<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xml:base="https://www.voscur.org" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"> <channel> <title>Voscur - Social value</title> <link>https://www.voscur.org/core-categories/social-value</link> <description>Social value is the difference that organisations can make in not just what kind of services they deliver, but how they deliver them. A commercial cafe, for example, may provide a great service, but relatively little social value. A community cafe, by contrast, that does all the things the commercial cafe does, and employs people with learning disabilities, may also provide a great service and create lots of social value via the impact of employing people who often have less opportunity to gain the benefits of a job. Voscur works with commissioners who design and buy services, and VCSE organisations that would like to deliver services, to help them work together to create the most impact and social value through the delivery of public services. </description> <language>en</language> <item> <title>What is the Month of Community? How to get involved</title> <link>https://www.voscur.org/insight/news/month-community-get-involved</link> <description><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2>What is the Month of Community? How to get involved</h2></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="https://www.voscur.org/sites/default/files/styles/node_image/public/Colourful%20Doors%20Credit%20Dil%20via%20Unsplash.png?itok=3kjLy6MS" width="510" height="352" alt="Colourful doors in apartment block to suggest community and diversity" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-image-credit field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Image Credit:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Dil via Unsplash</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date-provision-is-due-to-b field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">19 May, 2021</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> </p> <p><span><span><span>The Month of Community is a new way of combining the many causes and awareness weeks in June, to make one month-long campaign that celebrates many people in our society who might otherwise be overlooked – for example, carers, refugees, and people facing loneliness.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>You’ll recognise many of the awareness weeks and events taking place during the month, including Volunteers’ Week, Carers Week, Small Charity Week and Refugee Week, and this is a chance to amplify them all. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Whether you’re involved in marketing and communications, fundraising or community work, you can get involved in the <a href="https://www.smallcharityweek.com/month-of-community" target="_blank">Month of Community</a> and give your own cause a boost. Use the hashtag #MonthOfCommunity (capitalise each word for accessibility) in your social media posts, and get ready to create some amazing content promoting your volunteers, staff, service users and neighbourhood.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>1-7 June: Volunteers’ Week</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>You should know all about this one already, but if you’re new to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, Volunteers’ Week will soon become a permanent fixture in your calendar. It’s an unmissable opportunity to shout about the difference volunteers make to your cause and to your service users, and it’s a chance to attract potential new volunteers as well.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>We’re planning some exciting local activities with Bristol City Council, Can Do Bristol and Black South West Network, and we’ll reveal details soon. In the meantime, please download the <a href="https://volunteersweek.org/get-involved/resources/" target="_blank">logos and resources</a> from the official Volunteers’ Week website to get you started. Don’t forget that we also cover volunteer management as part of our training and learning programme, and we can provide bespoke training just for your organisation. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>5 June: The Big Lunch Weekend</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This is a collaboration between Eden Project Charities and The National Lottery. The Big Lunch is about getting together with your neighbours, your volunteers and unpaid carers, or anyone else you want to spend time with locally, all whilst raising money for local causes.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>You might host a socially distanced street party, an afternoon tea, a brunch morning, or something a bit different. Although the focus is on a weekend this year, you can hold your event at any time during the month – it still counts. <a href="https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/get-your-big-lunch-pack-0" target="_blank">Order your free Big Lunch pack here</a>. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>5-11 June: Neighbourhood Watch Week</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The pandemic has made us all more community-minded, and neighbourhoods have come together like never before. Neighbourhood Watch Week wants to continue this behaviour, to make sure our streets stay safe, and we are vigilant – not just about crime, but about our neighbours’ wellbeing, and issues like litter, accessibility and road safety. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The website has a huge amount of <a href="https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/nwweek" target="_blank">resources</a>, including a podcast, downloadable guides, and a crime prevention webinar. There’s even advice on setting up a Calling Tree, to spread information to people who don’t use social media. Any face-to-face activities you organise must be COVID-safe. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>7-13 June: Carers Week </b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Unpaid carers are invaluable but often overlooked in society. They spend hours every day looking after loved ones, often with little respite or thanks, and whilst juggling their own day-to-day responsibilities, such as work, parenting or education. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This year’s theme is ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’. There are plenty of <a href="https://www.carersweek.org/?cmp=activity" target="_blank">activity suggestions and ways to pledge your support</a> as an organisation or an individual. Many Voscur members are involved in caring, such as Bristol Black Carers, and Carers Support Centre Bristol and South Gloucestershire. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>14-18 June: Loneliness Awareness Week</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Bristol’s own Marmalade Trust is behind this national awareness campaign. Loneliness can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it has an impact on health outcomes as well as mood. The week-long campaign is a chance to start a conversation about loneliness, and to consider those in your community who may feel physically or emotionally isolated. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Use the hashtag #LetsTalkLoneliness to get people talking online; you can also download <a href="https://www.marmaladetrust.org/lawresources" target="_blank">a range of resources from the Marmalade Trust website</a>, including graphics, email signatures and posters. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>14-19 June: Small Charity Week</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Many Voscur members are small charities, or established groups and CICs thinking about becoming charities. This is a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes of the charity world, rather than the usual household names up and down the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Each day of <a href="https://www.smallcharityweek.com/" target="_blank">Small Charity Week</a> has a different theme, including policy (led by NCVO) and fundraising. There will be competitions, online events, and webinars to take part in. Look out for the hashtag #ILoveSmallCharities on Monday 14 June, and #SmallCharityWeek throughout the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>14-20 June: Refugee Week</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This year’s theme for Refugee Week is ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’ – very poignant after a turbulent year for everyone, but particularly for those who are fleeing war or persecution in their own countries, and who want to make a new start in the UK. There are <a href="https://refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/" target="_blank">eight ‘Simple Acts’</a> you can do to mark Refugee Week, using the hashtags #SimpleActs and #RefugeeWeek2021, or you can hold an event. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Here in Bristol, we have a network of organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers, helped by Voscur – it’s called Bristol Refugee and Asylum Seeker Partnership (BRASP). These organisations are doing important work all year round, but they make an even bigger impact together. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>18-20 June: The Great Get Together</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This annual event was set up after the murder of MP Jo Cox, as a way of remembering her community spirit and inspiring others to follow her message of unity: “We have far more in common than that which divides us”. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Spread the #MoreInCommon message by <a href="https://www.greatgettogether.org/2021" target="_blank">holding a face-to-face or virtual event</a>, organising a school assembly, or joining an existing event in your area. On 20 June, you are encouraged to do the Great Walk Together and also show solidarity with Refugee Week. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><b>4 July: Thank You Day</b></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This new national event is a chance to thank everyone for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic – the NHS and other key workers, but also volunteers, friends and neighbours who have kept us going in a stressful and frightening time. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Use the hashtag #ThankYouDay on social media to celebrate your heroes of the pandemic. Download <a href="https://thankyouday.org.uk/resources/" target="_blank">official graphics</a>, and maybe send out a newsletter to raise awareness. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>If you take part in any of these awareness days or weeks, let us know – we’d love to see your photos and social media posts. Find us on <a href="https://twitter.com/voscur" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/voscur" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://linkedin.com/company/Voscur" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. </span></span></span></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-core-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Core Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/community-energy">Community energy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/core-categories/coronavirus">Coronavirus</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/marketing-and-communications">Marketing and communications</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/core-categories/neighbourhoods-and-communities">Neighbourhoods and communities</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/social-value">Social value</a></div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 10:12:46 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>pollya</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">99372 at https://www.voscur.org</guid> </item> <item> <title>Religious people give to charity more often, and prioritise CYP organisations</title> <link>https://www.voscur.org/news/religious-people-give-charity-more-often-and-prioritise-cyp-organisations</link> <description><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2>Religious people give to charity more often, and prioritise CYP organisations</h2></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="https://www.voscur.org/sites/default/files/styles/node_image/public/Religious%20Texts%20Credit%20Ashkan%20Forouzani%20via%20Unsplash.png?itok=kCrgIQyM" width="510" height="353" alt="Religious texts in Islam laid on blue table" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-image-credit field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Image Credit:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ashkan Forouzani via Unsplash</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date-provision-is-due-to-b field-type-date field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">10 May, 2021</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> </p> <p><span><span><span>People who have a religion give to charity more often than those with no faith, and their most prioritised cause is also different, according to <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/topics/philosophy/articles-reports/2021/05/05/religious-people-give-more-often-different-causes" target="_blank">YouGov Profiles analysis</a>. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The top cause that religious people donated to in the last three months was children and young people, or CYP (14% had donated), followed by health and medicine (13%), poverty relief or faith-based organisations (both 12%), and animal charities (11%). </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In contrast, people of no faith prioritised their donations differently in the last three months: health and medicine and animal charities were the two top causes (9% for both), followed by CYP (7%), the environment or conservation (5%), and community causes (4%). </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Faith-based donors are an important consideration for your voluntary or community group, as religion can be a big motivator in choosing to donate, particularly around religious festivals such as Ramadan or Christmas. Let’s explore some of the main religions in the UK and their giving principles:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>For Muslims, charitable giving forms one of the five pillars of Islam – it’s called <a href="https://nzf.org.uk/" target="_blank">Zakat</a>, and it means paying a tax to support people in need. This is compulsory, and there are restrictions on the type of cause. Muslims in poverty can actually apply for Zakat, and Muslims are encouraged to pay their Zakat during Ramadan. There’s also voluntary giving through Sadaqah, which doesn’t have to be in the form of money; you could volunteer your time or skills. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Sikhs are motivated to give money and local support through teachings about <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3symsg/revision/3" target="_blank">Vand Chhakna</a> (a duty to share what you earn or have, to encourage compassion) and Sewa (selflessly serving the community). Every temple or gurdwara also has a free communal eating area attached, called a langar, where local people can be fed. There is also a campaign for Sikhs to be organ donors, and donor information is available in Punjabi. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Jewish giving is called <a href="https://www.reonline.org.uk/resources/tzedekah-what-does-it-mean-to-give/" target="_blank">Tzedakah</a>, and it covers charity and philanthropy. The goal isn’t just to give money but to build a relationship, putting in time and effort; the translation of the word Tzedakah means justice, fair action, or righteousness, rather than just charity. A charity box, or pushke, is also passed around at synagogue services to collect for those in need. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>There are various Bible teachings for Christians and Catholics that show giving to others is an act of worship. Catholics emphasise that the promises they make at their baptism include serving all people. The Bible describes Jesus’ compassion for others, and there are parables such as The Good Samaritan that have passed into popular culture for non-Christians or non-Catholics as well. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>Now you've learned about the importance of giving in religious communities, it's time to look at what can fundraisers do to engage with these groups. These are our top tips:</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><span>Read up on the religions – do not come from a place of ignorance. A little basic research goes a long way.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Check your constitution and governing documents to ensure there is nothing preventing you in working with religious groups.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Build up an events calendar so you plan your communications well ahead of time. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Talk to faith leaders and community leaders and see how you can work together – it’s not just about money, but also volunteering schemes, mentoring and pro bono support. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Use relevant hashtags on social media to make sure you’re part of the conversation, but be respectful at all times – don’t use them on unrelated or non-specific posts. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Be aware that faith-based giving may need to be spent on a particular project or expense, and some things will be off-limits. This goes for faith-based foundations and trusts as well as communities themselves.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>Faith-based giving should not be ignored as a way to fundraise and connect to communities, but it isn’t something to do half-heartedly. When you take the time and effort to involve your organisation in a faith group and reach new audiences, you can form strong relationships. </span></span></span></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-core-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Core Category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/children-and-young-people">Children and young people</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/core-categories/funding">Funding</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/inclusion">Inclusion</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/core-categories/neighbourhoods-and-communities">Neighbourhoods and communities</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/core-categories/social-value">Social value</a></div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2021 11:12:30 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>pollya</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">99288 at https://www.voscur.org</guid> <comments>https://www.voscur.org/news/religious-people-give-charity-more-often-and-prioritise-cyp-organisations#comments</comments> </item> <item> <title>Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) - Data on Bristol's health and wellbeing needs</title> <link>https://www.voscur.org/resources/joint-strategic-needs-assessment</link> <description><div class="field field-name-title field-type-ds field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2>Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) - Data on Bristol&#039;s health and wellbeing needs</h2></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-resource-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="https://www.voscur.org/sites/default/files/styles/node_image/public/Mental%20Health%20Indoors.jpg?itok=ovVq3gzc" width="510" height="349" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bristol.gov.uk/policies-plans-strategies/joint-strategic-needs-assessment" target="_blank">Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)</a> is an important resource for data on local people's health and wellbeing, telling us about their current situation and their future needs. Our JSNA is produced by Bristol City Council; each local government area in England will have its own JSNA, feeding into the local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. </p> <p>You can use data from Bristol's JSNA to learn about health outcomes in the city, and particular health issues affecting Bristol residents. <a href="https://www.bristol.gov.uk/policies-plans-strategies/jsna-data-profile" target="_blank">Specific data profiles</a> include children's health, life expectancy, long-term health conditions, mental health and wellbeing, older people, and sexual health.</p> <p>There is also a focus on the wider determinants of health: social, economic and environmental factors that can affect your overall wellness. For example, do you live in an area with high pollution? Are you in a low income household, where you might experience food poverty or fuel poverty? </p> <p>Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations may find JSNA data useful for planning campaigns, demonstrating a need for services (particularly in a funding application), or writing a business plan or strategy. </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-resource-related-services field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Resource Related Services:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/partnership/health-and-social-care">Health &amp; Social Care</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/partnership/children-and-young-people">Children and Young People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/partnership/social-value">Social value</a></div></div></div></description> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:37:50 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>pollya</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="false">99003 at https://www.voscur.org</guid> <comments>https://www.voscur.org/resources/joint-strategic-needs-assessment#comments</comments> </item> </channel> </rss>