Updated news from the FVAF office

 

 

• FVAF annual subscription for 2010 remains at £10 for which members can get many benefits such as cheaper photocopying, subsidised training and the equipment hire service.

 

• FVAF now has some equipment to enable groups to use Skype for communicating with distant others. We have also purchased a portable PA system which we hope will prove excellent for groups holding both indoor and outdoor meetings

 

• The Local Action Group is open to invitations for Expressions of Interest for funding for projects that fully subscribe to the objectives of the local Rural Development Programme – contact FVAF for more information

 

• FVAF training continues to be able to offer CIEH Level 2 Food Safety (catering) at the affordable price of £30 per attendee and Emergency First Aid at Work at £35 per attendee. This includes training and assessment and we always use local community venues. Contact  the office for more information

 

• We have also secured funding to be able to provide free Manual Handling training and assessments for up to 90 volunteers and at affordable rates for paid staff. More details from the FVAF office – please note we will not be starting this training until later in the Year to enable Pat Nixon to fully prepare for the courses

 

• FVAF have appointed Ryan Sansome to help with the Volunteer Centre work through until at least the end of August 2010. This is part of the Future Jobs Fund and enables FVAF to help a young person with some vital work experience and training as well as helping groups get some additional service from the Centre. Whilst we hoped to follow this up with a second similar appointment it now looks as if the Fund will not continue as the Government cuts start to bite

 

• Our bid for a social gardening project has been successful and we are currently recruiting for a Support Worker. Volunteers, who themselves have learning disabilities, will be recruited soon and finally householders in Cinderford will have the opportunity to join the scheme

 

• FVAF is also hoping to be involved in the Community Outreach programme for the Midlands Digital Switchover up until April 2011. This will affect many houses in the northern part of the district served by Ridge Hill and also its relays at Soudley and St Briavels.