Grants scheme launched to support Home Office placed asylum seekers in West Northants

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The Home Office has a statutory duty to provide accommodation for those seeking asylum. In 2022 three locations within the area of West Northamptonshire Council were selected by the Home Office for this purpose. The Home Office has made funding available to the Council to provide some additional support for those seeking asylum. This is in addition to that provided by the Home Office, which is for immediate housing and welfare needs, provided under Home Office contract with approved private sector providers who manage the accommodation and any immediate welfare support.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for Voluntary and Community Sector organisations who have identified projects, either new or existing, that will provide:

  • additional support projects and services to these asylum seekers.
  • projects and services that will productively and consensually occupy these asylum seekers whilst they are awaiting a decision from the Home Office.
  • projects and services that will reduce social isolation because of not being granted permission to work and being housed in rural areas.

Registered charities, voluntary or community groups, constitutionalised clubs, and not-for profit organisations can submit an expression of interest form to West Northants Council (WNC) outlining their project to be considered for the funding.

Find more information and view the full criteria for applications on the WNC website and in the Council’s Community Funding Grants Framework.

If you would like to speak to the Community Funding Grants Team about your project or your eligibility to apply for this grant then email: communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk including your contact telephone number.

The deadline for application form submission is 31/10/2023.

Trustee wanted (Teamwork Trust)

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Teamwork Trust have just created our new strategy and are looking for new board members to help guide us towards our objectives. We are looking to welcome people to be the ‘guardian of our purpose’— making sure all decisions we make put the needs of our beneficiaries first.

Teamwork Trust changes lives through the dignity of providing purpose, life skills, employability and community. Our services offer the chance for our people to live happy, fulfilled and connected lives. This means we give the choice of independence to people that, by virtue of their human difference, society assumes is not possible.

We are specifically looking for people with at least one of the following areas of expertise

  • Legal and regulation
  • Commercial property
  • Health, Safety and Wellbeing
  • For more information, view the Teamwork Trust website

Minibus Driver

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Northampton Door-to-Door Service is recruiting for minibus drivers,  for part-time  as well as Relief Drivers to cover staff absences. Our drivers use specially adapted minibuses to transport elderly and disabled people to different locations in Northampton.

It will be your responsibility to:

  • Safely transport passengers from their home to their destinations whilst adhering to the specified schedule for the day.
  • Offer the necessary support and assistance to passengers and help them with their bags and walking aids if required.
  • Ensure all passengers are safely secured in their seats before travel.
  • Liaise with office staff as necessary.
  • Conduct maintenance/safety checks and cleaning of the bus.

Applicants must have a current valid driving licence with category D1, a positive, friendly attitude, empathy with elderly and disabled people, and good communication skills.

For more information, please have a look at the job description and person specification here. To apply, please complete the application form which can be found here, and return to Rafal Piecha at rafal.piecha@voluntaryimpact.org.uk by midday on Monday 2nd October  (we reserve the right to interview applicants as they apply and may close for applications before this date).

 

 

New grants scheme launched to create volunteering opportunities in West Northamptonshire

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West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new grants scheme which aims to create additional volunteering opportunities following funding from Central Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Grants from £100 to £1,500 are available for Voluntary and Community Sector projects to address a local community need and support the Council’s vision to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.

 

The funding is available for new or existing projects or services in West Northamptonshire which create additional volunteering opportunities. This can be for one-off events or an extended number of times such as weekly, monthly, or as and when required. Registered charities, voluntary or community groups, constitutionalised clubs, or not-for profit organisations which operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council and meet the needs of local residents are invited to submit an expression of interest form.

 

Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services, said:

 

The Voluntary and Community Sector are often the unsung heroes who provide vital services to our communities, and we’re delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to apply for this fund. These grants will enable organisations to recruit new volunteers and continue their valuable work. So, if you fit the criteria, fill out an expression of interest form or make contact our Grants Team to find out more.

 

Further information and the full criteria for applications can be found on the WNC website and in the Council’s Community Funding Grants Framework. If you would like to speak to the Community Funding Grants Team about your project or your eligibility to apply for this grant please Email: communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk including your contact telephone number.

VCSE groups are invited to submit an interest in concessionary property.

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Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations are invited to submit expressions of interest for Council owned property available for VCS use at concessionary rates.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) owns a portfolio of approximately 1,000 properties that are managed and maintained by WNC’s Assets & Environment team. Most of this portfolio are operational buildings such as Council office buildings, schools, care homes and libraries, which provide facilities enabling the Council to deliver and provide essential services to the residents of West Northamptonshire. Others are let commercially to provide space for businesses and income to support Council services.

However, also included within this portfolio are properties which may be suitable for VCS organisations including registered charities, voluntary and community groups, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprise, and faith groups. These are available at concessionary rates, for either short or longer-term use, depending on the situation.

The Council publishes the list of ‘Available Property’ on its website, normally on a quarterly basis. Expressions of interest may be submitted and are considered normally at the end of each quarter. All expressions of interest are judged on compliance with the policy and on community benefit. If more than one VCS organisation makes a compliant request to use a property, the one offering the best credible community benefits will be preferred.

Other property available to let or buy from the Council is also listed on the website, but unless reclassified would be let or sold on commercial terms only.

VCS groups can view the full property list, policy document, and submit an expression of interest form on the Estates Management webpage. Before submitting an expression of interest, VCS groups are strongly advised to carefully read the policy and ensure they address all the points within it.