needs to be realised that
without promoting and valuing the work that charities do this just won‘t
happen. The Give Guide suggests positive, direct and often pretty hands-on
actions that appeal to those who appreciate the importance of community,
charity and lending-a-hand. By doing this, they are going someway toward
re-introducing charity into everyday life, and this reconnect could re-enthuse
the general public – and particularly young people – about charity and the
value it brings to all of our lives.
Why does it appeal? Partly because it‘s modern. It‘s about charities and the
mechanics of donations adapting to the increasingly busy lives of individuals.
The breadth of choice is impressive too, and would allow any individual to put
together a bespoke giving ‗package‘ that appeals and works for them in terms
of the practicalities of their life and work.
It is also inspiring, in that it is proof that other motivated and switched-on
people are already out there trying to give support to the voluntary sector in
a plethora of new and exciting ways. And ‗new‘ and ‗exciting‘, it could be
argued, are two words many charities should be working hard to affiliate
themselves with...
The Give Guide could well be a landmark publication when history books are
written about the evolution of charitable engagement in the new century. At
the moment it serves as a fantastic reference for those who‘d like to do more.

NEWS
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK – ACTIVITY AND EVENTS
The 11 th -15 th March is UK National Apprenticeship Week and has seen a
variety of government departments alongside 10 Downing Street celebrating
various apprenticeship strategies. The Centre for Economic and Business
Research has also published research on the impact of apprenticeships on the
UK economy. The report predicts that between 2012-13 and 2021-22, 3.8
million people will have completed an apprenticeship, contributing £3.4
billion to the UK economy in net productivity gains by 2022. Click on the
highlighted links above and in next paragraph to find out more.
New Apprenticeships Qualifications Announced
The Department for Education has announced a series of high quality
vocational qualifications are being developed for use by 14-16 year olds, in
areas including construction and engineering. A new 14-19 Advisory
Committee has been established to create the courses and will involve
employers, awarding organisations and professional bodies. The department
has also announced a consultation on proposals to remove some level 3
vocational courses from counting in league tables, resulting in only large
qualifications which meet a high quality bar being counted. The consultation
also proposes separately reporting qualifications which lead into skilled
occupancy from education and academic achievement.
SOCIAL INVESTMENT – UPDATE AND INFORMATION
The government has recently produced a range of information on Social
Investment and Mutuals…..
Growing the Social Investment Market – Web pages relating to this policy
area are now available at - www.gov.uk/government/policies/growing-thesocial-investment-market
A new report shows the UK is leading the way in social investment – the
report which presents perspectives on best practice in social investment was
launched on 20 Feb. It arises from a symposium set up last year by Saїd
Business School and the Cabinet Office‘s Centre for Social Impact Bonds.

More information is available at www.gov.uk/government/news/reportshows-uk-leading-the-way-in-social-investment.
You can also read the
Symposium report by clicking here
A new Frequently asked questions (FAQs) document about the social
investment market, including finance, Big Society Capital and Social Impact
Bonds has also recently been published. You can read the FAQs here or
download the pdf by clicking on the link
Growing_social_investment_market.pdf
New Support for Mutuals
The Cabinet Office's Mutuals Support Programme is helping more than 20
mutuals spin out from the public sector - you can find out more about this by
clicking here.
Over 20 fledgling mutuals have each received thousands of pounds, from the
Mutuals Support Programme, to support their ambition of successfully
spinning out from the public sector. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude
recently announced that government has procured £1m worth of professional
advice and support for 21 live and developing mutuals. In doing so, the
government is supporting entrepreneurial staff across a diverse range of
public services including adult social care, health and youth services. The
evidence is clear that giving people a stake in their business improves
productivity and innovation.
The government is supporting public servants who want to form mutuals with
a £10m Mutuals Support Programme, find out more from the Mutuals
Information Service website - Mutuals Information Service and the dedicated
hotline on 0845 5390543. All future procurement opportunities for the
Mutuals Support Programme, together with details of successful awards, are
published more information is available by clicking here
NICE EVIDENCE FOR INTENTIONAL CHILDHOOD INJURIES GUIDANCE
PUBLISHED
NICE (the National Institute for Health & Clinical Evidence) has produced a
summary of new evidence to support the NICE guidance on strategies to
prevent unintentional injuries among children and young people aged under
15. You can read more here.

NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE TO INVESTIGATE CHARITY COMMISSION'S ABILITY TO
REGULATE
The National Audit Office will complete a report on the Charity Commission's
ability to effectively regulate the sector after MPs voiced serious concerns at
a Public Accounts Committee. This was announced on March 7 th by Margaret
Hodge, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions on the
Commission‘s investigation into the Cup Trust, which was used as a tax
avoidance scheme.
The Charity Commission was also asked to provide the committee with details
of its investigatory activity within one week. It was also announced that the
Commission will shortly publish a detailed report about the Cup Trust. You
can read more here. It was believed that there were 50 charities operating in
a similar way to the Cup Trust, though this was disputed by the Charities
Commission.
LOCALITY NEWS - FOCUS ON ELLESMERE PORT & NESTON
ELLESMERE PORT'S YOUNG CARERS BENEFIT FROM INNOVATIVE SCHEME
Young people who care for someone on a regular basis are benefitting from
support, advice and respite through their school – thanks to a local Schools
Support initiative. Commissioned by the Council‘s Our Place Locality team and
run by Cheshire Young Carers (St John‘s Ambulance), the School Support
Programme has been designed to provide young carers with support and
advice within a school setting, ensuring they can get the best from their time
at school whilst fulfilling their care duties at home.
The programme enables schools to comply with OFSTED recommendations for
supporting young carers in education. It has been designed to improve
emotional, learning and development opportunities for young people living
with a parent, guardian or sibling with substance misuse issues, mental
health problems, terminal illness or a learning or physical disability.
Promoting the importance of early identification of young carers and
providing support at the right time and at a preventative level, the project
equips school staff with an awareness of the needs of young carers and skills
to enable them to optimize their personal and educational development.
Cheshire Young Carers Project Manager, Lindsay Weaver, said: ―Young people

who access this project are often disadvantaged emotionally, educationally
and socially, and lack opportunities for personal development. We aim to
make a difference by working with schools to enable them to achieve in these
areas, despite the difficulties and complexities that their caring role can
bring. I‘m delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council saw the value of
and agreed to fund this project in Ellesmere Port, which is providing
emotional as well as educational support in schools for young people who
regularly assume caring responsibilities that would usually be associated with
an adult.‖
Set up in 1997 as a pilot scheme, the Cheshire Young Carers Project has
grown to support 150 young people and is the only dedicated service for
young carers in Cheshire.
The Schools Support Programme has seen training workshops take place for
staff from across the area‘s schools looking at issues ranging from how to
identify young carers and the effects of being a carer on their education, to
parent engagement and working with substance abuse, mental health
problems and disability. Each school committed to providing a nominated
young carers contact, training two dedicated staff and producing and signing
up to their own Young carers policy.
Eight schools have so far achieved the Cheshire Young Carers kite mark in
best practice for supporting young carers in education:
• St Bernards Roman Catholic Primary School
• Rossmore Primary School
• Woodlands Primary School
• Westminster Community Primary School
• The Acorns Primary School
• The Oaks Community Primary School
• William Stockton Community Primary School
• University Church of England Academy (UCEA)
Following the success of the Schools Support Programme in Ellesmere Port,
Cheshire Young Carers have received funding to extend the project to
education centres across Cheshire. Further information from Cheshire Young
Carers Project Manager Lindsay Weaver or Tel: 0151 356 8046 or the
Ellesmere Port Locality Team Manager David Tai.
Funding Advice in Ellesmere Port & Neston
Advice on external funding is available for organisations and groups working
throughout Ellesmere Port & Neston from a number of sources, including:
EPNAVCO
Contact Sharon Powell, Funding Officer at Sharon@epnavco.org.uk or Tel:

0151-356-7358
Cheshire West and Chester Council Ward Members Budgets
Contact Helen Davies, Member Budgets Officer at Cheshire West and Chester
Council helen.davies@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Cheshire West and Chester Council External Funding Team
Contact the External Funding Officers on CWAC External Funding information
NEWS FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR
£3.6 MILLION HLF ‗PARKS FOR PEOPLE‘ GROSVENOR PARK RESTORATION
PROJECT - UPDATE
Enabling works in Grosvenor Park (Chester) are nearing completion, these
included demolition of the toilet block and play area, installation of services
and additional survey work, including significant Archaeology. Tree removal
and vegetation clearance has also been completed in preparation for the
wider park landscaping. The main contractor Mansell Construction UK will be
occupying the site from 8 April 2013 with the works compound being situated
in the central area of the park. Completion of the project which is funded
through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is still expected by late Spring 2014.
Works will be completed in a sequence of 6 Zones through the park (see
attached) starting with Zone 1 at the beginning of April which includes pond
restoration, installation of the new play area, steps and path resurfacing.
Quickly followed by Zone 2 in May which includes the Restoration of the
Grade II listed Lodge and construction of the new Belvedere Training
Building. To avoid disruption works will continue to be programmed around
all the major public events in the city, such as the Outdoor Theatre, however
areas of the park may be closed off at various times of the year to facilitate
works.
Information regarding the phasing of the works as it becomes available can
be found on information boards on site and from the website link
www.talkingwestcheshire.org/grosvenorparkproject
Grosvenor Park Drop in Session Tuesday 23 April 3.30-6.30pm
You are invited to attend a drop in session on Tuesday 23 April 3.30-6.30pm
in Grosvenor Park, you can meet the team, see the detailed drawings and ask
any questions you have about the project. Please feel free to pass the

invitation on to any other interested parties.
There are also many opportunities for volunteering and learning new skills as
part of the project, if you are interested please contact the Greenspace Team
Tel: 01606 271931 email: greenspace@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Further information is available from Denise Snelson at Cheshire West and
Chester Council.
NHS WEST CHESHIRE CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP – GOVERNING BODY
MEETING (IN PUBLIC) THURSDAY 21 ST MARCH 2013
West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (WCCCG) holds Governing Body
Meetings, (previously known as ―Board Meetings‖) in public, once every two
months. The next meeting is on Thursday 21 st March 2013 at 9.00 am at;
West Cheshire College,
Ellesmere Port Campus,
Off Sutton Way,
Ellesmere Port
CH65 7BF
Although the meeting will be held in public it is not a public meeting.
Members of the public are invited to listen to the Governing Body's
discussions, observe the decision-making process and have the opportunity to
ask questions at the beginning of the meeting, at the invitation of the Chair of
the West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
For further information about this meeting or to request a copy of the agenda,
please telephone 01244 650364. All of the Governing Body papers will be
available on the WCCG website after Friday 15 th March at
www.westcheshireccg.nhs.uk
WEST CHESHIRE TOGETHER – LATEST NEWSLETTER
The latest edition of "Partnerships West" February 2013) is now available.
This bulletin is designed to keep you informed of developments within the
West Cheshire partnerships framework.
Click here to access the bulletin and you can also view this and other
information about West Cheshire Together, Locality Boards and Community
Forums on the West Cheshire Together website at:
http://www.westcheshiretogether.org.uk/news.aspx as well as previous
editions of the bulletin.
If you have any problems accessing the bulletin or any of the web addresses,

or if you would prefer a paper copy, please contact Lyn Brown from the
Partnerships Team at Cheshire West and Chester Council or Tel: 01244
972370
ALTOGETHER BETTER UPDATE
As the 1 st April deadline comes nearer there is a new fortnightly bulletin to
keep you up to date with developments on Altogether Better West Cheshire,
and aiming to update on the projects ―going live‖ on 1 st April in particular. It
also features a round-up of what‘s been happening in the past weeks. If you
would like the information in another format please contact the ABC Team:
ABC@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Or visit the website on :
www.altogetherbetterwestcheshire.org.uk.
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER DIVERSITY FESTIVAL 4 – 15 TH MARCH - EVENTS
INFORMATION
The University of Chester‘s Diversity Festival (from the 4 th – 15 th March 2013)
is now in full swing with an varied programme of events with the theme of
‗Tomorrow through the lens of today‘, including an interesting and thought
provoking series of lectures, discussions, workshops and exhibitions. Please
visit the website: www.chester.ac.uk/about/diversity-and-equality/diversityfestival
for more information and if you want to book a place on any of the
Diversity Festival events please email equality@chester.ac.uk or telephone
01244 512234.
CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER CHILDREN‘S PLAN 2012-16 PUBLISHED
The West Cheshire Children‘s Trust has now published their Children and
Young People‘s Plan 2012-2016. This was based on consultation with those
involved in services for children, young people and families and sets out the
priorities and strategic direction of work for the next 3 years. You can
download the plan here and y ou are encouraged to share this freely within
your organisation and with other interested parties.
Hard copies of the plan will be available on request by email at
childrenstrustwest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Further information on the Children‘s Trust and children and young peoples‘
services is available on the Children‘s Trust website by clicking here.
CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL, ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE
CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL SCHEME
From 1 st April 2013, concessionary pass holders travelling on local bus
services before 9.30 a.m. on week days will no longer be entitled to a half
fare concession. From the same date, concessionary pass holders on
community transport services such as dial a ride and PlusBus will no longer
be entitled to ½ fare or free travel.
The changes are being introduced as the result of a council review which
examined various measures aimed at ensuring that the use of reduced
financial resources is targeted at maximising social and economic benefits
and minimises any service reductions. These changes to the Cheshire Districts
Concessionary Fares scheme will put the scheme more in line with the
national concessionary travel scheme, by curtailing the discretionary
elements to concessionary travel (i.e. those provided beyond the statutory
minimum requirements). These changes reflect a trend amongst local
authorities across the country, with Cheshire West and Chester Council
previously having provided discretionary benefits exceeding those in many
areas.
The changes remove entitlement to half fare travel on local bus services
before 9.30 a.m. on week days and remove half fare and free travel on
community transport services. These include PlusBus in Chester, Ellesmere
Port & Neston, luncheon clubs and evening services operated by Ellesmere
Port & Neston Community Transport, Dial a Ride and Women‘s Safe Transport
operated by Cheshire Community Development Trust.
Officers of the Integrated Transport Service have notified operators of these
changes and will be displaying notices on buses in March and information will
be published in the local press. Discussions continue with community
transport providers to help them finalise the charges they will need to
introduce.
Concessionary travel is a national scheme, with statutory minimum
requirements to provide free travel on eligible local bus services from 9.30
a.m. to 11.00 p.m. on week days and at any time on Saturday, Sunday and
Bank Holidays. Some benefits are being maintained to holders of
concessionary passes issued by Cheshire West and Chester Council in addition

to the statutory minimum requirements when boarding a bus service within
Cheshire West and Chester:
For cross boundary services between Cheshire West and Chester and
Wales, pass holders will continue to be able to travel for free after 9.30
a.m. until the last bus Monday to Friday and anytime Saturday, Sunday or
Bank holiday, but will be charged full fare before 9.30 a.m. Monday to
Friday (currently pay half fare).
Free travel on journeys that commence within the Cheshire West and
Chester boundary after 11.00 pm until the last bus.
Holders of a concessionary pass issued by Cheshire West and Chester Council
travelling on a cross boundary service from Cheshire West and Chester into
Cheshire East before 9.30 a.m. Monday to Friday, will pay the full adult fare
for the entire journey.
LOCAL CONSULTATIONS
COUNCIL HOLDS CONSULTATION ON THE MERSEY FOREST
Have your say!
Cheshire West and Chester Council is an important member of The Mersey
Forest Partnership, which is helping transform Merseyside and North Cheshire
into one of the best places in the country to live – by getting more from trees.
They are currently consulting on the refresh of The Mersey Forest‘s long-term
Forest Plan. Cheshire West and Chester Council Councillors and Officers have
already been involved in helping shape the draft Plan, and would now like to
hear your feedback on this draft. Over the past 20 years the Partnership has
planted 9 million trees, from creating entire new woodlands to planting
thousands of street trees. Two thirds of local residents say their local
environment has improved thanks to that work.
The refreshed Plan aims to build upon these achievements for the decades
ahead. The Plan covers topics such as the economy, climate change, flooding,
planning, biodiversity, health, education and training, culture, communities,

access and travel. It also includes specific policies for Cheshire West and
Chester (page 70) and a case study on Wood Allotments which has been
trialled by the Council (page 29). Read the draft Plan, view an interactive map
of the area, and send in your comments (by the end of April 2013) by clicking
on www.merseyforest.org.uk/plan
The Mersey Forest Plan is linked to Cheshire West and Chester‘s Local Plan
Core Strategy, through preferred policy direction PD19 (Natural Environment)
in particular. Further, whilst The Mersey Forest Plan is not a statutory plan,
the National Planning Policy Framework states that an ―approved Community
Forest plan may be a material consideration in preparing development plans
and in deciding planning applications‖.
OTHER COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS
Cheshire West and Chester Council carry out a range of consultations on its
future plans and other matters affecting residents and businesses. It is also
involved in responding to national consultations issued by central
Government and some of these. All ongoing consultations and petitions are
featured on the council website, follow this link to find out more.
NATIONAL CONSULTATIONS
CONSULTATION ON NICE STANDARDS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF SOCIAL CARE
The Department of Health has launched a consultation on establishing a full
set of NICE (National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence) quality
standards and guidance in order to improve the quality of social care. It is
seeking ideas from care users, their families and carers, service
commissioners, care providers and front line staff, to help decide on future
topics for NICE guidance and standards. Some of the potential standards for
discussion in the consultation include falls, deprivation of liberty safeguards
and medicines management in home-based settings. This consultation runs
until 26 April 2013. To find out more or respond to the consultation click
here.

OTHER CONSULTATIONS AND INQUIRIES
Some new and existing government consultations and inquiries are listed
here. Click on the links for more information and details of how to respond.
Closing 19 March 2013
Ofsted: A good education for all - Consultation on inspection of local authority
services
Closing 25 March 2013
Department for Education: Early education and childcare staff deployment
Closing 26 March
Education Select Committee: written submissions for inquiry into school
sports following London 2012
Closing 11 April 2013
BIS: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations
(TUPE) 2006 - Consultation on proposed changes
Closing date 16 April 2013
Department for Education: Consultation on reform of the National Curriculum
in England
Closing 19 April 2013
HM Treasury: Consultation on Payroll Giving
Closing 22 April 2013
Department for Education: Consultation on the criteria for Early Years
educator qualifications (Level 3)
Closing 24 April 2013
Department of Work and Pensions consultation: Statistics on people and
households claiming Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and
other benefits - Plans for 2013-2017
Closing 30 April
Ministry of Justice: Transforming youth custody - Putting education at the
heart of detention
Closing 10 May
Department for Education: Consultation on 16-19 vocational reform

POLICY UPDATES
Volunteering
GOVERNMENT STATS SHOW VOLUNTEERING ON THE INCREASE
A new Community Life Survey includes official statistics showing a
resurgence in volunteering as millions more give their time to help others.
The Official Statistics published for the first time by the Cabinet Office show
that the proportion of people volunteering at least once a year has now
increased from 65% in 2010 to 2011 to 71% in 2012, with an even bigger
increase in the proportion of people volunteering regularly. This equates to
millions more people volunteering across the country -showing that the
cultural change is not limited to the 120,000 who volunteered to make the
Olympics a success. Significantly, this reverses the steady decline in
volunteering seen since 2005.
Other quality of life data includes:
people are still giving generously to charity, with 74% making
donations in 2012, compared with 72% in 2010
55% reported a very strong sense of belonging to Britain, an increase
from 51% in 2010
a strong sense of community spirit, with 79% of people reporting they
belong strongly to their neighbourhood
87% of people report that their local area is one where people from
different backgrounds get along well together
nearly half of people want to be more involved in local decisions, a
significant increase from 2010
Click here for more information.
Children, Young People and Families
EARLY EDUCATION PILOT RESULTS PUBLISHED
The Department for Education has published the results of a research report
into the Early Education Pilot. The study compared the outcomes of 13,500
children who took part in the pilot during 2006 to 2008 with children who
were not part of the project. Key findings include:
There is no evidence that overall children who attended the early years
education pilot when they were two had better outcomes at age five, as
measured by the Early Years Foundation Stage profile, than children

who did not attend the pilot
There was an exception to this for children in the pilot study who
received early year‘s education in high quality settings. They performed
somewhat better at age five than those children who attended low or
adequate quality settings as part of the pilot
No evidence that attending early years education as part of the pilot at
age two increased the likelihood of those children attending early years
education at age three or four, with the exception of black and ethnic
minority children who took part in the pilot. This group were more likely
to attend early education at the ages of three and four.
You can read more here
DFE STUDY ON ADOPTION PROCESSES
The Department for Education (DfE) has published the results of a study into
the strength of the current adoption process and practice. The brief also
summaries what changes are required to keep processes consistent with
adoption legislation in England. You can read more here.
CHILDCARE COSTS SURVEY SHOWS RISING COSTS
The Daycare Trust and the Family and Parenting Institute has published the
annual Childcare Costs Survey 2013. The report gathered information about
childcare availability and costs in Britain from the local authority Family
Information Services and also analyses differences in childcare provision
across regions and nations. Key findings from the report include:
The average nursery cost for a child under two has risen by 4.2% to
£106.38 per week for a part-time place (25 hours). A full-time place
costs £11,000 for a year
Costs for over-twos have gone up by 6.6% to an average of £103.96
per week for a part-time place
Childminder costs in Britain have increased by 5.9% for a child under
two, to £98.15 and 5.2%, to £96.67 for a child aged two and over
The steepest cost hikes are seen in childcare for older children with 15

hours a week at an after-school club costing £49.67, a rise of 9%. For a
family with two children, care in term time, before and after school,
costs nearly £4,000 a year
As well as having the fastest-rising costs, childcare around the school
day is also the hardest to find, with under a third of local authorities
(31%) reporting that they provide sufficient childcare for this group.
You can read more here.
NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION
A new leaflet has been launched by the government about the benefits of
National Citizen Service (NCS), the document provides background
information on the benefits of National Citizen Service (NCS) and explains
how 16 and 17 year olds across England can get involved.
You can read more here
NEW NATIONAL PLEDGE TO IMPROVE CHILDREN‘S HEALTH AND REDUCE CHILD
DEATHS
The government has launched a new pledge about making improvements to
the health of children and young people. The pledge is part of the
government‘s response to the Children and Young People‘s Health Outcomes
Forum. The Department of Health is asking organisations who have the power
to make a difference to sign up and do everything they can to improve the
care that children and young people receive and to reduce avoidable deaths.
The pledge has already been signed by 19 organisations, including the Local
Government Association, with more expected to follow. You can read more
here
MAJOR FLEXIBLE WORKING REFORMS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
ANNOUNCED
Significant reforms to services for vulnerable children and radical proposals to
allow parents to choose how they share up to a year‘s leave to look after their
new-born children have been announced. The Children and Families Bill
includes reforms to adoption, family justice, an overhaul of special

educational needs, reinforcing the role of the Children‘s Commissioner and
plans to introduce childminders agencies. It also includes the extension of the
right to request flexible working to all employees. The proposed shared
parental leave reforms will give parents much greater flexibility about how
they care for their child in the first year after birth. They may take the leave
in turns or take it together, provided that they take no more than 52 weeks
combined in total. You can read about the reforms here.
THE FINANCIAL CASE FOR WORKING WITH TROUBLED FAMILIES
In December 2011, the government committed to invest a further £448
million in turning around the lives of the 120,000 of the most troubled
families in England. This publication details the fiscal analysis that informed
this decision. It explains how public money is being spent on troubled
families and the degree to which this money is merely reacting to the
problems of these families, rather than targeting their needs. It concludes
that the government will spend an estimated £9 billion per year on these
families over the Spending Review period (2010 to 2015). It provides a
breakdown of this spending, explaining that £1 billion is spent proactively
addressing the problems troubled families have and £8 billion reacting to
them. You can read more about the spending breakdown here
NHS INFORMATION SERVICE FOR PARENTS REACHES 100,000 SIGNUPS
As of end of February 2013 more than 100,000 people had already signed up
to receive online advice about looking after their baby – and a quarter of
these were fathers. The service currently covers 0 – 6 months and will be
extended to 0 – 18 months in April. You can find out more about the NHS
Information Service by clicking on the link NHS Information Service for
Parents .

Education/Skills/Training
DIGITAL LITERACY SURVEY SHOWS IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
The Princes Trust has published the results of a digital literacy survey of
young people. The survey asked 1,378 young people aged 15 to 25, including
265 who were NEET, about their IT skills. Key findings from the report
include:
30% of NEET young people had created a Word document in the past
year, compared to 55% of all those surveyed
Only 48% of NEET young people rated themselves as ―very good‖ at
using a computer compared to 71% of those in education
1 in 10 NEET young people cannot send a CV online and said they felt
―out of depth‖ using a computer. 35% also said they rarely or never
looked online for jobs
1 in 10 young people (12%) do not think their computer skills are good
enough to use in the job they want, while almost one in five
unemployed young people (18%) claim to feel this way.
You can read more by clicking on this link Princes Trust Digital Literacy
Survey.
Social Care, Health & Disability Issues
YOUNG MINDS SURVEY ON FUNDING OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The mental health charity Young Minds has published data from a survey into
local authority funding of child and adolescent mental health services. Key
findings include:
34 local authorities out of the 51 who responded to a freedom of
information request by Young Minds said their budgets for children and
young people‘s mental health services (CAMHS) were cut between 2010
and 2013
One council reported a 76% reduction in its CAMHS budget since 2010.

You can read the survey in full here.
NEW REVIEW TO FIND OUT HOW PATIENTS CAN GET BETTER CARE FROM
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS
A new review (announced on 20 th February) will look at how healthcare and
care assistants will be better trained and supported A new independent
review will look at how the training and support of healthcare and care
assistants can be strengthened. You can read more here.
INFORMATION ON PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND‘S CENTRES AND REGIONS
New information for the Department of Health explains the regional structure
of Public Health England, and how PHE will interact with other organisations
on a local level. The Department‘s ‗Going Live‘ work programme has drafted a
short description of the roles of our 15 Centres. You can find out more here
WORK ON EXTENDING PERSONAL HEALTH BUDGETS BEGINS…..
More people than ever before could benefit from personal health budgets
under plans outlined today by Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb. A
consultation, launched today, will gather views on how personal health
budgets should be rolled out across the country. You can read more here.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DEMENTIA
Dementia Harrogate 2013: a national priority
24 April 2013
At Harrogate International Centre
Following the Prime Minister's challenge launched last year, there has never
been a time of more public and political interest in dementia. Aiming to
deliver major improvements in dementia care and research by 2015, there
has been excellent progress, but there is still much to do.
Would you like to learn how this momentum is being maintained and built
upon?
How will policies around personalisation, integration and funding of care and
support improve the lives of those living with dementia and their families?

Confirmed Speakers Include:
Hazel Blears, Vice Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia
Trevor Jarvis, Ambassador, Alzheimer's Society
Kathryn Smith, Director of Operations, Alzheimers Society
Simon Ridley, Head of Research, Alzheimer's Research UK
Philly Hare, Programme Manager, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
You can find out more about the conference and how to book by clicking here
NEW FUNDING REFORMS ANNOUNCED FOR CARE AND SUPPORT OF OLDER
PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The Government has announced new measures for funding care to ensure
that the elderly and those with disabilities get the care they need without
facing unlimited costs.
The new measures are based on the recommendations made in 2011 by the
Dilnot Commission, an independent panel set up to look at the fairest and
most sustainable way to fund care and support in England.
The new measures include, from April 2017:
A cap on care costs, which gives everyone the reassurance that they
will have a level of protection, if they have the most serious needs and
incur very high care costs. If someone is assessed by their local
authority as having eligible care needs, they will be told how much it
will cost the local authority to meet those needs with local services.
These costs count towards their cap. So, however great a person‘s costs
become, once they have reached the cap the state will step in and
provide financial support. Due to the economic circumstances, they are
introducing a cap that is equivalent to around £61,000 in 2010/11
prices – slightly above the £25,000-£50,000 range originally
recommended by Andrew Dilnot. This is equivalent to £75,000 in
2017/18 prices. They expect up to 16% of older people to face costs of
£75,000 or more.
People of working age who develop care needs before retirement age
will benefit from a cap that‘s lower than £75,000. People who have care
needs before they turn 18 will effectively have their cap set at zero.
New financial protection for those with modest wealth. People with the
least will get the most support. Currently only those with assets of less
than £23,250 get help with paying for their care costs. The changes will
mean that those with property value and savings of £100,000 (in

2010/11 prices) or less will start to receive financial support, with the
Government paying a proportion of their residential care costs on a
sliding scale. £100,000 was the amount recommended by Andrew
Dilnot, and is equivalent to around £123,000 in 2017/18 prices. The
most financial support will go to those with the greatest care needs and
the least in savings or home value, and the poorest people will continue
to have the majority of their care costs paid.
And from April 2015:
No-one will have to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for
residential care. If people cannot afford their fees without selling their
home, they will have the right to defer paying during their lifetime.
People will have clearer entitlements. A national minimum eligibility
will make access to care more consistent around the country, and
carers will have a legal right to an assessment for care for the first time.
The Government will legislate for these proposals. Subject to the passage of
legislation, the changes above will take effect from April 2017 and will
provide people with a new legal right to financial protection from very high
care costs, from the state, which has not existed previously. The 2017 timing
will ensure that these changes are affordable and sustainable for the long
term. You can read more about the Dilnot Commission and the changes here.
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT AND MOBILITY
Eligibility to mobility benefits in relation to Personal Independence Payment
(PIP) has been the subject of much discussion in Parliament, the press and
among disability campaigners recently.
Turn 2 Us – a campaigning charity for disability rights has the latest news
about mobility and PIP. You can read more here and access the Turn 2 Us
website at www.turn2us.org.uk
FULFILLING POTENTIAL REPORT SURVEY OF DISABILITY IN THE UK
'Fulfilling Potential: Building a deeper understanding of disability in the UK
today' has been published on the Office for Disability (ODI) website. This
document summarises the analytical evidence on disability. It looks at the
number of disabled people in the UK as well as looking at the way disability
develops over the life course and at the fluctuating nature of disability. It also
looks at the lives of disabled people by looking at the trends in outcomes and
the barriers to taking part in different areas of life. It covers a wide range of
issues. As well as the main slide pack and report, there are also summary

versions which will give you an overview of the evidence if you don't have
time to read the full version! You can access the info here.
Housing Issues
£225 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND OPENS FOR BIDS
Affordable housing providers in England will be able to bid for a share of up to
£225 million to deliver additional new homes. The government has published
bidding guidance for the scheme, which is based on the Affordable Homes
Programme. The Affordable Homes Programme is set to deliver 170,000 new
homes by 2015 - with almost 63,000 of these already completed. It is hoped
that this funding will deliver up to 15,000 additional new affordable
homes. You can read more here.
Benefit & Poverty Issues
CHANGES TO PROPOSED ―BEDROOM TAX‖ ANNOUNCED
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced in a written
ministerial statement that there are to be some exemptions to the proposals
to reductions in housing benefit for unoccupied bedrooms in dwellings. This
includes approved foster carers in receipt of housing benefit who will be
allowed an additional room whether or not a child has been placed with them
or they are between placements, so long as they have fostered a child or had
become an approved foster carer in the last 12 months. The statement also
made allowances for armed forces personnel who continue to live with their
parents to be treated as if they were still at home, even if they are deployed
abroad. This means that the size criteria rules will not be applied to the room
normally occupied by the member of the armed forces if they intend to return
home. You can read more here.
BENEFIT CAP ROLL OUT Announced
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the national roll out of
the benefit cap will begin on 15 th July 2013. The cap will start in Bromley,
Croydon, Enfield and Haringey from 15 th April 2013 with remaining Local

Authorities rolling out the cap from 15 July. The roll out is expected to be
completed by September 2013. You can read more here
Commissioning Update
MASTERCLASSES TO HELP CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS WIN GOVERNMENT
CONTRACTS
The Office for Civil Society has announced a series of Masterclasses to help
civil society organisations win government contracts. These new workshops
will help charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises to win and
deliver public service contracts. The first workshops to help charities,
voluntary organisations and social enterprises (VCSEs) capitalise on
opportunities to work for government are now open for registration.
The first North West masterclass will take place on 26 th and 27 th March at the
Kings Conference Centre in Manchester- if you are interested, then you can
book your place via the link above. Places cost £25.
Developed by the government with partners in the private and voluntary
sectors, the masterclasses will use case studies, practical tools and the direct
experiences of experts to guide organisations through what is required to win
and deliver public service contracts. They will aim to improve key skills across
a range of areas, including:
writing winning bids
adjusting to changes in the tender process
developing consortia
financial skills, such as how to profile and manage risks
Designed for service managers, senior staff and trustees, the masterclasses
will be held in regions across England until March 2014. To see the content of
the masterclasses and to sign up for the first master classes in London and
Manchester during March 2013 go to -
http://knowhownonprofit.org/funding/service/commercial-masterclasses/event-listing
More information can be found by clicking on OCS masterclasses
To register your interest and sign up to hear about the full events programme
email - commercialmasterclasses@ncvo-vol.org.uk

FUNDING UPDATES
EU INFORMATION DAY
26 MARCH 2013 09:30 - 14:00 IN CREWE
Participants will receive a training pack containing background publications,
maps and other relevant documents.
The training day is open to small groups who want to improve their
understanding of Europe and EU funding opportunities. It is funded by the
National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and lunch will also be provided
on the day.
To book a place or for more details, please contact Sharon McCarthy on
sharon.mccarthy@networkforeurope.eu or call 0151 237 3972.
2013 CALL LAUNCHED FOR YOUTH IN A_CTION - YOUTH IN THE WORLD (EU)
FUNDING
The European Commission has published the 2013 Call for Proposals for
cooperation in the youth sector between 'Youth in a_ction' programme
countries and partner countries other than those which are neighbours of the
European Union. This includes, for example, countries from Latin America,
Africa, the Caribbean, Pacific and Asia. Industrialised countries can be
partners, but the EU grant cannot cover costs incurred by partners or
participants from those countries.
The objectives of this programme are to:
Improve the mobility of young people and youth workers, as well as
youth employability
Promote youth empowerment and active participation
Foster capacity-building for youth organisations and structures in order
to contribute to civil society development
Promote cooperation and the exchange of experience and good practice
in the field of youth and non-formal education
Contribute to the development of youth policies, youth work and the
voluntary sector
Develop sustainable partnerships and networks between youth
organisations
Preference is given to projects which reflect the priorities of the Youth in
a_ction programme. The programme has both permanent and annual

priorities. The permanent priorities are:
Participation of young people
Cultural diversity
European citizenship
Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
For 2013, the annual priorities are:
Awareness raising of rights linked to EU citizenship
Inclusive growth
Creativity, entrepreneurship and employability
Healthy behaviours
Projects must involve partners from at least four different countries,
including at least two programme countries and two partner countries.
Eligible activities include, for example:
Large-scale youth events, seminars, conferences
Activities encouraging the development of partnerships and networks
Activities encouraging the policy dialogue in the field of youth
Information and awareness campaigns in favour of and by young
people
Training and capacity-building of youth workers, youth organisations
and multipliers
Job-shadowing and long-term mobility for youth workers
Projects must start between 1 October 2013 and 31 December 2013, with a
minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 12 months.
A total budget of €3 million is available. Grants will be for up to 80% of
eligible project costs, to a maximum of €100,000. Non-profit organisations
working in the youth sector are eligible to apply.
Click on the link for more information EU Call for Action - Youth in Action
funding
The deadline for applications is 14 May 2013 (12 noon, Brussels time)
IDEAS FUND SHORTS 2013 - NEW FUNDING ROUND OPEN
Ideas Fund Shorts aims to recognise the wealth of talented young filmmakers
(between the ages of 16 and 25) in the UK, offering awards for the
most original, engaging ideas.
Eight prizes of £5,000 are available. Entries must be for films no longer than
five minutes and can include documentaries, conceptual pieces, trailers for

features, music videos, fashion films and animated shorts.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the project has not been done
before.
The Ideas Fund will support applications from groups (a minimum of three
people) or individuals within the UK for arts and creative projects, providing
one person takes the lead and has the main responsibility for managing the
application and any money awarded. Get more information by clicking here
The first 2013 deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Thursday 28
March 2013.
RESOURCES
FINDING GOVERNMENT INFORMATION – NEW WEBSITE
A lot of useful government information has now been moved to a new
website location – www.gov.uk Click on the links below for more
information.
For a range of updates and information about Community and Society go to ­
https://www.gov.uk/government/topics/community-and-society
Web pages relating to making it easier to set up and run a charity, social
enterprise, or voluntary organisation are now available at ­
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/making-it-easier-to-set-up-andrun-a-charity-social-enterprise-or-voluntary-organisation
Web pages relating to promoting social action: encouraging and enabling
people to play a more active part in society are now available at ­
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/promoting-social-a_ctionencouraging-and-enabling-people-to-play-a-more-active-part-in-society
Other areas of information on Gov.Uk include:
Driving, transport and travel
Benefits
Businesses and self-employed
Employing people
Education and learning
Working, jobs and pensions
Housing and local services
Crime, justice and the law
Money and tax
Births, deaths, marriages and care
Disabled people

Citizenship and life in the UK
CAPT GUIDE TO COMMISSIONING
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) have produced a new guide to
commissioning which provides practical information and advice to help you to
design effective child accident prevention services, both as standalone
programmes and as an integral part of wider services for children and
families, in support of the Public Health Outcomes Framework indicator on
hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injuries in under
18s.
Read more on the guide to commissioning
SUPPORT SOLUTIONS BRIEFING ON WELFARE REFORM, UNIVERSAL CREDIT &
EXEMPT ACCOMMODATION
A Support Solutions Briefing takes a fresh look at the detail of the new
Universal Credit & Welfare Reform arrangements (most of which come into
force in April and to clarify how they will impact on:
Directly managed supported housing
Agency managed supported housing
Sheltered housing
Tenancy sustainment/floating support services
"Intensive Housing management".
This is a very clear and concise guide to the various aspects of benefits reform
as it applies to and will impact on a range of housing related issues.
Please click here to read the briefing or copy and paste the following link into
your browser:
www.supportsolutions.co.uk/briefing/issue_12/exempt_accommodation.ht
ml.
Support Solutions has been part of the Housing Support and Social Care
sector for over 21 years and has an excellent reputation for the quality of
their work and detailed knowledge of the issues affecting Providers and
Commissioners of housing support and social care services.

STOP PRESS
EARLY HELP CONFERENCE - FREE CONFERENCE ON 22 ND MARCH AT CHESTER
RACECOURSE
This Conference is designed for managers of Children and Family
Services from Local Authorities, LSCB chairs and Senior Officers from
all agencies across the North West who will be involved in the new
multi- agency inspection framework from June 2013.
Speakers confirmed are;
Kath O‘Dwyer Director for Childrens Services Warrington Borough
Council
Colin Hilton Director of Childrens Improvement Board for England
Gerald Meehan Strategic Director Childrens Service Halton and
West Cheshire
Steven Moore Chair of West Cheshire Childrens Trust
The focus of the conference will be to share with other areas the practical
experience from West Cheshire in adopting a single Team Around the
Family Assessment system across all public agencies, putting families in
the driving seat to prevent crisis and design tailored service plans
around children and parents needs. To book your place, please email the
following link ChildrensTrustWest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
stating your name, role, organisation and if you have any special dietary
requirements by Monday 18 th March.
INVITATION
Breakfast Seminar
Commercial & Clinical Solutions LLP and DWF LLP
Solicitors
“THE COST OF DEMENTIA – AN
UNAFFORDABLE BILL?”

Speakers:
Dr Gillie Evans GP and RESEC Research Fellow at Green
Templeton College, University of Oxford
and
Carole Hassan Associate, Commercial & Clinical Solutions
LLP
Wednesday 20th March 2013
8.00am for 8.30am, concluding by 10.00am
DWF LLP 5 St Pauls Square, Old Hall St, Liverpool, L3 9AE
The presentations will be followed by an opportunity for questions and
discussion and the event will conclude by 10am.
Please join us if you can for what promises to be an illuminating and highly
topical event, especially given the implications of David Cameron‘s national
Dementia Challenge to commissioners and healthcare providers.
This invitation-only event is free of charge but places are strictly limited so
please assist book your place as soon as possible by emailing
events@dwf.co.uk or phoning 0161 604 1656.
CONTACT DETAILS
To put items and news in the TSA News Online or if any of the links do not
work please contact Anne Lancaster, TSA Co-ordinator on
Anne.Lancaster@chesterva.org.uk or telephone 07801 015261 (direct line) or
01244 323527 (to leave a message). Next Issue due out week beginning 4 th
March.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The information in the TSA News Online comes from a variety of sources.
Some information is sent in and some is gathered from websites, newsletters
and direct mailings. We are grateful to all contributors and sources and
reproduce information in good faith but advise readers to check the details on
the organisation websites as well (these are given in the articles) if they
intend to cite any research or statistics. The views expressed in any items are
not necessarily the views of the editor or the TSA.