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Bedford Foodbank

A meeting has been arranged to explore the viability of setting up a Bedford Foodbank similar to those in Milton Keynes and Cambridge. We look forward to welcoming any interested parties on Wednesday 9th March from 12pm to 2pm (a light lunch will be provided).

Bedford Foodbank will be an independent charity that works across the churches. Whilst the foodbank will be a Christian organisation, it will serve people of all faith groups and beliefs or none. We are passionate about inclusion and being non-judgemental is central to our vision. We believe that everyone has the right to have food on their plate, dignity, skills, a chance to be sign-posted to appropriate support networks, to work, and to have hope for the future. Our vision is to build a community where people of all backgrounds feel included and where they have the opportunity to live with dignity and hope. The food bank will provide free groceries amongst other linked services, so that no-one has to go to bed hungry.

How a foodbank works? Foodbank vouchers issued by statutory agencies or other charities can be redeemed at the foodbank. The vouchers entitle clients to a box containing 10 meals (3 days’ supply of emergency food). Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea and signpost them to agencies able to assist with any longer-term issues.

For further information please contact Peter on 01234 325217. Sue Wall from MK Foodbank will be joining us and will talk through their project. Could you kindly advise for catering purposes if you would like to attend by emailing Kevin, Salvation Army Centre Administrator kevin.sandford@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Criminal Records Checks Scaled Back

The government has unveiled plans to scale back the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) and criminal records regime to common-sense levels while ensuring vulnerable groups are appropriately protected. The proposals include:

• merging the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority to form a streamlined new body providing a proportionate barring and criminal records checking service
• a large reduction in the number of positions requiring checks. Only those working closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults will need them
• portability of criminal records checks between jobs to cut down on needless bureaucracy
• an end to a requirement for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups to register with the VBS and then be continuously monitored 
• stopping employers who knowingly request criminal records checks on individuals who are not entitled to them

The aforementioned proposals will be included in the Protection of Freedoms Bill and subject to parliamentary approval, the Bill is expected to become law by early 2012.

Funding

GRANTnet is now available from Central Beds Council

Is your community or voluntary group looking for funding? Central Bedfordshire Council now offers access to GRANTnet, a straightforward free-to-use funding database. The service allows community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises to search for funding opportunities in the UK. The searchable database includes hundreds of schemes available from government departments, local authorities, charitable trusts, loans and corporate sponsors. Once you have registered with GRANTnet, you will be emailed a password to access the system. Once you have logged on and answered a few simple questions about your organisation and the project which you wish to undertake, GRANTnet will give an overview of all the opportunities available. To find out more go to the Grants page under the Advice and Benefits section of the council’s website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

The Panacea Society

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is operating a small grants fund on behalf of the Panacea Society. The aim of this fund is to provide grants for projects run by community groups based in, or working for the benefit of people in the town of Bedford. The fund will accept bids from projects or groups whose work involves mental health issues in one form or another or for other general projects that the partners feel to be appropriate. The maximum you can apply for is £5,000. There is no minimum sum. However, grants in excess of £2,500 will be the exception rather than the rule.

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, The Smithy, The Barn, Old Warden, Beds, SG18 9HQ.

E-mail: administrator@blcf.org.uk. Website: www.blcf.org.uk/grants

Healthy Heart Community Grants

Community groups can now apply to national charity, Heart Research UK, for new SUBWAY HRUK Healthy Heart Grants. The grants are available as a result of the partnership between the two organisations and in-store regional fundraising by staff and customers in SUBWAY stores. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects that reduce the risk of developing heart disease, or improve the lives of those already affected by it. Projects can focus on a variety of issues like healthy eating, physical activity and smoking cessation. They should be as original as possible to encourage participation and have to be centred on heart health. 

Community groups across the Anglia region can apply for the grants, as long as there are stores in their area and in Bedfordshire there are stores in Bedford, Dunstable and Luton. Groups in this region can apply until 28th February 2011. To apply for a SUBWAY HRUK Healthy Heart Grant please download application materials from the Heart Research UK website at  www.heartresearch.org.uk/grants/subwayhhg