Featured in this news round-up:

• Funding to support the development of small charities and social enterprises (UK)
• New Chair of AVDC chooses to support Bucks Mind
• De Vere Latimer Estate announce their charity partner for 2017
• Bucks Mind launches online database of mental health services
• Restoration open day at Wendover Arm Trust

Funding to support the development of small charities and social enterprises

The Fore Trust's latest funding round to support the development of small charities, social enterprises and community interest companies opened for registrations on the 24th July 2017.

The Trust is offering development funding of up to £30,000 and business support to expand the capacity of small charities, social enterprises and community interest companies. In order to qualify, applicant organisations will need to have a turnover of less than £1 million per year. The Fore runs three twelve-week funding rounds to coincide with the academic calendar each year. To apply for funding, organisations must register at the start of each funding round. Numbers for each round are capped and registration are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the cap is reached, the round is closed. Once successfully registered, organisations are invited to submit a simple application.

Find out more about funding through The Fore Trust >

New Chair of AVDC chooses to support Bucks Mind

Buckinghamshire Mind, the mental health charity, is delighted to announce that Councillor Sue Renshell, the new Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, has selected Buckinghamshire Mind as one of her two ‘Chosen Charities’ during her two-year term of office. Cllr Renshell visited Buckinghamshire Mind’s Day Services in Aylesbury on Monday 3rd July and met with service users, volunteers and staff.

Andrea McCubbin, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Mind, said: “Everyone at Buckinghamshire Mind is absolutely thrilled to have been selected to be one of the AVDC Chairman’s 'Chosen Charities'. We were really impressed with the time Cllr Renshell devoted to talking with our service users during her visit and we are very much looking forward to working closely with her to raise awareness of Buckinghamshire Mind and raise funds for our vital mental health services.”

Cllr Sue Renshell, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “I was delighted to be invited to the Buckinghamshire Mind offices in Aylesbury to see for myself the good work they are doing for the community. The staff work hard in helping people face the daily challenges arising from modern living, which often effect and add pressure to people’s lives. I was particularly impressed with Buckinghamshire Mind’s Befriending Service, which I know is a great help to service users managing the effects of loneliness, depression and anxiety. I was also pleased to see service users returning as volunteers to help others. My visit was positive and uplifting and I hope, with the help of the public, we can raise funds for this very worthy cause.”

Cllr Renshell is holding a Quiz Night at The Oculus in The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, on 20th October 2017 to raise funds for her 'Chosen Charities'. For more information, please contact Katherine Wickens by email at chairmansevents@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk.

De Vere Latimer Estate announce their charity partner for 2017

Thousands of pounds were donated to a leading Buckinghamshire charity in an event to celebrate the re-opening of the De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham. Businesses and high-profile attendees came out to support the opening, which featured The South Bucks Community Hospice as the hotel’s charity partner for 2017.

The De Vere group donated £2,000 at the recent launch party, which featured various high-profile attendees including hospice patrons Mimi Harker OBE and entrepreneur Mike Clare. A further £2,500 was raised in the charity auction.

“We are very fortunate to have been selected as De Vere Latimer Estate’s charity of the year and are excited for future fundraising events,” said Jo Woolf, Chief Executive at The South Bucks Community Hospice. "We are now asking all local businesses to come out and support us. The support and donations from the businesses within our community are needed for the daily running of our new hospice, offering vital help for patients with life-limiting conditions.”

Bucks Mind launches online database of mental health services

Buckinghamshire Mind has launched an online directory of mental health services available in the county. The Buckinghamshire Mind Guide, funded by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, is intended for members of the public and a wide range for professionals, from NHS and health services to the police, local authorities and care providers.

The website provides a database that can be easily searched and navigated so that people with a mental health problem can access the support they need, from counselling to debt and housing advice. The Buckinghamshire Mind Guide was tested by mental health service users before it was launched to ensure that it was easy to use and met the needs of those who would use it most.

A Buckinghamshire Mind Volunteer Befriender said: “As someone who has long bemoaned the lack of joined up information for Buckinghamshire mental health, this database will be the way to find help and support in future.”

Yvette Hitch, Superintendent 670, Local Policing Area (LPA) Commander, Chiltern and South Bucks LPA, said: “I think it is really comprehensive and will be a great help.”

Andrea McCubbin, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Mind, said: “Our new online directory of services is an invaluable resource for individuals and health professionals, public bodies and care providers. The website provides details of all the services in Buckinghamshire that people experiencing mental health difficulties might need. Mental health problems affect all areas of people’s lives and it can be very difficult to find the right help and support. The Buckinghamshire Mind Guide now makes it much easier for people to access the wide-ranging services available in the county.”

Any organisations operating in the area of mental health that would like to be included in the Buckinghamshire Mind Guide should email mindguide@bucksmind.org.uk.  

To access the Buckinghamshire Mind Guide, visit www.bucksmind.org.uk/guide.

Restoration open day at Wendover Arm Trust

The Wendover Arm Trust, the voluntary body set up to promote the restoration of the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal, is holding a restoration open day on Sunday 3rd September,

The day will include guided tours of the restoration site (approx. 25 minute walk) and sales stands, while there will be teas and cakes for sale and canoe activity on the restored canal section. Entry is free – donations are welcome. The open day runs from 12.30pm-4pm at Drayton Beauchamp Church, HP22 5LS.

Find out more about the day and the Wendover Arm Trust >

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