Bulletin 1 May 2009

Barnardo’s Training

For information about training on working with families with ADHD.

Affordable Office Space

Is your project looking for space?
Then why not come and join us!

John Haswell House is the base for Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council and we have lots of projects and activities within the building, we do however also offer office space to external groups from time to time.
This can be a real advantage to smaller organisations who may otherwise find themselves quite isolated or based in an area they feel has security issues.
A 212 sq ft unfurnished accessible office is now available for rent and also two 125 sq ft (not fully accessible) offices.  As well as the office space you will be able to book meeting/training rooms (our large rooms have hearing loop systems fitted), have the use of  the kitchen facilities, your office will be regularly cleaned and our friendly reception staff will greet your visitors, all for no extra charge. The building is secure, accessible and open Monday to Friday from 8.45am until 4.45pm for visitors and 7.45am until 6.45pm for staff and tenants.

For those organisations just starting out we can loan some basic office furniture (IT equipment not included) to get you going this again is at no extra cost.

For more information, cost or to view contact Beryl Robinson tel 0191 4784103 email  berylrobinson@gvoc.org.uk

Vacancies

Refugees and asylum seekers are at significant risk of social exclusion, and are frequently overlooked by key decision makers. This is why we launched our Brighter Futures project – a self-advocacy group for young refugees and asylum seekers, created to inform and influence local and national government and service providers’ policy and practice. You’ll make sure it succeeds.

Brighter Futures Project
Part Time Assistant Development Officer
10 hrs per week to cover for maternity leave until 31 January 2010
Salary Scale: 4 – £24,000 per annum (pro-rata’d to 10 hrs per week)
Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund

Office base – Newcastle upon Tyne
Group work base – Middlesbrough
As a key member of our project team, you’ll actively co-ordinate and facilitate the Tees Valley Brighter Futures group, working with refugee and asylum seeking children and young people. You’ll support a group of young people (aged 15-21) in developing, implementing and recording their advocacy strategy – providing advice, organising meetings and helping arrange events. You’ll combine group work with one-to-one support, while working with external organisations to maximise the project’s profile and impact.

As such, you’ll need broad experience of participatory youth work and self-advocacy methods and/or support work with young refugees and asylum seekers. An up to date knowledge of the current social situation, legislation and other issues that impact on the lives of young refugees would be an advantage. You must also have a good understanding of children’s rights, and the communication skills needed to liaise, network and negotiate with a wide range of audiences. 

For more information and to apply online go to
www.savethechildren.org.uk/jobs
Job Ref: 5131

Closing date: 14 May 2009
Interview date: 8 June 2009 at our office base in Newcastle upon Tyne savethechildren.org.uk
The successful candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure
Recruitment and selection procedures and checks reflect our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  Save the Children aims to be an equal opportunities employer

Volunteer Opportunities – Kumasi Project

THEY are some of the most vulnerable young people in the region
WE work to ensure they receive the support they need to learn new skills and develop in confidence
YOU have the skills and experience to help us to help them

Kumasi provides a programme of activity and support enabling young unaccompanied asylum seekers in Newcastle to meet together and participate in a range of group work and educational activities to address a variety of developmental and social needs. In addition the project provides support and advocacy in relation to access to services and the asylum process.

We are looking to recruit two volunteers:
Social and Cultural Programme Assistant
To support with the organisation and implementation of the programme of holiday activities and trips.
Youth Participation Coordinator
To support the development of the Young People’s Steering Group and wider engagement of young people in the organisation of the project

Experience working with young people is essential and experience working with refugees and asylum seekers is preferable.  Commitment and dedication are necessary and organisational skills are valuable.  Monitoring and evaluation skills and experience will be useful for some positions.

For further details contact Hannah Gibbin on 0191 222 99 66
For an application pack contact Julie Nicholls at j.nicholls@savethechildren.org.uk

Closing date: 9am, Monday 18 May 2009