News
► Volunteers Week 2011 Events Calendar► North West Mountain Rescue Walking Festival
► Closing date for Causeway Volunteer Recognition Awards
► 'Good Morning Coleraine' Volunteers and Referrals Required!
► Causeway Volunteer Centre AGM 11/02/11
► Mainstreaming Good Relations Conference - CRUN & CVC
► Our Visit to Stormont!
► Spirit of Enniskillen 'Explore' 2011 Programme - Applications Now Open!!
► CRUN & CVC Awards Evening
► Are you worried about debt?
► Fancy an affordable holiday alternative? Give hostelling a try!
► Causeway Befrienders Awards
► Volunteer Week Huge Success
► Volunteers of the Year 2010
► Betty Calvert Recognised for Dedication
► Causeway's Number 1 Volunteer Centre
► N.I.E Energy - Free Insulation for Homes
► Speak Out With Save The Children!
► Causeway Volunteers say Yes to independence
► Make a difference as a Volunteer Friend
► View news archives
Volunteers Week 2011 Events Calendar
Wednesday 1st June 2011 - Causeway Volunteer Centre opens its 'European Year of the Volunteer' Small Grants 2011. Charities/Community and Voluntary Groups can apply. Guidelines available from CVC by telephoning 028 703 58285 or by emailing: janene@causewayvc.org.
Wednesday 1st June 2011 - Coleraine 'European Year of the Volunteer' 2011 Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony will be taking place in Cloonavin, Coleraine Borough Council from 2.30pm - 4pm.
Thursday 2nd June 2011 - "Good Morning Coleraine" Open Morning in West Bann Development Centre, Coleraine from 10am - 12pm. Includes keynote speech from Causeway Volunteer Centre.
Thursday 2nd June 2011 - The Smiles Foundation "Wish List Day" from 9am to 9pm - Fundraising event at Tesco's Ballymoney requiring volunteers for collections/bag pack/ boxed gifts, etc. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Barbara Morrison on 07880 875 845.
Friday 3rd June 2011 - Causeway Befrienders Recruitment Day - Venue TBC - Contact: CVC on 028 703 58285 for further details.
Friday 3rd June 2011 - The Smiles Foundation "Wish List Day" from 9am to 9pm - Fundraising event at Tesco's Ballymoney requiring volunteers for collections/bag pack/ boxed gifts, etc. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Barbara Morrison on 07880 875 845.
Friday 3rd June 2011 - The British Red Cross Recruitment Day - The Diamond Centre, Coleraine.
Monday 6th June 2011 - CVC poster campaign for 'European Year of the Volunteer 2011'
Monday 6th June 2011 - Ballymoney 'European Year of the Volunteer' 2011 Recognition Awards Ceremony. This ceremony will take place in Ballymoney Community Resource Centre from 2pm - 4pm to recognise the contribution and commitment of Ballymoney's volunteers.
Tuesday 7th June 2011 - Moyle 'European Year of Volunteering' 2011 Volunteers Recognition Awards Ceremony. This will take place in the Mayor's Parlour, Sheskburn House, Ballycastle from 12.30pm - 3pm.
Tuesday 7th & Tuesday 14th June 2011 (2 days) - Free Managing & Motivating Volunteers training course being held at the Verbal Arts Centre, L'Derry from 10am - 4.30pm. To book a place, please ring 028 90 818308.
Saturday 10th June 2011 - Can Can Recycling Handmade Crafts and Vintage Fair at The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine from 10am - 4pm. £2 entry free. For further information, please contact Clare Carson at Can Can on 028 276 67775.
Monday 13th & Monday 20th June 2011 (2 days) - Child Protection 'Duty of Care' training course. Organised and run by Causeway Volunteer Centre in West Bann Development Centre, Coleraine from 6.30pm - 9.30pm. £25 per person. To book you place, please contact Janene on 028 703 58285. Spaces are limited!
Friday 17th June 2011 - Closing date for volunteering applications to VOYPIC. Please visit their website: www.voypic.org for further details.
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North West Mountain Rescue Walking Festival
North West Mountain Rescue are holding a walking festival over Saturday 28th May and Sunday 29th May 2011.
Please visit their website: www.nwmrt.org for further details.
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Closing date for Causeway Volunteer Recognition Awards
All nominations for Causeway Volunteer Recognition awards for all areas must be returned to us by Wednesday 25th May.
If you still require a nomination form, please contact us on 028 703 58285 or email: janene@causewayvc.org
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'Good Morning Coleraine' Volunteers and Referrals Required!
Good Morning Coleraine project will provide a telephone support service offering a friendly voice and advice on the phone. This free telephone care and alert scheme is aimed at reducing fears of vulnerability and isolation experienced by many people in our communities. It is aimed at older people and vulnerable adults and intends to start off in Coleraine’s Neighbourhood Renewal areas which include: Ballysally, Millburn, The Heights and Killowen.
Funders:
Coleraine Community Safety Partnership has helped to fund a pilot project to allow the service to set up in Coleraine Neighbourhood Renewal areas. Causeway Volunteer Centre and partners are delighted with local Council support and are grateful to Coleraine Borough Council Councillors and Community Officers for their timely advice and keen interest in the project.
Volunteers:
Causeway Volunteer Centre is looking for volunteers interested in becoming telephone volunteers for 1 or 2 mornings a week to offer a Confidential service to local people and find out if they’re okay or if they need anything etc. Training will be provided. To volunteer please call tel: 028 7035 8285
Referrals:
The Volunteer Centre also wants to hear from you if you could benefit from the service or know of someone who could benefit eg: a neighbour in Ballysally, Millburn, The Heights and Killowen. Would you like your friend or relative to benefit from a daily call? Call Causeway Volunteer Centre who will issue you with a referral form. tel: 028 7035 8285
The model for this project is taken from existing Good Morning Projects eg: Good Morning Ballycastle which has over 120 people who are called each day by a team of 40 volunteers.
West Bann Development Centre, Age Concern and Causeway Volunteer Centre have been working in partnership with Northern Health & Social Services Trust, Good Morning NI Network and Good Morning Ballycastle to co-ordinate the set-up of this vital service in our communities.
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Causeway Volunteer Centre AGM 11/02/11
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday 11th February 2011
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Magherabuoy Hotel, Portrush
Everyone Welcome
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Mainstreaming Good Relations Conference - CRUN & CVC
"Putting The Heart Into Volunteering"
Magherbuoy House Hotel, Portrush
Friday 11th February 2011
9.30am - 2.30pm
2011 is the European Year of The Volunteer and across the European Union, almost 100 million people of all ages invest their time, talents and money to make a positive contribution to their community by volunteering.
Volunteering also provides important learning opportunities. Involvement in volunteering can provide people with new skills and competences that can even improve their employability. This is especially important in this time of economic crisis.
This conference brings together organisations involved in supporting volunteering and good relations and they will provide a range of ideas and advice for approaching good relations work in our communities.
Conference Agenda:
9.00am Registration
9.30am Welcome Speeches - Ann McNickle (CRUN) and Marie-Louise McClarey (CVC)
9.45am The Far Side of Volunteering - Neville Louden
10.00am Workshop 1
11.00am Refresh and Relax
11.30am Workshop 2
12.30pm Big Telly Theatre Company
1.00pm Key Note Speaker - Dr Johnston McMaster (Irish School of Ecumenics)
1.15pm Lunch and Close
Each delegate at the Conference can choose two workshops to attend. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Workshops:
* Equality and your organisation
*Creative approaches to good relations
* Dealing with conflict
* Celebrating diversity
* Alex Blair "How We Talk"
* Access NI
* Accessing good relations grants
* Benefits and volunteering
Please contact us by 4th February 2011 to book your place. Be quick as spaces are limited.
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Our Visit to Stormont!
In the European year for combating poverty and social exclusion, Causeway Volunteer Centre and Causeway Befrienders joined the ‘Supporting Life’s Journeys’ UK campaign.
The campaign was launched at Stormont on 11th October 2010 aiming to:
• Communicate the positive impact of mentoring and befriending
• Increase public awareness and understanding of mentoring and befriending
Causeway Befrienders were guest speakers and gave personal accounts of the impact of the Befriending Scheme which helps support people with physical disabilities.
The scheme, started by Jayne Clarke and Margaret McCormack, has been running successfully for 3 years to alleviate the loneliness and isolation for people living with a disability. Mrs Caroline Dunlop gave a heartfelt account of her life changing disability and how it affected her life and her husband’s career when he left his job to become a carer. Pauline Cassidy is Caroline’s Befriender and through her friendship and support has encouraged Caroline to go back to education which reflects the impact befriending can have.
Jayne gave a fantastic interview that day on Befriending which can be viewed on the following link:
View Video on Youtube
For more information on Befriending please contact Causeway Volunteer Centre:
Tel: 7035 8285 or email: causewaybefrienders@hotmail.co.uk
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Spirit of Enniskillen 'Explore' 2011 Programme - Applications Now Open!!
The Spirit of Enniskillen ‘Explore’ 2011 International Programme encourages young people between the ages of 16 and 19 and resident in Northern Ireland, to put themselves forward for this excellent leadership development opportunity.
The Trust was set up following the 1987 Enniskillen bombing tragedy with the wide goal, in a deeply divided society, of developing greater understanding, friendship and co-operation
Through the Explore 2011 Programme, forty individuals are selected to travel to destinations in Cyprus, Sweden, Germany and Denmark in order to work alongside others who are also living in diverse and contested communities. As well as learning from the discussion of the difficult and contentious issues that divide their communities, the work will be balanced with enjoyment and fun. In exploring how other regions are dealing with their differences, individuals will also be encouraged to develop the skills necessary to lead dialogue and learning within their own communities at home. The ‘Explore’ Programme is fully accredited through the Open College Network NI.
Each Explore Programme begins in April and finishes in October and includes structured preparation and evaluation in Northern Ireland, as well as a two week project overseas in July.
Explore is a dynamic and widely respected opportunity for young people to learn about themselves, others and to broaden their horizons on life generally. On their return, the participants will then be encouraged to take part in a range of well-structured SOE opportunities to help them make a civic contribution back into their school, community or youth club.
Application forms can be downloaded from their website – www.soetrust.co.uk - or obtained by calling their office on 028 90 381500.
The final closing date for return of the completed forms is Friday 14th January 2011.
To maintain a balance from across the community, they will particularly welcome applications of those coming from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds.
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CRUN & CVC Awards Evening
On Thursday 16th September, Causeway Volunteer Centre in conjunction with CRUN held a Volunteer Awards Evening in The Brown Trout.
Groups who received awards are as follows:
Portballintrae Residents Association, Windyhall Community Association, Windyhall Youth Club, Coleraine 50+ Forum, Windyhall 50+ Club, Aghadowey Womens Development Group, Coleraine Branch Chest Heart & Stroke, Focus on Family, Habitat for Humanity UUC, Homestart Causeway.
There was a great attendance at the event and a wonderful evening was had by all.
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Are you worried about debt?
advice4debtni as a new, government funded, FREE Debt Advice Helpline for everyone in Northern Ireland affected by debt.
Contact us now on 0800 917 4607 for free, confidential and independent debt and money advice, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
We are open from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Out of hours service available at all other times - just leave a message and we will get back to you the next working day.
CALL FREE on 0800 917 4607 or contact us on 07797 809 218.
Email: advice4debtni@a4e.co.uk
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Fancy an affordable holiday alternative? Give hostelling a try!
Hostelling International Northern Ireland (HINI) provides budget youth hostel accommodation in six prime locations across Northern Ireland in Armagh, Belfast, Enniskillen, Bushmills, Newcastle and Whitepark Bay.
Our youth hostels offer both ensuite and standard bedrooms in a range of sizes, fully equipped self catering kitchens, spacious dining & TV lounge areas and conference facilities, while some locations provide free car parking, Wi-Fi and onsite restaurants offering extensive menus to suit the budget traveller.
The hostels are also perfect for groups of any size and families seeking an affordable holiday alternative. We can provide full board accommodation, organise outdoor activities & transport and even create tailored itineraries for groups.
We also provide cultural and overnight tours, some of which are free and offer visitors a chance to explore the country. The Belfast Dander walking tour explores the city’s culture and history while the Belfast Pub Crawl gives visitors a taste of Belfast’s lively atmosphere and traditional music.
The Two Day Tour of Belfast, Causeway Coast and Derry City includes visits to must see attractions on the majestic North Antrim Coast including the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and the historical city of Derry/Londonderry - the only completely Walled City on the British Isles. This tour includes B&B at Mill Rest Youth Hostel in Bushmills and the departure point is Belfast International Youth Hostel.
For further information about youth hostel accommodation in Northern Ireland or to make a group booking, please visit www.hini.org.uk. Alternatively please email office@hini.org.uk or call us on 028 9032 4733 and our staff will be happy to help.
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Causeway Befrienders Awards
On Monday 7 June 2010, CVC hosted an awards ceremony for their umbrella organisation, Causeway Befrienders.
The event was held in The West Bann Developement Centre, and MLA John Dallat presented the certificates.
We would like to thank Margaret McCormack and Jayne Clarke for all their hard work in co-ordinating the Befrienders.
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Volunteer Week Huge Success
This year Causeway Volunteer Centre celebrated volunteers week from 1st - 7th June.
Recognition events were held in Ballymoney, Coleraine and Moyle.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped make this a success, and especially to the volunteers themselves!
WELL DONE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
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Volunteers of the Year 2010
This year, for the first time, Causeway Volunteer Centre had a joint winner for this award.
Davy & Teresa Boyle were nominated for their work for various charities.
Davy,more commonly known as the Caring Caretaker, has raised over £250,000. Davy told us he could not have done this without the help and support of his wife Teresa. "She is my backbone" he fondly told us.
Davy & Teresa were presented with a crystal clock during a presentation which took part at Coleraine Borough Council as part of the annual celebrations for Volunteers Week.
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Betty Calvert Recognised for Dedication
During this years awards ceremony in Coleraine, Volunteer Betty Calvert received a bouquet of flowers from Marie-Louise McClarey, Manager of CVC.
A former Volunteer of the Year in 2005, Betty still works tirelessly for many charities and is soon to embark on a climb of Mount Snowdon!
As her nomination form suggested, Betty's only problem is that there are not enough hours in the day, days in the week, or weeks in the year!
Keep up the good work Betty!
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Causeway's Number 1 Volunteer Centre
The Volunteer Centre provides a high quality service to volunteers, community and voluntary organisations to enable best value and support for volunteering in the Causeway area.
Our support services include:
Promoting Active Citizenship
Volunteer recruitment
Volunteer support
Research into volunteering opportunities
Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult Protection Training
ACCESS NI checks and Training
Volunteer Policies and procedures
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Employer Supported Volunteering
Public sector volunteering
Private sector volunteering
Regular newsletters
Small Grants
Latest news, features and opportunities on www.causewayvc.org
If you would like further information on any of the above services or are interested in becoming a volunteer, or host organisation, then we would love to hear from you!
Our offices are open Monday - Friday so please call in and speak to Marie-Louise or Michelle.
Alternatively you can contact us by email on info@causewayvc.org
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N.I.E Energy - Free Insulation for Homes
NIE is offering housholders who fall outside the Warm Homes criteria, FREE loft and/or cavity wall insulation for their home, reducing their heating bills.
A full FREE package of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, hot water tank jacket and 4 energy saving lightbulbs is available to the following people:
Single person household with a pension / income less than £18,000 gross OR
Couple or single parent family with an income / pension of less than £25,000 OR
Over 70, irrespective of income
AND
Must be a homeowner of private tenant
Free Insulation is available up to a maximum of £800.
For more information please contact Freephone 0800 512 012 or www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk
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Speak Out With Save The Children!
Save the Children is the world's independent children's charity. We're outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We're working flat out to get every child their rights and we're determined to make further, faster changes. How many? How fast? It's up to you.
Speaking Out is Save the Childrens network of volunteer speakers who bring about dramatic change for children by raising public awareness of our work and inspiring new audiences to support us. Volunteer Speakers deliver engaging, motivating and well informed talks to a variety of audiences across the UK.
As a Volunteer Speaker you will:
* Provide talks on Save the Children within your community
* Respond to requests for talks and also proactively network to create new talk opportunities
* Encourage audiences to support Save the Children in ways that are appropriate to them
* Be familiar with our Speaker resource materials, use the internet to access up-to-date information and be willing to attend updating/training sessions
* Complete a talk feedback form and forward to Save the Children on completion of each talk
* Maintain contact with you local Speaker Co-ordinator and/or Regional Community support staff updating them on any change of personal contact details/audience preferences
In return well give you the support you need:
* All new volunteer speakers receive training on Save the Childrens work, delivering talks, and engaging new supporters
* You will be supported by a volunteer Speaking Out Co-ordinator who has responsibility for the personal support of speakers in their team. Where there is no volunteer co-ordinator, you will be supported by a member of the regional Community Fundraising team
* Well give you great resources to help you with your talks, plus regular up-to-date information on our programme work and fundraising initiatives via a dedicated volunteer website.
Commitment
* Time commitment is flexible. We encourage speakers to undertake as many talks as they feel able to do, aiming for a minimum of 6 talks a year.
For more information contact Hazel on 028 9043 2838
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Causeway Volunteers say Yes to independence
At an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Wednesday 10th February in West Bann volunteers and voluntary organisations were informed of a proposed merger for volunteer centres to come under the umbrella of a new organisation Volunteering NI. Causeway Volunteer Centre gave a presentation explaining the benefits of a merger and the benefits of remaining independent.
The benefits of merging were highlighted as regards marketing & corporate image, sustainability, strengthening local services and providing value for money. Concerns were raised about the loss of a valuable local service as Causeway Volunteer Centre has a good reputation in the area. The loss of a local voice and a local committee also caused consternation.
The consensus of opinion saw the losses to Causeway as too many and the members presented voted unanimously against the merger. Causeway Volunteer Centre will remain open for business as an independent centre and will apply to Department of Social Development for 12 months funding this week. Causeway Management Committee thanked everyone for attending and the proceedings were brought to a close.
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Make a difference as a Volunteer Friend
Causeway Befriending Scheme is in its third year and is run by Causeway Volunteer Centre. It offers volunteering opportunities for would-be Befrienders to visit local people with a physical disability and make a difference in their lives.
Marie-Louise McClarey, Manager of Causeway Volunteer Centre says, Befriending is a great service in our local community. We all know neighbours who would welcome a friendly face to call in and visit and check theyre ok. I volunteered as a Befriender and found it very rewarding.
Befrienders are needed to visit people who are physically disabled and are isolated because of their disability. Sometimes people with physical disabilities often lack the opportunities most of us have to make new friends. If their work and leisure lives are restricted then it follows that their chances to meet people are restricted. Friendship can play a large part in staying independent and healthy at home.
The scheme has already made a big impact and difference to people who are housebound, or in residential care through their disability. Our service users are usually referred to us by Social Services, Health Services or other professional bodies.
Could you be a volunteer Befriender?
Would you share some of your time (1 hour per week) with someone who has a physical disability?
For further information please contact Margaret or Jane on 028 7035 8285
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